Posted November 11, 2010 (I don't know how I should translate these two into English, since both of them have names in their title which I cannot translate, so sorry for that) Book Number: 4 Number Of Pages: 174 Book Title: Pantaurernas halvö Author: Teo Troy I really feel like I should say that this one is one of the best books in the series, heh, Kira and Stigfinn is so cute together, hehe. (: (I can at least say that "halvö" is the Swedish word for peninsula) Book Number: 5 Number Of Pages: 156 Book Title: I Fördärvets våld Author: Teo Troy (and with this one I can say that "Fördervet" is the evil thing (monsters and shadows I suppose that I can say for now) in this series, and I've a feeling that the title is "I Fördärvets våld" due to that one of the evil shadows takes control over the body of Kim and Kira's mother) Share this post Link to post
Posted November 11, 2010 Book Number: 3 Number Of Pages: 222 Book Title: Guardians of Ga'Hoole: The Capture Author: Kathryn Lasky Share this post Link to post
Posted November 12, 2010 Book Number: 2 Number Of Pages: 190 Book Title: The Pull of the Ocean Author: Jean-Claude Mourlevat I had to hold myself back and not read this all at the library today.. Really good read. Share this post Link to post
Posted November 12, 2010 Book Number: 25 Number of pages: 864 pgs Book Title: Towers of Midnight [hardcover] Author: Brandon Sanderson / Robert Jordan Rating: 3/5 Review: I could clearly hear Sanderson's voice; the change of writing style was noticeably different. There were positive points for Sanderson's writing in Jordan's world, but I really missed Jordan's voice. Some of the characters seemed slightly changed, personality-wise. Mat, in particular, was one I felt at one point was Jordan's writing, and then at other points was Sanderson's writing. Since I catch subtleties only when I trip over them, I felt that this change was probably rather distinguishable. I felt that Sanderson either avoided or did not bother with the different dialects of the different countries where the characters may have come from. For example, you heard (read) less Illianer/Taraboner/whatever accents. He'll write that so and so had an accent from some place or another. While this allowed him to avoid stumbling over the odd accent or speaking style or two, it also seemed to take away the diversity of the world. The reader could no longer see for her/himself how distinct each nation was. Although, for the reader who grew frustrated at said (Illianer) accents, this was a boon for them. There was frequent change of POV which was both good and bad. On the good side, if it was of a character you didn't like, you weren't subjected to it for chapters at a time. I find Perrin boring so when I was subjected to long, Jordan-style Perrin chapters, I wanted to cry. On the other hand, due to the differing timelines of the different characters, it was a bit confusing. One example is that of Tam al'Thor. I won't go into it any further but those who have read the previous book might understand. Sanderson also made more of an effort to reveal what the characters were thinking, and have them think more musingly about things that I did not recall them thinking when Jordan wrote. On the one hand, things are clearer for the reader to follow. On the other hand, characters didn't sound like they did of old, and it seemed to change how a reader might view them (such as this one). While I enjoyed this book (being a WoT somewhat fan for over a decade and impatient to read the end) and normally do enjoy Sanderson's work (the two I've read from him I did enjoy - and mean to read more), the tiny differences I noticed (whether real or imagined) did keep throwing me out of the story so I couldn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. However, there were bits of humorous lines that made me smile and laugh so I was able to brush off my little vexations to dive back into the book. I can't wait for the last one although now I fear for the future of that world (see Aviendha's 2nd passage through the columns to become a Wise One). Share this post Link to post
Posted November 12, 2010 (edited) Book Number: 8 Number Of Pages: 250 Book Title: The Cat Who Could Read Backwards Author: Lilian Jackson Braun Review: A reread ^^ I absolutely loved this series when I was younger and couldn't resist rereading them. This is the first book in the series, in which you are introduced to Koko, the amazing Siamese cat, and Qwilleran, a newspaperman. It's a murder mystery based in the art world with a completely unforeseen ending Edit: murder of the smiley >.< Edited November 12, 2010 by Shadow Lor Share this post Link to post
Posted November 14, 2010 Book Number: 84 Number Of Pages: 368 Book Title: Night Road Author: A. M. Jenkins Rating: 6/10 Review: Really fast read. Didn't really like it. It wasn't bad, it just made it seem like the main character was gay, noticing the new guys hair and stuff, and then he wasn't and he "killed" the girl he had been in love with and... yeah. And then he got staked and found heaven but couldn't go into heaven. Bleh. So, yeah, didn't really like it. Share this post Link to post
Posted November 14, 2010 Book Number: 84 Number Of Pages: 368 Book Title: Night Road Author: A. M. Jenkins Rating: 6/10 Review: Really fast read. Didn't really like it. It wasn't bad, it just made it seem like the main character was gay, noticing the new guys hair and stuff, and then he wasn't and he "killed" the girl he had been in love with and... yeah. And then he got staked and found heaven but couldn't go into heaven. Bleh. So, yeah, didn't really like it. lol. Your review made me laugh. Book Number: 26 Number of pages: 368 pgs Book Title: Surrender to a Wicked Spy (The Royal Four, Book 2) Author: Celeste Bradley Rating: 3/5 Review: erm, posted one up on Goodreads but considering the genre this book is in, I thought it circumspect to not cross-post it. It was funny though. Share this post Link to post
Posted November 14, 2010 lol. Your review made me laugh. *bows* Glad to be of service. I'm surprised anyone's reading the reviews, though it makes me happy I'm not writing them for no reason. ~*~ Book Number: 85 Number Of Pages: 246 Book Title: Passion's Bright Fury Author: Radclyffe Review: I liked this. Even if it was a bit graphic. Like them carrying a severed leg into the ER in a plastic bag. And peeling off the burnt flesh of a burn victim. I manged not to get ill reading it though, and that's good. Share this post Link to post
Posted November 14, 2010 And another: Book Number: 4 Number Of Pages: 336 Book Title: The Stolen Child Author: Keith Donohue Rating: 4 Review: A page turner... And more: Book Number: 5 Number Of Pages: 433 Book Title: Dracula Author: Bram Stoker Rating: 4 Review: Not anything like the movies... quite different and written in very old English... good thing it had an index in the back to translate some of the old vernacular. Really liked this one Book Number: 6 Number Of Pages: 156 Book Title: Earthborne/The Gifts of Asti Author: Andre Norton Rating: 4 Review: Two very interesting novelettes... very obscure writings by Norton, but just as good as her regular books Book Number: 7 Number Of Pages: 192 Book Title: Dark Guardian Author: Christine Feehan Rating: 4 Review: Love this series... Book Number: 8 Number Of Pages: 404 Book Title: Danse Macabre Author: Laurell Hamilton Rating: 5 Review: Anita Blake is one "empowered woman" Tally going up: Book Number: 9 Number Of Pages: 205 Book Title: Listening Woman Author: Tony Hillerman Rating: 4 Review: Good mystery...many twist and turns. Share this post Link to post
Posted November 15, 2010 it, how do you guys "run out" of books? I have a to-be-read list over 150 long.. :'P Haven't had much time to read long works lately with college applications looming at me. Book number | 19 Number of pages | 640 Title | Surface Detail Author | Iain M. Banks Book number | 20 Number of pages | 672 Title | The Final Empire (Mistborn 1) Author | Brandon Sanderson Book number | 21 Number of pages | 816 Title | The Well of Ascension (Mistborn 2) Author | Brandon Sanderson Book number | 22 Number of pages | 784 Title | The Hero of Ages (Mistborn 3) Author | Brandon Sanderson Book number | 23 Number of pages | 448 Title | Logorrhea: Good Words Make Good Stories Author | anthology, edited by John Klima (page counts from Amazon) Share this post Link to post
Posted November 15, 2010 Book Number: 22 Number Of Pages: 140 Book Title: The Kretuzer Sonata (and Other Short Stories) Author: Leo Tolstoy Share this post Link to post
Posted November 15, 2010 Book Number: 3 Number of Pages: 182 Book Title: Nerilka's Story Author: Anne McCaffrey I like all the Pern books, so finding one that I hadn't read yet was awesome. Share this post Link to post
Posted November 16, 2010 Hiya, guys, I'm looking forward to this challenge. Book Number: 1 (a re-read, many times over) Number Of Pages: 181 Book Title: The Gypsy Enchantment (Charmed series) Author: Constance M. Burge Rating: 5 outta 5 Review: Light-hearted, perfect for relaxing with. I'm in my mid-30's and I find reading teen fiction books perfect for relaxing. The author combines select facts with fiction to create realistic stories, which is something that I enjoy. Her writing style is simple yet rich with descriptions. Fires up the imagination, for sure. I also enjoy the Charmed books because they flesh out the characters from the tv show much more deeply which in turn makes the tv show more engaging, actually. Share this post Link to post
Posted November 16, 2010 Book Number: 86 Number Of Pages: 336 Book Title: Intrigues: Book Two of the Collegium Chronicles ~R~ Author: Mercedes Lackey Review: I've read Book 1 more times than I can count, but this is only my second time reading this one. This just came out in October and I want her to WRITE FASTER so I can have book 3. Share this post Link to post
Posted November 16, 2010 I just finished going through the entire thread looking for books or authors that I might like. During my reading of the many different books that you all have read - some were spoilt for me because there wasn't a warning in the review that it was a spoiler. Please please indicate that you're writing a spoiler review, make the font white or really tiny font so that others who haven't read that book ever, can enjoy the book without any preconceived ideas. Just my opinion. You all look like you're doing well on the challenge. I've only just started reading again - I was in another type of challenge elsewhere, just finished it so now I've got tons of free time again. I see there's at least one Star Trek fan. I adore Star Trek books! Here's my second book that I just finished this morning, forgot I had already finished it. Yep, another Charmed book, lol. Book Number: 2 (a re-read) Number Of Pages: 227 Book Title: Survival of the Fittest Author: Constance M. Burge Rating: 5/5 Review: The title pulled me into the book - the first time I read this one, I was thinking, "I know what the plot's gonna be" but as soon as I read the first few pages, I was thrown for a loop. The fact that it actually surprised me makes it a very well written book. Since the books are aimed towards young adults, the writing is much more simpler, however, I find the young adults books to be far more entertaining because the writing pulls you into the story, fires up your imagination. Definitely a book not to miss! Share this post Link to post
Posted November 17, 2010 Phew, had a few days off and got some reading done! I've been working on this for a while (took me so long due to school) so felt good to finally finish it! Book Number: 4 Number Of Pages: 315 Book Title: Bone Dance Author: Emma Bull Rating: 5/5 Review: I loved it! One of the best sci-fi books I've read in a while. Actually, one of the best books I've read in a while, period. Anything else I could say about it wouldn't do it justice, but I highly recommend it if you're at all interested in dystopian-style science fiction. Share this post Link to post
Posted November 17, 2010 (edited) *bows* Glad to be of service. I'm surprised anyone's reading the reviews, though it makes me happy I'm not writing them for no reason. Yes, I know. I skim most reviews, and read the really short ones. lol. I don't expect people to read them myself. I usually write them for myself, partially as reference, and partially to rant or sort out my thoughts after I read a book. Did you like Intrigues then? I found myself really disappointed by it. I will, however, go ahead and read the third book when it comes out. I really like the Valdemar world. @kadaotie: Who says he/she ran out of books? *looks at mountain of books that need to be read* Probably someone who is more picky about what he/she reads. How was the Mistborn trilogy? I read the first book a few years ago. I mean to reread it, and then follow up with the next two but I keep putting it off. Have you read Elantris or Warbreaker? Book Number: 27 Number of pages: 272 pgs [paperback] Book Title: The Hell You Say [e-book; reread] Author: Josh Lanyon Book Number 28 Number of pages: 352 pgs [paperback] Book Title: Not Quite a Husband [e-book] Author: Sherry Thomas Rating: 4/5 Review: It was surprisingly good. I really liked it. It was about a divorced couple learning to forgive and to trust each other again. I was able to identify with the heroine, which helped to draw me into the story. Edited November 19, 2010 by Maladroit Share this post Link to post
Posted November 17, 2010 (edited) I consider myself a very picky reader :'P Probably we have larger pools of books to draw from- more available stuff to access? As to the ranting/sorting out, I do that too! I have a file on computer labeled "read list"-- that's where the first impressions go, so I can articulate what I thought without having to defend it or worry about making sense to other people. Mistborn is the first of Sanderson's series/books I've read. The second and third are somewhat slower and more philosophical and deconstruction-y than the first, although they're still plot-driven. Lots of character development that isn't people being abused. It's awesome how much shows up again in the sequels (Chekhov's guns <3), and I also liked the fleshing out of the magical systems, including a new system. I think if you liked The Final Empire you'd like the other two. My main issues with #1 was were writing style and lack of character flaws; the first doesn't change and the second improves. Edited November 17, 2010 by kadoatie Share this post Link to post
Posted November 17, 2010 Did you like Intrigues then? I found myself really disappointed by it. I will, however, go ahead and read the third book when it comes out. I really like the Valdemar world. Um, I liked the first one better but the second one made me cry. I like books that make me react. Yes, I love the Valdemar world as well, I think my fav is "Take A Thief". Book Number: 87 Number Of Pages: 256 Book Title: Beautiful Monster ~R~ Author: Joely Skye Review: Second time reading this, and I found it was less confusing the second time. Like it better when I'm not confused. Share this post Link to post
Posted November 18, 2010 Book Number: 23 Number Of Pages: 345 Book Title: Fate of the Jedi: Allies Author: Christie Golden Share this post Link to post
Posted November 18, 2010 I think I'm falling behind on my milestone plan. ;__; Anyway. Book Number: 20 Number Of Pages: 421 Book Title: The Silence of the Lambs Author: Thomas Harris Rating: 4.5/5 Share this post Link to post
Posted November 18, 2010 Book Number: 37 Number Of Pages: 259 Book Title: The Ersatz Elevator Author: Lemony Snicket Book Number: 38 Number Of Pages: 432 Book Title: Woman's Murder Club: 1st To Die Author: James Patterson Rating: 5/5 Review: Fantastic, picked it up because I loved the video games based on the women in this series. A really good thriller. Share this post Link to post
Posted November 18, 2010 (edited) Book Number: 5 Number Of Pages: 475 Book Title: The Very Best of Fantasy and Science Fiction: Sixtieth Anniversary Edition Editor: Gordon Van Gelder Rating: 5/5 Review: It's kind of a prerequisite for any sci-fi/fantasy fan to have at least one of these anthologies, if not a subscription to the magazine itself. This version includes several classics (e.g. "Flowers for Algernon") and some newer stories, such as "The Merchant and the Alchemist's Gate" (2007). And it has a Gaiman story! My favorite, by far, was "The Deathbird" by Harlan Ellison. WOW!!! Edit for getting the name of the magazine/book wrong. Fail! Edited November 18, 2010 by Danne Share this post Link to post
Posted November 18, 2010 Book Number: 9 Number Of Pages: 358 Book Title: Ranger's Apprentice The Kings of Clonmel Author: John Flanagan Rating: 4/5 Book Number: 10 Number Of Pages: 198 Book Title: The Seventh Tower The Fall Author: Garth Nix Rating: 4/5 Share this post Link to post
Posted November 19, 2010 (edited) Book Number: 4 Number of Pages: 399 Book Title: Odd Thomas Author: Dean Koontz Edited November 19, 2010 by Zivia Share this post Link to post
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