Just Finished....

I have been a busy bee the last couple of days! I finished And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie, and Dances with Wolves by Michael Blake. I have to thank Ryan at Wordsmithonia, for the recommendation of Agatha Christie. I really enjoyed this read, it had so many twists and turns, I really was stumped at "who done it." Just when I would think I knew, they would end up dead! I have to say Agatha Christie is the queen of mystery, and I will read more of her work.

I was also very satisfied with Dances with Wolves. I have seen the movie more times than I can count, I own it on DVD too. Every time I catch it on TV, I can't help but watch it, and it makes me cry every time! The last time I caught it on TV, it was Thanksgiving, and I saw that the movie was based on a novel by Michael Blake. I am always interested in reading a novel that was made into a movie. I like to compare how closely the movie follows the novel, and how well the actors are chosen. After reading this book, I have to say, the movie followed the book extremely close. I absolutely love to read about the American Indians, and their struggles with the white race, and this book doesn't disappoint. I found myself wondering how the author dreamed up the story, and how he managed to capture the heart of the Comanche way of life. This book was beautifully written and I will be reading more from this author as well!

Just Finished....

Prophecy of Sisters by Michelle Zink. This was a really good read. It has suspense, mystery, and a touch of romance. As you can tell by the title, the plot circles around an ancient prophecy involving twins and the world of the living and the dead. Lia, the main character, is a twin who must make some tough choices involving her twin sister Alice. I won't give away the storyline, I'll just say that it piqued my curiousity, and kept me interested. The book is set in 1890 New York, a time period and city I am fond of reading about. The author didn't tidy up the ending, so I am hoping for a sequel?!

Just Finished....

A Touch of Dead by Charlaine Harris. This book was a collection of short stories revolving around Sookie Stackhouse, telepath. The stories were short, but good. I don't usually read short stories, they leave me wanting more, and this book was no exception. I am left wanting more! I can't wait until the next Sookie Stackhouse book is released, I love the story lines and the characters. The HBO series is good, but as usual, doesn't compare to the book series. If you are thinking of starting this series, this book of short stories will give you a little taste of what you are in for!

Just Finished....

Flight into Darkness by Sarah Ash. This is book 2 of the Alchemist's Legacy. In book 1, the author introduces some of the characters from the Tears of Artemon series, and gives the reader backgrounds of the characters. In book 2, the story of the Tears of Artemon is enhanced by the added perspective of the characters that were on the sidelines originally. I was happy to revisit the same story, but from the new characters' points of view. I also enjoyed the fact that she put the Drakhouls into this book, I really liked them in the other series. If you have read the Tears of Artemon series, and enjoyed the characters, this new series will please you. It is basically a spin off of a very good series that I will look forward to reading more of.

Just Finished....

The Private Diary of Mr. Darcy by Maya Slater. This book was interesting and entertaining. It certainly gives insight into the character of Mr. Darcy, and what motivated him to act the way he did in Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice. It gave insight into some other characters as well. I always think books written in the diary entry style are fast readers, and this book was no exception. I found the tidbit at the back of the book from the editor to be interesting also. Is it true that this diary was found in an old desk, and matched Austen's story exactly, save for the names involved? I don't know how true it is, but how cool is that if it is true?! I would recommend this book to all fans of Jane Austen's work and characters, but even without reading any of her books, this read can stand alone.

Just Finished....

Angel Time by Anne Rice. This book was about one man's redemption for the horrible crimes he had committed in his life. It was fairly religious, as anyone who follows Anne will know, this is her recurring motivation for writing. I was a little put off for the first few chapters, not because of the religion, but because it took a very long time to get into the meat of the story. I was about to write it off, but finally the story took off and I was riveted until the end. All in all, it was a good read, minus the slow start. I think her motive for the story is that every person has redeeming qualities, and can receive salvation in the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes Anne Rice, and likes a book with detail, and historical data.

Just Finished...

Frostbitten by Kelley Armstrong. What can I say, this book was another hit for me. I love the interaction between Clay and Elena. I enjoy how Elena's perception of Clay as a selfish, overbearing, unfeeling man is metamorphosing into the reality of who he is, and what he stands for. Don't get me wrong, I still miss the crackling chemistry they shared in Bitten, when Elena felt it was wrong to want to be with Clay, but I feel like their relationship has matured and bloomed into something special. I hope Ms. Armstrong continues to push the boundaries with this series. I am interested to see whether we will get to read more, in the future, about the other supernaturals introduced in this book, I hope so! I will be patiently awaiting the next installment of this engaging series.

Followers....

Thanks for the lovely comments I have received from Wordsmithonia, life and lit, and My World...and for bearing with me as I figure out how to follow your blogs!

Currently Immersed In....

Frostbitten by Kelley Armstrong. Although I am currently reading Angel Time by Anne Rice too, I have a time limit on Armstrong's book from the library. Oh, who am I kidding? I have been waiting to read this book for over a year! I love the Armstrong series, including the YA ones. I love the werewolf characters who are the main entrees in this installment from the Bitten series. Halfway through, and lovin it! Anne will have to wait a couple more days.....

Recently Read

I have just finished reading An Echo in the Bone, by Diana Gabaldon. This book was everything I expected it to be. It had murder, intrigue, history, romance....everything I love in a book. I am in awe of the author's ability to put so much historic detail into each book she writes. The length of the book, paired with the historical detail must entail a lot of research on the author's part. I am happy to say that she left me hanging at the end of the book, which guarantees a sequel! Yay! I am also happy to say that although the main characters (Claire & Jamie) are aging, she has transformed their tempestuous and lustful relationship into one of deep, unconditional love. She didn't leave me without a leading man to swoon over, however, for she has transformed young Ian into a man, and oh what a man he has become. I look forward to the further transformation of his character, along with all of my favorites (Brianna, Roger, Lord John Grey) in the next installment of this mesmerizing series! P.S. For fans of this author: A new Lord John Grey book will be released in 2010!

I am currently reading

An Echo in the Bone by Diana Gabaldon. I have been looking forward to this latest continuation of her Outlander series. I have read all of the other books, and have really enjoyed them. Mrs. Gabaldon writes historical fiction with flair. Her characters are interesting, enjoyable, and (dare I say?) SEXY! Mr. James (Jamie) Fraser practically leaps off the page with his virility. The Outlander books tend toward the lengthy side, but I enjoy every page, and every story line!

Countdown Challenge

http://1morechapter.com/countdown/

2010

1. Dead in the Family (Charlaine Harris) TBR

2. Waking the Witch (Kelley Armstrong) TBR

3. The Reckoning (Kelley Armstrong) TBR

4. Tales of the Otherworld (Kelley Armstrong) TBR

5. Flirt (Laurell K. Hamilton) TBR

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

2009

1. An Echo In The Bone (Diana Gabaldon) Done

2. Flight Into Darkness (Sarah Ash) Done

3. Angel Time (Anne Rice) Done

4. Skin Trade (Laurell K. Hamilton) Done

5. Men of the Other World (Kelley Armstrong) Done

6. Made to be Broken (Kelley Armstrong) Done

7. The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane (Katherine Howe) Done

8. Dead and Gone (Charlaine Harris) Done

9. Frostbitten (Kelley Armstrong) Done

2008

1. Blood Noir (Laurell K. Hamilton) Done

2. Tracing the Shadow (Sarah Ash) Done

3. From Dead to Worse (Charlaine Harris) Done

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

2007

1. The Private Diary of Mr. Darcy (Maya Slater) Done

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

2006

1. Off Season-Uncut Version (Jack Ketchum) Done

2. The Road (Cormac McCarthy) Done

3.

4.

5.

6.

2005

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

2004

1. The Nerd Who Loved Me (Vicki Lewis Thompson) Done

2.

3.

4.

2003

1.

2.

3.

2002

1.

2.

2001

1.

Recently Read

I have finished reading "The Physick Book of Deliverance Dane." I consider it to be a good read. It was about a few generations of witches who were involved in the Salem witch trials. It was supposed to be a mystery of a sort, but I had it figured out fairly early. I still like it, I like to read about witches (I think I am one). If anyone knows of an author of mysteries that are difficult to solve, please let me know who that author is, Thanks!

Contests I am entering

I have just finished entering the contest for "Only Milo," an autographed copy of Barry Smith's first published novel. It sounds like a very good read, and I love to read books that are structurally different than the "norm." Can't wait to read it!

Recently Read

I have just finished reading "Off Season," by Jack Ketchum. I have never read any of his stuff before, was pleasantly surprised. Surprise ending and all that, plus really yucky content (graphic cannibalism).

Also finished "Tracing the Shadow," by Sarah Ash. This is the first of her new series, "Alchemist's Legacy." This book is the beginning of an excellent new series, I will be reading the second one soon. I have read her "Tears of Artemon" series, was left wanting more.