A few weeks ago something fairly bizzare happened. I went to download a new app on my Kindle Fire and it told me that I didn't have a card attached to my account.. odd I thought I did. Oh well, so on to the website I go to update my account re-added my card and went back to my app downloading. Much to my annoyance it once again told me that I had no card attached to my account. So I decided to check the devices registered to my account. What did they list? My husbands old phone that was registered through his Kindle app, by the way when I say old phone I mean the phone he had ohhh 3 phones ago. Yeah a phone he neither uses or looks at anymore and isn't even connected to the internet because it's no longer connected with our plan. Anywho, in my quest to remedy my situation I try to re-register my kindle back to my account, oh wait, I can't do that without first de-registering it. Instead of doing it the smart way and attempting to save all of my content I in all my impatient glory do it without even a second thought. So what I'm left with is a Kindle wiped entirely clean, all of my apps are gone and ALL OF MY BOOKs are gone. It's like I just took the thing out of the box.
Needless to say I was less than happy. I was 80% of the way through reading the High Lord and poof, it was gone. In a strange way I guess I'm a little relieved. I was getting so tired of the book dragging on and on and on. I'm taking the strange little mishap as a sign from the universe that if a book isn't working I shouldn't force it. In the time I've since I've lost everything I've been in a reading FRENZY. I downloaded a slew of new books and I'm plowing through them like I haven't been able to in the past few years. I just finished reading A Tale of Two Cities. I had never read it before and I have a soft spot for classic lit and Charles Dickens.
Right now I'm on about chapter 4 of Eye of the Witch by Dana E. Donovan. It's Book 2 in her Detective Tony Marcella series. I should have read the The Witch's Ladder first but I'm a rebel and sometimes I like to read books out of order. Maybe if this one thrills beyond all reason I'll get the first one and try to get in order. As of right now it seems like it'll just be a simple fun read and it's free in the Kindle book market if you're interested.
Showing posts with label Witchy Reading Challenge. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Witchy Reading Challenge. Show all posts
Sunday, November 25, 2012
Sunday, September 16, 2012
Book 7: The High Lord
I've reached the final installment of the Black Magician Trilogy by Trudi Canavan, The High Lord.'Why are you showing me these books?' Akkarin's eyes bored into her own, and she looked away. 'You want to know the truth,' he said. He was right. Part of her wanted to ignore the books. But she did want to know.
In the city of Imardin, where those who wield magic wield power, a young street-girl, adopted by the Magician's Guild, finds herself at the centre of a terrible plot that may destroy the entire world...
Sonea has learned much at the magicians' guild and the other novices now treat her with a grudging respect. But she cannot forget what she witnessed in the High Lord's underground room - or his warning that the realm's ancient enemy is growing in power once more. As Sonea learns more, she begins to doubt her guildmaster's word. Could the truth really be as terrifying as Akkarin claims, or is he trying to trick her into assisting him in some unspeakably dark scheme?
All synopsis have been courtesy of TrudiCanavan.com
The Novice Review
So its official, The Novice was better than The Magician's Guild. It wasn't great and I didn't exactly love it, but it was better.
Unfortunately in this book I still don't relate to Sonea, I just can't. She endures some horrendous bullying which certainly earns my sympathy but that doesn't equate to like or respect. She never even fully protects herself unless someone else points out how it can be achieved. She never tells anyone and when someone finds out on their own she begs them not to do anything and to keep it a secret. The adults keep assuming it's out of pride but honestly no one ever gives a believable reason why she won't let anyone do anything about her tormentors. Especially since the few times they are caught she seems satisfied.
This kind of brings me to my next qualm with the book. The adults in this book are totally ineffectual. They spend more time being gossips than anything else. Whenever someone does something that is absolutely terribly wrong they brush it off with a slap on the wrist. In my opinion the main villain from the first book is never even properly punished even though they're all supposedly outraged by his actions and it's well within their power to make him pay for his crimes.
My third and final complaint is that smaller plot points were dragged out throughout the whole book, while larger turn of event type scenes are thrust upon you almost clumsily and with no build up. So there it is, overall the book was definitely better but still not a stellar book.
Will the third be better than both?
Unfortunately in this book I still don't relate to Sonea, I just can't. She endures some horrendous bullying which certainly earns my sympathy but that doesn't equate to like or respect. She never even fully protects herself unless someone else points out how it can be achieved. She never tells anyone and when someone finds out on their own she begs them not to do anything and to keep it a secret. The adults keep assuming it's out of pride but honestly no one ever gives a believable reason why she won't let anyone do anything about her tormentors. Especially since the few times they are caught she seems satisfied.
This kind of brings me to my next qualm with the book. The adults in this book are totally ineffectual. They spend more time being gossips than anything else. Whenever someone does something that is absolutely terribly wrong they brush it off with a slap on the wrist. In my opinion the main villain from the first book is never even properly punished even though they're all supposedly outraged by his actions and it's well within their power to make him pay for his crimes.
My third and final complaint is that smaller plot points were dragged out throughout the whole book, while larger turn of event type scenes are thrust upon you almost clumsily and with no build up. So there it is, overall the book was definitely better but still not a stellar book.
Will the third be better than both?
Saturday, September 15, 2012
Book 6: The Novice
Continuing with the Black Magician Trilogy we have The Novice.
'The Most important attribute of a magician is knowledge. Without it his strength is useless.' The magician's eyes flickered to Sonea, 'Even if his powers surface of their own accord, he will soon be dead if he does not gain the knowledge of how to control them.
Sonea knows the other novices in the Magicians' Guild all come from powerful families, but she also knows she can turn to Rothen and Dannyl for help when she needs it. That is, until someone starts spreading malicious rumors about her - and Akkarin, the High Lord, steps in.
Promoted to Guild Ambassador, Lord Dannyl leaves for the Elyne court. His first order from Administrator Lorlen is to resume, in secret, High Lord Akkarin's long-abandoned research into ancient magical knowledge. Not knowing the true reason for his journey, Dannyl is soon facing unexpected dangers.
Meanwhile, Sonea has almost forgotten the High Lord's dark secret, but keeping the truth hidden may be a grave mistake.
From the synopsis alone I'm feeling trepidation but I said I was going to finish the trilogy and I am. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this one will be a better read.
Have any of you read any good books lately?
 |
| Courtesy of Bookworld |
'The Most important attribute of a magician is knowledge. Without it his strength is useless.' The magician's eyes flickered to Sonea, 'Even if his powers surface of their own accord, he will soon be dead if he does not gain the knowledge of how to control them.
Sonea knows the other novices in the Magicians' Guild all come from powerful families, but she also knows she can turn to Rothen and Dannyl for help when she needs it. That is, until someone starts spreading malicious rumors about her - and Akkarin, the High Lord, steps in.
Promoted to Guild Ambassador, Lord Dannyl leaves for the Elyne court. His first order from Administrator Lorlen is to resume, in secret, High Lord Akkarin's long-abandoned research into ancient magical knowledge. Not knowing the true reason for his journey, Dannyl is soon facing unexpected dangers.
Meanwhile, Sonea has almost forgotten the High Lord's dark secret, but keeping the truth hidden may be a grave mistake.
From the synopsis alone I'm feeling trepidation but I said I was going to finish the trilogy and I am. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that this one will be a better read.
Have any of you read any good books lately?
Monday, September 10, 2012
Magician's Guild Review
Today I finished the Magician's Guild. I only have 3 words to describe this book Too Much Talking! Normally I don't mind banter between characters, but this was just unending and uninteresting banter. In case you're interested in reading this book yourself I don't want to give a whole lot away but the most exciting thing about this book is the description on the back cover.
For the first half of the book Sonea, the main character, is in hiding. Actually most of what you read for the first half of the book revolves around her moving from one hideout to the next as her friend valiantly attempts to keep her hidden (because even though she has magical powers she needs a man to take care of her) and the hunt being carried out by the misunderstood guild.
I need to be able to relate the main character in order to really enjoy a book and there isn't a single thing I like about Sonea. She's weak, annoying, and only seems to have a backbone when it isn't going to do her any good. To make matters worse none of the magic they do in the book is particularly interesting.
My husband assures me that the books get better, so we'll see. For his sake and due to the fact that I'm a bit of a book whore and will read just about anything, good or nauseatingly bad, I'm going to try to finish the trilogy, wish me luck.
For the first half of the book Sonea, the main character, is in hiding. Actually most of what you read for the first half of the book revolves around her moving from one hideout to the next as her friend valiantly attempts to keep her hidden (because even though she has magical powers she needs a man to take care of her) and the hunt being carried out by the misunderstood guild.
I need to be able to relate the main character in order to really enjoy a book and there isn't a single thing I like about Sonea. She's weak, annoying, and only seems to have a backbone when it isn't going to do her any good. To make matters worse none of the magic they do in the book is particularly interesting.
My husband assures me that the books get better, so we'll see. For his sake and due to the fact that I'm a bit of a book whore and will read just about anything, good or nauseatingly bad, I'm going to try to finish the trilogy, wish me luck.
Tuesday, April 10, 2012
Book 4: Ancestors of Avalon
I'm putting a slight hold on reading The Magician's Guild so I can read my latest library book. A book that I'm very excited to read. Ancestors of Avalon by Diana L. Paxson, and Marion Zimmer Bradley.
~ The full sweep of the rich history of Avalon -- from the fall of Atlantis to the founding of a new temple on the mist-shrouded isle of Britain -- is finally revealed in this magnificent tale. The priests and priestesses of Atlantis have known for many years that the Sea Kingdoms were doomed. But now the final destruction has arrived they find themselves less prepared than they thought for what lies ahead. Micail and Tiriki, prince and princess of the last island to fall, as well as priest and priestess, are seperated during the final escape. Micail and his cousin, Prince Tjalan, successfully arrive at their planned destination, a trading post in the Hesperides (the British Isles) where Tjalan loses no time in taking charge. He dreams of continuing the traditions of Atlantis and founding a glorious new empire -- whether the local tribes like it or not. Micail and the other priests dedicate themselves to fulfilling an ancient prophesy that they will build a great temple in this new land -- and set about finding a way to shift the huge blocks of granite that will become Stonehenge. Micail's beloved wife Tiriki also arrives in the Hesperides, but, down off-course by a storm, her ship lands on the wrong shore. She and the elderly priest Chedan lead their small group in forming a new community in harmony with the local population at the sacred Tor (Glastonbury). Once the two groups become aware of each other, conflict will become inevitable. A deeply moving and utterly convincing tale of faith in the face of adversity, filled with memorable characters and haunting landscapes. ~
I read Mysts of Avalon and literally fell in love with the book. I know I'll fall in love with this book too and I can't wait to finish it!!
Monday, March 19, 2012
Book 5: The Magician's Guild
~ The old magician paused. 'If this young woman is a natural, we should expect her to be more powerful than out average novice, possibly even more powerful than the average magician.'
Each year the magicians of Imardin gather together to purge the city streets of vagrants and miscreants. Masters of the disciplines of magic, they know than no ordinary lowlife can oppose them. But their protective shield is not as impenetrable as they think.
Sonea angry, frustrated and outraged by the treatment of her family and friends, throws a stone at the shield, putting all her rage behind it. She is amazed when it sails unrestricted through the barrier and knocks a magician unconscious.
The Guild's worst fear has been realised. There is an untrained magician loose in Imardin who must be found before her uncontrolled powers can destroy herself and the city. ~
I'm not usually interested in fantasy novels but it will be a welcome change from the romance novels. I'm starting to realize, if a book is fiction and listed as free on the Kindle, chances are it's a romance novel. Not that I mind a good romance novel mind you.. but the genre's getting a little stale. So here's to something new, I hope I enjoy it.
Read any good books yourself lately?
Sunday, March 18, 2012
Honor Bound Review
I finally finished Honor Bound by C.J. Archer! It felt like it was taking me forever. It wasn't a bad book. On the whole it was pretty good but for some reason I had a hard time getting sucked into it. Some books grab me right away and I don't want to put them down until I'm done, this book kept giving me moments where I felt like I needed a break, and it wasn't very long.
It was mostly a romance novel complete with an evil mother-in-law who was very easy to hate, with a mystery flair. It had a nice twist at the end and I at the very least didn't see it coming.
The main characters were relatable and I really liked Isabel, a witch and apothecaries assistant who barely uses her powers for fear of being found out. She's brave strong and sure of herself good qualities in any woman. Her estranged husband Nick is fun, sexy and the perfect masculine stereotype. Enough boyish charm to keep him sweet and a nice hard edge to his personality to make him a man. All of the character's are fairly realistic and relatable.
I felt like the author could have boosted the witchy quotient but that's just my personal taste (although it was nice that she wasn't constantly flashing it around). The thing I liked the most is that she kept Isabel "normal", at least she's wasn't absurdly unbelievable.
I'd give it a 3 out of 5 star rating.
It was mostly a romance novel complete with an evil mother-in-law who was very easy to hate, with a mystery flair. It had a nice twist at the end and I at the very least didn't see it coming.
The main characters were relatable and I really liked Isabel, a witch and apothecaries assistant who barely uses her powers for fear of being found out. She's brave strong and sure of herself good qualities in any woman. Her estranged husband Nick is fun, sexy and the perfect masculine stereotype. Enough boyish charm to keep him sweet and a nice hard edge to his personality to make him a man. All of the character's are fairly realistic and relatable.
I felt like the author could have boosted the witchy quotient but that's just my personal taste (although it was nice that she wasn't constantly flashing it around). The thing I liked the most is that she kept Isabel "normal", at least she's wasn't absurdly unbelievable.
I'd give it a 3 out of 5 star rating.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Book 3: Honor Bound
Isabel's quiet life as an assistant to one of London's famous apothecaries hides a deadly secret A secret that could see her put on trial for witchcraft if the authorities uncover the truth. But when the authority figure who shows up at her shop is Sir Nicholas Merritt, she's at risk of losing more than her life. She could lose her heart and soul, and the man she loves.
Royal spy Sir Nicholas Merritt can't believe his luck when he stumbles upon Isabel during an investigation. He's been searching for her for 7 long years and now he has her again, in his bed and in his life. Except she's resisting all the way. Worse still, she's somehow tangled up with a plot to assassinate the queen. To hold onto her this time, she must find out why she left him while hiding a secret of his own that could tear them apart forever.
Note: Each of the Witchblade Chronicles books is a complete novel with different characters. They do not need to be read in order.
I'm really looking forward to reading this book. I love period novels, and I love novels set in foreign countries, especially in Europe. Also I'm never one to look down on a well written romance novel.
The Trouble With Spells Review
Today I finished The Trouble with Spells by Lacey Weatherford. I've mentioned a couple of times that the review of this book is not going to be pretty so if you're a fan of the book or the series, try not to take offense and remember that we're all entitled to our own opinions.
I said when I first started reading this book that I loved the Twilight series. Apparently so did the author. Before anyone gets huffy with me I've done my research and I'm pretty sure that the Twilight series started coming out first, if I'm wrong please correct me. There are just way to many similarities. He's the resident bad boy that all the girls want and all the boys are jealous of. He can read her mind (although she can also read his). She's asks him for sex while he turns her down to protect their virtue and to keep her safe. Also he says he wants to marry her when they've been dating for maybe a few weeks. He also sleeps next to her every night and keeps a quilt tucked around her to separate their bodies (just like the Twilight series).
The biggest difference between the two books is that they're witches instead of vampires. Also they're apparently Christian witches. Odd but not entirely unheard of. I'll give her a little credit for making an attempt to talk about the Rule of Returns and for getting the names of some magickal tools right. I don't have a problem with the Harry Potter or fantasy style of witchcraft writing but accuracy is always nice.
In my opinion it seemed like a combination of a Silver Ravenwolf 101 book and Twilight with a splash of Practical Magic and Sabrina the Teenage Witch for good measure. Other than that there were some small language quirks that I found irritating (two people who live in the same house are not "visiting" with each other simply because they're chatting). Also Portia was a little to vapid for my taste. Unless one of the sequels literally falls in my lap I don't think I'll be searching out the rest of this series.
Over all I'd give it a 1 out of 5 rating.
I said when I first started reading this book that I loved the Twilight series. Apparently so did the author. Before anyone gets huffy with me I've done my research and I'm pretty sure that the Twilight series started coming out first, if I'm wrong please correct me. There are just way to many similarities. He's the resident bad boy that all the girls want and all the boys are jealous of. He can read her mind (although she can also read his). She's asks him for sex while he turns her down to protect their virtue and to keep her safe. Also he says he wants to marry her when they've been dating for maybe a few weeks. He also sleeps next to her every night and keeps a quilt tucked around her to separate their bodies (just like the Twilight series).
The biggest difference between the two books is that they're witches instead of vampires. Also they're apparently Christian witches. Odd but not entirely unheard of. I'll give her a little credit for making an attempt to talk about the Rule of Returns and for getting the names of some magickal tools right. I don't have a problem with the Harry Potter or fantasy style of witchcraft writing but accuracy is always nice.
In my opinion it seemed like a combination of a Silver Ravenwolf 101 book and Twilight with a splash of Practical Magic and Sabrina the Teenage Witch for good measure. Other than that there were some small language quirks that I found irritating (two people who live in the same house are not "visiting" with each other simply because they're chatting). Also Portia was a little to vapid for my taste. Unless one of the sequels literally falls in my lap I don't think I'll be searching out the rest of this series.
Over all I'd give it a 1 out of 5 rating.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
Book 2: The Trouble with Spells
Continuing on the Witchy Reading Challenge I'm starting book 2, The Trouble with Spells by Lacey Weatherford.
Portia Mullins had always lived the life of a normal teenager, up until her sixteenth birthday. She is then informed by her grandma that she is actually a witch who is a descendant of a long line of witches and warlocks. After overcoming her disbelief she finds that being a member of the coven comes with one great perk in the form of the school's handsome bad boy, Vance Mangum. Vance and Portia have an immediate connection as a budding romance begins, only to be threatened by turbulent skies on the horizon as Vance's checkered past rears it's ugly head to haunt them. Portia is forced to use her untried powers in defense of everything she loves in a desperate attempt to hold onto the one thing that really matters in her life. I'm not usually into Young Adult Romance novels but I LOVED the Twilight series so I figured I'd see how this one is. I mean really, how can a book with hot guys and magick be bad, right?
Bewitching the Werewolf Review
Last night I finished my first book for the Witchy Reading Challenge. What a sexy book, or rather short story, and not shy sex either, in your face sex.
I liked the main character Megan Stephens. She's funny and quick witted. Her client, Zachary Conner, seems like a man any woman would want to spend a little time getting to know. Both him and the animal inside.
It was a little rushed ever for a short story however but on the whole a very fun read, also it included a excerpt from her book Love is Darkness so that was nice to have.
All in all I'd say I give it a 4 out of 5 rating.
I liked the main character Megan Stephens. She's funny and quick witted. Her client, Zachary Conner, seems like a man any woman would want to spend a little time getting to know. Both him and the animal inside.
It was a little rushed ever for a short story however but on the whole a very fun read, also it included a excerpt from her book Love is Darkness so that was nice to have.
All in all I'd say I give it a 4 out of 5 rating.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Book 1: Bewitching the Werewolf
Today starts Day one of Magaly's Witchy Reading challenge and I'm putting reading Bag of Bones on hold so I can start Bewitching the Werewolf a short story by Caroline Hanson. When witch for hire, Megan Stephens, is assigned to help the local werewolf pack leader find a mate, she thinks the job will be easy. Get in, get him up and get gone. But when she meets Zack Connor, she realizes her future might have a lot more dog jokes in it than she ever imagined.
I found this book for free on my Kindle but it seems to have received fairly high reviews so we'll see. As soon as I finish I'll be sure to post my personal review. If you've read it and you love it or hate it let us know what you think.
Check out the Witchy Reading Challenge page or head on over to Magaly's Pagan Culture blog for more info.
Monday, December 26, 2011
Day after Holidays
Well both Yule and Christmas have passed and I still feel sick. I hate having colds but well.. who doesn't. Yule sadly passed without an event. I spent most of the day baking with my mother which was nice. Since we're living with my parents and I have to keep my spiritual practice under wraps I don't really get to celebrate. I watched some videos on YouTube about yule and thought about the lengthening of days for a little bit, but that was about it.
Christmas was a much bigger deal, I'm okay with that though. I usually see Yule as the spiritual celebration of the turn of the wheel and "Christmas" as the secular, partying, gifting, family get-together celebration (kind of like Saturnalia). I got a new Jewelry Box (which I wanted), some candy, a reed diffuser (cinnamon and nutmeg, yum!), a ceramic travel mug with a quote from Mother Teresa on it, "Peace Begins With A Smile" so very true, a travel nail kit (always useful) and an angel key chain. I'm not really into angels, but it's pretty and it's the thought that counts. We had a fabulous brunch and spent the day relaxing. All in all it was a pretty good day. I ended up falling asleep for a two hour nap, but mostly because I'm sick.
So how about everyone else. Who celebrates just Yule, just Christmas, or both? What did you do to celebrate?
On a small side note January 13th is getting closer! Has everyone checked out the Witchy Reading Challenge Tab? If you haven't check it out, and check out Pagan Culture for a button.
Christmas was a much bigger deal, I'm okay with that though. I usually see Yule as the spiritual celebration of the turn of the wheel and "Christmas" as the secular, partying, gifting, family get-together celebration (kind of like Saturnalia). I got a new Jewelry Box (which I wanted), some candy, a reed diffuser (cinnamon and nutmeg, yum!), a ceramic travel mug with a quote from Mother Teresa on it, "Peace Begins With A Smile" so very true, a travel nail kit (always useful) and an angel key chain. I'm not really into angels, but it's pretty and it's the thought that counts. We had a fabulous brunch and spent the day relaxing. All in all it was a pretty good day. I ended up falling asleep for a two hour nap, but mostly because I'm sick.
So how about everyone else. Who celebrates just Yule, just Christmas, or both? What did you do to celebrate?
On a small side note January 13th is getting closer! Has everyone checked out the Witchy Reading Challenge Tab? If you haven't check it out, and check out Pagan Culture for a button.
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