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Another book suggestion that just turned out to be marvelous! I admit that I judge books by their cover and when I saw this one I was highly skeptical. But with the opening line of "The mystery would never be solved" of course I was hooked. I had to know. What mystery?

Eric Flint's characters are strong and open individuals who face their "present" circumstances with a forward will. I found myself constantly asking "would I do so well if this happened to me?" The answer for me I think is no. I've been too much pampered by modern society and don't have enough survival skills. Honestly, I probably would have been shot just because of my mouth. :)

But I do know their are people out there who would behave this way. They would survive no matter what.

Altogether a fun read and one that I want to do again. This book is definitely going on my to buy list.

 Brown

Mastiff

Tamora Pierce has done it again. She wrote a twist into the book, that when I snooped ahead, I didn't like, but when I read it properly, well, it made sense. I still don't like it, but it does make sense.

This is the third installment and last book about Beka Cooper. She has grown in her training and become quite proficient in her job. Of course, Achoo is even better at hers, which gives Beka plenty of opportunity to work outside of the capital, doing special jobs that requires a scent hound. But work isn't the only experience that Beka has gained. Spoiler: no nothing happens with Rosto.

Beka and Tunstall, her partner, are called from Corus, on a secret mission to find the kidnapped Prince Gareth. (By the way, I love how names repeat themselves in the nobility.) Beka and Tunstall team up with the Knight Lady Sabine and a mage, Farmer Cape for this mission. The chase is pretty straight forward. The story is dealing with life as it is and how we can affect changes.

I'm just hoping this is one of my Christmas presents because I want to read it again.

Brown

The Gods of Winter

The Gods of Winter by Patricia Miles was an interesting read. I've been searching for this book for years. I think it was a recommendation from a favorite author, but the book is out of print, so I couldn't find it to buy it. Thank you for libraries that have amazing interlibrary loan systems. I'm definitely spoiled at the moment.

The story is narrated by Adam, a twelve year old boy, who is trying to just give us the facts of what happened at the same time as he is trying to make sense of it all. Set in England sometime after WWII, but definitely before 2011, we see a picture of a family that sort of reminds me of the Narnia series. Or maybe all British families have weird relationships. The family has been moved to the countryside because of Dad's job. In America, the kids would have been pissed. Here, the kids think it will be a fun interesting adventure and handle the move beautifully. Since the move out into the country, with the mom almost ready to give birth (at home), the hire a home help, who turns out to be Mrs. Korngold, who isn't all she appears to be.

It is a beautiful form of an ancient myth. I learned more than I knew before. This is definitely one to read,  but good luck finding it.

Brown

The Gray Wolf Throne

Loved this book so much, I finished it in a day. Just saying.

But in all seriousness, Cinda Williams Chima has continued with a compelling narrative about Raisa ana'Marianna and Han Alister as their adventures merge together to deal with the Gray Wolf Throne. Life with politics is not a simple thing as we can see daily in our own governments across the world. Some people are born to lead, pure and simple. And some of those born to lead are wise enough to be dedicated to truth, integrity and honor.

This book will leave you wailing that you have to wait another year for the next, to find out what will happen. But at the same time it wraps up many loose ends. It divulges some guessed at secrets. And it brings on more questions. And always a reminder and lesson that you can never know the full truth behind history. Whoever said that the victors control the information of what had happened was right.

Brown

Fire

Life is hard being a single woman. It's even harder to be a monster, where men either hate or lust after you. Somehow, Fire manages to live on. She finds her solace through music. Especially playing the fiddle which is just suited perfectly to her vibrant moods.

The Fire is confronted with a chance to help a nation, which on the whole distrusts her. If only they will get to know her, for who she is, and not for what she is or what she can do. She is launched into the beginnings of a civil war, helping the ruler and his siblings to protect the people and keep what they've inherited.

Her pain is real. Her emotions and thoughts are those that women universally have experienced, which brings the reader (in this case, me) closer to the character.

Brown

(Spoiler: I'm beginning to think this series is a history of another character shown from other point of views.)

Caught In Crystal

I've been searching for this book by Patricia Wrede, one of my favorite authors. Thanks to those wonderful libraries who have agreed to share books through interlibrary loans. Thanks to libraries in general who don't get rid of books, just because people aren't reading them frequently.

Patricia Wrede has once again brought us to the world of Lyra. A world in a different shape (but then it has been awhile since I've read a Lyra book....) due to some nasty wars. This is where we meet Kayl. A woman with a past, who is trying to forget it and move on, and yet is drawn to repeat it again. At least in part.

I loved that the story was about a woman in her thirties, with children. And it was a normal healthy relationship between the family members. I like it when relationships are realistic and not dramatized beyond reason. I don't have really anything more to say about this book, because I want you all to go look it up and read it for yourselves. It's worth it. You can trust me.

Brown

The Grand Tour

The wedding journey of Cecy and Kate and their respective husbands. But this time, they are traveling on the continent. Trouble and magic just seem to fall into their laps, as they meet Lady Sylvia's pre-revolutionary friends and visit ancient ritual sites and meet the most recent member of an ancient.... well I'll let you find that one on your own.

Instead of letters being written to each other we read their accounts in two different ways. Kate's account of events comes through her journal entries of the journey. Cecy's comes from a deposition written specifically for the Royal College in London and the Duke of Wellington. It gives a different feel since they are together during this adventure, at least for the most part.

Brown

Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot

Patricia Wrede is one of my favorite authors. I first discovered her, when I found her Enchanted Forest series. Who could not help loving quirky fairytales? In this book, Sorcery and Cecelia or The Enchanted Chocolate Pot again we meet a quirky place, an alternate reality of England where magic is accepted to the point their is an Office of Magic.

This book, began as a letter game with Caroline Stevermer, is a series of letters between two cousins, who find themselves entangled in a struggle over an Enchanted Chocolate Pot, while one is at home in the country and they other is entering her first Season in London. Beautifully written, the characters feel real to us, down to the point where they comment on each other's lying habits, and clumsiness as if they are normal things and not elements that help to stir the plot along. So, read this book, and it's sequels and enjoy the adventures of Cecy and Kate.

They Called Me Mad: Genuis, Madness, and the Scientists Who Pushed the Outer Limits of Knowledge

John Monahan has collected a history of science in a highly readable form. Ranging from Archimedes to von Braun, Monahan includes a concise but interesting biography that includes life details and great achievements of scientists and thinkers. Ah, but there is a twist.

All of these thinkers probably contributed as forerunners to the "mad scientist" genre- did you know that Hypatia was chased by an angry mob and torn apart? Such a nice lady, though. Did you know that Joseph Priestley was also chased from his home by angry mobs- which burned down his home, his neighbors homes, and his patron's home? Yeah.

These lives inspired Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, Frankenstein, the crazy man with wild hair... Monahan brings up interesting bits of life and science, and encouraged further interest.

Blue

The Burning Heart: Women Poets of Japan

Dear Kenneth Rexroth and Ikuko Atsumi,

Thanks.

Ahhhh, this book is fab, posh, all that, toff. I mean, the first poem, by Princess Nukada in the seventh century:

Longing for you,
loving you,
waiting for you,
the bamboo blinds were swayed
only by the autumn wind.

My goodness! I mean, I may be a bit biased since I happen to like Japanese poetry, but I've never had my heart pulled quite like this by such concise selections of words. Rexroth and Atsumi did a fine job of translating the poetry from Japanese- they were able to retain the words, meanings, and feelings.

In this book, women poets from the seventh century through modern times wrote when they were moved. Some mourned the dead. Some waited while their lovers would never come. Nature, depression, love, motherhood, societal roles... One feels like one has glanced down a deep well and caught a glimpse of someone's soul. The thought may be brief, but it is no less poignant.

Blue

Hokkaido Highway Blues: Hitchhiking Japan

I discovered this work through someone else's blog- they quoted a passage and I found it intriguing, so I took a screen shot of the quote and forgot about it. Several months later (now), I was going through various photos and found it again. Faced with a shortage of reading material (can you tell?) I decided to borrow it from my local library. One problem: my library didn't have it. Okay, so I borrow it from a slightly less local library. No. Not available. In the end, this book came to me from Kansas. So, thank you Kansas.

I began reading Will Ferguson's travel memoir with the vague idea that he probably taught English in Japan via JET. I was right, as I discovered several hundred pages into the book. With that in mind, I understood a bit of which foreigner's culture he came from.

Ferguson had drunkenly proclaimed during one hanami party (that's a sakura, or cherry blossom viewing party...often involves lots of alcohol) that he would like to hitchhike Japan from the southern tip to the northern-most point, following the Cherry Blossom Front. Having successfully managed to avoid making good on this for some years, he is finally encouraged? coerced? into it. He begins.

Ferguson clearly knows and loves Japan with the semi-unrequited love that only a "gaijin", or foreigner, truly understands. One is in Japan, but one can never really be a part of it, not being Japanese. Being white, especially, marks one as an outsider. It's a flag that shouts "Hey! American here!", even though one may be, say, Canadian (which Ferguson is). Ferguson mostly makes the best of his situation, and peppers his travel dialogue with sometimes humorous, sometimes painful, sometimes a mixture of both, anecdotes.

It was excellent. I laughed out loud frequently, which meant I then had to re-read portions and passages for a now-interested audience. Ferguson handled his journey with some tenderness and taste. He copes with his feelings as he does with the feelings of others. When I reached the end of his account, I wanted more- it leaves him stranded! How did he get back? What did his supervisors say? Dangit, Will, you've left me wanting. (Ohhhh, is that a statement?)

I do not hesitate to recommend this book. That being said, due to complexity of themes and whatnot, I recommend it for those aged 14+, or those of exceptional maturity. One does not need to be familiar with Japan or the JET program. One only needs an interest in travel and humanity.

Blue

First Test

Alanna of Trebond had to disguise herself as a boy to become a knight. Once Jonathan took the throne, a proclamation was decreed allowing women to become knights. It's been ten years, and now a young woman has stepped forth. Keladry of Mindelan. Except she's being put on probation for a year to prove she can keep up with the boys. How's that fair?

Yet, Keladrey (Kel) accepts those terms. A young woman, with no magical gift, will prove to the kingdom, that any woman who wants to be a knight can. This book is in the same flavor as the Alanna series.

Brown

Jurassic Park

I've been going through my books, trying to pair them down to my favorites, anticipating much movement in my future. So that means rereading everything I have. And let me say this to start, Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton is staying with my collection.

Crichton opens us to the world of genetics through the cloning of dinosaurs. (Oh, come on, like the word Jurassic didn't give that away?). If you've seen the movie, you've gotten the gist of the story. A group of people go to an island to look a future park over. All hell breaks loose. But in the book, closer to what would happen in reality, they kept trying to put things back together. So, you see them continually facing new problems head on and for the most part fixing them.

And through it all, no one seemed to loose the wonderment that dinosaurs gave them. In fact, the scientists kept wanting to know more. That seemed to be a theme of the book. That scientists want to keep gaining knowledge, no matter the cost, to the point that they aren't rational or moral creatures thinking about whether they should or not go further.

Pegasus

Two races bound together but unable to communicate. Pegasus and Human. Both are envious of the other. For humans, pegasi are majestic, beautiful, and able to fly! For the pegasi, humans have these wonderful strong hands that can grip, work easily, and fight. The alliance was intended to protect the pegasi with the reward being land. Each member of the human royal family is bound to one. Just remember that these pegasi are not mere animals.

Sylvi is the daughter and fourth child of the current king. As her binding approaches she nervously studies the history and wonders why things happened the way they did. Then on her twelfth she is bound to the Pegasi kings' fourth child, Ebon. And then the unthinkable happens. Something that had only happened in legend. Sylvi and Ebon can talk directly to each other, without the aid of a magician speaker. Controversies and power plays arise, sending the head magician advisor of the king on a quest to prove that this is a fatal omen.

Meanwhile, Robin McKinley takes us through a beautiful story of love and friendship and learning how to decide what one wants. McKinley shines again through her amazing characterizations. The story is only the background to the real journey of the characters.

Brown

Oresama Teacher, vol. 1

Tsubaki Izumi's second series is less focused on love than humor. Kurosaki Mafuyu is, or at least was, a delinquent. She was expelled from her previous high school for fighting and has consequently been sent to a school that will pretty much let you in as long as you pay. There she meets/rescues a boy named Takaomi from a group who are trying to fight him. Takaomi ends up extorting her food from her, and she goes to school hungry the next day- where she meets Saeki Takaomi-sensei...her homeroom teacher.

Without giving too much away, Mafuyu finds out that Takaomi was that boy who lived next door. She also becomes friends with Hayasaka, a delinquent boy who sits next to her, and encounters a whole series of complications. It's hilarious. You can see slight romantic tendencies in the plotline, but they are not the main focus at all. I began reading this series from the first chapter, and I eagerly await Tsubaki-sensei's furhter installments.

Blue

Kimi ni Todoke, vol. 1

I started reading Shiina Karuho's work when the first chapter was translated and put online about three years ago. Ever since, I've been a fan. I would say that I've read manga somewhat extensively (thousands of stories, but I have huge gaps in my knowledge), and I can certainly say that this is the best-written shoujo manga of this caliber that I have read. This is first and foremost a love story. It makes you go "Awwwwww..." and "Ohhhhhh!!!". I'll keep reading 'til the end, then I'll read it over and over again.

Kuronuma Sawako comes off as a terribly frightening person- the majority of the school mistakenly thinks her name is Sadako (from The Ring)- but is actually sweet, honest, and sincere. her hobbies include studying and picking up trash. Kazehaya Shouta is a super friendly, super nice boy who has developed an interest in Kuronuma- basically, he likes her. However, she doesn't fit in with the class, and Kazehaya partly wants to help her there, but he discovers that as she gains friends, he is able to spend less time with her. There is little doubt that Kazehaya likes her, and Sawako-chan is beginning to develop feelings for him, although she has no idea what those feelings are. The volume ends when another girl who likes Kazehaya (there are several) starts spreading rumors that Sadako is calling her friend Yoshida Chizuru a delinquent, and her friend Yano Ayane, essentially, a slut.

Blue

Something Rotten

Alan Gratz said he'd been working with the character of Horatio Wilkes for 17 years. Well, it paid off. Something Rotten is a modern rendition of Shakespeare's Hamlet, set in the small town of Denmark, Tennessee. Horatio visits his friend Hamilton for a month and discovers Denmark's unique quality right off the bat: the smell. Hamilton's family runs a highly successful paper mill that is polluting the river.

Horatio has keen wits and a smarter mouth, so he quickly tangles with Hamilton's mom, uncle-turned-step-father, and Olivia, Hamilton's ex. When Hamilton discovers that his father was murdered, Horatio promises to act detective and get to the bottom of the mystery. Oh, the tangled web...

Gratz writes cleverly, and adapts the story well. If one is familiar with the play, it is possible to match scenes as our adventure progresses. I must admit, there were some surprises. For one, Olivia is a strong environmentalist and becomes very ill after drinking the polluted water straight from the river for a publicity stunt. No, she does not die. For another, "Rosencrantz and Guildenstern" do die- in flames. No pirates, though.

This story is as interesting as it is witty, and both rank up there. I was glad to have given it a try, and I might just take a look at some more of Gratz's work.

Blue

Searching for Dragons

Cimorene is back with new friends. Patricia Wrede has written an amazing sequel, using a new characters point of view. We see this story through the eyes of Mendanbar (King of the Enchanted Forest) as he teams up with Cimorene to find the kidnapped King Kazul.

I absolutely love the different views of Cimorene and Morwen we gain in this book. We know how Cimorene thinks, and in the first book she is generally right about most things. After all she is dealing with a lot of silly people. However, now she is dealing with someone who accepts her as she is and is on par with her, about most things. Mendanbar has a different way of viewing the world, and is less jaded in my opinion. So, how he deals with people and animals is more polite, more straight forward, and less pushy until he has to step in as KING. I love stories where the King thinks of it more as a job than a right and treats it as such.

So now I've dealt with dragons. I've searched for dragons. On to Calling on Dragons.

Brown

Dealing With Dragons

Patricia Wrede truly is one of the great authors, tackling various storylines. Her trademark is magic of some sort, but not in the normal way we think of magic. Magic definitely has its own complications. The same is true in her Enchanted Forest Series.

In the first book we meet, Cimorene, a bored, yet intelligent princess who runs away to escape an unwanted marriage. And that's all I'm going to tell you. This is one of those books that you just have to read for yourselves. It will make you look at fairy tales in a completely different light.

Brown

Never After

Rebecca Lickiss' second work is one of my absolute favorites. Sometimes, I read a book, go 'Oh, that was nice' and put it down for several years. This one, I can finish and immediately start reading again. Never After is in the vein of fairy tales, but treats them in the manner of turning them upside down and spinning them 'round on their heads.

The main tale is that of Sleeping Beauty, except instead of one sleeping princess, it's three sleeping princes, as Prince Althelstan finds out after he finally hacks through the tangled briar barrier and searches for a month for the sleeping princess. He does find one, but kissing her does no good for the general curse. Also, there is a severe shortage of princesses in the land, so Althelstan comes up with the idea to get his cousin, the Lady Vevila, who technically is a princess, to come a'kissing. One problem: Vevila is more interested in adventuring than princes. After bribing Vevila with her own horse and a sword, he finally gets her to agree, but that's only the beginning.

The characters are strong, well-formed, and interesting. Vevila is sure and no-nonsense, who can take care of herself. The three wizards are all humorous, and Lickiss pulls an interesting trick by cursing one wizard to only speak in quotes from The Merchant of Venice. The story is excellent. Though is draws on familiar material, the plot is fresh and inventive. So far I've been borrowing Brown's copy for the last 150 times I've read it, and I will certainly have to get a copy of my own.

Blue

The Thirteenth Child

What if history had gone a different path? What if magic was prevalent? Patricia Wrede shows us such a world. A world where steam dragons and wooly mammoths still exist in the US, except it's called Columbia. Here we meet Eff, who is the thirteenth child. Her twin brother is Lan, a double-seven, which everyone knows means a natural and powerful magician. Too bad his twin sister has to be unlucky and will one day turn to evil.

Hearing this growing up, Eff believes it with her whole being. She is constantly apologizing for things that aren't her fault. Finally, her Uncle Earn brings the police around to arrest her because she placed a curse on his house. ...only she didn't. And the police refuse to arrest her because she's only five. But her parents have had enough and they move with the younger children to Mill City near the Great Barrier where all the monsters are. Now what are children to do?

A lovely blend of true history and made-up history making us to believe in this world whole heartedly. Patricia Wrede's style is familiar, yet never the same through all her books, showing us again what a talented writer she is.

Brown

Twice Upon a Marigold

One year after Christian and Marigold married, things heat up again when Queen Olympia regains her memory. For the past year, Olympia has had amnesia and an alternate personality- a nice one called Angelica. But when she becomes Olympia again, all memory of Angelica disappears. Of course, Olympia finds her way back to the castle and behaves as though she never left- but worse.

I was not as impressed with Jean Ferris' sequel as I was with Once Upon a Marigold. Though that work did end on a suitable cliff hanger, the follow up was not quite what I expected. Stan Lucasa and Susan seemed to come out of nowhere, and I'm not sure that their actions at the castle were in-character. It's a nice read, but not as well done as the first.

Blue

The Exiled Queen

Cinda William Chima has an amazing depth to her story telling. Her stories are not simple situations for everyday characters, yet it is everyday characters who are having to decide what to do. Each character stays true to form. Raisa, the runaway princess; Corporal Byrne, the captain and Raisa's protector; Han Alister, street lord turned wizard... etc.

This book takes place at Oden's Ford, a place of peace amidst warring nations. The most difficult part is traveling there, trying to avoid being recruited into the roaming armies. Once there, each student can learn their desired vocation. There is a soldier school, a engineering school, a temple school, a wizard school, and a couple others. Students can mingle or stay separate depending on their choice. Raisa, known as Rebecca Morley, needs to stay hidden while learning how to become a good strong leader. Han Alister, needs to learn magic, a power he did not know he had until recently. Unfortunately for both of them, other people decide to meddle with their lives causing them to take what could be drastic measures.

An amazing sequel to The Demon King. I can't wait for the next one.

Brown

Found

This is another book I first read in middle school, and I had a heck of a time finding it again. I couldn't remember the title, so I had to make due with a Google search for "book character Ren"... While I enjoy the Fruits Basket series, this Ren is not malicious or twisted. In fact, she's a rather brave child.

In June Oldham's book, the time is sometime in the distant 21st century, the place doesn't really matter (but is probably England, given the landscape and because allusions are given to a certain "henge"). In this place, the people either live in living-working units with loads of computers, or out on the street. In this particular place, there is a tax on extra children (one allowed per unit), and if you can't pay, the child is placed in a Surplus Children Unit, and doomed to an unfavorable fate.

Our story takes place because Ren's mom is pregnant and cannot afford to pay the extra child tax. However, she does not want to abandon either of her children to the SCU, and so uses illegal connections to find passage for Ren out of the province to an area without restrictions on children. Ren is dropped off to wait at a cave in the countryside and meets Brockett, a boy who was brought up on the moor after being abandoned there as a baby. Later Ren meets Lil, a street person who is also trying to get out of the province and is being chased by patrolmen, who get their kicks in beating up street people and refusing to let them leave. Lil is hardened and competent and can take care of herself, but she's not much more than a child herself. When Brockett brings Ren a baby he found, the three end up caring for her and decide to take her out of the province as well. (Plus a chase by a scary person, a fight to the death, mortal illness, etc.)

There's more to the story to that, and it gets complicated. Oldham's work is a complication of the setting she places her story in, but other than incidental references, the time period and circumstances of society are very little described. Characters come and go and more often than not you are left to guess at how old they are or what they look like. Other than their decisions and actions, all that would normally go into a character's description isn't important in this story. Overall it's odd, but an intriguing race of a story. I'm glad I found it again, if only to lay to rest the ghosts of memory.

Blue

The Snow Maiden and Other Russian Tales

Bonnie C. Marshall did (does) what I would dearly love to do, albeit all over the world: collect folk and fairy tales from the source. In this work, Marshall has collected, translated, and retold traditional Russian folk tales. Plus, she tells a bit about how she did it, and gives some Russian history for contextual reference.

I've always been a fan of folk tales, and this work represents a wide variety of them from four categories: animal tales, fairy tales, tales of everyday life, and tales of spirits and the supernatural. Some stories end happily, others are a bit of a kick in the pants, and some, well, let's just say I won't ever be going into a Russian bathhouse alone, let alone at midnight...

I admire Marshall's work not just for its entertainment value or its educational merit, but because she worked hard for a subject she truly cares about. It shows. And it inspired further interest in the lands and peoples (and recipes!) from which these stories came.

Blue

Hogen monogatari

Well, I know Blue is using books she's reading for class, so I thought, why not me too. I'm taking a Samurai class this semester, so we've been assigned some popular ancient stories. And Hogen monogatari is as popular as Beowulf.

This is an epic story, written in the Japanese style. At first I was lost, because it began to use multiple names for one person and I had to go back to trace who was being talked about. After that it began to pick up. I'm not going to try to critique this writing style. After all, haven't I already said that it is written in a Japanese style? If you are interested in reading something different, this is one for you. Especially if you like war.

Brown

The Robber and Me

It turns out that I have read Josef Holub before- in middle school (I did some great reading in the middle school library). The Robber and Me is about a boy, Boniface, an orphan, who is sent to live with his uncle in a village in northern Germany. This novel is set in the mid-19th century, and explores some interesting facts of the time- for instance, that the Church and the Law were not separate, and people were thrown in jail for breaking the Sabbath. Another point of interest, and one I dearly love Holub for including: the bathroom. Most books and movies never refer to their characters' need for bodily eliminations, much less describe "the facilities" and what was or was not used in lieu of toilet paper (one of my favorite inventions).

Needless to say, this book is both historically accurate and fun. On his way to his uncle, Boniface is dropped off by his ride in the middle of nowhere with just some vague directions to sustain him. It's March, it's cold, it's night. Boniface does as best he can, but eventually he succumbs to the cold. However, he is rescued by the awful Robber Knapp and taken to his uncle, the mayor of the small village of Graab. Boniface feels his way around fitting in in the village, meeting the (truly awful) Schoolmaster, trying to befriend Christian Knapp, and trying to let the truth be known about the Robber- who was accused of robbing and injuring a man at the same time he was actually rescuing Boniface from death-by-hypothermia.

Boniface's time is on the cusp of change, politically and socially. For instance, at this time Germany hadn't unified and was thus broken into separate kingdoms. The characters are endearing, especially Frederika, whom I would dearly love to have in my house. Even Boniface's seemingly cold Uncle Emil turns out to be much pleasanter than originally thought. I'm terribly glad I read this again, and one day I will snag a copy for my very own.

Blue

Charlie Bone and the Red Knight

There have some cruel things said about this series since it happened to overlap with Harry Potter. People went, Magic, a School, Has to fight EVIL, it's been done! And they were wrong. This isn't another Harry Potter. That's a different world.

This world, the world of Charlie Bone, has magic in it, but it also has a lot of ordinariness too. And it's usually that ordinariness that saves the day. Magic can be a great tool, but at the end of the day it doesn't replace courage or determination or even friends.

In this stunning conclusion of her series, Jenny Nimo, has shown her proficiency at writing Children's Literature (that is what the series falls under when you're looking for it in the bookstore). She captures the imagination and innocence of childhood, as well giving us characters that behave in a rational way, instead of the overly brave and adult like main characters we're now being given. Mistakes happen and they are dealt with accordingly. But the biggest question for the readers of this series is: Will Billy Raven find a family who loves him? A must read for  everyone!

Brown

Tenchi Muyo! Alien Nation

My cousin suggested this to me after learning that I do like some anime/manga. It was hilarious. The setup one eighteen year old boy lives with five alien beauties who ALL have a crush on him in some way or other. That's right, every male's day dream. However, Tenchi is sweet, and sometimes a little clueless. He permits the women to be themselves, but isn't settling down with any of them. Hence high jinks ensue. The one thing that saddens me, is I was trying to get the first of all the series because I like traveling with characters through it all, but I can't seem to find what the beginning is.

Brown

Naked Heat (2)

Scatterbrained writing that makes fun of independent women and lovesick men. Nikki Heat is independent to the point of shunning men until she wants sex. And Jameson Rook is her lovesick man who follows her miserably since she's not giving anything. And then, what is this business with bringing on characters for bit parts and then using them again and again. Holly Flanders gave an interesting point of view about the victim, but it was information that we didn't need to know. It didn't move along the story. And didn't play any part of red herring. And Petar? He didn't really do anything than try to show a softer side as well. The information he gave was repeated by other people, so really the only reason he was there was to make Rook jealous and to get kicked to the curb again by Nikki. 

Of course this is a mystery novel, so ignoring the character flaws, the mystery took many twists and turns. It was hard to get into at first, but as you keep reading it does pick up the flow. And you will want to know what happens in the end. 

The Runaway Dragon

Meg and Laddy have grown up, and their circumstances have changed. Meg is now allowed to study swordplay, magic, and statesmanship (along with etiquette and several other lessons), and Laddy the dragon has grown too big for Janna's kitchen, and has been relegated to the barn, to his dissatisfaction. When Laddy causes a scene by running away, Meg contrives to go after him. Her parents insist on sending at least ten guards, two servants, the boy wizard Lex, and a cook with her. This crowd is not conducive to the adventuring Meg dreams of doing, but she wants to find Laddy, so she agrees to their company.

 Meg finds adventure soon enough, and realizes that it's not always the way it is in stories. First, she gets Lex to transfigure the arblast the Lieutenant has brought along to maybe use on Laddy- she's separated from her friends by guards after it is discovered missing. Then she aids a strange man who makes little marks about all the good deeds she does- not stepping on ants, saving a mouse from a hawk, etc. while they are in an enchanted forest. More adventures ensue (I can't give everything away) before they finally reach where Laddy is hiding, and they meet some familiar characters, including Bain, but something is very wrong there, and it takes all of Meg's ingenuity to figure things out.

Kate Coomb's work has adventure, feeling, and excitement that kept me reading until the end. I squee-ed at the happy parts, shouted "No!" at the deliciously evil parts, and was kept in humor and anticipation with the rest. Good job.

Blue

The Runaway Princess

At the Prime Minister's recommendation of the need for economic development, The King and Queen propose to set a contest for the rid of three evils in their kingdom, the reward being their daughter's hand in marriage and half the kingdom. Only, they forgot to tell the princess. Well, Meg isn't too happy about it. So unhappy, in fact, that she is placed in a tower to await the contest results. Pssh. Meg isn't about to wait around, so with the help of her friends, she sets off to rescue the poor witch, dragon, and group of bandits from the terrible contest, and free herself from an unwanted marriage as well.

Kate Coombs does a nice job of telling an intriguing story. Meg is smart, with an interesting perspective on things, life, and other things, and a gift for seeing a person's true character. I loved the other characters as well: Gorba and her frog princes, Prince Bain and his... The story came to a mostly-satisfying conclusion, the unsatisfying part of which was solved in the sequel. I would not be averse to reading more of these characters, beyond the two books.

Blue

The Doom Machine

Mark Teague's novel is both an exploration of physics and linear storytelling, which, when the physics deals with time and space is pretty fantastics. Aliens descend on a small New York town looking for a special item for their Queen. Our group of human characters are lifted and taken on a journey back to the alien's home planet.

This story tosses out a few surprises, but mostly it reads like an straightforward story. Not that it's a bad thing- the plot line is interest enough, with good, well-developed characters. We've got melodrama, good information, and the unexpected here. At parts I was giggling, shouting 'I knew it!', and cheering on a hobo named Joe.

Blue

13 Treasures

I have a thing for titles. And libraries. So when I found this title in my library, I thought, 'Sure. Why not?' I admit, after getting it home and taking a second glance, I thought it seemed a bit familiar: the story of a child on the verge of growing up who can see strange things -fairies- and goes away to an isolated farm/manor where something bad happens, but everyone manages to correct it. 

Well. Tanya, our heroine, is a bit unusual in that really, no one likes her. Her "episodes" (not so nice encounters with the fairies that leave everyone thinking she's a potentially psychotic, attention-seeking brat) finally wear out her mother's nerves, she she is shipped off to her grandmother in the countryside. Except her grandmother doesn't like her, to put it simply. The groundskeeper doesn't trust her, and his son is fairly weird himself. 

Considering how well-trodden this plot line is, I was glad to read Michelle Harrison's rendition. Plenty of twists, some information I hadn't seen. Enough to make it worthy of it's title and my subsequent shelf lifting.

Blue

A True and Faithful Narrative

This is actually the reason I picked up At the Sign of the Star (I've got this rule thingy about reading books in order). Meg, now grown up, her inheritance duly divided by the birth of younger siblings, now has a couple of tentative suitors. One, her best friend's brother, she semi-accidentally harshly spurns via a jest. Ouch. To make matters worse, this young man is captured by pirates and held for ransom. To make up for her jest-come-true (she'd asked him to bring her the story of him getting captured by pirates and escaping), she uses her skill with words to collect donations for his ransom.

The second suitor is her father's apprentice. Meg swears that if she must marry, she'd prefer a bookseller, but her best friend warns her to not treat marriage lightly. This suitor helps her collect the necessary money, and the first young man is duly ransomed, and returns. The first suitor then claims that he is not a suitor anymore, but he does want Meg to write up his experience.

There's trouble, chaos, love, disappointed expectations, renewed hope, etc. A good read, as I knew it would be from the moment I lifted it from its shelf-ly resting place. I was thoroughly satisfied with how Meg grew up and the choices she made. I also understand the sensation that the first young man experienced, of traveling and in living in a strange place among strange people, and both loving and hating it, and being changed forever from it. Katherine Sturtevant is a talented writer, I look forward to more.

Blue

At the Sign of the Star

After I got this book home from the library, I wondered again why I had checked it out- then I began reading. Katherine Sturtevant has written a window to the late 17th century, a time when the role of women was expanding- more and better education, access to literary works. Women could be playwrights and authors. 


In this story, the 12 year old daughter of a bookseller (and publisher) realizes her father intends to marry again, and consequently she will lose the extent of her inheritance (when she might have succeeded him in the publishing business). Thus, she is really quite nasty to her step-mother (who isn't bad, especially as far as step-mothers in the literary world go). Eventually, her father gives her an ultimatum: go live with her cousin in the country, or shape up and start behaving nicely. Because she (Margaret, called Meg) loves London and her proximity to the wits, playwrights, and authors within it, she chooses to stay.


Anyway, it's well done. I liked it much more than I expected to, and the characterization was terrific.

Blue

Sisters of the Sword

Noble sisters escape after the slaughter of their father and two older brothers by their uncle- this is definitely a story set in Japan. Maya Snow reveals her love for the country and culture in her first work in this series (there are more books, I checked). One unfamiliar with the culture of samurai gets a good grounding in the basics and ideals.

Kimi and Hana are just on the cusp of young adulthood, but that would not save them from their murderous uncle, who not only killed their father and two older brothers, but would also kill their mother and younger brother, a boy of just six years old. However, they manage to escape, though their mother and younger brother go into hiding separately. The sisters disguise themselves as boys and then travel to the samurai dojo where they plan to train, but end up becoming servants.

This is good. As I read the last page, I went all 'What the heck?' and looked the author up on my library's website, thus discovering and reserving the next two books. Murder, betrayal, honor, revenge, grace, nobility- it took a lot to be a samurai, a member of nobility, or to have peace in your heart. The relationship of the sisters was also portrayed well. It reminded me a little of someone I know...

Blue

Erratum

erratum |iˈrätəm; -ˈrā-; -ˈrat-|noun ( pl. -ta |-tə|)an error in printing or writing.• ( errata) a list of corrected errors appended to a book or published in a subsequent issue of a journal.ORIGIN mid 16th cent.: from Latin, ‘error,’ neuter past participle of errare ‘err.’


This book, written by Walter Sorrells, was like an adventure in String Theory. Nah, not like- it was. Afraid? Don't be. Jessica, the lovely protagonist has no idea what it is either, apart from witnessing the very real effects one's choices have on everyone and everything else. The book was interesting enough, but I felt as though something was a little lacking. However, in this subject matter, it worked. Jessica was missing something, I was missing something, and it kept me reading until the end. It was similar to watching a magician perform a trick. I'll keep my eyes open for further works, because I'm curious enough for the next segment (I dare not say ending).

Blue

Briar's Book

Usually authors don't portray a male character loving someone so much, he doesn't want to see them in pain. But Tamora Pierce did. And I think she got closer to the human truth of it all than others. In this book we finally get to see things mostly from Briar's experience, the only boy in a household of women. Loyal to the end, he prefers being with plants and eating the wonderful food provided by Gorse. After an earthquake, pirates, and wildfires Briar's loyalty and love only develop further as he comes to learn, that there is only so much you can do.

Brown

Daja's Book

Sandry and Tris, seem very similar characters to me. Maybe because they both come from wealthy families, but they do have similar outlooks, while reacting each in her own way. Daja is totally different. A girl who was made trangshi after her family's ship went down, she dreams of returning to the Trader world. While she enjoys living with everyone, because they make her feel welcome. She loves learning the smith trade from Frostpine. But who knows, maybe, if given the chance she would leave them all behind for HER world. Her old world, anyway.

I really like how Tamora Pierce can capture the self-interest of children. It's innocent; not mean or contrary.

Brown

An Innocent Soldier

I'm pretty sure I originally found this book under the "foreign locales" section of recommendation in the libraries. Josef Holub is a German author, now about 80 years old, and this book was translated from German. When I picked it up from the holding stacks, I was struck by the cover (Holla! What's this?)-favorably. As I read, I began to like it even more.

It's about a young farmhand who was tricked into taking his master's son's place in the army Napoleon was raising to launch a campaign against Russia. The boy is first tormented by a Sergeant before becoming the servant of a young Lieutenant. Together, they face the long march to Russia, the war, and the journey home. My one complaint- I want more. I can only hope that Holub has written more.

Blue

The Last Dragon

At first, I was skeptical of this book: the dust jacket summary said it was about an elf who discovered a prophecy wherein he must unite with the last dragon and break the circle, yada yada. Another prophecy book? Please. Actually...

I made just one mistake when reading The Last Dragon by Silvana De Mari- I read it in the library. Consequently, I spent my time biting my thumb and covering my mouth, trying to convert the sounds of laughter into coughing. De Mari is Italian, and the work is translated into English. I'm going to keep my eyes open for more of her works, for she truly did a splendid job.

The characters are fresh, and "the elf and the prophecy" turns out to be something quite unexpected. For the first half of the book, the elf is a mewling little boy, ignorant of most of the world, but with certain abilities he takes for granted. The dragon (the second to last one) is old, cantankerous, and likes sappy love stories which almost drives the young elf mad (once he grows up a bit, anyway). But- each character trait and bizarre occurrence has a part in the fabric of the book, and all plays out to an interesting conclusion. I want this book in my library (and I want a library like the one in the book). Excellent.

Blue

Heir Apparent

By Vivian Vande Velde, this book combines modern-day (or future) life with the limitless world of magic-through a video game. It's smartly done. Competent Giannine Bellisario receives a gift certificate from her father to Rasmussem, Inc., a virtual reality gaming company. Giannine chooses a medieval game in which she must forge alliances and solve problems until she succeeds in being crowned king. One problem- a
protect out children" group storm the company and damage equipment while it was in use. Giannine is now stuck in the game until she can solve it correctly, but she's on a time limit as the damaged equipment is overheating.

Vande Velde uses precise imagery when depicting her scenes. At one point she describes a potion Giannine drinks, and that description never fails to make me gag (if you read it, I bet you can guess which one it is). Her characters are real (yes, I suppose even the virtual reality ones), and her fictional world is related to her main character's 21st century reality. A good read, and amusing.

Blue

Tris's Book

Did I forget to mention that Sandry's Book was just the first of four... plus other adventures afterwards? As, each child is different, each book is different. They each have their different problems to face, as they have to work together to face a big problem for all of them. That's really what we need children to learn. If doesn't matter what's going on in your life, you still need to work with others for things that effect all of us.

Brown

19 Girls and Me

This book, by Darcy Pattison and illustrated by Steve Salerno, is cute. John Hercules Po wonders about being the only boy in his kindergarten class. He worries his older brother will tease him about being "girly", especially when he discovers that he has so much fun with his 19 female classmates. The illustrations are charming, with the depictions of the adventures of the class. This book has a distinctly international flair, and would be a good read for 6-7 year olds.

Blue

The Hobbit

The first time I read this book, I was in seventh grade. I had a rather splendid bookmark that I used, and that was probably why I was able to finish reading it then. Now, however, I find it a delightful read, full of warmth and humor. I can appreciate Tolkien as I did not when I was twelve or thirteen. This is an excellent example of what children's literature should be, but it also takes a bit of maturity to process. I recommend those who found it dull or boring the first time around give it another go (ahem, Brown), and you may find that you like it.

Blue

Sandry's Book

Tamora Pierce is one of my favorite authors! Especially since she is able to connect to teenagers and children, by accurately portraying them. These characters are flesh and blood, not Godlike. And that is something that is great about this book. Take Sandry for example. One moment she is willing to slay dragons (figuratively speaking) courage wise. But even she has a fear that shakes her foundation. But this book isn't only about her, it's about three others as well and they all have, shall we say, unique abilities. Not MAGIC! Because they've all been tested before. But their abilities are rather unique. Enjoy!

Brown

Naked Heat

Naked Heat by [a witty conglomeration of writers] was not quite up to its predecessor's standards. The story was convoluted enough to make me sneeze, and it felt like there were several loose ends. Of course, that could just be a commentary on how one shouldn't expect everything to be tied up pretty and nice (humble thyself, O Reader!), but it mostly felt like they forgot. Then there was my personal preference language clash- namely, of the politely considered foul variety. Not a book I handed to my mother.

All in all, I still like the show (but no, I am not dedicating every Monday night to it- that's what two day marathons are for after the season is released on DVD), and I'm willing to read whatever our ruggedly handsome author deals out next. But I'm not expecting highbrow literature here, and neither should you.

Blue

Heat Wave (2)

So, I'm the one who introduced Blue to Castle. And it's just my luck that she's the one who finds out about these books first, even though my roommate (codename: Jewel), told me she thought there was a book out. I didn't listen.

When they say, this is a book for the fans, this is the one they are talking about. I loved it! But on a serious note, not the best writing I've ever read. They got lazy with their characters, with some of the names being almost identical to the TV characters. I know that they hinted in the TV show that he doesn't write amazing stuff, but come on, this isn't even worth the hype. How does someone have fans with this type of writing?

Despite the blatant abuse of characters, the story was intriguing. I'm not like my mother and Blue who immediately guess you did it at the very beginning, so I have fun following the characters search for suspects amid the twists and turns. And guess what, Nikki Heat is smart, sophisticated, and a little slutty. Enjoy the read!

Brown

Anahita's Woven Riddle

Anahita's Woven Riddle by Meghan Nuttall Sayre. I found this book in the "foreign locales" section of the library's recommended list.  The locale was indeed foreign (19th century Iran), and the book was duly recommended. I loved it. The characters were warm and enjoyable, the plot was excellent, the ending made me squee.

Anahita is a young woman of a nomadic tribe who has just been informed by her father that she will need to make her wedding qali (no, I'm not explaining, go read the book) as she will likely be married to the tribe's khan the following year. At first, she protests- she has ambitions of her own and marriage isn't a part of it. She soon realizes that marriage may not be all that bad- if she can have some choice in the matter. She convinces her father and the tribe's religious leader to allow her to pose a riddle contest- she will weave a riddle into her qali and she will marry whichever suitor can guess her riddle. Toss in a pernicious khan, three very charming suitors, and a year of gathering wool, spinning, dyeing, and weaving.

The ending.... ahhh, not telling. Suffice to say, what I read on a whim in turn sent me out to the pressing crowds of a popular shopping district to hunt for another book my surprise find referenced (and that led to a very interesting conversation with a complete stranger and fellow aspiring polyglot).

Blue

Heat Wave

Heat Wave by um, Richard Castle... Let's say that I just about fell off my chair laughing when I realized that this was on my library's shelves.

This books is cute. I rarely read non-Agatha Christie mysteries, but I was pleasantly surprised. Reading this felt like a nice little jaunt into a crime-filled city. Not to mention that fans of the show (ABC's Castle) will recognize little tidbits of "research". I liked it. When I finished reading it, I handed it off to my mother. Since I am not hiding in my closet from a deranged, book-wielding mother, I can only assume that she liked it, too. 

Blue

The Theft and the Miracle

A tale of inadequacies, jealousy, lies, stealing, hope, friendship, and charity. Rebecca Wade surpasses the expectations Young Adult drama in this book. Usually, I don't like books that are set in the present time. They usually are the "woe is me, teenage life is just so hard" crap that teenagers are getting inundated with. None of that here. Here the characters draw you into the story and prove that teenagers and children are not stupid and can work mighty miracles. But instead of me giving away the plot, I say just go read it.

Brown