What I Am Currently Reading
Chosen by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast [BookCrossing] |
What I Have Finished Reading
(2008)
(51 books total so far)
| Fire Study by Maria V. Snyder (audiobook) Another good read, although the ending with Yelena doing her job as a soulfinder was a little odd (it felt dreamlike and disconnected - perhaps that was how it was meant to feel since that was probably what it was like for Yelena). [7/3/08] |
| Magic Study by Maria V. Snyder [BookCrossing] (audiobook) Although it had been a while since I read the first book, I didn't feel too lost in this book, so I think the author did a good job in taking the reader back into this world. I thought that the plot was interesting and kept me reading and I like the characters. I'm looking forward to reading the next book! [7/1/08] |
| Betrayed by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast This series has gotten even better. I cried quite a bit at one turn of events (which I was actually expecting to happen), but that event has definitely led to a rather intriguing plot point. I'm very interested to find out what happens with it. [7/1/08] |
Drums
of Autumn by Diana Gabaldon [BookCrossing] (audiobook) |
| Marked by P.C. Cast and Kristin Cast I really liked this book (vampire boarding school) and am looking forward to continuing on with this series. [6/25/08] |
| Belladonna by Anne Bishop I spent a good chunk of this book trying to remember exactly what happened in the first book. When I decided just to not worry about that, I got along with this book a lot better. And it had a very satisfying ending. [6/15/08] |
| Tantalize by Cynthia Lettich Smith [BookCrossing] I liked this book well enough until the end, which was rather unsatisfying. I'm not sure if a sequel is planned, but it just seemed that the book ended rather than actually wrapping things up. [6/9/08] |
| Prom Nights from Hell by Various [BookCrossing] I liked the Meg Cabot story and I thought the Stephenie Meyer one was cute. Michele Jaffe's was okay - it felt like it was part of some bigger story, but I wasn't motivated enough by it to check to see if it actually is. The Kim Harrison story also felt like the beginning of a larger project and I liked it enough to look it up. Sure enough, it is a new series she is working on. I look forward to reading more. The Lauren Myracle story was blah. She does give credit to "The Monkey's Paw" as the inspiration for the story, but it's much too close to the original (which I'm familiar with), so it was a bit of a yawn because I knew exactly how it would turn out. She should have had some neat twist that was different from the original story. [6/8/08] |
| Queen of Babble in the Big City by Meg Cabot [BookCrossing] Oh my! Major cliffhanger! What's going to happen? I know what I want to happen. Now I'll have to wait to see. The rest of the book was rather predictable, but most Cabot books are - and that's why I like them. Sometimes I need the book that's going to end in exactly the way that is satisfying and makes me happy. [6/7/08] |
| Don't Hex with Texas by Shanna Swendson [BookCrossing] I loved this book! Although sometimes I just wanted to shake Katie and Owen and tell them to actually talk to each other about how they feel (something that made me compare this series to Jane Austen's books), I know that tension is part of what is driving the books. Plus the ending was very very satisfying. [6/7/08] |
| From Dead to Worse by Charlaine Harris [BookCrossing] I'm so happy to get another glimpse into Sookie's world. A lot happened in this book and some of it seemed to get cleaned up a littlle too quickly. And having one major catastrophe one night and another the very next night was a little much. But that is what Sookie's life is like. I have to admit that I'm really glad that she broke things off with Quinn as I never really liked him much (didn't hate him, but just didn't really care one way or the other). Also, although this book left a lot of tantalizing openings for future books, it didn't end on a cliffhanger, which I'm happy about. [6/5/08] |
| Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead [BookCrossing] It did take me a little while to get into this and figure out the world that the author had created (as well as the story, since we find out gradually throughout the book what led to Rose and Lissa's leaving of their school). Once I got into it, I really got into it and enjoyed it. I especially like Rose's character, and I'm looking forward to reading more about her. [6/1/08] |
| Without You by Anthony Rapp [BookCrossing] An unflinchingly honest memoir, I had trouble putting it down because I wanted to keep reading to find out more about Anthony Rapp's journey through this difficult time. [5/29/08] |
| Big Boned by Meg Cabot I really like Heather and this was another fun book. And finally finally the relationship I was waiting for in this book actually happened. That's two in a row! [5/25/08] |
| An Ice Cold Grave by Charlaine Harris I really like this series and these characters. And the relationship that I was waiting to happen actually happened. So I'm really happy. The story was great (although disturbing). I'm looking forward to more. [5/23/08] |
| Princess Mia by Meg Cabot I really hated how the last book ended with Mia and Michael breaking up. This book sees the possibility of their friendship continuing (and I still hope for more in the future) as well as a possible new relationship for Mia (though I really don't want her to date J.P.). But this book also has quite an explosive ending regarding what Mia finds out happened 400 years ago, which will change her country forever. I really wonder how this is going to play out in future books. [5/20/08] |
| Thin Air by Rachel Caine [BookCrossing] For a while I felt a bit like Joanne - my memory of what had happened previously wasn't complete. But I think I filled in most of the blanks as the book went along. And it was a really good book. Many loose ends were tied up even though there's still a lot to come. [5/19/08] |
| Personal Demon by Kelley Armstrong I don't know Hope's character very well and I wasn't sure if I would like her. I don't think she'll ever be my favorite (that's Elena), but I was really drawn into this book right away. And the mystery that was set up was well done as I didn't figure everything out until it was being revealed. Good writing! This series is very close to the top of my favorite series list. [5/17/08] |
| Inner Peace for Busy People by Joan Z. Borysendo This book is a good reminder of what we should be paying attention to in our lives and how to do so. I'm going to try out a few of the suggestions and see how it goes. [5/15/08] |
| NeverNever by Will Shetterly [BookCrossing] This book felt very different from the previous book. Ron (Wolfboy) felt like a completely different character (I know he's changed but he's almost unrecognizable). And I never really felt like I got into the book. There was a twist at the end that I didn't see coming, but I also don't think that I "believe" in the twist. It didn't really seem to fit together very smoothly. Or maybe it was just all wrapped up too quickly. [5/13/08] |
| Holidays Are Hell by Kim Harrison, Lynsay Sands, Marjorie M. Liu, and Vicki Pettersson [BookCrossing] I'll discuss the stories in the order that I enjoyed them. Harrison: I really liked seeing a young Rachel who was untouched by all that have happened since then. It helps to build her character and it was also a really sweet story. Sands: I had read the story before this in some other anthology. The plot itself wasn't so great, but I liked the characters and the love story. Pettersson: I haven't read any of her books yet so the world that she had created was a little confusing. Once I figured that out (I think I figured it out), I liked the story and am happy to read more. Liu: I didn't really like this story or the characters. I don't want to read anything else if it is set with this universe or these characters. [5/6/08] |
| Elsewhere by Will Shetterly [BookCrossing] This was an okay book. I liked the concepts and how the story was set up but it didn't grab me and make me not want to let go. And it didn't make me want to grab the sequel right away either, although I will eventually read it. [5/3/08] |
| Extras by Scott Westerfeld [BookCrossing] The story wasn't quite what I was expecting. I thought this would be a continuing story from the trilogy - continuing by showing what happened to Tally afterward. This story does take place after the events of the trilogy but the main character is another completely different person, although Tally does figure into the story a little later. Once I got past my upset expectation, I enjoyed the book. [4/27/08] |
| Blood Engines by T.A. Pratt [BookCrossing] This book is very well-written, but I didn't really like Marla very much. She just isn't a character that I just really didn't care about, and my not caring meant that I wasn't attached to her adventure and problems. [4/26/08] |
| Small Favor by Jim Butcher I really enjoyed this adventure of Harry's, even though there was nowhere near enough Bob to make me happy. Actually I'm wondering if there might not be too large of a cast of characters in the series to really be able to give adequate time to most of them. But it was still a lot of fun, and I look forward to seeing what Harry gets himself into next. [4/22/08] |
| Holy Smokes by Katie MacAlister [BookCrossing] Aisling is actually able to get herself out of a few messes in this book although, of course, not everything is cleared up. The story itself with the history of the various dragon septs can be a bit confusing at times, but I think I've got most of it figured out. And there's lots of Jim in this book, which makes me happy. I love Jim! [4/12/08] |
| Dream-Maker's Magic by Sharon Shinn [BookCrossing] Overall, I really liked this book - a sweet story about friendship. But even though I expected something very similar to the ending to happen, I thought that it was all wrapped up a little too quickly. [4/11/08] |
| The Outlaw Demon Wails by Kim Harrison I've been eagerly awaiting this book even though I wasn't happy with how the previous book ended. Although I still wish it hadn't needed to end that way, I'm seeing the reasons for doing so. And this book shows a maturing Rachel (though she still has a lot to learn) and has opened up a lot of new possibilities. I wasn't surprised about the revelation about her dad - except for who her actual father really was. That was not what I had expected and I'm not really sure how I feel about it. But there's lot of great Jenks' moments in this book and I love Jenks, so that makes me happy. Now I have to await the next book! [4/5/08] |
| The Sweet Far Thing by Libba Bray [BookCrossing] It's been a while since I read the other two books in this trilogy, so some of the past events remain a little fuzzy in my mind. But that didn't stop me from enjoying this book. There's a LOT that happens in this book (although at times it did seem like some of it could have been condensed) - some expected, some surprising - and not everything turns out happily. But it ends with hope and that seems to be the most important thing of all. [3/29/08] |
| Kitty and the Silver Bullet by Carrie Vaughn [BookCrossing] Everything that Kitty has done has led up to this moment. For all those people who thought Kitty was too submissive in the first book, look out for her now! I've been enjoying my time in Kitty's world and I think this book has been my favorite. No, Kitty is not always completely confident, but if she were, she wouldn't seem "real" - but put her family or her mate in danger and she's strong enough to take care of her own. This book leaves Kitty in a really great place, and although there are more books to come (and I definitely want more stories about Kitty), she could contentedly end here. So I'm really looking forward to what Kitty does next! [3/22/08] |
| Whispering to Witches by Anna Dale [BookCrossing] Ooo, I really liked this book. It's a fun little adventure! [3/18/08] |
| Love Is a Many Trousered Thing by Louise Rennison [BookCrossing] Georgia is finally starting to make (some) decisions. At least a little bit. But I have to say that the very final scene was worth reading this book although it ended much too soon and I wanted more details. Will the next book continue with this moment or will it be the next day and we just have Georgia's thoughts about it? [3/15/08] |
| The Art of Teaching by Jay Parini There were parts of this book that were really great, parts that I've already figured out for myself through my own teaching (but which would have been extremely helpful a few years ago), and parts that I didn't like so much. I had expected to get a little more practical advice, but it feels like this book is more of a memoir with some advice thrown in. So if I had gone into the book with that idea in mind, I probably would have enjoyed it even more. [3/13/08] |
| Startled by His Furry Shorts by Louise Rennison [BookCrossing] Sometimes I like Georgia and sometimes I really don't. I've been really upset with her in the past for how she treats Jas, who is supposed to be her best friend. But Jas is starting to stand up for herself, so that's nice to see. And Georgia has little moments that show she is a nice person inside. I just wish she and Dave would figure out that they belong together - but then again, would the books be any fun if Georgia weren't on the rack of lurve? [3/12/08] |
| Hatching Magic by Ann Downer [BookCrossing] I actually almost put this book aside because I wasn't sure if I was really going to get into it. I'm glad that I didn't do that because it ended in a very satisfying manner and I was happy to have continued reading it. [3/11/08] |
| Wizard's Hall by Jane Yolen [BookCrossing] This was a nice little book for a short break on a Sunday afternoon. There's not a lot of lead-up or character building - the story really gets straight to the point - but it is well-written and the protagonist is one that you really want to cheer for. [3/9/08] |
| Princess Academy by Shannon Hale [BookCrossing] This was a really good book - one that I'd be happy to have my niece read when she gets a little older. It has a wonderful message for young girls - about finding your place in the world and being true to yourself and to your friends. And the story is very engaging and made me want to keep reading. I enjoyed my time in Miri's world. [3/9/08] |
| Voyager by Diana Gabaldon (audiobook) [BookCrossing] What a journey these two have gone on - and that was before this book - this time their journey takes them far from Scotland. But they are together (most of the time) and that is the most important thing. [3/6/08] |
| No Humans Involved by Kelley Armstrong [BookCrossing] It feels really good to be back in this world with these characters. I have to admit that I didn't really like Jaime that much in previous books, so I was worried about having a book all about her. My worries weren't necessary as Jaime turned out to be a great character and I really enjoyed reading her story and watching her development. And the little snippets of other characters from previous books was fun (though I missed seeing Elena and Clay directly). [3/3/08] |
| Masquerade by Melissa de la Cruz [BookCrossing] It's been a while since I've read the previous book in this series, but I think I forgot quite a lot because it took me a while to remember what was going on, even with the clues given in this book. I do like the story itself, but I felt confused at times (not sure if this was faulty memory on my part or faulty explainations on the author's part). [3/1/08] |
| Confessions of a Part-Time Sorceress by Shelly Mazzanoble As a female D&D player, I was happy to see a book like this - that is, until I read it. Instead of attracting women to D&D, I think that it just furthers many of the stereotypes about women - that all we care about is shopping and shoes and manicures and whatnot. I had to skim the last pages because I truly couldn't stand reading anything more that this author had written. [3/1/08] |
| Raising
the Stones by Sheri S. Tepper [BookCrossing] It's been a while since I've read a Tepper book, and it took me a good long while to get through this one. Not because there is anything wrong with Tepper but because her books are very dense. There's a lot to shift through and it's not a fast read. That being said, I didn't really care for the story or characters that much. But the ideas that were presented through the story really made me think a lot about religion especially but also quite appropriately the idea of the hero's journey (since that's what I'm teaching this semester) as presented through the character of Sam. So it was a worthwhile read for the thinking that it caused in me. [3/1/08] |
| Good Ghouls Do by Julie Kenner [BookCrossing] This was a fun book, but I knew who Beth's master was long (looong) before she figured it out. It was truly a bit too obvious that it made it strange that she couldn't figure it out herself. And I did find the part with the Traditionalists to feel a bit disconnected from the rest of the text (it seemed that the book could have worked just as well without it), but it does seem like it's setting up the next book, so it'll be necessary for that. But all in all, I did enjoy reading this one. [2/3/08] |
| Sleeping with the Fishes by MaryJanice Davidson [BookCrossing] I really didn't like this book. In the first chapter, Fred acted exactly like Betsy (from the Undead series). Exactly. She did become mostly her own person as the book went on, but unlike Betsy, I didn't really like Fred. She just never grew on me. So I don't really care if she ends up with Thomas or Artur. The only redeeming part of the book were the scenes between Jonas and Dr. Barb. I doubt I'll continue reading this series. [2/1/08] |
| Stray by Rachel Vincent [BookCrossing] I really liked this book a lot. Faythe is a strong character (even though I don't really like the way her name is spelled) that I instantly cared about. And I love how the book ended with the hint that there is something more to Andrew - perhaps there will be a sequel that picks up on that idea? [1/30/08] |
| Magic Bites by Ilona Andrews [BookCrossing] For the most part, I liked this book. I like Kate and I'm extremely curious as to who/what she is and who her parents are. The story was a little confusing at times with the rise of magic/technology. I wasn't sure that I really "got" it because I had a hard time figuring out how the world could adjust to something like that. And there was one plot thread that was "tied up" in a rather crappy way - the whole thing with Crest just seemed like the author had put in this romantic possibility for Kate and didn't really know what to do with it, so had to figure out some way to get rid of Crest. The book would have been better if he just hadn't been there to begin with since he really served no purpose whatsoever. [1/26/08] |
| The Vesuvius Club by Mark Gatiss [BookCrossing] This book was a bit of a chore to get through. I did not like the main character at all (he had few redeeming qualities in my opinion), so to have a first person narrator that I didn't care for made experiencing the story less enjoyable. I think the book was supposed to be clever and witty, but I think that it tried too hard. And since I didn't care for Lucifer, I wasn't sitting on the edge of my seat when it looked like he was in danger of dying. [1/20/08] |
| Trickster's Choice by Tamora Pierce [BookCrossing] I had started this book a few years back but didn't really get into it (which was surprising to me at that time because I had enjoyed other books by this author). I'm glad that I gave the book a second chance - perhaps it was the timing, but this time I got straight into the book and happily followed in Aly's adventures. [1/12/08] |
| Grave Surprise by Charlaine Harris [BookCrossing] It felt good to have a book in my hands that I didn't want to put down. All I wanted to do was keep reading and find out more about Harper and her brother and what was going on with the mystery. A very enjoyable reading experience. [1/5/08] |
| The Great Good Thing by Roderick Townley [BookCrossing] I really liked the premise of this story a lot, but I found the execution of it to be only so-so. I didn't get excited by the story or what was happening like I had wanted to. [1/4/08] |
| Dragon's
Bait by Vivian Vande Velde [BookCrossing] This was an okay book. The story was rather predictable and Alys wasn't really a very developed character. [1/1/08] |
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