The Books of My Life

Teaser Tuesdays : The Fires of Heaven and Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan

2012-01-31T08:00:00.043+08:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted at Should Be Reading.

Share 2 teaser sentences from your current read. Be careful not to include spoilers.

The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan

From Page 663

"Until yesterday I have followed men of other lands because I must. You I will follow because I want to. Perhaps you are not a lord in Andor, but here, I say that you are, and I pledge myself your man."

Lord of Chaos by Robert Jordan

From Page 102

"I follow you because you are who you are," Bashere said quietly. "The world must follow you, or those who survive will wish themselves dead."

Teaser Tuesdays : The Dragon Reborn and The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan

2012-01-24T09:00:00.037+08:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted at Should Be Reading.

Share 2 teaser sentences from your current read. Be careful not to include spoilers.

The Dragon Reborn by Robert Jordan

From Page 271

"We were the counter to the Dreadlords. The Battle Ajah. And now we stand ready, for the Trollocs to come south again, for Tarmon Gai'don, the Last Battle. We will be there. That is what it means to be a Green."

The Shadow Rising by Robert Jordan

From Page 879

"The Shadow rises again, Gaidal. It rises here. We must fight it. That is the reason we were bound to the Wheel. "

Happy Chinese New Year 2012

2012-01-23T00:00:00.007+08:00

Teaser Tuesdays : The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan

2012-01-17T08:00:00.031+08:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted at Should Be Reading.

Share 2 teaser sentences from your current read. Be careful not to include spoilers.

The Great Hunt by Robert Jordan

From Page 661-662

"You are here. The banner is here. The weave of this moment is set. We have come to the Horn, but we must follow the banner. And the Dragon."

Teaser Tuesdays : The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

2012-01-10T09:00:00.071+08:00

Teaser Tuesdays is hosted at Should Be Reading.

Share 2 teaser sentences from your current read. Be careful not to include spoilers.

The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan

Page 552

"Till shade is gone, till water is gone, into the Shadow with teeth bared, screaming defiance with the last breath, to spit in Sightblinder's eye on the Last Day."

In My Mailbox

2012-01-08T08:30:00.090+08:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted at The Story Siren.

Anyone can participate. IMM is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week.

Bought:

Only Time Will Tell by Jeffrey Archer

From the internationally bestselling author of Kane and Abel and A Prisoner of Birth comes Only Time Will Tell, the first in an ambitious new series that tells the story of one family across generations, across oceans, from heartbreak to triumph.

The epic tale of Harry Clifton’s life begins in 1920, with the words “I was told that my father was killed in the war.” A dock worker in Bristol, Harry never knew his father, but he learns about life on the docks from his uncle, who expects Harry to join him at the shipyard once he’s left school. But then an unexpected gift wins him a scholarship to an exclusive boys’ school, and his life will never be the same again.

As he enters into adulthood, Harry finally learns how his father really died, but the awful truth only leads him to question, was he even his father? Is he the son of Arthur Clifton, a stevedore who spent his whole life on the docks, or the firstborn son of a scion of West Country society, whose family owns a shipping line?

This introductory novel in Archer’s ambitious series The Clifton Chronicles includes a cast of colorful characters and takes us from the ravages of the Great War to the outbreak of the Second World War, when Harry must decide whether to take up a place at Oxford or join the navy and go to war with Hitler’s Germany. From the docks of working-class England to the bustling streets of 1940 New York City, Only Time Will Tell takes readers on a journey through to future volumes, which will bring to life one hundred years of recent history to reveal a family story that neither the reader nor Harry Clifton himself could ever have imagined.

The Famous Heroine / The Plumed Bonnet by Mary Balogh

THE FAMOUS HEROINE
Cora Downes has beauty, spirit, and money, but no breeding. Yet when she gains renown for a daring rescue, she finds herself thrust into high society. Innocent and adrift in a world of beautiful banquets, bejeweled gowns, and snobbish standards, Cora is quickly compromised into a marriage—to a frivolous lord whose interests seem to lie elsewhere. But could piercingly blue-eyed and well-mannered Francis Kneller turn out to be the most unexpected love of her life?

THE PLUMED BONNET
Alistair Munro, the Duke of Bridgwater, is looking for love outside the bounds of polite society. And that’s what he expects to receive when he rescues a seemingly disreputable girl in a colorful bonnet off the side of the road. Yet Stephanie Gray, a former governess, has recently come into money and is eager for a proper match with a well-born man. Sure that he’s sullied her name, Alistair offers marriage to make amends. And in this unlikely union, Stephanie and Alistair make a welcome discovery—that sometimes it’s possible to marry first, then fall in love.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See

Lily is haunted by memories–of who she once was, and of a person, long gone, who defined her existence. She has nothing but time now, as she recounts the tale of Snow Flower, and asks the gods for forgiveness.

In nineteenth-century China, when wives and daughters were foot-bound and lived in almost total seclusion, the women in one remote Hunan county developed their own secret code for communication: nu shu (“women’s writing”). Some girls were paired with laotongs, “old sames,” in emotional matches that lasted throughout their lives. They painted letters on fans, embroidered messages on handkerchiefs, and composed stories, thereby reaching out of their isolation to share their hopes, dreams, and accomplishments.

With the arrival of a silk fan on which Snow Flower has composed for Lily a poem of introduction in nu shu, their friendship is sealed and they become “old sames” at the tender age of seven. As the years pass, through famine and rebellion, they reflect upon their arranged marriages, loneliness, and the joys and tragedies of motherhood. The two find solace, developing a bond that keeps their spirits alive. But when a misunderstanding arises, their lifelong friendship suddenly threatens to tear apart.

Snow Flower and the Secret Fan is a brilliantly realistic journey back to an era of Chinese history that is as deeply moving as it is sorrowful. With the period detail and deep resonance of Memoirs of a Geisha, this lyrical and emotionally charged novel delves into one of the most mysterious of human relationships: female friendship.

The Kite Runner by Khaled Hosseini

The timely and critically acclaimed debut novel that's becoming a word-of-mouth phenomenon. An epic tale of fathers and sons, of friendship and betrayal, that takes us from Afghanistan in the final days of the monarchy to the atrocities of the present.

The unforgettable, heartbreaking story of the unlikely friendship between a wealthy boy and the son of his father's servant, The Kite Runner is a beautifully crafted novel set in a country that is in the process of being destroyed. It is about the power of reading, the price of betrayal, and the possibility of redemption, and it is also about the power of fathers over sons-their love, their sacrifices, their lies.

The first Afghan novel to be written in English, The Kite Runner tells a sweeping story of family, love, and friendship against a backdrop of history that has not been told in fiction before, bringing to mind the large canvases of the Russian writers of the nineteenth century. But just as it is old-fashioned in its narration, it is contemporary in its subject-the devastating history of Afghanistan over the last thirty years. As emotionally gripping as it is tender, The Kite Runner is an unusual and powerful debut.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro

From the Booker Prize-winning author of The Remains of the Day comes a devastating new novel of innocence, knowledge, and loss. As children Kathy, Ruth, and Tommy were students at Hailsham, an exclusive boarding school secluded in the English countryside. It was a place of mercurial cliques and mysterious rules where teachers were constantly reminding their charges of how special they were.

Now, years later, Kathy is a young woman. Ruth and Tommy have reentered her life. And for the first time she is beginning to look back at their shared past and understand just what it is that makes them special–and how that gift will shape the rest of their time together. Suspenseful, moving, beautifully atmospheric, Never Let Me Go is another classic by the author of The Remains of the Day.

[ What I spent on the books : RM 111.35]

Eclectic Reader Challenge 2012

2012-01-02T16:17:00.000+08:00

Eclectic Reader Challenge 2012 is hosted on Book'd Out. The guidelines are as described below :
Timeline : 1st January 2012 - 31st Dec 2012.

You do NOT need a blog to participate.
Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
Books may overlap other challenges.
You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
You need to read a book from each of the genres listed:

Literary Fiction
Crime/Mystery Fiction
Romantic Fiction
Historical Fiction
Young Adult
Fantasy
Science Fiction
Non Fiction
Horror
Thriller /Suspense
Classic
Your favourite genre

Learn more and sign up here.

What's In a Name 5 Reading Challenge

2012-01-02T16:02:00.000+08:00

What's In a Name 5 challenge is hosted on Beth Fish Reads. The guidelines are as described below :
Timeline : 1st January 2012 - 31st Dec 2012.

You do NOT need a blog to participate.
Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
Books may overlap other challenges.
You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
You need to read 1 book from each category listed:

A book with a topographical feature (land formation) in the title
A book with something you'd see in the sky in the title
A book with a creepy crawly in the title
A book with a type of house in the title
A book with something you'd carry in your pocket, purse, or backpack in the title
A book with a something you'd find on a calendar in the title

Learn more and sign up here.

2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge

2012-01-01T19:02:00.000+08:00

2012 Outdo Yourself Reading Challenge is hosted on The Book Vixen. The guidelines are as described below :
Timeline : 1st January 2012 - 31st Dec 2012.

You do NOT need a blog to participate.
Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
Books may overlap other challenges.
You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
The goal is to outdo yourself by reading more books in 2012 than you did in 2011.
Learn more and sign up here.

I signed up for Level Getting my heart rate up i.e. to read 1-5 more books than I did in 2011.

Tea & Books Reading Challenge

2012-01-01T18:39:00.001+08:00

Tea & Books Reading Challenge is hosted on The Book Garden. The guidelines are as described below :
Timeline : 1st January 2012 - 31st Dec 2012.

You do NOT need a blog to participate.
Both physical and eBooks are allowed.
Books may overlap other challenges.
You do not have to make a list of books before hand.
You will only get to read books with more than 700 pages.
Learn more and sign up here.

I signed up for Level Earl Grey Aficionado i.e. 6 Books. However, since I've already reached that target at the end of January 2012, I've decided to upgrade to Sencha Connoisseur i.e. 8 books.

2012 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge

2012-01-01T18:16:00.000+08:00

2012 Book Blogger Recommendation Challenge is hosted on Reading with Tequila. The guidelines are as described below :
Timeline : 1st January 2012 - 31st Dec 2012.

You do NOT need a blog to participate.
Books may be any form (audio, print, e-book).
Books may overlap other challenges.
Chose your own books from the Book Blogger recommendation list. You do not have to make a list of books before the challenge begins.
Rereads do not count towards the completion of the challenge.
Learn more and sign up here.

I signed up for Level I i.e. to read 5 books from the Book Blogger Recommendation List.

Year 2011 Wrap-Up

2012-01-01T08:30:00.169+08:00

December Reads:

Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balogh
Forbidden by Jo Beverley

December Published Reviews:

Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb
Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb
Conspiracy in Death by J.D. Robb
Judgement in Death by J.D. Robb
Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb
Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb
Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balogh
Forbidden by Jo Beverley

2011 Statistics:

Books Read = 74 (100+ Reading Challenge)
New Reads = 44
New Books = 36 (The Year's Bounty)
Books Bought = 27
Books on Wish List = 75 (The Ever Growing Wish List)
Books Added to Wish List = 29
Wish List Reads = 8
Borrowed or Unread Books = 14 (What's Left on the To-Be-Read Pile?)
Number of Published Reviews = 80
Number of Signed Up Challenges = 13

2011 Completed Challenges :

2011 Failed Challenges :

2011 Top 10 Reads :

The Passage by Justin Cronin
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld
Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
About a Dragon by G.A. Aiken
Fire by Kristin Cashore
Blood Oath by Christopher Farnsworth
I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore
The Replacement by Brenna Yovanoff

What's Left on the To-Be-Read Pile ?

2011-12-31T16:11:00.001+08:00

2011 To-Be-Read List (In My Mailbox)

Aiken, G. A.: ~~Dragon Actually~~ (Review)
Aiken, G. A.: ~~About a Dragon~~ (Review)
Aiken, G. A.: ~~What a Dragon Should Know~~ (Review)
Canavan, Trudi: ~~The Ambassador's Mission~~ (Review)
Canavan, Trudi: ~~Priestess of the White~~ (Review)
Canavan, Trudi: ~~Last of the Wilds~~ (Review)
Canavan, Trudi: ~~Voice of the Gods~~ (Review)
Cashore, Kristin: ~~Fire~~ (Review)
Cashore, Kristin: ~~Graceling~~ (Review)
Christie, Agatha : ~~Third Girl~~ (Review)
Christie, Agatha : ~~Partners in Crime~~ (Review)
Clare, Cassandra: ~~Clockwork Angel~~ (Review)
Colfer, Eoin: ~~Artemis Fowl and The Atlantis Complex~~ (Review)
Cronin, Justin: ~~The Passage~~ (Review)
Farnsworth, Christopher: ~~Blood Oath~~ (Review)
Follett, Ken : ~~The Pillars of the Earth~~ (Review)
Follett, Ken : ~~World Without End~~ (Review)
Gaiman, Neil: ~~Coraline~~ (Review)
Giorello, Sibella: ~~The Mountains Bow Down~~ (Review)
Gregory, Philippa: ~~The Queen's Fool~~ (Review)
Gregory, Philippa: ~~The Virgin's Lover~~ (Review)
Gregory, Philippa: ~~The White Queen~~ (Review)
Gregory, Philippa: ~~The Red Queen~~ (Review)
Jordan, Robert: The Eye of the World (Review)
Jordan, Robert: The Great Hunt (Review)
Jordan, Robert: The Dragon Reborn (Review)
Jordan, Robert: The Shadow Rising (Review)
Jordan, Robert: The Fires of Heaven (Review)
Jordan, Robert: Lord of Chaos (Review)
Jordan, Robert: A Crown of Swords (Review)
Jordan, Robert: The Path of Daggers (Review)
Jordan, Robert: Winter's Heart (Review)
Jordan, Robert: Crossroads of Twilight (Review)
Jordan, Robert: Knife of Dreams (Review)
Jordan, Robert and Sanderson, Brandon: The Gathering Storm (Review)
Kaplan, Mitchell James: ~~By Fire, By Water~~ (Review)
Kenyon, Sherrilyn: ~~No Mercy~~ (Review)
Kessler, Jackie Morse: Hunger (Review)
King, Stephen: ~~Under the Dome~~ (Review)
Koontz, Dean : ~~Your Heart Belongs to Me~~ (Review)
Larsson, Stieg: ~~The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo~~ (Review)
Larsson, Stieg: ~~The Girl Who Played with Fire~~ (Review)
Larsson, Stieg: ~~The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest~~ (Review)
Lee, Harper: ~~To Kill a Mockingbird~~ (Review)
Lewis, Jon: ~~Invasion~~ (Review)
Lore, Pittacus: ~~I Am Number Four~~ (Review)
Nix, Garth: ~~The Violet Keystone~~ (Review)
Parish, James Robert: ~~The Hollywood Book of Breakups~~ (Review)
Preston, LM: ~~ARC of Bandits~~ (Review)
Riordan, Rick: The Lost Hero (Review)
Robb, J.D. : ~~Fantasy in Death~~ (Review)
Robb, J.D. : ~~Indulgence in Death~~ (Review)
Robb, J.D.: ~~Treachery in Death~~ (Review)
Sage, Angie: ~~Darke~~ (Review)
Scott, Michael: ~~The Alchemyst~~ (Review)
Scott, Michael: ~~The Magician~~ (Review)
Scott, Michael: ~~The Sorceress~~ (Review)
Stewart, Paul & Riddell, Chris: ~~The Rook Trilogy~~ (Review)
Westerfeld, Scott: ~~Leviathan~~ (Review)
Westerfeld, Scott: ~~Behemoth~~ (Review)
Yovanoff, Brenna: ~~The Replacement~~ (Review)

The Year's Bounty

2011-12-27T21:30:00.004+08:00

2011 Additions to my personal library (Teaser Tuesdays)

Aiken, G. A.: ~~Dragon Actually~~ (Review)
Aiken, G. A.: ~~About a Dragon~~ (Review)
Aiken, G. A.: ~~What a Dragon Should Know~~ (Review)
Cashore, Kristin: ~~Fire~~ (Review)
Cashore, Kristin: ~~Graceling~~ (Review)
Christie, Agatha : ~~Third Girl~~ (Review)
Christie, Agatha : ~~Partners in Crime~~ (Review)
Clare, Cassandra: ~~Clockwork Angel~~ (Review)
Colfer, Eoin: ~~Artemis Fowl and The Atlantis Complex~~ (Review)
Cronin, Justin: ~~The Passage~~ (Review)
Farnsworth, Christopher: ~~Blood Oath~~ (Review)
Follett, Ken : ~~The Pillars of the Earth~~ (Review)
Follett, Ken : ~~World Without End~~ (Review)
Gaiman, Neil: ~~Coraline~~ (Review)
Giorello, Sibella: ~~The Mountains Bow Down~~ (Review)
Gregory, Philippa: ~~The Queen's Fool~~ (Review)
Gregory, Philippa: ~~The Virgin's Lover~~ (Review)
Gregory, Philippa: ~~The White Queen~~ (Review)
Gregory, Philippa: ~~The Red Queen~~ (Review)
Kaplan, Mitchell James: ~~By Fire, By Water~~ (Review)
Kenyon, Sherrilyn: ~~No Mercy~~ (Review)
King, Stephen: ~~Under the Dome~~ (Review)
Koontz, Dean : ~~Your Heart Belongs to Me~~ (Review)
Larsson, Stieg: ~~The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo~~ (Review)
Larsson, Stieg: ~~The Girl Who Played with Fire~~ (Review)
Larsson, Stieg: ~~The Girl Who Kicked the Hornets' Nest~~ (Review)
Lee, Harper: ~~To Kill a Mockingbird~~ (Review)
Lewis, Jon: ~~Invasion~~ (Review)
Lore, Pittacus: ~~I Am Number Four~~ (Review)
Preston, LM: ~~ARC of Bandits~~ (Review)
Riordan, Rick: The Lost Hero (Review)
Robb, J.D. : ~~Fantasy in Death~~ (Review)
Robb, J.D.: ~~Indulgence in Death~~ (Review)
Robb, J.D.: ~~Treachery in Death~~ (Review)
Stewart, Paul & Riddell, Chris: ~~The Rook Trilogy~~ (Review)
Yovanoff, Brenna: ~~The Replacement~~ (Review)

Review : Forbidden by Jo Beverley

2011-12-26T08:30:00.034+08:00

Title : Forbidden Author : Jo Beverley Reading Dates : 4 Dec - 9 Dec 2011
The Company of Rogues An Arranged Marriage An Unwilling Bride Christmas Angel Forbidden Dangerous Joy The Dragon's Bride Skylark The Rogue's Return To Rescue a Rogue

From Amazon : Finally freed from a cruel, depraved husband, Serena Riverton wants nothing more to do with men or marriage. Fate and her brothers give her no choice except to flee - into a storm, and into the arms of a stranger. Without friend or fortune, Serena seduces the handsome lord. But just one night together will start a sequence of events that threatens to destroy them both. Francis, Lord Middlethorpe's life is planned and orderly, including marriage to Lady Anne Peckworth, a rich and suitable lady. But now he is haunted by memories of one passionate night with Serena, the wicked siren who tempted him with pleasures he had never known. Caught between duty and desire, he must choose between his reputation and a love like no other.

Book Review of Forbidden.

I’ve always enjoyed Forbidden for 2 reasons. The first is because I enjoy the idea of The Company of Rogues and the other is the hero, Francis Haile.

The Company of Rogues has always seemed such a wonderful group to me. A group of men and women comprising of both commoners and nobles, formed initially in childhood for the sole purpose of protection and evolving into a family one can depend on always. This group of assorted men and women with their different skills always seem to have the right mix to attend to the complex problems they encounter and I just enjoy watching them put their personal strengths to use.

The other reason I enjoy Forbidden is the main character, Francis Haile. Francis is a breath of fresh air because I’ve rarely had historical romances portray a hero as being gentle without seeming weak.

The only complain I have against Forbidden is the writing. There are times when the exchanges seem a bit abrupt. And while this doesn’t lessen my appreciation for the story, it does usually gives me pause as I need to reorder my thinking.

Despite that minor complain though, this is another old favourite

My conclusions :

Would I re-read the book ? Yes, this is one of my favorite historical romances.
Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes, but I Forbidden remains my favorite within the series.
Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
Who would I recommend this too? Romance readers.
For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

The Ever Growing Wish List ...

2011-12-24T21:00:00.105+08:00

2011 Wishes ( Waiting on Wednesdays, Friday Finds, On My Wishlist )

Aiken, G.A.: Last Dragon Standing
Aiken, G.A.: The Dragon Who Loved Me
Austen, Jane : Lady Susan
Austen, Jane : The Watsons
Austen, Jane : Sanditon
Bardsley, Michele : I’m the Vampire, That’s Why
Barnholdt, Lauren : Two-way Street
Beagle, Peter S. : The Last Unicorn
Beddor, Frank : The Looking Glass Wars
Beddor, Frank : Seeing Redd
Beddor, Frank : ArchEnemy
Bishop, Anne : Daughter of the Blood
Bishop, Anne : Heir to the Shadows
Bishop, Anne : Queen of the Darkness
Blum, Jenna : The Stormchasers
Bow, Erin : Plain Kate
Bracken, Alexandra : Brightly Woven
Brook, Meljean : The Iron Duke
Canavan, Trudi : ~~The Ambassador's Mission~~ (Review)
Canavan, Trudi: The Rogue
Carriger, Gail : Soulless
Carriger, Gail : Changeless
Carriger, Gail : Blameless
Christopher, Lucy : Flyaway
Delsol, Wendy : Stork
Eagland, Jane : Wildthorn
Farnsworth, Christopher: The President's Vampire
Gaiman, Neil and Pratchett, Terry: Good Omens
Gaiman, Neil : Interworld
Gaiman, Neil : Mirrormask
Gaiman, Neil : The Wolves in the Walls
Gaiman, Neil : Odd and The Frost Giants
Gaiman, Neil : Absolute Death
Gaiman, Neil : Stories : All-New Tales
George, Jessica Day : Princess of the Midnight Ball
Gregory, Philippa: The Lady of the Rivers
Heyer, Georgette : Lady of Quality
Heyer, Georgette : The Foundling
Heyer, Georgette : The Conqueror
Heyer, Georgette : The Masqueraders
Heyer, Georgette : The Spanish Bride
Kenyon, Sherrilyn : ~~No Mercy~~ (Review)
Kenyon, Sherrilyn : Infinity : Chronicles of Nick
Kenyon, Sherrilyn : In Other Worlds
Koontz, Dean : Odd Thomas
Koontz, Dean : Forever Odd
Koontz, Dean : In Odd We Trust
Koontz, Dean : Odd Is On Our Side
Kurland, Lynn : From This Moment On
Kurland, Lynn : This Is All I Ask
Lore, Pittacus : The Power of Six
Maitland, Karen : Company of Liars : A Novel
McCarthy, Erin : High Stakes
McKillip, Patricia A. : The Sorceress and the Cygnet
McKillip, Patricia A. : The Cygnet and the Firebird
Nix, Garth : ~~The Violet Keystone~~ (Review)
Price, Kalayna : Grave Witch : An Alex Craft Novel
Robb, J.D. : Kindred in Death
Robb, J.D. : Missing in Death
Robb, J.D. : ~~Fantasy in Death~~ (Review)
Robb, J.D. : ~~Indulgence in Death~~ (Review)
Sage, Angie : ~~Darke~~ (Review)
Skye, Obert: The Eyes of the Want
Skye, Obert: The Wrath of Ezra
Skye, Obert: The Ruins of Alder
Violi, Jennifer : Putting Makeup on Dead People
Ward, J. R. : Lover Mine
Ward, J. R. : Lover Unleashed
Webster, Jean : Daddy-Long-Legs
Webster, Jean : Dear Enemy
Westerfeld, Scott : ~~Behemoth~~ (Review)
Westerfeld, Scott : Goliath
Westerfeld, Scott : Touching Darkness
Westerfeld, Scott : Blue Noon
Yovanoff, Brenna : ~~The Replacement~~ (Review)

Review : Slightly Scadalous by Mary Balogh

2011-12-23T08:00:00.031+08:00

Title : Slightly Scandalous Author : Mary Balogh Reading Dates : 3 Dec - 3 Dec 2011
Slightly Slightly Married Slightly Wicked Slightly Scandalous Slightly Tempted Slightly Sinful Slightly Dangerous

From Amazon : Meet the Bedwyns…six brothers and sisters—men and women of passion and privilege, daring and sensuality. Enter their dazzling world of high society and breathtaking seduction…where each will seek love, fight temptation, and court scandal…and where Freyja Bedwyn, the wild-hearted daughter, meets her match in a man as passionate, reckless, and scandalous as she. Growing up with four unruly brothers has made Freyja Bedwyn far bolder than most society ladies. From feisty manner to long, tumbling hair, Lady Freyja is pure fire, a woman who seeks both adventure and freedom. Adventure soon finds her on a visit to Bath, when a handsome stranger bursts into Freyja's room and entreats her to hide him. His name is Joshua Moore, Marquess of Hallmere, a man with a hell-raising reputation of his own who is quickly intrigued by the independent beauty. So intrigued, in fact, that he makes her a surprising request: to pose as his fiancée and help thwart his family's matchmaking schemes. For two people determined to be free, it's the perfect plan…until passion blindsides them both. For as Joshua sets out to achieve his complete seduction of Freyja, a woman who has sworn off love is in danger of losing the one thing she never expected to give again: her heart…

Book Review of Slightly Scandalous.

I’ve read all but the last book in the series and this one remains my favourite in the series. Besides, Slightly Scandalous also has one of my favourite romance couples.

The main reason I love it though are the 2 main characters. They truly are perfect for each other. Both of them are very honest about their feelings for each other. Neither will let the other get away with anything whether in life or play. Joshua would never think to give in to Freyja because of his feelings for her or because she’s a lady. And Freyja would punish him if he tried. I also love how Joshua manages to see the fun in everything and how Freyja challenges her fears head on. It’s always a joy to follow them as get to know each other and fall in love.

The other is the theme of family and friendship. Whether it is the Bedwyns or the friends Joshua has made. It was really fun and moving how they stood up for each other without needing to be asked. It was the reason I picked up the other books in the series, even if the other books don’t quite live up to my expectations.

My conclusions :

Would I re-read the book ? Definitely. I've already re-read it a few times.
Would I want to read the next book in the series ? If I hadn't read it, I'd probably plan to.
Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
Who would I recommend this too? Historical romance readers.
For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it. This one is a keeper and it can be read as a standalone.

Books alluded to :

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : Treachery in Death by J.D. Robb

2011-12-21T09:00:00.009+08:00

Title : Treachery in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 25 Oct - 27 Oct 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death

From Amazon : After her boss, Lieutenant Eve Dallas, suggests that New York policewoman Delia Peabody’s footwork needs some work, Delia books some time in the gym for what almost becomes a “killer” workout. Rather than visit NYPD’s brand-new, state-of-the-art exercise facilities, Peabody opts for the building’s old gym, since fewer of her well-toned, light-on-their-feet co-workers will be there. Upon arriving, Peabody has the place to herself until she hears voices and realizes that she’s listening to two cops angrily arguing about a deal in which they are both involved. Fortunately, the two leave before they realize Delia has overheard them. Not only does Peabody know the name of one of the corrupt cops, she also knows they are both guilty of murder. Now it will be up to Peabody and Eve to take these crooked cops down. The thirty-second (!) entry in Robb’s gritty, futuristic procedural series is one of the best yet: a sexy, high-stakes, high-adrenaline read that will delight series stalwarts, hook readers new to Eve Dallas, and please both mystery and romance readers. --John Charles

Book Review of Treachery In Death.

Treachery In Death was another memorable In Death book. Immediately after finishing it, I had a hankering to re-read some of the In Death books.

What makes this one stand out for me, is that Eve not only knows who she’s up against right from the start but has to set a trap to find the evidence she needs without the opponent getting wind of it. There’s no doubt that she will but how Eve and her team goes about laying the groundwork for it certainly makes for some very tension-filled reading. Especially, at the end, when everything comes together.

The other is that Renee Oberman is the opposite of what Eve holds most dear about her job as a police officer. And as in any Nora Roberts book, this represents plenty of emotionally charged moments. Even if it does get a bit cliched at times, I still couldn’t help being drawn in.

The other typical element is of course the humour. The conversations between Eve and her team is as usual filled with plenty of funny moments, even in the midst of death.

My conclusions :

Would I re-read the book ? Definitely.
Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yup, it's already on my wish list.
Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
Who would I recommend this too? Romantic suspense readers.
For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

Read another review on the book by :

In My Mailbox

Teaser Tuesdays

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, Mystery and Suspense Challenge

Review : Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb

2011-12-19T08:00:00.011+08:00

Title : Fantasy in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 19 Nov - 1 Dec 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death

From Amazon : NYPSD Lieutenant Eve Dallas must discover who's preying on those who cater to the rich and famous in the new novel by #1 New York Times bestselling author J.D. Robb.

Book Review of Indulgence In Death.

Indulgence In Death was another disappointment for me.
Mainly, this is because I felt the story lacked any emotional punch. Supposedly, Eve and her colleagues are outraged and disgusted by the selfishness of it all. And this leads to the show of solidarity and teamwork to close the case at the end. The only problem is those feelings seem to be merely surface ones and neither their words or actions quite translate to me, the reader. So, the entire story just felt flat and 2-dimensional.
This was too bad because I felt the storyline here had potential. This could have been another memorable case in the series but it simply is not. The only reason I’ll be picking this up again is because it makes up part of the series. Still, I would not have sensed the lack even if I’d skipped Indulgence in Death.

My conclusions :

Would I re-read the book ? Maybe, but mostly because it makes up a part of the In Death series.
Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes, but again because I'm a fan of the series rather than the book itself.
Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
Who would I recommend this too? In Death fans.
For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it if you're looking to complete the series. Else, borrow it.

In My Mailbox

Teaser Tuesdays

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb

2011-12-16T08:00:00.017+08:00

Title : Fantasy in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 13 Nov - 19 Nov 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death

From Amazon : The game started with a murder. Now, it's Eve Dallas's move. It is the most puzzling case Eve Dallas has ever faced: the founder of the computer gaming giant U-Play is found decapitated in his locked, private playroom. And now Eve and her team are about to enter the next level of police work, in a world where fantasy is the ultimate seduction-and the price of defeat is death...

Book Review of Fantasy In Death.

Fantasy In Death unfortunately falls short of my expectations. Not only in the mystery department but especially in terms of the story’s ability to pull the reader in.

One of In Death’s major plus points is how the cases brings home certain points, thus tugging at reader’s heartstrings. Here, however neither the victim nor the mystery seems to matter. And it wasn’t until the very end where I actually felt something for the characters in the tale. Probably because the human aspect of the story seems to have been drowned out by the science.

As for the mystery itself, I think it’s not difficult to guess where things are heading. Right from the start, I knew how the deed could have been accomplished and it just took a bit longer to identify the culprit and have it confirmed.

This definitely doesn’t meet the usual standards I have for the series.

My conclusions :

Would I re-read the book ? Probably, but mostly because it makes up a part of the In Death series.
Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes, but again because I'm a fan of the series rather than the book itself.
Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
Who would I recommend this too? In Death fans.
For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it if you're looking to complete the series. Else, borrow it.

In My Mailbox

Teaser Tuesdays

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : Judgement in Death by J.D. Robb

2011-12-14T08:30:00.013+08:00

Title : Judgement in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 30 Oct - 31 Oct 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death

From Amazon : When a cop killer cuts loose in a club called Purgatory, Detective Eve Dallas descends into an underground criminal hell.

Book Review of Judgement In Death.

Judgement in Death is memorable because it is one of those rare cases where both the readers and Eve are sympathetic to the killer. It is a kind of vindication of Eve’s dedication not just to her badge but to the rule of law because she never hesitates in pursuing justice. Yet, Eve is not without mercy. She does make a concession to the murderer’s feelings at the end.

Other than that, Judgement in Death expands on her relationship with another recurring character, Don Webster. Eve’s relationship with Webster is often difficult as she seems to despise what he does even if she respects the person. Their arguments often strike me as funny since Eve would be as quick to condemn a corrupt police officer but condemns Webster’s job.

This is definitely one of reasons I continue to read the series.

My conclusions :

Would I re-read the book ? Yes, but not soon.
Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes, although not in order.
Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
Who would I recommend this too? Romantic suspense readers.
For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : Conspiracy in Death by J.D. Robb

2011-12-09T08:30:00.010+08:00

Title : Conspiracy in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 29 Oct - 30 Oct 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death

From Amazon : Streetwise cop Eve Dallas and her trusty sidekick Peabody face a methodical killer in this latest addition to the In Death series by J.D. Robb, better known as the bestselling author Nora Roberts. In the late 21st century, on the streets of New York City, a street sleeper is found murdered, his diseased heart removed with surgical precision. His death would typically drop to the bottom of a list of senseless and inexplicable killings, but Lieutenant Dallas, who "would stand for the dead and the living," is not about to let that happen. When her research uncovers similar crimes in several cities that were dropped under mysterious circumstances, Dallas knows she's facing a killer cruel enough to prey on the weakest in society and powerful enough to conspire an extensive coverup. To complicate matters further, Dallas faces an equally troubling threat to her career when she's linked to the death of a fellow cop. Now she must fight to restore her good name as well as track down the killer. In Conspiracy in Death, Roberts creates a futuristic world of evil that Eve Dallas negotiates through tough talk and brute force. While Robb crafts the crimes with great care, she assumes a familiarity with the characters that new readers will lack. But fans of the In Death series and newcomers alike will enjoy the thrill of the chase as Eve Dallas sets out to get her man. --Nancy R.E. O'Brien

Book Review of Conspiracy In Death.

Conspiracy in Death emphasizes how important are Eve’s symbols to her. This is one of the few times we see Eve really break and it was heart wrenching the first time I read it. This time round though, it was more intriguing because I couldn’t help wondering why she would break. No doubt her symbols are important but surely she realizes as a police officer the necessity of it. After all, she’s done the same to fellow officers in the name of duty. An interesting conundrum. The other intriguing part of this is how she deals with what happened and the steps she takes to keep in the loop. Eve seemed to constantly make things harder on herself by not listening to sound advice from friends and colleagues. Also, now that her job is at risk, she’s certainly more amenable to bending her rules.

The other reason I picked this up was because here’s another book where Eve’s clique of trusted aides and friends expand. It’s always fun to read again how and why each connected.

My conclusions :

Would I re-read the book ? Yes, but not soon.
Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes, although not in order.
Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
Who would I recommend this too? Romantic suspense readers.
For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

Books alluded to :

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge

Review : Ceremony in Death by J.D. Robb

2011-12-07T08:30:00.007+08:00

Title : Ceremony in Death Author : J.D. Robb Reading Dates : 28 Oct - 29 Oct 2011
In Death Naked in Death Glory in Death Immortal in Death Rapture in Death Ceremony in Death Vengeance in Death Holiday in Death Conspiracy in Death Loyalty in Death Witness in Death Judgment in Death Betrayal in Death Seduction in Death Reunion in Death Purity in Death Portrait in Death Imitation in Death Divided in Death Visions in Death Survivor in Death Origin in Death Memory in Death Born in Death Innocent in Death Creation in Death Strangers in Death Salvation in Death Promises in Death Kindred in Death Fantasy in Death Indulgence in Death Treachery in Death

From Amazon : Eve Dallas is conducting a top secret investigation into the death of a fellow officer-but every clue brings her closer to the most seductive form of evil.

Book Review of Ceremony In Death.

The reason why I re-read Ceremony in Death is because I thought it would make a nice contrast to Treachery in Death. This particular In Death book has always fascinated me because here Eve makes what I’d always believed to be a line she would never cross for anyone, with Roarke as an exception, and yet she does. I think most readers would sympathize and understand the choice here but how Eve can make this choice without any qualms at all is a source of constant speculation for me.

The other is actually the introduction of Jamie. While he’s nowhere near as important as any of the other supporting or recurring characters of the series, I like how he and Eve deal with each other in this one. In the course of her cases and also within her expanding circle of friends Eve has had to deal with other children and teenagers. But I’ve always thought that the dynamics of Eve and Jamie’s relationship a special one because here’s a young boy she can actually relate to without any of her usual hang-ups and whom she even respects.

As for the case itself, apart from its venturing into the realms of the occult, the rest is actually pretty clear-cut right from the start. Even without Eve’s investigation results, most readers would probably be able to guess where things are heading. It would still be pretty interesting reading for a first time reader.

Other than that though, it’s the humour and the relationships Eve and Roarke forms with other people as the story progresses that keeps me coming back to the In Death series.

My conclusions :

Would I re-read the book ? Probably, but not soon.
Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Yes. although maybe not in order.
Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Yes.
Who would I recommend this too? Romantic suspense readers.
For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Buy it.

Books alluded to :

Challenges : 100+ Reading Challenge, Mystery and Suspense Challenge

Monthly Wrap-Up : November 2011

2011-12-05T08:00:00.064+08:00

I'm in a reading slump right now, and barely made a dent in the books I planned to read.

November Reads:

Fantasy in Death by J.D. Robb
Indulgence in Death by J.D. Robb

Published Reviews:

Behemoth by Scott Westerfeld
The Alchemyst by Michael Scott
The Magician by Michael Scott
The Sorceress by Michael Scott
Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl and The Arctic Incident by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl and The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl and The Opal Deception by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl and The Lost Colony by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl and The Time Paradox by Eoin Colfer
Artemis Fowl and The Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer

I'd actually planned to read some of these in November but ...

December Reads:

Slightly Scandalous by Mary Balogh
The Eye of the World by Robert Jordan
The Stand by Stephen King

Ongoing Challenges :

2011 100+ Reading Challenge

[72/100 books]
Full Steampunk Ahead Challenge

[5/10 books]
The Classics 2011 Reading Challenge

[4/8 books]

Additions to the To-Be-Read pile :

Robb, J.D. : ~~Fantasy in Death~~
Robb, J.D. : ~~Indulgence in Death~~

Review : Artemis Fowl and The Atlantis Complex by Eoin Colfer

2011-12-03T08:00:00.014+08:00

Title : Artemis Fowl and The Atlantis Complex Author : Eoin Colfer Reading Dates : 22 Oct - 24 Oct 2011
Artemis Fowl Artemis Fowl Artemis Fowl and The Arctic Incident Artemis Fowl and The Eternity Code Artemis Fowl and The Opal Deception Artemis Fowl and The Lost Colony Artemis Fowl and The Time Paradox Artemis Fowl and The Atlantis Complex Artemis Fowl and The Last Guardian

From goodreads : In the seventh Artemis Fowl title, the 15-year-old mastermind focuses his ingenuity on global warming while struggling with a devastating illness. After Artemis invites four fairy friends to Iceland for a demonstration of his latest invention, the Ice Cube, it becomes clear that he is suffering from the Atlantis Complex, which manifests as obsessive-compulsive behavior, paranoia, and multiple personalities. If this weren’t enough to worry about, a spaceship crashes and disgorges amorphobots programmed to kill. Colfer keeps the action moving with laughs and gadgetry as he bounces between several plotlines that spotlight peripheral characters. A treat for series fans. Grades 5-8. --Lynn Rutan

Book Review of Artemis Fowl and The Atlantis Complex.

The seventh book in the series was disappointing for me. It was a better read than The Time Paradox but again wasn’t up to the standards set by the earlier books.

In The Atlantis Complex, while Artemis shows up right from the start, he doesn’t play much of a role until later on in the story. So, if you’ve read my reviews of the earlier books, it’s pretty much easy to guess why I found this one disappointing. What I’ve always liked about the series is Artemis and his outlandish schemes. Unfortunately, we don’t get to see much of that here. Apart from when Artemis is figuring out the true perpetrator of their present predicament, the rest of it lacks Artemis’s usual finesse.

The ending too was rather predictable. From the first moment when Artemis’s symptoms manifest, I think most readers would be able to guess how it was going to end. Hardly, what I’d expect from Artemis Fowl.

To sum up, The Atlantis Complex isn’t anywhere near as good as the first books in the series but I still wouldn’t write off Artemis Fowl yet.

My conclusions :

Would I re-read the book ? Maybe.
Would I want to read the next book in the series ? Probably, but I need a break first.
Would I want to own my personal copy if I didn’t already own it ? Only as part of the series.
Who would I recommend this too? Fantasy readers.
For those looking to read the book, would I recommend buying or borrowing the book? Borrow it.