nursenblack

Thanks so much. I intend to do better. I've had Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children for about a year and still haven't gotten to it, but I will soon. I just have to find the right mood first. Thanks

Finished Jan. 10th #1 Timepiece by Myra McEntire synopsis from amazon.com "A threat from the past could destroy the future. Kaleb Ballard was never supposed to be able to see ripples--cracks in time. Are his powers expanding, or is something very wrong? Before he can find out, Jonathan Landers, the man who tried to murder his father, reappears. Why is he back, and what, or whom, does he want? In the wake of Landers's return, the Hourglass organization is given an ultimatum by a mysterious man. Either they find Landers and the research he has stolen on people who might carry the time gene, or time will be altered--with devastating results for the people Kaleb loves most. Now Kaleb, Emerson, Michael, and the other Hourglass recruits have no choice but to use their extraordinary powers to find Landers. But where do they even start? And when? Even if they succeed, just finding him may not be enough ... The follow-up to Hourglass, Timepiece blends the paranormal, science fiction, mystery, and suspense genres into a nonstop thrill ride where every second counts." Timepiece, the second novel in the Hourglass series, is told from Kaleb's (a womanizing teen who is also an empath) POV. I loved Kaleb in Hourglass, but wasn't sure about McEntire's decision of making him the main character. It absolutely worked though, and made the novel even faster paced and much more unisex. Some of the magic I felt with Hourglass seemed lost but the romance and action kept me entertained. I’m really curious to see who narrates Infinityglass. (4/5) Currently reading: Juliet Immortal by Stacey Jay

Nursenblack's Reading List 2012 Goal for 2013: After last years disappointment, I have decided to skip the goal this year. Rating Scale 1-5 1)awful. only fit for a birdcage liner. 2)so so. will not recommend to anyone. 3)Just ok. I liked it, but nothing special 4)enjoyable read. will recommend to others 5)excellent. loved it! Currently reading: Timepiece by Myra McEntire TBR Pile The Evolution of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin Hick by Andrea Portes The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a ship of Her Own Making by Catherynne M. Valente Reached by Ally Condie Miss Peregrine's Home For Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs The Neverending Story by Michael Ende Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by Beth Pattillo Crazy Beautiful by Lauren Baratz-Logsted Ruby Red by Kerstin Gier The Girl with Glass Feet by Ali Shaw Anita and Me by M. Syal Jasmyn by Alex Bell Jessica's Guide to Dating on the Dark Side by Beth Fantaskey She's Come Undone by Wally Lamb Kafka By the Shore by Haruki Murakami Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro Stardust by Neil Gaiman The Devil's Arithmetic by Jane Yolen The Color Purple by Alice Walker The Silver Kiss by Annette Curtis Klause Snow Flower and the Secret Fan by Lisa See The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern

Finished December 29th # 39 Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn (via kindle per library loan) synopsis from amazon.com Marriage can be a real killer. One of the most critically acclaimed suspense writers of our time, New York Times bestseller Gillian Flynn takes that statement to its darkest place in this unputdownable masterpiece about a marriage gone terribly, terribly wrong. The Chicago Tribune proclaimed that her work “draws you in and keeps you reading with the force of a pure but nasty addiction.” Gone Girl’s toxic mix of sharp-edged wit and deliciously chilling prose creates a nerve-fraying thriller that confounds you at every turn. On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer? As the cops close in, every couple in town is soon wondering how well they know the one that they love. With his twin sister, Margo, at his side, Nick stands by his innocence. Trouble is, if Nick didn’t do it, where is that beautiful wife? And what was in that silvery gift box hidden in the back of her bedroom closet? With her razor-sharp writing and trademark psychological insight, Gillian Flynn delivers a fast-paced, devilishly dark, and ingeniously plotted thriller that confirms her status as one of the hottest writers around. Show More Show Less It seems to me that readers either love or hate Gone Girl, Gillian Flynn's psychological thriller that is buzzing. I can say, wholeheartedly, that I am one of the lovers. At first, the story is engaging, but seems more of a tale of a marriage that is in trouble. But when Nick comes home to find his wife, Amy, missing on their fifth wedding anniversary, the novel ignites into a mystery that takes a wicked turn. I have to take a moment to say that the haters are usually hating the ending (no worries; I won't reveal anything), but I found it fitting and a bit creepy in the scheme of things. Amazing, thrilling fun! Don't take my word for it, read it. (5/5)

Finished December 20th #38 Fablehaven by Brandon Mull (via library loan) synopsis from amazon.com Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among the greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. But when the rules get broken, powerful forces are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and maybe even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most... Fablehaven, the first of a series, is an engaging children's fantasy that's fun for adults (like me) as well. This story has it all: fairies, imps, a witch, a troll and more. Everytime I read a children's or ya book that I enjoy as much as I did Fablehaven I think, where were these books when I was a kid? Good thing I'm still a kid at heart. I really need to read the rest of the Fablehaven series. (4/5)

Oh, I'm so disappointed in myself. My goal this year was 45 books to be read, and I'm only on number 38 right now. There's no way I can make it to 45 now.

#37 Shadow of NIght by Deborah Harkness (via library loan) synopis from amzon.com Deborah Harkness exploded onto the literary scene with her debut novel, A Discovery of Witches, Book One of the magical All Souls Trilogy and an international publishing phenomenon. The novel introduced Diana Bishop, Oxford scholar and reluctant witch, and the handsome geneticist and vampire Matthew Clairmont; together they found themselves at the center of a supernatural battle over an enchanted manuscript known as Ashmole 782. Now, picking up from A Discovery of Witches’ cliffhanger ending, Shadow of Night plunges Diana and Matthew into Elizabethan London, a world of spies, subterfuge, and a coterie of Matthew’s old friends, the mysterious School of Night that includes Christopher Marlowe and Walter Raleigh. Here, Diana must locate a witch to tutor her in magic, Matthew is forced to confront a past he thought he had put to rest, and the mystery of Ashmole 782 deepens. Sadly, the enthusiasm I had for the All Souls Triolgy waned terribly with Shadow of Night. I wanted to zoom through this novel with the same velocity as I did The Discovery of Witches, but it has taken me much longer than expected to finish it. I love the idea of the novel (witches, vampires and time travel), but the story I fell in love become lost in the details...way too much detail. At times I wasn't sure whether I had picked up a history book by mistake or a tale of star crossed lovers disguised as a history book. Don't get me wrong, I really loved some chapters, but had to wait until the end of the novel to read anything riveting. I'm going to have a really hard time deciding whether or not to read the third novel. (2/5)

#36 Hourglass by Myra McEntire syopsis from amazon.com One hour to rewrite the past . . . For seventeen-year-old Emerson Cole, life is about seeing what isn’t there: swooning Southern Belles; soldiers long forgotten; a haunting jazz trio that vanishes in an instant. Plagued by phantoms since her parents’ death, she just wants the apparitions to stop so she can be normal. She’s tried everything, but the visions keep coming back. So when her well-meaning brother brings in a consultant from a secretive organization called the Hourglass, Emerson’s willing to try one last cure. But meeting Michael Weaver may not only change her future, it may change her past. Who is this dark, mysterious, sympathetic guy, barely older than Emerson herself, who seems to believe every crazy word she says? Why does an electric charge seem to run through the room whenever he’s around? And why is he so insistent that he needs her help to prevent a death that never should have happened? Full of atmosphere, mystery, and romance, Hourglass merges the very best of the paranormal and science-fiction genres in a seductive, remarkable young adult debut. I cannot say enough good things about this ya debut. It's a perfect blend of fantasy, sci-fi, and romance that left me wanting more. Hourglass offers a unique take on time travel and spices things up wIth a delicious love triangle. I can't wait to get my hands on Timepiece. Definitely one of the best ya novels i've read in awhile. (5/5)

Finished November 10th #35 Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter by Seth Grahame-Smith The title of this book pretty much sums up what this story is about. Honest Abe not only freed the slaves, but also slayed vampires with vengeance for killing his mother. I loved the concept and enjoyed the story, but it was not nearly as exciting as I had hoped. (3/5)

Somewhere along the line I forgot to add that I read Fifty Shades Freed. So here it is: Finished Sometime in July #34 Fifty Shades Freed by E. L. James synopsis from amazon.com When unworldly student Anastasia Steele first encountered the driven and dazzling young entrepreneur Christian Grey it sparked a sensual affair that changed both of their lives irrevocably. Shocked, intrigued, and, ultimately, repelled by Christian’s singular erotic tastes, Ana demands a deeper commitment. Determined to keep her, Christian agrees. Now, Ana and Christian have it all—love, passion, intimacy, wealth, and a world of possibilities for their future. But Ana knows that loving her Fifty Shades will not be easy, and that being together will pose challenges that neither of them would anticipate. Ana must somehow learn to share Christian’s opulent lifestyle without sacrificing her own identity. And Christian must overcome his compulsion to control as he wrestles with the demons of a tormented past. Just when it seems that their strength together will eclipse any obstacle, misfortune, malice, and fate conspire to make Ana’s deepest fears turn to reality. This book is intended for mature audiences. I found the last of the Fifty Shades trilogy to be a real snoozer, and had difficulty finishing it at times. I'm not sure why it is, but for me the chase is what creates the tension in these love stories and beginning with the novel with couple already wed tends to damper my enthusiasm. I had the same problem with the novel's muse, the Twilight series. Sure, there are some interesting moments, but mostly drivel. (2/5)

Finished Oct 25th #33 The Stand by Stephen King (via Kindle per library loan) synopsis from amazon.com Stephen King’s apocalyptic vision of a world blasted by plague and tangled in an elemental struggle between good and evil remains as riveting and eerily plausible as when it was first published. A patient escapes from a biological testing facility, unknowingly carrying a deadly weapon: a mutated strain of super-flu that will wipe out 99 percent of the world’s population within a few weeks. Those who remain are scared, bewildered, and in need of a leader. Two emerge—Mother Abagail, the benevolent 108-year-old woman who urges them to build a peaceful community in Boulder, Colorado; and Randall Flagg, the nefarious “Dark Man,” who delights in chaos and violence. As the dark man and the peaceful woman gather power, the survivors will have to choose between them—and ultimately decide the fate of all humanity. I finally got up enough courage to tackle this monster of a book. I'm so glad I did. The Stand is an apocalyptic novel in a very real and scary way - a super plague that wipes out most of the world's population, including some animals. The villian, Randall Flagg or the Dark Man, brings the supernatural element to the story that makes the end of the human race even more terrifying. (4/5)

Finished Oct 5th #32 Wonder by R.J. Palacio (via Kindle per library loan) synopsis from amazon.com I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse. August Pullman was born with a facial deformity that, up until now, has prevented him from going to a mainstream school. Starting 5th grade at Beecher Prep, he wants nothing more than to be treated as an ordinary kid—but his new classmates can’t get past Auggie’s extraordinary face. WONDER, now a New York Times bestseller, begins from Auggie’s point of view, but soon switches to include his classmates, his sister, her boyfriend, and others. These perspectives converge in a portrait of one community’s struggle with empathy, compassion, and acceptance. In a world where bullying among young people is an epidemic, this is a refreshing new narrative full of heart and hope. R.J. Palacio has called her debut novel “a meditation on kindness” —indeed, every reader will come away with a greater appreciation for the simple courage of friendship. Auggie is a hero to root for, a diamond in the rough who proves that you can’t blend in when you were born to stand out. Wonder is a gem of a novel. Written for middle school ages, but an emotional and special story about acceptance for the young and old alike. Palacio writes in the remarkable voice of an extraordiary boy who longs to be seen as normal. A uplifting must read! (5/5)

Finished Sept 22nd #31 Anna Dressed In Blood by Kendare Blake synopsis from amazon.com "Cas Lowood has inherited an unusual vocation: He kills the dead. So did his father before him, until he was gruesomely murdered by a ghost he sought to kill. Now, armed with his father's mysterious and deadly athame, Cas travels the country with his kitchen-witch mother and their spirit-sniffing cat. They follow legends and local lore, destroy the murderous dead, and keep pesky things like the future and friends at bay. Searching for a ghost the locals call Anna Dressed in Blood, Cas expects the usual: track, hunt, kill. What he finds instead is a girl entangled in curses and rage, a ghost like he's never faced before. She still wears the dress she wore on the day of her brutal murder in 1958: once white, now stained red and dripping with blood. Since her death, Anna has killed any and every person who has dared to step into the deserted Victorian she used to call home. Yet she spares Cas's." From the first chapter, I was totally hooked. What a brilliant concept, a teenage ghost-killer, for a YA novel, or any novel for that matter. I really enjoyed the story especially the first half of the novel. However, by the time I got the end, my enthusiasm had waned a bit. It became almost too unrealistic, even for a supernatural story. Also, I think the romantic aspects were not quite…enthusiastic enough for my tastes. A good read overall, not scary (except for the first chapter) but graphic and well written. (3.5/5)

Glad you and I have the same tastes. However, it is all part of my evil plan: Take over the world- one book lover at a time!

Finished Sept. 9th #30 The Unbecoming of Mara Dyer by Michelle Hodkin synopsis from amazon.com Mara Dyer doesn't believe life can get any stranger than waking up in a hospital with no memory of how she got there. It can. She believes there must be more to the accident she can't remember that killed her friends and left her strangely unharmed. There is. She doesn't believe that after everything she's been through, she can fall in love. She's wrong. From the first page I was hooked. Mara Dyer isn't your typical heroine - she's flawed and broken to perfection and that drew me in even more. There is plenty of mystery with a pinch paranormal. The end of the novel seemed a bit disconnected from the rest of the book, but I still enjoyed it. I can't wait to read the next book. (4/5)

Finished August 31st #29 Dead to the World: A Sookie Stackhouse novel by Charlaine Harris (via library loan per Kindle) In the fourth book of the Sookie Stackhouse series, Eric has lost his memory and Jason goes missing. It's up to Sookie to find the coven of evil witches that are responsible for these dastardly deeds. Despite some very fascinating scenes involving Eric, the story seemed to drag on. A bit disappointing, but still fun. (2/5)

Finished August 12th #28 Unenchanted (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale) by Chanda Hahn (via Kindle) synopsis from amazon.com Mina Grime is unlucky, unpopular and uncoordinated, that is until she saves her crushes life on a field trip, changing her High School status from loser to hero overnight. But with her new found fame brings misfortune in the form of an old family curse come to light. For Mina is descended from the Brothers Grimm and has inherited all of their unfinished fairy tale business. Which includes trying to outwit a powerful Story from making her it's next fairytale victim. To break the fairy tale curse on her family and make these deadly occurrences stop, Mina must finish the tales until the very Grimm end. Unenchanted, the first of a ya series, is an interesting take on the classic Grimm's fairy tales. It isn't perfect (what can you expect from a kindle book priced 0.00), but still enjoyable and I actually what to find out what happens next. (3/5)

Finished July 25th #27 Persuasion by Jane Austen Persuasion, Jane Austen's last novel, is one the most romantic by the author. The idea of unrequited love being rekindled may have come from Austen’s personal hopes¸ but who knows. When she writes of Anne’s discomfort at being in the same room when Captain Wentworth, her jilted lover, I can truly feel it. Persuasion isn’t my favorite (Sense & Sensibility), but I do love Anne Elliot. As with all of Austen’s novels, the boring parts are boring and the good parts are excellent. (4/5)

I cant believe it's been so long since I updated. Finished July 7th #26 Forgotten by Cat Patrick synopsis from amazon.com Each night at precisely 4:33 am, while sixteen-year-old London Lane is asleep, her memory of that day is erased. In the morning, all she can "remember" are events from her future. London is used to relying on reminder notes and a trusted friend to get through the day, but things get complicated when a new boy at school enters the picture. Luke Henry is not someone you'd easily forget, yet try as she might, London can't find him in her memories of things to come. When London starts experiencing disturbing flashbacks, or flash-forwards, as the case may be, she realizes it's time to learn about the past she keeps forgetting-before it destroys her future. This young adult novel had a very intresting concept- only the future is remembered instead of the past. Even one day before is forgotten. I really enjoyed Forgotten and look forward to more by Patrick. (4/5) F

Currently, I have 30+ books in my TBR pile. Probably less than ten are used. I sometimes feel guilty, but if a mood hits me for a new book I can't help but comply. Most of my interludes from my bookshelf are library loans on my kindle, but every now and then I just have to buy, like the Fifty Shades of Grey books. I really should stay away from reading too many reviews though, because my wishlist is even larger!

Finished July 4th Fifty Shades Darker by E. L James synopsis from amazon.com Daunted by the singular tastes and dark secrets of the beautiful, tormented young entrepreneur Christian Grey, Anastasia Steele has broken off their relationship to start a new career with a Seattle publishing house. But desire for Christian still dominates her every waking thought, and when he proposes a new arrangement, Anastasia cannot resist. They rekindle their searing sensual affair, and Anastasia learns more about the harrowing past of her damaged, driven and demanding Fifty Shades. While Christian wrestles with his inner demons, Anastasia must confront the anger and envy of the women who came before her, and make the most important decision of her life. This book is intended for mature audiences. As with Fifty Shades of Grey, I also have torn feelings about Fifty Shades Darker. This second book in the trilogy, I felt, had a more interesting storyline whereas the first book seemed to be more about sexual awakening and experimentation. The character of Christian Grey has really grown on me though. Because of his vulnerbility, he is less godlike and more human. Now, Anastasia, on the other hand, still needs a good shaking. I have never seen a main character that, frustratingly, seems strong one minute and then meekly agrees to eat lunch for fear of making "Fifty" angry. Maybe I'm misunderstanding her, or maybe she is naive with as many shades as Christian Grey. Overall, a good 100 pages could be cut from the book, but considerably better than the first book. (3.5/5)

Finished June 26th #25 Lament: The Faerie Queen's Deception by Maggie Stiefvater (via Kindle per library loan) synopsis from booklist "*Starred Review* Sixteen-year-old Deirdre Monaghan, a gifted harpist who regularly plays for weddings and other events, has the kind of stage fright that makes her physically ill before a performance, which is an inauspicious way to start a romance; but while vomiting before a competition she meets a gorgeous boy who comes into the restroom to hold her hair. He is Luke Dillon, a flautist who proceeds to accompany her in a truly stellar performance. As four-leaf clovers start appearing everywhere, Deirdre develops telekinetic powers and encounters strange, unworldly people who seem to bear her ill will. Her best friend, James, also a talented musician; her beloved grandmother; and her mother all are in danger, as Deirdre is targeted by the queen of Faerie. Deirdre eventually discovers that she is a cloverhand, a person who can see the denizens of faerie, and Luke, not the only immortal who has her in his sights, is a gallowglass, an assassin assigned by the queen of Faerie to kill Deirdre but who falls in love with her instead. This beautiful and out-of-the-ordinary debut novel, with its authentic depiction of Celtic Faerie lore and dangerous forbidden love in a contemporary American setting, will appeal to readers of Nancy Werlin’s Impossible (2008) and Stephenie Meyer’s Twilight series. Illustrations by Jeffrey are fitting. Grades 9-12. --Diana Tixier Herald " After having read Stiefvater's Wolves of Mercy Falls series first, I was expecting a bit more from her early work. The concept of this young adult novel was intriguing, but the execution was lacking. I was most bothered by the fact that people in Deirdre's life, including her best friend and snobby coworker, accept that she's being followed by Faeries without even blinking an eye. Also, I had trouble beliving the romance between Deirdre and Luke. There are ways to master believability, even in fantasy, but this wasn't it. I really really wanted to love it. (2/5)

Finished June 10th # 24 Club Dead (Sookie Stackhouse Book 3) By Charlaine Harris (via Kindle per library loan) In the third book of the Sookie Stackhouse series, Sookie, once again, uses her mind reading abilities to find the bad guy. Except this time the bad guy is her vampire boyfriend, Bill, who has been seeing his ex behind Sookie's back and is now being held hostage. But that's okay because there is plenty of face time with Bill's sexy boss, Eric. Oh, and also the introduction of tall, dark and werewolf, Alcide. Like I've said before, these novels aren't masterpieces, but just plain fun. The ultimate beach reads if you're into romance on the dark side. (3/5)

Jeez! I'm so behind on my reviews. I'll try to do better. Finished June 2nd #23 The Giver by Lois Lowry (via Kindle per library loan) The Giver, the first of a trilogy, was first published in 1993, and is as riveting as any of the stories of its kind. I don't believe it's too assuming to say that this award winning, young adult novel has been an inspiration for dystopian societies in novels of today. There is an innocence to The Giver that I haven't experienced so genuinly in any other novel in this genre. I'm so glad I finally read this. (5/5)

I've just started The Giver by Lois Lowry. I've had it on ehold through the library for forever and it finally became available. I didn't even realize it was a trilogy.