The Host

The Host By: Stephenie Meyer

This book took me a REALLY long time to finish. I started it and I just couldn't get into it, I set it side for a long time. Everyone I talked to said that the part I was at is boring but I was about to get to where the book really takes off. I had not just one of two but quite a few people tell me this. I decided to pick it up and try it again. They were right it did pick up, but not to the point where I couldn't put it down like before. In fact this was just a read every now and then while I was really reading another book. So once again it eventually got put down. Finally I needed to decide if I wanted to leave forever and not finish it, or if I wanted to try and just push through it to finish it. I have a really hard time not finishing a book for some reason, so I decided I needed to focus on this book and just finish it. The end was a little better than I though, but my problem is that this book just really seemed to drag. There was a lot of just everyday life that could have been taken out to shorten this book. 59 chapters plus an epilogue plus a continued and a bonus chapter were a bit much. Granted those last few extra chapters where kinda nice, but because of the 59 plus chapters before it wasn't like the normal satisfaction I usually feel after I've read a book, it was more like a finally its over feeling. Overall I did enjoy most of the story but I really dont think I am ever going to pick up this book again.

Happy New Year

I didn't get close to my goal last year to read 25 books, I was only able to get through 11...well unless you count textbooks which I didn't. :p It's bad enough that I am a slow reader but when you throw school in the mix it makes it REALLY hard to find the time to read.

Due to money issues I might not be able to re-start school till the fall. So I think I might be able to hit my resolution this year. I made a 2015 Resolution with Goodreads  to read 20 books this year. I would like to also add an additional new year resolution.

We recently moved, while I was unpacking I realized how many books that I hadn't read yet. Both on my shelf and on my audio account. So of the 20 books that I want to read for the new year, I want 10 of those to be books that are either on my shelf already, or on my audio account that I haven't read/listened to yet.

So there it is, now what would a resolution be without a reward for completing it? This is something new that I want to try, but I hope that it will help urge me to read more, watch less TV and complete this resolution. So my reward for reading 20 books this year is a steak and lobster dinner and dessert at the Rib and Chop house. There is it. I hope everyone has a happy 2015 and good luck on all your resolutions.

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.