Airborn by Kenneth Oppel

Airborn by Kenneth Oppel, is a wondrous depiction of an alternate reality. The alternate reality seeming to be of the 1930's, approx. This story is about a cabin boy who chases after the life of his father, who died 3 years previously. Matt Cruse, the cabin boy, only feels at home on the ship, Aurora, where his father had also served as sail maker. In this adventure, Matt meets a young lady passenger. They become companions after the link of connection between curiosity and wonder for the airship they were aboard and the the ominous death of the young lady's grandfather upon the same ship the year previous. Yet, together, these two can't seem to stay out of trouble.

A marvelous tale of aircrafts, fictional fantasy creatures, and happiness. Oppel doesn't let you down, chapter to chapter. There wasn't a single boring page in this book. Everything was interesting, and very descriptive. I found this book at the 1/2 price book store. I first heard about it when I was looking for books that people recommended for those who liked, The Giver. I considered the title lightly until I saw it upon the shelf and said, it must be fate, and bought it. LOL. There are two more books to go with this one. I ordered the second one this morning when I woke up, because I stayed up late finishing reading this one. :) Oppel definitely deserved the multiple awards he won for this novel. At 500 pages, it's bones are hollow, because it seemed to float,airborn, through my mind and the 500 pages didn't seem long at all. 5/5 Stars!!!

Fire by Kristin Cashore

After being upset with Kristin Cashore after Graceling; that her next novel, Fire, was just a companion book and not a sequel, I refused to buy and read Fire. I would scowl at it when I'd see it in book stores, with it's beautiful cover art and striking name. I would pull out the hardcover book and read the synopsis of it and scowl and put it back, remembering it was only a companion book. Who was this Fire, and what did she have to do with Katsa? Nothing actually, except that she was the first to...well...never mind. I finally did give in to buying and reading Fire, as you can tell since I am writing a review on it now. LOL. What pushed me over was finding it finally in paper back and another blogger/review which got me to wanting to read it.
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She has been hidden away. Now she is choosing to use her power.
It is not a peaceful time in the Dells. Young King Nash clings to the throne, while rebel lords, in the north and south, build armies to unseat him. War is coming. The mountains and forests are filled with spies and thieves.
This is where Fire lives, a girl whose startling appearance is impossibly irresistible and who can control the minds of everyone around her.
Everyone... except Prince Brigan.

I apologize to Kristin Cashore for doubting her so. Fire was an AMAZING read, just as Graceling was. Cashore introduces us to a new area, new characters, new warring people but these new things border the known. With an main female character that is so easy to love and connect to as a reader, Kristin Cashore definitely deserves a hug. LOL. She is easily one of my most favorite authors now. At 461 pages long, it took me way too long to read this, and I mean as in the time I wasted refusing to read it. LOL. It took me only 2 days to actually read this amazing tale. Thank you Kristin Cashore for another amazing read. xoxoxoxoxo 5/5 Stars!!!

Star of the Morning by Lynn Kurland

I would never had found this book except for this wonderful book reviewer who blogs on http://chachic.wordpress.com/ . She is the only book reviewer I actually read. She reviewed this book and it sounded good, so I picked it up when I saw it at the book store.

Legend has it that only the two magical swords held in trust by Neroche's rulers can defeat the evil in the black mage...and never have they been more needed, as the mage's assault begins to cover the kingdom in darkness.

It was very easy to become engrossed in this story. AT 327 pages long, it took me two days to read. Introducing the King of Neroche before his archmage brother was a very good move by Kurland. I would not have liked the King at all if I had met his brother first. I like how she uses this also with introducing the pair to the main female, Morgan. Morgan is a mystery to these Neroche men, as well as herself. Yet, in their travels, they learn about her as she also learns about herself. This book is the 1st of a series. I would consider this 1st book as, the journey. The next book, I'm sure will be, the plan. My only complaint would be that everything was too predictable up until the very end. The synopsis on the back of the book gives away too much of the story line and ruins the surprises that could have been throughout the book for the reader. That is why I did not recite the whole synopsis for you here. ;) Over all though, I consider this a very good fantasy novel. It has rich characters, a nice journey and a twitterpating romance. :)
I give this book 4/5 Stars! Missing 1 star because of the spoiling back cover synopsis and the predictability.

Matched by Ally Condie

I found this one randomly in the bookstore. The Green, modern looking cover turned me away at first, but I looked anyways.

In the society, officials decide. Who you love. Where you work. When you die.
Cassia has always trusted their choices. It's hardly any price to pay for a long life, the perfect job, the ideal mate. So when her best friend appears on the Matching screen, Cassia knows with complete certainty that he is the one...until she sees another face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. Now Cassia is faced with impossible choices: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path no one else has ever dared follow--between perfection and passion.

Wow! What a glimpse that was. I had to have it. I can't resist a love triangle. LOL. At 366 pages long, it took me a day to read this because I couldn't put it down. At first the book screamed at me, The Giver by Lois Lowry. Then, later, the romance of it screamed at me, The Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins. Yet, by the end of it, it screamed to me, Matched by Ally Condie and also, GIVE ME THE NEXT ONE! LOL I always end up picking books that I think are single title stories that always turn out to be the 1st of a series. I won't complain though, except the wait for the next one to come out. It is brilliant how Condie pulls us in with a feel for the amazing Giver and then throws a romance at us that pulls like Edward and Bella. Then to end it in a way to make our imaginations soar in longing for what happens next... Ally Condie knows how to ensnare her audience. I recommend this to all and highly to those who are fans of The Giver and The Hunger Games trilogy. Matched receives 5/5 Stars from me. :)