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. 

Down The Rabbit Hole

Goodreads Description:   Welcome to Echo Falls.Home of a thousand secrets, where Ingrid Levin-Hill, super sleuth, never knows what will happen next.

Ingrid is in the wrong place at the wrong time. Or at least her shoes are. Getting them back means getting involved in a murder investigation rivaling those solved by her idol, Sherlock Holmes, and Ingrid has enough on her plate with club soccer, school, and the plum role of Alice in the Echo Falls production of Alice in Wonderland. But much as in Alice's adventures down the rabbit hole, things in Ingrid's small town keep getting curiouser and curiouser. Her favorite director has a serious accident onstage (but is it an accident?), and the police chief is on Ingrid's tail, grilling her about everything from bike-helmet law to the color of her cleats. Echo Falls has turned into a nightmare, and Ingrid is determined to wake up. Edgar Award-nominated novelist Peter Abrahams builds suspense as a smart young girl finds that her small town isn't nearly as safe as it seems.

My Thoughts:

-    The very first paragraph made me laugh.

-    Ingrid makes all kinds of dumb decisions!!  She is the perfect example of the lying trap.  She had to tell lies to cover her other lies.

-    Grampy makes me laugh.  He reminds me of my Grandpa Furr.

-    There were things in the book that I thought didn't really add or do anything for the story.  It was just fluff.  For example:  Grampy's property struggle.  The fact that the Ferrands wanted to buy his land and he didn't want to sell wasn't really important.  

-    The overall book moved a little too slow for me, but it had its moments.  The ending is pretty good.  I knew who the culprit was, but I just didn't know exactly how he did it!  I like how all the pieces came together.  

-    I was hoping for more Alice in Wonderland references and parallels.  There were a few I guess...I just wanted more. 

The Two Towers

Goodreads Description:   The Two Towers is the second part of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic adventure, The Lord of the Rings.

Frodo and the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord, Sauron, by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard Gandalf in a battle with an evil spirit in the Mines of Moria; and at the Falls of Rauros, Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape, the rest of the company was attacked by Orcs.

Now they continue their journey alone down the great River Anduin -- alone, that is, save for the mysterious creeping figure that follows wherever they go.

My Thoughts:

-    I get the feeling that Tolkien didn't like technology or machinery.

-    Alan Lee's illustrations are beautiful and so accurate!  I love how they added those in this version.

-    Thank you publisher or whoever for the map at the front and end of the book!!  It was SUPER helpful.

-    I like how the book is split into book 3 and 4.  Book 3 is all about Aargorn, Gimli, Legolas, Merry, and Pippin.  Book 4 is all about Frodo, Sam, and Gollum.  I like that Tolkien didn't go back and forth.  I got to read their stories all the way through.  

-    I like how the perspective changes.  The book has so much in it, and it is nice to see things from different characters.

-    The Frodo and Sam ending was a pretty big cliffhanger!  You'd think Tolkien could have chosen to split the book in a different spot, but no! 

Re-Read Thoughts:

-    I love the friendship between Gimli and Legolas. 

-    I love the way Same talks. The words he uses and the way he describes things are funny. 

Previous Lord of the Rings Book

(click on cover to see my thoughts)

Divergent

Goodreads Synopsis:    In a future Chicago, 16-year-old Beatrice Prior must choose among five predetermined factions to define her identity for the rest of her life, a decision made more difficult when she discovers that she is an anomaly who does not fit into any one group, and that the society she lives in is not perfect after all.

My Thoughts:

-    I just finished this a few minutes ago, and my mind is blown!

-    Beatrice picked the worst faction!!  Why would you put people through such harsh initiations?  I understand it was necessary to the story, and Beatrice really did pick the best faction for herself, but dang! 

-    This book makes my heart race!!  I could feel my heart quicken throughout the story.  It was like reading this was a workout ;)

-    I really liked that Four and Tris were independent and strong separately and together.  They both could stand up for themselves and act for themselves.  It was nice to see that.  I'm getting tired of the relationships that involve idiot or sissy boys and whiny, needy girls.

-    As terrible as this is...I would have probably chosen Erudite.  I love knowledge and learning. I would have revolted against the evil woman, Jeanine, though too.  

-    The ending is good, but it leaves me DYING to read Insurgent!!!!!!!   The cliffhanger wasn't too bad, but it still leaves the story wide open, and the story is definitely not complete!!

-    I want to cry for Tris.  Everything that happens to her and her family in the last few chapters is heart wrenching!!!  I just want to mourn for her!

David Copperfield

Description from PBS (I couldn't find a trailer in English):  As an aspiring writer, young David Copperfield (Daniel Radcliffe, Harry Potter films) could never have dreamed up a life story as epic as the one he was about to live. Born to a loving mother, Copperfield has a turbulent childhood at the hands of a cruel stepfather, followed by a rough education in real life at Mr. Creakle's school. Yet, Copperfield is also guided by unexpected goodness — in the forms of servant Peggotty, Mr. Micawber and aunt Betsey Trotwood. As Copperfield matures into manhood, he finds love, experiences betrayal, and reaches beyond the afflictions of his own life to find happiness. Bob Hoskins, Maggie Smith and Ian McKellen star in this 2000 adaptation of one of Charles Dickens's most autobiographical novels.

My Thoughts:

-    Daniel Radcliffe is so young!!

-    David's stepfather is a totally jerk!!  I hate him!

-    Maggie Smith plays a wonderful Betsey Trotwood!!  She is awesome!  I love the part where to she fends off David's stepfather!!  

-    All the sub characters were more lovable and memorable than the main character, David.  I loved Peggoty!!  She was so loyal.  Dora is so dumb, but she grew on me.  She is like child, but she is always happy and in good spirits.  I also loved Mr. Micawber and Mr. Dick!

-    I'm SO glad that serpent, Mr. Heeps, got what he deserved!!

-    The movie was really long, but it was really interesting, and I was do captivated.  The intricate story was so Dickens.  I love his works, and I'm super excited to read David Copperfield now!!  I haven't read it yet, but I am definitely going to now!!

Ramona and Her Father

Goodreads Description:  Lately Ramon had the terrible feeling that she was the only happy member of the Quimby family. Since her father lost his job, he seemed too worried to love her anymore. Ramona's mother and big sister Beezus had become awfully busy and and grouchy. Even Picky-picky, the family cat, was grumpy. He didn't like her new cheaper food and had eaten the Quimby's Halloween jack-o'-lantern instead. 

Ramona tried everything she could to make things better. With Beezus's help she launched a campaign to stop her father from smoking so much, but he didn't seem to appreciate it. Ramona also tried to act adorable, like kids in TV commercials. Mr. Quimby said the boy who sang the Whopperburger jingle made a million dollars year! Ramona wanted to make a million dollars, too, because then her father would surely be fun again.

My Thoughts:

-    I have never really been interested in the Ramona books, but I was surprised at how cute and humorous it was.

-    It was cute how Ramona wants to help her family make money.  I'm sure a lot of families are going through what Ramona's family is right now.  

-    I'm sure their family could save a lot of money if Dad quit smoking.  I'm glad the author addressed this problem.

-    I laughed at some of the illustrations!  I like how they added to the story.

-    This would be a great book for young readers! 

Wither

Goodreads Bit:  By age sixteen, Rhine Ellery has four years left to live. She can thank modern science for this genetic time bomb. A botched effort to create a perfect race has left all males with a lifespan of 25 years, and females with a lifespan of 20 years. Geneticists are seeking a miracle antidote to restore the human race, desperate orphans crowd the population, crime and poverty have skyrocketed, and young girls are being kidnapped and sold as polygamous brides to bear more children. When Rhine is kidnapped and sold as a bride, she vows to do all she can to escape. Her husband, Linden, is hopelessly in love with her, and Rhine can’t bring herself to hate him as much as she’d like to. He opens her to a magical world of wealth and illusion she never thought existed, and it almost makes it possible to ignore the clock ticking away her short life. But Rhine quickly learns that not everything in her new husband’s strange world is what it seems. Her father-in-law, an eccentric doctor bent on finding the antidote, is hoarding corpses in the basement. Her fellow sister wives are to be trusted one day and feared the next, and Rhine is desperate to communicate to her twin brother that she is safe and alive. Will Rhine be able to escape--before her time runs out?Together with one of Linden's servants, Gabriel, Rhine attempts to escape just before her seventeenth birthday. But in a world that continues to spiral into anarchy, is there any hope for freedom?

My Thoughts:

-    I LOVE the geometric shapes and lines!  It is really cool!

-    The story is a bit disturbing.  I'd be scared to death to live in that mansion.  The book was SO good, but kinda creepy.  

-    It is a very somber book.  The emotions I went through during this wasn't happy.  It was sad, scared, angry, sweet, anxious, and bunch of other emotions, but never happy.  

-    The ending is good!  It is the first in the series, but it isn't a HUGE cliffhanger.  There are a few things left to wonder about, but overall, it is a satisfying ending.

-    Linden is so clueless!!  I wanted to hate his character, but I know a few guys just like him.  They let everyone make decisions for them and they are oblivious to their lack of control.  They can't make decisions for themselves.  It made Linden really believable to me, and I feel sorry for him.  

-    I would have liked to see more Gabriel.  I think Rhine and his relationship wasn't developed enough.  I really didn't a good feel of Gabriel's character.  I know he likes boats and is nice, but that is all.  

-    The book was really different, and I enjoyed the new ideas and everything, but I'm a little hesitant to continue the series.  I'll have to see other reviews before I decide for sure.  

The Bridesmaid

Goodreads Summary:  After years of watching couples come to blows over ice sculptures, Abby wants no part of the family business. She’d rather spend weekends kicking a soccer ball or antagonizing Noah, the cute son of a famous pastry chef–not doing the Electric Slide.

Then Abby’s barely legal sister, Carol, does the unthinkable–she announces she’s getting married and wants Abby to be her maid of honor. Clearly, Carol has lost her mind! Will Abby soon lose hers?

So what if Carol turns into Bridezilla? So what if the dresses are hideous? So what if the invitations get messed up? So what if Noah looks extra hot with frosting in his hair? Abby can handle it. After all, it’s just one day. Right?

My Thoughts:

-    I can see my sister and I promising each other we were never going to get married!!  ha ha!

-    Abby is pretty annoying.  She is really selfish and ornery.  She doesn't quite think things through.

-    Seems like the time period is in the early 90s.

-    Carol is super inconsiderate of Abby.  I would freak out if my sister changed my computer preferences and took over my room.  

-    This book reminds me of how painful it is to plan a wedding.  Seriously, engagements and planning a wedding sucks!!  I wish I had eloped.

-    I didn't like the use of the Lord's name throughout the book.  It is the only swear word used, and it could have been left out.

-    Abby assumes WAY too much.  She needs to chill!!

-    The ending is kinda sweet.  Everything turns out alright, but the it sure takes a while for everyone to be happy. 

Authorlink with Jennifer A. Nielson

Jennifer A. Nielson, author of The False Prince, is coming to the Provo Library!!!

Date:    Wednesday, April 4

Where:    Bullock Room

Time:    7:00 PM

You don't need a ticket.  It is first come, first serve.  

Her book will be on sale for $12

Here is the link to the library for more info!

I'm way excited!!  Mostly because I just finished her book yesterday.  I'm also excited to see some new friends again!

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!!