Fury of the Phoenix

Goodreads Synopsis:    The Gods have abandoned Ai Ling.

Her mysterious power haunts her day and night, and she leaves home—with just the moon as her guide—overwhelmed by her memories and visions and an unbearable sense of dread. For Ai Ling knows that Chen Yong is vulnerable to corrupt enchantments from the under-world. How can she do nothing when she has the skill and power to fight at his side? A dream has told her where he is, the name of the ship he is traveling on, his destination. So she steals off and stows away on board.

The ocean voyage brings with it brutal danger, haunting revelations, and new friendships, but also the premonition of a very real and terrifying threat. Zhong Ye—the powerful sorcerer whom Ai Ling believed she had vanquished in the Palace of Fragrant Dreams—is trapped in Hell, neither alive nor dead. Can he reach from beyond the grave to reunite with Silver Phoenix and destroy Chen Yong? And destroy whatever chance Ai Ling has at happiness, at love?

In this sequel to the acclaimed novel Silver Phoenix, four lives are woven together and four destinies become one, now and forever.

My Thoughts:

-    I really enjoyed this story. I think it was even better than its predecessor. I liked the story better, and it was more entertaining for me. 

-    I liked how the book was fragmented and switched between Zhong Ye and Ai Ling. Both of their stories were very interesting. Zhong Ye's story was very enlightening, and it helped me to understand the 1st book better.

-    I don't really want to like Zhong Ye. He was an evil and horrible person in Silver Phoenix, but I felt a lot of sympathy for him in this book. I enjoyed reading his story, and I liked getting to know him better, but I still want to hate him.

-    I got a little tired of Chen Yong and Ai Ling avoiding each other and their feelings. I just wanted to smack them both sometimes!!

-    I like how these books are heavy in Chinese culture, but I was also happy that they traveled to a new country in this one. It was cool to see the contrast between cultures.

-    I wasn't going to buy this series after reading the first one, but now I'm reconsidering purchasing these. 

-    I don't know if there is going to be a 3rd book. It could end with 2, and I'd be happy.The ending to this story is all wrapped up, and I really like how it ended. It feels good to have some reader satisfaction after 2 books!

Previous Kingdom of Xia Book

(click on cover to see my thoughts)

Happy Independence Day

I love being an American, and I love my country!

Just for fun! Here is song about all the great things about our country!

This song cracks me up!

Happy Independence Day!

The Silver Surfer: Volume 1

Goodreads Description:    The Silver Surfer, the Sentinel of the Spaceways, has betrayed Galactus to save the Earth, but now he is trapped there In his breakout series, the Silver Surfer is a misunderstood alien doing his best to protect humankind from whatever threats abound See: the first appearances of the Badoon and Mephisto Witness: the manipulations of Loki Experience: the threats of Quasimodo, the Overlord, and the Stranger All this, and the origins of the Silver Surfer Guest-starring Thor and the Fantastic Four







My Thoughts:  

-    That was my favorite intro by Stan Lee so far! It was really funny and very Stan.

-    The Silver Surfer comics really show the weaknesses of mankind. It is kind of sad.

-    I don' t know if I'd help save Earth after being treated so poorly. Why does the Silver Surfer care for the people of Earth so much?

-    The Silver Surfer is one tormented soul. I feel really bad for the guy.

-    It was really fun and interesting to learn how the Silver Surfer became what he is and how he became the servant of Galactus.

-    I liked all the appearances from other comics as well, especially Thor and Loki. 

-    I loved the artwork! It was very beautiful and well done! The Silver Surfer traveled to so many different places. I was impressed that the artist kept coming up with different scenery. 

Top Ten Tuesday

Hosted by The Broke and The Bookish

Top Ten  Eight Most Intimidating Books

Intimidated by size, content, whatever


It took me years to work up the gumption to read Les Miserables. The size and content intimidated me. I knew it was going to be sad, but it was well worth the read!


The Three Musketeers is a big book! I'm also intimidated by all the French history I'd need to know to fully understand it.


I want to read this one because of the heavy Japanese culture, but I'm a little hesitant because of the content.


I use to want to read this, but I have a child now, and I'm not sure if I want to read this anymore. I've heard that it is a tough read, and I don't think I'll be prepared for the sadness.


I want to read this SO bad, but it is HUGE!


I LOVE all the Dickens' books I've read so far! He was a genius! For some reason David Copperfield intimidates me. I don't know whether it is size or the story or what.


The Star Wars books are pretty intimidating to me because I really want to read them, but there are SO SO many of them. I don't know where to begin. I'm thinking of starting with Death Star, but once I start, there is no going back! I will have to finish them all!


Will I enjoy it? Will I understand it? I love Taming of the Shrew, but hate others. I want to read them all, but I know I won't like all his works or understand it.

The African Queen

My Thoughts:

-    This was a really good movie. I was surprised! It was thrilling and very entertaining.

-    I finally get the Humphrey Bogart appeal! Even though he was really dirty and grimy for most of the movie, he was kind of attractive. I think it is because his character was a real man! He did what he had to do, and he didn't complain. This is my new favorite Bogart role!

-    I don't believe for a second that Charlie was English. Bogart is 100% American. His accent was so non-English!

-    Katherine Hepburn was perfect as always! She has such strength, and only Katherine could have pulled off a role like this!

-    I was surprised at how much I laughed during the movie. The banter between Charlie and Rosie was really fun, and the hippo part cracked me up!

-    I wonder if this is based on a true story. I hope it is. The plot was simple, but it was very thrilling to watch these 2 characters battle the river and nature. 

-    The ending was perfect! 

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)