Thirst: The Eternal Dawn

by Christopher Pike

I read a lot of his books in jr. high.  This series, Thirst, is for adults, and a lot of fun to read.  In this third book, Alisa, the main character, is a 5,000-year-old vampire who has adjusted to living among humans well enough to blend in 99.9% of the time.  This 0.1% is where the story picks up.  It helps to have read the first two books, only for the background.  It's not necessary, but makes the book more complete.  Although these are "adult" books, and have some language and minimal sexual situations/suggestions, they are quick and easy to read.  I recommend them if you like vampires, adventures, and something that makes you think about the moral high ground without even realizing it.

****

Torn

by Robin Wasserman

I finally finished the last book in the Cold Awakening series.  I was so excited to see how the ends were all wrapped up and just what happened to each of the characters.  A futuristic reality where brains are scanned when bodies are injured beyond repair and placed into new bodies that are more sturdy and nearly unbreakable, the question arises:  Although intelligence is in the brain, where does a soul reside?  When a brain and connected memories are given a new body, does that mean a person is the same as before?  It was interesting to think about consequences, opinions, etc as I read this book.  In the end, the loose ends....well.  Let's just say it wasn't the ending I had anticipated.  Still a fun series to read, not one I'd read again.

***

Blood Like Poison

by M. Leighton

This free Kindle ebook was a fun fantasy tale including vampires, humans, and blood.  Not in the typical "suck you blood" way, though.  This time blood can be poison.  I found it fun to read, exciting at times and a little slow at other times.  It's part of a series, so I'll keep an eye out for the next one:  Destined for a Vampire.
***

Shattered

by Robin Wasserman

The second book in the Cold Awakening series was just as interesting as the first.  I can't say I was swept away, but I was definitely interested in what happened as Lia and her "friends" deal with technology and adults they neither understand nor fathom.  Nice twist at the end made picking up book 3 very easy.  A little language, but better than most middle school hallways by a long shot.  Young adult for sure.

***

Reckless

by Cornelia Funke

I can usually get into a fantasy book after a few chapters. This one, however has such a dark twist I just couldn't get past it. I think, I just wasn't in the mood for a fantasy book. Whatever the reason, after a few chapters, I put it down...and returned it to the library unfinished... :/

**

Sixteen Brides

by Stephanie Whitson

I found this for free from amazon.com for my Kindle app. It was a little slow to start, but needed to lay a foundation for the rest of the story to unfold. Once it did - it was great! It's the late 1800's, the Civil War is over, and people are homesteading and moving west (to Nebraska). This tale shares the stories of sixteen women who end up in Nebraska Territory with one goal in mind: a new life. They got it! Great book!!

****

Anastasia's Secret

by Susanne Dunlap

All I know about Princess Anastasia of Russia is from the animated movie, "Anastasia". It was good to read a story with some truth in its story. The actual story isn't true, but the characters, locations, and some incidences are. What a great way to learn about history, without realizing it. Good book!!

***

City of Bones

by Cassandra Clare

Wow. I had heard this was a great series, but was on a long waiting list...now I know why! It IS wonderful! I had a hard time putting it down; when I did, I knew I'd pick it right back up and get lost in it immediately. It's a great book for young adults - no sex, no graphic violence, a few OMG's, but no other swearing (that I remember). Just a great story to get lost it.

I'm getting on the list for the next book right now!

****

Fair Maiden

by Cheri Schmidt

Another book by this author... and again, I couldn't put it down! This updated fairytale just kept me on the edge of my page. Well written, twists and turns, and clean romance kept me going. I would definitely say this is a good book!

****

Time of the Witches

by Anna Myers

Phew! Talk about intense. This historical fiction had me thinking the entire time: is she next? is she next? Ack!!

A young girls lives is Salem Village and deals first hand with the craze that arises when people are accused of witchcraft. Great book! Easy read! Lots of history, but not boring at all.

****

Newes from the Dead

by Mary Hooper

Here's the caption on the cover: "She was dead. And minutes away from being dissected. Then she woke up." That pretty much says it all. During the 1600's dissection was the only way doctors and scientists could learn about the human body. Just as today, they were intrigued by how the body and brain worked, and wanted to know all they could. Anne Green made choices that, through "the law", led to her death...almost. Great book!!

****

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

by J. K. Rowling

Wow...! I had the Hardest time putting this one down! I have always thought H.P. to be for kids...it is, but it's not. There's no many different layers. Kids will enjoy reading it, but might get a little scared if they're young. I found profound lessons for life as I read...

Definitely a must-read!!

*****

I'm going to take a break for a little while...need to catch up on a few projects before diving back into a book.

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince

by J. K. Rowling

Harry is now in his sixth year at Hogwarts. He knows he can trust his friends and he wants to get on with life.

He has endured hardship, sorrow, joy, and peace...he again visits those feelings this year. He has resolved to fight darkness and his friends are by his side!

GREAT!!

*****

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

by J. K. Rowling

I actually finished this book a couple of weeks ago, but I forgot to post it. So, here goes.

I love how each book in the series adds another dimension to the entire story. This time the author adds adult influence in it's finest form. Harry finally has adults to look to as role models, to answer questions, and to guide him.

LOVE IT!!

*****