This book was lent to me by a friend. She said it was a good series and thought I would enjoy it. The funny thing is that I bought this series a few years ago b/c the second book (The Black Cauldron) is a Disney movie, considered somewhat a classic even though it's a pretty dark movie. So I had this series a few years ago, never got around to reading it and decided to give the books away b/c I wouldn't get around to them. But here it is again, right in front of me, with a friend's recommendation, so I have to read it, right? And read it, I did.
So the title is a bit off. There is mention of the Book of Three but it's not a dominate theme in this book. Taran is the "assistant pig-keeper" which is a fancy title for farmhand. He works on a farm. He has no memory of parents or beginnings of his life. He just always knows of working on a farm as a farmhand for two men who are surrogate fathers. He dreams of swordplay and adventure, travelling with knights and battling evil! Be careful what you wish for! He indeed finds adventure, comes face to face with evil sorcerors and fights with a sword and realizes that it is not as fun as you would think. He also meets a few interesting folks along the way who, of course, become part of his gangly crew to help him battle the Horned King! This is clearly the first book in a series and leaves off the ending as such. He's still telling a tale here and he's not even going to sum it up to a clean end for book 1. He wants you to read book 2! You won't find closure or even a fair little ending to get you to sleep easier at night. I haven't read book 2 but I'll be sure to let you know where he goes with it!
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Killer Frost by Jennifer Estep
THIS BOOK IS THE SIXTH BOOK IN A SERIES--MYTHOS ACADEMY! DO NOT READ UNLESS YOU'VE READ BOOKS 1-5! SPOILER ALERT!
I was sooooo excited for this book to come out. While I'm always sad when a book series ends, I also LOVE the conclusion, having closure, and seeing the characters get their happily ever after or their kinda happily ever after. This book of course comes to a climax with Gwen in the final battle versus Loki! I love what she did with Gwen striking out on her own but realizing that she needed her friends' help after. It was a nice way to say that sometimes you have to rely on your friends. I love the way she handles Gwen's relationship with Logan. Love is not always easy; it is NEVER "oh we're sooo in love and we will forever be this way!" Sometimes you argue, you hurt each other's feelings, and you downright screw up! Love is doing all those things and still finding your way back to each other. I do think that she kinda rushed things at the end. She kinda got so into the details and suddenly realized she was running out of paper so hurried through the final battle, but I'm finding that to be a common thing in writing lately. She ties up the loose ends, gives each character a nice little final package, and she also leaves it open for possible future books if she feels so inclined. I could easily see her taking off with writing a story for Daphne, Rory or even Oliver. I will also say that I saw some similarities with Harry Potter. Maybe it was the whole "destiny and final battle against the ultimate evil" thing....that is a common thing in literature. Anyway, a great book! Loved it! Loved the conclusion and wrapping up of some of my favorite characters! Totally would read any additional series that might stem off of this one.
I was sooooo excited for this book to come out. While I'm always sad when a book series ends, I also LOVE the conclusion, having closure, and seeing the characters get their happily ever after or their kinda happily ever after. This book of course comes to a climax with Gwen in the final battle versus Loki! I love what she did with Gwen striking out on her own but realizing that she needed her friends' help after. It was a nice way to say that sometimes you have to rely on your friends. I love the way she handles Gwen's relationship with Logan. Love is not always easy; it is NEVER "oh we're sooo in love and we will forever be this way!" Sometimes you argue, you hurt each other's feelings, and you downright screw up! Love is doing all those things and still finding your way back to each other. I do think that she kinda rushed things at the end. She kinda got so into the details and suddenly realized she was running out of paper so hurried through the final battle, but I'm finding that to be a common thing in writing lately. She ties up the loose ends, gives each character a nice little final package, and she also leaves it open for possible future books if she feels so inclined. I could easily see her taking off with writing a story for Daphne, Rory or even Oliver. I will also say that I saw some similarities with Harry Potter. Maybe it was the whole "destiny and final battle against the ultimate evil" thing....that is a common thing in literature. Anyway, a great book! Loved it! Loved the conclusion and wrapping up of some of my favorite characters! Totally would read any additional series that might stem off of this one.
Saturday, February 22, 2014
Ruined by Paula Morris and Dark Souls also by Paula Morris
So I got these two books at my kids' book fair last year. They were in the middle school section and were $2.50/each! Who can pass up a deal like that? So I'll be real. These books are a quick read. I read each in under a day. They are for teen audience which is kinda nice....no swear words, no sexual innuendos, and really just kind of a sweet "crush" scenarios going on--nothing hot and heavy. They were both, however, ghost stories. Now here's the weird part that some of you may roll your eyes at--I'll read vampires, werewolves, fairies and so forth. That stuff doesn't bother me. But I believe in ghosts...I really do....malevolent spirits and all that jazz, I think it's real so I'm hesitant to read "ghost stories" b/c some of that stuff to me feels plausible. With that being said, I still read these books and they didn't freak me out too much. So let's start:
Ruined by Paula Morris
Rebecca is a 15 year old girl who is transplanted from her happy little life in New York City to New Orleans, three years after Hurricane Katrina. She doesn't really fit in with her new classmates and she feels like the lady she lives with (an old family friend that she calls "Aunt") is a little wonky. She manages to make friends with a friendly ghost in the neighborhood cemetery and catches the eye of a cute fella that seems to have everyone's attention.
With that little synopsis, I liked this book. As previously stated, it's a quick read. The ghostly stuff is NOT creepy or "make me want to read it in the daylight hours only". It's a good, quick book. Rebecca is a bit naive but she's only 15. The crush storyline is cute and totally confusing for a teenage girl so I get it. And really, it has a fun twist at the end that makes you say "I should've seen that coming".
Dark Souls by Paula Morris
While this book is by the same author, it is a completely separate story from Ruined. Miranda realizes that she can see ghosts after she is in a car accident with her best friend and brother. While she and her brother survive the crash, her friend does not and she and her brother are taken to England for a family vacation 6 months after the fact. She and her brother both are suffering survivor guilt to an extent. In York, she meets an English guy who can explain some things to her b/c he can see ghosts too. But thing are mysterious and it takes the author awhile to unravel everything. Now, while this book is a quick read and I do like some things, it gets dark toward the end (should've seen that coming with the title, huh?). As above mentioned, I don't like the whole "dark souls" part of the book and I kinda had to remind myself of puppies and kittens at a few moments. But still, I finished it and wasn't too disappointed. I will say that I liked a part at the end when Miranda discovers that she can see ghosts b/c "there has been some great sadness in your life to make you open to the unhappy currents of the spirit world." The character also states that he stops seeing ghosts b/c he "was so happy that I think I couldn't see unhappiness anymore." I think this is kind of a cool way to apply to many life scenarios. Just think about it a bit.
Ruined by Paula Morris
Rebecca is a 15 year old girl who is transplanted from her happy little life in New York City to New Orleans, three years after Hurricane Katrina. She doesn't really fit in with her new classmates and she feels like the lady she lives with (an old family friend that she calls "Aunt") is a little wonky. She manages to make friends with a friendly ghost in the neighborhood cemetery and catches the eye of a cute fella that seems to have everyone's attention.
With that little synopsis, I liked this book. As previously stated, it's a quick read. The ghostly stuff is NOT creepy or "make me want to read it in the daylight hours only". It's a good, quick book. Rebecca is a bit naive but she's only 15. The crush storyline is cute and totally confusing for a teenage girl so I get it. And really, it has a fun twist at the end that makes you say "I should've seen that coming".
Dark Souls by Paula Morris
While this book is by the same author, it is a completely separate story from Ruined. Miranda realizes that she can see ghosts after she is in a car accident with her best friend and brother. While she and her brother survive the crash, her friend does not and she and her brother are taken to England for a family vacation 6 months after the fact. She and her brother both are suffering survivor guilt to an extent. In York, she meets an English guy who can explain some things to her b/c he can see ghosts too. But thing are mysterious and it takes the author awhile to unravel everything. Now, while this book is a quick read and I do like some things, it gets dark toward the end (should've seen that coming with the title, huh?). As above mentioned, I don't like the whole "dark souls" part of the book and I kinda had to remind myself of puppies and kittens at a few moments. But still, I finished it and wasn't too disappointed. I will say that I liked a part at the end when Miranda discovers that she can see ghosts b/c "there has been some great sadness in your life to make you open to the unhappy currents of the spirit world." The character also states that he stops seeing ghosts b/c he "was so happy that I think I couldn't see unhappiness anymore." I think this is kind of a cool way to apply to many life scenarios. Just think about it a bit.
Tuesday, February 18, 2014
100 Characters from Classical Mythology by Malcolm Day
I know what you're thinking.....why would she review a reference book? And frankly, I did b/c I have a week before the last Mythos Academy book comes out and I figured that now was the time to refresh my knowledge of Greek mythology. This book covers Greek and Roman mythology and it was nice to pick up on names from the Mythos Academy....Nike, Metis, Ajax and so on. But this is just a brief compilation. Each god/person gets one page..no more! So it's pretty summed up in neat little packages.
The last thing, and really the only thing, that I wanted to say is....mythology parallels the Bible in so many ways....did you know there is a Greek Noah? And Pandora is the Greek Eve? Don't even get me started on how many times greeks were asked to sacrifice their child like Abraham! Whew! Who knew? I mean, maybe I knew but I never paid attention. Just an interesting tidbit. And let's be honest, now you wanna read it!
The last thing, and really the only thing, that I wanted to say is....mythology parallels the Bible in so many ways....did you know there is a Greek Noah? And Pandora is the Greek Eve? Don't even get me started on how many times greeks were asked to sacrifice their child like Abraham! Whew! Who knew? I mean, maybe I knew but I never paid attention. Just an interesting tidbit. And let's be honest, now you wanna read it!
Friday, February 14, 2014
Crimson Frost, Spartan Frost, and Midnight Frost by Jennifer Estep
SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT READ THE REVIEWS TO THESE BOOKS IF YOU HAVE NOT READ "TOUCH OF FROST" WHICH IS THE FIRST BOOK IN THE MYTHOS ACADEMY SERIES. CRIMSON FROST IS BOOK 4 IN THIS SERIES.
Crimson Frost (book 4 of Mythos Academy)
In Crimson Frost, Gwen finally meets Logan's father, while on a date with Logan, when his father comes to arrest her! Not the best first impressions. Gwen is accused of what happened at the end of book 3. While book 3 in my opinion is a nice, dark side of Gwen and her power, in book 4 she is now accountable for what has been set in motion. She continues to rush into situations and do what she thinks is right but she doesn't have quite the support system she might hope for. However, it also brings about a kinder side to her relationship with Nickamedes (which is one reason I like this book). This book is more a necessary read to get to book 5 which is WAY more fun in my opinion.
Spartan Frost (book 4.5 of Mythos Academy)
This is a novella (a really short book) that is told from Logan's side after he leaves Mythos Academy. I LOVE IT! I love seeing the side of the male love interest. I love seeing how he feels about her, even if he's apart from her. I love it! But DON'T READ IT UNTIL YOU'VE READ ALL THE PREVIOUS BOOKS!
Midnight Frost (Book 5 of Mythos Academy)
Logan is gone. Gwen is sad. Nickamedes is poisoned. And that's just the first few chapters! I love the journey Gwen takes in this book. She's going to face reapers. She's going to venture out without her Spartan hero by her side. And she meets someone from her past that can give her insight into her family! It's a whole 'nother side to bring to the storyline. I think that's why I like it. Jennifer Estep brings a new angle into the plot right about the time you thought you were in a groove (or even a rut) with this being the fifth book. I like where she takes it, I like how she resolves it and I'm looking forward to the final book in this series!
Crimson Frost (book 4 of Mythos Academy)
In Crimson Frost, Gwen finally meets Logan's father, while on a date with Logan, when his father comes to arrest her! Not the best first impressions. Gwen is accused of what happened at the end of book 3. While book 3 in my opinion is a nice, dark side of Gwen and her power, in book 4 she is now accountable for what has been set in motion. She continues to rush into situations and do what she thinks is right but she doesn't have quite the support system she might hope for. However, it also brings about a kinder side to her relationship with Nickamedes (which is one reason I like this book). This book is more a necessary read to get to book 5 which is WAY more fun in my opinion.
Spartan Frost (book 4.5 of Mythos Academy)
This is a novella (a really short book) that is told from Logan's side after he leaves Mythos Academy. I LOVE IT! I love seeing the side of the male love interest. I love seeing how he feels about her, even if he's apart from her. I love it! But DON'T READ IT UNTIL YOU'VE READ ALL THE PREVIOUS BOOKS!
Midnight Frost (Book 5 of Mythos Academy)
Logan is gone. Gwen is sad. Nickamedes is poisoned. And that's just the first few chapters! I love the journey Gwen takes in this book. She's going to face reapers. She's going to venture out without her Spartan hero by her side. And she meets someone from her past that can give her insight into her family! It's a whole 'nother side to bring to the storyline. I think that's why I like it. Jennifer Estep brings a new angle into the plot right about the time you thought you were in a groove (or even a rut) with this being the fifth book. I like where she takes it, I like how she resolves it and I'm looking forward to the final book in this series!
Tuesday, February 11, 2014
Kiss of Frost and Dark Frost (Books 2 and 3 of Mythos Academy series) by Jennifer Estep
SPOILER ALERT! DO NOT READ REVIEWS OF KISS OF FROST AND DARK FROST UNTIL YOU HAVE READ TOUCH OF FROST! THESE BOOKS ARE BOOK 2 AND 3 OF SERIES AND CONTAIN SPOILER INFORMATION!
Kiss of Frost (Book 2 of Mythos Academy)
I won't say much about these books b/c they are primarily a continuation of Book 1. Kiss of Frost has Gwen growing more into her place at Mythos Academy. She now has a few friends and is trying to become her own warrior. She doesn't like relying on everyone else to save her. She also struggles with the crush on Logan and the "will it go anywhere" factor. All I will say about that is the book IS called KISS of Frost. Think what you like about that.
Also, there are very few sexual suggestions in this book. Estep seems to have gotten some of that silliness out of her system. There is still language in the book and I don't really see that easing up much. Still I like this book. I like what it leads up to......
Dark Frost (Book 3 of Mythos Academy)
The title says it all! This is a darker book (probably the darkest of the series). Gwen learns a lot about her powers and what she is really capable of. With that being said, I like it most b/c of that. I like that Gwen learns who she really is, what's really expected of her, and she kind of wakes up and realizes that this is not a dream. She has to step up and put on her big girl panties. It kind of reminds me of Luke Skywalker in "Empire Strikes Back" as he learns about how to be a jedi and he has to take on his "fa-ther". This is definitely Gwen's defining moments book....but no worries-Loki is NOT Gwen's father :)
Kiss of Frost (Book 2 of Mythos Academy)
I won't say much about these books b/c they are primarily a continuation of Book 1. Kiss of Frost has Gwen growing more into her place at Mythos Academy. She now has a few friends and is trying to become her own warrior. She doesn't like relying on everyone else to save her. She also struggles with the crush on Logan and the "will it go anywhere" factor. All I will say about that is the book IS called KISS of Frost. Think what you like about that.
Also, there are very few sexual suggestions in this book. Estep seems to have gotten some of that silliness out of her system. There is still language in the book and I don't really see that easing up much. Still I like this book. I like what it leads up to......
Dark Frost (Book 3 of Mythos Academy)
The title says it all! This is a darker book (probably the darkest of the series). Gwen learns a lot about her powers and what she is really capable of. With that being said, I like it most b/c of that. I like that Gwen learns who she really is, what's really expected of her, and she kind of wakes up and realizes that this is not a dream. She has to step up and put on her big girl panties. It kind of reminds me of Luke Skywalker in "Empire Strikes Back" as he learns about how to be a jedi and he has to take on his "fa-ther". This is definitely Gwen's defining moments book....but no worries-Loki is NOT Gwen's father :)
Monday, February 10, 2014
Touch of Frost by Jennifer Estep
Touch of Frost is the first book in the Mythos Academy series. The book takes place in modern day North Carolina. Gwen Frost is a 17 year old girl that has had the gift of psychometry her whole life. Pyschometry is the ability to see a person's feelings/memories/entire life simply by touching them (skin to skin). Six months prior Gwen's mother dies in a car accident and then she is sent to Mythos Academy, a boarding school of sorts. Only at Mythos Academy all the students are warrior kids....Valkyries, Amazons, Spartans, Ninjas, and so on. The awesome thing about this book is that it covers mythology but not just Greek or Roman mythology. Jennifer Estep incorporates Norse mythology (Loki is the big bad villian), Celtic mythology and even Russian mythological warriors. As someone who loves all kinds of myth/fantasy, this series appeals to me. She even brings in ninjas in later books. Gwen feels out of place, the loser to all these warriors. Yeah, she has the gift of touch magic and she's known her whole life that she is a Gypsy but she hasn't been trained to be a warrior. Her mother and grandmother sheltered her from all of it and therefore she hasn't been prepared for what life really is like among the Mythos Academy kids. Also, at first, Gwen doesn't really believe in all this stuff.....after all, mythology is just myth, right?
Again, I have to say that I love this series. First off, Gwen is a girl after my own heart. She's a little bit of a geek, kind of average looking, and considers herself nothing special but this first book is her discovery that she might be more than she realizes. I love the little love drama that begins as well. Now, this book has foul language. Not really bad words but enough curse words that are frequent that I need to mention it. I will also mention that there are some sexual suggestions, no sex or graphic detail but she does talk about/imply that teenage sex is a part of the boarding school experience (I wouldn't know). BUT the first book is the worst of the series in regards to this. There is very little bad language or sexual suggestion in the following books. Also, I started to read one of Jennifer Estep's adult books (this is considered Young Adult) and the best I can say is DON'T READ IT if you don't want to read explicit sex scenes and foul, foul language. The young adult series is cleaner and in my opinion, better.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, I love how Estep covers all kinds of mythology. I actually tried to find other reference books that talk about various mythology so I could better understand references she makes. It is easy to find out stuff about Greek, Roman and even Norse mythology but Celtic, Russian, and Asian lore are harder to find. I love the gods and goddesses that she brings to the story as well as the various warriors, artifacts and weapons. This series helps add fuel to my desire to learn to fight with a bow (or long staff). I really think I could do it (not that my husband is in any hurry to let me try)!
I would gladly recommend this to my friends. If you are sensitive to foul language, I would say "try to soldier through it b/c it does get cleaner as the series goes on". Really, I've read this series at least 5 times. I enjoy it! And she is still adding to the series!
Entangled, a Paranormal Anthology (misc. authors)
This is a collection of short stories and the first story is Halloween Frost. This takes Gwen through the Halloween holiday. It touches a little bit on her rocky friendship with Logan. It is a fun read but I would only get this collection if you can get it for free or $0.99. It isn't that deep of a short story. Just a little tidbit of Gwen to add to the collection.
Again, I have to say that I love this series. First off, Gwen is a girl after my own heart. She's a little bit of a geek, kind of average looking, and considers herself nothing special but this first book is her discovery that she might be more than she realizes. I love the little love drama that begins as well. Now, this book has foul language. Not really bad words but enough curse words that are frequent that I need to mention it. I will also mention that there are some sexual suggestions, no sex or graphic detail but she does talk about/imply that teenage sex is a part of the boarding school experience (I wouldn't know). BUT the first book is the worst of the series in regards to this. There is very little bad language or sexual suggestion in the following books. Also, I started to read one of Jennifer Estep's adult books (this is considered Young Adult) and the best I can say is DON'T READ IT if you don't want to read explicit sex scenes and foul, foul language. The young adult series is cleaner and in my opinion, better.
Also, as I mentioned earlier, I love how Estep covers all kinds of mythology. I actually tried to find other reference books that talk about various mythology so I could better understand references she makes. It is easy to find out stuff about Greek, Roman and even Norse mythology but Celtic, Russian, and Asian lore are harder to find. I love the gods and goddesses that she brings to the story as well as the various warriors, artifacts and weapons. This series helps add fuel to my desire to learn to fight with a bow (or long staff). I really think I could do it (not that my husband is in any hurry to let me try)!
I would gladly recommend this to my friends. If you are sensitive to foul language, I would say "try to soldier through it b/c it does get cleaner as the series goes on". Really, I've read this series at least 5 times. I enjoy it! And she is still adding to the series!
Entangled, a Paranormal Anthology (misc. authors)
This is a collection of short stories and the first story is Halloween Frost. This takes Gwen through the Halloween holiday. It touches a little bit on her rocky friendship with Logan. It is a fun read but I would only get this collection if you can get it for free or $0.99. It isn't that deep of a short story. Just a little tidbit of Gwen to add to the collection.
Friday, February 7, 2014
Talented Saga by Sophie Davis
Okay, for the series as a whole: so far Sophie Davis has written 4 books in this series. There is an additional "novella" that includes a series of short stories. She has this collection, "Captivated, A Talented Novella", listed as book #3.5. I would rather say that this is 4 "flashbacks" that appear throughout the series. One flashback actually predates all the books with the story of how two characters met. My advice would be to get this collection and after reading each book, read the story/flashback that comes around the time of the book. When I go back to reread this series, that is what I will do. Okay, let's start the series:
Talented (book 1):
Talia is "talented", in other words gifted with telepathy and mind manipulation. She is in the early stages of being trained as a government "hunter" or spy. She is learning to use her skills to help the government fight a civil war. This book is somewhat of a futuristic United States. It basically says that somewhere in the future, all the various countries' nuclear reactors collapse and cause a contamination of the Earth's water supply. The result of this contamination is children born with "talents" or special abilities such as mind manipulation, morphing into animals, or "brains" whose minds think like computers and can absorb information at alarming rates. Throughout the time passing from the contamination and Talia's time, the government has begun testing all children at a certain age and then if they show talents, they are sent to a government school to be trained and later become agents for the government, not all end up as spies. Talia's story obviously has a lot more to it. She witnesses her parents' murder when she is ten and is taken in and raised by the Director of the talented school. She is even dating the Director's son and seems to be madly in love with him....until she starts flirting with one of her teammates.
Now, I tend to be finnicky when it comes to love triangles. Usually, I find one guy that I like and then root for him throughout the book. If the author picks the other guy for the lead girl, then I usually end up never reading the book again. I will say that when reading the first book, I'm not sure I would pick either one! However, I start to see where the author is going with it. I found this book fun to read even though I tend to not like "dooms-day" or "apocolaptic" books. This book is neither. It almost reminds me of Hunger Games. I would say it is less violence than Hunger Games but there IS violence in it. I like the heroine (she's 5 ft tall and is a scrapper--I can relate). I like the tug and pull of the storyline and the guys. I enjoyed reading and looked forward to book 2. I WILL NOW DISCUSS BOOK 2. PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU'VE READ BOOK 1! SPOILER ALERTS!
Caged (Book 2):
Now in this book, Talia is starting to rethink what she's been taught by Mac and TOXIC. She's not 100% into believing that the government is bad but she's questioning some things. She's also realized that Donovan is a creep but she's forced into interacting with him. Unfortunately, we don't see much of Eric early on in this book. I kept reading this book b/c I wanted to see where the author went with it. I knew that she had some sort of complexity invested in this storyline and I was curious to find out the secrets as much as Talia is. I enjoyed this book almost as book 1. I like what she did so far in it. I like when Talia gets her head on straight and starts to see things clearly however, I think Talia is a bit too trusting and I get a little annoyed with her inability to tell people to take a hike. I WILL NOW DISCUSS BOOK 3. PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU'VE READ BOOK 2! SPOILER ALERTS!
Hunted (Book 3):
Finally, Talia is starting to see where she has been too trusting. She is really hurt and she is starting to see where things don't all add up. I get a little frustrated in this book. I find Talia to be a bit "mopey" and I get annoyed with her "woe is me, I can't trust anyone, I don't know what to believe". However, I enjoy that she realizes in this book what and who she wants. There is no more Donovan or Eric in this book. She makes a choice and sticks with it. I found this book to be the most tiresome of the series and would say to you "keep reading". It gets better and at this point, you are invested in the series, don't you want to see where it goes? I WILL NOW DISCUSS BOOK 4. PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU'VE READ BOOK 3! SPOILER ALERTS!
Created (Book 4):
Supposedly, this is the last in the series though I will not be surprised if she adds to the saga. I like how she "sort of" ended it. I do. I'm glad I hung in for the less enjoyable parts. I think she gives completion to a lot that we have been hanging on through the beginning of the series. I love how she concludes the love story. I love Talia's choice. I love that they end up together even if they are somewhat less "happily ever after" and more "it won't always be easy or happy but we'll be together either way". Again, I'm reminded somewhat of Hunger Games and that whole "war damages us all and we have to find a way to live through some regrets in life". I love how Talia takes ownership of herself, her story, and her talents. I love her tenacity. I get a little sick of the "don't let Eric see me like this" routine but I'm hoping that if Sophie Davis does continue the series, that she will give Talia some more depth as she gets older. I have to remind myself that Talia is 17/18 in this book. She's a little naive; she believes a little too much in the good of everyone around her. Even after she's been burned repeatedly she goes in and tries to be loyal. She doesn't give up and I admire that.
Overall, this series was pretty good. It was a little different from what I usually read so I found that refreshing. There is some language, some sexual content. I wouldn't let my young teenager read it. But if you want something that is a little sci-fi and a little gritty, this is a good saga to read. Give it a shot and let me know if you agree or disagree!
Talented (book 1):
Talia is "talented", in other words gifted with telepathy and mind manipulation. She is in the early stages of being trained as a government "hunter" or spy. She is learning to use her skills to help the government fight a civil war. This book is somewhat of a futuristic United States. It basically says that somewhere in the future, all the various countries' nuclear reactors collapse and cause a contamination of the Earth's water supply. The result of this contamination is children born with "talents" or special abilities such as mind manipulation, morphing into animals, or "brains" whose minds think like computers and can absorb information at alarming rates. Throughout the time passing from the contamination and Talia's time, the government has begun testing all children at a certain age and then if they show talents, they are sent to a government school to be trained and later become agents for the government, not all end up as spies. Talia's story obviously has a lot more to it. She witnesses her parents' murder when she is ten and is taken in and raised by the Director of the talented school. She is even dating the Director's son and seems to be madly in love with him....until she starts flirting with one of her teammates.
Now, I tend to be finnicky when it comes to love triangles. Usually, I find one guy that I like and then root for him throughout the book. If the author picks the other guy for the lead girl, then I usually end up never reading the book again. I will say that when reading the first book, I'm not sure I would pick either one! However, I start to see where the author is going with it. I found this book fun to read even though I tend to not like "dooms-day" or "apocolaptic" books. This book is neither. It almost reminds me of Hunger Games. I would say it is less violence than Hunger Games but there IS violence in it. I like the heroine (she's 5 ft tall and is a scrapper--I can relate). I like the tug and pull of the storyline and the guys. I enjoyed reading and looked forward to book 2. I WILL NOW DISCUSS BOOK 2. PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU'VE READ BOOK 1! SPOILER ALERTS!
Caged (Book 2):
Now in this book, Talia is starting to rethink what she's been taught by Mac and TOXIC. She's not 100% into believing that the government is bad but she's questioning some things. She's also realized that Donovan is a creep but she's forced into interacting with him. Unfortunately, we don't see much of Eric early on in this book. I kept reading this book b/c I wanted to see where the author went with it. I knew that she had some sort of complexity invested in this storyline and I was curious to find out the secrets as much as Talia is. I enjoyed this book almost as book 1. I like what she did so far in it. I like when Talia gets her head on straight and starts to see things clearly however, I think Talia is a bit too trusting and I get a little annoyed with her inability to tell people to take a hike. I WILL NOW DISCUSS BOOK 3. PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU'VE READ BOOK 2! SPOILER ALERTS!
Hunted (Book 3):
Finally, Talia is starting to see where she has been too trusting. She is really hurt and she is starting to see where things don't all add up. I get a little frustrated in this book. I find Talia to be a bit "mopey" and I get annoyed with her "woe is me, I can't trust anyone, I don't know what to believe". However, I enjoy that she realizes in this book what and who she wants. There is no more Donovan or Eric in this book. She makes a choice and sticks with it. I found this book to be the most tiresome of the series and would say to you "keep reading". It gets better and at this point, you are invested in the series, don't you want to see where it goes? I WILL NOW DISCUSS BOOK 4. PLEASE DO NOT PROCEED UNTIL YOU'VE READ BOOK 3! SPOILER ALERTS!
Created (Book 4):
Supposedly, this is the last in the series though I will not be surprised if she adds to the saga. I like how she "sort of" ended it. I do. I'm glad I hung in for the less enjoyable parts. I think she gives completion to a lot that we have been hanging on through the beginning of the series. I love how she concludes the love story. I love Talia's choice. I love that they end up together even if they are somewhat less "happily ever after" and more "it won't always be easy or happy but we'll be together either way". Again, I'm reminded somewhat of Hunger Games and that whole "war damages us all and we have to find a way to live through some regrets in life". I love how Talia takes ownership of herself, her story, and her talents. I love her tenacity. I get a little sick of the "don't let Eric see me like this" routine but I'm hoping that if Sophie Davis does continue the series, that she will give Talia some more depth as she gets older. I have to remind myself that Talia is 17/18 in this book. She's a little naive; she believes a little too much in the good of everyone around her. Even after she's been burned repeatedly she goes in and tries to be loyal. She doesn't give up and I admire that.
Overall, this series was pretty good. It was a little different from what I usually read so I found that refreshing. There is some language, some sexual content. I wouldn't let my young teenager read it. But if you want something that is a little sci-fi and a little gritty, this is a good saga to read. Give it a shot and let me know if you agree or disagree!
getting started
I've been playing around with the idea for awhile now. I read so much and sometimes people ask me what I think about a book. I'm not the smartest when it comes to computers. So add all that together and you have "from Greta's Bookshelf". Here I will talk about books that I read. I will go through my bookshelf and my kindle and talk about the books I read. Whether I like them or not, what kind of content they have (language/sexual situations/etc) and kind of what they are about. I will probably do some series books at the same time so DO NOT read further reviews of a series if you are still on book #1, it may contain spoiler alerts.
Also, this is my OPINION! You may not agree. You may not like my opinion. Let's agree right now to love each other no matter what and use this solely as a place to get ideas on what books to read or not read.
Ready? Woohoo, let's go...............................
Also, this is my OPINION! You may not agree. You may not like my opinion. Let's agree right now to love each other no matter what and use this solely as a place to get ideas on what books to read or not read.
Ready? Woohoo, let's go...............................
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