Review: The Power Of Six

Title The Power of Six (Lorien Legacies 2)
By Pittacus Lore
For Fun
Source I own it

First Sentence
My name is Marina, as of the sea, but I wasn't called that until much later.

Synopsis
John (#Four), Sam and Six are on the run. Not only from the Mogadorians, but from the law as well. After the incident in Ohio, the three fugitives are considered dangerous terrorists. Meanwhile we get to meet Marina (#Seven). She's been living in a convent in Spain and with her Legacies developing and a weird man hanging around the convent her life is about to get a lot more complicated.

                          ***Some small spoilers ahead***

General thoughts
Oh man! What does it say about my intelligence that I love these, horribly written, un-thought out sad excuse for a book, books?! There is so many convenient things that are never truly explained that happen for the sake of the plot and I just eat it up. Oh sure, I raised an unimpressed eyebrow at several plot holes but all in all these are just fun crazy books. This one has much more action and craziness going on and as soon as it really got going I was flipping pages so fast I couldn't see those plot holes anymore. One of the things that bothered me was how faceless the Mogadorians are. Yeah, we get it they're big bad guys, but they're killed off like baddies in a video game. I have a hard time truly fearing or even caring about these guys that supposedly are so evil they "easily" took over a planet. I'm glad that we got a glimpse of a baddie leader at the end it gives me hope that I might actually be scared of the "bad guys" and have more reason to root for the Garde. And that cliffhanger ending! Seriously? Ahhhh!

Characters
John(#Four): Same old # Four. Typical wandering eyes guy. ;)
Sam: Oh, Sam! I'm freaking out on your behalf!
Six: What's not to like about a kick ass heroine with a heart of gold?
Marina(#Seven): This will be very interesting. She's not much of a fighter and none of her Legacies seem to be pushing her to be one.
Adelina: Well, at least she came around in the end.
Ella: Don't ask me how I didn't see that one coming. Interesting plot twist.
Crayton: Another interesting twist. I hope he helps the Guarde.
Sarah: That Beotch! Hmph!

Would I recommend it?
Yep, all the bad writing and ridiculous plot holes aside, I would.

Top Ten Tuesday

Today  The Broke and the Bookish asks the question: What Are The Top Ten Books That Are On The Top Of Your TBR List For Fall?

Well, I just had to join today because, though, I don't usually plan out what books I'm going to be reading except for in the summer, I  had actually planned on catching up on series that I'm woefully behind in.

                                   Yeah, I'm THAT behind.:(

 I'm actually re-reading these in anticipation of the fourth being released in November.

 These ones I've already read but the last two come out this fall and I've got them pre-ordered and everything. I'm so excited!!!

 The first one I went and bought the day it was released in eager anticipation and now it just sits on my shelf. Sigh, it's time to get to these.

 This is all three books in one and after that cliffhanger ending of the TV series I must get to the books!

I know, I know! I can't believe I haven't got to these either.

 I've been putting these on off for years now. What if I hate them? Will you all hate me?

I don't have the last one yet, I'm waiting for it to go on paperback, but since I've already bought the whole series I certainly hope I like them.

And I don't need to hear you're crap on my bad picture taking. ;) Even though I can come up with at least 20 more I could add I'm only doing eight since I'm doing series rather than single books. Well, wish me luck. What books are you going to read this fall?

Trouble in Paradise?

All good things must come to an end. (a story in pictures)

See Kaka

See Ronaldo

See their bromance

See Marcelo

See Marcelo and Ronaldo's budding bromance

Oh no he di'int!

It's a sad, sad day.

In other less exciting news, Real Madrid crushed Zaragoza in the first game of La Liga 6-0

Sunday Salon

And now a bunch of useless information you never wanted to know about me. ;-)

Outside my window: Seriously, I'm ready for fall. I think I mentioned that. 

I am listening to: You and Me by Vega4 but it has a naughty word so you don't get to listen. 

I am watching:  A small, very small group of my book club got together and watched Middlemarch for our summer project. We read the book then watched the movie. I'd already seen it and had the exact same opinion this time around...meh.

  

I am thinking: I'm tired of selfish people, sorry, I know, I'm selfish too but come on! 

I am grateful for: La Liga is finally starting today!!!! YAY! 

I am reading: The Power of Six by Pittacus Lore...I'm not enjoying it as much as I Am Number Four but I think it's just a mood thing.  

I am photographing: Nothing this week.  

I am listing: All the series of books I'm behind on. The ones I haven't even started yet, and the ones I need to finish or catch up on. Sigh, it's sad....really sad.

I am creating: Yep, sorry this question is going bye bye.

Around the house: Ack! I was drifting off to sleep the other night and felt something scuttling up my arm. I knocked it off turned on the light and what was it? A HUGE brown hairy spider. Yeah, I didn't sleep the rest of the night. Stupid spiders! Hmm, has anyone else noticed I'm constantly having issues with bugs at my place?

From the kitchen: I'm going try making whole wheat peanut butter cookies and whole wheat pizza dough this week...maybe.

One of my favorite things: Dumping Junior Mints in popcorn. Alas, I'm not allowed Junior Mints anymore.

The children this week: No kids, just my cat Buns and I have another funny story. She was sleeping behind me on my couch's back cushion and suddenly jumped out of  a dead sleep, slammed into my head and barely caught herself from falling. She makes me laugh, she's the only cat I've ever had that meows in her sleeps when she's dreaming.

No, I'm not usually THAT mean but one Halloween I couldn't resist.

Plans for the week: Not much, well I'm going to try those new recipes.


Thanks to Ibeeeg of Polishing Mud Balls for the inspiration for this post's layout.

Review: Shift

Title Shift
By Jeri Smith-Ready
For fun
Source I own it

First Sentence I held my breath as it began, the last verse of the last song.


Synopsis
...I feel like I can't even begin to say anything with out giving tons away about the first book, so I won't tell you. Just READ THESE BOOKS!

General thoughts
When I read the first one I wanted more info on the shift and Newgrange and Aura and Zachery and this second book did not disappoint. A lot of answers were revealed amidst a lot of character drama and I loved it! I don't even know what else to say, I'm speechless. I liked it just as much or maybe even more than the first and I can't wait for the third and final book Shine. Too bad it's not coming out for another year. :'(

Characters
And here's where the real gushing begins since these books are so character driven.
Aura: I wouldn't say I necessarily connect with her but I like her and love figuring things out with her.
Zachery: Well, he definitely acted like a boy and I appreciated that even if it was annoying sometimes.
Logan: Alright, the author informs us that he DID mature but she showed us too and that made me happy.
Meghan: Still a great friend and sidekick for Aura.
Mickey and Siobhan. Phew! I was worried about Mickey and I'm glad he's going to be OK. Siobhan had a quieter role but I still liked her.
Dylan:...Argh! You stupid boy! You just had to come in and play a more prominent role didn't you?! Now I like you better than Zachery!!! Pathetic.

Would I recommend it? 
YES! What are you waiting for?! Read these books, already!

Words I'VE Worked For

So, in a follow up to my post the other day I started thinking about my "real life" book club that I attend. I've been going for five years now and I absolutely love it! For one, we actually discuss books and I hear that isn't always the case at other book clubs. Sure it's a fun escape but it IS a book club, people. Talk about books! Anywho, the point is, since I've gone to this book club my eyes have been opened to a whole wide range of books I might not have even considered reading before. So, to show you that I'm trying to be more opened minded, myself in my book reading choices, I thought I'd make a list of books I might not have read and how very sad that would have been.

1 Galileo's Daughter by Dava Sobel
This was the first book we read when I started going and I have to admit I was a little worried. Nevertheless, I was determined to try new things. I'm glad I did because though it was a non fiction and not at all the type of book I would normally read, I enjoyed it a lot. I learned some interesting things and it whetted my appetite for more.

2 Doomsday Book by Connie Willis
Now I plan on reading some of her other books too.

3 The Peacegiver by James L. Ferrell
A truly beautiful book I guarantee I wouldn't have read on my own.

4 Charms for the Easy Life by Kaye Gibbons

5 A Girl Named Zippy Haven Kimmel 
And now I own and have read the sequel. I did not think I'd like memoirs at all!

6 Blessings by Anna Quindlin

7 To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee
I was downright determined NOT to read this one. So, thanks book club, see what I might have missed?

8 The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd

9 The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

10  These Is My Words by Nancy Farmer

I would have never thought I could like books like these. Just goes to show you what you get if you have an open and persistent mind. So, yeah, thanks book club for not only making me read books I would never have normally picked up but also for teaching me that I really didn't actually know what type of books I liked and that I can like all types! And a special thanks to Suey of It's All About Books for heading up our real life book club!

Random Soccer-ness

Stupid sports politics! K, the truth is I don't understnad any of it and I'm just pissed cause I can't watch soccer yet! The La Liga season has been postponed and I don't know until when. It makes me crazy. In the mean time Real Madrid  played Galatasaray in the Santiago Bernabeu Trophy match today and it was slightly entertaining. Mainly because of this...

His name is Alvaro Morata he plays for Real Madrid's reserve team and...he's only 18.  Go ahead, call me a cradle robber.  He's just sooooo cute!!!! Anywho, he got to play today with the "big boys".

 Another reason it was enjoyable today was because of this....

Antonio Adan, the "unknown" goalkeeper. Casillas is an amazing goal keeper and so, yeah, I'd prefer him to play but this poor (good looking) guy rarely gets to play, and yet, he has to go to every game and just sit on the bench and wait and wait. (he got to play today, in case you missed why I was talking about him)

And lastly, and I pray the soccer gods don't curse my beloved Real Madrid for saying this, I enjoyed today's game because of this...

Fernando Muslera, the goalkeeper for the other team. Oh, come on, like you don't want to pinch his cheeks too! He's just such a cutie.

So, yeah, the game was entertaining until the real season starts. Oh, and just in case you think me only interested in the guys. ;) Real Madrid won 2-1.

Words to Work For

This whole discussion could really be about a few different things like: why don't you finish a book? Or are you a strict one genre reader? But what I really wanted to rant about discuss is this...

Don't get me wrong, I love my sister, but her reading habits drive me insane! All growing up she would only read classics or fantasy. Oh sure, she'd read the occasional romance but she had her preferred genres and she stuck to them like glue. I don't have a problem with that, I lean towards certain genres myself, but what drives me nuts is (with the exception of the classics) all she reads are "easy" books. Meaning: easy for her, fast fluffy no-deep-thinking required. There's nothing I hate more than lending her a book that blew me away,  made me think and was so intricately woven together that I almost had to work for the pleasure, and she won't finish it. It drives me crazy! It makes me think evil thoughts like, "how shallow do you have to be to only read books you don't have to think about?!"

So, here's my question: What makes you not read a book? Are you open minded to any style or difficulty level, or do you stick with one or two genres? The ONLY reason I have not finished a book is because of atrocious writing. I'll read any genre, any style, and any difficulty level. Don't get me wrong, I like fluffy books that take zero brain power but I LOVE books that make you work for it. That make you concentrate on each and every word. Books that take time and effort and, yeah, your brain. Furthermore, I like trying new genres. Yeah, maybe I'll decide it's not my favorite but I love trying it. I feel like if you truly love reading, you'll love reading just about everything; you'll try anything once.

So am I awful? Should I really be so prejudice against people that only read silly fluffy books and never even try something a little harder? BTW, I'm not talking non fiction, I'm just talking about books that are out of your comfort zone and preferred genre, that are written to make you think and work for the enjoyment. 

I've been working on said sister and she's getting a little better but she still takes FOREVER to read a book that's "hard", aka, not her preferred genre or skill level. I know, I know, I sound horribly mean, I can't help it, I can't stand it!!! I'm a reading style racist!!!

Summer TV Wrapup 2011

Yeah, so sue me, I'm doing a filler post because my creativity is on the fritz. I watch a few summer TV series and all but two have ended so I thought I'd mention my thoughts on the cliffhanger (or lack of) endings.

Argh! This one totally took me by surprise. I was pulled into the series, went for one heck of a ride in a mere six weeks and then...what a cliffhanger!

MTV's Teen Wolf. Yeah, yeah, laugh all you want. I'm not ashamed. Well, maybe a little. ;) All the same, I was all wrapped up in this one despite the non-cliffhanger ending.  (oh Derick why? why?! I'll miss your blue eyes!)

It started bad, the acting drove me nuts, (I'm looking at you Alek!) and it wasn't my favorite but it definitely takes cliffhanger ending off the summer! Holy crap! Seriously? Now I'm going to have to read the books.

Covert Affairs. I'll admit the biggest reason I watch this one is because of Auggie. How can I resist? Not much of a cliffhanger here, though.

I also watch Burn Notice and Suits but they still have a few episodes left so we'll see how they end. So how about you? Are you a summer TV person, or do you actually have a life? 

The Sunday Salon

And now a bunch of useless information you never wanted to know about me. ;-)

Outside my window: I'm sorry to say it, because just a few short months ago I was begging for summer, but I'm kinda ready for fall now.

I am listening to: Auctioneer by The Broken West.

I am watching:  I spent a HUGE deal of time watching all three seasons of Kyle XY. I miss that show. :( It was time for a re-watch. 

I am thinking: I need to quit wasting time. ;)

I am grateful for: Cheating on my diet once and awhile.

I am reading: I've just started the sequel to Shade, Shift. I haven't gotten far, though.

I am photographing: Um...I took a picture of a drowned spider I found in my driveway and sent it to my sister just to show off how huge it was. Does that count? 

I am listing: I guess nothing.  

I am creating: Thoughts about deleting this question. It just makes me feel very uncreative.

Around the house: It's kinda been ignored this week, luckily it's not too messy.

From the kitchen: If you can believe it, I need to add more carbs and calories to my diet and it's harder than you think.

One of my favorite things: The Underworld movies. I just found out they're making another one!!!! Comes out in January. Whooohooo!!!

The children this week: No kids, just my cat Buns and she jumped a good three feet in the air last night when I accidentally scared her. I had a good laugh. Does that make me sadistic?

Plans for the week: Um, hopefully not spending most of it on the couch again.


Thanks to Ibeeeg of Polishing Mud Balls for the inspiration for this post's layout.

Review: Nightlife

Title Nightlife
By Rob Thurman
For Fun
Source I own it

First sentence Most kids don't believe in fairy tales very long.



Synopsis
Cal isn't your typical 19 year old. He's half human half something much darker, he's spent half his life running from his fathers side of the family with his loyal older brother Niko but trouble is bound to catch up to them, it always does.

General thoughts
Besides the background overload in the first hundred pages or so that made for a slower start, this was a heck of an action packed ride. Even with the background info, that we needed to know, there was still action going on. What I particularly loved about the book  was the hilarious dialogue between Cal and his older brother Niko and the inner dialogue in Cal's mind. The style and voice...is that the same thing?...was great. But what I enjoyed the very best was, despite all the action, there was still so much character depth and relationship building. Almost right away you care deeply about these characters and just want them to be OK.  The story was fast paced and well written and upon finishing I went right out and bought the rest of the books in the series...all of them. That there should tell you something.

Characters
Cal: I liked this kid...a lot. I can't wait to get to know even more about him.
Niko: I've got to be honest, while I loved his loyalty and love for his little brother, there was something a little too controlling that bothered me about him but I have authority issues so...
Robin: Again, someone I can't wait to get to know more about, he earned a place in my affections.
Promise and Georgiana: Ah, the love interests. I want to get to know them more too and I can't wait to see how it all turns out.

Would I recommend it? 
Yes, but this is urban fantasy. I say that because it seems like there are a lot of people out there who aren't huge fans. I for one love it and would recommend you give it a try, this one would be a great first taste for. 

My ridiculousness on display

So, I first "met" Lan from The Write Obsession just last Friday by participating in Follow Friday and, boy, am I glad I did! Lan and I are long lost soul mates. Well, long lost cartoon guy lover soul mates, anyway. Yes, I admit it, I often find cartoon guys totally hot! It's embarrassing, it's ridiculous, but it happens. So I dedicated this loosely book based post to Lan. ;)

I say loosely book based because I've often fallen for hot cartoon guys on book covers too. And since this is technically a book blog I thought I should at least think of a few guys that have something to do with books. Right? Well, if I haven't scared you away yet you may read on.

Gambit from X-Men. Sorry, I can't help it. Not only do I love his red eyes hot accent and lovely locks, I love Gambit's loyal attitude, sense of humor, and adoration for Rogue.

Darien from Sailor Moon. I've only ever watched one anime before and it was Sailor moon. Why? Hello! Look at that black haired blue eyed hottie!

Vincent from Final Fantasy. So dark and mysterious. Be still my beating heart. I can't even look at pics of him without feeling swooney.

Stronghand from The Crown of Stars series. See? I'm talking about books. ;) I enjoyed this series and Stonghand and Alain were the main reasons. Then the fifth book came out with Stronghand on the cover. Swoon! 

Drizzt from The Legends of Drizzt. Hey, another book.  I mentioned his lavender eyes in a post a few days ago but I just love the whole rest of him too. In fact, the pictures on the covers are what made me pick up the books in the first place.

So, there you have it, my weird obsession with cartoon characters. How crazy do you find me now? Anyone else out there find cartoon guys hot? Ever pick up a book cause the guy on the front was hot? Come on, you can admit it.

Cause I'm too lazy/depressed to talk about anything else.

So, as you may remember, the new season of Soccer starts on Sunday and I'm quite excited. But before that starts we have the Spanish Super Cup, and this year it's between none other than Real Madrid and Barcelona. Ah, the tension. They have to play each other twice. On Sunday they played and managed a 2-2 draw and they're playing tomorrow for the win. I take this an omen for the rest of the season so Real Madrid better freaking win!

Ah, a group hug after one of their goals. Still can't stand those shirts, though. Wait, don't go yet, there's a hot picture below. ;)

Alright, alright, he's not shirtless, but how cute is that?! Awww!

Windows To The Soul

Lets look into some characters eyes, shall we? Deep into their eyes. ;) Don't ask, it's just one of those things I've been thinking about again. Maybe I should stop thinking.

Chole's gold cat eyes from The Nine Lives of Chloe King. I haven't read the books yet, so I can't talk with any authority, but I have watched the show and I think those gold cat eyes sure are cool, whether they have any cool powers or not.


Ick! Sorry, I'm not an Edward fan and I'm even less of a Pattinson fan. Anywho, I always thought his eyes sort of sounded cool but the way they ended up in the movie...there's just something freaky about it.  No cool powers with his eyes either.

Corlath king of the hillfolk from The Blue Sword. K, someone else out there in the blogger world had imagined this handsome guy as Corlath, and though his eyes aren't gold, I can't complain. Yummy! Now, here we have eyes with power. Kelar. I'll never forget when Corlath first looks at Harry and she passes out. Sigh!



I wasn't a huge fan of the show and I've only read two books, but I have to admit, while not a cool color, the whole, literally-seeing-a-person's-soul-when-you-look-in-their-eyes, yeah, that's super intriguing, and I'd just love to know what people see when they look in Dresden's eyes.

Oh, Matthew, I can imagine your electric blue eyes but, alas, the cover designer won't let me see them. If you want to know why Matthews eyes are an unusual shade of blue, you'll  just have to finally give into my pushing and READ THESE BOOKS! 

Drizzet from The Dark Elf Trilogy has those amazing lavender eyes. Not only is this one of my favorite cool colored eyed characters, but he's also one of my favorite characters of all time. And what do those beautiful eyes do? Not much, but they are unique, the rest of his kind have red eyes. Oh, and he can see in the dark...that's something.



 I can't think of anymore and I know I should be able to. Sheesh! So, who have I missed? Are you as obsessed with eyes as me? Does it matter if said cool eyes can do something magical?