clockwork prince
Thursday, August 29, 2013
Fell off the map
I know I fell off the Map for a long time.. I had to take a break from everything in my old life and start new.. In the last couple of years I have gotten divorced and found my prince charming and we have a beautiful now 5 mo old baby.. So it rightly says that I have not had time to read. I was kind of burnt out as well even though books were my anchor for so long that kept me from floating away into complete depression over those last couple of years before the split. But now I have a job that gives me a little free time in between customers to read a little and it has gotten me back into the joy of it again. So I intend to pick up with some book reviews again so enjoy everyone and share my blog with others and leave feedback on what you think
Friday, October 21, 2011
The Iron Knight By Julie Kagawa (ARC)
Iron Knight on Amazon
Title: The Iron King
Description:
Description:
Ash, former prince of the Winter Court, gave
up everything. His title, his home, even his vow of loyalty. All for a
girl… and all for nothing.
Unless he can earn a soul.
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had, or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.
With the (unwelcome) company of his arch rival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.
To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.
And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.
My review: I believe I enjoyed this book from the series the most. I have been a faithful reader of the series ever since I got to read an ARC of The Iron King and now it seems fitting that I got to read an ARC of the last book of the series. This book was a complete Ash show and our old friend Puck was present pretty much the whole way too. There was adventure and twists and turns throughout the whole way.The POV change from Meagan in the first 3 books to Ash was refreshing and very pleasing.We meet some new characters in this book and still get the best of some old ones too.... Oh how I love Grim and his outlook on life. Ash struggles with so much in this book that you keep on wondering what is going to happen and if you don't cry at the end you don't have a heart. There are certainly some twists and unexpected turns in this one too. You will gasp and maybe even get a little mad in some spots but I guarantee you will also hang on every word. This is a fine and fitting final book to the series and a great big Kudos to Julie for such an amazing job writing some much loved characters that we will love for generations to come and are probably to focus of some interesting fan-fiction sites LOL. Pick it up on release date of Oct 25 2011 and share with a friend.
Happy reading!!!
Rating 4.5/5
Unless he can earn a soul.
To cold, emotionless faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing any gentler feelings the Winter prince might have had, or so he thought.
Then Meghan Chase—a half human, half fey slip of a girl— smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer fey can survive.
With the (unwelcome) company of his arch rival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through to its end— a quest to find a way to honor his solemn vow to stand by Meghan’s side.
To survive in the Iron realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. At least, no one has ever passed to tell the tale.
And then Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that turns reality upside down, challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.
My review: I believe I enjoyed this book from the series the most. I have been a faithful reader of the series ever since I got to read an ARC of The Iron King and now it seems fitting that I got to read an ARC of the last book of the series. This book was a complete Ash show and our old friend Puck was present pretty much the whole way too. There was adventure and twists and turns throughout the whole way.The POV change from Meagan in the first 3 books to Ash was refreshing and very pleasing.We meet some new characters in this book and still get the best of some old ones too.... Oh how I love Grim and his outlook on life. Ash struggles with so much in this book that you keep on wondering what is going to happen and if you don't cry at the end you don't have a heart. There are certainly some twists and unexpected turns in this one too. You will gasp and maybe even get a little mad in some spots but I guarantee you will also hang on every word. This is a fine and fitting final book to the series and a great big Kudos to Julie for such an amazing job writing some much loved characters that we will love for generations to come and are probably to focus of some interesting fan-fiction sites LOL. Pick it up on release date of Oct 25 2011 and share with a friend.
Happy reading!!!
Rating 4.5/5
Friday, September 2, 2011
The Girl of Fire of Thorns by Rae Carson (ARC)
Title: The Girl of Fire and Thorns
Author: Rae Carson
Release Date: Sept. 20, 2011
Description: On her naming day, Elisa was marked for an act of great heroism. A blue sapphire-like stone has hummed in her navel for the past sixteen years, a constant reminder that she’s mastered nothing but reading ancient texts and raiding the kitchens. And then her father marries her off to the king of a neighboring country. What kind of queen can a fearful, untried teenager be? Amid terrifying attacks, kidnapping attempts, and an onslaught of enemies fueled by the fire of dark sorcerers, Elisa will find herself, her heart, and her epic destiny. A remarkable and exotic novel full of adventure, sorcery, heartbreak, and power. Rae Carson makes an impressive debut with the first volume of a trilogy.
My Review: In this debut book by Rae Carson our protagonist is a fat lazy princess who has been bestowed with the god-stone which marks her for service. She is forced to marry a king of a bordering country and doesn't know why and she is only 16 years old.This story is set in a different time and in a different culture and that is a refreshing change that I think many will enjoy. Elisa soon finds herself in some very dangerous situations where she must decide to act or die in many of them. Elisa without realizing it soon transforms into something else and finds out who she is and what she is capable of. This story had me turning pages and gasping out loud at the events that happened in several spots I really enjoyed reading the suspense and adventure that came at you one after another and it may have the staying power of a very notable trilogy. If you enjoyed Hunger games you will enjoy this book also so add it to your list to pick up from the store and get in on this one from day one.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Author: Rae Carson
Release Date: Sept. 20, 2011
Description: On her naming day, Elisa was marked for an act of great heroism. A blue sapphire-like stone has hummed in her navel for the past sixteen years, a constant reminder that she’s mastered nothing but reading ancient texts and raiding the kitchens. And then her father marries her off to the king of a neighboring country. What kind of queen can a fearful, untried teenager be? Amid terrifying attacks, kidnapping attempts, and an onslaught of enemies fueled by the fire of dark sorcerers, Elisa will find herself, her heart, and her epic destiny. A remarkable and exotic novel full of adventure, sorcery, heartbreak, and power. Rae Carson makes an impressive debut with the first volume of a trilogy.
My Review: In this debut book by Rae Carson our protagonist is a fat lazy princess who has been bestowed with the god-stone which marks her for service. She is forced to marry a king of a bordering country and doesn't know why and she is only 16 years old.This story is set in a different time and in a different culture and that is a refreshing change that I think many will enjoy. Elisa soon finds herself in some very dangerous situations where she must decide to act or die in many of them. Elisa without realizing it soon transforms into something else and finds out who she is and what she is capable of. This story had me turning pages and gasping out loud at the events that happened in several spots I really enjoyed reading the suspense and adventure that came at you one after another and it may have the staying power of a very notable trilogy. If you enjoyed Hunger games you will enjoy this book also so add it to your list to pick up from the store and get in on this one from day one.
Rating: 4.5 / 5
Saturday, August 20, 2011
In Trouble by Ellen Levine
Title:In Trouble
Author:Ellen Levine
Description: Jamie and Elaine have been best friends forever, and now they're finally juniors in high school. Elaine has a steady boyfriend, and Jamie could have one--if she'd just open her eyes and see Paul. But Jamie has a bigger problem to worry about. Then Elaine gets "in trouble"--something they thought only happened to "other" girls. Are there any good choices for a girl in trouble? In Trouble is a novel born of author Ellen Levine's interviews with women who came of age in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including those who knew what it was like to be a teen facing a horrible choice. In the decades before Roe v. Wade, a young woman "in trouble" had very few options--and all of them meant shame, isolation, and maybe much worse. Jamie and Elaine's stories are just two among the thousands of stories of teenagers facing unplanned pregnancies.
My Review: This book is set in the 50's and is centered around a very Taboo subject. Teen pregnancy. This subject is still taboo for some today but getting the facts out to girls has helped some and this book really shines a light on 2 different ways it could happen.The characters in the book are not a three dimensional as you could really hope for in a book with this topic. The time line is also bit confusing but the details of the story are still conveyed well even with the confusion. This story could be a nice way for parents to get a way to talk to their daughters about the subject and safe sex just by comparing how things were in the 50's compared to the many options girls have today for both protection and when it happens. Bravo to Ms. Levine for tackling such a tough subject in such a readable way.
My Rating:3.5/5
Author:Ellen Levine
Description: Jamie and Elaine have been best friends forever, and now they're finally juniors in high school. Elaine has a steady boyfriend, and Jamie could have one--if she'd just open her eyes and see Paul. But Jamie has a bigger problem to worry about. Then Elaine gets "in trouble"--something they thought only happened to "other" girls. Are there any good choices for a girl in trouble? In Trouble is a novel born of author Ellen Levine's interviews with women who came of age in the late 1950s and early 1960s, including those who knew what it was like to be a teen facing a horrible choice. In the decades before Roe v. Wade, a young woman "in trouble" had very few options--and all of them meant shame, isolation, and maybe much worse. Jamie and Elaine's stories are just two among the thousands of stories of teenagers facing unplanned pregnancies.
My Review: This book is set in the 50's and is centered around a very Taboo subject. Teen pregnancy. This subject is still taboo for some today but getting the facts out to girls has helped some and this book really shines a light on 2 different ways it could happen.The characters in the book are not a three dimensional as you could really hope for in a book with this topic. The time line is also bit confusing but the details of the story are still conveyed well even with the confusion. This story could be a nice way for parents to get a way to talk to their daughters about the subject and safe sex just by comparing how things were in the 50's compared to the many options girls have today for both protection and when it happens. Bravo to Ms. Levine for tackling such a tough subject in such a readable way.
My Rating:3.5/5
Monday, August 15, 2011
Cinder and Ella by Melissa Lemon (ARC)
Cinder and Ella
Title: Cinder and Ella
Review:4/5
Description: After her father's disappearance, Cinder leaves home for a servant job at the castle. But it isn t long before her sister Ella is brought to the castle herself. What Ella finds there starts a quest that will change her life and the entire kingdom. With a supernatural twist on this beloved fairytale, it's a must read you'll never forget.
My review: I got the pleasure of reading an advanced reading copy of this book that is said to be a new twist on an old Fairytale, Cinderella, but there are few similarities between the two stories. However, the story is still a very good and captivating. Cinder and Ella are the 2 middle of 4 sisters and when their father mysteriously disappears then the whole family starts to change.One day Cinder chooses to leave the house for a job as a servant at the castle and leaves her sisters and mother behind and the events that are set into motion just a week after she is gone is more than any of them could imagine. The good and the evil are surprising and the characters are quirky and entertaining. I laughed out loud in several spots and couldn't keep myself from smiling in others. I would recommend this story to all who love fairy tales and even to those who just want a good and entertaining story to read.
Title: Cinder and Ella Review:4/5
Description: After her father's disappearance, Cinder leaves home for a servant job at the castle. But it isn t long before her sister Ella is brought to the castle herself. What Ella finds there starts a quest that will change her life and the entire kingdom. With a supernatural twist on this beloved fairytale, it's a must read you'll never forget.
My review: I got the pleasure of reading an advanced reading copy of this book that is said to be a new twist on an old Fairytale, Cinderella, but there are few similarities between the two stories. However, the story is still a very good and captivating. Cinder and Ella are the 2 middle of 4 sisters and when their father mysteriously disappears then the whole family starts to change.One day Cinder chooses to leave the house for a job as a servant at the castle and leaves her sisters and mother behind and the events that are set into motion just a week after she is gone is more than any of them could imagine. The good and the evil are surprising and the characters are quirky and entertaining. I laughed out loud in several spots and couldn't keep myself from smiling in others. I would recommend this story to all who love fairy tales and even to those who just want a good and entertaining story to read.
Fade by Lisa McMann
Title: Fade
Rating 4/5
Description:
Rating 4/5
Description:
SOME NIGHTMARES NEVER END.
For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than
the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret)
time together, but no such luck.
Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet
nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's
violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open -- but
nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over
her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences
for them both.
Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her
ability -- and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only
is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's
to come is way darker than she'd even feared....
My review: Janie is trying so hard to figure out her gift/curse and her relationship with Cable. She can not remember ever telling anyone that she loved them before so getting close to him is a new thing for her. Cable has issue's he has to work through also since his past is also filled with pain and loss. The circumstances of their new assignment do not help the feelings he has since Janie is having to place herself as bait for a sexual predator that may be lurking in the halls of their school in the form of a teacher. I really enjoyed this book. Just as much as the first one. The idea is very interesting still and the added twists in this was very captivating. Janie is still getting guidance from Mrs.Stuben and even has a file written by her that she has to decide if she wants to read or not because it might tell her everything she has to look forward to with this power.Although all may not be positive and she may not want to face the truth. The character development in this book was really good you get to know a little more about them as they get to know more about each other. The book was another easy read and a fairly short one so it is defiantly a read worth reading..
For Janie and Cabel, real life is getting tougher than
the dreams. They're just trying to carve out a little (secret)
time together, but no such luck.
Disturbing things are happening at Fieldridge High, yet
nobody's talking. When Janie taps into a classmate's
violent nightmares, the case finally breaks open -- but
nothing goes as planned. Not even close. Janie's in way over
her head, and Cabe's shocking behavior has grave consequences
for them both.
Worse yet, Janie learns the truth about herself and her
ability -- and it's bleak. Seriously, brutally bleak. Not only
is her fate as a dream catcher sealed, but what's
to come is way darker than she'd even feared....
My review: Janie is trying so hard to figure out her gift/curse and her relationship with Cable. She can not remember ever telling anyone that she loved them before so getting close to him is a new thing for her. Cable has issue's he has to work through also since his past is also filled with pain and loss. The circumstances of their new assignment do not help the feelings he has since Janie is having to place herself as bait for a sexual predator that may be lurking in the halls of their school in the form of a teacher. I really enjoyed this book. Just as much as the first one. The idea is very interesting still and the added twists in this was very captivating. Janie is still getting guidance from Mrs.Stuben and even has a file written by her that she has to decide if she wants to read or not because it might tell her everything she has to look forward to with this power.Although all may not be positive and she may not want to face the truth. The character development in this book was really good you get to know a little more about them as they get to know more about each other. The book was another easy read and a fairly short one so it is defiantly a read worth reading..
Monday, August 8, 2011
Water for Elephants
Title: Water for Elephants by Sara Gruen
Rating:4.5/5
Description:Though he may not speak of them, the memories still dwell inside Jacob Jankowski's ninety-something-year-old mind. Memories of himself as a young man, tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Memories of a world filled with freaks and clowns, with wonder and pain and anger and passion; a world with its own narrow, irrational rules, its own way of life, and its own way of death. The world of the circus: to Jacob it was both salvation and a living hell.
Jacob was there because his luck had run out - orphaned and penniless, he had no direction until he landed on this locomotive 'ship of fools'. It was the early part of the Great Depression, and everyone in this third-rate circus was lucky to have any job at all. Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, was there because she fell in love with the wrong man, a handsome circus boss with a wide mean streak. And Rosie the elephant was there because she was the great gray hope, the new act that was going to be the salvation of the circus; the only problem was, Rosie didn't have an act - in fact, she couldn't even follow instructions. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.
My Review: This book grabbed me from the first page. You are wondering what is going on and then it skips back to the beginning leaving you to read back to those events that you know are coming. Jacob is ninety or ninety three he is not sure which but he remembers those earlier days better than he remembers yesterday and with the circus coming into town the memories consume him. The book flips back and forth between a much older Jacob and the younger Jacob in his memories from the time of the Great Depression in 1931 but in a very easy way to follow. The story is tinged with danger throughout the entire novel.You never know what is going to happen and the characters are both colorful and some that you love to hate. Marlena is brilliant and you wonder how the book will end through out and how Jacob has come to be where he is today. And the ending is just as sweet and the story he is telling you. This is a wonderful book and one that you should most certainly read if you gt your hands on a copy. You will learn things about the circus that you may not have known and again just a great and fascinating read.
Happy Reading!!
Rating:4.5/5
Description:Though he may not speak of them, the memories still dwell inside Jacob Jankowski's ninety-something-year-old mind. Memories of himself as a young man, tossed by fate onto a rickety train that was home to the Benzini Brothers Most Spectacular Show on Earth. Memories of a world filled with freaks and clowns, with wonder and pain and anger and passion; a world with its own narrow, irrational rules, its own way of life, and its own way of death. The world of the circus: to Jacob it was both salvation and a living hell.
Jacob was there because his luck had run out - orphaned and penniless, he had no direction until he landed on this locomotive 'ship of fools'. It was the early part of the Great Depression, and everyone in this third-rate circus was lucky to have any job at all. Marlena, the star of the equestrian act, was there because she fell in love with the wrong man, a handsome circus boss with a wide mean streak. And Rosie the elephant was there because she was the great gray hope, the new act that was going to be the salvation of the circus; the only problem was, Rosie didn't have an act - in fact, she couldn't even follow instructions. The bond that grew among this unlikely trio was one of love and trust, and ultimately, it was their only hope for survival.
My Review: This book grabbed me from the first page. You are wondering what is going on and then it skips back to the beginning leaving you to read back to those events that you know are coming. Jacob is ninety or ninety three he is not sure which but he remembers those earlier days better than he remembers yesterday and with the circus coming into town the memories consume him. The book flips back and forth between a much older Jacob and the younger Jacob in his memories from the time of the Great Depression in 1931 but in a very easy way to follow. The story is tinged with danger throughout the entire novel.You never know what is going to happen and the characters are both colorful and some that you love to hate. Marlena is brilliant and you wonder how the book will end through out and how Jacob has come to be where he is today. And the ending is just as sweet and the story he is telling you. This is a wonderful book and one that you should most certainly read if you gt your hands on a copy. You will learn things about the circus that you may not have known and again just a great and fascinating read.
Happy Reading!!
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