The Shifter (The Healing Wars: Book 1) aka The Pain Merchants by Janice Hardy

I have to first say that I was pleasantly surprised by this book. Janice Hardy is a new author to add to my collection. (That's right, I'm collecting you *creepy*) LOL. Anyways... on with the review.

A DANGEROUS SECRET. A DEADLY SKILL.
Nya is an orphan struggling for survival in a city crippled by war. She is also a Taker--with her touch, she can heal injuries, pulling pain from another person into her own body. But unlike her sister, Tali, and the other Takers who become Healers, Nya's skill is flawed: she can't push the pain into pynvium, the enchanted metal used to store it. All she can do is shift it into another person, a dangerous skill that she must keep hidden. If discovered, she could be used as a human weapon.

There is more to the back cover synopsis but I feel like the synopsis is way too long. One of my only complaints about this book. Synopsis should be short, sweet, attention grabbing and exciting. Janice Hardy has written something quite unique. I can't think of a single book this one even remotely reminds me of. So interesting the way she has taken the magic of healing and turned it into something so interesting and dangerous for everyone. The characters are so likable, it's like they are friends of mine from my school days that I have kept close and friendly with since. There is not a single chapter that is boring. Mrs. Hardy keeps the action and excitement flowing from one chapter to the next, so flawlessly that you don't even realize you have started a new chapter. I found myself a couple of times needing to stop for a break and being like, "as soon as I finish this chapter", but then I skip into the next chapter without even realizing it. LOL. At 370 pages long in the paper back format, it only took me 5 hours to read this amazing book. Already ordered the next one in the series, Blue Fire. Keep a look out for the review on it. Overall I found The Shifter to be refreshing, unique and amazing. 5/5 Stars!!!

The Talents (aka Delcroix Academy: The Candidates) by Inara Scott - Short review AND Study Guide Qs

What do you excel in? Would you, could you be a Candidate? Inara Scott nominates population Earth for the chance, the opportunity to be, Talented. America's Got Talent?...Pshh.. Britain's Got Talent?... Pshh... Next American Idol?...Pshh... Dream bigger, dream deeper. You could be a Candidate. *Insert Dramatic Oohs and Ahhs here*

Inara Scott's story of a small town girl hits a homer. The raggedy clothes, sweaty ball cap, and loving grandmother only add more to love about Dancia Lewis. Dancia, the girl who tries to be invisible, is talented but tries to hide it. Yet, everyone knows that you can't hide talent especially from recruiters like Cam and Mr. Judan. Mrs. Scott takes us on a fascinating journey into the life of Dancia as she learns to be accepted and loved for who she really is. A great message to send out to readers of YA. The Talents (aka The Candidates) is one of the best YA fiction novels I have read this year and I highly encourage everyone to buy it for yourselves or your favorite teen. 5/5 Stars!!!

*Apology to Inara Scott for taking so long to get a review of this book up. xoxo

**Read no further if you don't want any spoilers**
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___The Talents (aka The Candidates) Study Guide___

Going to list a few of the study guide questions I really liked and my answers to them.

4.) What kind of person do you think Mr. Judan is? Do you trust him? What clues does the author give that lead you to this conclusion?
I am unsure of what kind of a person Mr. Judan is. He does make me wary. I get this impression from his first apperance when Dancia meets him. Also, the powerful ability we learn he has causes us to be wary of him because it would be very easy for him to use his power for "bad". Examples: pg.4 Comparing his voice to a politician. pg.8 Made Dancia's grandma feel embarrassed about being poor.pg.17 When Dancia wants more time to decide: "Mr. Judan's mouth tightend and his eyes went cold." Cold eyes=bad juju.

5.)What kind of person is Jack? Describe the choices he has made in his life. Do you think he made the right choices? Why or why not?
Jack is a conflicted teen. He wants to be safe, fit in and have friends. Yet, because he understands how this isn't a reality, from his past and knowledge of his powers, he gives up that dream. This causes him to be a darker character but one we can't help but love. I think he made the right choices because they kept him safe and Dancia safe, at least for now. Also, he is in grey area and the choices kept him safe because they were grey too.

8.)Do you know anyone like the characters in the book? In what ways are they similar? In what ways are they different?
I think that Dancia, Jack and Cam are pretty identifiable with people anyone could have known in high school. They represent to me: Dancia-the girl in the middle who can be friends with most people. Jack-the loner, rebellious boy. Cam-the popular, cute, jock, All American boy. Dancia's grandmother reminds me of a Betty White character. ;)


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Ok, those were just a few of my favorites from the study guide. You should check it out on Inara Scott's website which is linked in a couple different places on my blog. :) Tell me what you think. Did you like the review? Do you have different answers/opinions of the study guide questions I answered? Let me know! I love to hear what ya think. xoxo ~T

The Marked (aka The Watchers) Book 2 of The Talents (aka Delcroix Academy) series by Inara Scott

Dancia's back at Delcroix, but this year, everything's different. Dancia is Talented, and her powers have earned her an invitation to join Delcroix's real raison d'etre--the Program. All Dancia ever wanted is to use her powers for good--and now Delcroix is going to give her the training she needs to make it happen.
At least that's what the school says she'll learn to do with her powers. Her cuter-than-cute boyfriend, Cam, insists that it's true, and so do all the other students. But a little voice insider her wonders, if the Program's so great, why did her friend Jack run away rather than join? And why are angry ex-students attacking the school?
Dancia's a loyal student... and a loyal girlfriend. But if finding out what's really going on means talking to Jack, well--it's a risk she just might have to take.

First off, I'd like to thank Inara Scott for this beautiful ARC of The Watchers (aka The Marked). I didn't have time to read it when I first received it in the mail and only got five chapters in over a course of 2 days. However, I finally had time last night to gobble it up and it was DELICIOUS!

Inara Scott doesn't disappoint in this continuation of Dancia's life at Delcroix. Though I fantasized many different things happening after The Candidates (aka The Talents), nothing happened like I thought it would. Which isn't to say, a bad thing. It's an AMAZING thing. Nobody could tell this story like Inara Scott, especially considering it's HER story to tell and none others... Moments of angst, tears and awe are what are in store for readers of this amazing tale. I'm excited to go pick up the Marked copy when it comes out next April. I'll be excited to see if and what Inara might have changed from this copy I just read. An AMAZING book, from an AMAZING author, who just AMAZES me up and down, or left and right (which is amazingly harder than up and down). ;) Favorite quote of the whole book, I have to say is: "Your talent painted pictures in the sky." I'm not telling who said it or to whom. ;) You'll have to read to find out. Inara blew my mind with this amazing poetic statement. I want to keep gushing and gushing over this one because of how wonderful it was, but it'll just become repetitive. So, for now I'll just say... I am a very good judge of book, this one is AMAZING, but don't believe me, go out and buy it on April 3, 2012 and find out for yourselves! =D 5/5 STARS!!!!!!!

Update- writing and reading :) yeah!

Hey everyone! SO I figured since I am currently unattached to a book, and not posting a new review yet, that I would update about what I have been up to. If anyone has read my profile bio or who know me personally, you already know that I love to write. Currently I have been bouncing half a dozen ideas around in my head. I have two serious fan fics in the works (photo above is pages I've written for my Dark Angel-tv series- fan fic, other one is a Harry Potter fan fic but it's typed up on the comp) and one original novel still in the works(She Wolf- a paranormal romance). It's hard trying to share my attention between them all. Besides those, I also have several other less serious writing ideas that flash through my head sporadically. I have also been reading some fan fiction still. I have also re-read Inara Scott's Delcroix Academy: The Candidates (recently re-named; The Talents). I re-read it after I won a ARC (Advanced Readers Copy) of the next book of hers called The Marked aka The Watchers. I am planning on doing a blog about Inara Scott's study guide she has provided for readers on her website. I figured to compare my answers from reading it the first time to reading it a second time. We'll see how that goes. Anyways, I was SOOO excited when I won the ARC of The Marked because it had been announced that it's release date was being pushed back from August 2, 2011 to April 2012... *grumble grumble, tear* =( But I'm happy now since I won the ARC and I'll hopefully be receiving it in the mail in a couple of weeks so I can devour it. Between writing and read I have also been busy working my day job and getting things set up for going back to College this fall. My mind has been working over time, aka staying up way too late and getting up way too early. Also dealing with resisting re-reading several other books on my shelf. (The Magicians by Lev Grossman, HP series by J.K. Rowling, Matched by Ally Condie, Divergent by Veronica Roth, etc...) But I can't do that because I feel guilty that my TBR pile is still very large...

I haven't been able to put a dent in my TBR (to be read) pile. My TBR pile still contains: The Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin, The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, The Glass Books of the Dream Eaters by Gordon Dahlquist, The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima, The Girl Who Heard Dragons by Anne McCaffrey, King's Dragon by Kate Elliott, Witch & Warrior-both by Marie Brennan, Dear John by Nicholas Sparks (actually started this at one point but wasn't into the genre at the time and put it down after a couple chapters), The Passionate Rebel by Helene Lehr, Move Heaven and Earth by Christina Dodd, Mr. Cavendish I Presume by Juila Quiin, Cherokee Storm by Janelle Taylor, Love Me Forever by Johanna Lindsey, The Dreaming Tree by C.J. Cherryh, The Shifter: The Healing Wars-book 1 by Janice Hardy, Cybele's Secret by Juliet Marillier, Skybreaker by Kenneth Oppel, Sapphique by Catherine Fisher, and Flora Segunda by Ysabeau S. Wilce. *Breathes deeply* *sigh* Yeah, it's a very long list. I don't get dents in it because I keep finding books in the story and reading them immediately. Anyways, what do you think I should read next? I'm open for suggestions even if they aren't in my TBR pile. I really enjoy YA sci-fi/fantasy/dystopian, epic fantasy, paranormal romance, historical romance. Anyways, please comment. I feel really stupid writing this when I'm not even sure anyone is reading my blog... Who knows maybe no one is reading... lol. I guess I've always enjoyed talking to myself anyways...*awkward laugh* *long silence w/ cheesy smile*


My TBR PILEs ↓ (not including Game of Thrones and Pillars of the Earth-only cuz I accidentally didn't get them into the pile *OOpps, sorry* =D

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Who are you? Are you honest? Are you intelligent? Are you courageous? Are you selfless? Are you peaceful? Or do you find you fit into multiple of these? Then you are DIVERGENT.

Divergent is set in a futuristic Chicago setting. We meet Beatrice Prior, whom is a member of the Abnegation (the selfless). She and her brother are 16 and getting ready to choose whether to continue on living their lives as an Abnegate or transfer to a new faction. They feel this heavy weight upon them as they are forced to choose between being who they really are, leaving their family behind or to stay,continuing on living their lives, unfulfilled.

Veronica Roth creates a believable futuristic society that has divided into factions of their beliefs. Beatrice "Tris", is a underdog to cheer for and Ms. Roth gets her readers rallying behind "Tris" for better or for worse. Through the trials "Tris" must face, the readers want to keep her safe, but at the same time we want her to grow stronger and push through this and prove to everyone how strong she is. As games of intrigue (Kristen Britain reference ;p) are being played in the background, we are unaware of them until it is nearly too late. Ms. Roth keeps her readers on the edge of their eyes. She gives her readers everything we could hope for; strong family bonds, surprises, intrigue, action, and romance. I put this book and the books of hers to follow, in category with Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy, Ally Condie's Matched, and Lois Lowry's The Giver. This is definitely a book to pick up and read. I could not put this one down. At 487 pages long, it only took me 9 hours to read. AMAZING! 5/5 Stars!!!

The Mage's Daughter by Lynn Kurland

The Mage's Daughter is the sequel to Star of the Morning, and I am currently now reading the 3rd book following this one, Princess of the Sword. At 378 pages long, this is a little long winded considering it's actual length. I found it enjoyable, but it was a bit slower paced throughout than Star of the Morning. Interesting enough though, to keep you reading on.

Neroche is under assault by a mysterious magic that has stripped its king of his powers and unleashed nightmarish creatures as weapons in a war of evil.

Duty bound to aid his king, Miach of Neroche is torn between what his responsibilities dmand and what his heart desires.

I love to give teases of the excerpt. Sometimes they just tell us more than we should know going into the novel. Anyways, I love how we move into more of the romance in this novel. It's hard not to be excited to see Miach go after his heart and leave his duties on the back burner. There are surprises and mysteries that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Characters will be killed. Others will be captured. It's all in a months work in Neroche. lol. This is the exciting, fun, romantic part of this story. It's definitely a must read for those who have read Star of the Morning. If you haven't read Star of the Morning, go read it first, then read this one. :) 5/5 Stars!!

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.
`
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. :)

been so long....

It's been a very long time since I have written a review on any of the books I've read. Don't think I haven't been reading. I have several I have read, just haven't felt like reviewing. In this post I will list the books and authors I have missed reviewing and give you a simple star review with accompanying READ IT!!!, Take a look, and Don't bother.

Grimpow: The Invisible Road by Rafael Abalos - 3/5 stars. Take a Look.

The Magicians by Lev Grossman- 5/5 Stars. READ IT!!!

Cold Magic by Kate Elliott- 5/5 Stars. READ IT!!!

Blackveil by Kristen Britain- 4/5 Stars. Take a Look. READ IT if you have read the previous 3 books of the series.

The Way of Kings by Brandon Sanderson- 5/5 Stars. READ IT!!!

Dark Slayer by Christine Feehan- 5/5 Stars. READ IT!!!

The Time Machine by H.G. Wells- 5/5 Stars. READ IT!!!

Eon by Alison Goodman- 5/5 Stars. READ IT!!!

I am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. 5/5 Stars. Take a Look. yes, this is the book that the movie was based off of. The book was alot better than the movie and I liked the movie.

Delcroix Academy: The Candidates by Inara Scott. 5/5 Stars. READ IT!!!

Witch & Wizard by James Patterson. 2/5 Stars. Don't bother.

The Iron Thorn by Caitlin Kittredge. 4/5 Stars. READ IT!!!

Incarceron by Catherine Fisher. 4/5 Stars. Take a Look. There's a 2nd book following this I haven't read yet, but it's on my shelf, Sapphique.

Dragon Master by Chris Bunch. 3/5 Stars. Take a Look.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins. 5/5 Stars. READ IT!!! the 2nd book of the Hunger Games trilogy. Must read if you have read the 1st one.

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins. 4/5 Stars. READ IT!!! 3rd book of the Hunger Games trilogy. Must read if you have read the first two.


That is the end of my list of read books. Sorry I haven't been doing reviews. I will try to do better. Several books on my shelf to read. Currently reading Dune by Frank Herbert. My list of books to read are:

Star of the Morning by Lynn Kurland
Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin
The Prince of Shadow by Curt Benjamin
The Girl who Heard Dragons by Anne McCaffrey
The Dreaming Tree by C.J. Cherryh
Love Me Forever by Johanna Lindsey
Cherokee Storm by Janelle Taylor
Move Heaven and Earth by Christina Dodd
Mr. Cavendish, I Presume by Julia Quinn
King's Dragon by Kate Elliott
Dawn on a Distant Shore by Sara Donati
Lake in the Clouds by Sara Donati
Fire Along the Sky by Sara Donati
Warrior by Marie Brennan
Witch by Marie Brennan
The Warrior Heir by Cinda Williams Chima
Sapphique by Catherine Fisher
Flora Segunda by Ysabeau S. Wilce

Ones I am waiting to read because I have to wait for them to come out are:

Eona (sequel to Eon) by Alison Goodman
comes out April 19, 2011

Delcroix Academy: The Watchers (this is a new book series, this is the 2nd in the series) by Inara Scott. It comes out August 2, 2011

The Power of Six (sequel to I am Number Four) by Pittacus Lore
comes out August of 2011

The Magician King (sequel to The Magicians) by Lev Grossman
Comes out Summer of 2011

Inheritance (4th and final installment in the Inheritance Cycle) by Christopher Paolini
comes out November 8, 2011


If anyone has any suggestions of books I should read next, either from my list or not, let me know. I like to read the good ones first.lol.. I have really been stuck on sci-fi/ fantasy lately so my historicals and romances have been building up. Disagree with some of my Star ratings on some of the books? Leave me a comment telling me why. I love to discuss books I've read. =) thanks.

~T

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

So my friend, Laura, recommended this book for me. Finally after finding it in paperback I bought it and read it. I started at 7am this morning, reading this 374 page book, and finished tonight at 8pm. I had to stop several times through the day as well since I was working from 7am-3:30pm. My job allows a lot of down time though that I'm able to read in.

I must say that Suzanne Collins delivers a Lottery inspired tale with a bluntness that is shocking but intriguing. It was like reading the girl's, Katniss, personal diary. The Hunger Games, created by the government of Panem, to remind the districts under their rule that they do in fact still control them every bit. Katniss gets caught up in the games when her little sister gets picked from random draw to participate. Anyone with a younger sibling they love dearly can relate to why she chose to take her place in the deadly Hunger Games. What we don't count on though is a budding romance for Katniss that may not survive the arena and herself.

Amazing idea/story line, great characters, awesome scenery and hunger pains galore. 5/5 STARS!!!!

Into the Wilderness by Sara Donati

An amazing historical romance. Sara Donati wove magic through this tale of a school marm set on being a spinster.

Elizabeth Middleton left England with her brother to join their father in "Paradise", New York. The small village was like a seed planted in the middle of the forest. The seed of "town" wasn't the only kind of seed to take hold in this adventure. The villagers are all riled up about the Mohawk people who want to claim Hidden Wolf mountain. A great tale of love, survival, and prejudice. At 876 pages long, it took me three days to read. I could not put the book down or out of my mind. Plus there is promises of four more books in the series. Must read! 5/5 Stars!!

The Belgariad: Volume One(inclusive of books: Pawn of Prophecy, Queen of Sorcery, and Magician's Gambit) by David Eddings

David Eddings has created a wonderful epic fantasy series. He claims it all started with a map sketch. It is such a wonderful series that I have read the entire series 3 times.

Garion is a normal seeming youth growing up on a farm in Sendaria with his Aunt Pol. Everything is mostly normal until a visit from a vagabond story teller leads them on a great adventure after a thief. The party grows and grows and grows until Garion is unsure about his role in the party and things lead him to question all he held dear and right in his life... Thus began the first great novel in the series, Pawn of Prophecy.

Stuck with unpleasant realizations that everything has changed, Garion is now waiting in the cold snow of Arendia for more party members to arrive. He sinks into self pity and anger over events that he can't control. Little clues keep popping out at Garion, confusing him about his true role in the whole affair. What will it all mean? What has Garion become a part of? What has Garion become? He learns more than he wanted to as he travels from one country to another in the continued search for the thief... Thus continues Garion's story in Queen of Sorcery.

Things rush to a head with the magician, Ctuchik. The orb, the stolen object, is now in his possession. Garion learns what he is and who is Aunt Pol and the vagabond story teller, Mister Wolf, really are. Gaining new friends along his journey, Garion can't begin to imagine going back to Faldor's Farm, but he wishes everything would go back to normal and he could just go home... Thus finales in a cliff hanger, nearly literally, Volume one, Magician's Gambit.

Love this series. Must read. 5/5 Stars!!!

Belgarath the Sorcerer by David and Leigh Eddings

It's been a while since I have written a review on a book I'm reading. Not because I haven't been reading but just cuz I've been lazy about typing up the review after I'm done reading. I just kept plowing through from one book to another.

This is David and Leigh Eddings answer to many wanting the back story before the Belgarion and The Mallorean. This is told in first person by Belgarath. At first I thought that this could be read before the Belgariad, but then upon conclusion, decided otherwise. There are too many key things and names dropped by Belgarath during the telling of his story that would ruin the secrets of the Belgariad for a new reader. Over all it was immensely satisfying as a fan of the Belgariad and the Mallorean to read all this back story. It's also a plus that we get a small glimpse into the lives of the characters after the Belgariad and the Mallorean are finished. A great addition to my collection of books from this story line. 5/5 Stars!

I am including several book covers I have found. The first one is the same as the one I own, but the rest I just want to share because I love book cover art. :)

The High King's Tomb by Kristen Britain

Karigan's adventures as a green Rider continue as she continues with normal rider business and dealing with personal feelings that can't be recouped. Mean while the Second Empire is using necromancy magic to stir up trouble and try to weaken the wall farther. How much time is left before they have to encounter and face Mornhavon again? They don't know, but they are frantic to heal the wall and learn how to defend themselves against him before he appears again. With apprentices, horse kings, bleeding walls, kidnapping, impersonations, daring rescues, walking through veils of worlds, the undead, and vengeful officers; Karigan is up to her ears in the thick of it. Not even Ms. Bunch and Ms. Berry can compare being up to their ears in it with pirates. Will Karigan's love for the King be able to emerge? Will Lady Estora's secret be her ruin? Will Salvistar's touch taint Karigan? Well...this book doesn't answer all our questions. LOL.
A wonderful 3rd book addition to this series. At 642 pages long it took me about 3 days to read this, only because I was so busy with things going on for my birthday and the 4th of July festivities. :) I didn't wish to put this book down,ever, but still had to in order to live life. It will be a long wait for the next book to come out. All else I have to say besides stars is; Thank you Sir, may I have another? lol. 5/5 Stars!!! <3 it.

Rider's First Call by Kristen Britain

Resisting the call to be a green rider doesn't keep Karigan G'ladheon away long. The First Rider, Lil Ambriodhe, made sure of it. Karigan moves into service of the King of Sacoridia as a green Rider only to be thrown into a new adventure of great peril within her first couples years of service. The breach in the D'yer wall is loosing wild magic upon the Kingdom and strange happenings resulting from this is the least of their problems. The awareness beyond the wall is awakening more and more each day and it's calling out to it's old friends, servants...including Karigan...

Kristen Britain engulfs us in Karigan's story once more. We can only love Karigan more and more as we journey with her. Great adventure, deadly evil, preposturous betrayal, agonizing greif and forbidden love entrance us from page 1 to page 596 as with the last few pages we release a few tears for it all. I read this in about one day. It was AMAZING. To pass this book up would be ignorant. Ignorance is not bliss... Kristen Britain is. 25/5 Stars!!!!

Green Rider by Kristen Britain

In the Kingdom of Sacoridia, clans are united beneath one king. But it wasn't always so united and many clans were tainted with the evil from across seas. Mornhavon the Black, twisted, evil, magical...and still alive w/o embodiment after a thousand years being held behind The Wall of D'yer is reawakening with the help The Gray one, The Shadow Man.

Karigan G'ladheon, a merchant's daughter, runs away from school only to find herself faced with death, the death of a green rider bearing a message to the King. So, Karigan's journey begins as she is demanded to swear to deliver the message for the dying messenger.

Kristen Britain is a wonderful story teller. This book contains amazing adverture, dramatic magic, beautiful characters, bittersweet love and tons of courage. Unique in it's forms, I marveled in it. Usually in fantasy fiction you can detect the influence of other fantasy authors in the works, but here I found complete, amazing, great originality. I couldn't put it down. So easy to fall in love with the characters of good. Kristen Britain doesn't make the reader fret too much about what's to come by putting dreadful, obvious hints to things that are going to happen. She pulls us through with amazing story telling that just keeps the reader wanting more and more and more and more.... etc.. :) The story makes my hearts soar with happiness over the amazing creativity and passion behind the works, which Kristen Britain poured into this. A MUST READ!!!!! At 471 pages long, it took me about 3 days reading this on my vacation. I love Kristen Britain. She is now my favorite author. 25/5 Stars!!!!!! =D

Wildwood Dancing by Juliet Marillier

"Five adventurous sisters...
Four dark creatures...
Three magical gifts...
Two forbidden lovers...
One enchanted frog...

Cross the threshold into the Wildwood, and enter a land of magic, daring, betrayal... and true love."

Very interesting, eh? I thought so. What a lucky find this one was while I was searching for hidden treasures at the 1/2 price book shop. I actually got this one for less than 1/2 the original cover price. It was well worth more than I paid. At 400 pages long, I read this book in about 15 1/2 hours give or take... It is so easy to become ensnared in this wonderful fantasy about five sisters and their frolicking to another world and dealings with witches, vampires, and other-worldling beings. Dear Jena is so easily loved, as well as her frog Gogu. As one of four sisters I loved the family togetherness, tightness, friendship shared between these five sisters; Tati- the beautiful, Jena- the leader, Iulia- the flirt, Paula- the learned and Stela-the child. We get to experience love, friendship, trust/betrayal, magic/reality-change. This is really, truley a wonderful coming of age story. The main character learns, grows and changes. For we all must change and accept change as life takes us on our own journies. My only complaint about the book that bugged me was the mis print at the beginning confusing the actual ages of the two older girls. At first the author says that Tati is in her seventeenth year and then later says she is only 16. This affects Jena's age because she is introduced as being one year Tati's junior. Then later they are said to be 16 and 15 instead of 17 and 16. To me that year makes a difference. 15 is quite young to be experiencing the love that the author writes about. Unrealistic but then I suppose that this book is aimed for young adult. Also, when telling one of my sisters about the book, she was put off by the romance between two first cousins. It didn't put me off from it only because I understood it to be told from a time when that was deemed acceptable, unlike today. All together, It was well written, easily read and most easily enjoyed. I loved it! Nearly crying in anguished joy at the end. 5/5 Stars!

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen

Decidedly in love with the newest film version of Pride and Prejudice (2005) staring Keira Knightley and Matthew MacFadyen, I could not resist finally delving into the literature which led to such a movie. First I must say that I had seen a previous version of Pride and Prejudice and found it confusing and uninteresting. The new version was easier to understand and with a wonderful cast and soundtrack, I fell in love. Jane Austen is amazingly witty, clever, romantic. I was so impressed by her writing that I started to think and want to speak in her dialect and wished for her wit so direly. There is not much more I can say of such a wonderful novel that hasn't been said yet to this day for the last 197 years. I had difficulty in adjusting to the dialect though since I haven't read much anything like it. At 334 pages long it took me about 3 days to read. 5/5 Stars! A must read for anyone.


I loved the dance scene the most in both book and movie. :) --->