Mockingjay

Mockingjay

Suzanne Collins

3 Stars

390 Pages

Just like everyone else, I was super excited to read this book.  As it so happens I was pregnant and due about the same time that this book was to released.  I told my husband that if I did in fact go into labor on the day it was released that he was supposed to go buy me the book, ASAP after having the baby.  Well, we did have the baby, and he did try to find me the book, but instead of bringing our family a hot dinner one night, a very good friend brought me a new copy of the book instead.  Can I say awesome?!  (My friend for brining me a book instead of dinner, not the book, by the way!)

So – there was so much hype surrounding this book –and with good reason too, I loved the first two books in the series.  They were great, so I was really looking forward to how Collins was going to sum this all up.  However, I am sad to say that I was a little disappointed with the ending.

The story involves Katniss Everdeen, along with her family those of District 12 find themselves in battle with President Snow and the capital for an all-out war.  There is plenty of action in this book, but somehow there is also a lot of nothing going on as well.  Katniss is not the same Katniss from the first book.  Her attitude really bothers me and I wish she would just be normal again.  I suppose I wouldn’t be normal either if this had been my life?

I think the thing that bugged me the most about this book was the ending.  I had to read it and re-read it a few times.  Really – she just caught fire, blacked out and woke up and it was done?  I feel totally robbed by this ending!  I know that Collins is trying to make a point here and make a statement – but this is a young adult book and I think that it crossed the line a few times.  I was really sad that Finnick, after finally finding happiness, was killed at the end.  I was also very disappointed that Katniss never really choice between Peeta and Gale.

Not really sure what else to say about the book.  I enjoyed The Hunger Games.  I recommend that.  I think Catching Fire was so-so, I recommend it, but not whole heartedly, but I don’t recommend Mockingjay, and that makes me sad.

The Lost Hero

The Lost Hero

Rick Riordan

5 Stars

553 pages

I was very excited to read this book – a book with the old kids from Camp Half-Blood, but also a new set of kids for new adventures? Yes, please!

Jason, the hero in this series, wakes up to find out that he has no idea who he is, where he is at, or how he got there!  The story unfolds from there as Jason and his girl friend, Piper and his best friend Leo join forces in a way they never imagined to fight forces they never thought could be real.

Like, I said before, I was super excited to read a book that revisits Camp Half-Blood.  I thoroughly enjoyed the Percy Jackson series.  I found Jason an easy character to love, just like Percy.  I love Leo and his quirts and find Piper very likable.  While the book is lengthy, it doesn’t seem like it and I read it in a very short amount of time.  The action and adventure level seemed just right - as did the down time too.

I think this young-adult novel is perfect for any teenager, or even adult who enjoys magic/mystical creature books.

I am looking forward to the rest of the series and learning more about these “Roman” Gods and after the ending in this book I am waiting on the edge of my chair for book two!

The Red Pyramid

The Red Pyramid

Rick Riordan

4 Stars

516 pages

The Red Pyramid is the first book in Riordan’s new Kane series. After finishing the Percy Jackson books I was really excited to find out that he has this new series as well.  The book centers around the two Kane teenage siblings; Cater, who grew up traveling with his father, and Sadie who grew up in London with her grandparents.  Pushed together by a series of tragic events, Sadie and Carter find themselves in a world-wind adventure.

The book is very fast paced, I felt like I couldn’t catch my own breath before something else was happening or someone else was trying to deceive the Kane siblings.  I wish that we could have had at least one chapter or two of “background” before they all took off on the adventure.  There is a lot of action, which is great, but in this case it almost made me feel rushed.  I would have liked it if the kids could have had a few more breaks so we could all catch our breath.

Unlike Percy Jackson, The Red Pyramid follows the Egyptian Gods.  I think if you enjoy Percy Jackson, Harry Potter, Fable Haven – or any young adult mystical/magic reading then you will overall enjoy this series.  I don’t believe it will be my favorite out of this category, but certainly not my least.  I am looking forward to where book two takes us!

Breaking Dawn

Breaking Dawn

Stephenie Meyer

4 Stars

Short and sweeter than the first time around.

This book is still a little bit out there for more me. I liked it a tad more this time around than the first but it still just isn't my favorite out of the series. I really would be just fine if the series ended with the 3rd book - Jacob leaving, Bella choosing Edward, everyone happy.

I reread it and I'm glad I did. I hope that by the time they get to this movie it will be pretty fun to watch. My lenghier first time review of the book can be read (here) and I still feel a lot of the same way, just less bothered this time around, maybe because I knew exactly how everything was going to turn out.

Eclipse

Eclipse

Stephenie Meyer

5 Stars

I finished Eclipse this week for the 3rd (maybe 4th?) time. What else is there to say, I enjoyed it more this time. I typically lean towards New Moon being my favorite out of the whole saga, but this time I have really enjoyed Eclipse. The chapter, Fire and Ice, near the end of the book when Edward lets Jacob know some of his thoughts remains my favorite chapter. I (gasp) have never read the rendition that Stephenie Meyers wrote in Edwards point of view. I might be persuaded to do so now. On to Breaking Dawn. Now that I know how everything is going to end maybe I will enjoy it more this time.

Twilight - 4th Time

Twilight

Stephenie Meyer

5 Stars

I'm re-reading the Twilight series in preparation for the release of the New Moon movie. I am so excited. This is the fourth time I've read Twilight and it never loses it's spark. I love reading into it more and more each time.

Parts I loved this time around:

page 14 when Bella arrives at school for her first day she thinks to herself before getting out of the truck, "I stuck everything in my bag, slung the straps over my shoulder, and sucked in a huge breath. I can do this, I lied to myself feebly. No one was going to bite me."

Page 232 and 233 when Edward is talking to Bella about twilight for the first time. Bella says to him, "I like the night, without the dark, we'd never see the stars."

Page 307 when Edward and Bella are discussing why a vampire would resist humans in the first place he says to her, "Just because we've been...dealt a certain hand..it doesn't mean that we can't choose to rise above...to conquer the boundaries of a destiny that none of us wanted..."

I had to laugh at certain parts of the book now that the movie has come out. I wasn't a huge fan of the movie, it was good but certainly not as good as the book. Jasper cracked me up and now I have a hard time taking him seriously in the book. The spoilers are great fun - this one had me laughing out loud when I got to the part in the book where Edward and Bella are in the meadow. Click HERE for the link. The end gets a little weird, but there are parts that are so funny!

Forest Born

Forest Born
Shannon Hale
5 Stars



I think I might have mentioned a time or two in the past couple years how much I love Shannon Hale. In case I haven't, I love her books. I could hug them. Please don't think I am strange.



Forest Born is the fourth book in the Bayren series. Rin, the main character in this book is the youngest sister to Razo (River Secrets). After spending her whole life in the forest with her family she feels something is wrong or "bad" about herself so she leaves with Razo for the city - where she finds herself joining the "fire sisters" on a new adventure.



I think out of all the special powers and main characters that Shannon Hale has created that Rin is one of my favorites. I was drawn to the idea of her abilities and all of us at one point or another in our life really need to dig deep and find out who we really are and what we are about. I am glad that Rin was able to find true self in this book and through her journey.



I know both boys and girls that love these books and while their target audience is for young adult or even pre-teen I think anyone of any age can enjoy the stories, adventures and lessons that Hale shares with us.



I think if I could pick an author I would want to be for a day, it would be Shannon Hale.

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, Fablehaven Book 4

Secrets of the Dragon Sanctuary, Fablehaven Book 4

Brandon Mull

5 Stars

With each book getting better and better book four has put me over the top, I am in love with these series. I was hanging on till the very last sentence in this book.

So many twists and turns - first Kendra, oh Kendra, I've grown to really love her. She has a Hermione Granger feel about her. Seth has grown up a lot in this book and I am anxious to see what more he can become in the next book, he has so much potential and he is just starting to realize it.

I don't really want to write a lot of spoilers, which leaves me with not much to write there are that many twists and turns. I should just say it again that I loved this book. As I was reading the last page and got to the last sentence I closed the book and said "OHHHH NO!" out loud. (Then my husband gave me a funny look.)

I recommend this series to anyone, I even think my little kindergartner would enjoy it if I read it out loud to him. It's got just enough "umph" to it, but not so much it gives nightmares. Perfect!

Catching Fire

Catching Fire
Suzanne Collins
5 Stars




After winning the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta return to District 12, but much to her dismay she still finds herself the center of attention. After a shocking and scary visit from the President, she joins Peeta on the tour of the Districts and then learns that they will be part of the 75th anniversary games.



I couldn't wait for this book to come out. I had the day marked on my calendar when I could go get it! (Yes, my review is very, very behind, I read this book in September and now it is November) I enjoyed this book just as much as the first in the series. It was fast paced and page turning. Writing this review makes me want to get both the Hunger Games and Catching Fire out and re-read them! I thought a lot of the action would take place during the tour of the districts, but once that was over so fast I was left wondering what would turn the book would take. It took me by surprise that Katniss found herself in the games again.



I finished this book and still didn't want to put it down. I compare these books to the Uglies series, but I enjoy these so much more. My only hope is that the third book doesn't turn in that direction. I cannot wait until the third book to see how things turn out for Katniss, Peeta and all her family.



I am so glad I was introduced to this series, I am in love with Suzanne Collins and her creativity

Grip of the Shadow Plague, Fablehaven 3

Grip of the Shadow Plague, Fablehaven 3
Brandon Mull
4 Stars

In the third book of Fablehaven Kendra and Seth go through even more action and adventure than the first two. Kendra, who has been invited to become a knight, is lead in a different direction and taken to a reserve in New Mexico for a trip full of action and interesting new characters. Seth - staying back at Fablehaven finds himself in an adventure of his own when a dark plaque starts covering the whole reserve.


I have to insert some thoughts on series. Series books are some of my favorite reads. Sometimes I have a hard time picking a favorite out of the entire series (The Pemberly Chronicles, The Work and the Glory, Goose Girl), sometimes I have obvious favorites(Harry Potter, Twilight) and sometimes I feel the series gets better (Harry Potter, Fablehaven,) - or worse (Uglies) as the series continues.

I think this series is getting better. I didn't love one and two as much as three. I've heard four is even better. I'm glad this series isn't fitting into the getting worse category I do think that kids would love them!

Rise of the Evening Star, Fablehaven

Rise of the Evening Star, Fablehaven Book 2

Brandon Mull

4 1/2 Stars

In the Rise of the Evening Star Seth and Kendra find themselves back at Fablehaven helping their grandparents find and protect a hidden artifact that is on the grounds. Their grandparents have brought three specialist, a potion master, a magical relics collector, and a mystical creature trapper, to Fablehaven to help, but can they trust them?

I really enjoyed this book when in comparison to the first one. I loved how Kendra gained some confidence and I loved her new fairy powers. I was skeptical of Vanessa as soon as she wanted to share secrets. Seth in the cocoon and the "passing" was so gross and hilarious at the same time. So fun and cleaver! The last few chapters were very exciting and kept me turning the pages. It was a little reminiscent of the last few chapters of the first two Harry Potter books...lots of build up and then huge action at the very end.

I'm very excited about this series and can't wait to keep reading the next couple books. I know that they won't disappoint. With each chapter and book that I read I am more and more positive they are perfect for their target audience.

Fablehaven

Fablehaven

Brandon Mull

4 Stars

This series follows Kendra and Seth to their grandfather's estate where they find a magical world full of all sorts of mystical creatures, good and bad.

I've been meaning to get to this series for a while and finally got around to reading it. I think it was a fun series, perfect for younger readers. One of my 10 year old nephews is reading the series right now and he loves it - something I would totally expect after finishing this first book.

While the last 50 pages of the book were really interesting and hard to put down, there were parts of the middle that were a little slow for me and I skimmed a lot more than I usually do.

I have to admit that when I finished the book and read the preview for the second book I couldn't wait to get my copy and start reading. I'm hoping the second book will not let me down.

I don't rank this book above Harry Potter, A Great and Terrible Beauty, or even Twilight, but I do think is was a fun magical book and I look forward to reading the rest of the series.

Each Little Bird That Sings

Each Little Bird That Sings
Deborah Wiles
5 Stars

A dear friend sent me this book when I had my baby a few months ago. She said that she loved this book - along with all other books by Deborah Wiles, and that when I got time she knew I would enjoy it too. I finally got to it and she was so right, I loved it!

Comfort Snowberger is ten years old and her family owns the town funeral home, she attends each and every funeral, so she thinks she knows everything there is to know about death. The story is a pre-teen book (9-12 year olds) and full of ten year old wit and wisdom. I loved it and laughed out loud at parts!

The plot of the story revolves around the funeral of Comforts Great-great-aunt Florentine. Comfort is asked to help with her younger and very annoying cousin Peach all while she is having trouble with her best friend Declaration.

The book takes a turn at the very end and Comfort learns a lesson on what is really important to her, who she is and her family. I believe one of my favorite parts of the entire book is the passage below. In a world like we live in now - this turned into a great message for pre-teens, or any age, to read.

"You did the right thing even when, somewhere deep inside you, you didn't want to. Because you knew, somewhere even deeper, that it was the right thing to do."

That's Faith

That's Faith
Timothy Carver
5 Stars

The book, That's Faith was developed from a question asked by a youth about how one could measure faith. Brother Carver, a seminary teacher, developed a 10 part lesson for his class, which he then shared with many other classes, at firesides, and now a book.

The ten topics discussed in the book include: honesty, prayer, scripture study, media, music, family, friends, dating, modesty, chastity, sabbath, tithing, priesthood, missions, service and the word of wisdom. Each chapter is only a few short pages long, they all begin with a quote, or scripture, some sort of analogy discussing the topic and then the author shares a personal story about each topic. The final page in each chapter consists of a short "worksheet" where a few questions are asked and readers can rate their faith with a score of 0-10 (10 being highest). There is also a goal listed at the end of each section that readers can think about and work on.

I really enjoyed the analogies at the beginning of the chapters and a few of the short stories. My favorite was about a lesson on modesty that one of the author's friends shared with the young women in her ward. She had brought fresh doughnuts on fast Sunday, all the girls could see and smell but not taste, because of their fasting. The object lesson showed the young women how dressing immodesty can tempt young men.

I thought this book was really though provoking and really appropriate for it's teen-age audience. It was the right length, and touched on very important doctrine without going over the heads of teenagers or losing their attention. I have both a niece and nephew graduating from high school this year and think this would be a great gift to give to them. I found many aspects of my life where I can work on improving my faith. Because of the length I can read this book in just one afternoon, so I look forward to reading and rereading this book again in the future.

The Hunger Games

The Hunger Games

Suzanne Collins

5 Stars

I finished this book late last night and all I have to say is I can't wait until September for the second book! How sad! I loved it and want to read more.

Set in the ruins of what used to be our present day North America is the country of Panem, which is made up of the capital (who controls the country) and 12 districts. Each year the capital builds an arena and hosts what are called The Hunger Games, a reality tv type show that is to the death. Katniss, the main character of the story volunteers when her younger sister is selected to be part of the games.

Survival kicks in and Katniss has to face a lot of different challenges, including love. I really enjoyed the book and could have finished it in one day if I would have had the time. I also think it might make an interesting kind of movie.

This is a young adult book, my sister recommended it to me and she had her 10 year old boy read it, who also enjoyed it. If you are looking for a lot of blood and guts, surprisingly by the description, this isn't the book for you. But trust me, it's a good and interesting read. I also think if you liked Twilight, or the Uglies you would like this book. Check it out.

Breaking Dawn

Breaking Dawn
Stephenie Meyer

3 1/2 stars





So I know, some people might not want to be my friend after this review, but it's an opinion. I can like red, you can like blue. It's what makes this life interesting, different opinions. So, if you are going to leave me a nasty comment about how I am wrong, please keep it to yourself. I don't think anyone else is wrong who loves this book. This is just what I think.

I think the easiest way to post this will be list form.

Dislikes:

Imprinting. I've thought the idea is strange and wrong since the first introduced and really was disappointed that Jacob imprinted. My main complaint with this is that he imprinted with a half-vampire. I thought the whole point of imprinting was to make sure that the pack "line" continues. How will that work with a half-vampire? I think I would have been happier if he would have just ended up running off with Leah and never imprinting.

Carlise - is he a super Dr. or not? If he has had all these years of medical training, then why couldn't he do more for Bella. I understand that he was dealing with a half vampire baby, but he was on a hunting trip when he had just said it would be any day. He also I think could have just done some sort of C-section and taken the baby out at anytime. It just seemed so strange to me that he left during this critical period.

Rose was so freaky during this book. I really didn't like her. I know she was thinking about the baby but she was strange. I also missed Alice, she was absent for so much of the story, even before she left. I like Alice.

Bella's love for this baby. Ok, I know some mom's love their baby from the second they take the pregnancy test, that's great, but most of these women aren't carrying a baby who for all they know will eventually kill them when they are born. Most of these women aren't Bella, who was so against turning into her mom - getting married at an early age and having a baby so fast. I think that if someone told me that I was carrying a monster baby who was going to kill me, it would be something to think about. Bella was so passive about it, she never even had one doubt. It really bothered me.

The book was getting a bit predictable. There was a whole section at the beginning about the immortal babies. Of course Bella was going to have a baby after that. It was so easy to see.

Not that I wanted Stephenie Meyer to write more graphic descriptions of the physical encounters that Bella and Edward had, but Bella didn't even remember certain aspects. Edward breaks a headboard in half and she doesn't even know? Where is her head, she is still a human woman at this point in the story. Seemed a little strange.

At the end of the book Bella makes a comment to Jacob and calls him "son." This really bothers me. Really.

Vultri. What's all the hype about. I think it was so over-done. Nothing even happened. Since when do they let you walk away - or even walk away themselves? It bothered me there wasn't even a fight. I wanted a fight and some excitement after all the talk about it.

Basically everything was so too-good-to-be-true. I like happy endings, but I think Harry Potter had a happy ending too and people died and bad things happened in it too. Something should have happened, but instead we got everything wrapped up in a pretty little package with a boy on top. It was just too over the top for me. I think a good ending would have been Bella becoming a vampire, even having the baby, but not having Jacob too - that made it too much.

Didn't it bother anyone how "in-love" Bella seemed with Jacob each time he came to visit. Sure, it was the baby, but I really thought this was strange. She had just got married and now each time she saw this different boy she got all happy and giddy.

Likes:

I am glad that Jacob became the Alpha. Really happy that he stepped it up.

The chapter titles in Jacob's section really cracked me up. They made me smile and I loved them.

Jacob's section. I know a lot of people didn't like this but if we read this in Bella's point of view I think all we would have heard is "I am pregnant, sick and feel like crap." It was much more interesting from Jacob's point of view.

Thoughts:

Perhaps if I re-read this book I might like it more. I'm not going to re-read it for a while. If I have to pick a favorite book out of the series it would be book two.

I am happy that Bella is with Edward. The reason I didn't enjoy the book doesn't come down to the fact that I was a "Team Jacob." I never thought that Jacob would win her over in the end. I just can't stress how much happier I would have been if he would have gone off alone or with Leah then imprint.

Again, these are just my thoughts. I don't think you are wrong if you like it, so please don't tell me I am wrong. We are all entitled to our own opinion.

Hattie Big Sky

Hattie Big Sky
Kirby Larson
4 ½ Stars

Set in 1918, this is the story of orphan Hattie Brooks, who leaves what little family and friends she knows for Montana to settle her late Uncles claim. The book is a Newberry Award Nominee and a great historical fiction written for Young Adults.

I first saw this book recommended on another book blog and was so excited when I found it in the stores during a vacation. I loved the little stories of Hattie’s life, the work and dedication that settlers had in those days. At first I was disappointed with the end, it was a twist that I was not expecting, but after re-reading the ending I felt more closure. I do hope there will be a second book containing more of Hattie’s life.

The book was well-researched and made history fun to the reader. It totally made me grateful for all the modern convinces that we have today. The only reason that I didn't give it a full 5 stars is that I did have to think about the ending and re-read it. It wasn't so bad that I wouldn't recommend it, I actually liked it the more I thought about it. I recommend this book to anyone!

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
J.K. Rowling
5 stars

NOTE: This review will contain spoilers. If by chance you are the few that haven't read the series yet, you can read my spoiler free review by clicking HERE. I must add though, if you haven't read Harry Potter you are totally missing so much by just watching the movies - read them, they are really worth the time!

Spoiler:

This book is awesome. I could read and reread so many times and I don't think I would tire of it. I know some people were very disappointed with the ending and the prologue, but I wasn't sad at all with how they all grew up. Of course Harry had to marry Ginny after book six. It seems like there were also big discussions about how Ron wasn't good enough for Hermione, but I don't think that at all. I think Ron and Hermione remind me of Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in a way. I also heard a lot of talk about how Harry should have become Minster of Magic, I don't agree, I am sure he had enough fame for a lifetime.

I know it sounds crazy, but I want to cry for Snape each time I read the part where he dies. I have to re-read it just to make sure he really is dead and I am so sad for him after reading all he has done and seeing his memories. He really did love Lilly and loved Harry too.

Neville is such a stud killing the snake in the ending fight scene. I think it's great that he used the coins to call everyone back and he was the one that found a way back into the school. Way to go Neville! I love it and of course it only makes sense that he becomes a professor at Hogwarts in the end.

Draco, Draco, Draco. I am so glad that Harry feels sorry for him in the end and ends up saving his life a few times during that final fight. What a poor family, I really just feel bad for them. However, one redeeming thing was done by them - it was Draco's mother that lied to Voldemort in the forest and told him that Harry really was dead.

I think one of the saddest parts of the entire book, and most people will agree is when Fred dies. Poor George. I loved these two.

I think the whole King's Cross chapter is a little "strange" (I lack for a better word), but according to the plot that Rowlings weaved, it had to happen that way. It was interesting, I'm not sure what else to say about it.

Book seven is amazing and each time I finish it I have to take a week off reading before I start anything else, or else every character in my new book I imagine with wands and magic powers. I cry each time I read it and I always have the desire to close the book after reading and then open it back up and start all over. I believe that is what makes great literature. I think J.K. Rowling really succeeded.

Book of a Thousand Days

Book of a Thousand Days

Shannon Hale

4 Stars

Maybe it's because I had just started the fourth Harry Potter book, which is one of my favorites, the day that I got Book of a Thousand Days in the mail from my sister that I felt a little rushed to read it. I knew I would love it, it's by Shannon Hale, but I was torn between two good books and couldn't decide which one to read first. Since Book of a Thousand Days is relatively short, I opted for it, and I believe the only reason that it doesn't get 5 stars is I rushed it.

Written after a Grims Fairy tale, Hale tells us the story of Datshi, a maid who is shut in a tower for seven years with her Lady due to her refusal to marry a man that she isn't in love with and despises.

It's a classic Shannon Hale book, there is romance and mystery all wrapped up in this fairy tale of a book. I enjoyed it and recommend it, although I really believe that the Bayern books are my favorite by far (Goose Girl, Enna Burning, River Secrets).

If you still haven't read any of the books by Shannon Hale - I totally recommend you look her up today, you will not be disappointed.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
J.K. Rowling
5 stars

Book three is probably my second least favorite in the whole series. However, the first few chapters and the first 10 minutes of the movie really make me laugh. Aunt Marge blowing up is one of my favorite scenes out of all the movies.


I don't have a lot of specific reasons why I put this book so low on the list of the series, but I think a big part of it is that I have so many favorite parts in the other books and this one just doesn't have as many favorite passages. My list just isn't as long.

Boggarts (specifically Hermione's), Harry finally being able to see his Partronus, the Quidditch Final and the Marauder's map talking back to Snape are my favorite parts.

Book four is probably my second favorite - so book three always brings the excitement of knowing book four is next!