Beyonders: Chasing the Prophecy

Beyonders: Chasing the Prophecy

I really enjoyed this series. The first book was good but I kept comparing it to his previous book series. But the end of the first book left me wanting to start the second and so on. There were so many twists and turns in this book to keep you wanting to know what would happen next. If you like fantasy I would check out this series.

Amazon's Review:
"Jason and Rachel were not born in Lyrian. They did not grow up in Lyrian. But after all of the battles and losses, the triumphs and adventures, and most of all, the friendships forged in this fantastical world, Lyrian has become home to them in a way they never could have imagined.

And so, armed now with the prophecy of a dying oracle, they have gone on their separate quests—each surrounded by brave and powerful allies—knowing that the chance for success is slim. But Jason and Rachel are ready at last to become the heroes Lyrian needs, no matter the cost."

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows BY: J.K. Rowling

This isn't the first time I have read this series, but it's always fun to revisit it. Re-reading books is like visiting old friends and takes you back to memories of where you were in your life when you first read it. This is definitely one of these series that I will always go back to to re-read.

"A New York Times Bestseller -- Book 7 in the Harry Potter series. The brilliant, breathtaking conclusion to J.K. Rowling's spellbinding series. The heart of Book 7 is a hero's mission -- not just in Harry's quest for the Horcruxes, but in his journey from boy to man -- and Harry faces more danger than that found in all six books combined, from the direct threat of the Death Eaters and you-know-who, to the subtle perils of losing faith in himself. What will be the outcome of the final battle between Voldemort and Harry? No Canadian Rights for the Harry Potter Series. HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements are trademarks of and Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Harry Potter publishing rights -- J. K. Rowling." 

Beyonders: Seeds of Rebellion

Beyonders: Seeds of Rebellion BY Brandon Mull

I am really enjoying this series. It isn't like Fablehaven (the first Brandon Mull book series I read) but I enjoy the story, plot, characters and writing. I have been listening to these on audio because its hard to read an actual book while I am in school. That is why it is taking me so long to finish re-reading the 7th book of Harry Potter. The only complaint that I have is not towards the book but the way it is recorded. Other than that I am really enjoying the story.
Here is a book description by Amazon:

"The thrills continue in the second action-packed adventure in the #1 New York Times bestselling Beyonders trilogy.

After the cliffhanger ending of A World Without Heroes, Jason is back in the world he’s always known—yet for all his efforts to get home, he finds himself itching to return to Lyrian. Jason knows that the shocking truth he learned from Maldor is precious information that all of his friends in Lyrian, including Rachel, need if they have any hope of surviving and defeating the evil emperor.

Meanwhile, Rachel and the others have discovered new enemies—as well as new abilities that could turn the tide of the entire quest. And as soon as Jason succeeds in crossing over to Lyrian, he’s in more danger than ever. Once the group reunites, they strive to convince their most-needed ally to join the war and form a rebellion strong enough to triumph over Maldor. At the center of it all, Jason and Rachel realize what roles they’re meant to play—and the answers are as surprising as they are riveting."

Beyonders : A World Without Heroes

Beyonders :A World Without Heroes By: Brandon Mull

I was introduced to Brandon Mull with his Fablehaven Series and loved them. So I was excited when I found this book and series. It has taken me awhile to read it. I have owned it for awhile. Truth be told I actually found it at the library in audio form and since I cant read a lot besides textbooks right now. Listening to the audio really appealed to me. I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars in Goodreads. I really enjoyed this book but I wasn't completely sucked into the story. Which is good since I don't really have time to start a book that I cant put down. I enjoyed listening to this though while I cleaned the house or yard and while I drove/walked to and from work. Here is the synopsis from Amazon:

Jason Walker has often wished his life could be a bit less predictable—until a routine day at the zoo ends with Jason suddenly transporting from the hippo tank to a place unlike anything he’s ever seen. In the past, the people of Lyrian welcomed visitors from the Beyond, but attitudes have changed since the wizard emperor Maldor rose to power. The brave resistors who opposed the emperor have been bought off or broken, leaving a realm where fear and suspicion prevail.

In his search for a way home, Jason meets Rachel, who was also mysteriously drawn to Lyrian from our world. With the help of a few scattered rebels, Jason and Rachel become entangled in a quest to piece together the word of power that can destroy the emperor and learn that their best hope to find a way home will be to save this world without heroes.

Jonah

Jonah By: Kelli Ann Morgan

I actually met Kelli Ann Morgan at a local our harvest celebration in Brigham City called Peach Days. He and another local author had a booth and was selling their books. This is one I just happened to pick up after she told me it was a love story but not a romance novel. Plus she was selling it for $5; how can someone pass up a five dollar book? Well it sat and sat on my night stand for a couple weeks until I picked it up one night and started to read. Best and Worst decision I made that week. I got hooked and my sleep suffered. Luckily it was a shorter book (only 98 pages) so it didn't take me long to finish. 

So this is my review: The only bad thing I have to say about this book is there is a couple loose ends that didn't get tied up but not any major ones and the occasional editing error. That's it I loved the characters. It was a fun, laid back book that plunged me into life back in the old west where you could ride for miles and miles without running into anything or anybody. It reminded me of a simpler time where love is rich and deep and people worked hard for what they had. (physically) I can definitely see myself picking this book back up for a quick read to get me away from my textbooks and homework for a time.

Here's Amazons review:

She hoped it would be love… 

EMMA FOSTER leaves her precious Boston to make a life in the West only to discover her betrothed has been killed and his brother is to take his place in their marriage agreement. When information comes to light that could change their contract, she must decide if she’ll risk everything to experience the heat of his gaze and the warmth of his touch forever. 

He never expected she would change his heart… 

JONAH DEARDON wants nothing to do with marriage, but when tragedy strikes, it falls to him to wed the woman who holds the deed to his family’s land. Reluctant, he’s bent on offering her an alternate arrangement until he meets the enchanting beauty who touches him with her strength and courage, and whose kisses promise a life full of laughter and love.

The Princess Bride

The Princess Bride Abridged by: William Goldman

I have actually already read this book...or listened to it on audio anyway. The other day I was cleaning and wanted a book to listen to, but the only ones currently in my audio library are either 4 hours long or the 1st book in a series. I didn't want to start a new series until I finished the Harry Potter series again and finally finish a couple other books. So I scrolled down and saw this little gem. Its a little over 2 hours and something that I already read last year, and not the beginning of a series. PERFECT! :) So this was my weekend house cleaning read/listen to. If you would like to see my review of the book from last year please click here.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince  BY: J.K. Rowling

I have really enjoyed re-reading this series. It has been kinda fun to spend the summer re-reading this series and go back to when I read it the first time. I found that This particular book I enjoyed a little more this time around than i have in the past. I don't know if its because of the love interest that FINALLY happens or just seeing more things this time around. Either way love this series love this book. :p Here is what amazon says about it...

The war against Voldemort is not going well; even the Muggles have been affected. Dumbledore is absent from Hogwarts for long stretches of time, and the Order of the Phoenix has already suffered losses.

And yet . . . as with all wars, life goes on. Sixth-year students learn to Apparate. Teenagers flirt and fight and fall in love. Harry receives some extraordinary help in Potions from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince. And with Dumbledore's guidance, he seeks out the full, complex story of the boy who became Lord Voldemort -- and thus finds what may be his only vulnerability.

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix By: J.K. Rowling

So again this is not my first time reading the Harry Potter Series. truth be told I am one of those completely obsessed fans who loves almost anything Harry Potter. I have really enjoyed re-reading all these in order. In case you haven't read this series here is what Amazon.com had to say...

In Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, Lord Voldemort has returned to the Wizarding world, presenting a threat that neither the magical government nor the authorities at Hogwarts can stop.

In response to his reappearance, Dumbledore reactivates the Order of the Phoenix, a secret society which works to defeat the Dark Lord's minions and protect his targets—especially Harry Potter. But Harry doesn’t want to be protected. Even as the Ministry of Magic denies his claims, The Daily Prophet discredits him, and even Dumbledore won’t look him in the eye, Harry grows more and more determined to fight his lifelong enemy Voldemort—if only he had the “weapon” the Order is guarding.

The Last Unicorn

When I was little I had a few shows that I loved to watch over and over again. Since we didn't own them, I had to walk down to the library to check them out and I would rotate between these few videos and watch them as much as I could before i had to return them. The Last Unicorn was one of them. I love this show and was very excited to find it on DVD a few years back. Last year I decided to pull it out and watch it again and I noticed something I hadn't before; this movie was made after a book. I immediately jumped on Amazon and searched out the book and here is what I found:

This book went onto my wish list until I was able to purchase it and read it. Here is my review.

The Last Unicorn By: Peter S. Beagle

This is the story of a unicorn who heard rumor that unicorns no longer existed. She then embarks upon a journey to see if she can either find some of her own kind or find out what happened to them. Her adventures pair her with a magician and world worn lady. The unicorn discovers that King Haggard and his red bull are the reason for the loss of all the other unicorns. When setting out to confront the King and try and save her people. The unicorns story takes and unexpected twist and now she has to face more than the red bull.

I love, love, LOVE this story and yes I meant to write the review up above to leave things out so that it may wet your appetite to buy the book and read it for yourself. (unless you've seen the movie and know what happens. :p) this is a classic fantasy story and should be on every shelf of anyone who loves fantasy novels. I do believe this is going to be a repeat read for me many times over, just like the movie. :)

Frankenstein

Frankenstein By: Mary Shelly

This book has been in my "to read" pile for a long time. I have it on my kindle, my husbands kindle and my ipod in audio book form. I may even have the actual book in a box somewhere. Well when I started school last month, my English teacher told us about how this book changed her life. Ever class since then this book has been talked about at least once. So I decided it was time to read it, or at least listen to it. ;). I actually really loved it. Like Dracula I was pleasantly surprised and really enjoyed it. I tried to take myself out of the story to see the symbolism and message that Mary Shelly was trying to make. What I found is a way to see how cruel that world can look through the eyes of someone who isn't viewed as an equal or as she put it "a monster". Anyone who is different either physical, mentally, emotionally, or any other way that society doesn't deem as "normal".
I don't know if I can say this book changed my life, but I really did enjoy it. In fact this book may go into my "must read yearly" category and next time I read or listen to it. I really might take my English teachers advice and take notes.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire.

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire By: J.K. Rowling

I really love these books. My friend Terri introduced them to me and I fell instantly in love. I went to the midnight book releases at Barnes and Noble and even bought advance screening tickets to a few of the movies. I know a lot of "useless" knowledge about Harry Potter. I have watched J.K. Rowling do interviews and...well lets just say I am a big fan and leave it at that. :) I have been re-reading the series again and loving every minute of it. It's a great way to unwind after studying my textbooks. If you haven't read them I would advise you to. If you have a hard time reading, they have them on audio book that you can listen on your ipod or on cd. :)

New Resolution

 I feel like I may actually achieve this resolution this year. for one I am currently reading 3 (non textbook) books right now.  and the other I am starting this goal in January not in the middle of the year. So for anyone still reading this blog. Here is my official resolution for reading

Read 25 non Children's (as in the story books I read to my daughter every night) and non text books this year.

I am going to wipe the slate clean on the side bar and start with my 2014 book list. Although i did read some interesting books in 2013 and i am hoping that will continue in 2014. I will also be looking for other challenges on other blogs as well. So cheers to a new year and Happy Reading! :)

Looking Back- 2013

So...No I didnt reach my 25 book goal like i thought I was going to. But this year I am going to start early or at the correct time. :p Anyway here is a look back at the books I read in 2013....(not in order)

25 Book Reading Resolution for 2013

• Dracula
• Forget Me Not
• Hans Christian Andersen's Fairy Tales
• Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
• Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
• Harry Potter and the Sorcerers Stone
• Leven Thumps And The Eyes of the Want
• Miracle At Midnight
• My Masters Touch
• The Hobbit
• The Magicians Nephew