Princess of the Silver Woods

Goodreads Description:    When Petunia, the youngest of King Gregor's twelve dancing daughters, is invited to visit an elderly friend in the neighboring country of Westfalin, she welcomes the change of scenery. But in order to reach Westfalin, Petunia must pass through a forest where strange two-legged wolves are rumored to exist. Wolves intent on redistributing the wealth of the noble citizens who have entered their territory. But the bandit-wolves prove more rakishly handsome than truly dangerous, and it's not until Petunia reaches her destination that she realizes the kindly grandmother she has been summoned to visit is really an enemy bent on restoring an age-old curse. The stories of Red Riding Hood and Robin Hood get a twist as Petunia and her many sisters take on bandits, grannies, and the new King Under Stone to end their family curse once and for all.

My Thoughts:

-    This last book in the Princess trilogy was awesome! It was a delight the whole way through!

-    I love that the villains from the first book made a reappearance, and their demise was finally settled. I kept wondering what happened to the King Under Stone and his brothers.

-    I also love that other characters made reappearances, especially the old lady that Galen got his cloak from. 

-    I love that all the princesses know how to shoot a gun. They aren't helpless, and they all have great courage. 

-    Petunia really surprised me. At first she was a bit shy and acted like the youngest sibling in a large family, but she grows. Towards the end, she is a very strong and courageous character! Poppy better watch out because I think Petunia might steal some of her thunder!

-    I like that Galen is back, and he had a significant role. He is my favorite of all the princesses' suitors/husbands. 

-    I liked the Robin Hood elements added to the Red Riding Hood story. I wasn't expecting that, and it was fun. 

-    I really liked Oliver. He is my 2nd favorite guy in this series. He was very kind and honest, and I was impressed that he took on so many responsibilities at a young age. 

-    I don't gush about books to much, but this series just brings out the girl in me. 

-    This is such a perfect ending to the trilogy. I wish there was a book for every princess, but I suppose you can get too much of a good thing. 

Previous Princess Books

(click on the cover to see my thoughts)

 

Princess of Glass

From Goodreads:    Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program, whereby young princes and princesses travel to each other's countries in the name of better political alliances--and potential marriages. It's got the makings of a fairy tale--until a hapless servant named Eleanor is tricked by a vengeful fairy godmother into competing with Poppy for the eligible prince. Ballgowns, cinders, and enchanted glass slippers fly in this romantic and action-packed happily-ever-after quest from an author with a flair for embroidering tales in her own delightful way.





My Thoughts:

-    I love these retellings by Jessica Day George. They are so fun and enchanting.

-    I'm so happy that Poppy got to have a book of her own. I loved her in Princess of the Midnight Ball, and I still love her. She is a really great feminine character with a lot of strengths. I also love that she isn't a typical princess. 

-    Although there were several characters in this book, I didn't have trouble remembering who was who like I do with other books with a lot of characters. Everyone had a distinct roll and personality. 

-    I love that the characters were not what they seemed. At first I really didn't like Ellen at all! At the end, I pitied her, and even grew a little fond of her. 

-    I like that Poppy involved the "adults" in what was going on. I wish more teenagers would do that. Lord Richard is so kind, and his wisdom was very helpful to the characters.

-    I didn't like Christian as much as I did Galen. I'm glad the Poppy said she wanted to get to know him better before jumping in to marriage. I'm sure Christian is very nice, but I didn't get to see the real him for a lot of the book.

-    This is one of my favorite Cinderella retellings because of it's unique twist. 

Previous Princess Book

(click on the cover to see my thoughts)

Princess of the Midnight Ball

Goodreads Description:    A tale of twelve princesses doomed to dance until dawn… 

Galen is a young soldier returning from war; Rose is one of twelve princesses condemned to dance each night for the King Under Stone. Together Galen and Rose will search for a way to break the curse that forces the princesses to dance at the midnight balls. All they need is one invisibility cloak, a black wool chain knit with enchanted silver needles, and that most critical ingredient of all—true love—to conquer their foes in the dark halls below. But malevolent forces are working against them above ground as well, and as cruel as the King Under Stone has seemed, his wrath is mere irritation compared to the evil that awaits Galen and Rose in the brighter world above. 

Captivating from start to finish, Jessica Day George’s take on the Grimms’ tale The Twelve Dancing Princesses demonstrates yet again her mastery at spinning something entirely fresh out of a story you thought you knew.

My Thoughts:

-    I know I should have saved this for Utah Author month, but I really wanted to re-read it and couldn't wait. 

-    This is my favorite retelling of the The Twelve Dancing Princesses! I just love the characters and the great story telling.

-    This book has so much charm!

-    I LOVE Galen! He is so kind and protective. He watches over all the princesses, not just Rose. He is such a gentleman!

-    The characters are all terrific! It's one of those stories where you love to hate the bad guys and love to love the good guys!

-    I loved the journey to the midnight ball. The stairs, the gate, the silver forest, etc. It all seems so enchanting and daunting all at the same time! 

-    I thought it was clever for the author to name all the princesses after flowers. Since there are twelve, it was hard to remember which flower went to which sister. At least I remembered the important ones.

-    I like how knitting was so important to the story, and the one who knitted was a man, in fact, a soldier! 

-    This was such a fun, light, and overall great read! For those of you who love fairy tales, this is a MUST read!

Top Ten Tuesday

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Books I've Read So Far in 2013

I hope I can narrow this down to 10!

  
  
  

The X-Men: Volume 3

Goodreads Synopsis:    Join the original X-Men - Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast, Angel and Iceman - in these early adventures from the days when Marvel's Merry Mutants were more the quirkiest quintet in comics than the worldwide wunderkinds they are today. Across ten issues, you'll see the X-Men confronted by a host of villains weird and varied - from Count Nefaria and his horde of henchmen to the Locust and the Aztec-inspired Kukulcán. You'll also witness the first appearance of X-Men mainstay Banshee and read the rare stories when a sixth mutant member, the Mimic, joined Professor X's squad. Also featured are the beginnings of the long-ranging Factor Three saga, and the classic battle between Mimic and the Super-Adaptoid - and all are painstakingly restored to offer the best presentation of these Marvel classics! Collecting X-MEN (1963) #22-31


My Thoughts:

-    This one wasn't as fun as the previous 2, but I still enjoyed it.

-    Jean should just hook up with Warren!!!!! Why is she wasting her time dreaming of Scott? Scott is so dramatic and emotionally unstable. Warren is good looking, has money, and is more forward about how he feels. 

-    Jean and Cyclops are just getting annoying. I'm tired of the "Oh, I can't tell her how I feel!" crap!

-    I like the new costume change, especially Marvel Girl's.

-    It was fun to see a few cameos in this volume. Quicksilver, Scarlet Witch, and Spiderman make an appearance.

-    The last issue was probably my favorite. The action was good, and the villain was more fun.

-    The villains in these issues were kind of dumb. I want Juggernaut and Magneto back. These 2nd class villains are pathetic!

Previous X-Men Volume

(click on the cover to see my thoughts)

 

The Last Concert on Earth

Last night I had the privilege to attend The Last Concert on Earth! It was fantastic!! I had so much fun!

Here is Guster! I haven't heard of them before, but they had a good sound, and the guy on the bongos was insane!!

 Here is me and the hubs!

 BEN FOLDS!!! AAAAHHH!!! My favorite musician EVER!! I wish he had played a little longer, but it was awesome anyway!

 Dave and I got right up to the stage while they were setting up Barenaked Ladies' stuff. I love that upright base!

I've loved Barenaked Ladies since I was about 12. I've always wanted to see them in concert cause I've heard they put on a great show, and they did not disapoint!!

I laughed, I yelled, and yes, sang along! It was so fun! These guys are such goof balls!

Thanks Dave for surprising me with tickets to see my 2 favorite bands! It was epic!!

The Secret of the Old Clock

Goodreads Bit:    Nancy Drew's keen mind is tested when she searches for a missing will.

















My Thoughts:

-    I've never read or had any desire to read the Nancy Drew books, but my friend read the first few and said they were actually fun to read, so I decided to give them a try. I'm glad I did! This first one was a quick/fun read.

-    I like how straight forward the story is. There isn't any filler fluff. I felt like each chapter and character were important.

-    I really liked how Nancy got to know each of the characters and how they added to the mystery of the missing will.

-    Nancy is a very kind and charitable person. I wish I was more like her. I hope my daughter wants to read Nancy Drew books when she is older cause they will teach her good things.

-    I like mystery books. I like figuring things out along the way, and I especially like being right. I don't like that the title of this book kinda gives stuff away!

-    This book is pretty old fashioned, but I have to admit that I liked all the nostalgia. I sometimes wish I lived in a more simple world. 

-    I like the lack the of technology in the book. Nancy didn't have gadgets or a cell phone to rely on. She used her intelligence and wit. You go girl!

-    I will be continuing the Nancy Drew series, and if they are all as delightful as this one, Nancy Drew might just become my new guilty pleasure.

The Night Circus

From Goodreads:    The circus arrives without warning. No announcements precede it. It is simply there, when yesterday it was not. Within the black-and-white striped canvas tents is an utterly unique experience full of breathtaking amazements. It is called Le Cirque des Rêves, and it is only open at night. 

But behind the scenes, a fierce competition is underway: a duel between two young magicians, Celia and Marco, who have been trained since childhood expressly for this purpose by their mercurial instructors. Unbeknownst to them both, this is a game in which only one can be left standing. Despite the high stakes, Celia and Marco soon tumble headfirst into love, setting off a domino effect of dangerous consequences, and leaving the lives of everyone, from the performers to the patrons, hanging in the balance.

My Thoughts:

-    This was a very enchanting, haunting, and delightful read! It is a pretty unique story.

-    Celia's training was cruel! I can't believe her father subjected her to so much pain.

-    There were a lot of characters, and it took me a while to get them all straightened out in my mind.

-    Reading this was like reading a classic, like Austen or Dickens. 

-    I don't say this often, but I would love to see this book as a mini series or something. I want the British to do it, OR I think Tim Burton could make an amazing movie out of this book, especially in black and white.

-    After I got to know the characters better, I started loving the story more. Each character is so vital to the circus, and I love each role they play.

-    I want to visit this circus!

-    There is a date at the beginning of each chapter, and I was really grateful for that. It was a little confusing going back and forth between years, but I finally caught on to what was going on, and I really liked the time frame. 

-    Celia and Marco's relationship was really interesting. I was routing for them the whole time, but at first I didn't want them to get involved cause they were competitors. 

-    I'm still confused on how the magic works in this world. I'm not sure I'll ever understand it. Part of the allure is that it is such a mystery. 

Legend

From Goodreads:    What was once the western United States is now home to the Republic, a nation perpetually at war with its neighbors. Born into an elite family in one of the Republic’s wealthiest districts, fifteen-year-old June is a prodigy being groomed for success in the Republic’s highest military circles. Born into the slums, fifteen-year-old Day is the country’s most wanted criminal. But his motives may not be as malicious as they seem.

From very different worlds, June and Day have no reason to cross paths—until the day June’s brother, Metias, is murdered and Day becomes the prime suspect. Caught in the ultimate game of cat and mouse, Day is in a race for his family’s survival, while June seeks to avenge Metias’s death. But in a shocking turn of events, the two uncover the truth of what has really brought them together, and the sinister lengths their country will go to keep its secrets.

My Thoughts:

-    If you are a Hunger Games and/or Divergent fan, this is your next book!! It is awesome! It has just as much thrills, danger, and fun!

-    The story and characters are wonderful, and I couldn't turn pages fast enough!

-    I really like that the text changes color and font for each character. The story alternates between June and Day, and it is really easy to remember which character I'm reading about with the text change. 

-    The story was really clever and well thought out. I picked up on some things along the way, but putting the whole picture together towards the end was a thrill. 

-    The characters were so amazing. I loved the dynamic between Day and June, and I LOVE that it is based on Javert and Jean Valjean. I like how similar Day and June are. They are observant, athletic, and they keep each other on their toes. 

-    There were few side characters that were fun as well. I hope we get to see more of them in the next book cause I want to get to know them better, particularly Kaede and Tess. I am also curious about Thomas. What goes through that guy's head?

-    I kinda wish the author had delved more into why the United States is split. Hopefully there is more about that in future books. The whole idea that our country is torn and at war is very intriguing.

-    Great book! This is probably my favorite read so far this year! I highly recommend it!

One Moment

Goodreads Description:    This was supposed to be the best summer of Maggie’s life. Now it’s the one she’d do anything to forget.

Maggie remembers hanging out at the gorge with her closest friends after a blowout party. She remembers climbing the trail with her perfect boyfriend, Joey. She remembers that last kiss, soft, lingering, and meant to reassure her. So why can’t she remember what happened in the moment before they were supposed to dive? Why was she left cowering at the top of the cliff, while Joey floated in the water below–dead?

As Maggie’s memories return in snatches, nothing seems to make sense. Why was Joey acting so strangely at the party? Where did he go after taking her home? And if Joey was keeping these secrets, what else was he hiding?

The latest novel from the author of The Tension of Opposites, One Moment is a mysterious, searing look at how an instant can change everything you believe about the world around you.

My Thoughts:

-    The people in this book are messed up!

-    I wasn't expecting all the mystery and suspense. It kept me turning pages!

-    I kinda figured out what was going on from the very beginning. It wasn't that hard to piece together, so it drove me a little nuts that Maggie took so long to realize what was happening.

-    There was a lot of drinking in the book. The characters were drunk a lot. There was also some heavy profanity. It wasn't frequent, but there were a few f'-bombs. 

-    I enjoyed the book, but it also made me angry. I just want to smack all the characters upside the head!

-    Emotions run high while reading stuff like this, and it is hard to put into words.

Stardust

My Thoughts:

-    Yes, I'm sure I like the movie better than the book. As weird as that is, I do!

-    The cast list is awesome! I even caught a few more famous actors this time around! Such a great line up!

-    I like the ending up until the witch starts crying. That was kinda lame. Other than that, I like the movie ending better than the book ending. The movie was more exciting.

-    I think the side characters took the spot light away from the two main characters. They were fine, but the other characters really made this movie.

-    Michelle Pfeiffer was brilliant! She almost stole the show.

-    Robert De Niro was hilarious! This was such a different/ weird role for him, and he pulled it off with Pizzazz!

-    The movie was really humorous. I was laughing a lot!

-    There is a lot going for this film: humor, action, flying pirate ship, witches, etc. It was very enjoyable.

Tyson's Thoughts:

-    I wanted Michelle Pfeiffer to win.

-    I like the ghost entourage!

-    I liked the dresses! They were nice!

-    I want a flying pirate ship now.

Silver Phoenix

Goodreads Synopsis:    No one wanted Ai Ling. And deep down she is relieved—despite the dishonor she has brought upon her family—to be unbetrothed and free, not some stranger's subservient bride banished to the inner quarters. 

But now, something is after her. Something terrifying—a force she cannot comprehend. And as pieces of the puzzle start to fit together, Ai Ling begins to understand that her journey to the Palace of Fragrant Dreams isn't only a quest to find her beloved father but a venture with stakes larger than she could have imagined. 

Bravery, intelligence, the will to fight and fight hard . . . she will need all of these things. Just as she will need the new and mysterious power growing within her. She will also need help. 

It is Chen Yong who finds her partly submerged and barely breathing at the edge of a deep lake. There is something of unspeakable evil trying to drag her under. On a quest of his own, Chen Yong offers that help . . . and perhaps more.

My Thoughts:  

-    I really enjoyed this story. I didn't know a thing about it, but I was pleasantly surprised. I'm glad I picked this up.

-    The story had me hooked from the prologue. The story is very captivating.

-    The book has a lot of Chinese culture in it.

-    There is a lot of food in the story. It seems the characters are either walking or eating. It made me hungry. Ai Ling can really eat!

-    While the story was great, the writing was a little dry. 

-    I enjoyed the characters. Ai Ling was a great female protagonist. Chen Yong was a great warrior type character. Li Yong made me laugh.

-    There were some descriptive sex things, but it had a lot to do with the culture and story, so I'm not sure how I feel about it. It was needed, but I wish it hadn't been so descriptive.

-    The ending seemed long and dragged out. That last bit was frustrating!! The story is left wide open for a sequel.

-    This was a fun book, and I'm excited to read the next one!

Top Ten Tuesday

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten Beach Reads

I think ANY book is great to read on the beach. Personally, I would be scared of my books getting damaged, but if you're into beach reading, anything is fine! I suppose I will list books with beaches in them. You can click on the covers if you'd like to see my thoughts on these books.

A dangerous race across the beach.

 One word: PIRATES!

There are a couple of beach landings in this one. This would be fun to read on an island.

Retelling of The Little Mermaid, nuff said!

This book was good but probably not a favorite. Still, it would be fun for a beach read.

I think any story about Never Never Land would be fun to read on the beach.

I loved this book, and I think the majority of it takes place on beach.

  

These are written by one of my favorite authors and would be super fun to read on the beach!!

When I saw the topic for today, this was the first book that popped into my head.

Self explanatory

Stardust

Goodreads Bit:    Hopelessly crossed in love, a boy of half-fairy parentage leaves his mundane Victorian-English village on a quest for a fallen star in the magical realm. The star proves to be an attractive woman with a hot temper, who plunges with our hero into adventures featuring witches, the lion and the unicorn, plotting elf-lords, ships that sail the sky, magical transformations, curses whose effects rebound, binding conditions with hidden loopholes and all the rest.







My Thoughts:

-    I never say this, but I think I might actually enjoy the movie more than I did the book.

-    This was pretty dry, and there wasn't a lot of emotion.

-    There was a pretty descriptive sex scene at the beginning. 

-    There was also an f-bomb.

-    The whole book felt like someone was telling me a story. It was like someone talking at you and not with you. I like to "feel" something and go on the journey with the characters. 

-    I liked some of the characters, but I just didn't connect to any of them.

-    It was a fun story, but I wanted a little more out of it.

A Darkness at Sethanon

Goodreads Synopsis:    An evil wind blows through Midkemia. Dark legions have risen up to crush the Kingdom of the Isles and enslave it to dire magics. The final battle between Order and Chaos is abotu to begin in the ruins of the city called Sethanon.

Now Pug, the master magician sometimes known as Milamber, must undertake an awesome and perilous quest to the dawn of time to grapple with an ancient and terrible Enemy for the fate of a thousand worlds.

My Thoughts:

-    Wow!! What an epic journey! This was a fabulous end to The Riftwar Saga.

-    So many years and so many things transpire in this series. It was like reading about each character's lifetime. 

-    I love Martin, Arutha, and Lyam's relationship. They are so great as brothers, and I love how they support one another.

-    The strategys in this book is incredible. Feist must have spent a long time thinking and studying these battles. The battle at Armengar was awesome!

-    The parts about Pug and Tomas were great, but a little slow. There was a lot of stuff there that I didn't quite understand. 

-    The traitor Guy makes an appearance again. I have a deeper understanding of his character, and I even respect him now.

-    Amos Trask also come back! I was pretty excited to see him again! He is one of my favorites. He gets some of the best dialogue.

-    I liked the camaraderie between Jimmy and Locklear. They make a great team and compliment each other really well. 

-    I'm so glad are a lot more books with these characters cause I am craving more!

Previous books in The Riftwar Saga

(click on to cover to see my thoughts)