mini reviews

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.

View all my reviews 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.

View all my reviews 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.

View all my reviews 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!