Vampire Diaries: the Return by L.J. Smith

SPOILER
if you haven't read the series,
I did post a spoiler
(it's actually the back of the book I am gonna talk about)

I was pretty happy with myself when I finished the Vampire Diaries Series (1, 2, 3, and 4!). EDITED: this is actually a a whole series, but a continuation of the Vampire Diaries. At first I thought it was the 5 book of the series. But nope it's the first book of a series called "Vampire Diaries: the Return"

The Vampire Diaries: The Return: Nightfall

Elena Gilbert is alive—again. When Elena sacrificed herself to save the two vampire brothers who love her—the handsome, brooding Stefan and the sleek and dangerous Damon—she was consigned to a fate beyond death. Until a powerful supernatural force pulled her back. Now Elena is not just human. She has powers and gifts that were bestowed on her in the afterlife. What's more, her blood pulses with an overwhelming and unique force that makes her irresistible to any vampire. Stefan wants to find a way to keep Elena safe so that they can make a life together. Damon, however, is driven by an insatiable desire for power, and wants Elena to rule as his princess. When Stefan is lured away from Fell's Church, Damon seizes his chance to convince her that he is the brother she is meant to be with. . . . But a darkness is infiltrating the town, and Damon, always the hunter, is now the hunted; he becomes the prey of a malevolent creature that can possess him at will, and who desires not just Elena's blood but her death.

Now I just have to get my hands on a copy.. BUT this is not all that I have discovered. WOHOO A Vampire Diaries Challenge!! Found it on Crazy Book Slut while catching up on posts. She isn't hosting it, but My Friend Amy is. This Challenge ends August 31 2010. I am going back and reading all her posts on the TV Show. Pretty Excited about that.

PLUS I can still participate in a way as long as I can get my hands on a copy of the last book!

HAPPY READING!

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Ink Exchange, Book 2 of Wicked Lovely Series

This book focused on some of the minor characters from the first book. Leslie and Naill. I already really liked Naill as a character, so it was a nice to go more into his background. Leslie, however was very different. I couldn't really relate to her. Sure I have family issues, but I have never had to really deal with drugs, or addictions. Reading about addictions in general was something I have never done and it was interesting to see Leslie's perspective on it.

Leslie as a person is such a strong willed one. How she survives everything and with a positive outlook on life is amazing. I hope I have half the strong she does. I also hope I never have to go through what she does. I couldn't imagine finding out everything I've ever believed is a lie.

While I really enjoyed this book, I won't read it again. It made me tear up, but I have never been in those situations, which makes it difficult to relate to the characters. Melissa Marr is a wonderful author and made everything Leslie go through easy to understand. I could understand why Leslie made the chooses she did and what lead her to those chooses.

Great book, and looking forward to the rest of the series.

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

Wicked Lovely, Book 1
This is exactly the kind of book I was looking for. A story so interesting, it drags you in. All you think about and really all you want to read. It actually took me a whole to read this book. Way to long for only 148 pages.

So I've already said its a good story. One that I highly recommend reading. What else to tell you... the characters are fabulous. I really loved the names.

Kennan - while he was a complete ass. I actually really enjoyed his character. He wasn't just doing things for himself, even though at times he seemed like a selfish bastard. I especially loved the last chapter or Epilogue with him
Aislinn - WOW this girl is strong. To be able to handle what she overcomes in this book. It's crazy and yikes. She is a wonderful character! I loved her from the start!
Niall - I can't remember which one he was Tavish or Niall, one was good and one was semi evil, if that makes sense. But I like the one (pretty sure it's Niall too) that talks to Aislinn in the end
Donia - What a character. To do what she had to and still be standing strong. Gah I would have totally chickened out and done what the summer girls did. I feel like I'm talking in riddles... :)
Tavish - see Niall...
Beira - ummm what to say without giving her away.... well I would love to see her once. At least an image.

The summer court and winter court are really intriguing. I am curious as to how the next book will go. Not much of a book review, but it will do. Happy Reading

Suzanne Collins

MockingJay - the third book to the series. First book was The Hunger Games and second book Catching Fire. Catching Fire was a big cliffhanger but I found out via Busy Moms Who Love to Read that MockingJay will be released AUGUST 24 2010!!

Book Description
Against all odds, Katniss Everdeen has survived the Hunger Games twice. But now that she’s made it out of the bloody arena alive, she’s still not safe. The Capitol is angry. The Capitol wants revenge. Who do they think should pay for the unrest? Katniss. And what’s worse, President Snow has made it clear that no one else is safe either. Not Katniss’s family, not her friends, not the people of District 12. Powerful and haunting, this thrilling final installment of Suzanne Collins’s groundbreaking The Hunger Games trilogy promises to be one of the most talked about books of the year.

Vampire Academy Book Five By Richelle Mead

Well, if you wanted a cliffhanger, you get one in Spirit Bound. What a cruel way to end a book!

BUT, I am not gonna dwell on the ending. The story getting there was FANTASTIC! What a series! If you haven't started reading it and are okay with reading an unfinished series, I would do this one (definitely not that Twilight crap, though I think that's finished)

Rose as a character is strong-willed as ever. But this time she has control of herself most of the time. She is realizing when she should raise her voice, when to stay quiet and her inner monologue makes things interesting. I love her inner monologue actually. She thinks allot like me.

I wish I had half the training the dhampirs have. To be that strong and built and ... well it would be nice if we just came that way and didn't have to work at it for years! :)

There's some fun characters in this one and I'm not gonna go into names, except for Lissa. But I am glad they were around! Lissa was so different from the last few books. It's nice she's starting to do things. She isn't as dependent on Rose as she was, makes her own decisions and thinks for herself.

All in all, great book, except the cliffhanger. Now to scorch the internet looking for information on the next book. Oh, and I took the GoodReads Quiz for the book 11 out of 14. Not to bad. Check it out here

Happy Reading.

Teaser Tuesday

Tuesday Tuesday's are host by Should be Reading. I don't participate often enough. But today I have one for you.. Review tomorrow!!

"I've given up on you,"
he said back,
voice also soft.
"Love fades. Mine has."

Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead

SIDE NOTE: I HIT A HUNDRED POSTS!!! Actually this post is my 105!! THIS post was my 100!! Happy Reading!

The Awakened City by Victoria Strauss

I started reading it,

made it to page 51..
couldn't get into it.
So I'm not even gonna try.
I wanna read something that drags me into it
That I can't stop reading
Gotta find another book.

Heaven: Our Enduring Fascination with the Afterlife

Religion is one of those things... I don't know how to get along with. I don't believe what my parents do, but I don't know how to research to figure out what I want to believe. And then I found this blog post on a book called Heaven: Our Enduring Fascination with the Afterlife. I really want to read it. Hopefully I can find it for EReader. Otherwise I am gonna buy it!! I really enjoyed S. Krishna's book review on it. Here is what GoodReads has to say about it

"Stressed by daily news of tragedy and economic uncertainty, fearful of the inevitability of death, and buoyed by their love for God, people yearn for a paradise beyond the corporeal, free from suffering and pain. Yet as "Newsweek Religion" editor Lisa Miller demonstrates in this absorbing and enlightening book, this desire for a celestial afterlife is universal - shared by faithful around the world and across religions - and as old as the Bible itself. While there are many notions of what exactly heaven is and how we get there, the one point on which believers, whether Jewish, Christian, or Muslim, agree is that heaven is God's home. Heaven is a 2,000-year tour through the fascinating history and intellectual geography of this transcendent territory. From the earliest biblical conceptions of the afterlife to the stories of extraordinary theological characters to the convictions and perceptions of ordinary people, Miller explores the roots of our beliefs in heaven and how they have evolved to offer comfort and hope throughout the ages. She also reveals how the notion of heaven has been used for manipulation-to promulgate goodness and evil-as inspiration for selfless behaviour and justification for mass murder. From the Book of "Revelation" to the "Left Behind" series, Augustine to Osama Bin Laden, Muslims in the West Bank to American teens at vacation Bible school, "Heaven" is the definitive look at one of our most cherished religious ideals."

Crazy Busy Beautiful by Carmindy

Beauty Secrets for Getting Gorgeous Fast

I really enjoyed this book. So much good information and just packed in there. Not tons of her explaining. Just a full book of bullet points of stuff you can do. I loved it. There was so awesome stuff in there. Since getting contacts, I have been struggling on how to apply my makeup and hopefully I will be able to put some of the tips mentioned to use!

So here's some random thoughts I jotted down while reading.

Georgia O'Keeffe in her eighties... she is mentioned twice and I have no idea who she is. I hope this is a picture of her. But for being old she sure is pretty.Decolletage? the french term for our boodies... :) Didn't know that, but I was on google image when I typed it in...
A la Brigitte Bardot
AND one of the fun facts I will be putting to use.
"I put a light, inexpensive olive oil on a small plastic bottle that won't break in the shower. I add a few drops id my favorite essential oil to give it a yummy scent. At the very end of my shower, I smooth this mixture all over my body, neck, and face. Rinse a bit, and the pat myself dry. I follow with lotion to stay super soft." Pg 57

I also really enjoyed the "WACKY FACTS"
"My grandmother taught me that snail slime helps eliminate acne. Sometimes I secretly wipe a bit on my blemishes. I swear it works!" Pg 32

Happy Reading!!

Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

The Fourth Book,

Is very different from the rest. I don't really know how to describe it without giving away story from the first 3 books, SO read review 1, 2, and 3 before finishing this post and maybe read the books first. Because I can't find away to do a review without a spoiler!

This book is all from Bonnie's perspective. It's a good change, but weird at the sametime because Bonnie isn't allowed the full spotlight. Elena drops in occasionally and brings TONS of drama with her. Bonnie is such a sweetheart, so much nicer and she really cares about the people around her. It's a much nicer feeling than Elena had in the first three books (with Elena it always felt like she was only doing things for herself, at least until the very very end of book 3).

Damon was a definite surprise in this book. I really enjoyed his character. His response to Stefan when things happen to Vicki is/was crazy, but when you find out what happened you wanna laugh almost.

Stefan is super selfish and annoying as usual (as in he thinks he's the only one feeling any pain). I don't actually have anything good to say about him. He usually ended as the hero and he did in this book too, but it didn't work nicely. At least to me, he just felt annoying. Like GROW UP... you are a couple hundred years old

The story doesn't end. It ends really badly for. The book was doing all good and the BAM Elena is actually back. Sadly I just wanna say BOO about that. Don't get me wrong its an awesome story, especially Bonnie's spells!

Now I just have to find the next book of the series.

EDIT SIDE NOTE: MY ONE HUNDREDTH POST!!

Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

Book Three,

Bonnie's dairy entry say 1991. That's like 19 years ago. Is this series really that old. This book was crazy. So many things happening, I am glad though that L. J. Smith stuck to one characters view and not multiple. The dairy entry's see sometimes annoying because I would have liked to have read the story, instead of a collection of thought of the main characters thoughts.
I am confused by some things. Like Bonnie's forced decision (what was the decision really and what's the big deal). I also wasn't a big fan of the newest character added to the group. It would have been nice if Robert (Aunt Judith's fiance) could have played a bigger part. But it works out.

The twist in the end bit, is fabulous! If you chose to tad this book let me know if you are caught off guard or unsurprised by the event. Even though this ending kinda sucked, the story felt complete. I am curious on how the fourth book will turn out, how does the series continue after such an ending.

Happy reading

Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

The Struggle, Book Two... I though I would just discuss the characters

Meredith - she is kinda the power behind the group. The group being Elena, Bonnie and Meredith. Elena is the beauty, Bonnie is the brains, and Meredith protects everyone. I would like to know more about her history, she doesn't like to talk about her family, even Elena and Bonnie know nothing about her. And that makes me wonder what she is hiding and why? Oh, and if we even find out.

Boonie - she is slowly becoming a stronger character. I expect she will be even better in the next book. Right now she doesn't want to face reality and she just wants life to be simply. I really like her character in the book and the show. Bonnie comes up with most of the ideas the girls do, but likes to sit almost in the shadows as her plans get carried out.She is definitely my favorite.

Aunt Judith - she sounds like an old hag who doesn't have a life. But that feels almost to harsh. She suddenly got dumped with a bunch of responsibility with having a 16 year-old and 4 year-old to raise. I would probably be a hag too. I think she judges to quickly unless Robert has something good to say about the subject then she just agrees to whatever he thinks.

Robert - Aunt Judith's fiance. Don't really know much about him other than he's a college professor and he annoys me allot.

Margaret - I loved the cat part in the book!! So funny! Margaret just seems almost out of place in the book and extra character for no real reason. I wonder if she will become a bigger character later on. She is only 4 though and really what can a 4 year old do in a vampires world?

Damon - extraordinarily different from what I expected. He expects to get his way and will literally kill to get it (he is a vampire...) The shape-shifting thing is new. I am glad it's not bats, but it seem like a strange thing for vampires to do. But it theory has it they can turn into bats, why not other gross annoying things.

Stefan - I am not really sure how to describe Stefan. In general I am not a fan of him, but I think that's me just comparing him to the TV Show. I hate his character in the show and that is overshadowing the book. However the last chapter and the continuation of the story just might change my mind.

Elena - not quite the slut this book and she's not as obsessed with Stefen either. She's obsessed still but Meredith and Bonnie told her off for shoving away her friends. So she's been much better. I don't agree with some of her decisions, like egging Damon on. I am glad that L.J. Smith stuff to the normal vampire status. Like they can not enter a home unless invited. It's much more relaxed in this book than in the TV Show. But it makes much more sense the way it's done in the book. Plus that particular rule, allows for some pretty awesome scenarios between Elena and Damon.

The ending was completely unexpected in a way. So I am starting the next book immediately to find out what happens!! :) Happy Reading!

Vampire Diaries by L.J. Smith

The Awakening, book 1

The actual Vampire Diaries, this isn't me getting names mixed up. I have watch the show rah rah big deal. I hate it when I already have an image of a character. I like to come up with a description in my head of what the people in the books look like. However I think they did a fabulous job of Elena. That being sad on to my thoughts on the book, not the TV Show.

Elena, is a slut. Downright a slut. Gah she annoys me so much and then she meets Stefan and it all goes down from there. She turns from a slut, which I came semi-handle into a helpless sap who can't live without her damn boyfriend. It's like "GET A LIFE" Seriously frustrating, she does start doing thing near then end of the book but then the big drama thing happens and she's back to "oh Stefan I'm swooning..." BLAH.

Anyways once you get past that, it's actually a really good story. Way better than the TV Show and things are so different from the show too. It's like with the show L.J. Smith just decided to write a whole new story using the same base line and characters. I wish they had stuck closer to the book. WAY BETTER.

Elena doesn't have a brother, she was best friends with Carolina but almost immediately that ends, and well I can give those to things out without giving away the whole story. I am most curious about Damien because we don't see him until the very end of the book and he is totally different from what you expected.

For some reason I am surprised that L.J. Smith is the author of this book. Very different from the Forbidden Game series. Oh, and this series is completed (last I checked anyways) and is only 6 books!!

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

The beginning of the book was good. It told the winning effects of the tributes and then things actually started happening. Katniss knows something is going on she just can't figure it out. But I don't what to spoil things. I got a little disappointed when the book started to repeat things that happened in the first one. But it didn't stay the same for long, and it got way more intense than the first book. I really enjoyed the 'training' sessions Katniss and Peeta have.

My favorite character is still Cinna, in fact I like him allot more in this book. Plus his teams is completely crazy, but totally awesome. Collins is very good at showing you the starvation of the poor to the luzury's of the rich all the way down to the brutuality of the peacekeepers. There was allot more blood and gore in this one for me, but it was descride in such a way that you weren't grossing out. If that makes sense.

The ending isn't final like in the first book. It actual feels like half the story. Looking forward to the next book... I can't seem to find any information on the third book. I watched a lot of Hunger Game trailers, but it's definitely not being made into a movie yet, that I could find anyways. I did find out that the first book was released in 2008 so hopefully that means the third book is on it's way. Here is Suzanne Collins webpage.

Finished Series Update

Updating my first list, see here. Also is a challenge!!

1. The Night Angel Trilogy by Brent Weeks

3 book series
read my reviews here

2. Twilight by Stephenie Meyers
4 book series
read my reviews here

3. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
5 book series
read my reviews here

4. The Forbidden Game by L.J. Smith
3 book series
read my reviews on books by L.J. Smith here

5. A Goddess of Partholon by P.C. Cast
5 book series
read my reviews here

Unfinished Book Series Update

updating from my first list, check that out here.

1. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Book 5 Spirit Bound was released May 18 2010, need to find it
read all posts I have made on Richelle Mead here

2. House of Night by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
Book 7 Burned was released April 27 2010, need to find it
read all post I have made on P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast here.

3. Once Upon A Time by Cameron Dokey
not an actual series, but it's 7 books by Cameron Dokey, that are all fairy-tales, but not Disney versions. So all the princess stories you grew up with, written with a twist. Very fun. 2 more to go. Read all the posts I have made on Cameron Dokey here.

4. The Mortal Instrument by Cassandra Clare
Book 4 will not be released until March 11 2011!! GAH, but there is a prequel being released September 2010
read all posts on Cassandra Clare here

5. The Pimpernelles by Patricia Elloitt
not a finished series, pretty sure there's just two books. I have finished book 1.
read my review here

6. The Inheritance by Christopher Paolini
publishing date for 3 book unknown (boo)
read all my posts on Christopher Paolini here

7. Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins
haven't yet checked out the dates or any information on when the 3 book will be published but fingers crossed soon!! (UPDATE)
see my posts on Suzanne Collins here

YIKES!! Way to many unfinished Series!!

The Hunger Games By Suzanne Collins

Hunger Games Book 1,

Description
In a future North America, where the rulers of Panem maintain control through an annual televised survival competition pitting young people from each of the twelve districts against one another, sixteen-year-old Katniss's skills are put to the test when she voluntarily takes her younger sister's place.

This book was fabulous!! A marvelous quick read, I didn't put it down. I started at 630 pm and finished at 11 the same day. I love Suzanne Collins writing style and her character development. I could definitely relate to Katniss as a character. And the ending was... without spoiling predictable but very well done and it turned out better than I expected.

I can not wait to start the next book and the only reason I am not starting it this moment is it's really late and I need sleep!! It's to bad this isn't a finished series. But hopefully Collins will have the 3 book written up soon!!

My favorite character was Cinna! He's the perfect gay guy. And I wish I had his talent!! Fabulous book, makes me exciting to read again. Everything else has felt boring in comparison. Will definitely be reading again, one day.

Happy Reading!

Dear Marilu

"Let me ask you this: If you finally for down to the weight you've always wanted to be, what's the first thing you would do? Would you get a different job? Tell someone off? Look up an old flame? Finally take that class you've always wanted to take?"

First thing I would do is have fun with my wardrobe! Lots of cite dresses and din shirts! A new job would be on the works I would hope. Something more creative. I wouldn't tell someone off, but I would visit my sister wearing something HOT!

And I should probably do this now, but taking a dance class, is something I've always wanted to do, but haven't had the confidence to do it. But a new body image would help me take that class. I should do it now because it would help create that body I want.

Sweets and Hearts

May Reading List

I didn't read many books in the month of May, I did more general posting. I did buy three books which I haven't finished yet either. But it was still a good month, I really enjoyed the series I was reading and didn't want to rush them. Sooo...

(Publisher's Gift)

1. Divine by Blood by P.C. Cast (Publisher's Gift)
2. Elphame's Choice by P.C. Cast (Publisher's Gift)

3. Brighid's Quest by P.C. Cast (Publisher's Gift)

4. Eragon by Christopher Paolini (Coworker)

5. Eldest by Christopher Paolini (Coworker)

See April's Reading List HERE

See March's Reading List HERE

See February Reading List HERE

See January's Reading List HERE

Inheritance by Christopher Paolini

This was most definitely my favorite book of the series. I simply loved the action and everything. The many questions have have from the first two books are answered in this one. You met some wonderful new characters. I have some favorites new favorites, one being the sword (as much as a sword can be a character) and characters you had seen before are expanded on.

This book was so big and had so many stories going, it almost should've been divided onto books. But at the sametime it was very well done. I really enjoyed the plot of the story. Lots of twists and turns a few that I didn't expect. The title of the book is perfect 'Brisingr', it fits well with the story. I am glad that the author included a list of definitions in the back of the book for all the words and such used. Just wish I had realized about it sooner and actually put it to use during reading.

I am pretty sad that the last book hasn't been published yet, but fingers crossed that happens soon.

Happy Reading!