Book Review: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan's Curse (PJ#3) by Rick Riordan

Book Title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan’s Curse (PJ #3)

Author: Rick Riordan(http://www.rickriordan.com/)

Pages: 311

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Science Fiction/Mythology

(Scale Explanation: 1) Meaning awful, 5) Meaning not good, but not bad, equal, 10) Meaning wonderful)

PLOT - 8

CHARACTERS - 9

BEGINNING - 10

ENDING - 8

FLOW - 9

OVERALL - 9

What I liked about this book:
I love the Percy Jackson series. It is just so fun and it got me interested in Greek Mythology. What a fun way to get someone into that field of history. In this book, you can also see a hint at Annabeth and Percy's relationship later.

What I disliked about this book:
Nothing, these books continue to make me happy! They are such fun reads.

Who I would recommend this book to:
Anyone that is a fan of the Percy Jackson series, and anyone that enjoys Greek Mythology.

What I felt the book was about:
The Titan’s Curse was a really good third book for this series. I was very impressed. I went ahead and read The Battle of the Labyrinth before I wrote this review, so please excuse me if I get something mixed up. Percy, Annabeth and Thalia are sent to a military school to retrieve Grover who has found two demigods that are very powerful. No one knows who their father or mother is yet. The principal of the school ends up being a Manticore and ambushes the group as they’re trying to escape. Luckily, Artemis and her hunters are there to save them and Bianca Di Angelo, one of the newly discovered demigods chooses to become a huntress. Artemis is distraught because she knows that new and powerful monsters are stirring and she has decided to go after the monsters. Annabeth has been lost, but they all know she is still alive, but in great danger. The quest that arises is for Thalia to retrieve Annabeth, or more importantly to find out what is going on on the West coast of the United States. They set off, Grover and Thalia, Zoe Nightshade, a huntress, and Bianca, once they have learned that Artemis has been captured. In New Mexico, Grover catches the scent of the Wild or Pan and can’t wait to set out on his personal quest to find Pan again. They make it to San Francisco, not before losing one of the group, and the manticore offers Thalia a choice. Eventually, Thalia becomes a huntress because she fears that her sixteenth birthday will make her the subject of the prophecy. They fight off Luke and his army yet again, and head back to camp with Annabeth in tow. All is well for another book. I skipped through a lot of the details, because I like to give people to option to read the book and find out these things for themselves.

Favorite excerpts or quotes from the book:
"Do you always try to kill people when they blow their nose?"

Upcoming Book Review: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Battle of the Labyrinth (PJ#4) by Rick Riordan

This was an exciting read. I look forward to posting the review.

Excerpt from the book:

Percy Jackson isn't expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. But when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse.
In this latest installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan Lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos's army prepares to invade the once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest throughthe Labyrinth-a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn. Full of humor and heart-pounding action, this latest book promises to be their most thrilling adventure yet.

Visit http://www.rickriordan.com/ for more information.

Book Review: A Lady of Persuasion (Goddess Trilogy #3) by Tessa Dare

Book Title: A Lady of Persuasion (Goddess Trilogy #3)

Author: Tessa Dare(http://www.tessadare.com/)

Pages: 344

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Genre: Historical Romance

(Scale Explanation: 1) Meaning awful, 5) Meaning not good, but not bad, equal, 10) Meaning wonderful)

PLOT - 10

CHARACTERS - 10

BEGINNING - 10

ENDING - 10

FLOW - 10

OVERALL - 10

What I liked about this book:
EVERYTHING! This was the perfect ending to a great trilogy that I will keep forever and ever! LOL Anyway, I just really loved this book particularly because everyone that was of note that was in the first two books made an appearance in this third book. I especially loved the inclusion of Lucy’s pregnancy and the Epilogue Five Years Later. Great book!

What I disliked about this book:
Nothing, this was the perfect tie-up of every story. The only thing that I would have liked to have seen was Joss and Hetta at Waltham Manor in the end, even if they were just mentioned as being in the stables or in the house.

Who I would recommend this book to:
Anyone that likes historical romance. Anyone that has read the first two books in the Goddess Trilogy. Anyone that likes Tessa Dare. :)

What I felt the book was about:
Toby is upset that Sophia ran away and ran out on their engagement, but they both knew it wasn’t love, so it’s not complete devastation. Toby wants revenge and it comes in the form of Isabel Grayson. The sister of the man whom stole Sophia’s heart, or in this case, it was given to him, as it belonged to no one but Sophia before. Lucy has thrown a ball and Toby spots Isabel and can’t take his eyes off of her, she is totally beautiful. They speak alone after an intense dance on the verandah. The talk ends with Toby proposing to Isabel. Isabel only wanted a man with power and had wished that Toby would have shown her the best man to marry. She believes deeply in her charities and wishes to be a lady of influence. Toby just wants revenge, though it is sweet revenge because Isabel is everything that he has always wanted. There is a slight battle as Toby has never known what it is to live in a way that you feel guilty every time you enjoy something, where as Isabel lives with intense guilt every time she has an experience that makes her feel good. This continues throughout the book and Isabel lets go just a little, but is still very strong willed. Toby agrees to run for the office that Isabel asked him to run for, though he is friends with the writer of The Prattler, a soap-opera type gossip magazine. He has the writer/artist draw illustrations that compromise Toby’s chances of winning the election. He is running against an older man that was very dear to him his whole life and some crazy rebellious man on the verge of death, with some crazy grandsons. Isabel finally finds out what has been going on and there is an argument between her and Toby. She has struggled with thoughts that she was going mad like her mother before her. She has refused to fall for Toby, but after the argument and a few events, she realizes that she does love him and chases after him where he is waiting for the announcement of the election. She tells him how she feels and everything is good. There are so many things that I wanted to leave out, because the little details were the icing on the cake for this book. It was the best ending ever and I look forward to the next trilogy by Tessa Dare.

Favorite excerpts or quotes from the book:
Basically all of chapter 16 and 17 because Lucy and Jeremy were my favorite couple from this trilogy, but Lucy is hilarious and Jeremy is so intense in these chapters. Also, the Epilogue was amazing! But this is my favorite quote from this section:

““You didn’t allow me to finish, my lord.” The faintest hint of a smile played on Miss Osborne’s lips. “She said, tell my addle-brained brute of a husband that his son is need of a name, and…” “And?” “And his wife is in need of a kiss.”” – Page 237

Goodreads.com/Writers Review and Short Stories Group/January 2010 Short Story Contest Winner: Mary with 'Submerged'

Goodreads.com Website

Writers Review and Short Stories Group

September 2009 Short Story Contest Winner

Mary with 'Submerged'

Genre: Fiction

Word Count: 730

(January's Genre was *Author's Choice*, the topic was *Beginning*. The word count minimum was 300 words and the maximum was 3000 words.)

Here is a link: http://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/266645-january-2010

You can view the other participants here as well.

Here is the story:

I twist the ring on my finger several times before throwing my hands down in frustration. My heart aches and I just want to curl up and cry. I run a hand through my long dark hair, and I fall into a chair.

"Momma?" Chris cries. My little six year old boy runs up to me and jumps onto my lap.

"What's up sweetie?" I ask gently. I stroke his light blonde hair lovingly as he speaks.

"Momma," he sniffles, "Junie's being mean to me."

I sigh. "Junie, sweetie! Junie, come over here!" I wait paitently as my 12-year old comes into the living room sullenly.

"Yeah, Mom?" she snaps.

"June, honey, Chris says you're being mean to him. Is that true?" I ask kindly.

"No!" she spits. "Chris is just being a big baby!" June turns around and stomps into her room.

I put my face in my hands and let out a frustrated sigh. It is times like these I ache for you most, Bastien.

"Momma?" I look up and see little Chris' eyes looking at me in earnest. "I'm sorry, Momma." He looks ashamed, but I see a flicker of something else in his light green eyes. Fear? "I'll be good. I won't be a baby. Please don't kick me out!" he sobs.

I am stunned. "K-Kick you out?" I repeat breathlessly.

"Please Mommy! I'll be good, promise!" he begs.

"Christopher Sebastian Thomas." I say slowly, temper flaring. "What in the world are you talking about?"

His spring green eyes are watery as he speaks in a shaky voice, "Junie said you were going to kick me out of the house if I didn't stop being such a burden. She said that you would kick me out into the cold to die alone. Just like you did to Daddy."

I cannot breathe. I lower Christopher onto the floor. "Sweetie, I would never throw you out of the house. Ever. I love you, baby." I try to hug him, but he wriggles out of my grasp.

"You said that to Daddy too! You said you loved him, but you kicked him out!" he sobs.

"Chrissie, I didn't kick him out of the house. Daddy made the choice to leave." I find myself pleading with my ten-year son. "Please believe me Chrissie. Please."

Tears fall slick and fast down my cheeks as Chris leaves the room. In his fits of anger, he is exactly like his father, my husband who I haven't seen in weeks. Chris has his eyes and his hair. June is like me, with a slender body and almond-shaped eyes, but she has Bastian's colorings. I can still remember the night he left.

"Come on, Sammie." he whispered. "We can start over. We can be who we want to be, with no one dragging us down. We can live the life that we lived before all of this." He gestured to the house.

My heart had sunk when I realized what he meant. "Leave the kids? Bastian, you know that I couldn't-you know that I wouldn't! I love them!"

He had laughed harshly at that. "You loved your parents too didn't you? But then you ended up leaving them behind too."

I was crying, on my knees. "Bastian, don't make me choose. Please don't make me choose. Not again."

He knelt, pushing my chin up with his fingertips. "Come on Samantha. You chose me once, and you can choose me again. Sammie, I love you more than you'll ever know. We were kids when you left home, but now our kids are grown. They'll be fine."

"Chris is eight, and June's 12, you asshole!" I yelled. "Forget it. I'm not leaving. Do what you want, but I'm staying."

Sebastian's face hardened. "Whatever you want, dear. But remember, I gave you a choice. Good luck trying to live without me. Goodbye honey dearest." He opened the door, and didn't look back.

I had listened to the car start, seen the sleek, dark shape slithering out of the drive way. Only then did I whisper, "Goodbye, love" to Sebastian, to my heartache, to my past.

But when he had left, he had left me with something I hadn't had before. I had my own choice. And now I was submerged in the choice I had made, and I was going to stick by it. Just like Bastian hadn't.
END STORY


Thank you Mary for your wonderful contribution to the monthly short story contest.

Upcoming Book Review: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan's Curse (PJ#3) by Rick Riordan

So far, this is an interesting book and the whole series has kept my intrigue up off the scale. This, so far, is my fave Percy Jackson book. So far...

Excerpt from the book:

When Percy Jackson receives an urgent distress call from his friend Grover, he immediately prepares for battle. He knows he'll need his powerful demigod allies, Annabeth and Thalia, at his side; his trusty bronze sword, Riptide; and...a ride from his mom.
The demigods race to the rescue, to find that Grover has made an important discovery: two new powerful half-bloods whose parentage is unknown. But that's not all that awaits them. The Titan lord, Kronos, has set up his most devious trap yet, and the young heroes have just fallen prey.
Hilarious and action-packed, this third adventure in the series finds Percy faced with his most dangerous challenge so far; the chilling prophecy of the Titan's Curse.

Visit: http://www.rickriordan.com/ for more information.

Book Review: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters (PJ#2) by Rick Riordan

Book Title: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters (PJ#2)

Author: Rick Riordan(http://www.rickriordan.com/)

Pages: 279

Publisher: Disney Hyperion

Genre: Young Adult/Science Fiction/Fantasy

(Scale Explanation: 1) Meaning awful, 5) Meaning not good, but not bad, equal, 10) Meaning wonderful)

PLOT - 9

CHARACTERS - 9

BEGINNING - 8

ENDING - 8

FLOW - 9

OVERALL - 9

What I liked about this book:
The continued story of Percy Jackson, it was great. It was a little short, but Rick Riordan managed to fit everything that would entail an outrageous adventure into less pages than the first. Great book, a fun quick read.

What I disliked about this book:
Nothing really, just that the ending was definitely a cliff hanger, but that is what makes books fun, right? :)

Who I would recommend this book to:
Anyone that likes the Percy Jackson series. Anyone that likes Young Adult, mixed with some really out there fantasy, science fiction, and mythology.

What I felt the book was about:
Percy Jackson goes back to camp only to realize that he must leave again on another quest to save Grover! Grover is in trouble and has created an empathy link with Percy. Also, the camps magical borders are failing, someone has poisoned the tree that keeps the camp safe. Only the Golden Fleece can save the camp. Percy goes to save Grover and has Tyson, his half brother along with him, Tyson is a cyclops. Annabeth joins the two and they brave many new monsters, and a trip through the sea of monsters where they encounter sirens, hippocampi, the PRincess Andromeda, Luke's new ship, and an island where the men are turned into guinea pigs and the women are pampered. Percy gets Blackbeard's ship and sails to the island where the ultimate cyclops lives and is keeping Grover captive. It is on this island that the Golden Fleece resides. There is a battle of immense proportions when it comes to getting the Fleece off the island and they make it back to Florida safely. Only Luke is waiting for them there. Clarisse takes the Fleece and heads back to camp aboard an airplane and Percy, Grover and Annabeth are left to battle Luke. Chiron suprises them and shows up with his crazy Centaur family and they get away safely. They race back to camp where Clarisse balances the Fleece onto the tree. Only the Fleece works too well and lying on the ground next to the tree the next morning, is Thalia, Zeus's daughter whom had turned her into the tree in the first place.

Favorite excerpts or quotes from the book:
“We only came close to dying six or seven times, which i thought was pretty good. Once, I lost my grip and found myself dangling by one hand from a ledge fifty feet above the rocky surf. But I found another handhold and kept climbing. A minute later Annabeth hit a slippery patch of moss and her foot slipped. Fortunately, she found something else to put it against. Unfortunately, that something was my face. "Sorry," she murrmured. "S'okay," I grunted, though I'd never really wanted to know what Annabeth's sneaker tasted like."

Upcoming Book Review: A Lady of Persuasion (Goddess Trilogy #3) by Tessa Dare

This was the last book in the trilogy, I loved that all of the characters that I so loved from the last two books were included in this book and that they mostly all had sufficient parts. It was the perfect way to end an amazing trilogy!

Excerpt from the book:

Only one thing could convince Sir Toby Aldridge, an incorigible libertine, to profess undying fidelity to a women he's just met. Revenge. What better way to get back at an enemy than by stealing a scoundrel's sister? Not that Toby finds it a chore, seducing a beguiling, sultry beauty freshly arrived from the West Indies. When the prize is Isabel Grayson, vengeance is doubly rewarding.
Isabell is determined to marry a wealthy, powerful lord and become a lady of influence, using her rank and fortune to fight social injustice. Sir Toby, with his paltry title and infamous reputation, in unsuitable husband material-but he makes her blood race, her heart pound, and her long-buried passions come to the surface. If she can reform the charming devil, she'll get exactly what she craves: society's respect. But it's a dangerous gamble. For if Toby wins this battle of persuasion, Isabel could lose her heart.

Visit http://www.tessadare.com/ for more information.

Book Review: Surrender of a Siren (Goddess Trilogy #2) by Tessa Dare

Book Title: Surrender of a Siren (Goddess Trilogy #2)

Author: Tessa Dare(http://www.tessadare.com/)

Pages: 384

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Genre: Historical Romance

(Scale Explanation: 1) Meaning awful, 5) Meaning not good, but not bad, equal, 10) Meaning wonderful)

PLOT - 10

CHARACTERS - 10

BEGINNING - 10

ENDING - 10

FLOW - 10

OVERALL - 10

What I liked about this book:
The whole scenery was lovely. I really loved the ocean and the descriptions. It made me want to go to the beach, specifically, on a boat. The relationship started off rocky, but still intense, then it leveled out beautifully as the characters spent more time together. Beautiful love story. Humorous in many situations.

What I disliked about this book:
Well, not much, I was a little annoyed with Sophia at first, but her character became well rounded toward the middle of the book and I loved all the characters by the end.

Who I would recommend this book to:
Anyone who is a fan of historical romance.

What I felt the book was about:
Sophia Hathaway has a vivid imagination and she can’t see herself marrying Toby Aldridge, because he doesn’t seem adventurous and that is what Sophia wants the most. She flees to Tortola on the Aphrodite, a ship owned by Benedict ‘Gray’ Grayson, and captained by his half brother, a black man, which was odd in those times, Joss Grayson, who is extremely bitter after the death of his wife, birthing his son a year ago. Sophia is instantly awestruck with Gray, only he is a scoundrel, he hasn’t quite lived his life the gentlemanly way, he was even a privateer during the war, the legalized form of piracy. There is a battle between Sophia and Gray that is intense from the start, they are both witty and are attracted to each other immensely. They argue like they are an old married couple a few times, but it adds to the humor. Sophia lies to Gray the whole way to Tortola and they eventually fall for each other, which is odd, seeing as Gray never wanted to marry ever. It was a beautiful blossoming love story. They get to Tortola and Gray is accused of piracy by a man on another ship that he saved when lightning hit the ship. Sophia decides that the only way to save Gray is o confess her whole lie in front of the court in Tortola. She does this and leaves back for England. Gray chases after her in another ship and they wed. They go back to England for Isabel’s(Grays little sister) coming out, and everything has been fine. Toby did not go to the press about Sophia’s fleeing and her whole reputation in intact. Gray is even honored for his work on the other ship. Toby is upset and wants revenge, and he sort of gets it in the next book, but he finds love as well.

Favorite excerpts or quotes from the book:
““The proper way to touch a woman,” he continued, sauntering to her side and propping an elbow on the bar, “is to come at her from the side, like so.” In an attitude of perfect nonchalance, he leaned his weight on his arm and slid it along the bar until his knuckles came within a hair’s width of her breast.” – Page 2


Tessa Dare is such an awesome writer, I will continue to read anything that she writes in her career. Thank you again to Courtney Milan for referring Tessa Dare's books to me. You guys are so awesome.

Upcoming Book Review: Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Sea of Monsters (PJ#2) by Rick Riordan

This was a fun book. I have enjoyed all of the Percy Jackson books so far. I can't wait to post the review.

Excerpt from the book:

The way he said my name sent a chill down my back. Nobody called me "Perseus" except those who knew my true identity. Friends...and enemies.

Percy Jackson's seventh-grade year has been surprisingly quiet. Not a single monster has set foon on his New York prep-school campus. But when an innocent game of dodgeball among Percy and his classmates turns into a death match against an ugly gang of cannibal giants, thigs get...well, ugly. And the unexpected arrival of Percy's friend Annabeth brings more bad news; the magical borders that protect Camp Half-Blood have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and unless a cure is found, the only safe haven for demigods will be destroyed.
In this fresh, funny, and hugely anticipated follow-up to The Lightning Thief, Percy and his friends must journey into the Sea of Monsters to save their beloved camp. But first, Percy will discover a stunning new secret about his family - one that makes him wonder whether being claimed as Posiedon's son is an honor, or simply a cruel joke.

For mor information, visit: http://www.rickriordan.com/

Book Review: Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiement (The Fugitives Book 1) by James Patterson

Book Title: Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (The Fugitives Book 1)

Author: James Patterson(http://www.maximumride.com/)

Pages: 423

Publisher: Little Brown

Genre: Young Adult/Science Fiction/Fantasy

(Scale Explanation: 1) Meaning awful, 5) Meaning not good, but not bad, equal, 10) Meaning wonderful)

PLOT - 8

CHARACTERS - 6

BEGINNING - 6

ENDING - 4

FLOW - 8

OVERALL - 7

What I liked about this book:
The descriptions of the special abilities and the facilities and surrounding areas were really good. A few of the characters were really interesting and the back-stories were something that I craved.

What I disliked about this book:
A few of the characters, Maximum Ride is just a shell and inside that shell, she is a meek little girl that is scared of everything. The shell is just not enough to make her intriguing. Angel, the little girl, is not an interesting character and reminds me of a spoiled brat type character.

Who I would recommend this book to:
Anyone that would like science fiction blended with fantasy written for children or pre-teens. Anyone that enjoys people that can fly.

What I felt the book was about:
Max Ride is a mutant that was made that way by scientists in a lab. She lives with her flock in a house in the mountains and forest. They live there for a while safely, but at some point the wolf-like humans(Erasers) come to find them. From then on, it’s a race against dying as the flock encounters obstacles and issues at every step of the way. Angel was taken in the initial battle and Iggy and Gasman stay behind at the home while Max, Fang, and Nudge go to rescue Angel from the School. The School is a laboratory where scientists perform disgusting tests on children. Max sees a girl in trouble on the way there and saves her only to be injured herself. She then is nursed back to health by the girls mom and teeters on emotionally breaking down. She finally leaves and finds Fang and Nudge waiting for her to advance on the School. Iggy and Gasman end up having to fight off a bunch of Erasers in order to live and not be captured themselves. They eventually join Max and the others. The whole flock gets captured and escapes. Max starts having horrible migraines and a voice starts talking to her in her head and the flock goes to New York to find the Institute to find more information on why they are the way they are and if they have parents. They find some answers when the break in to the Institute, and rescue a horde of mutant children. The ending is very disappointing as it leaves you wondering what next to the extreme! It was a nice book of science fiction, but I think that the characters could have been structured better, although this is the first book in a series, so I could be wrong as the series roles on.

Favorite excerpts or quotes from the book:
"“Yes!” said Fang, punching the air. “Freaks rule.”"

Upcoming Book Review: Surrender of a Siren (Goddess Trilogy #2) by Tessa Dare

This will be a fun book review. I surely love Tessa Dare's writing. Thank you to Courtney Milan, author of Proof by Seduction for reccommending Tessa Dare to me.

Excerpt from the book:

Desperate to escape the loveless marriage and society's constraints, pampered heiress Sophia Hathaway jilts her groom, packs up her paints and sketchbook, and assumes a new identity, posing as a governess to secure passage on the Aphrodite. She wants a life of her own: unsheltered, unconventional, uninhibited. But it's one thing to sketch her most wanton fantasies, and quite another to face the dangerously handsome libertine who would steal both her virtue and her gold.

To any well-bred lady, Benedict "Gray" Grayson is trouble in snug-fitting boots. A conscienceless scoundrel who sails the seas for pleasure and profit. Gray lives for conquest-until Sophia's perception and artistry stir his heart. Suddenly he'll brave sharks, fire, storm, and sea just to keep her at his side. She's beautiful, refined, and ripe for seduction. Could this counterfeit governess be a rogue's redemption? Or will the runaway heiress's secrets destroy their only chance at love?


Visit: http://www.tessadare.com/ for more information.

Book Review: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games Book 2) by Suzanne Collins

Book Title: Catching Fire (The Hunger Games Book 2)

Author: Suzanne Collins(http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/)

Pages: 391

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Sci-fi

(Scale Explanation: 1) Meaning awful, 5) Meaning not good, but not bad, equal, 10) Meaning wonderful)

PLOT - 10

CHARACTERS - 10

BEGINNING - 10

ENDING - 10

FLOW - 10

OVERALL - 10

What I liked about this book: What could I not like about this book? The Hunger Games series has taken my breath away and has become my new obsession. I cannot get enough of this series. It has the perfect mixture of suspense, romance, morbid situations, and adult themes. Katniss is a great character that is strong, yet has a turmoil to battle. I thoroughly enjoy the character of Peeta because he is Katniss’ strong shoulder to carry her through anything. Also Peeta is very smart and a great speaker for the uprising. TEAM PEETA!

What I disliked about this book: Gale. LOL I know that is so wrong, but I don’t like Gale. Although, we haven’t got to see much of him, he just seems to be someone that Katniss should feel like is family, rather than a love interest. He seems whiny and if he truly loved Katniss before, he should’ve said something. Other than that, President Snow is disgusting but an interesting villain.

Who I would recommend this book to: Anyone that loved the first book in the trilogy. Anyone that is looking for a good action-packed book to read.

What I felt the book was about: Katniss and Peeta have survived the hunger games and are back in District 12. They are preparing for the Victory Tour, but having a hard time keeping up the façade that is their romance. Haymitch has gone back to his heavy alcoholism ways and Katniss and Peeta each have a lovely house in the Victor’s Village. They’re receiving food and everything that one would need to survive as well as helping everyone in District 12 with those needs. Hunky dory, right? Wrong. Gale planted a kiss on Katniss a few days after arriving home and President Snow saw it, even though it was outside the fence. He give Katniss a visit and threatens her that if she doesn’t make the romance with Peeta full-on what it needs to be, there will be consequences, mainly ones that involve her mother, Prim, and Gale. This is after Katniss witnessed a special report on the TV of the Mayor at the Victor’s Dinner in District 12. The special report stated that District 8 was rebelling. Apparently, things had calmed down a bit, but District 12 suffers for this rebellion. The food doesn’t come in, there is a blizzard, and a new batch of awful peacekeepers make it into the District. Katniss sneaks out to meet Gale, when she finds two peacekeepers. These are not real peacekeepers. They are escapees from District 8 and they are on their way to the ruins of District 13. It is speculated that there is a group of independent humans living underground there. The escapees have a piece of bread with a stamp of the mockingjay pin that Katniss wore in the first hunger games that she competed in. She makes it back over the fence, climbing a tree, because the fence has been turned back on and bonds with Peeta. Gale is caught walking the streets with a wild turkey that he had killed and is whipped in the town square. Peeta and Katniss stop the whipping and take Gale to Katniss’ home. Gale recovers and goes back to his house. On the Victory Tour, Peeta proposes to Katniss and she accepts. There is a grand celebration held in the Capitol, at President Snow’s home. Katniss meets Plutarch Heavensbee, the new head gamemaker for the Quarter Quell Hunger Games. He shows her his timepiece, and Katniss makes out that there is an iridescent picture of a mockingjay on it. She can’t put this together, but goes on. They get back to District 12 and President Snow announces how the Quarter Quell games will go. It’s shocking. He says that this years tributes will be pulled from the existing batch of victors. This means that Katniss is going back and that she is going back with either Peeta or Haymitch. Peeta starts training them like Careers and Haymitch is chosen on the Reaping day, but Peeta takes his place. They go to the Capitol to prepare and Cinna is back at his excellent designs. Katniss keeps overhearing how things are harder for people in the Capitol to get, things that are produced in different districts. An uprising is in the midst. When they get their scores, Peeta and Katniss each score a 12, due to a defying act for the gamemakers. Then, when they have their interviews, President Snow makes Katniss wear one of her wedding gowns, though Cinna has modified it to turn into a Mockingjay outfit when Katniss spins. This is revealed and everyone cheers. Then Peeta takes his interview to the stage and announces that Katniss and he had already been married in a private ceremony at home, because they couldn’t wait. He also says that Katniss is pregnant. This shocks the people of the Capitol and there is a rebellion there as well, everyone is angry that the hunger games are being played and they’re calling for a stop to them. Katniss and Peeta have met all the other tributes and there are some strange people, but they make allies with Finnick. They enter the arena and it is a dome, not very much space to move around in. They figure out the whole setup pretty quickly and figure a way to kill the last of the surviving tributes that are a threat to them. The whole time, Peeta is fighting for Katniss to stay alive and Katniss is fighting for Peeta to stay alive. Sounds like love to me.  Anyway, they rig up a charge to shock the last few tributes, but this goes haywire and Katniss spots a chink in the armor that is the force field, she ties the wire to her arrow and shoot it. This blows up the whole dome. A hover craft comes in and picks her up. She is assuming she is dead, but what is revealed after she is in the hovercraft will send her into a slight depression. She finds out that Peeta was picked up, but he was picked up by a Capitol hover craft. She finds out that Plutarch Heavensbee was in on an underground society that has been plotting to overthrow the Capitol for years. Haymitch is there and they were just able to save Gale, Prim, and her mother before District 12 was demolished. I can’t wait for Mockingjay!

Favorite excerpts or quotes from the book: “I do,” I say. “I need you.” He looks upset, takes a deep breath as if to begin a long argument, and that’s no good, no good at all, because he’ll start going on about Prim and my mother and everything and I’ll just get confused. So before he can talk, I stop his lips with a kiss. I feel that things again. The thing I only felt once before. In the cave last year, when I was trying to get Haymitch to send us food. I kissed Peeta about a thousand times during those Games and after. But there was only one kiss that made me feel something stir deep inside. Only one that made me want more. But my head wound started bleeding and he made me lie down. This time, there is nothing but us to interrupt us. And after a few attempts, Peeta gives up on talking. The sensation inside me grows warmer and spreads out from my chest, down through my body, out along my arms and legs, to the tips of my being. Instead of satisfying me, the kisses have the opposite effect, of making my need greater. I thought I was something of an expert on hunger, but this in an entirely new kind.” – Page 352

Upcoming Book Review: Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment (Book 1) by James Patterson

I had heard a lot about this book and so I was inspired to buy it and read it. Actually, it was the only book at Wal-Mart that looked like something I would enjoy. Why are the political books all the rage right now? :P

Excerpt from the book:

Welcome to my Nightmare.
Do not put this book down. I'm dead serious-your life could depend on it. I'm risking everything by telling you-but you need to know. -Max
Her full name is Maximum Ride. And the girl can fly.

Max's Missions:
*Protect the rest of her gang-Fang, Iggy, Nudge, the Gasman, and Angel-from a pack of half-wolf, half-humans with a taste for flying humans.
*Rescue Angel from a crew of complete wack-jobs.
*Infiltrate a secret facility to track down their missing parents.
*Figure out what she really thinks about Fang.
*Get revenge on the one person she thought she could trust.
*Discover the best chocolate-chip cookie in New York City.
*Save the whole world, for crying out loud.

Not necessarily in that order, of course.

Visit: http://www.maximumride.com/ for more information
Visit: http://www.maximumride.blogspot.com/ for more information

Book Review: Pleasure Model (Netherworld Book 1) by Christopher Rowley

Book Title: Pleasure Model (Netherworld #1)

Author: Christopher Rowley(http://www.heavymetal.com/)

Pages: 238

Publisher: A Tor Book, Heavy Metal Pulp

(A note about this book: I won this ARC copy of Pleasure Model (Netherworld Book 1) from Goodreads.com's First Reads Free Book Giveaway system. On the Goodreads website, I was instructed to state this if I gave the book a review.)

(Scale Explanation: 1) Meaning awful, 5) Meaning not good, but not bad, equal, 10) Meaning wonderful)

PLOT - 10

CHARACTERS - 7

BEGINNING - 8

ENDING - 7

FLOW - 8

OVERALL – 8

 What I liked about this book: This was an interesting book. It was done in a new style of graphic novel/comic book look. There were some pictures on the pages that illustrated what was going on at the time. The artist, Justin Norman, has a wonderful way with pencils. At least, the pictures looked to be done in pencil. The plot was very interesting and I would be interested in reading the other two books that are to come from this series. Christopher Rowley creates his own futuristic world that comes alive as you keep up with all of the gadgets and such that manifest during the story.

What I disliked about this book: There was a small sense of choppiness that was a turn off to the book. Reading one page, turning the page and wondering how the character got to someone else’s office. Though that happened a few times, it wasn’t at all a deterrent from finishing the story.

Who I would recommend this book to: Those that are fans of comic books or graphic novels. Those that don’t mind futuristic ideals and a world somewhat different from what we have today.

What I felt the book was about: Rook is a police officer that was called out to investigate a case where a man, Sangacha, had whip marks all over his back. He had been shot by shotguns and he had a pleasure model doll stored away in his apartment. The FBI comes in and bullies the cops, but the cops don’t give over all f the evidence. Later on, Rook has to take the pleasure model home to keep her safe for questioning. Pleasure models are genetically designed women that provide whatever the buyer wants from them. They aren’t very smart and they only have a ten year life span. Rooks house gets bombed that night after he receives a strange call from a man telling him to get out of his house. The strange man is way high up the chain in United States politics. Rook and Pleasur, the pleasure model, take off to find a safe haven. They make it to Rooks friendly neighborhood whore house and the madam gets a doctor to remove his chips so that he can’t be tracked. The adventure continues as they get chased to five different places where they think they are safe, but are not. People die, and the pleasure model gets lost after Rook takes her to a clinic to insert an intelligence chip in her head. They find her again and all hell breaks loose as the military finds them and Pleasur socks it to them. Apparently, her owner was training her to be a lethal weapon of sorts. Lots of fun and interesting characters lead the way to this revelation.

Favorite excerpts or quotes from the book: “I just asked him about this.” “And his f*cking head exploded!” “Was he shot?” “No, said Rook. “He must have had an explosive chip in his head.” – Page 229

Upcoming Book Review: Catching Fire (Hunger Games Book 2) by Suzanne Collins

Have I told everyone yet that this is my new obsession? Well, it is, and believe me it merits that awards in my book. Hehe! I can't wait to get the review up for this one.

Excerpt from the book:

Sparks are igniting.
Flames are spreading.
And the Capitol wants revenge.

Against all odds, Katniss has won the Hunger Games. She and fellow District 12 tribute, Peeta Mallark are miraculously still alive. Katniss should be relieved, happy even. After all, she has returned to her family and her longtime friend, Gale. Yet nothing is the way Katniss wishes it to be. Gale holds her at an icy distance. Peeta has turned his back on her completely. And there are whispers of a rebellion against the Capitol-a rebellion that Katniss and Peeta may have helped create.
Much to her shock, Katniss has fueled an unrest she's afraid she cannot stop. And what scares her even more is that she's not entirely convinced she should try. As time draws near for Katniss and Peeta to visit the districts on the Capitol's cruel Victory Tour, the stakes are higher than ever. If they can't prove, without a shadow of a doubt, that they are lost in their love for each other, the consequences will be horrifying.

Visit: http://www.suzannecollins.com/ for more information.
Visit: http://www.scholastic.com/ for more information.

Book Review: The Host: A Novel by Stephenie Meyer

Book Title: The Host: A Novel

Author: Stephenie Meyer(http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/)

Pages: 619
Publisher: Little Brown

(Scale Explanation: 1) Meaning awful, 5) Meaning not good, but not bad, equal, 10) Meaning wonderful)

PLOT - 10

CHARACTERS - 10

BEGINNING - 10

ENDING - 9

FLOW - 10
OVERALL - 10

What I liked about this book: This was a very interesting read. I hadn't believe that Meyer could pull off anything other than the Twilight Saga and I would love to tell those that didn't like the Twilight Saga that thye should give Meyer another chance with The Host. This book was wonderful and I found instances where Meyer also borrowed from other great science fiction authors, with the world of the dolphins. I thoroughly enjoyed this story and the emotions that the main character had to go through to understand the bigger picture.

What I disliked about this book: There wasn't much that I disliked about the book. It was rather lengthy, but I realize that this was needed to convey the story as a whole.

Who I would recommend this book to: Anyone that enjoyed the Twilight Saga and anyone that didn't like the Twilight Saga. Meyer puts together a much better story in this book.

What I felt the book was about: Wanderer is a Host, a small centipede-like creature, from The Origin. Hosts take over a host body and basically level out the planet on which the host bodies live on. Melanie was a rebel, one that evaded being captured and taken over by a host, but eventually, she was caught. Wanderer was placed inside of Melanie and so begins an emotional nerve-wracking story of love, friendship, and the human way of life. Melanie was in love with Jared and had her younger borther Jamie to take care of. The three of them lived like a family. When Melanie was captured, Jared took Jamie to Melanie's crazy Uncles hide-out smack dab in the middle of the Arizona desert. The hide-out is naturally made and was perfect for a small settlement of rebels. Melanie is still able to comunicate with Wanderer and as Wanderer finally gets sick of hearing Melanie play with her emotions and show her memories, she decides to go back to the Healer and be placed into another body, but on the way there, Melanie pushes her to look for Jaren and Jamie and so Wanderer treks through the desert following a strange map that Melanie's uncle showed her when she was little. On the edge of death, Wanderer finally gives up and lays down in the dirt just as the sun is gone for the night. She wakes up to someone giving her water and several anxious people with guns pointed at her. Jeb, the uncle takes her back to the hide-out and Jared and Jamie are there. Jared is angry and wants Wanderer dead, even though she is in Melanie's body. So, they hold Wanderer in a jail cell type cavern for days until Jared has to go on a supply run. Jeb then takes Melanie around and shows everyone that she is not dangerous and tries to make everyone accept her. As the days go on, the people eventually accept her. When Jaren returns, he is angry and beats Melanie/Wanderer up, then he speaks with Jamie and apologizes and finds out that Melanie is still in there. As the days go on, Jared accepts what is going on and Ian falls in love with Wanderer. Ian is a twin with Kyle who tries to kill Wanderer at another time. Jamie gets sick and Wanderer wants to get him the proper medicine, but no one wants to let her leave. Jared helps her escape in the middle of the night to go get the medicine and they save Jamie. Wanderer's Seeker, eventually gets caught by the people of the caverns and they learn how to take the Host out of the host body. Eventually, Wanderer wants to be removed from Melanie's body for Jared. But Ian doesn't want this. They take her out and find her a new body that had been in habited for a long time so there wasn't a person inside and they go on living.

Favorite excerpts or quotes from the book: “It's not the face, but the expressions on it. It's not the voice, but what you say. It's not how you look like in that body, it's what you do with it. You are beautiful!"

A Crazy, but Beautiful Sky

So, it has been a while since I have updated this blog and I fear that people won't come by to see how things are going, so as a jump start to get myself working on it again(I have two book reviews to catch up on and several books to read), I thought I'd post a picture that I took of the sky from my back patio a few days ago. It was so beautiful that I couldn't resist. The sky just after the snow storm. I hate the color pink, but in nature, it's remarkable. Just like the color orange. :)

Upcoming Book Review: Pleasure Model (Netherworld Book 1) by Christopher Rowley

I won this book on Goodreads.com First Reads program for free! It was a fun little read. I will post the review soon!

Excerpt from the back of the book:

Presenting Heavy Metal Pulp, a new line of novels combining noir fiction with fantastic art featuring the themes, story lines, and graphic styles of Heavy Metal Magazine.


In Pleasure Model, the first book in the Netherworld Trilogy, down-and-out police detective Rook gets a big break when he’s assigned to a bizarre and visiouc murder case. The clues are colder than the corpse, and the case looks like it’ll remain unsolved-until an eyewitness is discovered. But the witness is a Pleasure Model, an illegal gene-grown human. Pleasur’s only purpose is to provide satisfaction to her owner-in any way. When the murderer targets Pleasur in order to eliminate the one witness, Rook takes her into hiding to protect her. Thus begins a descent into the dark world of exotic pleasure mods and their illicit buyers and manufacturers. Rook frantically looks for clues, struggling to stay one step ahead of those looking to kill them both. But is Rook falling under Pleasur’s spell…?

Upcoming Book Review: The Host: A Novel by Stephenie Meyer

This was an interesting read and I really enjoyed it. Look for the review soon!

Excerpt from the book:

Melanie Stryder refuses to fade away.
Our world has been invaded by an unseen enemy. Humans have become hosts for these invaders, their minds taken over while their bodies remain intact and continue their lives apparently unchanged. Most of humanity has succumbed.
When Melanie, one of the few remaining "wild" humans, is captured, she is certain it is her end. Wanderer, the invading "soul" who has been given Melanie's body, was warned about the challenges of living inside a human: the overwhelming emotions, the glut of sense, the too-vivid memories. But there was one difficulty Wanderer didn't expect: the former tenant of her body refusing to relinquish possession of her mind.
Wanderer probes Melanie's thoughts, hoping to discover the whereabouts of the remaining human resistance. Instead, Melanie fills Wanderer's mind with visions of the man Melanie loves-Jared, a human who still lives in hiding. Unable to separate herself from her body's desires, Wanderer begins to yearn for a man she has been tasked with exposing. When outside forces make Wanderer and Melanie unwilling allies, they set off on a dangerous and uncertain search for the man they both love.

Visit http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/ for more information.

Book Review: The Hunger Games (Book 1) by Suzanne Collins

Book Title: The Hunger Games (Book 1)

Author: Suzanne Collins(http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/)

Pages: 374

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Genre: Young Adult/Fantasy/Sci-Fi

(Scale Explanation: 1) Meaning awful, 5) Meaning not good, but not bad, equal, 10) Meaning wonderful)

PLOT - 10

CHARACTERS – 10

BEGINNING - 9

ENDING - 9

FLOW - 8

OVERALL – 9

What I liked about this book: Oh my, this book was sooooo good. I had to finish it from the time that I picked it up. It was absolutely wonderful. The characters were all very thorough, though I would have liked to have learned more about a few of the characters. Though, this is the first book in a trilogy, so I’m sure that within the next few books, I’ll learn more about the characters that I hadn’t learned about. I loved Peeta, and Katniss is a total badass. I can’t wait to read the other two books in the trilogy.

What I disliked about this book: I had an odd issue with the POV and tense that the author used. Though that is a minor problem, I felt like I was reading the book as I was sitting on a cliff about ready to fall, the entire book, which if you think about it, is probably the way the author wanted the story conveyed as you are basically sitting on a cliff about to fall off the entire time you are reading it.

Who I would recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to anyone that I recommend books to. It was a fun read that had me on the edge the whole way through. The characters were lovable, so anyone that reads, read this book.

What I felt the book was about: Katniss Everdeen is a teenage girl that lives in the Seam, the most povertous part of District 12, the coal producing district of Panem. The ruins of North America is the land where Panem resides. It consists of 12 districts, each producing a specific need that the Capitol uses. the Capitol is very lavish and to get back at each of the districts for the rebellion that took place years ago, they hold the annual Hunger Games. Pitting teenagers between twelve and eighteen against each other in an all out battle to the death. Only one victor emerges each year and they are showered along with their district with gifts and tidings all year long. Katniss lost her father in a mining accident years ago and has taken on the role of head of the household. She leaves the fences surrounding district 12 each day to hunt and gather food for her family and also for trading. She hunts with her friend Gale, the only person other than her sister that she has ever been able to trust. The Reaping coming along, the announcements of the boy and girl tributes for the Hunger Games and Katniss's sister, Prim, gets called. Katniss volunteers to take her spot and heads to the Capitol for training and pampering before the games are to start. The boy tribute from district 12 is Peeta Mallark, a Baker's son that has had a crush on Katniss since they were five, but Katniss doesn't know yet. After getting to the Capitol, they push their mentor Haymitch into actually being a mentor, sobering him up to teach them and give them strategies. Haymitch was a victor of the games a long time ago. Katniss can't tell whether she should trust Peeta at all, but she finds herself trusting him off and on. She can't shake the fact that after her father died, Peeta risked a beating burning bread to give to her so that she could survive. He was her wake up call to take the head of household position. District 12's stylists make them unforgettable and during an interview, Peets confesses that he loves Katniss. Katniss is dumbstruck and has no idea what is going on. Haymitch speaks with her later and tells her that the best strategy for them to play is the star-crossed lovers angle. The next day, they have to show off their talents to the Gamemakers to see what score they can get that will aid in their mentors getting Sponsors, people that send them gifts while in the arena, everyone is astounded when Katniss recieves the highest score of all 24 tributes. The games begin the next day and after being placed in the arena, Katniss is tempted to run to the cornucopia containing survival packs, water, weapons, and other things that one might need to survive in the wild. Peeta sees her getting ready to run and shakes his head, meaning he wants her to run into the woods. Katniss mistakes his gesture as a malicious cause and grabs a bag before she heads into the woods. She camps in a tree and wakes up to someone starting a fire on the ground below her. Peeta has teamed up with the Careers, teens that have trained for the Hunger Games their entire lives, and it seems as though he is helping them find Katniss. Eventually, Katniss teams up with Rue, a twelve year old small girl from District 11 and they take out the careers food supply. One night, the trumpets sound and the announcer announces that two victors can prevail this year if they are from the same District. Katniss finds Peeta who is badly injured by Cato's sword. Cato is a Career tribute. They begin to pour on the star-crossed lovers act and Katniss feels as though it's not all an act on Peeta's part and begins to feel for him too. She brings him back from the clutches of death through Sponsor gifts and acting the love part. They end up with only one other to kill, Cato. The Gamemakers have made some sort of strange dog/human creature that they sick on the last three tributes. Needless to say, Katniss and Peets survive and have to keep pouring on the love act. The whole time Katniss is worried about what ale might be thinking even though they were never boyfriend/girlfriend. To win the Hunger Games, Peeta and Katniss do something in total defiance of the Capitol and unbeknownst to them start a new type of rebellion. Sure to be continued in Book two which is on its way to my door right now. :)

Favorite excerpts or quotes from the book: “Remember we are madly in love, so it's alright to kiss me anytime you feel like it."

I could pick several other quotes, but you must read to find them. Great book. Read it! NOW!

The Hunger Games I'm Hooked

Will you be in line to purchase it?
I have already pre-ordered on Amazon.com.

I can't wait!

Book Review: Witch Heart (Elemental Witches Book 3) by Anya Bast

Book Title: Witch Heart (Elemental Witches Book 3)

Author: Anya Bast (http://www.anyabast.com/)

Pages: 296

Publisher: Berkeley Sensation

Genre: Paranormal Romance

(Scale Explanation: 1) Meaning awful, 5) Meaning not good, but not bad, equal, 10) Meaning wonderful)

PLOT - 9

CHARACTERS – 8

BEGINNING - 8

ENDING - 8

FLOW - 8

OVERALL – 8

What I liked about this book: I liked that Anya Bast created another world, another type of person, the daeamons, Eudae. It was all very interesting getting to know these worlds and the creatures that inhabited them. The love scenes were very steamy and the romance was very emotional. I really liked the battle scenes as they played out in my head as I read them.

What I disliked about this book: I wasn’t very fond of the dialogue in some parts, as they spoke like modern day, only it seemed forced. It’s very hard for me to explain it, but some of the conversations between the two lead characters were awkward and didn’t fit their relationship.

Who I would recommend this book to: I would recommend this book to anyone that enjoys paranormal romance books, or books by the author as her books seem to have their own special qualities about them.

What I felt the book was about: Claire was brought to Eudae, the world of the daeamons, by her mother, a warlock at age six. One her mother died, the head of the daeamons Rue, took her in as his handmaiden, but throughout her slave time as his handmaiden, he has molded her magick into something totally different from what normal elemental witches possess. There is a time when the Atrika's want to take over Eudae, and Rue plunges Claire through a portal to Earth, only he can't close the portal in time to keep the Atrika's from getting through. There is a non-stop chase that leads to battles of all of the elements and all of the Earth witches in Chicago. Throughout all of this, Claire meets Adam and he makes her think of things that she wants but was never able to get. She had had one boyfriend on Eudae, but when Rue had found out, he had killed him right away, so Claire has been scared to love again. Adam had lost his first wife through circumstances he could have controlled and hasn't been able to forget it since. Claire is the one to help him get over his problems and eventually things get sorted out, but I would divulge that information, since the ending is usually the part that would give the whole book away and I like to encourage people to pick up books and read them. :)

Favorite excerpts or quotes from the book: “She smiled at him. "If this is junk food, bring on the Ding Dings!"" - Page 62

Check out Kyle's Blog

I was so happy that I was the lucky one to introduce Kyle to the wonderful writing of Courtney Milan. Courtney Milan is a very talented Historical Romance writer and I recently fell in love with her book, PROOF BY SEDUCTION.

I know that I tired Kyle by talking about it so much, but I finally got him to read it and voila! he loved it too.

He was very smart and asked Courtney for an interview to post on his blog and I was very lucky that Kyle had asked me to come up with the questions that pertain to her novella THIS WICKED GIFT from the collaborative book of novellas that she authored with Mary Bologh(http://www.MaryBologh.com) and Nicola Cornick(http://www.NicolaCornick.co.uk), entitled THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS. Because he hasn't had the opportunity to read it yet.

Please check out these books and be sure to swing by Kyle's blog to check out the interview. At the end of the interview is a special contest in which you can win either a copy of PROOF BY SEDUCTION or a copy of THE HEART OF CHRISTMAS!

Here are the links:

Kyle's Blog:  http://www.kgborland.blogspot.com
Courtney Milan's Website:  http://www.CourtneyMilan.com


Thank you!

Upcoming Book Review: The Hunger Games (Book 1) by Suzanne Collins

This book was amazing. I can't wait to do the review for this special book.

Excerpt from the cover of the book:

Could you survive on your own, in the wild, with every one out to make sure you don't live to see the morning?

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister's place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before-and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win she will have to start making choices that weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Visit http://www.suzannecollinsbooks.com/ for more information.

Jamming on the Drums

Upcoming Book Review: Witch Heart (Elemental Witches Book 3) by Anya Bast

Here is a fun book that I read recently. I should post the review by the end of the weekend.

Excerpt from the back of the book:

With a strange and powerful type of elemental magick, Claire isn't destined to remain a demon's handmaiden. Yet this has been her fate since she was six, when her warlock mother brought her to Eudae. Now an adult, she's about to discover her true power-and how for others are willing to go to take it away...

As part of a Coven mission, Adem Tyrell rescues Claire from her enslavement-and finds himself immediately taken with the beautiful witch. But this charming playboy soon learns that it's easier to steal Claire from demons than to win her heart, for her life as a servant has ravaged her spirit. But Adam's determination to protect her from the warlocks who want to harness her magick for evil begins to weaken Claire's resistance-and in the heat of danger they find themselves surrendering to the lure of their deepest desires...

Visit http://www.anyabast.com/ for more information.

Book Review: Goddess of the Hunt (Goddess Trilogy #1) by Tessa Dare

Book Title: Goddess of the Hunt (Goddess Trilogy #1)

Author: Tessa Dare (http://www.tessadare.com/)

Pages: 360

Publisher: Ballantine Books

Genre: Historical Romance

(Scale Explanation: 1) Meaning awful, 5) Meaning not good, but not bad, equal, 10) Meaning wonderful)

PLOT - 10

CHARACTERS – 10

BEGINNING - 10

ENDING - 10

FLOW - 10

OVERALL – 10

What I liked about this book: I really enjoyed every character in the book. Toby was a bit of an ass at times, but my favorite thing about this book was the character development. The flow was lovely and I really loved the relationship between the two lead characters.

What I disliked about this book: Absolutely nothing, this book caught me from the time when I went online and read the excerpt on Tessa Dare’s website. After I read that excerpt, I went right away and bought the book.

Who I would recommend this book to: Anyone that enjoys historical romance or anything by the author. Anyone that is interested in trying out the genre as this book would surely get one hooked.

What I felt the book was about: Lucy Waltham is a girl that has annoyed her brother and his friends for their whole lives during autumn getaways at the Waltham manor. Her brother, Henry, has married, his friend Felix, has married and now, the man that Lucy has loved for such a long time, Toby, has brought a girl to the manor in order to woo her and eventually ask her to marry him. Lucy is distraught and falls on Jeremy Trescott the last of her brothers friends, unmarried, for help and practice at seducing Toby. Their first encounter leaves Jeremy spinning, not knowing what is wrong with him, why Lucy suddenly looks like a beautiful Goddess, and less like the scrawny child he  knew his whole life. The game ensues and Lucy finds herself falling for the brooding Jeremy Trescott, and less and less in love with Toby. By the end of the autumn holiday, Jeremy has asked for Lucy's hand in marriage, because he doesn't want her to be compromised after their adventures with their love game. Lucy goes to Jeremy's estate, he is an Earl, and doesn't like the way things are going. After a few failed attempts at getting the people under Jeremy to like her and her new husband, Lucy and Jeremy are not happy with each other. The attraction is still there, but Lucy doesn't like Jeremy with his business facade over him. Eventually, Lucy draws out the turmoil that Jeremy faced when he was a child and helps him to overcome the demons of that traumatic experience and somewhat move on. Lucy almost gets hurt, but telling the details of that would give away too much. The ending is yet another wonderful happy ending for Lucy and Jeremy, but not for Toby. Toby's story is continued in the next two books of the Goddess trilogy. Pick it up and read it. It rocked!!! I loved this book!

Favorite excerpts or quotes from the book: “”I wasn’t aware that hope required a reason, any more than love. In case you have forgotten-I have no talent for hoping. I don’t hope. I know. I believe. I expect. I know that Toby loves me. I believe we belong together.” She jabbed a finger into the center of his chest. “And I expect you to understand.”” – Page 11

There are so many other quotes that I'd love to include, but to find them, you must read the book. :)