The Elves of Cintra

I finished "Armageddon's Children" and have moved onto book 2 of the Genesis of Shannara: "The Elves of Cintra." "Elves" picks up right where "Children" left off: Logan Tom, Knight of the Word, has found the Gypsy Morph he was seeking in the post-apocalyptic nightmare that is the world. But right after finding the Morph, Logan lost it. But there's no time to find it - the demon army is here, ready to wage war with the nearby fortress compound; he has to trust that the Morph will be safe and he will be able to find it. I haven't gotten too far in "Elves" yet, but already a well-known personality from Shannara has made his appearance. "Children" felt closer to Terry Brooks' Word and Void series, but "Elves" has already started moving closer to Shannara. The blending of the two series is excellently done. I can't wait to see what happens to Logan and everyone else, to see how humanity will survive the demons and the once-men.

Still loving this series

Last week I mentioned that I was reading "Undead and unemployed". Well...in the past week I've been reading ravenously!!! I'm up to number 5 in this series and *really* enjoying them. I highly recommend them, they are fun and quick to read. I'm also enjoying that they take place in places I can relate to, such as Caribou Coffee. I keep waiting for them to go to Menards, but I can't see how they would work that into the story. But...you never know. In the latest book, not only is she does she have a fiend living in her basement, he's just told her there's a zombie in the attic. You never know what's going to happen next. Happy reading and have a great Labour Day weekend. Enjoy!

Armageddon's Children

At long last! After two years of waiting, I am finally starting "Armageddon's Children," the first novel in Terry Brooks' Genesis of Shannara trilogy. I bought the book about two years ago, when it first came out, but decided to wait until the entire trilogy was published before reading it. In the past I've read a book from a trilogy, and when the next book comes out a year later I've largely forgotten what has happened in the story! (One time I was sure I remembered, so I started reading book 3, and I didn't have a clue who the first character was whom I came across!) I started "Armageddon's Children" earlier today and I can't wait to read more!!!!

Who knew Vampires could be funny?

This week I'm reading Undead and unemployed by Mary Janice Davidson. I didn't realize it was the second book in a series. If you want to read them in order the first one is Undead and unwed. This series is described as "chick lit meets vampire fiction". I was worried it would be scary, but it isn't. The main character, Betsy Taylor is the new Queen of the Vampires. The sad news is that even though she's dead (make that undead) she still has bills to pay. She finds her dream job selling shoes at Macy's in the Mall of America. Of course there's also a King of the Vampires, and she's not interested in him. Or is she? Somehow this funny story reminds me of a Stephanie Plum novel, with the King reminding me of Ranger. So...if you're interested in vampires or shoes or laughing or books that take place in Minnesota, this is the perfect book for you. Enjoy.

Worldwired

I finished "Scardown" yesterday, and immediately started "Worldwired," the last book in Elizabeth Bear's Jenny Casey trilogy. I am extremely excited to see how the whole trilogy will end! There are so many things going on right now, what with disaster striking the Earth, I can't wait to see whether Jenny Casey is able to save the day. My only complaint so far is that the book doesn't seem to be following Jenny Casey as much as the other two did. I'm hoping that will change as I get a bit further into it.

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society

I think I have just found my favourite read for this summer. I have traveled to a far time and place and come back enriched from the experience. This collection of letters describes the experiences of the inhabitants of Guernsey Island during their occupation by the Germans from 1941-1944. Elizabeth, an intrepid, caring and fascinating character is only portrayed by those who love her, and yet she is central to the book. This book is one that you will re-read and love again and again. Mary Ann Shaffer has created a magical and poignant time and place.

Scardown

Well, instead of reading one of the many other books I have out, I decided that I needed to read the rest of the Elizabeth Bear trilogy with Jenny Casey. "Scardown" is the second book. The story picks up where "Hammered" left off. But where "Hammered" was about a few people, "Scardown" is revealing that there is a much larger, global problem that needs to be dealt with. I am about half way through it and loving every bit of it!

A fun book

This weekend I finished Secrets of a shoe addict by Beth Harbison. It was a 7 day book, but quick and fun to read.What happens in Vegas doesn't always stay in Vegas, when 3 PTA members pay a visit. The women bond over the situations that arise, like excessive shopping, gambling and unknowingly hiring a male prostitute. And how they get themselves out of trouble is even more interesting. It's a fun summer read. Enjoy.

Don't Stop the Carnival

Two years ago a really good friend of mine moved to the Cayman Islands to work and live. Naturally being curious (and insanely jealous), months ago I asked him what life is like on the island. He tried to explain, as best he could, the differences between the Cayman Island way of life and the pace of life he left behind. Finally he said "if you really want to know what it's like here, read this book". The book he mentioned was Herman Wouk's "Don't Stop the Carnival". While this fictional novel was published in 1965, it still details the carefree goings on within the Cayman Islands of today. Of course I said I would read it right away (which I never), but I finally got around to it and read a truly humorous story surrounding a New York publicist who gives up New York and becomes a hotel owner in the Caymans. After purchasing the hotel, the publicist soon learns that running a resort on foreign soil is not all it's cracked up to be. With truly colourful characters and hilarious situations, the hotel soon becomes a money pit. Will the publicist gain control and make a go of becoming a successful hotel owner in the Caymans? Well, it's up to you to find out.

Hammered

"Hammered" by Elizabeth Bear was recommended to me last week along with three other books. Having finally finished "The Weekend Man," I was looking for something a bit more fun to read; "Hammered" sold me with the cover quote: "Very exciting . . . very impressive debut" - Mike Resnick (I'm not going to lie - I didn't even bother reading the back of the book before starting it!). And even though I just started it today and am only about 50 pages in, I have to agree! There's already so much going on that I need to know what happened in the past and what is happening now. "Hammered" also has a rather unique aspect: anything written from Jenny ("Watcher") Casey's view is in the first person, while the other couple of character's have been written in third person. This is the perfect book for following up "The Weekend Man" - it's faster paced, has lots of dialogue, and insists on being glued to your hand!

The Weekend Man

I started reading "The Weekend Man" by Richard B. Wright right before the long weekend; I was planning on having a nice leisurely read at camp. Sadly, I barely read anything, and so "The Weekend Man" has come home with me. Part of the problem is that the book is not a super easy read. I think the problem is that it has lots of description with very little dialogue. The book appealed to me because it is about a man, Wes Wakeham, who has no idea what he wants out of life. I'm also not entirely sure what I want out of life, so I thought this would be an interesting read. Instead I ended up with a dry, sort of dull book. I'm planning on finishing it though, just to see how it all ends.

My Meaty Read

I just finished The Pillars of the Earth by Ken Follett, it was the book I chose to read on my holiday at camp. I loved the intertwined characters and the medieval setting. It is such a grandiose undertaking to build a cathedral and this book captures the span of time required to finish erecting such an edifice. It reminded me of Sarum, because of the setting and topic. I would recommend it to those who love writings of medieval England.