I am 37 books towards my goal of 50 in the 2011 Goodreads reading challenge. With less than a month left, I doubt I'll make my goal. I still read a lot of great books this year, and there is always next year to try again. It's not surprising that I fell behind since we had a big move this year and I started a new job. Anyways, here are some of my thoughts on the more recent books I have read:
Anna Dressed in Blood by
Kendare Blake
My rating:
5 of 5 stars
I wasn't sure what to think of this book when I picked it up off the bookstore shelf, but I had read great reviews on it and took the opportunity to read it despite my uncertainty. I don't usually read YA. This book surprised me. It had just the right amount of gore and horror without being overly scary. I breezed through this book in only two sittings and only because I was tired the first night or I wouldn't have put it down. I wasn't sure how things would work out in the end and it didn't have a traditional HEA ending, but I feel like things worked out as they should. There were hints at a sequel in the epilogue and if thats true, I'll definitely be picking up the next book.
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Immortal Rider by
Larissa Ione
My rating:
5 of 5 stars
I love this book! A lot happened and many secrets were revealed from Limos's history and about the apocalypse. Than's story was also set up for the next book and June seems so far away for having to wait. We also learned more about the watchers, Reaver and Harvester. My feelings for Harvester are mixed after her actions in this book, but I feel so bad for how she is abused by Pestilence and her superiors. She can be cruel, but part of her still remembers her days as a true angel. My heart broke for what Arik endured for Limos and how vulnerable she really is under her tough act, which she feels is required from her as a horseman and warrior. Arik and Limos value family and their lies/omissions hurt their loved ones, however, they each learned the meaning of unconditional love and that they had it all along.
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The Mermaid's Knight by
Jill Myles
My rating:
5 of 5 stars
This was an interesting and amusing take on Disneys "The Little Mermaid." I was happy to see more of Muffin, who cracks me up every time with her outfits and dialogue. I found myself just as frustrated as Leah with her inability to communicate, and shared her happiness in the moments things were going well for her. I was also angry with Royce at first because of his choice of wording when talking to Leah, but I'm glad that resolved itself the more he learned of her. In addition, I was worried for a while that Leah wouldnt get her happy ending, but things worked out perfectly in the end and just barely in time.
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Personal Update: We are so excited for the Holidays. Thanksgiving was wonderful. We had two celebrations. I'm not sure of our plans for Xmas or New Years yet. We have our tree up, presents wrapped, and other gifts shipped to our family in the states. I caved and gave puppy his new toy early. He went crazy with it for like 10 minutes and is now napping, again. I got some pancake mix for Xmas morning and I'm still trying to figure out what to do for dinner that night. Corey votes for turkey, but I want ham. He hates ham, and I only like turkey on Thanksgiving and sandwhiches. I can't find a small enough one of either to make both. Corey claims he can eat a 12 pound turkey by himself. He really likes turkey. I don't doubt him, since he ate 90% of the 7 pound turkey I made for Thanksgiving before the weekend was over. Things are going really well here. The weather is nice. It's starting to feel chilly, but it hasn't dropped below the 60s during the day. I guess we've acclimated.
I hope every one enjoys this holiday season. Happy Holidays!
Succubus Revealed by Richelle Mead
Bloodlust by Larissa Ione
A Brush of Darkness by Allison Pang
Ecstasy Unveiled by Larissa Ione
We have been here just over a week now. We have seen a lot of the base and a little off base, and tried some local cuisine (loved it!). There are some activities we plan on like the newcomers tour that will give us a greater taste of the island, but right now we are still settling. We were finally offered a home on base and accepted it. We also now have a mailing address. My dog made the trip ok as well. That was an adventure, but I'm glad to be reunited with him after a week and a half apart. His quarantine stuff went predictably, but he gets to stay with us during his quarantine period and just can't go off base. Also, because of Sokka's stuff to get over here, I had to go pick him up in Tokyo on my own. I got lost for over 2 hours in the rain, and had a hard time understanding directions by locals who didn't speak fluent English, but they were kind. The guy that helped the most didn't speak any English at all. He held his umbrella over me and walked me to my destination. We were only able to communicate because I had a map someone else had given me (in Japanese), so I knew where to point on it, but couldn't read it. We should move into our new home this week. It is huge (for us) and older, but they remodeled the kitchen and laundry room with new appliances so it doesn't feel that way. I hear we will appreciate the older housing in a typhoon because they are very sturdy and made of cement. Now we just have to figure what to do with the extra space. It is a 3 bedroom, 2 story duplex. They were out of 2 bedrooms which we are entitled to for being married, so they offered us the 3 bedroom instead of asking us to live off base. With Sokka's quarantine, we have to live on base to avoid putting him in the kennels. I'm really glad this move is finally working out. We have had a rough two weeks with the plane breaking down, then moving hotels/rooms because on base and off base hotels were already booked and we had to squeeze in wherever we could. In addition to the Tokyo trip. Now, we have yet to find a car, which will be our next goal.
My Life as A White Trash Zombie by Diana Rowland
We have made it safely to our new base in Okinawa. The trip was exhausting, but it is really beautiful here. One highlight of the flight was passing Mount Fuji in the plane. We saw the top peeking through the clouds. Driving on the left will take some getting used to, when we get a car. The humidity will also take some adjusting to. But it's nice and warm with great views of palm trees and the ocean. We haven't been off base yet, or taken any pictures. Also, we were lucky to arrive in the evening, so we only had to stay awake 3 hours to go to bed at a reasonable time and avoid jet lag. We still have lots to do here: housing, processing my dog into the country, getting Japanese driving licenses and a car...And the guy sitting next to me on the plane gave me his cold. I already feel like crap and I hope it passes quickly since we do have so much to do.
