Scars by Cheryl Rainfield

Kendra, fifteen, hasn't felt safe since she began to recall devastating memories of childhood sexual abuse, especially because she still can't remember the most important detail-- her abuser's identity. Frightened, Kendra believes someone is always watching and following her, leaving menacing messages only she understands. If she lets her guard down even for a minute, it could cost Kendra her life. To relieve the pressure, Kendra cuts; aside from her brilliantly expressive artwork, it's her only way of coping. Since her own mother is too self-absorbed to hear her cries for help, Kendra finds support in others instead: from her therapist and her art teacher, from Sandy, the close family friend who encourages her artwork, and from Meghan, the classmate who's becoming a friend and maybe more. But the truth about Kendra's abuse is just waiting to explode, with startling unforeseen consequences. Scars is the unforgettable story of one girl's frightening path to the truth.

Scars is a book I just can not review. It is to emotional and touching, I could not do it justice.

Instead you should read Proud Book Nerd's review of it.

And while I may not fully relate this line to my mom. I just really got what she said and I could never put it this well. 

I've stopped hoping that Mom'll be the way I need her to be. I just don't think she can. In fact, I've given up expecting anything from her at all.
And though there's such sadness inside me, there's a lot of relief, too. Because I know who I can turn to whenever I need comforting, help, or love. I know it won't be Mom, and I'm actually okay with it now. 

Her Daughter's Eyes by Jessica Barksdale Inclan

Her Daughter's Eyes had me from the start and I knew it was one of those books that I won't be able to put down because it was just to much of an emotional roller-coaster. This is a wonderfully written story from many different perspectives.

I think Meera as odd as it is would be my favourite character. I expected her to be an evil mean adult but instead she took a horrible surprise that will destroy her life and takes care of the girls. She does what needs to be done, the right thing to do and what should have been done immediately. She doesn't think about the consequence of doing the right thing or the backlash on her family. It's amazing how she was so emotional in her head but study and strong on the outside.

Tyler would be my next favourite. Other than her name is horrendous, she is the strongest character in the book. She does everything and when she is finally allowed and able to fall apart and act like the 12 year old she should be, she fights for her sister instead.

I balled through the entire story. It's amazing to me how Jessica made you feel like what Sanjay did was justified even though he knew and we know it is wrong. But in his twisted own way it wasn't.

I don't know if this is based on fact or what but I just really hope that Kate comes to find real love for who she is and not what she has previously experienced.

A emotional book to end the month with.

City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare

The Mortal Instruments Book 5

I hate when a book gets released it's always in hard cover first and then you have to wait a year to get it in soft cover and HOPE that they make it the same size and such as your other copies of the series. I have the first three of the Mortal Instruments but not book four or book five and I have to wait for those to get released in soft cover. I refuse to have mixed series. That is why I am very lucky that I have a good friend who buys all the hard covers and then lends them to me.

From what I remember of this series, I was tired and disappointed in it. But I still wanted more. Book five is not the final book! But it was sure good. I read it in one day. Took me about 10 hours or so. And in the end I am not really sure what to say about it.

I still love Simon, he is my favourite character. Then Magnus, now he is an awesome character. I wish there was a whole series dedicated to him. Clary is still kinda irritating but less so than before and I think that's because she actually fights for herself and doesn't have to be rescued all the damn time. She stops letting people protect her and starts protecting herself. Sebastian, is most interesting, I really like him even though you knew when the big battle happened you would end up hating him. I feel sorry for him and his twisted version of life.

Quote

"You play D and D. You're a geek," she corrected him fondly.

"Geek is chic," Simon declared. "ladies love nerds."

Happy Reading :)
Oh and side note: I hate the cover, hate it. 

A Series of Unfortunate Events

The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Another book recommended by Ky and Lindz. I just hadn't realize that the book was so small, I read it in under two hours. What I also didn't realize was how hilarious the book would be.

The Baudelaire Children find themselves orphans and in a horrible situation. I am sure you have all heard the story or at least seen the movie. I think that Sunny was my favorite character. First she had to look at books about teeth and the best thing you know about her is that she likes to bit people's hands. If it's a soft bite she likes you. I am curious to exactly how old Sunny is. But here's a quote and off I am to read another book

For instance, this morning she was saying "Gack!" over and over, which probably meant, "Look at that mysterious figure emerging from the fog!"

Oh and I find it interesting how the author explains words, like perished and repulsive.


Happy Reading

The Demonata #10

Hell's Heroes by Darren Shan

SPOILER ALERT
The End...
The Final Battle, the final book, the chapter closed

"Once we're all strapped in, we take off. Curly and Moe howl happoly and stick their heads out of the windows. As much as they hate planes, they love helicopters. Werewolves-go figure!"

Shark does come back for a bit. I treated him like I did Dervish and that's as if they never aged like Kernal. Except I forgot that Kernal had stayed in more in Demon Worlds than on Earth while Dervish and Shark stayed on Earth and aged. They got old and frail and their bodies stopped being able to handle the stress of being a disciple. Each came to an end, both very fitting.

Bo from Slawter makes a small appearance. That makes me happy, as much as I hadn't really thought about her, it's nice that she was included in the end.


I like the use of the werewolves. They were the comic-relief in an otherwise gruesome book. I like the part where Grubbs is searching for a worm and his guard dog comes along only to find a sandwich and eat that while Grubbs fights! This is a good quote of one of those comic-relief moments.

"Curly and Moe start to follow. Then Moe splashes Curly. She yelps and splashes him back. Within moments they're involved in a water fight, rolling around, wrestling and dunking each other, barking like a pair of puppies."

Some of the questions I asked in my book nine review.... yes Dervish dies but in a peaceful way. Yes Bec is bad but in the end she's not and it's all for the good of mankind.

Final thoughts:
In the book 4 - Bec. Christians are new to the world and slowly converting people. Bec's tribe isn't overly happy with this because it is taking the magic out of the world. And coming from a very heavy Christian background seeing/hearing that from the other side is an interesting perspective. I can totally understand people being offended by the Christians and them 'taking over the world'

And that brings me to the Big Bang Theory. Something this series has casually mentioned but fully explores in book 10. The Big Bang Theory is something odd for me, I never was taught it and it has been ingrained in me that it's totally wrong and their a bunch of coots. So reading about it was fascinating but weird at the same time. And leaves me ending this series... confused I guess. I am not really sure what to think.

It's all very interesting. I think I am being directed towards books that will cause me to think and actually make up my mind on what I believe. Which is also a very interesting thought.

All in all I really enjoyed this series and am buying the original cover ones off of Book Depository.

Happy Reading!

The Demonata #9

Dark Calling by Darren Shan

The bad thing about writing a review a couple hours after you finish a book on a series that you've been loving so much that your blitzing it... everything runs together.

SPOILER ALERT.

The Kuh-Gash, I find it most interesting that it speaks to Grubbs, Bec, and Kernal in different ways and that they all have different functions.

The Ark, seems like a lame way to get out of the battle but doesn't actually help. Honestly the ark would just allow Kernal to avoid battle for a few years and then he would have to face The Shadow alone without his friends or the Kuh-Gash and by then The Shadow would be way bigger. Why not face it when he has the most support.

I just can't really review a book that didn't really answer any questions but just filled in  things. Like they can use the Kuh-Gash but there's no way they can control it without reversing all time. So now I just have questions

Does Bec betray the group?

Is Juni finally dead? She's only been killed three other times so far.

When did Grubbs become such an ass and is it bad that I still really like him and this new bad ass side!

Does Dervish live? Fingers Crossed!!! Oh and there was no Shark in this book :(

And now off to read the tenth and final book!

Teaser Tuesday

"Lord Loss sows all the sorrows of the world

Lord Loss seeds the grief starched trees

In the center of the web, lowly Lord Loss bows his head

Mangled hands, naked eyes

Fanged snakes his soul lined

Curled inside like textured sin

Bloody, curdled sheets for skin

In the center of the web, vile Lord Loss torments the dead

Over strands of red, Lord loss crawls

Dispensing pain, despising all

Shuns friends, nurtures foes

Ravages hope, breeds woe

Drinks moons, devours suns

Twirls his thumbs till the reaper comes

In the center of the web, lush Lord Loss is all that's left."

Hell's Heroes by Darren Shan 

The Demonata #10

Review of nine on Wednesday, review of ten on Thursday

The Demonata #8

Wolf Island by Darren Shan

SPOILER ALERT:

It's the End of the World as We Know It (and I feel fine) I had this song stuck in my head for the last half of the book. In my mind it just suited the book. I don't usually get songs stuck in my head while reading and I very rarely listen to music while reading but I was humming this tune most of the way through the book.

I have to say I enjoyed this story! Much better than Demon Apocalypse even though that one was about Bec. It had Zombies and while Zombies don't bother me as much as they use to, I am still not a fan of them. This book had Werewolves! And I love werewolves!!

"Oh. I thought it was that you were a metre taller, a hell of a lot broader, look like a werewolf and are naked except for that bit of cloth around your waist. But you're right-it's the hair"

Grubbs finally comes at peace with all of himself and he takes charge and becomes a leader. A very good one too.


I don't really want to say much more! I love my little quotes! They are fun! Oh I am very glad that Dervish is up for one more battle and that Shark will be there somewhere too!! Fingers crossed we see more of Kernal

Favourite Quote

"That's OK," she says. "You sleepwalked into my room last night and did a dance on my rug. I saw it all then."

I stare at her, more horrified than I've been in the face of any demon. Then she winks wickedly and racees out of the room before I batter her to death with a pillow.

The Demonata #7

Deaths Shadow by Darren Shan

"Now quit stalling, get up there and put him in his place. And remember," she grins, "he's only a man. They're the inferior half of the species. He'll be putty in your hands."

I loved this book and totally hated it. There are so many good quotes

A paranoid person has one escape route, easy to spot if your foe has a keen eye. But a real paranoia freak always has a second, less obvious way out."

The reason I love the book is 
1. Bec is in it and she is awesome! I love her new power
2. Meera loves Dervish!
3. Dervish is almost back to his self that I love, as in the Dervish from book two with spikes and everything. 

He's also given himself a full head of silver hair and stuck it up in six long, purple-tipped spikes. 

4. We get back story on Beranabus and that is awesome. No quotes for him but the Minotaur put is very interesting.
5. There are interesting notes made by Bec about demons

One thing about demons-they love to spit acid.

6. I like the commentary before fights... usually it annoys me like in episodes of Bleach but Deaths Shadow has an interesting take on it. 

"Don't knowck the insults," Dervish growls. "This is the best part of a fight. If you don't get the digs in at the beginning, there'll be no time later."

The Demonata #6

Demon Apocalypse by Darren Shan

You know I have read many books about life after the apocalypse and many about life leading too. But maybe only one other book that I've read has ever described it while it's happening.

This review does contain spoilers from the first 5 books of the series, so if you haven't read them maybe don't continue reading this review.

Beranabus is Bran! Who knew. I had been hoping for it but I didn't hold out for it to be true! But it is and that makes me so happy! It also really makes me want to know more about his story and how he became the person we read about in the later books compared to him in book four Bec.

Time Travel... It seems like a convenient save to the hero's story. I don't like the time loop but it works. I also like that the chances of one person being that powerful is very slim and it took three to do it the first time.

Bec... GROSS took over Bill-E's body. Very disturbing. But boy do I want more! How does she find the twentieth century? How does she adapt?

I love that the books are so short! Easy quick reads taking less than a day each!

The Demonata #5

Blood Beast by Darren Shan

GAH!!! Why do I read... I hate books with horrendous endings! After book three being a complete bore and book four a completely different set of characters this book was a complete surprise!

And I am totally not happy with the ending :(

Loch... he frustrated me and annoyed me and I am okay with the way his story ended.

Bill-E... I really hope what was mentioned in the end didn't happen. That would be really bad.

Darvish... him falling in love! So nice. So refreshing and so very short.

Juni... ummm wow

And I finished this book at 1 in the morning... but I am totally not waiting to start the next book. It just ends! In the middle of a battle! Like it was a manga or something! Actually this whole series for how short the books are really reminds me of a manga series.

The Demonata #4

Bec by Darren Shan


The third book in the series has none of the characters from the first two. At first that kinda annoyed me cause my favourite character is Darvish and I wanted more of him, but then I feel in love with Bec, Bran and Goll.

And as much as the characters weren't the same we get more background on the ones in the first two books. For example we come to know how Grubbs family curse came about. And how Lord Loss became interested in Chess. I find these facts most interesting when you take all the books as a whole. Darren Shan is really good a weaving the story so that everything while seems unconnected is still connected with references. Vein, one of the most disturbing characters so far is one consistent character and one that will drive me crazy I am sure as I continue reading the series.

But I am off topic again! Back to

"Bec. It means 'Little One'. It's what Goll called me when he first found me I was proud of the name. It was the only thing I owned, something nobody could ever take from me"

At first I wonder if this book was taking place in another dimension but the more I read the more I feel the book takes place in the stone age or something.

Bec is my favourite character because of how she talks about herself. Totally unsure but always does the right thing. Typical main character, has some many bad things working against her. I did not expect how it ended, it was shocking and I am annoyed at it, but it fits, maybe. I haven't actually decided yet... I will probably decide later... have to see how the story continues

Bran I loved his ability and I want a clear explanation. Is he handicapped? Why can he make the demons respond that way? Where did he come from? How old is he?

Goll what a funny old man!!

The most interesting part of the book was the talk of Christians. 

"Christians are new to our land, but already it's hard to imagine a time when they weren't here. They've spread as fast as rabbits, bringing their churches and unnatural ways into tuath after tuath, converting everyone they encounter. I've never met a Christian but from what I've heard they're powerful and persuasive, with no tolerance for other ways of thinking. They believe all people should follow their faith, that no gods are real except their own.
The Threat of Christians was a major worry for us before the Fomorii came. Even though we were far removed from any of the infected tuatha, we knew we couldn't hope to avoid them forever."

Darren Shan has some interesting thoughts on Christians. And this makes me really wish I could just do my research and decide once and for all where I stand in the world.

Teaser Tuesday

"I'm going home to get ready. And you boys..." She wrinkles her nose and pulls a face. "Ever heard of showers?"
She leaves. I look around at Loch, Frank and Leon. They stare back. Then we all raise and arm and sniff.

Blood Beast by Darren Shan, The Demonata #5 (review on Thursday)

The Demonata #3

Slawter by Darren Shan

So I messed up on the books. I read Bec before Slawter... book four before book three. It threw me off a little. I enjoyed Bec so much more than Slawter. It was hard getting back into the minds of Grubbs, Bill-E, and Darvish.

Darvish was the hardest one because he wasn't himself. He was old and worn out.

This book did not have enough action allot was just build up. Build up to the final battle which was fantastic, but very brutal and mostly consisted of fighting and not enough thinking. I don't know the story was just to slow for me.

I want to know more about Juni and what she did to Chuni?
I want to know how Grubbs hid it and what happens.
Does Grubbs ever met the man who started the Disciples?

So I am off to read book five! Review of book for is on Wednesday. (Teaser Tuesday is gonna be of book 5)

Happy Reading

The Demonata #2

Demon Thief by Darren Shan

"I think some parents shouldn't be allowed to name their kids. There should be a committee to forbid names which will cause problems later. I mean, even without the lights, what chance did I have of fitting in with any normal crowd with a name like Kernel - Cornelius - Fleck!"

Book Two has different characters than book one did. Except for one. And that one character is most definitely my favourite of all characters and I hope to see more of him soon! I am totally not going to say who it is though!


I am discovering that calling this story a horror story, isn't really accurate. Sure there's blood and guts, and kills, but overall horror doesn't fit. It's not bone-chilling or Freddy Krueger, thank goodness! And that would be why I am really enjoying these! This book was only 110 pages long and it was action packed, fast moving, and fantastic.


Kernel is a most interesting character. His thought process and way of grieving is unique. I also find it very strange how his parents decided to handle it. Lord Loss kinda reminds me of the Shinigami from Death Note. How they become obsessed with something, Ryuk bored drops a notebook for entertainment. Lord Loss for entertainment allows something to happen because he wants to see what will happen. I most did not expect the twist in the end, but it makes allot more sense than anything else. 


I really wonder if we will see more of Art.


But I can't wait or debate book two any longer! I am off to find book three!!

The Demonata #1

Lord Loss by Darren Shan

I was recommended this book by Ky and Lindz. I should have known than at the time that they both enjoy horror movies and their book taste would be along the same lines. I don't ever read horror. Putting rat guts on his sister's towel is totally inexcusable and I can't believe his parents only grounded him for it. That said, while I won't be reading this book at night I still really enjoy the story.

Grubbs Grady is an interesting character. I am not use to reading a book from a male protagonist perspective. Actually I can count on one hand how many male protagonist books I have read Alex Rider Series by Anthony Horowitz and Percy Jackson and the Olympians by Rick Riordan. There's maybe one or two that I can't remember but those are definitely the main ones. And neither are horror.


I think what I liked about this series is it was unique and a topic that I haven't seen much of aka Demons. Actually the last good demon books I read was written by Frank Peretti, who's books I now struggle to read because of how preachy they are. The difference between the two though is Frank Peretti's books always felt real. Like that could happen. Where the Demonata series does not, so as much as their is horror I can disassociate it from reality. 


If that makes sense. This isn't a very good book review. The book according to my EReader was only a 105 pages, which is the smallest book I've read in a while. So I am off to see how small/big book two is. 


Happy Reading, thanks for dropping by. 

Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore

Bitterblue is a book I have been waiting for forever! I first heard about it October 7 2010. I did first reviews and second reviews for both books because I couldn't stop myself I had to read them again. It's actually pretty strange and I didn't plan it but I found out the release date of Bitterblue exactly one year after I first wrote about wanting to read it!! Kristin is definitely my favorite author! And I am so happy that I have finally read Bitterblue!!

CAUTION: If you haven't read the first to books of the Graceling Realm beware of spoilers below. 

"The things you want?" Bitterblue repeated acidly. "is that what it's about: things you want? What are these things?"
"Someone who can bear the grievousness of my company, to start with, I'm afraid I insist upon it."

Bitterblue is 18 now and trying to understand the world around her.

The thing that made me most happy in this book was seeing some of my favourite characters a little older and how their relationships have changed. For example Po and Katsa, their love is powerful and strong and it's most interesting watching it from Bitterblue's. Bitterblue hasn't seen any good relationships, her examples of relationships are her parents and look how that turned out! I understand her fascination with Po and Katsa love because I am the same way, while my father didn't kill my mother, my parents relationship is one I want nothing to have. And there's so many other more subtle examples of good relationships Bann and Raffin, Fire and Brigan. 


Other Random Thoughts
-I think my favourite character was Hava. What an interesting ability. 
-I wanted so much more out of Fox.
-I am so happy there was maps and pictures of the bridges. It was so nice to see. 

Little Princes by Conor Grennan

Little Princes: One Man's Promise to Bring Home the Lost Children of Nepal

"What are you doing? I asked Santosh.
"You say you show photos when we are standing in living room, Brother!"
"I said sitting in the living room, you ninnies! Why would I tell you to stand?"
"We don't know, Brother!"
"For Pete's sake, sit!" I said. The children collapsed in a heap, laughing hysterically. 

I first heard of Nepal Sept or Oct 2011 when a co-worker/friend she would be going to Nepal for two or three months to work in orphanages come May 2012. I didn't really have a great understanding of what that meant, but when her group threw a fundraising party Mr. and I went and enjoyed and donated for her to go. It has always been something I have wanted to do, help support someone and it feels great giving funds to someone who is actually going out there and putting your money to work, instead of just sending in funds. One day I hope to support her more on her trips. She and her friends run a small Tumblr account with details of their trip and such.
But I am getting sidetracked. Mr. brought home this book in September and it's been sitting in my to-read pile since. I knew he wasn't going to read it and the cover is really pretty, so I knew I would get to it eventually. What I didn't expect was a great story completely based on actual events written by the author. I didn't expect to fall in love with dozens of beautiful children. And I didn't expect to cry.

"Oh, it's kind of embarrassing actually," she wrote. "There was this crazy thunderstorm tonight, so Emma, my big lug of a yellow Labrador, jumped into bed with me because she was scared. It took me, like, forty-five minutes to fall asleep again, and just when I did, Emma rolled over in her sleep and fell out of the bed with this really loud thump and I jumped about ten feet in the air. So I'm letting her sleep in the bed now and I'm on the couch, so I decided to e-mail you to say hi."

There were many children who's stories touched me greatly but the one I would like to mention the most is that of Leena. What kind of horrors would that child have had to have gone through to make her stop talking for five months.

The Next Generation Nepal is a real organization with more stories and lots of information. So I would just recommend checking out their website and maybe reading the book. It is amazing how things come into your life sometimes.

Teaser Tuesday

Sandra leaned over to me. "It's no problem, Conor," she said, and took Hriteek's hand. "Hriteek, you do not need to cry. Conor Brother is still learning. He doesn't understand much yet. You will have to teach him." This brought a laugh from the children, and Hriteek, despite himself, started giggling.



Little Princes by Conor Grennan
Review Tomorrow

His Dark Materials Book 1

The Golden Compass by Philip Pullman

I read this book probably five years ago when the movie had just started being advertised. I remember the great ruckus it caused because it was written by an atheist and I remember that making me want to read it more. I am not really sure why people made a big deal out of it, the big is very much like the Narnia books.

Anyways I saw it in chapters the other day and had to pick it up. I don't believe I ever finished the story, so my goal is to read through all three books this summer and discover the ending.

At first I was very bored with the story. It was until half ways through part 2 when Iorek Byrnison joined the story did I really start to enjoy things.

I think I like Pantalaimon in the form of a Ermine best. Though I think I would rather him settle on something much fiercer like a snow leopard.

Canapes are described in the book and sound delightful. I might even try to make them. I found a few recipes.

And last but not least a quote

"She bent a little and offered her cheek. Lyra had to stand on tiptoe to kiss it. She noticed how smooth it was, and the slight perplexing smell of Mrs. Coulter's flesh: scented, but somehow metallic."

I do wonder if they will ever explain the metallic smell.

TTYL

The Tiger Saga Book 3

Tiger's Voyage by Colleen Houck

The love triangle.

Ren would bombard me with questions every morning. He'd answer questions I'd long forgotten and talk about things he'd been thinking about all afternoon as a tiger and couldn't tell me
Kishan was the opposite. He was still, silent. He like to just be, just feel, just experience the things around him. When he drank a root beer float, he delighted in the experience and gave 100 percent of his attention to it. He soaked in his environment, and was happy keeping to himself. 

In the end I found the triangle more annoying and frustrating than anything. I just wanted her to choose Ren and be done with it. She had Ren from the beginning why now in the last half of the third book would you suddenly change your freaking mind after fighting for him. It pissed me off, especially cause of the connections she felt, she doesn't get that way with Kishan and he even knows it and would totally get it. GRRRR

List of words I debated on Researching to find their meanings and then decided I was to lazy... but I listed them anyways
Ama sunahara
Dupatta pavitra
Soma
subhaga jadugarni
mohini stri
bilauta
priya
sundari
strimani
qipao
lethenga
dupatta
baigan bharta
kamandal
trishula
tamas
sukhada motha
gopuram
murti
Vishshva
meri aadoo
Alagan Dhiren
hridaya patni
Cypridina
inamorata
dil ke dadkan
choli
anmol mti
Mujhe tumse pyarhai

The food and clothing descriptions were amazing as usual!!

 -She was already dressed in a burnt orange lehenga with a velvet blouse that had silk applique. Crystals, beads, sequins, and cut glass embellished her skirt and dupatta.
 -We had spicy peach chutney on crackers, samosas, and little cups of baigan bharta, which turned out to be eggplant charred over a flame, peeled, and mashed with yogurt and spices.
 -They offered roasted, buttered corn on the cob; fresh coconut; sliced tropical fruits; lamb kebabs; idli, which were savory steamed cakaes dipped in chutney; cheese-filled dosas similar to crepes; daigi roast (sort of like spicy hot wings); and dabeli pao, which looked like miniature hamburgers, but the butter-toasted bun was filled with potatoes, onions, and spices and was served with tamarind chutney. Not exactrly a cheeseburger, but they were good. 

My favorite dragon was definitely the gold dragon. He was sneaky but not in a brutal way like the green dragon. Though I have to say the white dragon did come close, he was so beautiful in my head.

The golden dragon threw an angry hand in the air, "Bah! Remind me never to barter again with tigers.:
I snorted, and he narrowed his eyes.
"Or females." He slumped in his seat, took out a bag of jingling coins and began counting them carefully while cleaning them with his sleeve. 

Stories she read to the tigers - The Frog Prince, Tom Thumb, and The Lady and the Lion

Overal I really have enjoyed the series but I did not like the way this book has gone. Plus I thought it was a series of only three books and the ending definitely means it isn't. But I haven't heard of a fourth book! So now I am worried there isn't one.

The Tiger Saga Book 2

Tiger's Quest by Colleen Houck

While the books are over three hundred pages long they aren't taking me long to read. Plus I am dreaming constantly about the beautiful tigers when I am asleep so the story is aways in my head. I enjoyed this story even more than the first and yet I didn't like it as much nearer the end. I wanted more of Ren not of Kishan. And to be honest I am getting tired of books where there is one girl being fought over by two amazingly hot men. It's irrariting. And I didn't think this story was going to be that way, but the last fourth of the book suddenly went that way and I am disappointed that it did. It was a twist I wasn't expecting and yet knew it would happen.

The descirption of her clothes were wonderful

"peach princess dress made of satin and organza. the top had a fitted corset that flowed into a peach calf-length petal skirt"

and the food! Oh my goodness

"The bride and groom performed a candle-lighting seremony to honor their ancestors, and then dinner was served: fish to symbolize abudance, a whole lobster to reprsent completeness, Peking duck for joy and happiness, shark fin soup to grant wealth, noodles for long life, and sea cucumber salad for marital harmony. Li tried to get me to taste sweet lotus seed buns that symbolized fertility."
I definitely want to make this cake!
"A handful of dances later, a three-tiered cake was brought out. The insaide was orange, and the outside was decorated with pearly almond-flavored icing and beautiful sugar orchids."

Then there's all the words that for the most part they don't translate. I am very curious of the meaning.
Iadala - dear one
Rajkumari - princess
Priyatama - lover
Pralobhan - siren song or siren temptation
Kamina - rascal
Hridaya patni - wife of my heart

And to end some favorite quotes

-My life as a tiger has tuaght me that persistence and diligence always pay off. Consider yourself forewarned, priyatama. I'm on the hunt. I;ve caught your secent, and I won't be thwarted in my course.

 -She stretched out a soft hand to my cheek and caught a glistening teardrop. I watched as it hardened and became a twinkling diamond sitting on top o fher fingertip. She gave it to Kishan, who was delighted with the gift.

 -Fairies are born of roses. When the bloom is spent, we leave it to seed. A bud sweels, and when the time is right, a fairy is born with winds and the colour of the bloom.

The Tiger Saga Book 1

Tigers Curse by Colleen Houck

I devoured this book in two days.
I live big cats. Growing up I was always a big sleek panther who sat high above in the trees watching all the other children prance around being dogs or horses. I would think how much better or pretty or faster I was than all of them (yea I was a pretty obnoxious panther)

This book brought all those memories back with the gorgeous tale of the tigers and a beautiful unusual white tiger at that. I'm not sure what I was expecting, I base everything on the cover I find and don't even read the backs anymore, but I didn't except a beautiful strong female lead who made the most interesting choice in the end. The time limit was a very interesting concept and I really liked how it stayed consistent.

The caste system is most interesting… They described it a little but I would love to learn more.
Kshatriya Caste
India has four castes, or varnas, similar to different social classes: the Brahmins are teachers, priests, and scholars; the Kshatriyas are rulers and protectors; the Vaishyas are farmers and traders; and the Shudras are craft workers and servants. There are also different levels in each caste.
I have never read a book based on Indian mythology, stories, and castes. I definitely want more

There was one major disgusting point and I’ve decided to quote it for you

“He took a step closer to the corner. I reluctantly took a step closer too. The bugs had shiny black exoskeletons, sex hairy legs, quivering antennae, and two pointed mandibles on the front that clacked back and forth like sharp scissors. Some of the bugs cracked open thick black wings and hummed heavily as they flew to the opposite wall. The prickly legs of other bugs stuck to the wall.”

So I’ve given you a gross quote here’s a more pleasant one

Mae West, a famous vaudeville actress, once said, “A man’s kiss is his signature.” I greened to myself. If that was true, then Ren’s signature was the John Hancock of kisses.

And because this is much of a review… another quote (just know that I loved the book and I could barely wait to finish up this review to get to book two)

I yelled, “Wait, Kishan! I don’t even know what to wear!”
He shouted back over his shoulder, “Ask Kadam. He knows everything!”
And boy does Kadam know everything!!

Daring Chloe by Laura Jensen Walker

...Daring Chloe...


First Thoughts:
I have read pages 1-84… and have written the following so far! This is going to be a long review

Books Mentioned
The Hunt for Norville Blake by Peter Lincoln
Chroicles of Narnia
Men Are From Mars, Women Are from Venus
The Five Love Languages
Little House of the Prairie
Babysitters Club
Little Women
West with the Night by Beryl Markhams
Out of Africa by Isak Dinesen (it’s a movie too)
Marjorie Morningstar
From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E Frankweiler
Dracula
The Big Sleep by Agatha Christie and Raymond Chandler
Confessions of a Shopaholic
Heidi
Emma
Les Miserables
Wuthering Heights
Persuasion
The Firm by … Grisham (it’s a movie too)
Dove, the true tale of Robin Graham
A Walk in the Winds by  Bill Bryson
French Women Don’t Get Fat
Portrait of a Lady by Henry James
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
A Tale of Two Cities
Madeline
A Moveable Feast by Hemingway
Mody Dick
Murder on the Orient Express
Inferno by Dante

Movies
Kate and Leopold
Mrs Miniver
Casablanca
Goodbyw Mr. Chips
The Birds
Lord of the Rings
When Harry Mets Sally
Devil Wears Prada

Random List of Authors
Dickens
Dostoyevsky
Hemingway
Faulkner
Charlotte Drongte
Virginia Woolf
Danielle Steel
Jackie Collins
Dr Laura
Dr Phil

Other People
Amelia Earhart
Doris Day
Gene Kelly
Miliere
Marcel Proust
Oscar Wilde
Little Sparrow
Heloise
Abelard

Research
Gates of Hell - in Paris
Monets La femme a l'ombrelle - painting

Book Club Rules

“We wanted to improve ourselves, but also have fun and mix it up a bit, so after much discussion and a vote, we decided to include both fiction and nonfiction. The only requirement was that all the books had to be paper-back. Each Paperback Girl was asked to bring two or three choices to the planning meeting and we had to select at least one book from each member.”

Pg 63

The Book Club books they choose
First up Emma (it’s actually little women, they just finish reading it when we start the book) – I have not yet read Emma… it’s on my list, but I couldn’t stand her as a character the little I did start reading. So I figured I would pick it up later in life.
Second and Third From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs Basil E Frankweiler and Coming Home by Rosamunde Pilcher*.
and then I got to distracted and forgot to keep track

Characters
Tess – with how Tess is portrayed I find it strange yet totally awesome she wants to read anything by Jane Austen, she’s fifty and would go skydiving. I simile love her, would love to have a Tess in my life.
Becca – love her interesting sense of style, but she kinda annoys me in the end.
Annette – I would love to plan parties like she does, even if as of right now I don’t know all the details.
Kailyn – a little spoiled, she’s the daughter of Annette. I enjoyed their debated on clothes. I love this line

 “It may be the fashion, baby girl,” Annette said, “but not when you’re with me” 

pg 78
Paige – LOVE HER! She reminds me of Star Trek Girl, such a movie fan
Jenna – she kinda disappeared mid-way through the book
Chloe – who the story is about, who’s hearts been broken, who’s story I am enjoying, who's ending is awesome!

“Mom! You’re not playing matchmaker again!”
As one, we all turned in horror to Annette. pg 83

"If God had wanted us to be one with Mother Nature, he wouldn't have inveted the Hyatt." pg  128

French Wine... Pg 293

"I wish I could" I took a drink of my water. "But red wine always hurts going down. Gives me heartburn."
"That's because of the sulfites they have to add in the state," Tess explained. "They don't do that here."
"Really?" I took a cautious sip
No burning. I raised my glass and clinked it with hers. "Vive la France!"

I really enjoyed this book! It's not much of a review but boy did I love it. I even listen to some of the songs she mentioned, including "The Prayer" by Charolette Church and Josh Groban.

Teaser Tuesday

"... I can't even take a walk without them sending someone to hover. Attack me," she said.
"I beg your parden, Lady Queen?"
"You should attack me, and we'll see what he does. He's probably quite bored -it'll be a relief to him."
"Mightn't he run me through with his sword?"
"Oh." Bitterblue chuckled. "Yes, I suppose he might. That would be a shame."

Bitterblue (Graceling Realm #3) by Kristin Cashore
Stay Tuned for my review

Seasons of the Heart Book 4

Springs Gentle Promise by Janette Oke

I dislike the cover because it totally gives it away that young Josh is gonna get married. I knew it would happen but I would have liked it to have been a better surprised. And speaking of weddings. I quite enjoyed his unsual proposal and the way he asked her pa if he could marry her.

This is the last book of the series and it moved a little faster than I liked. But I also really enjoyed the little side note at the end. Where Oke talks about their lives a little after the book.

The beginning was fun, I was still kinda seeing Josh as maybe 18-19 but he was 21 and an owner of the farm. It's also interesting how he goes about making changes and then fights it when other people make changes. But now I might be mixing the books up because that might have happened in book three. Don't remember.

All in all I greatly enjoyed the ending of the story and am surprised about how I went from hating the first book to devouring the last three!

Happy Reading!

Sweets and Hearts

Review of the Month of

Author's A to Z has come to an end and what a great month it has been! I have discovered so new author's and so new things about author's I already loved. Here's a quick recap of the month

A Tessa Afshar
B J.L. Bryan
C Kristin Cashore
D Lauren DeStafano
E Carmen Ferreio-Esteban
F Beth Fantaskey
G Stacy Gail
H Amanda Hocking and Lia Habel (think this one is my favourite)
I Kazuro Ishiguro
J Megg Jensen
K Laura Kreitzer
L Keira Lea
M George R.R. Martin
N Daniel Nayeri and Dina Nayeri
O Scott O'Dell
P Aaron Patterson
Q QuinRose
R James Rollins
S Kathrynn Stockett
T Lynne Tapper
U Rinko Ueda
V Sarah Vowell
W Maryrose Wood
X nothing again this year :( so sad
Y Mi-Kyung Yun
Z Mira Zamin

During the month I also reviewed four books, though I read many more. I only like to post once per day, so I am spreading my reviews throughout the month of July. The four books I did review are

1. The Girl in the Clockwork Collar by Kady Cross 
2. Once Upon a Summer by Janette Oke 
3. The Winds of Autumn by Janette Oke 
4. Winter is Not Forever by Janette Oke

May 5th I made a list of all the books I wanted to read and finish by the end of June. There was sixteen books on that list I read all but these two.

1. In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel Sawyer
2. Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz

Most of my reviews won't be posting until further into the month due to Authot's A to Z, but I am proud of the fact that I read so many of the books on the first original list. I have a new list of books that I want to have finished by the end of August. But this time I've split the list into two.

First these are the books that I definitely MUST read by the end of August
1. Bitterblue by Kristin Cashore (borrowed book)
2. City of Lost Souls by Cassandra Clare (borrowed book)
3. Lord Loss by Darren Shan (EReader)
4. Demon Theirf by Darren Shan (EReader)
5. Slawter by Darren Shan (EReader)
6. Bec by Darren Shan (EReader)
7. Blood Beast by Darren Shan (EReader)
8. Demon Apocalypse by Darren Shan (EReader)
9. Death's Shadow by Darren Shan (EReader)
10. Wolf Island by Darren Shan (EReader)
11. Dark Calling by Darren Shan (EReader)
12. Hell's Heroes by Darren Shan (EReader)
13. In Every Heartbeat by Kim Vogel (carried over, OWN)
14. Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz (carried over, EReader)

Second my kindle books... All of which I have gotten for free and need to read. This list is HUGE! I didn't realize I had so many! I highly doubt I will be able to read through all of them but I would be happy with reading at least ten. Fingers Crossed 

1. All That Glitters by Kiri Callaghan
2. Scars by Cheryl Rainfield
3. The Mermaid's Tale by Kiri Callaghan
4. Labyrinth by Ren Cummins
5. PASKAGANKEE by Allan Leverone
6. Rules of Engagement by Ann Bruce
7. Katie's Hellion by Lizzy Ford
8. Bluegrass State of Mind by Kathleen Brooks
9. Airel by Aaron Patterson and Christ White
10. Pyxis by K.C. Neal (hahaha already read it!!)
11. Exiled by M.R. Merrick
12. Starfire Angels by Melanie Nilles
13. Haunted Love (Free short story) by Cynthia Leitich Smith
14. Anathema by K.A. Tucker
15. The Middle Passage by Julia Golding
16. Tortured: A bridge story between Birthmarked and Prized by Caragh M. O'Brien
17. The Spook's Stories: Grimalkin's Tale by Delaney Joseph
18. Haunted Destiny: A Midnight Dragonfly Bonus Short Story by Ellie James
19. The Golden Acorn by Catherine Cooper
20. Unfinished by Carol Oates
21. Homespun Bride by Jillian Hart
22. Sheltering Hearts by Robyn Carr
23. Cat Calls (FREE short story) by Cynthia Leitich Smith
24. The Last Chance Texaco by Brent Hartinger
25. The Ultimate Sacrifice by Talia Jager
26. Sophie's Secret by Tara West
27. Tree Talk by Ana Salote
28. The Much Ado About Fairy by Sandra Cheatham Nelson
29. Frozen Prospects by Dean Murray
30. Breathless: Book One of the Jason and Azazel Trilogy by V.J. Chambers
31. Zombies Don't Cry: Book One in A Living Dead Love Story by Rusty Fischer
32. Her Daughter's Eyes by Jessica Barksdale Inclan

Hope you had a good month of July!! Leave a comment ;)