Showing posts with label Dragons. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dragons. Show all posts

Thursday, October 8, 2020

DRAGONWATCH 4: CHAMPION OF THE TITAN GAMES


DRAGONWATCH 4: CHAMPION OF THE TITANS GAMES  by Brandon Mull. This is a series I wish I had complete before reading. Alas, we have to wait another year for the next one. When that day comes, I will be sitting down with FABLEHAVEN and DRAGONWATCH and bing reading the entire series. This story was wonderful. I enjoyed being in Crescent Lagoon and having characters reunited. I loved the games. I loved the new friends, and I loved the action and twists and turns. It is an amazing addition to the DRAGONWATCH series and I cannot wait for the next one. I highly recommend it to everyone.

:) :) :) :) :)

The war against dragons intensifies. Will Kendra and Seth find the help they desperately need from the Giant Queen? This fourth book in a five-book series leaves the underwater dragon preserve of Crescent Lagoon for a gladiator-style arena at Titan Valley—the magical realm of towering giants and enslaved dragons. Our two young heroes have never felt so small or faced a challenge so ... giant!




Thursday, October 1, 2020

#bookadayaz

 Okay. Thanks for hanging in there with me. I'm still figuring out the best way to do this. I think it'll be a week at a time. So here's catching up for the last week and this one.



We love the Old Lady books here. I tried to find this one on Amazon and it's not there yet, but it IS in the Scholastic Book Clubs. Great, fun way to learn, teach, and reinforce sequencing. 


I really enjoyed this book. It gives an insight into the current President that the media has not allowed. It was very enlightening to see his ideas in 2000 and what he has done in his presidency. Whether you agree with everything or not, it is a very informative read that I would recommend.
 

The America We Deserve is the essential book for anyone who wants to understand the core of Donald Trump's political thinking. In this book, written as he first considered running for president in 2000, Trump offers no-nonsense, populist, provocative, and dramatic solutions to issues that continue to resonate with voters today.

In this book, Trump lays out a vision for America that is strong, optimistic, and founded on core Republican principles of self-reliance, limited governance, economic growth, and equitable taxation. Striking for its similarities to President Trump's current initiatives--but also fascinating in its differences--The America We Deserve reveals a man who is fully engaged with the nation and cares deeply about its future. Readers and voters will discover Trump's ideas on:

*Foreign policy and relations with China, Russia, North Korea, and Israel
*How to fix our broken and underperfoming education system
*Reducing regulations on business to help create jobs and economic growth
*A dramatic one-time tax on the super-wealthy to close the national debt and fuel tax cuts for the middle class
*Immigration, crime, terrorism, and more

The America We Deserve is essential reading for Trump-watchers, voters, Republicans, Democrats, and anyone interested in how Trump the businessman became Trump the president.



I love Clair Poulson books. This one was not my favorite. There were so many different elements to the mystery and so many different people involved that it felt like too much. I love a good red herring, but this had several that all twisted together. Of course, it could be that I feel like my live at the moment is twisting in so many different directions that reading a plot this involved was too much for me at the moment.


Lauralyn LaPlant and her sister, Bridgette, could not be closer. Their shared passion for adventure draws them to scale a sheer cliff one fateful day, but despite their experienced precautions, Bridgette suffers a terrible accident and plummets to an untimely death. Shattered by grief, Lauralyn soon makes a sobering discovery: this was no accident—her sister's climbing rope was cut. But who wanted Bridgette dead, and why? It's up to Lauralyn and her grieving brother-in-law, Dade, to uncover the truth, even if it means putting themselves in the path of a ruthless killer. As their search for clues leads them deep into the heart of Gold Country, they discover that in the world of prospecting, greed knows no limits.


I look forward to reading this one. These types of books always take me longer to get through as I find I can't speed read through it. I have to take my time, and time is not something I always have.


We often talk about our Savior Jesus Christ and God the Father, but how much do we really know about the Holy Ghost, the third member of the Godhead? On the other hand, can we imagine doing anything in the Church without the guidance or influence of the Holy Ghost? The Holy Spirit is intimately involved in every aspect and facet of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He is, for example, a revelator, teacher, testifier, comforter, agent of the new birth, sanctifier, and sealer, to mention only a few of His roles. Unlike more inspirational explorations of the Holy Ghost, Robert L. Millet’s The Holy Spirit focuses on the person of the Holy Ghost and examines His varied assignments in a way that is both spiritually strengthening and intellectually enlarging. Nothing has been written for decades about the Holy Spirit with so much breadth and depth.

In The Holy Spirit, you’ll find:

               *Sound doctrine about the Holy Ghost that is in harmony with scripture and latter-day prophets.

               *Personal experiences and inspiring stories from our history to help us both understand and draw upon the Holy Ghost in our lives.

               *A helpful reference of prophetic teachings about the Spirit and His role in our lives.



This was a cute read that I had forgotten I'd already read. It's a sweet romance that has life getting in the way of two people. I did enjoy the cute ending and it's a great read for anyone who loves a sweet romance.


Six months out of law school, Rachel Pearce is completely disillusioned by her job hunt. Despite pounding the pavement with her Ivy League degree in hand, her job prospects are no brighter than the day she graduated. Then in a chance meeting with a former acquaintance, eccentric young millionaire Henry Walker, Rachel finds an unexpected opportunity: Henry is looking for a personal secretary. Swallowing her pride, Rachel sets aside her law firm aspirations for what she envisions as secretarial work—mountains of paperwork and filing. But when she finds her most demanding duty to be daily cookie runs for her new boss, she’s baffled by her unconventional job responsibilities.

As she’s pulled into Henry’s delightful whims, caught in a whirlwind of private jets and fancy dinners, Rachel finds herself inexplicably drawn to this handsome and charismatic man. But reality always has a way of intruding, and logic tells her that this adventure can’t last. When real life inevitably comes calling, Rachel must decide if she’s willing to trade in her dream of success in the courtroom for a chance at love.



Good, fast paced read, but it felt under-developed. I would have liked more from one of the plot lines. Halfway through the book I said to myself, "It's finally hitting it's stride." The plot lines merged and then fizzled out. I'd love to see another to round out the story.


Jamie Madero's summer internship turns out to be anything but ordinary when he discovers the truth about The Freemen Foundation. Now outnumbered and outgunned, Jamie and his fellow Insiders must stay one step ahead of their enemies to survive in this high-stakes novel of intrigue and deception. This perfect adrenaline rush of a book is suspenseful, surprising, and packed with action. You won't be able to put it down.


Fantastic beginning. I loved the characters but to me it was an odd read. I would have liked Poe to grow enough to let someone else in sooner than she did. There was some back story, but to me, it felt like there needed to be a little bit more to understand both sides more clearly.


Who do you become when you have nothing left to lose?

There is something Poe Blythe, the seventeen-year-old captain of the Outpost’s last mining ship, wants far more than the gold they tear from the Serpentine River.
 
Revenge.
 
Poe has vowed to annihilate the river raiders who robbed her of everything two years ago. But as she navigates the treacherous waters of the Serpentine and realizes there might be a traitor among her crew, she must also reckon with who she has become, who she wants to be, and the ways love can change and shape you. Even—and especially—when you think all is lost.



Fascinating read. I loved how she wrote the book through lunches with her friends and taught the reader, along with her friends, the principles of investing. It is an empowering book that will leave you wanting to take control of your financial freedom. Highly recommend it.


Written by Kim Kiyosaki - -the wife of bestselling author Robert Kiyosaki - RICH WOMAN is for women who insist on being financially independent – without depending on a man, family, company, or government to take care of them. In her book, Kiyosaki applies the same moneymaking strategies that have made RICH DAD POOR DAD one of the great publishing success stories of all time – but in a voice that is aimed directly at women. No matter what your financial background is or your current job situation, RICH WOMAN provides the essential road map for any woman who aspires to be financially free.


My 4th grader asked me to read this book with him. I had started it before and never finished it, so he gave me the motivation to move through them with him. I found the war scenes with the dragons a bit on the gruesome side. Throughout the first half or so of the book I wondered what kids saw in the story. As it progressed, I saw and understood though. I've read through the first story arc (books 1-5) and have to say the last two are my favorite. I do love the characters, and I know my son loves them. You can't ask for more than that.

 
Clay and his friends have grown up under a mountain, secretly raised by the Talons of Peace to fulfill a mysterious prophecy. The five young dragons are destined to end the war that's been raging between the tribes of Pyrrhia -- but how they'll do this, none of them knows.

But not every dragonet wants a destiny. When one of their own is threatened, Clay and his friends decide to escape. Maybe they can break free and end the war at the same time -- or maybe they'll risk everything ...


I love Jennifer's books. Every one is amazing and this is no exception. I can't believe what people did to keep books around and the risks they took. It would be good for us to remember the true sacrifices people made in order to preserve words on a page. Highly recommend this one.


Danger is never far from Audra's family farm in Lithuania. She always avoids the occupying Russian Cossack soldiers, who insist that everyone must become Russian -- they have banned Lithuanian books, religion, culture, and even the language. But Audra knows her parents are involved in something secret and perilous.

In June 1893, when Cossacks arrive abruptly at their door, Audra's parents insist that she flee, taking with her an important package and instructions for where to deliver it. But escape means abandoning her parents to a terrible fate.

As Audra embarks on a journey to deliver the mysterious package, she faces unimaginable risks, and soon she becomes caught up in a growing resistance movement. Can joining the underground network of book smugglers give Audra a chance to rescue her parents?


Tuesday, September 15, 2020

#bookadayaz

 So I'm learning in this new adventure and will continue to try to figure out what works best. Getting on my blog every day was harder than I thought with my littles pulling me away, thinking I'm playing on my phone/computer and wanting to play too, and me falling asleep when I sit down. So, I will try every few days to post more about the books I post on Instagram. If you have any suggestions, let me know!



This book was written by a really good friend of mine who is Christlike inside and out. I can't wait to read this one.


No books, blogs, or studies can prepare you for the complexities of womanhood. The joys and challenges that come with being a woman can often feel like a roller coaster of highs and lows, especially when sweet moments are tempered by feelings of inadequacy. If your journey through life too often feels like an unforgiving magnification of your weaknesses and shortcomings or you find yourself feeling alone, it is time to turn to the healing balm of the Savior's love.

In this mix of memoir, insights, and inspiration, Leaning on Jesus takes readers through the ups and downs of womanhood, gives practical tools for a better life, and highlights the importance of cultivating a relationship with the Savior to find power, purpose, and peace. You'll laugh and cry in equal measure as author Michelle Wilson describes her own experiences, delving into the common fears women of all ages and stages face and exploring each topic from motherhood to menopause with humor and heart. Find strength in this sweet reminder of your invaluable role as a woman, and catch a glimpse of your true magnificence in the Lord's eyes.



My kids love this book. They love the interaction and it's just an adorable picture book. If you haven't read it, take the time. You'll be hooked on Tom Fletcher.


OH LOOK! The cutest baby dragon has hatched inside your book! Get ready for another lively, interactive read-aloud in the There's a... In Your Book series! Now available in a sturdy board book edition!

First, you'll see there's an egg in your book. Then, a darling little dragon hatches from it! But whatever you do, don't tickle its nose, because you don't want it to sneeze. ACHOO! UH-OH!





Very sweet, very uplighting, very cute read. It makes your heart feel good that there are good people out there. Highly recommend this one.


Captain Robert Wilkins has never aspired to grandeur. So when the returned war hero unexpectedly inherits the vast estate of Cattersley from his great-aunt, he feels woefully inadequate in his new role. Out of place in his lavish surroundings, his first glimmer of hope comes when he happens upon a lovely trespasser in his gardens.

Words have never come easily for Abigail Rutherford, and she prefers the solitude of exploring the gardens at the neighboring country estate to engaging in uncomfortable conversation. But when she unexpectedly encounters Captain Robert Wilkins in her place of solace, she is surprised at the immediate ease she feels in his presence. Soon her brightest moments are those spent with the captain. But even as their friendship grows into something more, outside forces have other plans for the two. Mr. Mead, the handsome vicar, has also taken a liking to the quiet and timid Abigail and he will stop at nothing to ensure she becomes his wife.

Thursday, May 14, 2020

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON HEART by Stephanie Burgis

THE GIRL WITH THE DRAGON HEART by Stephanie Burgis. I picked this book up thinking it might be a good read for my son's third grade class. Some people believe that if a book has a female protagonist that it's not a book for boys. I strongly disagree. This book would be a great read for boys and girls. It shows the power of loyalty, friendship, and family. It shows that as independent as we feel or want to be, there are those around that will always be there to help with things get overwhelming. This is such a good read to show those life lesson, and it's done with dragons, chocolate, and magic. Who could as for more?


:) :) :) :)


A chocolate-filled, girl-powered fantasy with a witty heroine who learns what home truly means, perfect for fans of Shannon Hale.
"Will satisfy readers who hunger for feel-good tales that pack a girl-power punch, like Gail Carson Levine's Ella Enchanted or the movie Moana." --School Library Journal on The Dragon with a Chocolate Heart
Silke has always been good at spinning the truth and storytelling. So good that, just years after arriving in the kingdom as a penniless orphan, she has found her way to working for the most splendid chocolate makers in the city as a master promoter. Although Silke loves her work at the Chocolate Heart, she's certain it's not going to last, and what Silke wants more than anything is somewhere to call home--somewhere safe. But when your best friend is a dragon-turned-hot-tempered-girl, trouble is always right around the corner. 
Then Silke gets the opportunity she's been waiting for: the Crown Princess personally asks her to spy on the Elfenwald royal family during their first visit to the kingdom. In return, Silke will have the home she's always wanted in the secure palace. But Silke has her own dark, secret reasons for not trusting fairies . . . and her mission isn't as simple as she hoped. Soon, she discovers that her city is in danger--and that maybe it's more her home than she ever realized.
Can Silke find out the truth about the fairies while keeping her own secrets hidden?
A Mighty Girl Best Book of the Year