Book Review--A King's Ransom

Cahills vs. Vespers: A King's Ransom by Jude Watson. I just ate this book up. I loved visiting Prague through Amy and Dan's eyes and trying to stay a step ahead. The new characters that were introduced in the first book are getting more involved and I really enjoy their interaction with everyone. I'm intrigued by how things are beginning to twist and turn and new thoughts are weaving their way into what I had in mind. It's a wonderful series that anyone would love!

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With the lives of their kidnapped relatives on the line, Amy and Dan are given another impossible request—steal a priceless map that’s been missing for more than half a century. As the body count rises, Amy and Dan start a frantic search across Europe and through one of the darkest periods of human history. However, the secrets they uncover about the Vespers are nothing compared to the most shocking discovery of all—someone thought to be dead seems very much alive . . .

Book Review--Medusa Plot

Cahills vs Vespers: Medusa Plot by Gordon Korman. This new series in the 39 Clues is so much fun. It puts Amy, Dan and the rest of their cousins in a very new, very different situation. Instead of chasing clues and worrying which cousin will try to kill them next, Amy and Dan are now having to work with their cousins in order to save those who have been kidnapped by the mysterious Vespers. It's a wonderful, fun read that takes you to new areas of the world and gets your mind thinking. It is great for any and everyone.

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Just when Amy and Dan Cahill think their family is safe, disaster strikes – seven Cahills are kidnapped by a shadowy group known only as the Vespers. Amy and Dan have only days to fulfill a bizarre ransom request or the captured seven will start dying. But even as the race to save the hostages begins, a sinister question looms: What are the Vespers really after?

Book Reviews

Well, here's a week's worth of books . . . or was it two. I guess it doesn't matter. Aprilynne Pike's Spells is the first on the list. This is the second in a series of four. I was disappointed with the first one and I can't decide on the second. It was slower than the first without as much action, but Laurel is sent to Avalon to learn more about her role as a Fall faerie. Of course there's conflict with Tami and David and choices have to be made in many different things. The end was very intriguing and I'm curious to see what happens, but if someone asked me what I thought of the book I would have to say I haven't decided yet. It is a good read for anyone who likes magic, romance and faeries though!

The Reckoning by Kelley Armstrong is the conclusion of this triology. I have really been into this series and enjoying reading how Chloe's group was able to get out of their situation. There were unexpected twists and I loved the ending, however there could be more. The initial conflict has been resolved, but there could be more. Of course I always hope there's more to come, but seeing as this is the last in a triology my hope might be in vain. It's a great read if you don't mind a little bit of language.

Changes by Jim Butcher is the lastest in his Dresdan Files Series. Wow! The opening just smacks you in the face and keeps going from there. I texted a good friend just one word about it. Wow! She agreed. I did not see this one coming in the series. Changes is such an appropriate title. So many things were turned upside down for Dresdan and now I'm left wondering where it's going to head. If you like wizardry and everything that entails, good and bad, this is a great book for you. There is a lot of language that some do not feel is appropriate to use and I would not recommend this book for everyone.

Linda Sue Park is the next author in the 39 Clues series with Storm Warning. Park is a new author to the series and I really enjoyed her style. This book was a little bit more sobering than the rest and she handled it very well. Things change for Amy, Dan and Nellie. I'm excited to see how the next one goes and if the family truly can be pulled together like Grace always wanted. It is a great series for child and adult alike.

Book Reviews

Today's my catchup day for book reviews. I finished two more of the 39 Clues Series, #7 The Viper's Nest by Peter Lerangis and #8 The Emporer's Code by Gordon Korman. This series is just a fun read. I love learning about all the different places Amy and Dan Cahill go. They learn to trust each other, they grow together, all while trying to stay alive. I still love the idea that each book is written by a different author because you get a feel for how each author writes. You have the same characters, with the same attitudes and yet you can see the difference in dialogue between each book. It's really fun. I know #9 is already out and #10 is due to be released on August 31. It's all very exciting. If you have kids or just love a fun read, this is the series for you!

Next is a book I've waited for for a long time. Rick Riordan's new series The Kane Chronicles: The Red Pyramid. What a fabulous book I would recommend for anyone and everyone. I loved all the Egyptian mythology in there and I really liked the way he has woven a fun, exciting adventure around the myths. Carter and Sadie have great personalities and take turns telling the story of how they get sucked into a world with Egyptian Gods. Together they learn to depend on each other and are truly family even though they did not grow up together. I loved the lessons learned and taught about trust and the importance of sacrifice for the right reason. I can't wait for the next installment to find out how the next problem will be solved.

And last but not least Melissa Marr's new book, Radiant Shadows. I've always loved faery stories, especially ones about the true nature of faeries, not the Disneyfied version. This is another Wicked Lovely novel. Marr never takes the story the way I think she is. One book ends with a problem that hasn't quite been solved and yet the next book is about a character that has been introduced previously and focuses on that character. This story is about Delvin and his struggle to find his place in the Faery realm. I really liked how his story took everything into account and weaves in and out of what I've already read. He has a lot of hard choices to make and I enjoyed seeing the consequences, good and bad, that came about because of choices made in years past. It is a great read if you don't mind a little language.