Melis' 2011 Challenge! (Part 2)

Part Two! I'll copy my condensed list of books I've read and then gone on to review as I read. Part One is here(http://www.librarything.com/topic/105237) if you haven't seen it yet. If you're reading this, thanks for checking my links out :)

January:
1. The Black Prism - Brent Weeks
2. The Phoenix Unchained - Mercedes Lackey & James Mallory
3. Magic's Pawn - Mercedes Lackey
4. Magic's Promise - Mercedes Lackey
5. Magic's Price - Mercedes Lackey
6. Foundation - Mercedes Lackey
7. Shadow Magic - Jaida Jones & Danielle Bennett
8. The Red Wolf Conspiracy - Robert V. S. Redick
9. Dark Lover - J. R. Ward
10. Glimpses - Lynn Flewelling
11. Dragon Soul - Jaida Jones & Danielle Bennett
12. Charming the Prince - Teresa Medeiros
13. Scarlet and the White Wolf - Kirby Crow
14. A Kiss to Remember - Teresa Medeiros

February:
15: The Way of the Shadows - Brent Weeks
16. A Strong and Sudden Thaw - R. W. Day
17. The God Eaters - Jesse Hajicek
18. Lover Eternal - J.R. Ward
19. Shadow's Edge - Brent Weeks
20. Beyond the Shadows - Brent Weeks
21. The Bone Doll's Twin - Lynn Flewelling
22. Hidden Warrior - Lynn Flewelling
23. Joust - Mercedes Lackey
24. Promises - Marie Sexton
25. Lover Awakened - J. R. Ward
26. Lover Revealed - J. R. Ward
27. Lover Unbound - J. R. Ward

March:
28. The Queen's Oracle - Lynn Flewelling
29. Lover Enshrined - J. R. Ward
30. Lover Avenged - J. R. Ward
31. Lover Mine - J. R. Ward
32. Storm Front - Jim Butcher
33. The Warded Man - Peter V. Brett
34. Fool Moon - Jim Butcher
35. The Ruling Sea - Robert V. S. Redick
36. The Black Dagger Brotherhood: An Insider's Guide - J. R. Ward
37. The Wise Man's Fear - Patrick Rothfuss
38. River Marked - Patricia Briggs
39. Kushiel's Dart - Jacqueline Carey

April:
40. Grave Peril - Jim Butcher
41. Summer Knight - Jim Butcher
42. Death Masks - Jim Butcher
43. Lover Unleashed - J.R. Ward
44. The Desert Spear - Peter V. Brett
45. Heartsick - Chelsea Cain
46. Sweetheart - Chelsea Cain
47. Evil at Heart- Chelsea Cain
48. Blood Rites - Jim Butcher

May:
49. Through Wolf's Eyes - Jane Lindskold
50. The Clan of the Cave Bear - Jean M. Auel
51. Out of the Ashes - R. W. Day

June:
52. Mistborn - Brandon Sanderson
53. Comfort and Joy - Jim Grimsley
54. Unbearable Lightness: A Story of Loss and Gain - Portia De Rossi

July:
55. Wizard's First Rule - Terry Goodkind

August:
56. Room - Emma Donoghue

September:
57. Etruscans -Morgan Llywelyn & Michael Scott
58. Dead Beat - Jim Butcher

October:
59. Proven Guilty - Jim Butcher
60. White Night - Jim Butcher
61. Guns, Germs, and Steel - Jared Diamond
62. Anna Dressed In Blood - Kendare Blake
63. Small Favor - Jim Butcher
64. A Push and A Shove - Christopher Kelly
65. Turn Coat - Jim Butcher
66. Changes - Jim Butcher
67. Ghost Story - Jim Butcher
68. By Degrees - JB McDonald

Novemeber:
69. The Thirteenth Tale - Diane Setterfield
70. Wicked Gentlemen - Ginn Hale
71. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - Michelle Hodkin
72. The Eye of the World - Robert Jordan
73. Melusine - Sarah Monette
74. The Virtu - Sarah Monette

December:
75. Origins Reconsidered - Richard Leakey
76. The Great Hunt - Robert Jordan
77. Dune - Frank Herbert
78. Eragon - Christopher Paolini
79. Reflex - Steven Gould
80. Alta - Mercedes Lacky
81. Alanna: The First Adventure - Tamora Pierce
82. A Lady Awakened - Cecilia Grant

Checking in!

Starred you again! Wow, I was wrong.

Hello again! :)

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

57. Etruscans - Morgan Llywelyn & Michael Scott
Genre: Historical Fiction
Pages: 335
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
When Vesi, an Etruscan, is raped by a supernatural being who was once human, a child is conceived. As an outcast she bears a son and calls him Horatrim, a child dangerous to both his father's race and the Etruscans, growing to manhood in only six years.

Thoughts:
The summary is basically what was said on the front flap of the book, which is why I bought this book so many years ago, but the story isn't as exciting as the summary makes it out to be. Instead the crux of it is Horatrim in Rome. Also, his name is changed later in the book to the Roman Horatius Cocles, who was the Roman man who singlehandedly defended the Tiber Bridge, so I was hoping for that scene. It's nowhere in the book however. I concluded that since this is only the first in a supposed trilogy that it comes later. Anyways, there's nothing substantial here, but the story is entertaining. It's also a quick read, with relatively large font. Not the best, but not the worst.

Favorite Line:
'Humans will always require gods. We give their lives a meaning; often we are the meaning. Our existence is taken as their command to exist. We provide them with someone to blame other than themselves. We satisfy their inborn need of ritual. We give them reasons to celebrate. But we, the Ais, also need humankind. Without them we have no definition. Human imagination imbues us with form and face, shape and substance.' (Pg 10)

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

58. Dead Beat - Jim Butcher
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Pages: 393
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
When a vampire threatens to destory Murphy's reputation unless Harry helps her, he can't say no. The vampire wants The Word of Kemmler and all the power that comes with it. But so do six other necromancers. It's a race against time to find The Word before Halloween becomes a night of the literal dead.

Thoughts:
This series is really enjoyable. The further in I get the more I love them. It's been a while since I read the sixth book but I was able to get through this one without being too confused since past events were eluded too and brought the memories back. Harry is slowly losing his previous enthusiasm and naiveté, as he faces more and more 'evil doers'. The transition is nicely done, and I'm getting more hooked as Harry faces more serious problems. Actually if the library had been opened I would have gone and grabbed the next three books and begun reading immediately. We didn't see much of the other regular characters in this volume, but I read it quickly enough that it didn't matter. It also worked okay because the events of the book only happen in the course of three days. There are some good messages in the volume and some laugh out loud moments. Overall? The volume wasn't as good as the first six, but it was very enjoyable. I believe I read it in two days. :) I'm looking forward to more.

Favorite Line:
'"Come on Butters," I said. "Look at history. How long did the scholarly institutions of civilization consider Earth to be the center of the universe? And when people came out with facts to prove that it wasn't, there were riots in the streets. No one wanted to believe that we all lived on an unremarkable little speck of rock in a quiet backwater of one unremarkable galaxy. The world was suppose to e flat too, until people proved that it wasn’t by sailing all the way around it. No one believed in germs until years and years after someone actually saw one. Biologists scoffed at tales of wild beast-men living in the mountains of Africa, despite eyewitness testimony to the contrary, and pronounced them utter fantasy -- right up until someone plopped a dead mountain gorilla down on their dissecting table."
He chewed on his lip and watched the streetlights.
"Time after time, history demonstrates that when people don't want to believe something, they have enormous skills of ignoring it altogether."
--(Pg 53)

59. Proven Guilty - Jim Butcher
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Pages: 404
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
As a Warden now, Harry is assigned to look into rumors of black magic in Chicago. But he is sidetracked when the daughter of a friend arrives, all grown-up and already in trouble.

Thoughts:
It almost seemed like there were two stories in this one book. The first half deals with Harry looking into movie monsters coming out of the production screen and the second half deals with the Sidhe and the White Council. The latter was much more serious and thought provoking. It was tons better than the first half. It seemed like Butcher got halfway through and then pulled a sharp turn. One thing I really like about Butcher as a writer is that he brings back issues from previous books, some from the very first books, and incorporates them, reminds us that they're still there. He doesn't leave many loose ends to be tripped over. The book left me with a sense of suspense and dread and excitement and calculation all at once for the next installment. Things are bound to come to a head sooner or later and I'm thinking that when it does Butcher is going to connect everything. And I mean everything. All eight plus books. I'm looking forward to it.

Favorite Line:
'I buffed my nails on my shirt. "Sometimes I amaze even myself."'
-- (Pg 382)

60. White Night - Jim Butcher
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Pages: 404
Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
What looks like suicides of magical practitioners turns out to be a serial killer using the quote from Exodus, "Suffer Not a Witch to live," as a calling card. There are several practitioners dead and more missing. Worse, it's not just Chicago that's been hit. When clues start piling up implicating Harry's younger brother, Thomas, Harry vows to clear his name.

Thoughts:
This is my favorite book in the series so far. I loved the book's cover. I loved the ending scene. I loved the fight scenes. I could go on but I won’t. It's an intricate novel. Butcher is bringing up the suspense and starting to tie loose ends off why still giving us new tidbits to nipple over. It's very fast paced, so that I didn't have a lot of time to think about what was happening. The events just swept me along. It adds to the suspense because you don't have the time to realize what Harry is planning until the trap has sprung and his backup shows up. The mystery in the series has increased, but I find that I don't mind that much with Butcher's writing. Anyways, a great read.

Favorite Line:
'"Anger is just anger. It isn't good. It isn't bad. It just is. What you do with it is what matters. It's like anything else. You can use it to build or destroy. You just have to make the choice."
"Constructive anger," the demon said, her voice dripping sarcasm.
"Also known as passion," I said quietly. "Passion has overthrown tyrants and freed prisoners and slaves. Passion has brought justice where there was savagery. Passion has created freedom where there was nothing but fear. Passion has helped souls rise from the ashes of their horrible lives and build something better, stronger, more beautiful."
Lasciel narrowed her eyes.
"In point of fact," I said quietly," that kind of thing really doesn't get done without passion. Anger is one of the things that can help build it - if it's controlled."'
-- (Pg 274)

61. Guns, Germs, and Steel: the Fates of Human Societies - Jared Diamond'
Genre: Non-Fiction
Pages: 512
Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
The famous biologist, Jared Diamond, tackles the most important question of global history: Why did Europeans come to dominate the New World?

Thoughts:
Diamond talks about geographical advantages, disease, domestication, agriculture. I liked the diversity of topics Diamond presented and used as evidence for various theories. That’s another thing I liked about Diamond. He doesn't say he is right and that what he had written is the utter truth. He presents his thesis as a theory backed by supporting evidence, but then gives us other theories that oppose his. Diamond also brings in history not only from recent history but all the way back before modern humans. When Diamond is explaining one topic it is sometimes difficult to fit it into the whole picture but he helps us out there, but connecting it all for you. I listened to this book on sound recording, having been told that it is a little hard to get through when reading. My plan had been to listen to the book and then go back later and read Diamond's actual book. I'm going to stick by that I think, because while I got the overall message Diamond was giving me and other interesting facts, I don’t think I was able to process all of the information. By going back later to read it, I'll already know how to interlink the information and pay more attention to the actual facts Diamond gives us. I'm reading more non-fiction books like this in anticipation of going back to school for Anthropology, so this book was treat to read. I recommend the book highly, but it will make much more sense if you've taken a few ancient history classes or anthropology classes. Or read more books on societies and history, etc. Otherwise the overhaul of information is sure to be daunting. I'm off to see what else Diamond has written.

Favorite Line:
'History followed different courses for different peoples because of differences among peoples' environments, not because of biological differences among peoples themselves.'

62. Anna Dressed in Blood - Kendare Blake
Genre: YOung Adult, Horror
Pages: 316
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
Cas Lowood kills the dead. When he arrives in a new town following the stories of Anna Dressed In Blood, he doesn't expect anything out of the ordinary. Instead he finds a girl entangled in curses and rage. She has killed every person who has stepped in her house, but whatever reason, she spares his life.

Thoughts:
You can see the difference in older young adult books and this one. There's a lot more gore and swearing. But in society now-a-days teenagers get that on TV. While I don't like what that points out, it did make this book easier for me to read. I usually can't read young adult books easily because I find them too shallow or too short for me to really get into the characters and their story. There were a few corny parts in this book, but overall it was a great story very enjoyable. I had picked it for my sister and I's book club and I'm glad I did. It looks like there might be a sequel in the next few years. I'll be waiting for it.

Favorite Line:
'Stabbing him was almost an accident. The knife just sort of ran into him when he wrapped the end of his rope around my throat and spun me around.'
-- (Pg 20)

#16: Sounds interesting! I'll have to keep my eyes open for it.

>15 Kassilem: My previous History teacher mentioned that book many times, and I always thought it was a pretty neat.

63. Small Favor - Jim Butcher
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Pages: 420
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
Harry Dresden owes Mab, Queen of Winter, two favors. And she's calling in one of them, to save Marcone from the Fallen Angels. Haryr doesn't have time to ask why, too busy trying to stay alive.

Thoughts:
This is one of Butcher's faster paced novels. We also see a lot of previous charaters from the other novels. I liked the new twists presented, and hope that the ones that don't yet get explained will come up in the next book. Really looking forward to it. :)

64. A Push And A Shove - Christopher Kelly
Genre: Gay Fiction
Pages: 312
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
Ben Reilly can't get Terrance out of his head. His high school bully is now a successful writer. Once the victim, Ben sets out to become the bully.

Thoughts:
Ben's past is tragically classic, bullied for being gay. But Ben is in love with his bully. There's something to it, I know, but I can't remember its name. Sometime's while reading this book, I thought that it was ridiculous, that Ben liked Terrance so much. But really what this book is about is sexual obsession. Those two things put together made the story engaging. The material in here is explicit so don't read if you’re too young. I won’t say what age is too young since everyone is different, but just be aware. I liked this book and I didn't like it. I didn't like what an ass Ben was starting to be, but I liked how it depicts a relationship like that to realistic. Sure, Ben can be an ass, and Terrance can be too passive but the way Kelly has written those scenes where the two argue or interact... well it just seems right to me. It seems real. Probably not something I would read again, but not sorry I did. :)

Favorite Line:
'And in that moment I realized something that had never fully occurred to me before. I realized that exceptionally good-looking men get things in this world that the rest of us don't. They get things that even exceptionally beautiful women do not get: attention; respect; adoring scrutiny; the benefit of the doubt. They get all of the world's envy without any of its disdain.'
-- (Pg 145)

65. Turn Coat - Jim Butcher
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Pages: 418
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
When Morgan, the wizard who has been after Harry's case for years, shows up at his door asking for help, Harry isn't eager to help him. Now he has to uncover a traitor within the White Council and a single mistake may cost him his life.

Thoughts:
Harry is really playing in the big leagues now. It's amazing to remember where he was in the first book, Storm Front and compare him to where he is now. And who he is. He's changed a lot. I love watching a character grow. Usually when a series goes on this long, it tends to lose steam, but Butcher has done the opposite. Each book is usually just as good or better than its previous volume. There are a lot of major turning points in this volume, and lots of expected and unexpended twists. At one point while I was reading, I thought "hey, I bet this guy is the traitor". Then I forgot all about him as Butcher took me for a spin only to find later that my thought was correct. But Butcher does distraction really well. Anyways, great action here, new insight for some characters, moral and ethical dilemmas and some great lines. Can't wait for more.

Favorite Line:
'"We're all the hero of our own story."'
-- (Pg 206)

66. Changes - Jim Butcher
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Pages: 438
Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
Arianna Ortega, Duchess of the Red Court Vampires, has discovered a secret of Susan's, Harry's past lover, and plans to use it against Harry.

Thoughts:
Okay, first: there's a freaking cliffhanger at the end of this book. A nasty one. Butcher doesn't do cliffhangers very often, but when he does it's torturous. I can only say I'm lucky that the next book is out already. Now I just need to wait until my hold on it goes through the library. It will probably take a few days and I can already tell that I'm going to be waiting anxiously that whole time. This book is very fast paced. And intense. And tragically horrible. And a huge turning point in the series. I had to consciously tell myself to slow down as I was reading because there was such an urgency to the book that it made me read faster and faster until I was missing words. Again, I will say that these books have gotten really good. Much more intense than the first few books in the series. I can't wait to see what happens to Harry next. And to clear up that horrible cliffhanger. :)

Favorite Line:
'Sanya shrugged. "It was no contest. They gave Gandalf to your godmother. You got Sam." He started to leave and then paused. "Harry. You have read the books as well, yes?"
"Sure," I said.
"Then you know that Sam was the true hero of the tale," Sanya said. "That he faced far greater and more terrible foes than he ever should have had to face, and did so with courage. That he went alone into a black and terrible land, stormed a dark fortress, and resisted the most terrible temptation of his world for the sake of the friend he loved. That in the end, it was his actions and his actions alone that made it possible for light to overcome darkness."
-- (Pg. 335)

67. Ghost Story - Jim Butcher
Genre: Urban Fantasy, Mystery
Pages: 477
Rating: 3 Stars

Summary:
Harry is stuck in the realm between life and death. And now he has to travel around as a ghost and discover his murderer and help his friends from the new badies in town.

Thoughts:
Harry as a ghost? I did not see that one coming. At all. I enjoyed this book... but after my Butcher high from reading Changes this brought me back down rather suddenly. It seems like a weak book in the series. The other main characters like Murphy and Molly and Butters, etc. all seem lifeless. And the whole first half of the book where Harry helps Fitz seems like it doesn't do anything. It's just added paper. I'm still really excited for the next book, don't get me wrong, but this one didn't meet my excited expectations. Do I recommend it? If you've been following the series, hell yes. It's not hard to get through. But take a few days after reading Changes so that you can get the excitement out of your system.

Favorite Line:
'"I know," I said. "But these aren't bad kids. They're just scared. It drove them to a bad choice."
"You've just described most of the gang members in this town, Harry. They don't join the gang because they're bad kids. They do it because they're frightened. They want to feel like they belong somewhere. Safe." She shook her head. "It doesn't matter if they started out as good kids. Life changes them. Makes them something they weren't."
-- (Pg 177)

68. By Degrees - JB McDonald
Genre: Gay Fiction, Romance
Pages: 322
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
As an orphan and bounced from one foster home to the next, Tim learned early that the only thing he could control was himself. He keeps his world well-ordered. Conner, his best friend, doesn't understand the desire to control things.

Thoughts:
I really liked this book. The characters are completely believable and their interactions stay true to who they are. Nothing seems forced to make the scene better. And the romance was well paced; not too fast, not too slow. I liked how this book didn't focus everything on being gay either. Tim coming out was only a part of the story, only the first step. It was much more about relationships and love and working through life problems with someone you trust. After all of that, there was one thing I didn't like about the story, and that's the minor sub-plot with Peter. I feel like if McDonald had made it more a part of the story it could have fit in more snuggly. As it was, it seemed unneeded and over the top, an event solely for the purpose of creating a scene the author wanted, making so it didn't flow with the rest of the story. Beyond that, it's a great novel. I recommend it to anyone who likes romance, homo or hetro. I'm off to see if McDonald has any other books published. :)

69. The Thirteenth Tale - Diane Setterfield
Genre: Gothic Fiction
Pages: 432
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
Margaret, a plain young woman, is asked by Vida Winter to write a biography of the writer's life. By doing so, Margaret gets entangled in dark haunted ruin of a house and a family history she must learn with care.

Thoughts:
This isn't a favorite book of mine, and it's not really a quick read, but it was mostly enjoyable. I enjoyed the part of the story were Margaret talks about books and reading more than the actual story Vida tells her, although that was a suspense story in itself. The way Setterfield expresses phrases and words it wonderful. The twists were unexpected too. The one thing I wish had been focused on more was Margaret's story itself. Don't read if you're looking for a simple easy read, because this one is not. But if you're looking for a good ghost story this is one you should pick up.

Favorite Line:
'I never read standing up."

70. Wicked Gentlemen - Ginn Hale
Genre: Gay Fantasy
Pages: 217
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
Belimai Skyes is a man with a brutal past and a dangerous addiction. Captain Harper is a man who is fighting for justice. A series of grisly murders brings the two together and neither realizes that their dealings together will change everything.

Thoughts:
This is Hale's debut novel and it wasn't bad. I could have wished it was longer with more meat to it, but the story and the idea's Hale shares are gripping. I enjoyed the protagonists the most. You're not handed their past, it rolls out throughout the story. There's always something new popping up. The ending is a little rushed, but nothing too bad. It looks like Hale has some more books published. I'm sure I'll pick those up relatively soon. :)

Favorite Line:
'Harper squeezed the cut, trying to stop the bleeding. Belimai hissed at him.
"What are you doing?"
"Stopping the bleeding. You apply pressure," Harper said.
"What kind of cretin are you? Haven't you ever heard of kissing it and making it better?"
-- (Pg 127)

71. The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer - Michelle Hodkin
Genre: Gothic Fiction, Young Adult
Pages: 452
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
Mara doesn't think life can get any stranger than waking up in the hospital with no memory of the accident that killed her friends but left her unharmed. It can.

Thoughts:
I wasn't really sure what to expect when opening this book. The front flap doesn't really give you much. I picked it up because the front cover looked amazing. :) It's much darker than some young adult books. For me, though, Mara's sarcasm and humor was more real. The romance was somewhere in the middle; not phenomenal, but better than some other stories I've read. I loved each character. It was the events that confused me. The thrill and mystery about what was going on was really engaging but once I was told what was happening, it was kind of made me want to give a confused chuckle. What? But Hodkin's debut is only the first in the series or trilogy, so perhaps that will be explained. I wasn't sure if the book should be categorized under fantasy or fiction and sort just picked one for now. Anyways, I read this in a few hours; very engaging and enjoyable. I would recommend it anyone who likes gothic fiction or paranormal romance.

Favorite Line:
'"She made me stand in front of the class while she hurled questions at me in Spanish on stuff we haven't even learned yet, and she would laugh when I answered incorrectly -" I stopped. Somehow, my arguments sounded less convincing out loud. Daniel looked at me sideways. "She laughed meanly," I added.'
-- (Pg 275)

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

72. The Eye of the World - Robert Jordan
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Pages: 814
Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
The peaceful villagers of Emond's Field pay little heed to rumors of war in the western lands until a savage attack by troll-like minions of the Dark One forces three young men to confront a destiny which has its origins in the time known as The Breaking of the World.

Thoughts:
This is the second time I've read this book; I'm trying to re-read the series so that I can read the two new ones that Brandon Sanderson has written to conclude Jordan's series. I hope also by the time I get to the thirteenth book, Sanderson will have come out with the last one. I decided to listen to the book on audio CD because I hope that by doing so I won't be tempted to skip parts. That was never really a problem until book six through eight, but I'm determined to get everything this time. And I am getting more, going through the story once more. I had my moments where I was anxious about how much there was to come, wanting it to come. The series really is a long one, and drawn out. But at the same time, I enjoyed its gradualness. I was able/will be able to watch the characters grow up and change based on their environment and their actions. I will be able to see turning points in each one's life. There are things I don't like much in this book: the lack of any emotion in Moraine's logic, Egwane and Nyneave's egotistical nature, and the way the Children of the Light seem more villain-like than the actual Dark One's forces. But I can stomach most of it better this time around. Another thing about the book I've noticed this time is the similarities between it and The Lord of the Rings, but after Tolkien it's hard not to see similarities in lots of fantasy books. Maybe it's more evident in this one than in others but I think some authors create a story around similarities. Jordan has simply added those similarities to his own story. It doesn't take away from Jordan's creation too much for me. As an overall, I really do like this book. I forgot how much I liked it. And I am excited for more of the series.

Favorite Line:
"If you watch the wolf too hard, a mouse will bite you on the ankle."
-- (Pg 318)

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

73. Melusine - Sarah Monette
Genre: High Fantasy, GLBT
Pages: 421
Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
Felix Harrowgate is a dashing, respectable wizard. But his fellow wizards don't know about his abusive former master who trained him to pass a nobleman. Felix believed he was safe, but he was wrong and now his past has caught up to him. Mildmay the Fox was raised as an assassin but escaped his Keeper and lives alone as a cat burglar. Until he's caught by a foreign wizard looking for Felix. The broken wizard and the wanted killer are thrown together by fate and when a secret from both their pasts comes out it can either save them both or destroy them.

Thoughts:
This is my second reread of this book, and that put together with my five star is enough by themselves to show you what I think of the book. I love it. I loved it the first time I read it, and the second time and againt this time. Every book has it's flaws and there might have been a few scenes that didn't fit just right (and I wish I could have seen more of Felix before he goes mad) but overall this book blows me away. There are three different voices in this first novel, Felix when he's sane, Felix with he's insane, and Mildmay, and each has their own unique voice and expressions. And the language use and Monette's own expressions are great as well. It's detailed but not overly so. Monette really goes into relatable interactions between Mildmany and Felix. She made these characters with their different personalities and she sticks with it. And Monette respects the reader, and doesn't explain every detail. She trusts you to be able to follow along on your own. I'm sure I'll be reading this one again next year or maybe the year after. Sometimes there's just times where I realize I need my Felix and Mildmay fix and pick it up. :) Highly recommended - for an adult audience.

Favorite Quote:
'“Sacred bleeding fuck,” I said, because, I mean its one thing to know your crazy hocus brother sees ghosts, and a whole different thing when you find out they’re telling him bedtime stories.”'
-- (Pg 331)

74. The Virtu - Sarah Monette
Genre: High Fantasy, GLBT
Pages: 439
Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
Felix has clawed his way back to sanity and now feels his only chance to reclaim his old life is to repair the Virtu. Mildmay, his leg damaged by a curse that should have killed him doens't know what to do with his life. But neither of them is prepared for Felix's former master, Malkar.

Thoughts:
Okay, sometimes I want to strangle Felix. He treats Mildmay like shit most of the time. Despite that I love this book as much as I liked the first. The language is just as good, the interactions between characters still relatable. It's a twisted sort of story. It's dark, dirty, and twists your emotions all over the place. There's something about these books that I can't really put my finger on that keeps me coming back and back and back. Maybe because Monette does get down and dirties her hands in the unattractive emotions like greed and selfishness. She digs deep into the ugly side of any and every person. And weaves it all into fantastic story. Looking for a darker fantasy novel? Try this one.

Favorite Line:
'"That's an interesting way of putting it. You seem to have entirely rid the Mirador of ghouls."
"Oh. I'm sorry. Did you want to keep them?"'
-- (Pg 326)

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

I haven't read the Deathnote series, but I've watched the anime and movies. It is excellent :)

>>46 katelisim:. That's good news. My sister was the one who wanted me to read them, and has been very adament that they are very good. :)

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

Yep, it picks up a bit more when L and Light start playing mind games with each other.

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

75. Origins Reconsidered: In search of what makes us human - Richard Leakey
Genre: Non-Fiction
Pages: 360
Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
Richard Leakey writes a personal account of his fossil hunting and discoveries at Lake Turkana, his reassessment of human prehistory based on new evidence and analytic techniques, and his pondering of how we became "human" and what being "human" really means.

Thoughts:
I decided a few weeks ago that I wanted to read up on anthropology to get ready to go back to school in the department. I picked Richard Leakey's book up by chance but it was probably the best book I could have picked up. Leakey has connected many dots for me. The material is fairly dense if you've never taken an anthropology class before, but if you have it's a fairly simple read, and engaging as well. It didn't feel like I was reading textbook material. It felt like Leakey was trying to inform the entire world about human history, not just those who already know the technical terms. But it wasn't overly simple, either. You have to have a base in the knowledge. I'm going to buy this book soon. I've got dozens of quotes and passages that I know I'll want to look at again soon as I'm studying the topic. Whether you're in the field or just curious this book is a great read.

Favorite Quote:
"Homo sapiens occupies the slenderest of time slices in Earth history, a brief, passing moment. Our planet is some 4.5 billion years old. Primitive life here began almost four billion years ago, the first life forms on land appeared some 350 million years ago; the first mammals, 200 million years ago; the first primates, a little more than sixty-five million years ago; the first apes, thirty million years ago; the first hominids, about 7.5 million years ago; Homo Sapiens, perhaps 0.1 million years ago."
-- (Pg 32)

76. The Great Hunt - Robert Jordan
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Pages: 705
Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
The Wheel of Time turns. For centuries, gleemen have told of The Great Hunt of the Horn. Now the Horn itself is found: the Horn which will raise the dead heroes of the ages. And then it is stolen.

Thoughts:
This is my second read through of this book, on my quest to re-read the series so I can read the new three volumes that conclude it. Rand and Perrin and Matt are still my favorite characters. I'm only now beginning to like Egwene and Nynaeve, and I already liked Min and Elayne. I can even stand Moraine a little more now. I'm not sure if it's the second read through or the fact that it's the second book ad we've been led deeper into the story. I think the latter. So if I don't even like some of the character’s why a five star? Because of the story. The story is amazing. There are parts that make me grit my teeth and clench my fists but that is because cultures are introduced with what seem barbaric and cruel practices. But anytime I come across a book that makes me want to scream because of the people in the story I know it is well written. Having characters that pull you in that much is a skill I don't think every writer has. I still don't like vibe of imbalance in equality between men and women (where almost every women thinks she is superior to men). But again, why does this hit such a strong cord within me? I think Jordan is an even more clever writer than I first assumed he was. He's playing with our emotions. This is a long book and I've heard some people complain that it is too long and that Jordan meandered a lot, but I think there was just enough here. To really watch a person grow and mature and let events shape them, takes time. I'm willing to take that time to watch Rand grow.

Favorite Line:
"All that for us? Who do they think we are?"
-- Matrim Cauthon

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

77. Dune - Frank Herbert
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 489
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
When the Atreides family arrives on the desert planet Arrakis/Dune, they mean to take over ruling the planet from the Harkonnen family. But it isn't as easy as just taking over. Paul, the only son, faces only treachery and murder as he trains to ascend to rulership.

Thoughts:
I've heard raving reviews about this book for years, that it is to Science Fiction like The Lord of the Rings is to fantasy. Sadly, I could never get fully into The Lord of the Rings. I had hoped that Dune would be different and it is; very. But I still had a hard time getting through it. I think I've been reading this book for more than a few months now. And that's because I can only read a few pages, maybe a few chapters, at a time. The story itself is amazingly unique and interesting, but it was very political which isn't really my thing in the first place. (Science Fiction itself isn’t really my thing, but I wanted to try this one.) And it just seemed like there were so many words, that it was a chore to get the story out of it. I guess the word I'm looking for is descriptive. Usually I don't mind that, but this time it hindered me. It was the same with The Lord of the Rings. For both it and this book, there was too much in it, and that distracted me. I probably won’t ever read this again, but I enjoyed this story for what it was. If you're a big Science Fiction fan you should definitely read this once in your lifetime. If you haven't already :)

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

78. Eragon - Christopher Paolini
Genre: High Fantasy
Pages: 497
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
When Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the mountains he thinks that perhaps it will buy his family some meat for the winter, but when the stone cracks and a dragon comes out of it, he realizes it's an egg. Now, with a dragon hatchling, his simple life shatters and he's suddenly pushed into a world of fate, magic and power.

Thoughts:
As I'm sure lots of people are doing I'm re-reading Paolini's series so that I can read his newest book Inheritance. It's been probably six or seven years since I've read Eragon, but I remembered flashes of the book. The two things I did remember were that I loved the series and that it seemed like the actions happened slowly. This time around, the latter was wrong. The events in this book are really one after the other. It was very quick with hardly any unneeded time between big events. Despite that it took longer for me to finish the book this time than I anticipated. It might be partly that I've read it before and the suspense and excitement of it was as big as it was my first time. The other reason is that I forgot that this is really a young adult book. I found the writing oddly juvenile from what I remembered. I had to conclude that I've moved past books like these a while ago and it took me sixty or so pages in before I was able to ignore it in favor for the story itself. The story itself is as great as it was when I read it the first time. There were instances where I wanted 'more' to the story; more description, more on Eragon's development, more on him as a person. Paolini was only 19 when he published this first book I believe so I'm anticipating that each next book with get progressively better. I'm particularly looking forward to his fourth book. So, because of the writing style, I had to drop my rating down to a four, but nonetheless, I do highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys fantasy. :)

Favorite Line:
'Eragon gazed doubtfully at the bay. It was so much smaller than Saphria that for an absurd moment he wondered if it could bear his weight.'
-- (Pg 119)

79. Reflex - Steven Gould
Genre: Science Fiction
Pages: 380
Rating: 4 Stars

Summary:
When Davy was younger he discovered that he could teleport. At first it was only when he was frightened but he learned to control it and has used it for more than just survival. Now he's been captured by people intent on conditioning and owning him.

Thoughts:
I liked Jumper and was excited to see a sequel, and I was not disappointed. I started this book in bed last night and had to read it all the way through because I didn't want to put it down. There's a lot of suspense and it kept me on edge the whole time. The story doesn't unfold too fast or too slow, and the story itself is well thought out. There were a few things that I wanted to be explained more but I will live. A good book, but read Jumper first.

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

Half Prince looks interesting. What site do you read manga on? I used to know a couple, but I don't remember them. They used to be in my browser history. . . but a new computer kind of killed that. And I'm woefully lazy when it comes to filtering through manga sites as I seem to find shady ones.

I usually read my manga on mangareader.net. mangfox is another one that's good. :)

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

This was a graphic novel: all graphic novels have been moved here

80. Alta - Mercedes Lackey
Genre - High Fantasy
Pages: 402
Rating: 3 Stars

Summary:
In his native country, Alta, Vetch - now named Kiron - finds his fate interconnected with Orest, youngest son of the Lord Ya-tiren, and the girl Aket-ten, a "Winged One" who can speak with animals. Vetch begins a new career teaching other Altan males how to bond with dragons from the egg, and thus raises himself in both the other jouster's eyes, and his own eyes.

Thoughts:
I enjoyed the book until about halfway through. Then I just wanted to finish it. I enjoyed the dragons and most anything about them, but when Kiron interacted with other humans I lost interest. Not sure why, the story itself is entertaining if a little simple. Maybe that's what it was. I would say that it's because I've read a variety of Lackey's books now and that her writing style and predictability is getting old, but that's not it, because I love most of her Valdemar books. Hmm. Well, anyways, the story is okay, a little less entertaining than the first Dragon Jouster book. I've heard it goes downhill from here, so I probably won’t read the next two books. I'd suggest reading the book only if you’re a die-hard fan of Lackey and want to read all her books.

Favorite Quote:
'"'It's better to have a scorpion out in the open than under the bed.'"'
-- (Pg 174)

81. Alanna: The First Adventure - Tamora Pierce
Genre: High Fantasy
Pages: 274
Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
Alanna wants to be a great warrior maiden. But in the land of Tortall, women aren't allowed to train as warriors. So Alanna disguises herself as a boy and takes her twin's, Thom, place as a knight in training. Soon, she gets the admiration of many, including the crown prince, with her strong work ethic and her thirst for knowledge. But can she continue for eight years while keeping her gender a secret?

Thoughts:
This was a favorite of mine when I first read it years ago, and I had a sudden impulse today to read the series again. Because the book isn't long and has large font it only took me a few hours to finish this one, and it is still high on my list. There's simplicity to the writing that I didn't catch last time, but the book was probably meant for 13 and up. Nonetheless, I still enjoyed myself immensely as I read. It's probably the story. I'm a sucker for stories where girls disguise themselves as boys or ignore society's rules and do "manly" things. It must be my independent, semi-feminist part crowing in delight. :) The book was too short for me this time around. I want more of Alanna. At the same time, the flow of the book seemed right. It spanned four years and I was never bored or impatient. Highly recommended

Favorite Quote:
"I'll be fine."
"You're sure?"
"Of course. Would I have said so, if I wasn't?"
"Yes."

How do you count graphic novels in when counting books you've read? If I count each volume as one book I've read a substantial amount. But did I really? Graphic novels are more images than words, and each volume is only around 200 pages. Is it fair that I count them as one book each?

It's completely up to you. I count them by volume, same with comic books--though I don't usually read issues, but collections. I'm not sure what I would do with issues since those seem so teensy tiny. If it feels wrong to count by volume, maybe pick a number, like 5 volumes, equals 1 'book' or go by series and count the longer ones as however many books it felt like you read. But really, I don't see anything wrong with counting each volume. You still need to 'read' the images to understand what's happening. *shrug

Sounds good to me :)

82. A Lady Awakened - Cecilia Grant
Genre: Historical Romance
Pages: 346
Rating: 5 Stars

Summary:
Newly widowed and desperate to protect her estate for her recent husband's brother, Martha makes a plan to conceive a child and thus take the inheritance. So she approaches her neighbor, Theophilius who has a wicked reputation, and offers her business proposal of a month of sexual intercourse. Theo agrees and sets out to show her the pleasures involved when he sees she's dead set on enjoying any of it. So begins the scandal. But neither of them expected love to come out of it.

Thoughts:
I'll admit when I first got this book I figured it would be entertaining with some good sex scenes but not much else. Boy was I wrong. Granted, this is a scandal, and there's some suspense involved, but there was so much more to the book as well. The interactions between Martha and Theo are heartbreakingly honest. The character's themselves are honest; honest to themselves. There's no acting based on society and its rules. Because this is a scandal and strictly a business proposal, they can be honest and forthcoming. There's no weight to do or be what they're not. I enjoyed it immensely. I could relate so well to Martha that it was gratifying to see someone else with the same thoughts and feelings, even if that someone is a fictional character. This is no fluff. This is real. This is an amazing story. I could wish for more on the ending, but perhaps there will be a sequel? I hope. I'm sure regardless, I will be reading more from Grant in the future. Great debut!

Favorite Line:
'"That's wonderful. That's an excellent beginning. What is your hand doing there?" She might have said nothing. She might have carried on with the conversation and never acknowledged the upward migration of his hand until suddenly she was gasping in the middle of some observation about butter. If she were frail and foolish, she might have done that.'
-- (Pg 205)

>57 Kassilem: I kind of had to laugh, because of between all those magna, you had Eragon. I think the juvenile writing ends somewhat at the end of the second book, but much on the third and fourth.

I hope to find you on the 75 for 2012 Thread!

If anyone can't find it here's a link for you :) I have my real name on it so you wont find it under Kassilem.
Link