Top Ten Tuesday...

We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday (Wednesday).  Today’s list is:

Top Ten Books I Want To Reread

Monica’s List

I am not a re-reader.  There are too many books out there and not enough time.  But... if I had enough time these are the books I would definitely pick up again.

1-3.  The Gallaghers of Armdore Nora Roberts - I love this trilogy.  I fell in love with Ireland and the wonderful characters she created in this romantic tale.  I would go back to Ardmore in a heartbeat.

4. Shadowfever by Karen Marie Moning - Loved it.  Loved it.  Loved it.    Mac and Barrons finally!  ‘Nuff said.  

5. Devil in Winter by Lisa Kleypas - Kleypas is one of my favorite HR writers and this book is my favorite of her Wallflowers series.  She has created a despicable rake that seemed beyond redemption.  Then why did I end up loving him so?    

6. Divergent by Veronica Roth - This is an exceptional debut book in a promising series.  The 2nd comes out next year, I might just need to refresh my memory.

7. Where She Went by Gayle Forman - I loved this two book series.  I loved Adam.  Great character and one of the only books that I could handle the main character being a guy.  It was an emotional, soul searching read and I enjoyed every moment of it.    

8. Naked in Death by JD Robb (Nora Roberts) - This is one of my favorite series of all time.  Although I haven’t caught up, I would go all the way back to this first book just to see the beginning of Eve and Roarke all over again.  

Lindsey’s List

I love to reread books.  Especially just before the movie comes out.

1. Harry Potter, any one of them.  Harry Potter holds my #1 spot because I think they are the easiest rereads.  I catch something new every time and they are always entertaining.  Can we all band together and force Monica to read these books?  Come on people, I can't believe she STILL hasn't read a single one of them.  They are great.

2.  Hunger Games.  Again, I can read any of them.  I think the 1st book and 3rd book are my favorites.  Not to give anything away but I balled my eyes out on the 3rd book.  Especially the last 60 or so pages.

3.  The Silver Kiss.  Isn't it pathetic?  I have read this book 3 times and I can hardly remember a detail from the book.  I read it when I was in the 6th grade.  I loved vampires and the only vampire books I knew of back then were Vampire Diaries (which I also read) and The Silver Kiss.  I remember loving it so I need to read it and remember why.

4.  Little House On The Prairie books.  I can't wait until my girls are old enough to understand these books.  As soon as they are I can promise you I will be reading them these books every night.

5.  All right, I'm going to say it.  I hate the hype around it sometimes but I do love the Twilight books.  I could read them start to finish or anywhere in between to catch up on my favorite parts.

6.  Sticking with Stephanie Myers, The Host.  Like most people, I struggled with it in the beginning and I'd like to read it again.  Gain a new perspective.  Don't get me wrong, I loved the book (I'm hoping the movie will do it justice), but I was so confused in the beginning.

7.  Things Fall Apart.  I just bought this book for my husband.  I read it in high school because I was forced.  I don't remember the details but I remember liking it (hmmm...I'm starting to see a pattern here, maybe I need to work on my memory).

8.  Divergent.  It was a great book and I think I'll need to read it again because I can't wait for the 2nd book to come out.

9.  Edgar Allen Poe.  I can't believe he is this low on my list.  Let's just say it's not a ranking.  Just 10 books I'd like to reread.  While Edgar Allen Poe isn't a book I put his name because I love all his work, especially his poems.  I could reread his stories any time, and I often do.

10.  The Picture of Dorian Gray.  I've only read this once and I think it's odd it popped into my head right now.  But I really would like to read it again.  It's got a lot of great quotes for life.

Julianne’s List

Who are your top ten rebels?

Vampire Academy

   Oh, Vampire Academy.  I am having a love/hate relationship with this series.  Sometimes it moves slow, gets kind of boring, but then there are times I am bawling my eyes out (it could be hormones, but still) or biting my nails during a scene.  It definitely runs the gamut.  I almost gave up on this series after book 1 (Vampire Academy), but decided to give book 2 (Frostbite) a try.  During Frostbite, I kept thinking, This is the last book in the series I’m reading.  Snore-fest.  But then I got a little more than halfway through and I was hooked.  I delved right into book 3 (Shadow Kiss) and didn’t take a break.  It was shocking and full of action, and heartbreaking.  

   So I immediately jumped into book 4 (Blood Promise).  Bo-oring!  I was so bored through most of it.  Maybe it offered a breather in between 3 and 5 (implied hope that 5 picks up).  Almost none of our favorite characters show up, except when Rose uses the bond to get into Lissa’s mind.  And even then I kind of skimmed over those parts.  I love Adrian.  Love him.  Give me more Adrian!  I hope there is more of him in books 5 and 6 (okay, I’ll admit, I read a few spoilers, so I know what I have coming up).  The end though, that makes everything before it pardonable.  I’ll still give it a good glare every now and again, but I’ll try not to trash talk too much.    

   And let’s talk about characters for a minute.  I love Rose.  I think she’s pretty bad ass in her own young, teenage way.  She is tough, compassionate and determined.  But she has flaws, lots of them.  She doesn’t stop to think and just acts, she argues with her fists, and doesn’t ever think to ask for help.  But one thing I really like about her is that she grows.  She accepts that she isn’t perfect and does something about it.  I admire that in a heroine.  I get tired of the Miss Perfects in Fictionland, and Rose is definitely not one of those.  I’m actually on the fence about Lissa.  Princess Dragomir.  I don’t think she is grateful enough for everything Rose goes through for her.  She kind of lives her pampered little life where everyone loves her.  Yet, she is also growing.  Her ideas for the future of her people are radical, but noble.  She seems to want to be more than just royalty.  I have a feeling I’ll like her more as I get into the last books.  Dmitri.  Hot, sexy, strong Dmitri.  What else can I say about Dmitri?  He is such a heartbreaking character, no?  I can’t say much without spoiling anything, but get it together, dude!  Adrian, you scoundrel, I believe I am on your team.  Your tortured soul and heart, how could I not love you?  Rich, handsome, snarky, and available, you want the only girl NOT available.  And yet, I still cheer for you.  And the list goes on.  Mead has definitely created an amazing cast of characters, whether they be lovable or hatable, they are real in my little mind.  

  A few other nit-picks.  Why don't the dhampirs ever question what they're doing?  They are practically created only to protect the Moroi.  Their lives are not their own.  And if they choose to do something else, they are shunned, or worse, called blood whores.  But nobody questions this.  Not even rebellious, authority hater Rose.  Don't they think they are worth more than being someone else's bodyguard?  What about their choices, their lives, their love?  And I don't think it's because their selfless.  Nope, it's not that.  And it's not because they're brainwashed, they are all pretty intelligent individuals.  So why is it they don't fight for their own lives?  And how can Rose kill - SLAUGHTER - countless numbers of Strigoi, but she couldn't take on three human henchmen with two other dhampirs by her side (Shadow Kiss)?


Now on to book 5 (Spirit Bound), I go.  The rest of my week is devoted to this roller coaster of a series.  And then I’m starting Mead’s spinoff series, Bloodlines.  Wish me luck!

--monica

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...

Monica’s Reads

Lindsey’s Reads

Julianne’s Reads

What are you reading this week?

Poison Study Review

Poison Study by Maria V. Snyder

★★★★★

Synopsis:

About to be executed for murder, Yelena is offered an extraordinary reprieve. She'll eat the best meals, have rooms in the palace-- and risk assassination by anyone trying to kill the Commander of Ixia.

And so Yelena chooses to become a food taster. But the chief of security, leaving nothing to chance, deliberately feeds her Butterfly's Dust and only by appearing for her daily antidote will she delay an agonizing death from the poison. As Yelena tries to escape her new dilemma, disasters keep mounting. Rebels plot to seize Ixia and Yelena develops magical powers she can't control. Her life is threatened again and choices must be made. But this time the outcomes aren't so clear.... (from Goodreads)

Review:

I love a strong heroine, and Poison Study definitely does not lack one.  Yelena has lost it all, and almost her life.  She is offered a job to save her neck from the noose, but it might only prolong her life for a short time.  She becomes the food tester to the Commander, he’s the equivalent of a president/king, but his rule is more military then democratic/monarchy.   Her job is to check his food and drink for poison, poison that could ultimately kill her.  Yet she doesn’t cower in the shadows, she sticks up for herself and she hits back.  Yelena is a fighter to the bone, and it is an adventure to watch her strengthen in her own skin.  The other characters range from good-hearted to down-right despicable.  Valek, the Commander’s right-hand man and Yelena’s trainer, kept me on my toes.  He was always creating twists in his own story.  I loved him.  Nothing is what it seems with the majority of the characters.  They each keep you on your toes.  The story was just as tricky.   

This book is classified as YA, but it can honestly travel freely through the YA/Adult border.  Although it’s a wild adventure that ages 14 and up can enjoy, some of the content is a bit more mature than your usual YA.  There are some disturbing moments, but ones that make Yelena who she is now.  The romance grows slowly, but I enjoyed it.  There was a depth to the relationship that didn’t involve dependency.   That isn’t seen too often and was so refreshing.  That, I think, is one of the greatest messages we can give our young girls.  

This is one of my favorite books of this year.  Why did it take me six years to get to it?

--monica

Touch of Frost Review

·         Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep
★★★★☆

Synopsis:
My name is Gwen Frost, and I go to Mythos Academy -- a school of myths, magic and warrior whiz kids, where even the lowliest geek knows how to chop off somebody's head with a sword and Logan Quinn, the hottest Spartan guy in school, also happens to be the deadliest.

But lately, things have been weird, even for Mythos. First, mean girl Jasmine Ashton was murdered in the Library of Antiquities. Then, someone stole the Bowl of Tears, a magical artifact that can be used to bring about the second Chaos War. You know, death, destruction and lots of other bad, bad things. Freaky stuff like this goes on all the time at Mythos, but I'm determined to find out who killed Jasmine and why – especially since I should have been the one who died …

Review:
This book got off to a choppy start for me, it was a little bit redundant. The heroine, Gwen, is the narrator of this story and she tended to repeat a lot of things. She was an outcast, had no friends, everyone else was rich, popular and cool. Except her. Yeah, yeah, got that the third, fourth, and fifth time you mentioned it. However, once I was able to look past that minor complaint (or major since I seem to be whining a lot about it), I really fell into the story. Gwen is alone, but she is a strong character. While she dwells on her lonely state, she doesn't mope or get lost in it. She fights back and kicks butt. And, she might not be lonely forever as a diverse group of characters are introduced throughout the book.

I loved the mythology in this story. It's a mix of Greek, Roman, Celtic, Norse, and the list goes on. But it was never confusing, all the lore seemed to mesh well together.

Sometimes you get lost in Gwen's inner dialogue, before you're brought back to the matter at hand, but it's not too bad. She's a funny and insightful character. I loved her sarcasm and opinion on the world around. She's able to be detached, without seeming all angsty.

This is a great start to a promising series. As soon as I finished, I immediately went on to get the second book. Alas, it was not meant to be. The second book doesn't come out until November 29, 2011. I know, I groaned in frustration, too. But seriously, if you like strong female leads, mythology, romance, and fighting for a cause, this is a book you should definitely read.

--monica

Top Ten Tuesday...

We’re joining in on the fun over at The Broke and the Bookish for their Top Ten Tuesday.  Today’s list is:

Top Ten Books I Feel As Though

Everyone Has Read But Me

Monica’s List

I love this question.  I’ve been feeling this way about a lot of books recently.

1.  Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling.  Yep, I know.  I’m probably the only person in the world to have not read this series.  And I own all the books.  Go figure.  

2. Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead - Okay, so I’ve read the first book, but I wasn’t in love instantly like most readers.  So I haven’t gotten around to the rest of the series.  It is on my TBR.

3. Georgina Kincaid series by Richelle Mead - Hmmm.  I see a trend here.

4. Black Dagger Brotherhood series by J.R. Ward - I have trouble starting any book that has the word “Lover” in its title.  I’m afraid of what I might be getting myself into.  But lots of my Shelfari friends are obsessed with this series.  

5. The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo by Stieg Larsson - My husband has read this whole trilogy and has been pushing me to do it.  For some reason, I just haven’t done it yet.  

6. The Help by Kathryn Stockett - I’m not sure why I haven’t read this one yet.  Everyone else is doing it?  That seems to be my M.O.

7. Mercedes Thompson series by Patricia Briggs - I own all books in the series.  It just keeps getting pushed to the side.    

8. Poison Study series by Maria V. Snyder - This one is definitely not for lack of desire.  I’m just not getting it into my monthly plan.  Next month, for sure.  

9. Lords of the Underworld series by Gena Showalter - She seems to be a pretty popular author in the Shelfari universe.  I’ve read one of her books, but haven't started this series.  Maybe it’s because of the covers (I do that a lot).  They just have half-naked men on the cover, not that I have a problem with half-naked men.  But again, what would I be getting myself into?   

10. The Midnight Breed series by Lara Adrian - Any book that has the description breedmate in it, makes me wonder if it is more sex than plot.  And I’m a plot-kinda-girl.

Lindsey’s List

Julianne’s List

Who are the books everyone else is reading that you haven't?

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...

Monica’s Reads

This week I'm kind of reading whatever  I happen to be in the mood for.  But I know for sure that I'm reading this.

Lindsey’s Reads

Julianne’s Reads

What are you reading this week?

Looky, looky, I've got a booky...

Yeah.... So we have been slackers lately at this whole blogging business.  But we’ll be back with a vengeance next week.  Just you watch.  Anyway, I saw something today that got me all pumped up for May 2012....

I am so excited for the second installment of this series.  And I love the cover of Insurgent.  If you have not yet read Divergent, get out there and get yourself a copy pronto.  I loved it, one of the greatest books of this year.  It is a great Dystopian novel set in the not too distant future.  Grab it, read it, enjoy!  You will not be disappointed.  

Book Review: Glass Houses by Rachel Caine

Glass Houses (Morganville Vampires #1) by Rachel Caine
★★★☆☆

Synopsis:
Welcome to Morganville, Texas. Just don't stay out after dark. College freshman Claire Danvers has had enough of her nightmarish dorm situation, where the popular girls never let her forget just where she ranks in the school's social scene: somewhere less than zero. When Claire heads off-campus, the imposing old house where she finds a room may not be much better. Her new roommates don't show many signs of life. But they'll have Claire's back when the town's deepest secrets come crawling out, hungry for fresh blood. (from Shelfari)

Review:
It took me a while to get into this book. It was very slow moving and I struggled to relate to the 16 year-old genius thrust into college life. Also, I think she repeatedly made stupid decisions and I literally smacked my forehead on one occasion (and came close many other times).

With that being said, by about 75% in, the action picked up and I really started to enjoy it. Claire was more relatable and likable. And the story ends on a wicked cliffhanger, ensuring that anyone that makes it that far will continue on to the next in the series. I will, for sure, but I'm hoping there isn't such a slow build up in the second book.

--monica

It's Monday! What are you reading?

It's Monday!  Don't you wish they were just as wonderful as the picture suggests?  Well, let's make them that way and talk about one of our favorite things.  BOOKS!  So it's time to share our reading plans for the week.  Whether you get to them all this week or change your plans by Wednesday, give us your titles...

Monica’s Reads

Lindsey’s Reads

I'm looking forward to Lindsey's review on this one. - Monica (hint, hint)

Julianne’s Reads

What are you reading this week?

One Grave at a Time Review

One Grave at a Time by Jeaniene Frost 

5 Stars

Synopsis:

Having narrowly averted an (under)world war, Cat Crawfield wants nothing more than a little downtime with her vampire husband, Bones. Unfortunately, her gift from New Orleans' voodoo queen just keeps on giving-leading to a personal favor that sends them into battle once again, this time against a villainous spirit. (from Shelfari)

Review:

This is a great continuation of the series.  Cat has definitely matured and is confident in her own skin.  While there were some slow moments, this book is full of action and had my emotions going all over the place.  I love a book that can make me laugh, cry and want to yell. It makes it seem more real to me.  The villain is probably the most disgusting and despicable yet. I definitely got the heebie-jeebies.  

My one complaint is that I feel like some of the characters were pushed to the side during the story, even though they had important roles in this installation.  I found myself forgetting they were even part of the story. So I would have liked to have seen more cohesiveness there.  There are lots of questions that I'm hoping will be answered in the 7th book.  

--monica