Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter, Book Three): J.K. Rowling

“For twelve long years, the dread fortress of Azkaban held an infamous prisoner named Sirius Black. Convicted of killing thirteen people with a single curse, he was said to be the heir apparent of the Dark Lord Voldemort.

“Now he has escaped, leaving only two clues as to where he might be headed: Harry Potter’s defeat of You-Know-Who was Black’s downfall as well. And the Azkaban guards heard Black muttering in his sleep, “He’s at Hogwarts...he’s at Hogwarts.”

“Harry Potter isn’t safe, not even within the walls of his magical school, surrounded by his friends. Because on top of it all, there may well be a traitor in their midst.”

I’ve finally finished book three! I will say that the first thing I noticed was the development of the characters. Not only has the writing developed, but the characters have grown. All of this comes together to provide a unique reading experience. You feel like the whole world around Harry Potter is growing and defining with each year that passes. You get the sense that this happens because Harry is growing up and, naturally, becoming more aware of the world around him. That probably sounds repetitive, but it makes sense to me as I’m writing this.

Though not my favorite of the series, this book was definitely a good one. It served to deepen the grand scheme of the Harry Potter series. Lupin was a fantastic character. I enjoyed his role because it was nice to see Harry finally have a pleasant Hogwarts experience outside of Quidditch and Dumbledore. Lupin reminded me of that one special teacher that we hope each student has an opportunity to meet because that teacher will change a student’s life. The development of Snape’s character was interesting to watch as well. While the readers really dislike him in the first two books, that feeling intensifies in this book--especially toward the end. It’s nice to have a villain that’s present rather than an intangible fear of an evil wizard who was only glimpsed in the prior books.

As I’m a dork and can’t seem to stay away from the relationships between the Harry Potter books and movies, I shall begin my comparisons...

The movie adaptation of this book is one that I haven’t seen recently. Of course, I remember it, but not the specifics. I should probably find it online and watch it so I can give a better review, but I (unfortunately) don’t have the time right now. (As it is, I seriously doubt I’m going to make my reading goal by the New Year...) I recall the scene in the Shrieking Shack to be a little confusing, but it followed the book pretty closely. Overall, I believe the movie did a wonderful job with following the book’s plot. The major incidents were really followed well. This was definitely helped by the fact that the writing, in the first place, was extremely excellent.

To sum up the shortest of my Harry Potter reviews, I enjoyed this book. I LOVE watching Harry Potter grow up and it’s brilliant how the writing style is developing along with him. I truly am impressed with this series and look forward to picking up the next installment.

Warrior's Song (aka Chandra) (Medieval Song Series, Book One): Catherine Coulter

“Dear Reader:

“Chandra first appeared in 1984. I’ve rewritten it extensively and changed the title to Warrior’s Song, as this book rightfully belongs in the Song series.

“Chandra de Avenell might look like a golden princess, but she fights like a warrior, dreams a warrior’s dreams and wears a warrior’s pride like a suit of armor. She wants to be strong, independent, and free. She has no use at all for a husband.

“Enter the man her father has selected for her. Jerval de Vernon takes one look at Chandra, and he wants her. After he saves her from a very bad situation, he sets himself to wooing her--not an easy task.

“How does a man convince a woman he coerces into marriage to become a wife? To give him her loyalty and her trust? Love is something he would like her to consider as well. But what if the wife has no intention of cooperating? Does he break her or finally give up on her?

“Warrior’s Song introduces Graelam de Moreton, a real bad boy, who has his mate thrust upon him in the second book of this series, Fire Song...”

As part of my rekindled determination to return to my prior reviewing practices, I’ve decided to begin RAIR (Reviewing as I read. I know...I’m a dork...). This will not only help me to write better reviews, but it will give you readers a better look at the books. When reading a 500 page book, it’s difficult to recall details that bothered me or things I found impressive because there are often very many. Thus begins my new reviewing method.

I have several copies of Catherine Coulter’s books in my personal library, but I’ve not yet read one. This is the first time I’ve picked up one of her writings and it’s nice to get back to my usual reading material. I had no idea that I missed it so much!

However, though this book is closer to my usual reading style, there is something missing. Either my memory of this genre is lacking, or there is something a little bit off about this book--not that it’s bad (which it isn’t at all) but it’s definitely an older one. I think the fact that the original copy of this book (before it was revised and reprinted into the one I am reading) came out even before my parents were married has something to do with this. I’ve made this comment about older books before (if you look at some of my reviews of Connie Mason’s older books or others that I’ve done, you’ll see what I mean). I don’t believe the author is to blame here--just my own youth. I have to remember that the author wrote this book years before I was born, so it was during a period that was different from the one I grew up in. Naturally, the style would differ from what I’m used to.

Now that I’ve said that, there are a lot of things that I like about this book. The characters are interesting and unique. Chandra is truly a standout character. She’s so vastly different from any other female lead that I’ve read that it was a really refreshing change. However, at times she is almost too strong. Personally, there were times when I actually almost disliked her for her harsh ways. It made it more palatable by the fact that Jerval and others consistently commented on how much she reminded them of a cocky boy rather than a woman. Jerval was a great male lead. I liked him right from the start. However, as his marriage to Chandra went on, I did seem to enjoy him ever so slightly less. I think this was because I loved his interactions with her before they were wed that I didn’t want things to change so early on in the story. He remained chivalrous and kind and caring--which made for a good character. (I will admit...the consistent comments of how similar Jerval and Chandra looked creeped me out a bit. I can understand comparing his skills to that of her father, but it was a little odd when the readers kept being reminded of a) how much he looked and acted like Chanrda’s father that he could have been her son, and b) how similar Jerval and Chandra looked that they could have been siblings. I think I can understand what the author was trying to say--that they would be the perfect foils for one another because the only one who could tame Chandra was her father, but it was a little strong and the fact that it kept being repeated prepared me for a very awkward plot twist that never came. On top of that, the strange relationship between Chandra and her father was awkward all on its own. That one, however, I’ll let you read for yourself.) Graelam de Moreton was played up to be this big bad boy, but--even at the beginning--I didn’t think him as evil as all that. I didn’t even see much cruelty in his interaction with Mary. I do think this was because Coulter didn’t want us to hate him overmuch since he has his own book later in the series. Though he piqued my interest at points, I do believe he could have been hardened a little more to make him seem like the powerful, evil man that the characters kept stating him to be. (This made me appreciate the turn of events in the book’s ending.)

As for the writing itself; the beginning of the book seemed a little wooden and stilted--almost like the author wanted to get through it as quickly as possible so she could write the fun bits. The dialogue was a little bit funky in the first few chapters as well (this is difficult to explain, so you’ll have to read it for yourself). The only way to describe it as is too formal. Luckily, this relaxed (or I became used to it) and the story smoothed out dramatically. So, if you can get through the first few chapters, you’re golden...right up until a little over a third of the way through the book. It gets a little awkward once more. The characters are again repeating conversations and comments that were made only a short while earlier. I can understand where the author is coming from here, but it could have helped to allow the characters some prior knowledge so things didn’t have to be explained more than once. (This sounds really harsh, but it’s not actually all that bad in the book. I merely found some things a little bit repetitive. Nothing major.)

Another comment I must make is on the similes and metaphors the author used. It wasn’t really that they were bad, but more so overused. She found a couple good ones and just reworded them to describe the same things (again, not something I can put into the review, you’ll have to read it for yourself and be the judge). This didn’t ruin the book by any means, but it was noticeable enough for me to comment on it in this review. In fact, the same thing goes for anecdotes that the characters have. They seem to be reused and recycled for various situations and characters. I didn’t think of mentioning this until the incident with the frozen lakes and skating was mentioned twice by two separate characters as if it hadn’t been said before. This may not seem like a big deal--and it really isn’t--but I thought it a bit off.

Though this book was rewritten, there were still typos, issues with the dialogue, and some tweaking still needed to be done to the writing. Overall, I liked this book even though I felt like it could have ended with the incident in Mary’s new home (I don’t want to say anything to give it away, so you’ll have to bear with me). The second part of the book was bordering on excessive, though I will admit that it wrapped things up pretty nicely. One thing I didn’t care for was how close Edward and Jerval were. Granted, this made for a more interesting story, but it definitely created a little less realistic plot. This book was good and a decent read. I liked the characters, though they became a little more generic as the book went on. I honestly missed seeing more of Jerval later in the book--it was like he was no longer as important before. This made me sad, but didn’t wreck the book for me. Overall, I would recommend this book as a light read. It wasn’t my favorite, but it’s definitely not worth missing.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Harry Potter, Book Two): J.K. Rowling

"THE DURSLEYS were so mean and hideous that summer that all Harry Potter wanted was to get back to the Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry. But just as he's packing his bags, Harry receives a warning from a strange, impish creature named Dobby who says that if Harry Potter returns to Hogwarts, disaster will strike.

"And strike it does. For in Harry's second year at Hogwarts, fresh torments and horrors arise, including an outrageously stuck-up new professor, Gilderoy Lockhart, a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girls' bathroom, and the unwanted attentions of Ron Weasley's younger sister, Ginny.

"But each of these seem minor annoyances when the real trouble begins, and someone--or something--starts turning Hogwarts students to stone. Could it be Draco Malfoy, a more poisonous rival than ever? Could it possibly be Hagrid, whose mysterious past is finally told? Or could it be the one everyone at Hogwarts most suspects...Harry Potter himself!"

I absolutely devoured this book. I believe I can finally see what all of the Pottermania is about (though I maintain that I'll seek professional help if I ever go to class dressed for Hogwarts with a replica wand up my sleeve). My appreciation for this series has grown tremendously.

Rowling's writing style is impressive. It's brilliant how it can be read by both young adults and adults with both sets of readers able to enjoy it equally (similar to the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan). This really says a lot about an author who is able to do this with the grace and eloquence of Rowling. Her descriptions of Hogwarts were beautifully done and the characters really felt alive. However, I can't fail to give some of this credit to the Harry Potter films. If you've read the review of the first in this series, then you know that I tried to read this series back when it first came to the States. I didn't enjoy it then. Now that I've seen the films, I find myself truly enjoying the books.

Then again, I believe the movies deserve notoriety of their own. When I finished this second installment in the Harry Potter series, I realized how well the movies captured the books. Of course, they left out some details for lack of major import, but this doesn't detract from my appreciation. I really love how (thus far at least) the movies follow the books almost to the word. Some entire conversations were even taken directly from the books, which is impressive. Usually, movies take the words "based on" as allowance for interpretation--not the case with the Potter films/books. I believe that this played a major role in my newfound appreciation for these books.

Now that I'm off that rave, back to the real review. As I hinted at earlier, I really enjoyed this book. It's fun to see Ron, Harry, and Hermione grow a little each year. The actual Hogwarts classes are so creative. The premise itself is so interesting that I found myself under "the Harry Potter spell" and had a terribly difficult time putting the book down. The plot of this book was slightly darker than the previous one, which suited me just fine. The characters' relationships are growing more complex--as it tends to happen when one grows up. Of course, with old favorites come new ones. We're introduced to Gilderoy Lockhart--the pompous, self-serving, best-selling author-turned Hogwarts professor. I do believe he is impossible to like! (My professor told me he was modeled after Rowling's ex-husband, which would make sense with the disgusting way he was portrayed.) Amusing at times, Lockhart certainly added to the book.

We learn more about Lord Voldemort and his relationship to Harry. Had I not seen the movie, I'm sure I would have loved how this snuck up on the readers. I have a new level of respect for the intricacies in Rowling's writing that my Children's Literature professor mentioned earlier this semester. I'm beginning to see how deeply she planned the whole series. It really is impressive.

I will say one thing (though I'm sure you're going to want to kill me for going back to the film/book comparison), I wish the movie adaptation of Chamber of Secrets had explained why Harry was a Parselmouth a little more; as well as clarified how Voldemort came about his name. They say it in the movie, but it wasn't as clear as it could have been (i.e. his real middle name). Overall, the casting is absolutely fantastic. ***SPOILER*** Then, I have a little issue with the book itself. Harry isn't worried about the monster let loose in the halls of Hogwarts because he's a Pureblood. However, I was under the impression that his mother came from a Muggle family. Doesn't this mean Harry technically isn't a Pureblood? I ended up rationalizing that, because both of Harry's parents could do magic, then Harry was considered a Pureblood. Then, when he and Riddle met in the Chamber of Secrets, Riddle calls Harry a Mud-blood. I hope I'm just missing something. I'll probably go back and reread these parts. One more thing: Voldemort hates Mud-bloods, yet he--himself--is one. He's the Heir of Slytherine would consider him a disgrace? That's just me, though.***

Anyway, I really enjoyed this book--as you can probably tell from the length of this review. I'm going home for the holidays and I look forward to having time to relax and read. These aren't things I've had a ton of time to do lately. My reviewing has really suffered because of this. Sadly, the amount of my reviews has decreased since I began several years ago. I'm going to really have to step up in 2011!

Stormy Weather: Carl Hiaasen

"Two honeymooners wake up early, make love twice, and brace themselves for a spectacle they won't be watching from the sidelines. A seductive con artiste stumbles into a scam that promises more cool cash than the lottery. A shotgun-toting mobile home salesman is about to close a deal with disaster. A law school dropout will be chasing one Gaboon viper, a troop of storm-shocked monkeys, and a newfound love life, while tourists by the thousands bail from the Florida Keys. We're no entering the hurricane zone, where hell and hilarity rule. And in the hands of the masterful, merciless Carl Hiaasen, we're going to have some weather."

(First off, I finished this book a couple of weeks ago, I just didn't get a chance to review it with finals and all...)

My aunt read this book on a recent cruise and passed it on to me. She loved it: describing it as a little sick, a little raunchy, but all good. Her oldest daughter has been reading Hiaasen's Y.A. books and she likes his writing as well. Personally, this was my first encounter with Hiaasen's works.

I liked his writing. It was witty and blunt, but surprisingly eloquent. His characters were eerily realistic in their satire. Hiaasen isn't afraid of offending anyone and that is definitely admirable.

The storyline was extremely complex and, in the beginning, I worried how Hiaasen was going to make it all come together. He didn't disappoint and his ending was very satisfying. Initially, it seemed like it went in twenty different directions. I couldn't even begin to wrap my mind around it all. The way that Hiaasen was able to link everything was truly "masterful".

As I mentioned before, the characters were fantastic. I have a feeling that Hiaasen wrote a bit of himself into Skink because (and this might not make sense to anyone but myself) the character's actions were so like the author's writing style. I found this really interesting. Another character I liked was Augustine. His cynicism was amusing and his caustic personality made him interesting.

Overall, I liked this book. It really wasn't something I normally read and that made it a big change from my normal reviews. The beginning of the book took me a while to get through, but it was worth the effort.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerers's Stone (Harry Potter, Book One): J.K. Rowling

"HARRY POTTER has never played a sport while flying on a broomstick. He's never worn a cloak of invisibility, befriended a giant, or helped hatch a dragon. All Harry knows is a miserable life with the Dursley's, his horrible aunt and uncle, and their abominable son, Dudley. Harry's room is a tiny closet at the foot of the stairs, and he hasn't had a birthday party in eleven years.

"But all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger: a letter with an invitation to a wonderful place he never dreamed existed. There he finds not only friends, aerial sports, and magic around every corner, but a great destiny that's been waiting for him...if Harry can survive the encounter."

I will admit that I tried reading this book when it first came out more than a decade ago. All of my friends were totally enthralled by it.

I hated it.

I know, I know...what person hates Harry Potter?!? I couldn't get through the first chapter. I don't know if it was the writing or the fact that I was only really reading it because all of my friends loved it, but I absolutely could not get through the first chapter. Now, more than a decade later, I was assigned this book as one of my readings for my Children's Literature class. Needless to say, my reaction was not a very happy one. Luckily this was one of the last ones that I had to read for the semester. I finished all of the other ones way ahead of schedule so I could give myself a few weeks to drag my butt through this book. I was finally forced to pick up this book last week...and I obviously finished it MUCH sooner than I had to.

This time around, I really, really liked it!!!

Just because I didn't read the book doesn't mean I hated the movies. I really enjoyed them (though I was never one of the people buying advanced tickets, dressing up, and going to the midnight show--nothing wrong with people who did this, but it's not my cup of tea for Harry Potter). My aunt and I once spent an entire day watching all of the movies in a row. Back to my review: I think the reason I really liked this book was because I had the movie playing in the back of my mind. If nothing, it really added to my enjoyment of the story. Of course, there were several differences between the book and the movies--which you'll know only when you are able to compare them--but they didn't detract at all from my enjoyment. It was so great to be able to put faces to the names and I can really see how well the movies captured Rowling's work. I enjoyed the characters and the creativity. Now I can really appreciate the author's talent for storytelling.

I actually recommend this book. Even if you didn't like it as a kid; give it another chance because you just might be surprised. Don't be afraid to watch the movies too :) I fully intend on watching the first movie again and reading the other books in conjunction with re-watching the movies. My aunt says I'll become a complete dork because of my newfound enjoyment.

Percy Jackson & the Olympians--The Demigod Files (Percy Jackson & the Olympians, Book Six): Rick Riordan

"YOUNG DEMIGODS, brace yourselves for a peek inside the highly classified Demigod Files! Compiled by Camp Half-Blood's senior scribe, Rick Riordan, these top secret archives include three of Percy Jackson's most perilous adventures, behind-the-scenes interviews with your favorite characters, a map of Camp Half-Blood, and more. Become an authority on Percy's world with this must-have guide to the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series."

First of all, this book should be read between book four and the final installment of the Percy Jackson series. Unfortunately, the site I was going off of told me to read this book last. It isn't a really big deal, but it would have added to my appreciation of the last book. In short, read this book before the final one.

Overall, I liked this book. It was short and sweet and it made me remember why I liked the series to begin with. The only problem was that I finished the series a while ago and there were bits and pieces that I had to scour my memory banks to recall. This problem is easily remedied when you read the series like you're supposed to.

The short stories in this book were as much fun as the other books. They were like mini episodes in the life and times of Perseus Jackson. Also, the background information on the characters gave the book it's own appeal.

Her Fearful Symmetry: Audrey Niffenegger

"Audrey Niffenegger's spectacularly compelling second novel opens with a letter that alters the fate of every character. Julia and Valentina Poole are semi-normal American twenty-year-olds with seemingly little interest in college or finding jobs. Their attachment to one another is intense. One morning the mailman delivers a thick envelope to their house in the suburbs of Chicago. From a London solicitor, the enclosed letter informs Valentina and Julia that their English aunt, whom they never knew, has died of cancer and left them her London apartment. There are two conditions to their inheritance: that they live in it for a year before they sell it and that their parents not enter it. Julia and Valentina are twins. So were the estranged Elspeth and Edie, their mother.

"The girls move to Elspeth's flat, which borders the vast and ornate Highgate Cemetery, where Christina Rossetti, George Elliot, Radclyffe Hall, Stella Gibbons, and Karl Marx are buried. Julia and Valentina come to know the living residents of their building. There is Martin, a brilliant and charming crossword-puzzle setter suffering from crippling obsessive compulsive disorder; Marijke, Martin's devoted but trapped wife; and Robert, Elspeth's elusive lover, a scholar of the cemetery. As the girls become embroiled in the fraying lives of their aunt's neighbors, they also discover that much is still alive in Highgate, including--perhaps--their aunt.

"Author of one of the most beloved first novels in recent years, Niffenegger returns with an unnerving, unforgettable and enchanting ghost story, a novel about love and the tenacity of life--even after death."

I really enjoyed Niffenegger's first book and this one was no exception. I finished this book at almost two this morning because I just couldn't put it down.

It started off very heart-wrenching and progressed at a steady pace. Even the parts where the twins were wandering London gave insight into their characters. I loved the settings (partially because I'm from some where around the area where the Chicago portion of the story takes place and I'm dying to go to England to study abroad and see London.) Her descriptions of the places were beautiful. Even Highgate Cemetery had a very hauntingly etherial appeal to it--even for someone like me who has a bit of an..."aversion" to cemeteries. I think I may even go to visit the cemetery when I go to England.

I enjoyed Robert as a character because he was the perfect foil to the "Americanness" of the twins. He was sweet and kind and slightly awkward, which the author manages to make attractive. My heart broke for him when he lost Elspeth. Martin--because he lived in his own OCD world, trapped in his flat without the woman he loves--almost seems like he has his own side-story. This provided a relief from the density of the rest of the book. He was very difficult not to feel for. He was a brilliant man, trapped in his flat because the world has become too difficult to handle. The twins were functionally disfunctional--though this sounds funny, this is the only way to describe it...you'll understand when you read it. Valentina quickly became my favorite twin; I think because I saw a lot of myself in her. (Not in the way when she...well...I can't give anything away, so you'll just have to figure out our relationship to one another.)

Overall, this book was intense and morbid in a Victorian-gothic romance-sense. Quite a bit darker than her other book that I've read, this book was deep and intense and made you think. I look forward to reading more from her because of the brilliant twists and turns and the surprises that keep you salivating for more.

A Conspiracy of Genes: Mark de Castrique

"The conspiracy has begun...

"Gene thought the worst thing that could happen to him, already had. When his mother died from a strange virus, Gene assumed he had seen all that life could throw at him.

"He was wrong.

"Unable to decide whom he can trust, Gene will have to expose a massive conspiracy and figure out how to survive."

"One thing is certain...

"It's about to get much, much worse."

This is a YA book I read for my class. It was really interesting because the author is a graduate of my college and even thanks my professor in the acknowledgements. The whole book takes place in areas I know--even when his dad flies out of town. This made the book totally fascinating to me.

On top of that, the writing was spectacular! It kept me enthralled and I couldn't put the book down. I finished it in a day and--though it's not a very long book--that says a lot because I'm so busy all of the time. The characters were great and the plot kept me on my toes with all of its sudden twists and turns. I was constantly trying to guess what would happen next. When the ending came, I was very surprised. It was very impressive to me that an author could manage to lead you on throughout an entire book; only revealing enough to keep you fascinated, but managing to keep the plot undercover.

I was extremely impressed with this book and can't wait to pass it on to my cousin...even my grandmother has gotten into it!

Now, I'll probably look into more by this author because I've been exposed to the awesomeness of his writing :)

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz: L. Frank Baum

This is another book I had to read for my class. This review will be short and sweet because SO many of you have seen the movie (unless, of course, you're my cousins and have been deprived of the Wizard, Mary Poppins, and other classics). I have to say that the thing that kept me from getting bored with this book was the fact that it was different from the movie. I don't want to give too much away, but I think it was the differences that livened up the often worn-out tale and made it new for me. I've seen the movie so many times that I almost didn't read the book for class. Now, I'm glad that I did. I recommend this book for any fan of the movie because it'll give you a neat new look at the story. Granted, I was never a huge fan like some people I know, but the book was okay. What I found really interesting was the life of the author. So, if you get a chance to, I recommend looking into that.

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland: Lewis Carroll

"Weary of her storybook, one "without pictures or conversations," the young and imaginative Alice follows a hasty hare underground--to come face-to-face with some of the strangest adventures and most fantastic characters in all of literature. The Ugly Duchess, the Mad Hatter, the weeping Mock Turtle, the diabolical Queen of Hearts, the Cheshire Cat--each more eccentric than the last--could only have come from the master of sublime nonsense, Lewis Carroll. In penning this brilliant burlesque of children's literature, this farcical satire of rigid Victorian society, this arresting parody of the fears, anxieties, and complexities of growing up, Carroll was one of the few adult writers to enter successfully the children's world of make-believe, where the impossible becomes possible, the unreal, real, and where the heights of adventure are limited only by the depths of imagination."

Again, this was a book I had to read for my Children's Literature class. I used to LOVE the Disney adaptation of this book...but the actual writing may have ruined that for me. Had I read this book as a child, I think I would have thought differently, but this was the first time I read the real Alice. It was actually pretty disturbing. It was all over the place and strange and odd and...just...weird. I think that's the real reason I didn't enjoy this--because I read it as a 20-year-old and not a ten-year-old. My mind felt slightly scrambled and then nuked before I was finished. Though I think the real problem happened when I was able to begin to grasp what the Hare and Hatter were saying... Now THAT'S a problem...

Anyway, this was an...interesting book... I didn't love it, but it was a part of my childhood. You have to give a little bit of admiration to the author for writing such a work.

The Hollow Hills (Book Two, The Arthurian Saga): Mary Stewart

"Keeping watch over the young Arthur Pendragon, the prince and prophet Merlin Ambrosius is haunted by dreams of the magical sword Caliburn, which has been hidden for centuries. When Uther Pendragon is killed in battle, the time of destiny is at hand, and Arthur must claim the fabled sword to become the true High King of Britain."

To put it plain and simple: I LOVE this series! I am a huge King Arthur fanatic and this book really makes me feel connected to the tale. I love the history that Stewart incorporated into her eloquent storytelling and the descriptions--oh the descriptions!--are absolutely beautiful. This truly is a one-of-a-kind series that drags you in with the claws of the Pendragon emblem and holds you there as if in one of Merlin's trances. It's as if Stewart has channelled the real Merlin and told his story.

The story rings true of the real tale with a dash of actual history and an underlying of truly beautiful writing. Mary Stewart has solidified herself in my list of favorite authors because of this. Her characters are so real I can hear their voices and feel as if I'm in the chamber or forest with them; listening to the foretelling of a great king or speaking with the ancient people of the woods. I can smell, taste, hear, and feel everything with them. There is a quality to Stewart's writing where you can't help but become enthralled. Maybe she's cast a spell of her own on her writing to make it as addictive as your favorite sweet.

Unfortunately, school is in full-swing and I've had to really cut down on my reading--which is why there has been such a gap between books lately. Hopefully, I'll find a better rhythm when this semester is over and I'm not forced to read children's books each week! I really wish I could read the next in this series, but--alas!--Arthur must wait...

Harriet the Spy: Louise Fitzhugh

Yet again...a book I had to read for my Children's Literature class. I knew there would be books that I liked and others...not so much...but I'm about ready to beg for one that I'll like!

This book wasn't one that was poorly written (there were aspects that you can appreciate more the older you are), but the problem for me was the fact that I didn't really care. I didn't like reading about Harriet. She actually annoyed me. The writing was too monotonous and there was a way about it that it was too complex for the reading age it was aimed for (with the subtleties of mental illness and regression) and--when you surpass this age group, it isn't even interesting any longer. It's like a catch 22. If you enjoy the story, more power to you; but I personally could not stand this book and barely finished it in time for my quiz.

The Crystal Cave (The Arthurian Saga, Book One): Mary Stewart

"Born the bastard son of a Welsh princess, Myridden Emrys--or as he would later be known, Merlin--leads a perilous childhood, haunted by portents and visions. But destiny has great plans for this no-man's-son, taking him from prophesying before the High King Vortigern to the crowning of Uther Pendragon...and the conception of Arthur--king for once and always."

This was my aunt's favorite series when she was a teenager--so much so that she reread it in college and has gotten the entire series for her eleven-year-old daughter. Naturally (being the Arthurian freak that I am) I stole the books before my cousin could even get her hands on them and decided that I would read them :) (Don't feel too bad for her...she was reading another book and had to finish that one first anyway.) I ended up falling in LOVE with this book!!! It was beautiful! The writing captured me and held me fast.

As for Merlin...there are hardly words to describe how much I love his character. There is this hunting mystery about him. The author was wise enough to reveal enough about him, but not too much so you're kept absolutely fascinated. I just wanted more, more, more! The ending was so enthralling that I was relieved I had the second book sitting right next to me. I don't know what I would have done had I been forced to wait to read it!

Each character--no matter how small--was complex. I'm truly so impressed that Stewart was able to do so without becoming long-winded. It was brilliant to take this story from Merlin's point of view. It added twists and complexity that I believe only a few authors would have been able to handle. Keeping true to history was a marvelous decision on Stewart's part. It made everything come alive rather than simply relying on fantasy and magic. Everything seemed more real.

Overall, I adore Stewart's work. Her writing is as timeless and magical as the black hills of Wales and the story of a wizard who would make an orphan into the greatest king of all.

The Great Gilly Hopkins: Katherine Paterson

Unfortunately, because I've been reading so much for school (between my reading-intensive Children's Literature and Russian History classes...among other things) I haven't had much time to read anything else. I really miss reading for pleasure and hope to get back to it as soon as possible (not to mention I promised to read some books and review them...haven't had enough time to finish those either. That's what you get when you move halfway across the country for school and have to get several jobs in order to pay for everything--including a car!!!)

Anyway, as you probably guessed, this was another of the books that was forced upon me for my children's literature class. It certainly wasn't one of my favorites, but it was a quick read. The characters were well-written, but the story didn't capture me as much as I would have liked. It was actually pretty sad. I know I'm looking into the book more deeply than an elementary student would, but I think it would still be confusing and a little depressing for anyone. I've not read any of this author's other works, but I've heard they're all similar in this manner. Would I read it again? No. Would I recommend it to a child? Probably not. Did I like this book? No...and yes. Parts of this book were decent, but I didn't end up being a fan. It just wasn't my cup of tea.

Bud, Not Buddy: Christopher Paul Curtis

This is yet another of the books I had to read for my Children's Literature class. My younger cousin had to read it last year for her fifth-grade class and she kept telling me how much she hated it. Naturally, this made me not look forward to reading it.

As I read it, however, I kept waiting for it to get "awful", but it never really did. I actually kind of enjoyed it! The writing was brilliant and it really made me feel as if I was inside the mind of Bud. The descriptions were well-done and did a great job of sucking me into the time period. Bud, himself, was interesting and you couldn't help but root for the little lonely, driven boy. His story is sad while remaining hopeful. It was obviously a story from the heart and that is what really made it enjoyable for me to read. Though my cousin disliked it (why, exactly, she couldn't ever explain to me), I still recommend this book for the fifth-sixth-grade age group because this is a book where fiction and reality blend together to make for a pleasant read.

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer: Mark Twain

"Tom Sawyer is Mark Twain's hymn to the secure and fantastic world of boyhood and adventure. From the famous episodes of the whitewashed fence and the ordeal in the cave to the trial of Injun Joe, the story is redolent of life in the Mississippi River towns which Twain spent his own youth. A somber undercurrent flows through the high humor and unabashed nostalgia of the novel, however, for beneath the innocence of childhood lie the inequities of adult reality--base emotions and superstitions, murder and revenge, starvation and slavery."

I read Huckleberry Finn back in my Junior year of high school and Mark Twain's writing is just as I remember it. His satire can be interesting, but his novels (at least to me, personally) are like pulling teeth to read. I genuinely didn't care for this book. There's just so much unnecessary information in it that it became not fun to read at all. One prime example of this was the scene where the students are making their end of the year presentations. What person--let alone a child--wants to read word-for-word what the students recited? It drove me crazy! I really do want to like Twain. His writings are classics. However, I just cannot seem to get into any of it. To be brutally honest, he--along with several other choice authors--is the reason that I decided not to teach American literature. Sure there are a couple eloquent lines, but Twain's novels are really not my cup of tea. Sorry to all of the Twain fanatics out there.

James and the Giant Peach: Roald Dahl

"A little magic can take you a long way...

"When James accidentally drops some magic crystals by the old peach tree, strange things start happening. The peach at the very top of the tree starts growing, and growing, and growing...until it's as big as a house! When James crawls inside, he meets a houseful of oversized friends--Grasshopper, Centipede, Earthworm, and more. With a snip of the stem, the peach starts rolling away, and the adventure begins!"

This was another film adaptation that I loved when I was growing up. There was just something about the whimsy and wonder that comes with a giant peach and enormous friendly bugs that made for an awesome movie. Around the same time, I read my favorite Dahl book--The BFG (which I fully plan on re-reading now). So, Dahl made a huge impact on the kids in my class because he was so out there and fun. You just weren't considered "well read" in my elementary school until you'd read some of his books.

It took me a while, but I finally got to read this book! It was very good: short but it made an impact. I'm actually reading it with my younger cousin and she adores it. Like I said, there's just something about Dahl that transcends the decades and connects with children of all ages :)

The Secret Garden: Frances Hodgson Burnett

"Unlock the Magic of the Secret Garden

"When orphaned Mary Lennox, lonely and sad, comes to live at her uncle's great house on the Yorkshire moors, she finds it full of secrets. At night, she hears the sound of crying down one of the long corridors. Outside, she meets Dickon, a magical boy who can charm and talk to animals. Then, one day, with the help of a friendly robin, Mary discovers the most mysterious wonder of all--a secret garden, walled and locked, which had been completely forgotten for years and years. Is everything in the garden dead, or can Mary bring it back to life?"

Growing up, the film adaptation of this classic book was one of my absolute favorites. I had tried picking the original book up over the years, but it didn't grab me immediately and I never got more than a few chapters into it. Now, however, I am enrolled in a Children's Literature class and this book was on our extensive reading list. It was the first one I finished and I must say that I enjoyed it.

Though it was not as good as I remember the movie being (which is usually the case when you go back to read things that were wonderful and mystifying back in childhood), it was decent nonetheless. The characters were still fascinating--especially Dickon--and I believe it was worth the read.

I've heard pretty mixed reviews from other readers about this book. Some were completely repelled by it, while others enjoyed it. I'm a little bit on the fence, but leaning a little more toward enjoying it. It was a bit long-winded at points and I can't imagine a child picking up this book and finishing it on her own; but the film adaptation will always remain near and dear to my heart.

The Last Olympian (Book Five, Percy Jackson and the Olympians): Rick Riordan

"All year the half-bloods have been preparing for battle against the Titans, knowing the odds of victory are grim. Kronos's army is stronger than ever, and with every god and half-blood he recruits, the evil Titan's power only grows.

"While the Olympians struggle to contain the rampaging monster Typhon, Kronos begins his advance on New York City, where Mount Olympus stands virtually unguarded. Now it's up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to stop the Lord of Time.

"In this momentous final book in the New York Time's best-selling series, the long-awaited prophecy surrounding Percy's sixteenth birthday unfolds. And as the battle for Western civilization rages on the streets of Manhattan, Percy faces a terrifying suspicion that he may be fighting against his own fate."

Today, I realized why, exactly, it took me forever to finish reading this book: I didn't want it to end! It was excellent--as all of the other books in this series were. It was fast-paced and riddled with wit. I loved it! It really stayed true to the series and I was so happy that Riordan's writing remained consistently excellent. I never lost the love that I began to feel for Percy, Annabeth, and the other characters from book one. This is such a wonderful quality of Riordan's books that totally make them worth reading at ANY age--no matter your background.

This was a beautifully descriptive finale to this series. I don't think it could have ended any differently and still stayed true to the magic that Riordan wove with Percy's first encounter with a Fury. I HIGHLY recommend this book and--though I am terribly sad that this series is over--I REALLY am looking forward to the next series in Riordan's Camp Half-Blood series!!! Coming in October of this year! Yay!

Educating Caroline: Patricia Cabot (Meg Cabot)

"Lady Caroline Linford is horrified to discover...

"her fiance, the Marquis of Winchelsea, in the arms of another woman. Unfortunately, Victorian society considers such masculine peccadilloes a trifle; canceling their imminent wedding would be unthinkable. But Caroline's wish is for the man she is to marry to desire only her...and she seeks lessons in the art of romance from the best teacher: London's most notorious rake.

"Braden Granville may be a famous lover...

"but he has no intention of taking part in Caroline's scheme--until he learns she has something he wants: the name of his own unfaithful fiancee's lover. As their passionate tutelage begins, sparks fly--and the lines between teacher and student fall away. Now there is just one last lesson to learn: on the subject of true love, the heart chooses its own unpredictable ways."

I think it's pretty awesome that the woman who wrote the Princess Diaries has switched over to writing for a more adult audience. She took her talent and wit, wrapped it up in a bit of maturity, and came up with this book.

I really enjoyed it! The plot was complex and nicely interwoven. Writing something like this took a lot of planning and I can appreciate that. The characters were wonderful and their situations really were unique. So often are characters and bits of plots recycled that they all seem to blend together; but not with Cabot's writing. She's fun and brilliant in her ability to write memorable characters that stand out.

Though this book took me awhile to finish, it really was worth every page. However, I now remember why I never got through her Princess Diaries books: the sentences tend to be long and drawn out. Now that I'm older, I can appreciate what the author is including in her sentences--all of the structure and word choices which actually made my reading experience extremely enjoyable. It definitely takes some getting used to, but it's well worth it.

I really liked this book and look forward to reading more by this author!

The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Four): Rick Riordan

"Percy Jackson isn't expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. But when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse.

"In this fourth installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth--a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn."

Yay! I finished book number four! This one was just as good as the others. Obviously, the characters are becoming more and more complex as they grow up, but they're still the familiar faces I've come to love. The new twists and turns that Riordan has incorporated into his wonderful world of demigods and monsters really kept me fascinated. I really enjoyed this book and it was a very fun read.

I couldn't help but feel bad for Percy and all of the difficult decisions he had to choose from. His life has become all the more complicated when girls are thrown in the mix. Jealousy and attitude plagues these young warriors as they try to complete their mission--and poor Percy has no idea why the girls fight over him...typical oblivious guy. I found myself laughing aloud so many times! It was great! (Though I won't say who I'm rooting for...I'll leave that judgement out until you read it for yourselves. Maybe when I'm done with the series, I'll let you know what my feelings are.)

Anyway, as I said earlier, I love the characters. They've really become like "friends". The way Riordan writes, they have their unique personalities; but he manages to remain true to them throughout all of the books. I love this about the writing. Something else that was neat was that the descriptions of the labyrinth reminded me of the movie "Labyrinth", which I highly recommend checking out!

Though there were a few minor errors (i.e. "Mrs. O'Leary was called "she" and then used "his" in the possessive form when talking about her owner...if that makes any sense...), this doesn't detract from the story. I really enjoyed it and look forward to the next book!!!

The Public and Private Elizabeth I and Her World: Susan Watkins

"In this intimate account of a remarkable national transformation, Susan Watkins relates the extraordinary tale of how Queen Elizabeth I set out to capture the hearts of her people. In plays and pageants, in cameos and medallions and portraits, in the great country houses, their interior furnishings and their gardens, the royal image was specifically tailored to evoke devotion. To love Elizabeth was to love England, and the Queen personified both an era and a national style.

"It had begun precariously: the birth of Elizabeth instead of a male heir was a bitter disappointment to Henry VIII and his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Susan Watkins paints a brilliant picture of young Elizabeth's life, punctuated by conspiracies, and endangered during the period of rule by her Catholic half-sister, Mary, whom she succeeded in 1558. It gave her an enduring sense that to remain on the throne she must encourage the love of her people.

"The author skillfully recreates court life, in the palaces along the Thames from Greenwich to Windsor, and the nearly sixty royal houses that were Elizabeth's inheritance. An important part of the spectacle was the royal progress to the great country houses of her subjects. An Elizabethan house was not just an architectural achievement; it was often the literal embodiment of a relationship with the monarch.

"Throughout, the inspired photographs by Mark Fiennes, together with portraits, paintings, tapestries and personal objects, give the perfect visual expression of the nation's evolving love affair with its queen. Little wonder that Elizabeth's personality captivates the imaginations of Hollywood and of the tens of thousands of visitors to the surviving monuments of her era."

This is another non-fiction work that I picked up while bored at work. I've always been interested in this period and thought this book might be an interesting read. The pictures were WONDERFUL and they really enhanced my appreciation of the information. They were meshed together well and made the book a whole lot more fascinating. So, overall, I enjoyed this book for what it was: a non-fiction work on Queen Elizabeth I.

However, this book had a tendency to drag on a bit. The paragraphs and sentences were SO long. This made it difficult to find a point where I could put it down for a while and easily pick it up again--that is, if I didn't want to wait until I reached the end of the chapter. Also, the information sometimes jumped around from subject to subject (literally subject to subject...it went from favored man to favored man throughout Elizabeth's reign). It sometimes went back and forth so often that I forgot which lord I was reading about. This was a little bit unfortunate, though it didn't kill the work for me.

If you take it for what it is, it's not a bad non-fiction book. It kept me interested and the descriptions were fascinating.

The Titan's Curse (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Three): Rick Riordan

"When Percy Jackson receives an urgent distress call from his friend Grover, he immediately prepares for battle. He knows he'll need his powerful demigod allies at his side; his trusty bronze sword, Riptide; and...a ride from his mom.

"The demigods race to the rescue to find that Grover has made an important discovery: two new powerful half-bloods, whose percentage is unknown. But that's not all that awaits them. The Titan lord, Kronos, has set up a devious trap, and the young heroes have just fallen prey.

"Hilarious and action-packed, this third adventure in the series finds Percy faced with his most dangerous challenge yet--the chilling prophecy of the Titan's curse."

Number three...down! Yay! I am just devouring this series! It is so cute and I love it. I am always so excited to get my hands on the next one that it only takes me a few days to eat them up.

As always, the writing was fun and quick. It has the ability to keep me really interested while moving along smoothly. Things happen one after another and all of the books in this series have a very good flow to them.

The characters are brilliant. I love watching them grow up--especially Percy. Having him as the narrator was an excellent idea because it draws you in. You find yourself laughing unexpectedly and (at least I thought) thinking "wow...poor kid...I remeber going through something like that..." Well...not the parts with the gods and monsters, but you get the idea. I think this is a big part of the appeal of this story. It allows kids a glimps into a life ahead of them, and it gives older readers a look back at the lives they've already lived. Kids bring innocence to the reading of this book, while adults bring knowledge. However, either way you look at this book, it's still fun!

Now, for some less glittering comments on this book. ***SPOILER ALERT: First off, in the first book in this series, Percy wasn't able to use the flying shoes Luke gave him because they were from Hermes. Now, I don't think I read it wrong, but because he's a son of Poseidon, an item from Hermes for a son of Hermes wouldn't work for him. However, it was mentioned that flying wouldn't be a good idea for him because the air is the domain of Zeus. If this was the reason that Percy couldn't use the shoes, then it should have been made more obvoious, because then I wouldn't have an issue with the fact that Percy was able to use Annabeth's cap of invisibility from Athena in this book. Also, in the myths I've read, Atlas wasn't too bright. It was how he was able to be tricked back into holding up the sky once more by Heracles. Now, he was made into the General of Kronos. From all of the encounters with the Titan, it didn't seem like he was stupid. This is minor, but it's almost like tweaking a major attribute of a known mythological character. It should be done with caution. END OF SPOILER***

Anyway, I liked the twists and turns that this story took. There was a lot more emphasis on the prophecy of the Oracle, which showed how the characters were growing and learning. They listened more. The new characters (both mortaln and immortal) of this book were interesting. They helped move the book along and bring new qualities to the storytelling. The settings were beautifully written and were fun to picture.

Overall, I liked this book and really look forward to reading more about the new half-bloods that were discovered and seeing where this bombshell ending takes us!

The Sea of Monsters (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book Two): Rick Riordan

"After a summer spent trying to prevent a catastrophic war between the Greek gods, Percy Jackson's seventh grade school year seems unnervingly quiet. His biggest problem is dealing with his new friend, Tyson--a six-foot-three, mentally challenged homeless kid who follows Percy everywhere, making it hard for Percy to have any "normal" friends.

"But things don't stay quiet for long. Percy soon discovers that there is trouble at Camp Half Blood: the magical borders that protect Half-Blood Hill have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and the only safe haven for demigods is on the verge of being overrun by mythological monsters. To save the camp, Percy needs the help of his best friend, Grover, who has been taken prisoner on an island somehere in the Sea of Monsters, the dangerous waters Greek heroes have sailed for millennia. Only today, the Sea of Monsters goes by a new name...The Bermuda Triangle.

"Percy must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclopes by the end of the summer or Camp Half Blood will be destroyed. But first, Percy will learn a stunning new secret about his family--one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or simply a cruel joke."

Well...I read this book in two days...so that has to tell you how much I enjoyed it! It was just as fun as the first one, but it had some new faces to enjoy. There were twists and turns and a lot of action that I've come to expect from Rick Riordan. The mythology that was involved was vivid and fun. It kept me totally enthralled! I really enjoy the commentary and language. They're light-hearted, but manage to allow me to escape into the world of Percy Jackson.

It was nice to see some familiar faces, but the new ones were interesting as well. Tyson was great. He added a whole new dimension to the story--making that readers realize that the gods hands control more than just Percy and his close demigod companions at Camp Half Blood.

I don't want to give anything away, but the ending really had a HUGE twist that I didn't see coming! You should look forward to it because it's a big one!!! (I'm excited because I've already started reading the third book!)

***This is officially my most-read post of 2010! With nearly 1,000 hits, my review of The Sea of Monsters was only published in June has leapt far ahead of any other book in this blog. I've been reading the stats, but I'd love to know if this is because of the book series (which makes me wonder why the other Percy Jackson books are lagging so far behind in hits), or if this one is coincidentally stumbled upon the most. I know the review of this book in particular is lacking, so it can't be the fact that it's particularly thrilling. If you all out there in the world of the internet would like a more in-depth review, just tell me and I would be more than happy to oblige! Leave a comment or drop a line. I'll be sure to respond! We'll see what 2011 will bring (and I'm planning on upping the amount of books I add to this blog, so I am really interested in seeing how the blog hits pan out). Have a very Happy New Year everyone! See you in 2011!***

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book One): Rick Riordan

"PERCY JACKSON is about to be kicked out of boarding school...again. And that's the least of his troubles. Lately, mythological monsters and the gods of Mount Olympus seem to be walking straight out of the pages of Percy's Greek mythology textbook and into his life. And worse, he'd angered a few of them. Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen, and Percy is the prime suspect.

"Now Percy and his friends have just ten days to find and return Zeus's stolen property and bring peace to a warring Mount Olympus. But to succeed on his quest, Percy will have to do more than catch the true thief: he must come to terms with the father who abandoned him; solve the riddle of the Oracle, which warns him of a betrayal by a friend; and unravel a treachery more powerful than the gods themselves."

My aunt was reading this book because her daughter had loved it so much. When she finished it, she gave it to me and told me that I would enjoy it. Well...I did!

When the movie adaptation of this book came out, I was interested, but I never ended up seeing it. Now, however, I'm definitely going to have to try to get my hands on it. (I certainly hope it's at least half as good as the book.) The characters were very well-written, carefully planned, and interesting--though a little young in my opinion to undertake such tasks as they did in the book (I know, I know, they're children of the gods...they have abilities that we don't and are fully capable of such things...but not all of the twelve-year-olds that I've met!) Percy and his friends were mature beyond their years and, though I occasionally stopped and wondered if a twelve-year-old would be capable of doing such a thing or thinking a certain way, this really kept the plot moving. I don't think I could have handled it if it dragged on and on with a whiny, confused twelve-year-old narrator. Instead, Percy kept everything flowing and the way that the story was written definitely maintained a fast pace.

Something else that was note worthy was the way the author incorporated Percy's dyslexia and ADHD into his heritage. This was creative--though a blatant way of getting in touch with all of the kids that have ADHD and dyslexia. It was cute, but personally bothered me a little because how many more kids are going to want to not pay attention and claim they have these because they want to be part god? (Can you tell I think ADHD is over diagnosed? I'm NOT saying that it doesn't exist, just that there are way too many kids that either claim to have it and haven't bothered to be diagnosed, yet use it as a huge excuse (I can name several...) and parents who can't handle their children and look for anything to blame BUT themselves. However, I will get off that controversial topic and back to the review. Sorry!)

The modern descriptions of the gods were really neat. In fact, if you like this style and sort of mythological background (and you're a bit more mature than the regular reading demographic of this book), and you like a bit of romance; you should totally check out Sherrilyn Kenyon's DARK-HUNTER SERIES. It's similar to this and the gods are just as interesting. You can find more information and a reading order if you look up "Sherrilyn Kenyon" or "Dark-Hunter Series" on my blog.

Anyhow, I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next in the series. I'll attach a review of the movie as soon as I see it.

The Stanforth Secrets (Renfrew/Kyle, Book One/Two): Jo Beverley

"It has fallen to Chloe, the widowed Lady Stanforth, to manage the affairs of Delamere Hall. Though she loves her grand house by the sea, a series of puzzling and inexplicable incidents over the past year has left her unsettled and eager. Her situation is complicated by the arrival of the new Lord Stanforth, her husband's cousin, for whom she has long harbored a deep and guilty attraction.

"Newly returned from the war, Justin Delamere hopes he can finally woo Chloe. But he is ordered to search Delamere Hall for missing documents--documents that might prove Chloe guilty of treason, and perhaps even of murder. Can he trust the woman he has always desired? And can Chloe surrender her most private secrets to the man who holds her fate in his hands--the fate of both her freedom and her heart?"

***The website I usually go to to find the order of books that an author has written states that this should be the first book in this series. However, Jo Beverley's site (and in the back of the newer edition of this book) states that this is actually the second in this series. I guess this is up to you to decide! I think I liked reading this book first because it was like "square one". If you read LORD WRAYBOURNE'S BETROTHED first, then you'll know what happens to at least one of the characters. Though this is how Beverley wrote them, I think I preferred reading this one first--that way, I could enjoy it without and preconceptions about the characters. Again, it's up to you to decide!***

Now, for the actual review! I was excited to read a book by this author. I kept coming across her books and seeing others reading them. When I finally got a hand on the "first" books in one of her series, I couldn't wait to pick it up. After some slight confusion over which book was which, I enjoyed it.

The characters were really interesting and fun! Randal has to be one of my favorites yet. What was cool was the fact that they remained secretive and this really helped the plot remain interesting. I liked how there was so many mysteries. The book was really well-written and kept me interested. Normally this type of story doesn't interest me as much as this one did. Overall, I loved the story and the language.

However, I will let you all know that this is not like a regular "romance novel"; it's more of a "love story". (You can read and find out for yourselves what I mean.) This didn't discourage me from reading more of Beverley's works. I liked this short, but sweet, story :)

Timeless Passion (Paranormal, Book One): Constance O'Day-Flannery

"SEPARATE YESTERDAYS

"When Brianne Quinlan woke up after the accident, she thought she was losing her mind. Gone were the last things she remembered: Her car, the highway, and the tall buildings that lined the road. Instead, she found herself in a meadow surrounded by trees and rolling lawns. And when she lifted her head her eyes met the magnetic blue gaze of the most remarkably handsome man she'd ever seen. As he effortlessly lifted her onto his horse, Brianne was unable to even utter a protest.

"ONE TOMORROW

"On a routine ride to survey his plantation, Ryan Barrington could not believe what he saw. Lying beneath a tree was a beautiful woman, dressed in bizarre clothing, her long copper-colored hair surrounding her like a veil. He had never seen such a fetching apparition, and he was sure that she had been sent by a friend to entice him. He thought to send her on her way, but when he lifted her into his arms Ryan knew he was lost. He caressed her creamy flesh and kissed her ripe lips feeling a rush of desire that could not be denied. He vowed to find out her true identity and make her his own with TENDER PASSION."

I've had this book for a while and finally picked it up when I decided that it was time to try a new author. I was looking forward to seeing how this author handled the whole time travel conundrum and (I won't wreck it for you, but) I think she did it very nicely. She tied the whole story together well and it was much better than some other books of this type that I've read. The ending was great!!!

Ryan was a well-written character. I liked his spark and drive. Though many male leads in romance novels are perfect and strong (which Ryan was...I almost wanted him to have a flaw...), Ryan didn't get boring for me. I do, however, think I would have liked to have seen him have more passion. I won't go into depth, but you'll see what I mean when you read it. Brianne (it took me a while, but about two-thirds into the book, I got confirmation that her name is, in fact, pronounced "Bree-ann" instead of an odd form of "Brianna". I'm not sure what made me think this, but I did. Anyway...) Brianne was a good female lead as well. I didn't much care for her in the beginning. She seemed pretty flat. However, I forced myself to give her and this story a chance and I ended up liking her much more. I suggest you do the same.

As I just mentioned, this book starts off slow. It's set in the latter part of the 1980's, so it's naturally outdated. Though this can't be helped (and the 80's were before my time); even I can tell that the author had a habit of simply picking out popular or expensive things to portray a certain lifestyle. There wasn't much heart put into it. It was as if she sat down and made a list of expensive clothing brands, cars, etc. and just gave them all to Brianne without much personal thought. This annoyed me a little bit and helped make the first ten or so chapters drag on. I will fully admit that I almost put this book down...but I didn't and I am glad! Many things made me smile and I ended up liking this author.

Some of the supporting actors were well-written as well. However, I think I would have liked to have seen more of the "villains". ***SPOILER: Duville was interesting and I REALLY wanted more from him. He was interesting and dark and really could have made a nasty contrast to Ryan had the story continued on for a few more chapters. I also feel like Caroline gave in too easily. Yes, the author explained well why this was, but it still felt a little hollow to me. Overall, I kind of get the sense that we're missing a chunk of the plot. There was no grand fruition of the evil plans Duville had for Brianne. I hate to say it, but I almost WANTED a kidnapping to occur!***

Anyway, though I feel strongly about my little rant, that didn't ruin the story for me. I still enjoyed it and found myself especially tearing up while reading the epilogue. I really like the twists at the end and--when you think about them--you'll appreciate them for what they are (if that makes any sense...probably not...)

And so, I recommend this book. I enjoyed it once I got through the slightly slow beginning. This is the first in this series and I look forward to reading more.