Read-A-Thon

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UPDATE

Finished!

Favorite line from the book

"Gwen doesn't know what I do-that geeks make the best boyfriends. It sounds surprising, but it is true. You know those smiles of David's, the little secret ones he always seemed to have on his face? Those smiles, he says, are on account of me. Because, he told me, he never thought he'd meet a girl as cool as me"





Review to be posted later on in the week!!

Sweets and Hearts

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July Reading List
1. Fragile Eternity by Melissa Marr (EReader)
2. The Vampire Dairies: The Return: Nightfall by L.J. Smith (EReader)
3. Stormbreaker by Anthony Horowitz (EReader)
4. Dear John by Nicholas Sparks (EReader)
5. Point Blank by Anthony Horowitz (EReader)
6. Scar Night by Alan Campbell (EReader)
7. All American Rejects by Meg Cabot (EReader)

See Previous Months List HERE.

I completed ONE READ-A-Thon and started a second one that continues into August. I am proud of the fact that I finished so many pages my first read-a-thon

MAIN GOAL UPDATE
115/200

AND a quick read-a-thon update
Didn't read at all yesterday. But I am gonna start All American Girls as soon as I finish typing up my posts! Happy Reading!

Read-A-Thon

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Found a new Read-A-Thon
THE RULES
1. Choose a few books that you will attempt to finish this weekend (Friday evening through Sunday night).
2. Post your TBR Read-a-Thon books on your blog so your readers can see what you are attempting for the weekend.
3. Challenge your readers to read along with you!
4. Join the discussion all weekend long at #bookblogchat on Twitter.
5. Post updates on your blog about what you are reading and what you have finished
6. Visit other blogs that are doing the read-a-long. Post comments and follow your fellow bloggers.
7. Make sure you sign up here with Mr. Linky with a link to your first post so we can follow your progress!


OKAY! So here is my blog post! And below is the books I hope to read! Fingers Crossed it's gonna be a crazy weekend!

1. All American Girls by Meg Cabot
Top Ten Reasons Samantha Madison is in Deep Trouble
10. Her big sister is the most popular girl in school
9. Her little sister is a certified genius
8. She's in love with her big sister's boyfriend
7. She got caught selling celebrity portraits in school
6. And now she's being forced to take art classes
5. She's just saved the president of the United States from an assassination attempt
4. So the whole world thinks she is a hero
3. Even though Sam knows she is far, far from being a hero
2. And now she's been appointed teen ambassador to the UN
And the number-one reason Sam's life is over?
1. The president's son just might be in love with her.

2. Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher
Clay Jensen returns home from school to find a mysterious box with his name on it lying on his porch. Inside he discovers cassette tapes recorded by Hannah Baker—his classmate and crush—who committed suicide two weeks earlier.
On tape, Hannah explains that there are thirteen reasons why she decided to end her life. Clay is one of them. If he listens, he’ll find out how he made the list.
Through Hannah and Clay’s dual narratives, debut author Jay Asher weaves an intricate and heartrending story of confusion and desperation that will deeply affect teen readers
This read-a-thon I am trying to find smaller books. But I also want to challenge myself. I am dieing to read haven't been reading enough!! SO I am crossing my fingers and gonna try to read

3. Skeleton Key by Anthony Horowitz
Alex Rider has been through a lot for his fourteen years. He's been shot at by international terrorists, chased down a mountainside, and stood face-to-face with evil. Twice, young Alex has saved the world. And twice, he has almost been killed doing it. But now Alex faces something even more dangerous. The desperation of a man who has lost everything he cared for: his country and his only son. A man who just happens to have a nuclear weapon and a serious grudge against the free world. To see his beloved Russia once again be a dominant power, he will stop at nothing. Unless Alex can stop him first.
The phenomenon that is the Alex Rider series returns with pulse-quickening action as, for the first time, Britain's MI6 and America's CIA unite forces. Be glad Alex is on our side.


So happy reading!! And if your joining good luck!!

Deepgate Codex by Alan Campbell

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Scar Night, Book 1

Suspended by chains over a seemingly bottomless abyss, the ancient city of Deepgate is home to a young angel, an assassin, and a psychotic murderer hungry for revenge - or redemption. But soon a shocking betrayal will unite all three in a desperate quest....
The last of his line, Dill is descended from legendary Battle-archons who once defended the city. Forbidden to fly and untrained even to wield the great sword inherited from his forebears, he has become a figurehead for a dying tradition. Now he lives a sheltered existence in one of Deepgate's crumbling temple spires under the watchful eye of the Presbyter who rules the city.
Spine assassin Rachel Hael has better things to do than oversee the Presbyter's angel. Each dark moon she must fight for her life among the city chains, hunting an immortal predator with a taste for blood.
But when a traitor brings enemies to Deepgate's doorstep, Dill and Rachel are forced into an uneasy alliance with the city's oldest and most dangerous foe. They must journey down into the uncharted chasm to save their sprawling metropolis - and themselves - from annihilation. Once they descend however, they learn that what lies below is far more sinister than what they've been taught to expect


This book was different. I was so confused for the first two hundred pages. I kept expecting everything to be explained. The story was so interesting that I kept just reading and reading. Scar night's world is nothing like the real world. Their beliefs, lifestyle, everything is different. Things don't get explained the way I wanted but everything does make sense. AND it's GREAT! :)

Dill is an interesting character. At first he really really annoyed me, but he was definitely my favorite by the end of the book. He doesn't start off strong and doesn't really end strong either but you just can't help but love him. I hope the next book focuses on him again because I would love to see him as a character grow more.

Rachel is fascinating. I want to understand her better and why she made the chooses she did. The whole society as a whole is intriguing.

Fabulous story! But it did take me a while to read and I did read other books in between.

Waiting on Wednesday

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I discovered Waiting on Wednesday through dArLyN & bOoKs. Sound fun, so I thought I would give it a try. You can join in on the fun by either clicking on the picture beside this paragraph or by click this Breaking the Spine link. Happy Reading!!


This week's most anticipated pre-publication "can't-wait-to-read" selection is:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins (August 24th, 2010)


CAN NOT WAIT!!!

What did I recently finish reading?

Scar Night - Deepgate Codex book 1 by Alan Campbell
review tomorrow!!

What am I currently reading?

Skeleton Key - Alex Rider book 3 by Anthony Horowitz


What am I going to read next?

Iron Angel - Deepgate Codex book 2 by Alan Campbell

Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz

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Point Blank, book 2

Are you freaking serious! What a way to end the damn book!

I am really just getting into this series. It's fast paced and action packed. This book had some "yea right" moments but overall I really enjoyed it. I just can't believe how it ended! Sometimes reading at work sucks! I can't wait to start the next one.

Alex has definitely matured a bit in this one. Sure he sometimes let's the heat of the moment force his decision, but in the end he finally tells Mr. Blunt off. Which was really nice. There aren't really any other characters in this book. You briefly met a few others but they ate just people Alex meets in passing. He doesn't have any solid relationships in his life. Kinda feel sorry for the kid. He doesn't have anyone to talk to.

I kinda feel like the only thing missing from the books so far is Alex building relationships with other people. It kinda started one in this book, but then he shoot the girl with a sleeping dart. Who does that?

Time for the next book

Teaser Tuesday

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"There was a third shot as he sprinted down the corridor, and the window next to him shattered, glass showing down. Alex reached the stairs and took them three at a time, afraid that he would trip and break and ankle. But then he was at the bottom, heading for the main door, swerving only when he realized that he would make too easy a target as he crossed the school yard."

Point Blank Book Two of the Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz

Join Teaser Tuesdays at Should be Reading!

Dear John by Nicholas Sparks

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Have you seen the movie? The book is pretty much the same just longer and note details. I really enjoyed the story. Almost cried a couple of times, but I couldn't cause I was at work.

The book is written from johns perspective, its like his inner monologue. You don't know what any of the other characters are thinking. I really enjoyed watching John grow as an adult. His relationship with his father was the biggest growth and the thong the most the most in the movie.

I like how the whole book, wasn't a fairy-tale. It was reality. Everything that happened is so close to what would happen in real life, it was very refreshing. It also made me realize how important my relationship is with my other half. And the importance of talking and treating them right.

Nicholas Sparks really creates some fascinating tales.

Happy reading

FREE E-BOOKS!

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Seriously I had to share this!!

I found out about it on Femme Rational

Barnes & Noble
every Friday will be allowing certain classic books to be downloaded for free
this will from from TODAY to September 14

I don't know about you but I am putting it in my calender!
I love free books!

Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz

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Stormbreaker, Book 1

It was such a pleasure to read a non-vampire book. No biting or blood or "OOOooooh he's a hundred and two" Seriously didn't miss that!

Oh, I guess there was blood in this book!!

So... this book was something I have always imagined. Me, a young kid, suddenly becoming a spy and doing dangerous work, betting all odds and coming out on top. Shooting bad guys and saving millions of people's lives. AKA James Bond, but the female version! Of course this book was from the view of Alex Rider, who is definitely male. He's a young double 0 seven.

There was lots of action and I really enjoyed it. What I really enjoyed was some of the gadgets he got. Not crazy like James Bond impossible, but still a little out there. The plane thing was a little impractical, but it really worked for the story. I never know how to say what I am thinking without spoiling details. All in all though, can't wait to read the rest of the series!

Vampire Diaires by L.J. Smith

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The Vampire Dairies: The Return: Nightfall, book 1

I am kinda getting tired of the vampire genre. Need something different with no blood involved. That being said, this was still a pretty good book. I guess this us a SPOILER of sorts, but why can Elena just stay dead or just one type of thing. Let's see since the last book she's been vampire, dead, ghost, angel, human, devil and now she doesn't know what she is. It kinda just annoys me actually.

The beginning if the book started off so strong and I really enjoyed it. And then it got creepy weird and it never really got out of creepy weird. This is the last book of the series, but it didn't end that way. It was kinda nice that Stefan wasn't really in the story. He kinda frustrates me like Edward does in the Twilight books, though Stefan isn't as painful. While I like Damon hes just way to typical bad boy, who comes through once and a while.

Bonnie is still my favorite character. But she's bot really the main focus of the story. She does surprise me. I wonder at the mention of Aleric who is Meredith's boyfriend. Seemed pointless to bring him up and then him not actually be a character. Maybe that gets explained in the second series or whatever it is.

I want to say this one was my favorite, but I really didn't enjoy check last half of the book. The first 150 pages though, were fabulous.

Happy reading

Read-A-Thon

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FINAL UPDATE:

Total pages read today: 165
Total pages read during read-a-thon so far: 1007

I am so happy I finished 2 out of 3 of the books I wanted to read

I will probably finished Dear John tomorrow
reviews for all three to follow! (1, 2, & 3)

I am so glad I participated and can't wait until the next one.

Next time though. I am picking small books AND
participating in the mini-challenges.
I didn't this time as I felt I had no time at all to do anything.
All in all though I am happy with my progress.

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

And just Because

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Reading - Dear John,

"She smiled, flashing the small gap between her two front teeth. "Exactly. It can be coins or spoirts or politics or horses or music or faith ... the saddest people I've ever met in life are the ones who don't care deeply about anything at all. Passion and satisfaction go hand in hand, and without them, any happiness is only temporary, because there's nothing to make it last. I'd love to hear your dad talk about coins, because that's when you see a person at his best, and I've found that someone else's happiness is usually infectious." "

it's better than the movie and I'm only on page 70...

Read-A-Thon

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UPDATE:

I am soo proud of myself
I know it's a bit early to be saying that
BUT
I finished Stormbreaker!
The Alex Rider Series Book 1!!

I am beyond happy with a non-vampire book!
Review Friday!!

Read-A-Thon

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UPDATE:

FINISHED!!
review on Thursday after the Read-A-Thon

just waiting for Mr. to get my other books finalized and then hopefully I can start
Dear John or Stormbreaker!
Not sure which yet!

Happy Monday

Read-A-Thon

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is hosting a Read-A-Thon
Once Upon A Read-A-Thon
found out about it on Proud Book Nerd! Thanks for sharing
I have never done one.
So I hope to participate.
This is going to be hard as the Read-A-Thon is Mon, Tues, Wed
I work Mon plus have a workout/training session
I work Tues and Mr has the night off
I also work Wed and have another workout/training session.

BUT
I hope to read the following
(I already started it, but want to finish) and I want to start a new series... Maybe if I finish the above book in time I will read this one That's one book a day.

Fingers crossed I can do it!
Happy Reading!


Teaser Tuesday

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"Steady to his purpose, he scarcely spoke ten words to her through the whole of Saturday, and though they were at one time left by themselves for half-an-hour, he adhered to most conscientiously to his book, and would not even look at her"

Jane Austen - Pride and Prejudice - Chapter 12
see my Jane Austen Project for my notes!

Join Teaser Tuesdays here at Should Be Reading!

P.C. Cast Books

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So a couple months ago I was asked by a publisher to review a book series. When I received the books, I was pretty excited. Still, they were good books. However I have just figured out that the 5 books I got are actually 2 series AND in the one series there's a 4th book! So I have been spending the day updating all my posts and correcting errors. And I wanted to annouce the 4th book of the series.

the Finished Series is Partholon consisting of 2 books: Elphame's Choice (book 1) and Brighid's Quest (book 2)

The Unfinished Series is Divine consisting of 3 read books: Divine by Mistake (book 1), Divine by Choice (book 2) , and Divine by Blood (book 3) AND book 4 (haven't read it yet, so no review, but if you click the picture will take you to P.C. Cast page about the book)Happy Reading!!

Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

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Fragile Eternity, book 3

I actually finished this book a few days ago. I haven't felt like writing a review, mostly because I was actually kinda disappointed by this book. It didn't capture me like the first two. The story was great, the characters were great. But it was all from Seth's perspective and I just could not relate. Really I am a gal, and I have never been that obsessed with anyone, so it is almost impossible for me to understand where Seth was coming from.

However, I really enjoyed Naill. He has been my consisted favorite character through all three books. In this one he is a huge character, and he is just awesome!! And I actually kinda missed Leslie...

The ending of the book, sucked. It didn't actually end, it was more like a beginning. So I hope that means there will be a fourth book and I hope see. Must research to see if I can find such a thing.

Happy Reading. Sorry it isn't much of a review.

Once Upon A Time

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THE CHALLENGE... was to read
the fairy tales you grew up reading but from another view than Disney's version
Hosted by Crazy Book Slut

I've lost interest in Fairytales and moved straight into the Vampire Craze. Sad, but at this point true. If I happen to pick one up by the end of the year it will be a fluck. I still did pretty good in reading a few Fairytale stories. Let's see we had

5.
Wild Orchid a Retelling of "The Ballad of Mulan" by Cameron Dokey
see my review here
Wielding a sword as deftly as an embroidery needle, Mulan is unlike any other girl in China. When the emperor summons a great army, each family must send a male to fight. Tomboyish Mulan is determined to spare her aging father and bring her family honor, so she disguises herself and answers the call. But Mulan never expects to find a friend, let alone a soul mate, in the commander of her division, Prince Jian. For all of Mulan's courage with a bow and arrow, is she brave enough to share her true identity and feelings with Prince Jian

4.
Sunlight and Shadow (A Retelling of the Magic Flute) by Cameron Dokey
see my review here

In a time when the world was young and many things were quite commonplace that are now entirely forgotten, Sarastro, Mage of the Day, wed Pamina, the Queen of the Night. And in this way was the world complete, for light was joined to dark. For all time would they be joined together. Only the ending of the world could tear them apart. In other words, in the days in which my parents married, there was no such thing as divorce.... Thus begins the tale of Mina, a girl-child born on the longest night of the darkest month of the year. When her father looked at her, all he saw was what he feared: By birth, by name, by nature, she belonged to the Dark. So when Mina turned sixteen, her father took her away from shadow and brought her into sunlight. In retaliation, her mother lured a handsome prince into a deadly agreement: If he frees Mina, he can claim her as his bride. Now Mina and her prince must endure deadly trials -- of love and fate and family -- before they can truly live happily ever after...
3.
Belle (a Retelling of Beauty and the Beast) by Cameron Dokey
see my review here

Belle is convinced she has the wrong name, as she lacks her sisters' awe-inspiring beauty. So she withdraws from society, devoting her time to wood carving. Secretly, Belle longs to find the fabled Heartwood Tree. If carved by the right hands, the Heartwood will reveal the face of one's true love. During a fierce storm, Belle's father stumbles upon the mysterious Heartwood -- and encounters a terrifying and lonely Beast. Now Belle must carve the Heartwood to save her father, and learn to see not with the eyes of her mind, but with the eyes of her heart.
2.
The Storyteller's Daughter by Cameron Dokey
see my review here

Once upon a time, there lived a king whose heart was heavy. He had been betrayed by the woman he loved. Though the queen's schemes were discovered before she could deprive her husband of his life, her dying curse killed something deep within him: his ability to love and trust. And so he makes a terrible resolution: He will take a bride for one night only. In the morning she will face a horrible fate. Then he will choose another. Nothing can change his course, until one brave woman steps forward. Shahrazad, the Storyteller's Daughter. Steeped in the ancient art of her mother's people, Shahrazad embarks upon a perilous course. With words alone, she will seek to restore the king's heart. As she tells her tales a bond forms between them that neither can deny. But will it be strong enough to hold them together when unexpected danger erupts?
1.
Beauty Sleep by Cameron Dokey
see my review here

The Princess Aurore has had an unusual childhood. Cursed at birth, Aurore is fated to prick her finger at the age of sixteen and sleep for one hundred years -- until a prince awakens her with a kiss. So, to protect her, Aurore's loving parents forbid any task requiring a needle. Unable to sew or embroider like most little princesses, Aurore instead explores the castle grounds and beyond, where her warmth and generosity soon endear her to the townspeople. their devotion to the spirited princess grows as she does. On her sixteenth birthday, Aurore learns that the impending curse will harm not only her, but the entire kingdom as well. Unwilling to cause suffering, she will embark on a quest to end the evil magic. The princess's bravery will be rewarded as she finds adventure, enchantment, a handsome prince, and ultimately her destiny


I was just trying to decided which one was my favorite. I really have no idea. They are were pretty good. It was so nice to read a different version of the fairytales than I was use to. I had never heard of the Storyteller before. And I remember slightly of hearing The Magic Flute before. But it was a good refresher. I highly recommend them if your looking for light reading.

Happy Reading!

EReader Challenge

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When I decided to do this challenge, I am not sure what I was expecting. I think I figured the EReader would get use but I would barely just make it to 20 books. But here we are and here is my list of books read for the EReader Challenge!! Oh, before we get to the list. The Challenge was hosted by Royal Reviews, but moved at some point to Queen of Happy Endings.

January
1. Beauty Sleep by Cameron Dokey
2. The Storyteller's Daughter by Cameron Dokey
3. The Way of Shadows by Brent Weeks
4. Shadow's Edge by Brent Weeks
5. Beyond the Shadow's by Brent Weeks
6. Belle by Cameron Dokey
February
7. Sunlight and Shadow by Cameron Dokey
8. Wild Orchid by Cameron Dokey
9. Blood and Chocolate by Annette Curtis Klause
10. Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
11. Frostbite by Richelle Mead
March
12. Breaking Dawn by Stephenie Meyers
April
13. Shadow Kiss by Richelle Mead
14. Blood Promise by Richelle Mead
15. Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan
16. The Sea of Monsters by Rick Riordan
17. The Titan's Curse by Rick Riordan
18. The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
19. The Last of Olympian by Rick Riordan
20. The Hunter by L.J. Smith
21. The Chase by L.J. Smith
22. The Kill by L.J. Smith
June
23. The Awakening by L.J. Smith
24. The Struggle L.J. Smith
25. The Fury L.J. Smith
26. Dark Reunion by L.J. Smith
27. Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead
28. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr

I have decided seeing as I have hit "-- Obsessed – Read 20 E-Books." as they have written on the Challenge. To end my participation. I am definitely Obsessed with my EReader and will probably read at least double that by the end of the year. (Oh, and I didn't miss the month of May, I just didn't read from my EReader that month... strange)

Sweets and Hearts

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June Reading List
1. Brisingr by Christopher Paolini (Coworker)
2. The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins (Coworker)
3. Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins (Coworker)
4. The Awakening by L.J. Smith (EReader)
5. The Struggle by L.J. Smith (EReader)
6. The Fury by L.J. Smith (EReader)
7. Dark Reunion by L.J Smith (EReader)
8. Crazy Busy Beautiful by Carmindy (OWN)
9. Spirit Bound by Richelle Mead (EReader)
10. Wicked Lovely by Melissa Marr (EReader)


NEW MIX...

STATS!
Updating my Book Reading Goals/Challenges

MAIN GOAL
Read 200 books by Midnight December 31 2010
this is a two year goal started in 2009
find that goal post here
update - 107/200

SWEETS AND HEARTS
Read 100 in 1 year (2010)
49/100
oh and I just realized this is actually hosted by Home Girl's Book Blog
but I still like calling it Sweets and Hearts

JANE AUSTEN
6 in 1 year (2010)
December 1 2009 to November 30 2010
Northanger Abbey Complete - notes here
Emma ON BREAK - notes here
Pride and Predjudice - notes here

Challenges
Jane in June
From June 1st to June 30th 2010
PROGRESS - Failed.. will be posting more info on my Jane Austen Blog, but I am disappointed that I didn't read more.

Everything Jane Austen II
From July 1 2010 to January 1 2011
PROGRESS - starting off where I left off from the Jane in June Challenge

Once Upon a Time
From January 2010 to December 2010
Update Post TOMORROW!

EReader Challenge
From January 2010 to December 2010
Update Post TOMORROW!

Finish That Series
From January 2010 to December 2010
5 Completed Series
6 Unfinished
For Complete Detail please visit this Post

Vampire Diaries Challenge
From September 2009 to August 2010
4 books completed, one more to go, read about it here


not as good as I had hoped, but there's still lots of time!!