Page turner's book bash 2011

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Thought is was time to update the wish list so here's what's been added:

The Outlandish Companion By: Diana Gabaldon

The Exile By: Diana Gabaldon

Alice I Have Been By: Melanie Benjamin

Tigana By: Guy Gavriel Kay

Fablehaven By: Brandon Mull

So You Want to Be a Wizard By: Duane, Diane

Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland By: Catherynne M Valente

Wrapped By: Jennifer Bradbury

The Magnolia League By: Katie Crouch

Goddess of Troy: A Goddess Summoning Novel By: P. C. Cast

Goddess of Legend: A Goddess Summoning Novel By: P. C. Cast

Warrior Rising By: P C Cast

Goddess of Love: A Goddess Summoning Novel By: P. C. Cast

Goddess of the Rose: A Goddess Summoning Novel By: P. C. Cast

Goddess of Light: A Goddess Summoning Novel By: P. C. Cast

Goddess of Spring: A Goddess Summoning Novel By: P. C. Cast

Goddess of the Sea: A Goddess Summoning Novel By: P. C. Cast

A Night to Remember By: Walter Lord

You'll Like It Here (Everybody Does) By: Ruth White

The Book Lover's Tale By: Ivo Stourton

Possession By: Elana Johnson

Songs of the Earth By: Elspeth Cooper

God's Spy By: Juan Gomez-Jurado

Contract with God By: Juan Gomez Jurado

The Traitor's Emblem By: Juan Gomez-Jurado

The Giver By: Lois Lowry

Tuck Everlasting By: Natalie Babbitt

Thirteen Reasons Why By: Jay Asher

The Beekeeper's Apprentice By: Laurie R. King

Neversuch House: Mask of the Evergones By: Elliot Skell

Neversuch House By: Elliot Skell

The Second Duchess By: Elizabeth Loupas

Red Riding Hood By: Sarah Blakley-Cartwright

The Hangman's Daughter: A Historical Daughter By: Oliver Potzsch

India Black: A Madam of Espionage Mystery By: Carol K. Carr

The Stonehenge Legacy By: Sam Christer

Tom Trueheart & the Land of Myths & Legends By: Ian Beck

Tom Trueheart and the Land of Dark Stories By: Ian Beck

Secret History of Tom Trueheart By: Ian Beck

Darke By: Angie Sage

The Sparrow By: Mary Doria Russell

Case of Conscience By: James Blish

Ella Minnow Pea By: Mark Dunn

Little, Big By: John Crowley

The Queen Must Die By: K.A.S. Quinn

The Beautiful Assassin By: Michael White

The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ By: Philip Pullman

The Crowfield Demon By: Pat Walsh

The Crowfield Curse By: Pat Walsh

Murder at Mansfield Park By: Lynn Shepherd

Dracula My Love: The Secret Journals of Mina Harker By: Syrie James

Grimsdon By: Deborah Abela

Blackout By: Connie Willis

All Clear By: Connie Willis

The Life of a Teenage Body-snatcher By: Doug MacLeod

Bitterblue By: Kristin Cashore

[Weave]

Great reviews Page, I love 'Howl's Moving Castle' & 'Castle in the Sky' too, Howl & Sophie are wonderful characters, have you read 'House of Many Ways'?, its the third book in the series, its a fab read.

Edited April 4, 2011 by Weave

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Great reviews Page, I love 'Howl's Moving Castle' & 'Castle in the Sky' too, Howl & Sophie are wonderful characters, have you read 'House of Many Ways'?, its the third book in the series, its a fab read.

 

I haven't read it yet but I do have it. I'm trying to get all the books I'm missing by Diana, now that she's passed away I'm worried that they won't reprint them, and they are all such wonderful books. Everyone should read at least one of Diana's books in their life time.

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Today was a cold, and overcast day. So I spent it curled up on the couch reading. I finished The shadow Dragons by James A Owen, the fourth book in the Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica series. It was a good read to pass the day. I wish I had the next in the series to continue on with if only to see out the end of it.

The Caretakers of the Imaginarium Geographica are at war. The Imperial Cartological Society, led by Richard Burton, have collected all of the doors from the Keep of Time, and are building a new tower in our world at the request of an old enemy: The Winter King’s Shadow. He has a terrible weapon – The Spear of Destiny – that can be used to command the shadows of anyone it touches…including the protectors of the Archipelago, the dragons. With a ship called The Iron Dragon, the Shadow King regains passage to the Archipelago where he uses the power of the Spear and the portals of Time to enlist an unstoppable army of Dragon Shadows. And after the Archipelago falls, he intends to betray the Allies in our world – but not to align himself with the opposition. The Shadow King intends to use the turmoil of WWII to take over BOTH worlds.

 

All the legendary Caretakers, past and present, come together on a great island in the northermost part of the Archipelago to decide the ultimate fate of the Imaginarium Geographica, as a terrible battle ravages the lands around them. And their only hope lies with a small group of companions who are on the quest for the broken sword Caliburn: the Grail Child Rose Dyson; her mechanical companion, the owl Archie; a mouse with an attitude; a dead Professor of Ancient Literature; and the mythical knight, Don Quixote.

 

They must sail beyond the ends of the Archipelago in search of the sword, and the only being alive who can repair it: a scholar, who, once upon a time, was called Madoc.

Edited April 10, 2011 by page turner

[Kidsmum]

You've got some interesting books on your list Page, I checked out Murder at Mansfield park on Amazon & it sounds like something I'd like

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Tonight I finished The kings of clonmel by John Flanagan the eighth book in the Ranger's apprentice series. I must admit that I had overlooked this series for years dismissing it as a "boy" book, which is very unlike me. Then last year I came across the first book for $5.00 and couldn't pass it up. Well I'm so glad I did as it's become one of my favourite series, plus it's by an Australian author which is always nice. I love the characters they are well thought out likeable people (and horses), my favourite is Halt followed closely by Tug the trusty little Ranger horse. I think if you have young boys who need a little encouragement or who love a good adventure then these will sure to be a winner.

Will is at the annual Ranger Gathering but Halt is investigating mysterious happenings in the west. When he does finally return, it's with bad news. Hibernia is in turmoil. A religious cult calling themselves the Outsiders are sowing confusion and sedition, and five of the six Hibernian kingdoms have been undermined. Now the sixth, Clonmel, is in danger. Halt, Will and Horace set out to restore order. Can the secrets of Halt's past help them in their mission?

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I went to a book clearance sale today - nothing over $5.00 I picked up

Zugzwang - Ronan Bennett

In the shadow of the ark - anne Provoost

Dancing with Eva - Alan Judd

The accidental sorcerer - K.E.Mills

Shimmer - Kathryn Deans

The possession of Mr Cave - Matt Haig

Something borrowed - Paul Magrs

The well of tears - Cecila Dart-Thornton

Weather witch - Ceclia Dart-Thornton

 

I only bought the last two as I had been looking at getting the first in the series last week at the local book store, so I went in to grab it today and it had gone So now I'm on the hunt for The Iron Tree the first book in the series and also Fallowblade the fourth in the series.

To make up for the let down I picked up

Here lies Bridget - Paige Harbison

City of fallen angels - Cassandra Claire

All clear - Connie willis

 

all from Big W.

Edited April 18, 2011 by page turner

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Last night I finished the 9th book in the Ranger's apprentice series Halt's peril by John Flanagan. I really enjoyed this book eventhough some parts bought tears to my eyes. This is the continuation of the mission started in The kings of Clonmel. Halt, Will and Horace have followed the Outsiders back to Araluen. Halt is determined to see an end to the notorious religious cult before they take over the countryside. After reading tis book it reminded me that this series won't last forever - I think 12 books is were it is ending - and I'll miss the characters when they are gone.

Halt, Horace and Will are on the trail of Tennyson and his followers. The false prophet of the Outsider cult escaped justice for his crimes in Clonmel, and Halt is determined to stop him before he crosses the border into Araluen. Will has defeated one of Tennyson's Genovesan assassins in Clonmel - but there are two left alive. Are the extraordinary archery skills of Will and Halt enough to save them during a duel with the Genovesans? Or is Will's mentor facing his last battle?

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Tonight I finished the fourth book in the House of Night series - Untamed by P.C and Kristen Cast. I must say I really am hooked on this series eventhough the twins annoy me, I really enjoy the other characters. I was very tempted to read the last few pages many times whilst reading this one just to see what happens because I couldn't stand the build-up it made me feel a little high-strung and nervous. I will be reading the fifth book next as there is no possible way I could read anything else - not with how this book ended.

Life sucks when your friends are pissed at you. Just ask Zoey Redbird - she's become an expert on suckiness. In one week she has gone from having three boyfriends to having none, and from having a close group of friends who trusted and supported her, to being an outcast. Speaking of friends, the only two Zoey has left are undead and unMarked. And Neferet has declared war on humans, which Zoey knows in her heart is wrong. But will anyone listen to her? Zoey's adventures at vampyre finishing school take a wild and dangerous turn as loyalties are tested, shocking true intentions come to light, and an ancient evil is awakened in PC and Kristin Cast's spellbinding fourth House of Night novel.

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This morning I finished Hunted by P.C and Kristen Cast. This series is turning out to be one of my favourites in a long time. I love Zoey I think she's an interesting character, but I especially love seeing what the ever evolving Aphrodite will do next. this series is essentially a good versus evil plot line but it's an enjoyable one at that, and one I will continue to read.

he good news: Zoey's friends have her back again and Stevie Rae and the red fledglings aren't Neferet's secrets any longer. The bad news: Ancient evil with the face of an angel has been let loose - that and various other nasties (whose faces aren't so angelic). Grandma Redbird is in trouble. Heath is in trouble. The House of Night is in trouble. Okay, let's face it - Zoey's whole world is in trouble! But when the trouble comes from a being who appears to be beauty personified, will the world believe it? Especially when only a teenager and a group of misfits are the only ones who really understand the danger he brings. Will Zoey have the strength and wisdom to reveal the truth?

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Last night I finished the sixth book in the House of night series Tempted by P.C and Kristen Cast. Whilst I did enjoy some parts of this book I feel now that the series is being drawn out. Not a lot really happens it's a lot of toing and frowing and it does get tedious. I'm going to put this series aside for a while to see if it helps rekindle my love for the series.

So - you'd think after banishing an immortal being and a fallen High Priestess, saving Stark's life, biting Heath, getting a headache from Erik, and almost dying, Zoey Redbird would catch a break. Sadly, a break is not in the House of Night school forecast for the High Priestess in training and her gang. Juggling three guys is anything but a stress reliever, especially when one of them is a sexy Warrior who is so into protecting Zoey that he can sense her emotions. Speaking of stress, the dark force lurking in the tunnels under the Tulsa Depot is spreading, and Zoey is beginning to believe Stevie Rae could be responsible for a lot more than a group of misfit red fledglings. Aphrodite's visions warn Zoey to stay away from Kalona and his dark allure, but they also show that it is Zoey who has the power to stop the evil immortal. Soon it becomes obvious that Zoey has no choice: if she doesn't go to Kalona he will exact a fiery vengeance on those closest to her. Will Zoey have the courage to chance losing her life, her heart, and her soul? Find out in the next spectacular installment in the House of Night Series, Tempted.

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Well after over a week of not reading anything and feeling really down about it I went to see the musical Wicked. It was fantastic and made me want to read this wonderful story again so I picked it up and have read around 100 pages. Then I decided I would go on with Burned the seventh book in the house of night series. I had read about 50 pages before my mojo up and left me. So setting Wicked asaide I plowed through Burned last night and I feel like my mojo is slowly coming back! I will continue to read Wicked again but it's on the back burner until I have the next in the series Son of Witch. As to my thoughts on Burned...well it still seems like the sory is being dragged out this book and the last could have been made into one if even half the crap was taken out. But like the sucker I am I'll probably read the next one sooner rather than later if only in the hope of finally reaching the end of the story (here's hoping theree's light at the end of the tunnel).

When friends stop trusting each other, Darkness is there to fan the flames...

 

Things have turned black at the House of Night. Zoey Redbird's soul has shattered. With everything she's ever stood for falling apart, and a broken heart making her want to stay in the Otherworld forever, Zoey's fading fast. It's seeming more and more doubtful that she will be able pull herself back together in time to rejoin her friends and set the world to rights. As the only living person who can reach her, Stark must find a way to get to her. But how? He will have to die to do so, the Vampire High Council stipulates. And then Zoey will give up for sure. There are only 7 days left.

 

Enter BFF Stevie Rae. She wants to help Z but she has massive problems of her own. The rogue Red Fledglings are acting up, and this time not even Stevie Rae can protect them from the consequences. Her kinda boyfriend, Dallas, is sweet but too nosy for his own good. The truth is, Stevie Rae's hiding a secret that might be the key to getting Zoey home but also threatens to explode her whole world.

 

In the middle of the whole mess is Aphrodite: ex-Fledgling, trust-fund baby, total hag from Hell (and proud of it). She's always been blessed (if you could call it that) with visions that can reveal the future, but now it seems Nyx has decided to speak through her with the goddess's own voice, whether she wants it or not. Aphrodite's loyalty can swing a lot of different ways, but right now Zoey's fate hangs in the balance.

 

Three girls. playing with fire. if they don't watch out, everyone will get Burned.

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Very very early this morning I finished Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison. This was an interesting book, I liked the premise of the book but not how it was written. There could have been so much more explored or even just have made the final outcome harder for Bridget. It felt all too nice at the end - all wrapped up with pretty bow included. I disliked the character of Bridget as was what I thought the author intended, she was everything the mean girl in high school is meant to be, and was well written. What I didn't like was how she still managed to get what she wanted in the end, just once I'd like to see a character like Bridget fall from grace and stay there.

Bridget Duke is the uncontested ruler of her school. The meanest girl with the biggest secret insecurities. And when new girl Anna Judge arrives, things start to fall apart for Bridget: friends don't worship as attentively, teachers don't fall for her wide-eyed "who me?" look, expulsion looms ahead and the one boy she's always loved—Liam Ward—can barely even look at her anymore.

 

When a desperate Bridget drives too fast and crashes her car, she ends up in limbo, facing everyone she's wronged and walking a few uncomfortable miles in their shoes. Now she has only one chance to make a last impression. Though she might end up dead, she has one last shot at redemption and the chance to right the wrongs she's inflicted on the people who mean the most to her.

 

And Bridget's about to learn that, sometimes, saying you're sorry just isn't enough….

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Very very early this morning I finished Here Lies Bridget by Paige Harbison. This was an interesting book, I liked the premise of the book but not how it was written. There could have been so much more explored or even just have made the final outcome harder for Bridget. It felt all too nice at the end - all wrapped up with pretty bow included. I disliked the character of Bridget as was what I thought the author intended, she was everything the mean girl in high school is meant to be, and was well written. What I didn't like was how she still managed to get what she wanted in the end, just once I'd like to see a character like Bridget fall from grace and stay there.

Bridget Duke is the uncontested ruler of her school. The meanest girl with the biggest secret insecurities. And when new girl Anna Judge arrives, things start to fall apart for Bridget: friends don't worship as attentively, teachers don't fall for her wide-eyed "who me?" look, expulsion looms ahead and the one boy she's always loved—Liam Ward—can barely even look at her anymore.

 

When a desperate Bridget drives too fast and crashes her car, she ends up in limbo, facing everyone she's wronged and walking a few uncomfortable miles in their shoes. Now she has only one chance to make a last impression. Though she might end up dead, she has one last shot at redemption and the chance to right the wrongs she's inflicted on the people who mean the most to her.

 

And Bridget's about to learn that, sometimes, saying you're sorry just isn't enough….

 

 

The plot of this sounds almost like Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. I read it last year and I highly recommend it. I think you would be much more pleased with it though.

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The plot of this sounds almost like Before I Fall by Lauren Oliver. I read it last year and I highly recommend it. I think you would be much more pleased with it though.

 

 

Thanks I've added it to my list it looks to be more like what I was after from this book.

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Today I finished Merlin's Harp by Anne Elliot Crompton. This was an ok book. I love the story of king Arthur and will happily read anything that remotely resembles or includes this story in it - but this one just didn't grab me. This book is told from the female point of view through the eyes of Niviene the daughter of the lady of the lake. Whislt is was refreshing to read from this veiw point it was also lacking something. There wasn't any real depth to the story and I can't quite understand the glowing reviews it has on the jacket, it was a real disappointment.

Among the towering trees of magical Avalon, where humans dare not tread, lives Niviene, daughter of the Lady of the Lake. Her people, the Fey, are folk of the wood and avoid the violence and greed of man. But the strife of King Arthur's realm threatens even the peace of Avalon. And while Merlin the mage has been training Niviene as his apprentice, he now needs her help to thwart the chaos devouring Camelot. Niviene's special talents must help save a kingdom and discover the treachery of men and the beauty of love - The story glows - a mythical tapestry that is at once completely recognizable yet utterly fresh - A" - Publishers Weekly Like The Mists of Avalon, the Arthurian legend from a woman's point of view.A" - USA Today Readers will be enchanted - the characters and strands of the famous legend are skillfully woven together here.A" - School Library Journal Take heed: the feminist possibilities of the Arthurian legendary cycle were not exhausted by Marion Zimmer Bradley's bestselling The Mists of Avalon - A riveting good read.A" - Booklist

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Yesterday I finished The Dragon's Apprentice By: James A. Owen the fifth book in the Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica. It was a good fast paced read that showed a few trump cards (no pun intended) right at the end that makes you want to keep an eye out for the next one. Good series not great but still entertaining.

Seven years after the events of The Shadow Dragons, John, Jack and Charles are finally able to return to their beloved Archipelago of Dreams. But even as their return is celebrated by old friends, new concerns shadow the reunion: the threat of Ecthroi, primordial Shadow. And perhaps even worse, the apparent splintering of Time itself.

 

Now, the Caretakers must fight against their most fearsome enemy ever and attempt to restore Time. They must journey through a forgotten Door from the destroyed Keep of Time in order to seek out the Dragon's Apprentice. If they fail, it will mean the end of both of the worlds. But success will carry its own price--a price that may be too high even for the Caretakers to bear.

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Tonight I finished reading A short history of tractors in Ukrainian by Marina Lewycka. I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well written and they draw you into the story from the first page. Wonderful book and one I will be passing onto friends, if you come across it don't let the title put you off - it's well worth the read.

For years, Nadezhda and Vera, two Ukrainian sisters, raised in England by their refugee parents, have had as little as possible to do with each other - and they have their reasons. But now they find they'd better learn how to get along, because since their mother's death their aging father has been sliding into his second childhood, and an alarming new woman has just entered his life. Valentina, a bosomy young synthetic blonde from the Ukraine, seems to think their father is much richer than he is, and she is keen that he leave this world with as little money to his name as possible. If Nadazhda and Vera don't stop her, no one will. But separating their addled and annoyingly lecherous dad from his new love will prove to be no easy feat - Valentina is a ruthless pro and the two sisters swiftly realize that they are mere amateurs when it comes to ruthlessness. As Hurricane Valentina turns the family house upside down, old secrets come falling out, including the most deeply buried one of them all, from the War, the one that explains much about why Nadazhda and Vera are so different. In the meantime, oblivious to it all, their father carries on with the great work of his dotage, a grand history of the tractor.