April
1. Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar (NetGalley)
2. Target by Stella Cameron (OWN)
3. The Magician's Nephew C.S. Lewis (OWN)
4. The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis (OWN)
5. The Horse and his Boy by C.S. Lewis (OWN)
6. Prince Caspian by C.S. Lewis (OWN)
7. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis (OWN)
8. The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis (OWN)
9. The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis (OWN)
10. Steam and Sorcery by Cindy Spencer Pape (NetGalley)
3 ReTold FairyTales - no change
8 The Classics Challenge - no change
5 Books off the Shelve Challenge
9 out of 5! Yup I majorly exceeded my goal on this one! And it's all because I decided to read The Chronicles of Narnia again.
103 Books in a Year/Out Do Yourself
37 out of 103
5 YA Historical Fiction Challenge - no change
24 Free Books Challenge
10 out of 24. I think I will exceed this one within the next three or four months
18 Contempts Challenge - no change
Steam & Sorcery by Cindy Spencer Pape
Publisher: Carina Press
Received from: NetGalley
Rating: 4
Cover Thoughts: eh not crazy for it
My Review:
Steampunk meets Fantasy including Vampires, Fairies, Werewolves, and lots of Magick!
My co-workers laughed at me because I told them I was reading a dirty book! They also said I should realize it would be semi dirty with a title like Steam & Sorcery, but obviously I did not think that when I grabbed it on NetGalley. While there were scenes that were a little much for me the story was very intriguing! I got really into it and finished in 24 hours. It's been since the end of last month since I was so into a book. It was a refreshing quick read. Not your typical Vampire story, which is exactly what I needed as I am tired of the typical vampire's that are out there.
I think my favorite character was Dorothy. I want to be exactly like her a strong amazing woman who says what she thinks when she thinks it and doesn't give a crap who is in the room. Second to that the mechanical dog was totally awesome!! I think the family picture would have been something fun to see!
All in all a great read and even though it was a little to graphic for me in parts I would read another book by Cindy any day.
The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
Book 7 of The Chronicles of Narnia
I challenged myself this week to read all 7 of the Narnia books!
The last book of the series. Also the saddest of the bunch and I want to say the most gruesome. This is a tale I did not enjoy as much as any of the other books. I think it's actually my least favorite out of them all. First Tirian is just not my favorite character. He reminds me of a selfish little boy who does not think. They mention that he has fought in great wars and yet he acts as if he has lived in peace all his days. Would things have turned out differently if he had gone back and gotten and army before confronting the Ape.
My favorite character is of course Jewel the Unicorn. How can a Unicorn not be your favorite. He is such a wonderful creature! Random Fact. Jewel the Unicorn told Jill Pole stories as they walked. One story
Well I can't believe I did it. I read all of the Narnia books in a very short period of time. I read them much quicker than the posts. As I only like to do one post a day on this blog :) But these were good books indeed and now back in my drawer they go probably until next year!
I challenged myself this week to read all 7 of the Narnia books!
The last book of the series. Also the saddest of the bunch and I want to say the most gruesome. This is a tale I did not enjoy as much as any of the other books. I think it's actually my least favorite out of them all. First Tirian is just not my favorite character. He reminds me of a selfish little boy who does not think. They mention that he has fought in great wars and yet he acts as if he has lived in peace all his days. Would things have turned out differently if he had gone back and gotten and army before confronting the Ape.
My favorite character is of course Jewel the Unicorn. How can a Unicorn not be your favorite. He is such a wonderful creature! Random Fact. Jewel the Unicorn told Jill Pole stories as they walked. One story
"He told how King Gale, who was ninth in descent from Frank the first of all Kings, had sailed far away into the Eastern seas and delivered the Lone Islanders from a dragon and how, in return, they had given him the Lone Islands to be part of the royal lands of Narnia forever." It's kinda nice having that question answered.I do like the ending were they all come together. What a site that would have been seeing Lord Digory, Lady Polly, High King Peter, King Edmund, Queen Lucy and of course King Eustance and Queen Jill, though I am confused how the last of the two became King and Queen. It's also nice that my favorite characters from books are brought back Cor and Aravis from the Horse and His Boy.
Well I can't believe I did it. I read all of the Narnia books in a very short period of time. I read them much quicker than the posts. As I only like to do one post a day on this blog :) But these were good books indeed and now back in my drawer they go probably until next year!
Waiting on Wednesday
A small side step to my Chronicles of Narnia Week. Just to share a great new book I can't wait for!
Release Date: September 13 2011
"These violent delights have violent ends
And in their triumph die, like fire and powder,
Which as they kiss consume."
—Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare
The most tragic love story in history . . .
Juliet Capulet didn't take her own life. She was murdered by the person she trusted most, her new husband, Romeo Montague, a sacrifice made to ensure his own immortality. But what Romeo didn't anticipate was that Juliet would be granted eternity, as well, and would become an agent for the Ambassadors of Light. For 700 years, she's fought Romeo for the souls of true lovers, struggling to preserve romantic love and the lives of the innocent. Until the day she meets someone she's forbidden to love, and Romeo, oh Romeo, will do everything in his power to destroy that love
Release Date: September 13 2011
Teaser Tuesdays
"None of that!" he shouted. "How dare you! Qhat do you mean by shoving a lot of filthy stable-litter in my face? There was a thistle in it too. It's like your sauce! And who are you, anyways?"
The Last Battle by C.S. Lewis
Book seven (the last one) of my blitz through the Chronicles of Narnia
Tuesdays are hosted by Should Be Reading, be sure to check out the other Teasers!!
The Silver Chair by C.S. Lewis
Book 6 of the Chronicles of Narnia
I challenged myself this week to read all 7of the Narnia books!
This one comes very close to being my favorite, but not quite there. There's not quite as much drama or advantage in this one as the rest. But I quite like Pole and Scrubb. It seems to me that I almost don't enjoy the story when the Pevensie kids are in it. Maybe because then there's too many characters.
I swear there is a movie about this or maybe my imagination is just that great. But I have seen the gaints house and what a house it is. Gaints are awfully ugly and it's quite entertaining when the children realize why they are there.
I don't know how Pole did so well being under ground. I hate small spaces and I think I would majorly freak out at least for the first 1 hour or so. Being under for so long would be despair. I LOVE the sun, it is when reason why winter bothers me so much. I don't see enough sun.
Rillian is quiet the character and I wish we read more advantages about him, it would be awesome to compare him to his father. I knew about his father in the beginning, but it still came as a great shock. AND the ending was very satisfying!
I can't believe I have one more book to go!
I challenged myself this week to read all 7of the Narnia books!
This one comes very close to being my favorite, but not quite there. There's not quite as much drama or advantage in this one as the rest. But I quite like Pole and Scrubb. It seems to me that I almost don't enjoy the story when the Pevensie kids are in it. Maybe because then there's too many characters.
I swear there is a movie about this or maybe my imagination is just that great. But I have seen the gaints house and what a house it is. Gaints are awfully ugly and it's quite entertaining when the children realize why they are there.
I don't know how Pole did so well being under ground. I hate small spaces and I think I would majorly freak out at least for the first 1 hour or so. Being under for so long would be despair. I LOVE the sun, it is when reason why winter bothers me so much. I don't see enough sun.
Rillian is quiet the character and I wish we read more advantages about him, it would be awesome to compare him to his father. I knew about his father in the beginning, but it still came as a great shock. AND the ending was very satisfying!
I can't believe I have one more book to go!
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader by C.S. Lewis
Book 5 of the Chronicles of Narnia
I challenged myself this week to read all 7 of the Narnia books!
I was starting to get the stories mixed up, so I made notes throughout reading this book. Such as the following:
"It is quite sad that Digory or Professor, as the Pevensie children call him, lost his big house. I wonder what happened to the wardrobe or the grumpy care taker?"
"C.S. Lewis compares the picture of the Dawn Treader in Lucy's room to the cinema. Did they have cinemas in his day? I didn't think so but now I'm curious. How would one resesarch that?"
"I wish in the movie they had stuck to the truth about Eustance's parents. He didn't say mother or father he said Alberta and Harold, because his parents were 'modernized'."
What to say, what to say. I really enjoyed this one. I think my favorite parts were when Caspian, Lucy, Edmund, and Reepicheep were captured and sold. Most interesting and the movie totally did it wrong. Completely wrong. It would have been much more interesting to me if they movie had stuck to the truth.
Oh and I am so happy that Caspian marries Ramunda. It just feels like the perfect ending.
Two more books to go!
I challenged myself this week to read all 7 of the Narnia books!
I was starting to get the stories mixed up, so I made notes throughout reading this book. Such as the following:
"It is quite sad that Digory or Professor, as the Pevensie children call him, lost his big house. I wonder what happened to the wardrobe or the grumpy care taker?"
"C.S. Lewis compares the picture of the Dawn Treader in Lucy's room to the cinema. Did they have cinemas in his day? I didn't think so but now I'm curious. How would one resesarch that?"
"I wish in the movie they had stuck to the truth about Eustance's parents. He didn't say mother or father he said Alberta and Harold, because his parents were 'modernized'."
What to say, what to say. I really enjoyed this one. I think my favorite parts were when Caspian, Lucy, Edmund, and Reepicheep were captured and sold. Most interesting and the movie totally did it wrong. Completely wrong. It would have been much more interesting to me if they movie had stuck to the truth.
Oh and I am so happy that Caspian marries Ramunda. It just feels like the perfect ending.
Two more books to go!
Prince Caspain by C.S. Lewis
Book 4 of the Chronicles of Nania
I challenged myself to read all 7 of the Narnia books!
I think it always takes reading the book to realize how disappointing the movie was/is. I actually though the movie was awesome and then I reread the book. They missed so much!
Aslan, Lucy, and Susan aren't really there until the very end of the last battle. And there isn't any attack on Miraz's city.
The whole time reading the book all I could think was how much I did not like Susan. I am not sure why, but I really really did not like her. She is very whiny. Her attitude towards Lucy was frustrating especially when Lucy said she saw Aslan and no one would believe her, except Edmund.
I think while blitzing through the series is fun. I am also starting to blend the stories together!! But oh well! I will continue on!!
I challenged myself to read all 7 of the Narnia books!
I think it always takes reading the book to realize how disappointing the movie was/is. I actually though the movie was awesome and then I reread the book. They missed so much!
Aslan, Lucy, and Susan aren't really there until the very end of the last battle. And there isn't any attack on Miraz's city.
The whole time reading the book all I could think was how much I did not like Susan. I am not sure why, but I really really did not like her. She is very whiny. Her attitude towards Lucy was frustrating especially when Lucy said she saw Aslan and no one would believe her, except Edmund.
I think while blitzing through the series is fun. I am also starting to blend the stories together!! But oh well! I will continue on!!
The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis
Book 3 of The Chronicles of Narnia
I challenged myself this week to read all 7 of the Narnia books!
This book as with the first of the series has never been made into a movie. At least not to my knowledge. And that is sad. I think The Horse and His Boy is my favorite story. One of the main reasons for that is the per humor in it. It's just hilarious! In my opinion. I am not a big laughy laugh person, but I really enjoy this book for it's laugh moments. If that makes any sense at all.
Anyways one of my favorite parts of the book is the following.
Yup I definitely think this is my favorite out of all the books in the series!
Off to read book 4! and we will see if this is still my favorite by the time I hit book seven!!
I challenged myself this week to read all 7 of the Narnia books!
This book as with the first of the series has never been made into a movie. At least not to my knowledge. And that is sad. I think The Horse and His Boy is my favorite story. One of the main reasons for that is the per humor in it. It's just hilarious! In my opinion. I am not a big laughy laugh person, but I really enjoy this book for it's laugh moments. If that makes any sense at all.
Anyways one of my favorite parts of the book is the following.
"Aravis also had many quarrels (and, I'm afraid, even fights) with Cor, but they always made it up again: so that years later, when they were grown up, they were so used to quarreling and making up again that they got married so to go on doing it more conveniently."
Yup I definitely think this is my favorite out of all the books in the series!
Off to read book 4! and we will see if this is still my favorite by the time I hit book seven!!
The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis
Book 2 of the Chronicles of Narnia
I challenged myself this week to read all 7of the Narnia books!
How did C.S. Lewis become such a great writer. I am very surprised actually by the simplicity of the language used in the Narnian books. They aren't complicated or anything no big words. Actually in this book in particular the only word that semi confused me was "celandines" which is the picture beside this paragraph.
There are so many details in this book that are missing in the movie. It was so nice to read and get the truth. If that makes sense. Sometimes it feels like movies just change things so that things are more dramatic. Where the book is never quite like that. For example, in the beginning the first time Lucy discovers Narnia they aren't playing hide and seek but exploring the house due to the rain. The second time and when Edmund comes with her, is when they are playing hide and seek.
I love C.S. Lewis' little notes he throws in there. He will randomly throw in a sentence that makes it feel like someone is telling you the story, instead of reading it. Like when he says
I am really enjoying this series. Such a good light read!
Happy Reading!
I challenged myself this week to read all 7of the Narnia books!
There are so many details in this book that are missing in the movie. It was so nice to read and get the truth. If that makes sense. Sometimes it feels like movies just change things so that things are more dramatic. Where the book is never quite like that. For example, in the beginning the first time Lucy discovers Narnia they aren't playing hide and seek but exploring the house due to the rain. The second time and when Edmund comes with her, is when they are playing hide and seek.
I love C.S. Lewis' little notes he throws in there. He will randomly throw in a sentence that makes it feel like someone is telling you the story, instead of reading it. Like when he says
"and other creatures whom I won't describe because if I did the grown-ups would probably not let you read this book."
I am really enjoying this series. Such a good light read!
Happy Reading!
The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
Book 1 of the Chronicles of Narnia
I challenged myself this week to read all 7 of the Narnia books!
It's funny the details you forget and remember after reading a book so many times. I forgot about the rings, Uncle Andrew's cruelty and how our main characters even stumbled upon Uncle Andrew. I remember the Charn hall and the glorious statues, Aslan's amazing song, and Uncle Andrew's treatment from the animals of Narnia. How could you forgot about him sitting on thorns after having a honeycomb thrown at him.
At the beginning of my copy of The Magician's Nephew is a Cast of Characters.
DIGORY KIRKE. "If it were not for Digory's courage, we might never have heard of Narnia."
POLLY PLUMMER. "Polly is the first person to leave our word"
and
JADIS. "The last Queen of Charn, which she herself destroyed. Jadis arrives in Narnia with Digory and Olly in the Magician's Nephew and has taken over the land as the White Witch."
I had forgotten about where the White Witch came from. Her history, I am most curious about, was her sister really evil or was she trying to stop Jadis from doing exactly what she did.
Well, I am off to read the next book in line!
I challenged myself this week to read all 7 of the Narnia books!
It's funny the details you forget and remember after reading a book so many times. I forgot about the rings, Uncle Andrew's cruelty and how our main characters even stumbled upon Uncle Andrew. I remember the Charn hall and the glorious statues, Aslan's amazing song, and Uncle Andrew's treatment from the animals of Narnia. How could you forgot about him sitting on thorns after having a honeycomb thrown at him.
At the beginning of my copy of The Magician's Nephew is a Cast of Characters.
DIGORY KIRKE. "If it were not for Digory's courage, we might never have heard of Narnia."
POLLY PLUMMER. "Polly is the first person to leave our word"
and
JADIS. "The last Queen of Charn, which she herself destroyed. Jadis arrives in Narnia with Digory and Olly in the Magician's Nephew and has taken over the land as the White Witch."
I had forgotten about where the White Witch came from. Her history, I am most curious about, was her sister really evil or was she trying to stop Jadis from doing exactly what she did.
Well, I am off to read the next book in line!
Teaser Tuesdays
" "Well, it's all over, anyways," said Digory.And both thought it was; but they had never been more mistaken in their lives
The Magician's Nephew by C.S. Lewis
Book one of my blitz through the Chronicles of Narnia
Tuesdays are hosted by Should Be Reading, be sure to check out the other Teasers!!
the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis
One of my favorite books as a child was the Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis. 7 amazing classic books, I highly recommend everyone to read. I have read them countless times. Recently The Voyage of the Dawn Treader was release in movie form, so I decided to blitz through all three movies on the weekend.
The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe
watching this movie I still compare it to a version I saw when I was 9 or 10 at a friends house. I have never been able to find that version again, but I do remember the Lion aka Aslan being much scarier in it then this version. But overall they still did a great job on the movie
Prince Caspian
Reepicheep is my favorite character ever and it was fabulous to see him come alive, even if he did remind me of Puss in Boots from Shrek.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
WOW, from what I remember this movie follows the book exactly! I loved it. I watched it twice in the same day. Once by myself and then with Mr. Great movie, would have loved to have seen it in 3D and big screen! Though I hate the cover. To much Aslan and way to similar to the first movie cover.
Now you are probably wondering why there is a movie post on a book blog! I have decided this week to blitz through the entire book series. They are small books and easy to finish in one sitting. And so that is my goal for the week!! With of course a Teaser Tuesday in there too!
Happy Reading!
The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe
watching this movie I still compare it to a version I saw when I was 9 or 10 at a friends house. I have never been able to find that version again, but I do remember the Lion aka Aslan being much scarier in it then this version. But overall they still did a great job on the movie
Reepicheep is my favorite character ever and it was fabulous to see him come alive, even if he did remind me of Puss in Boots from Shrek.
The Voyage of the Dawn Treader
WOW, from what I remember this movie follows the book exactly! I loved it. I watched it twice in the same day. Once by myself and then with Mr. Great movie, would have loved to have seen it in 3D and big screen! Though I hate the cover. To much Aslan and way to similar to the first movie cover.
Now you are probably wondering why there is a movie post on a book blog! I have decided this week to blitz through the entire book series. They are small books and easy to finish in one sitting. And so that is my goal for the week!! With of course a Teaser Tuesday in there too!
Happy Reading!
Target by Stella Cameron
NOTE:
Mr. fixed my EReader and my MP3 player two days later!! Thank goodness for amazing boyfriends!!
Target
"...chilling suspense and red-hot romance." - Tess Gerritsen
While what Tess wrote on the front of the book isn't completely accurate, it is what the book was suppose to be. I didn't really feel any suspense, but there was definitely some chilling moments. The red-hot romance I could definitely have done without, but it was there.
It was really hard to get into this book. I struggled with reading it. But I did want to know the end. I really really wanted to know what Mary wrote in the letter to Nick, which you don't actually get to find out until the last two pages! I also wanted to know Sarah and Aurelie's big secret and was very disappointed when I learned what their secret was. It was so under dramatic. I was expecting something way better, especially for how much build up there was.
All in all I think I am disappointed in the book. It didn't turn out as great as I thought it was building up to. I expected more.
The strangest part is that I got this book from Mr.'s Grandpa, who neither of us took to read such stories.
Mr. fixed my EReader and my MP3 player two days later!! Thank goodness for amazing boyfriends!!
Target
"...chilling suspense and red-hot romance." - Tess Gerritsen
While what Tess wrote on the front of the book isn't completely accurate, it is what the book was suppose to be. I didn't really feel any suspense, but there was definitely some chilling moments. The red-hot romance I could definitely have done without, but it was there.
It was really hard to get into this book. I struggled with reading it. But I did want to know the end. I really really wanted to know what Mary wrote in the letter to Nick, which you don't actually get to find out until the last two pages! I also wanted to know Sarah and Aurelie's big secret and was very disappointed when I learned what their secret was. It was so under dramatic. I was expecting something way better, especially for how much build up there was.
All in all I think I am disappointed in the book. It didn't turn out as great as I thought it was building up to. I expected more.
The strangest part is that I got this book from Mr.'s Grandpa, who neither of us took to read such stories.
Teaser Tuesday
Been a while since I've posted anything. I started reading this last night. I haven't read anything since I finished Pearl in the Sand. Which is super weird for me. I broke my EReader, MP3 player, and crash a computer on the weekend... yea
Tuesday Tuesday... :)
Target by Stella Cameron
Tuesdays are hosted by Should Be Reading, be sure to check out the other Teasers!!
"Just let me spit this out. Today they announced there weren't enough bones in that mine."
Target by Stella Cameron
Tuesdays are hosted by Should Be Reading, be sure to check out the other Teasers!!
Book Club
Book Club was Friday. I went off with a co-worker. Before we headed out we hit her house. And my blog came up in conversation. She asked if she could see it and of course the post she pulls up says
Which is kinda mean to her. So I explained a little. I don't want to just be co-workers or book club buddies. I wanna be friends and hang out. Do stuff and actually get to know the girl. She was pretty cool with that answer and then we had allot of fun just getting to know each other.
BOOK CLUB came after our little visit.
The gal who hosted it had a gorgeous little house. She had an old indian type couch, the gold frame and green with gold design. It was beautiful. She had old tea cups from her grandmother that she served us tea in.
The food was amazing three different types of dips for a variety of vegetables. Tons of fruit with dip too and then she had yummy desert. Her whole house was just sent up so nicely.
Anyways in the end, it was decided that I would be hosting the next book club. But we are semi themeing it. I am totally not cool with hosting it at my house. The girls in book club besides my co-worker who drives with me are all much older and completely set up in their beautiful houses and I still feel like a I am living in a college student house.
So the theme - we are eating at the Sultan's Tent, which is a Moroccan Restaurant. And I need ideas!! A Moroccan based book! I want it to be perfect. Fingers crossed I can play this all out.
"I am not sure if I like going to book club with this co-worker though because now we mostly talk and %$#& about work, which isn't cool."
Which is kinda mean to her. So I explained a little. I don't want to just be co-workers or book club buddies. I wanna be friends and hang out. Do stuff and actually get to know the girl. She was pretty cool with that answer and then we had allot of fun just getting to know each other.
BOOK CLUB came after our little visit.
The gal who hosted it had a gorgeous little house. She had an old indian type couch, the gold frame and green with gold design. It was beautiful. She had old tea cups from her grandmother that she served us tea in.
The food was amazing three different types of dips for a variety of vegetables. Tons of fruit with dip too and then she had yummy desert. Her whole house was just sent up so nicely.
Anyways in the end, it was decided that I would be hosting the next book club. But we are semi themeing it. I am totally not cool with hosting it at my house. The girls in book club besides my co-worker who drives with me are all much older and completely set up in their beautiful houses and I still feel like a I am living in a college student house.
So the theme - we are eating at the Sultan's Tent, which is a Moroccan Restaurant. And I need ideas!! A Moroccan based book! I want it to be perfect. Fingers crossed I can play this all out.
Pearl in the Sand by Tessa Afshar
Publisher: Moody Publishers
Received from: NetGalley
Rating: 4
Cover Thoughts: Just okay. I think I would have like it allot more if Solome wasn't on the bottom. If they just cut that part off. I like the significance of the string on the cover though.
My Review: Thoughts...
Can a Canaanite harlot who has made her livelihood by looking desirable to men make a fitting wife for one of the leaders of Israel? Shockingly, the Bible’s answer is yes. At the age of fifteen Rahab is forced into prostitution by her beloved father. In her years as a courtesan, she learns to mistrust men and hate herself. Into the emotional turmoil of her world walks Salmone, a respected leader of Judah. Through the tribulations of a stormy relationship, Rahab and Salmone learn the true source of one another’s worth in God and find healing from fear and rejection.I avoid reading another religious. Mostly due to I don't like the preachy preachness of the story. In this story God was just built into it so well. He was just another normal character and not turned into a big deal. The author didn't try to convince you into converting, she just told you how it was. It was fascinating learning the history of the walls of Jericho from the perspective of a woman.
Rahab strength through out the story is amazing. To have the courage to do what her father asks and put guidelines around it, to minimize her sin is unbelievable. I really enjoyed the whole story.
I will definitely read another book by Tessa Afshar
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