Touch of Power

Goodreads Description:   Laying hands upon the injured and dying, Avry of Kazan absorbs their wounds and diseases into herself. But rather than being honored for her skills, she is hunted. Healers like Avry are accused of spreading the plague that has decimated the Fifteen Realms, leaving the survivors in a state of chaos.

Stressed and tired from hiding, Avry is abducted by a band of rogues who, shockingly, value her gift above the golden bounty offered for her capture. Their leader, an enigmatic captor-protector with powers of his own, is unequivocal in his demands: Avry must heal a plague-stricken prince—leader of a campaign against her people. As they traverse the daunting Nine Mountains, beset by mercenaries and magical dangers, Avry must decide who is worth healing and what is worth dying for. Because the price of peace may well be her life...

My Thoughts:

-    I just LOVE Maria V. Snyder books!!  *sigh*  This one did not disappoint.  Great story, wonderful characters, and everything in between!

-    I really like Avry.  She has a nice name, and a spunky, stubborn personality.  Her powers are like Rogue's and Wolverine's combined!  Cool!

-    I love the dialogue in all of Snyder's books.  The banter between characters is wonderful and hilarious.     Snyder has quite the sense of humor and wit.

-    The cover is nice, but I don't like the girl's face.  She kinda looks like Kristen Stewart, and that bugs me.  

-    Each chapter always made me want to read just one more!!  Of course, I couldn't stop.  I just devoured the whole book from start to finished.

-    I love the humor and friendship between the characters.  Belen, Quain, Loren, and Flea just add so much awesomeness!!  Every girl needs some brothers like these guys.  Belen is my hero!

-    I am not a sappy person, and I'm not into chick flicks or anything like that, but for some reason, Maria V. Snyder's books always make me swoon, sigh, and melt.  Amid the adventure and magic, she always adds in a bit of romance, and I just eat it up!!  I think it is because her men are always so swoon worthy.  

-    After finishing this book, I just feel happy and giddy.

-    The ending is GREAT!!  There are still things left to find out though, but I'm sure that will be taken care of in the future books.  The end wasn't a huge cliffhanger (THANK YOU VERY MUCH!), but I'm eager for #2 in this series.

Enclave

From Goodreads:   WELCOME TO THE APOCALYPSE

In Deuce’s world, people earn the right to a name only if they survive their first fifteen years. By that point, each unnamed ‘brat’ has trained into one of three groups–Breeders, Builders, or Hunters, identifiable by the number of scars they bear on their arms. Deuce has wanted to be a Huntress for as long as she can remember.

As a Huntress, her purpose is clear—to brave the dangerous tunnels outside the enclave and bring back meat to feed the group while evading ferocious monsters known as Freaks. She’s worked toward this goal her whole life, and nothing’s going to stop her, not even a beautiful, brooding Hunter named Fade. When the mysterious boy becomes her partner, Deuce’s troubles are just beginning.

Down below, deviation from the rules is punished swiftly and harshly, and Fade doesn’t like following orders. At first Deuce thinks he’s crazy, but as death stalks their sanctuary, and it becomes clear the elders don’t always know best, Deuce wonders if Fade might be telling the truth. Her partner confuses her; she’s never known a boy like him before, as prone to touching her gently as using his knives with feral grace.

As Deuce’s perception shifts, so does the balance in the constant battle for survival. The mindless Freaks, once considered a threat only due to their sheer numbers, show signs of cunning and strategy… but the elders refuse to heed any warnings. Despite imminent disaster, the enclave puts their faith in strictures and sacrifice instead. No matter how she tries, Deuce cannot stem the dark tide that carries her far from the only world she’s ever known.

My Thoughts:

-    This was pretty good for the first zombie apocalypse book!  I might try some more later.

-    The underground society was like an ant or bee colony.  Everyone had a job.  Even the names were similar, like builder or hunter.

-    The above ground stuff reminded me a lot of I am Legend.  I liked this book better though.  I wasn't a fan of that movie.  I feel like the zombies/freaks were close to same in both.

-    Between reading segments, I felt like I needed to ration food and check my back a lot.  Crazy what some books will do to you!

-    I liked the relationship between Fade and Deuce most of the time.  I'm not a fan of Stalker.  I would not associate with him EVER!  Tegen just pulled at my heartstrings.  I felt so bad for her.  

-    I really want to know what happened to the College Enclave, and I'm eager to read the next book.  

Elliot and the Goblin War

Back of the Book:    As of today, there are only 7 children who have ever read this book and lived to tell about it.  95 children successfully read the first chapter, but upon beginning chapter 2, they started blabbering in some language known only as "Flibberish."  38 children made it halfway through this wretched book before they began sucking their thumbs through their noses.

If you're very brave, perhaps you are willing to take your chances.  Be sure that you have told your family who gets your favorite toys if you do not survive this book.  Read it now, if you dare.  But don't say you haven't been warned, for this is a story that unfolds the mysteries of the Underworld.

My Thoughts:

-    The story was humorous and fun from the get go.

-    The Illustrations were great!  I loved how they appeared before the part of the story that was illustrated. 

-    I like the passages where the author speaks directly to the reader.  It adds back story, explanation, and it made me laugh.

-    I want chocolate cake now, with a big glass of milk!

-    This book was pretty cute, and I think a lot young readers would enjoy it, especially boys. 

-    Since I finished the book, I'm a little disappointed that I don't speak flibberish, but I'm glad I have all my limbs ;)

Insurgent

Goodreads Description:   One choice can transform you—or it can destroy you. But every choice has consequences, and as unrest surges in the factions all around her, Tris Prior must continue trying to save those she loves—and herself—while grappling with haunting questions of grief and forgiveness, identity and loyalty, politics and love.

Tris's initiation day should have been marked by celebration and victory with her chosen faction; instead, the day ended with unspeakable horrors. War now looms as conflict between the factions and their ideologies grows. And in times of war, sides must be chosen, secrets will emerge, and choices will become even more irrevocable—and even more powerful. Transformed by her own decisions but also by haunting grief and guilt, radical new discoveries, and shifting relationships, Tris must fully embrace her Divergence, even if she does not know what she may lose by doing so.

New York Times bestselling author Veronica Roth's much-anticipated second book of the dystopian Divergent series is another intoxicating thrill ride of a story, rich with hallmark twists, heartbreaks, romance, and powerful insights about human nature.

My Thoughts:

-    The story picks up EXACTLY where Divergent ends.

-    In her weakened state, I love that Tris isn't too proud to accept help when it's offered.

-    Why does Tris push everyone away when she needs them most?  It is a little frustrating!!  I can't entirely blame her though, I do the same thing at times.  I really feel bad for Tobias.

-    I'm not really a fan of the name Tobias.  When I think Tobias, I think of the never-nude from Arrested Development.  You know?  David Cross's character?  I just don't want to associate that Tobias with this Tobias.

-    I LOVE LOVE LOVE the epiphany Tris has in chapter 34.  She needed a good kick in the butt, and she got it!!  I understand that she is dealing with some major emotional crap, and I'm sure I wouldn't act or handle it any better, but I'm glad Tris faced her problems and worked through some of them.  The character development is great!!

-    NEXT BOOK PLEASE!!  The ending is ok, but it opens up all these new questions.  I not even sure where the next book is going to go.  Who is the enemy?

-    This is one of the best Dystopian series out there!!

Sherlock Holmes

My Thoughts:

-    This movie was a newer and fresher Sherlock Holmes.  I loved it!!  It was exciting!

-    I LOVE Robert Downey Jr. as Holmes.  He cracks me up! 

-    I thought Jude Law portrayed a really cool Watson.  I'm used to seeing an older pudgier Watson, and it was a nice change.

-    I don't like that everyone had an accent except Ms. Adler.  What is wrong with her?  Couldn't she pull off an English accent?

-    The action sequences were really good.  I loved how Holmes and Watson took down all the baddies.  

-    It was hilarious how Holmes got destructive when he got bored.  He is just like a dog.  When an intelligent dog gets bored, he destroys your house.  

-    It was good for me to watch this multiple times.  I caught on to a lot more and looked for different things.

-    I've heard a lot people say they didn't like this movie because it was dark.  I loved that aspect though.  It took place in Victorian England.  Things weren't all rainbows and sunshine.  I liked the the darkness and fear.  It added a lot to the urgency of solving the case.  

-    I'm way excited to see the 2nd movie!!

-    Confession:  I have never read any of the Sherlock Holmes books.  I desperately want to though, and I think I'll pick a copy for myself sometime soon!  

Pandemonium

Goodreads Synopsis:   I’m pushing aside the memory of my nightmare, 

pushing aside thoughts of Alex, 

pushing aside thoughts of Hana and my old school, 

push, 

push, 

push, 

like Raven taught me to do.

The old life is dead.

But the old Lena is dead too.

I buried her.

I left her beyond a fence,

behind a wall of smoke and flame.

Lauren Oliver delivers an electrifying follow-up to her acclaimed New York Times bestseller, Delirium. This riveting, brilliant novel crackles with the fire of fierce defiance, forbidden romance, and the sparks of a revolution about to ignite.

My Thoughts:

-    I have mixed feelings about this book.

-    The story switches between Then and Now chapters.  Both time lines follow Lena, but it's just split between her struggles in the Wilds and her role as part of the Resistance.

-    There were two F bombs and a lot of swearing in this one.  I didn't like it.

-    The first book was filled with a lot of hope and love.  This one has a lot of anger.  Lena's character has changed a bit, and I'm not sure I like the new Lena.

-    The ending is TERRIBLE!!!  Another bad cliffhanger!!  Honestly, the last few lines made me feel like "Oh brother! Please don't do this!"

-    The unanswered questions from the 1st book don't get addressed until the VERY end!  I really wish the author had spent more time on the missing pieces from Delirium.

-    It almost doesn't feel like the same book series as Delirium.  The author's style has a changed a bit, and the feel of the book is just different.  There really isn't much to connecting the 2 books besides Lena and the ending.  

-    The book was still good to read.  If you loved Delirium, definitely give this a chance.  Like I said, I have mixed feelings.  I liked parts, but I didn't like other parts.  

Delirium Giveaway

My first giveaway!!  Woo!!  I'm excited!

Want to own and read this awesome book?  Good, now is your chance!!

A paperback copy of Delirium by Lauren Oliver is up for grabs!  Just follow the Rafflecopter widget below!

Giveaway ends on May 1st!  I will announce and contact the winner.  Good luck everyone!

Delirium

Goodreads Description:   Before scientists found the cure, people thought love was a good thing. They didn’t understand that once love -- the deliria -- blooms in your blood, there is no escaping its hold. Things are different now. Scientists are able to eradicate love, and the government demands that all citizens receive the cure upon turning eighteen. Lena Holoway has always looked forward to the day when she’ll be cured. A life without love is a life without pain: safe, measured, predictable, and happy.

But with ninety-five days left until her treatment, Lena does the unthinkable: She falls in love.

My Thoughts:

-    I can't imagine a world without love!!  It would be so tragic not to be able to love my husband and child.  Love drives me to do a lot of things for my family and others.  I would be a really selfish person if I didn't have love to serve and care for others.

-    I liked the little excerpts at the beginning of each chapter.  It helped me understand the culture better. 

-    Without love why do they marry and have children?  It is interesting that they still had family units. Without love, I think people would just procreate as a job or something.  

-    There were two F bombs in the book.  I thought they didn't need to be there.  It was kind of a shock, especially since the rest of the book is pretty clean.

-    I love Hana and her friendship to Lena.  Hana is so loyal!  Every girl needs a friend like her.  I love how their friendship was so realistic too.  They had arguments and disagreements, but they got over it and made up. 

-    The author does a wonderful job conveying the scenery.  She doesn't describe them in great detail, but I can picture everything so clearly and easily.  For example, all the beach scenes are so vivid in my mind.

-    Alex is quite the "knight in shining armor" fellow.  I really liked that he was strong independent person.  He didn't just sit around waiting for someone to tell him something.  He took action on his own.

-    The ending is KILLER!!!  The cliffhanger is terrible!!!  I can't wait to read the sequel!!

The Sound of Music

My Thoughts:

-    I haven't seen this for a while.  I used to not really like this show, but now that I'm older and I've seen it more and more, I really enjoy it!  

-    The music in this is timeless!!  I love the songs!  My favorite is Edelweiss

-    It is too bad Christopher Plummer didn't age that well.  He used to be a good looking chap.

-    My favorite part is towards the end, when the nuns are like "we've sinned" and they pull car parts out!!  HA HA!!  Gets me every time.

-    This is by far one of Julie Andrews best roles!!

-    Leisl's eyes are super blue!  It is almost unnatural.

-    I love how the movie does a 180 towards the end and takes on a different feel. It is unexpected.

Between Shades of Gray

Goodreads Synopsis:  In 1941, fifteen-year-old Lina is preparing for art school, first dates, and all that summer has to offer. But one night, the Soviet secret police barge violently into her home, deporting her along with her mother and younger brother. They are being sent to Siberia. Lina's father has been separated from the family and sentenced to death in a prison camp. All is lost.

Lina fights for life, fearless, vowing that if she survives she will honor her family, and the thousands like hers, by documenting their experience in her art and writing. She risks everything to use her art as messages, hoping they will make their way to her father's prison camp to let him know they are still alive.

It is a long and harrowing journey, and it is only their incredible strength, love, and hope that pull Lina and her family through each day. But will love be enough to keep them alive?

My Thoughts:

-    I'm sad and a little ashamed that I didn't know about the atrocities of Stalin.  My interest in history has been mainly about the United States.  This book makes me want to learn more about the world and it's people.

-    It was a sad book.  Some parts were hard for me to read.  It was even more sad to know that these events actually happened.

-    This story was also filled with tender moments and hope!  I loved how much Andrius's character added.

-    I really wish we could have seen how the surviving character's left the camps and went home.  I really wanted to see some reunions!!  I suppose the epilogue told us a little bit.

-    I almost didn't want to read the book.  I was scared to read it, but I decided that I couldn't hide from the truth.  I am a better person for reading this.  I am so grateful to live in America!!  People need to know about and understand history.  We can NEVER let something like this happen again!!

-    I really enjoyed reading the Author's Note at the end.  The Lithuanian, Latvian, and Estonian people are great people.  I love that they forgave the Soviets and remember the kindnesses shown to them instead of focusing on the unfairness and cruelty.  There are a lot of people who could learn from that...including me.