Reprint of the Year: McKee of Centre Street
5 hours ago
Currently Reading
Monday, January 31, 2011
Centaur
(Greek - Kéntauroi or Kentauros)
"Piercing Bull"
Facts
- Said to inhabit the regions of Magnesia and Mount Pelion in Thessaly, the Foloi oak forest in Elis, and the Malean peninsula in southern Laconia.
- The Bronze Age is the suggested origins for these creatures
- Female Centaurs are called Kentaurides
- In Greek tradition there are two types of Centaur families: The unruly centaurs are more numerous, born of the king Ixion and a cloud that Zeus disguised as his wife Hera. The studious learned and sober families were fatherd by Chiron who was known for his skill in music, hunting, medicine and prophecy.
- Zeus would often send Centuars to punish humans and gods that offended him.
Centaur In Books
The Parthalon series by P.C Cast - The main character is a female Centaur
Percy Jackson and the Olympions by Rick Riordin - Percys teacher is in fact a Centaur named Chiron who helps Percy out when he discovers hes the offspring of a God.
The Faerie Convention by Brett Davis - Some of the main characters are Centaurs
Villians by Necessity by Eve Forward - Features a cast of supernaturals including a good Centaur spy/bard.
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Bought
Fearscape by Simon Holt
Swap
None
Won
The Adventures of Annie Marmalade by Julian Vaughn Hampton (signed)
For Review
None
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Information
Title - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Author - Lisa See
Genre - Historical Fiction
Pages - 265
Format Read - Paperback
Description (from goodreads)
In nineteenth-century China, in a remote Hunan county, a girl named Lily, at the tender age of seven, is paired with a laotong, “old same,” in an emotional match that will last a lifetime. The laotong, Snow Flower, introduces herself by sending Lily a silk fan on which she’s painted a poem in nu shu, a unique language that Chinese women created in order to communicate in secret, away from the influence of men. As the years pass, Lily and Snow Flower send messages on fans, compose stories on handkerchiefs, reaching out of isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments. Together, they endure the agony of foot-binding, and reflect upon their arranged marriages, shared loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their deep friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.
Thoughts
Snow flower and the secret fan was a tradjic novel, sprinkled with ancient chinese culture. I enjoyed learning about the ways of ancient China and how women were looked upon by men and even other women. Women were worthless, only one thing could bring up thier worth: giving birth to sons, for sons were the loved children who would go out into the world and work the fields, they were head of household and what they say went. Women were expected to be demure, obediant and stay in the womans chamber away from the outer world of men.
In this book we follow Lily, the narrators life as she travels from little girl to Lady Lu, respected and wealthy woman. When Lily is a small girl at the age of 6-7 she is given a fan from her laotong (old same) who will remain her friend for many, many years.
We watch as Lily and Snow Flower communicate about thier foot bindings, a horrible painful process of binding the feet so that the toes break and reshape into a dainty point called 'golden lilys.' We learn about the ways of marriage and wifely duties. Throughout the book we see triumphs and tradjety. There are many deaths but also some joy. Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a beautiful book and should be read by anyone interested in chinese culture or fans of historical fiction.
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Rules
1. Pick up your current read
2. flip t a random page (if your using an ereading device then just click ahead or behind a few pages)
3. choose (2) sentances to share.
4. No spoilers!
Title - Snow Flower and the Secret Fan
Author - Lisa See
Lines
"A true lady lets no ugliness into her life" she reapeated again and again, drilling the words into me. "Only through pain will you have beauty. Only through suffering will you find peace. I wrap. I bind, but you will have the reward."
The author is talking about footbinding in this part. The book is full of ancient chinese culture. It is interesting learning the ways of old, however badly women were treated and how painful a life they had.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Information
Title - Dhampir
Author - Barb Hendee
Genre - Paranormal/Fantasy
Pages - 384
Description (from goodreads)
Magiere has earned a reputation as the most formidable vampire slayer in the land. Villagers far and wide welcome her with both awe and disdain, grateful to her for ridding their towns of the undead menace, but finding themselves made poorer for their salvation. Magiere has always known she's dealing with simple folk who only wish to have their superstitions silenced, and she's never seen anything wrong with exploiting them for profit.
Now, tired of the game, Magiere and her partner, the half-elf Leesil, are ready to hang up their weapons and settle down in a place they can finally call home. But their new found peace will not last. For Magiere has come to the attention of a trio of powerful and dangerous vampires who recognize her true identity — even if she does not — and who fear the birthright that flows through her veins. And they will stop at nothing to keep Magiere from fulfilling her destiny
Thoughts
Magiere is a vampire slayer..sort of. Actually she just plays one as her partner, the half elf Leesil plays the part of the vampire. Both of them go from town to town using the villagers superstitions against them to fill thier pockets with coin. However Magiere is sick of the game and wants to start a new life, little does she know how hard that will be.
I enjoyed Dhampire very much. At the beginning Magiere was cold and annooyed me a bit with her callousness but after a bit she grew on me, she is not as hard as she wants people to think she is and she is really a good person. Leesil her partner personifies the 'fun side-kick' stereotype well, although he does have a dark past that i do want to learn m ore about. Then theres Chap, dear chap who is about the most loyal dog you could find, hes brave and loyal and helps the two wanderers fight against the Noble Undead (vampries)
The vampires in this book are not the bloodthirsty evil vampries you read about in other books, with the exception of Parko but he does not last long enough to be considered a true bad guy in this book. Each of the vampires: Rashed, Teesha and Ratboy have thier own motives and reasons for staying in town and for doing what they do during the book. Then there is poor Edwan, the ghostly husband of Teesha who was unjustly killed by Rasheds lord, I liked how in the end Edwan got some semblence of vengeance but it was also a sad moment as well.
The book flowed very nicely and there were hardly any akward moments in writing or places where you started scratching your head. I would very much recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a bit of fantasy, paranormal, humor and action. Best part of the book? NO swearing and NO sex! Its a good, clean read for adult and teen readers alike.
Tuesday, January 18, 2011
Rules
choose a random page from your current read. (If on an ereader then just click back or forwarda couple pages)
Take two sentances from the page and post them, you can post more but dont give away too much.
NO SPOILERS!
Post the title and author so people can check the book out.
Title - Graceling
Author - Kristin Cashore
Lines
A wave of tiredness swept over her. It was easier to follow Randa's orders when they begged or cried, when they gave her nothing to respect.
And Randa didn't care about his forests; he only cared about the money and the power. Besides, the forests would grow back one day. Fingers didn't grow back.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Lamia
(Greek: Laimos: Gullet)
Facts
- Lamia literally means 'Large Shark' in Greek
- Has the upper body of a woman and lower body of a serpent
- Lamia was the grandaughter of Poseidon and Lybie, later after she became queen of Libya she had an affair with Zeus. Hera angry at her husbands affair killed the children Lamia and Zeus had together. Insane with grief Lamia started devouring other children.
- Later stories state that Lamia was cursed with the inability to close her eyes so that she would always obsess over the image of her dead children.
- Other facts say Zeus gave her the ability to take out her eyes and put them back in.
Lamia In Books
Soultaker by Byran Smith - A horror story about a teenage Lamia who kills young men.
The Anita Blake Series by Laurall K. Hamilton - mentions Lamias
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Just one this week. My stepmother was suprised because she said it does not sound like something I would read.
Bought:
The Chosen One by Carol Lynch Williams
For Review
none
Won
none
PaperbackSwap
none
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Information
Title - Need
Author - Carrie Jones
Genre - YA/Fantasy
Pages - 320
Description (from goodreads)
Zara White suspects there's a freaky guy semi-stalking her. She's also obsessed with phobias. And it's true, she hasn't exactly been herself since her stepfather died. But exiling her to shivery Maine to live with her grandmother? That seems a bit extreme. The move is supposed to help her stay sane...but Zara's pretty sure her mom just can't deal with her right now.
She couldn't be more wrong. Turns out the semi-stalker is not a figment of Zara's overactive imagination. In fact, he's still following her, leaving behind an eerie trail of gold dust. There's something not right - not human - in this sleepy Maine town, and all signs point to Zara.
Thoughts
Need was a great book, i enjoyed every word of it. It mixes humor with lore, love and action.
Zara has just moved (against her will) to cold, snowy Maine to live with her grandma Betty after her stepfather died. However, thats not all thats come to Maine, a mysterious figure is following Zara. What does he want? Who is he? we learn this late in the book but the plot moves so fluidly that the last 30% or so dedicated to this man was realy interesting and didnt seem to lag getting to the main quarrel.
The charactors are all well fleshed out. I adore that Zara knows so many phobias and i liked learning about them, she is brave and not whiney and a real likeable person. Issie and Devyn, her two first friends in Maine are also great, Issie is a spunky, too-hyper girl who has a crush on Devyn, a wheelchair bound (for now anyways) boy who also likes to 'collect' phobias. The main love interest is Nick, the typical beautiful guy who should never have an interest in someone as woefully plain as Zara (can we get a diffrent stereotype please? this one gets old!) Nick is alright, hes kind and gentle and not an overachiever, hes wicked protective though but thats alright. Ian, the other guy we meet is really not in the book too long, at least a good chunk in the middle he goes missing but comes back in a way that i kind of predicted it but it was still sad. Zaras arch-enemy Meghan (all meghans hate her for some reason) is not in the book a whole lot either and it wasnt like meghan was even really mean to Zara, just cautious but she was still nasty at times.
Need spins an interesing tale about pixies (they needed some spotlight eh? everything is all faeries lately) and shapeshifters. Mixed with emotion, quirky humor, no swearing, good friends, action and a touch of romance it is a great story to sink your teeth into.
Friday, January 14, 2011
My new laptop died and wont be fixed for a while, i have a backup laptop so ill be back, was lost for a few days without one lol.
Tommorow will continue as normal, unfortunatly the review i was going to post was on the other laptop so ill have a diffrent one for you (Born at Midnight)
Monday, January 10, 2011
Harpy
(Greek Origins - harpūia)
(Harpezein - "to snatch")
Facts
- The harpies were sisters of Iris, daughters of Thaumaus and Electra
- The American Harpy Eagle is named after these mythical creatures.
- Mainly thought as Winged Death-Spirits
- In earlier versions of Greek myth, Harpies were described as beautiful, winged maidens. Later they became winged monsters with the face of an ugly old woman and equipped with crooked, sharp talons.
- They would carry off victims to the underworld where they would torture them or inflict punishment.
- They were probably the personifications of the stormwinds.
Harpies In Books
- The Immortals Series by Tamora Pierce has harpies in it (they are antagonists for most of the series)
- Harpy's Flight - The first book in a series called Windsingers. Harpies are the bad guys chasing the main female out of vengeance.
- Keith Robinson - has three books where there are harpies both male and female in them.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Got 3 books this week and while I was on vacation. Im sorry I do not have a camera to show you the actual books next week I may do a Vlog since my new laptop has a camera and microphone built in.
Bought
none
Won
The Native Star by M.K Hobson (signed)
Paperbackswap
Bury My Heart At Wounded Knee by Dee Brown
For Review
Talismans by Sybil Baker
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Information
Title - Jimmy Stone's Ghost Town
Author - Scott Neumyer
Genre - YA/Paranormal
Pages - (unknown only ebook format)
Format Read - Ebook
Obtained - From Author for Review
Description - from goodreads
For Jimmy Stone, life in "Boredsylvania" has been pretty tough. His mom's died, his dad's completely checked out, and he spends his days running from the Coogan Boys, the local bullies. It isn't long, however, before "Boredsylvania" gets a lot more exciting. With his new friend, David and his dog, Trex, by his side, Jimmy discovers that the woods beyond his backyard hold the key to a world he could never even imagine. Soon, he ends up in Ghost Town, where he’s greeted by his ghost guide, Gasp, and receives an ominous prophecy.
“Seven things you must find.
One thing for each day.
Seven things you must find.
Or else they all will pay!
Suddenly Ghost Town becomes as scary as it sounds, and Jimmy Stone realizes that he's in way over his head
Thoughts
Jimmy Stone's Ghost Town is an enjoyable book. What i thought was going to be another YA ghost story turned out to be a fun, humorful, fantasy/paranormal adventure. Jimmy Stone starts off with a devastating blow to young Jimmys life that changes his world forever. Left in a house with a drunk for a dad, his only friend his loyal dog Trex and recently the prime target of Billy Coogan the schools bully nothing seems to be right in his world. That is, until he meets David and for the first time has a human friend, one that will go with him to worlds beyond imagination. The book only focuses on one of the worlds (Ghost Town) but the next book is sure to feature another.
Though it is a light read and dosn't take itself too seriously there is a bit of swearing in it but this can be overlooked if you want to try to. Jimmy and David are both the kinds of kids you would want your own kids around. Smart, resourcful and kind they are great characters to root for. Trex is probably the most loyal and smart dog ive come across in books and the ghost Gasp is very fun and a great addition tot he storyline.
I recommend this book to anyone with a kindle or kindle app on one of thier devices or computer, not only does it deal with heavy life issues but it also teaches and makes us appreciate what we have. My only complaint is that the second book is not out yet.
Though it is a light read and dosn't take itself too seriously there is a bit of swearing in it but this can be overlooked if you want to try to. Jimmy and David are both the kinds of kids you would want your own kids around. Smart, resourcful and kind they are great characters to root for. Trex is probably the most loyal and smart dog ive come across in books and the ghost Gasp is very fun and a great addition tot he storyline.
I recommend this book to anyone with a kindle or kindle app on one of thier devices or computer, not only does it deal with heavy life issues but it also teaches and makes us appreciate what we have. My only complaint is that the second book is not out yet.
Friday, January 7, 2011
This weeks question is:
What book influenced or changed your life? How did it influence/change you?
Good Question! there are quite a few, the Sweep series realy got me motivated to keep up with my Wiccan studies and practice. "Bury My Heart at Wounded Knee" and "Last of the Mohicans" really made me stop and think about how a civilization can be so lost so quickly but also how it can still stand proud and retain its beliefs after all its been through.
And FF question is:
What book(s) have you discovered lately from someone's book blog?
Practicly ALL my books haha. Forgive my Fins, The Hunger Games series, Bloodthirsty, The Maze Runner series..etc. I always look up books that seem interesting from reviews ive read. To me, its one of the best ways to find books!
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Information
Title - Mockingjay (Hunger Games book 3)
Author - Suzanne Collins
Genre - Dystopian/YA
Pages - 400
Format Read - Ebook
Description (goodreads)
Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins' Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding
Thoughts
I adored the first two books, and i was hoping the last book would be just as good.
It wasn't
Thats not to say it was bad, it certainly was interesting and held my attention. However, it did not have the same raw emotions as the first two.
Katniss is still Katniss, shes now in district 13 with the rebels while Snow is declaring war on all districts. 13 is the kind of place i would like to live in, its underground but spacious. I liked the times spent in district 13. We even get Peeta back, though hes a bit damanged.
Its when Katniss and group form the plan to go to the capital the book goes downhill. The action is fine in the book and i did enjoy it, however to rate of how the others die when the group infiltrates the capital is a dissapointment. Its too many too soon so you dont really get the emotion that you do like when Katniss was in the Games.
The ending, well.. it sucked to put it mildly. Sure it was sweet but we never really get to know what happens to Gale, Polux, Katniss' Mother or any number of other people i happened to like more then Katniss this time around. The book just did now allow for a good, fleshed out ending, or even Epilogue. I still do recommend the first two books immensly, and you should read Mockingjay to close the series, but do not expect to be wowed like you would be with the first two
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Title - The Dark and Hollow Places (Forest of Hands and Teeth book 3)
Author - Carrie Ryan
Pages - 384
Genre - YA, Dystopian
Release Date - March 22, 2011
Description
There are many things that Annah would like to forget: the look on her sister's face when she and Elias left her behind in the Forest of Hands and Teeth, her first glimpse of the horde as they found their way to the Dark City, the sear of the barbed wire that would scar her for life. But most of all, Annah would like to forget the morning Elias left her for the Recruiters.
Annah's world stopped that day and she's been waiting for him to come home ever since. Without him, her life doesn't feel much different from that of the dead that roam the wasted city around her. Then she meets Catcher and everything feels alive again.
Except, Catcher has his own secrets -- dark, terrifying truths that link him to a past Annah's longed to forget, and to a future too deadly to consider. And now it's up to Annah -- can she continue to live in a world drenched in the blood of the living? Or is death the only escape from the Return's destruction?
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Information
Title - Unearthly
Author - Cynthia Hand
Genre - YA/Paranormal/Fantasy
Pages - 448
Format Read - Ebook
Description (from good reads)
In the beginning, there's a boy standing in the trees. . .
Clara Gardner has recently learned that she's part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what it is, though, isn't easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place--and out of place, at the same time. Because there's another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara's less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she'd have to make--between honesty and deciet, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny
Thoughts
Unearthly is kind of like cheesecake. You like it, maby even love it, but after a while you yearn for something diffrent with more flavor. Think of that flavor as action. Unearthly is devoid of any sort of action or adventure, it is strictly a teen drama book in my opinion.
Clara is an angel-blood, shes a quarter angel where her mom is half angel and her dad was full angel. The story begins by telling us that she has a 'purpose' and because of this her mother, brother and her move from California to Wyoming. She has to start over with new friends, new school and also look for her purpose to happen.
Clara is an OK character, she was luke-warm to me, not bad but not really good. She was however, quite whiney and annoying at times. Her friends where great though, Wendy was a sweet girl who loves horses but wasn't in my opinion always treated well by Clara, Angela (another angel blood) became the main friend of Clara when she realises they are both the same. Angela is a more theatre, artsy type and i liked her intense attitude. The romance in the story was fine for what it was but i didnt really fall in love with either of the two boys Clara has going for her.
If your thinking Unearthly is going to be an angel vs. demons (or in this case black wings) actiony book, your wrong. I would say about 70% of the book is just about Clara in school and at home trying to figure out how to fly and use her angel-blood powers and its not all that exciting. The book does have its moments but i was just hopeing for more then the typical YA love triangle story that seems to be so prevelant. I do recommend this book however, as it is a step away from the normal YA concepts.
Rules
- Open your current read to a random page (or if you are using a Kindle, Nook or other reading device then just go back or forward a few pages)
- Pick out two random sentances to share and post them
- Please no spoilers!
Book - The Candidates (Delcroix book 1)
Author - Inara Scott
Lines
I cringed, it sounded so cruel when Cam said it that way. I looked at the driveway, wondering when they would appear.
Thoughts
Sadly, theres not alot of action to this book but it kept me interested thorughout it.
Monday, January 3, 2011
Im now back from vacation! WOOHOO!! it was a GREAT time. Got to visit my mom and see North Carolina again. Im tired though haha. Im happy to be back home with my puppy and everyone down here in sunny, no snow Florida!
I will be resuming my blog activities tommorow, Tuesday Jan 4th.
;;
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