Take that NanoWrimo!

I DID IT!!

I finished NanoWrimo within the month. Actually, (not to brag) I not only finished writing the full 50,000 words five days early, I finished the entire story within that time. I will admit that it needs some HEAVY revisions before it can see the light of day, but I at least have a complete story to work with. That's something right?

So since I went through the harrowing, yet wonderful experience of NanoWrimo, I thought I would share a bit of what I went through. You know, just in case you would like to join me next year. Here are my pros and cons:

Pros

1. I wrote every. Single. Day. Every day for a month. I write pretty regularly to begin with, but having a goal to meet each day was great. My tenacious personality and my rather crazy task commitment, forced me to sit down each day and write. My goal was 1,700 words a day, but there were days where I went over. That was okay, but I could write less than my goal.

2. I wrote an entire story. That is usually the hardest part of writing. It sounds silly, but I once found a quote that said (I'm totally paraphrasing), "Which is better? An amazing book floating around in your head or a mediocre book written down? The mediocre book will always win because it is written down!" I can't remember who said it/ tweeted it, but the phrase still rings true. The first step is always to get your ideas and thoughts down on paper.

3. I get to see the astonished look people give when I tell them about meeting NanoWrimo's challenge. You should try it. A knowing, smug smile always comes to your lips and a sense of pride wells up in your chest. It's awesome!

Cons

1. It took up A LOT of my free time. I fell behind on cleaning the apartment, I fell behind in watching my usual T.V. shows, even reading became a luxury if I finished my word count for the day. It was a little frustrating to be reading an epic fantasy novel for almost five weeks...yes it took my five weeks to read a 600 page book...inconceivable!

2. I was more concerned with word count than I was with the content that was going into the story. Usually when I write, I pick and choose my words carefully. I rearrange them so they sound right and are perfect. It makes me excited to discover opportunities for alliteration and onomatopoeias. For NanoWrimo, that did not happen. It was more like word vomit. I was just getting words down on the page. The story is there, but it's going to take time to wade through all the awfulness that surrounds it.

3. It was exhausting. I finished right before I had four days off from work for the Thanksgiving holiday. I did not touch my little green flash drive at all during those four days. I needed a break from writing and being creative. I read books and mindlessly watched T.V. I spent time with my husband (who I also had neglected through the month) and focused my attention on my family. Even the week after Thanksgiving, it took me a little while to get back into the groove of writing like I usually do. I found myself glancing at the word count and having to remind myself that it doesn't matter for this story. I was also just writing to write instead of making the best possible story I could.

All in all, I've recovered from the experience and it was fun. I recommend it to anyone who has a story stuck in their head and they need an excuse to get it out. If I'm honest with you, I am glad that there is a whole year ahead of me before I jump back into it. And I will do it again. I won't lie, it's hard, but worth every minute!

National Novel Writing Month

Hey friends!

So this is another, non-book review post, but I wanted to share this with you. November is National Novel Writing Month. Better known as NaNoWriMo! This is an event that  challenges writers to write 50,000 words within the 30 days of November. That's about 1,667 words per day. Sounds crazy right? Well...I signed up for it.

Granted, I have no delusions that this particular story will be the next American novel. Nope. I actually have no plan, or structure when writing this story. I'm kind of flying by the seat of my pants. (And if you know me this is VERY unusual. What can I say? I'm a planner.) But I have to admit, that it is almost freeing. My creativity is flowing and I feel good.

Now, I don't really like to advertise that I want to be a published writer. I feel like anyone who reads as much as I do, or has graduated with an English degree, has at least thought of becoming a writer. I have this fear that people will just look at me and think 'A writer? Yeah, get in line!' Looking at the statistics of the NaNoWriMo is terrifying. There are millions of writers out there, hundreds in my small town, all hoping to be published. It's a daunting thought that they are my competition. They are sending in query letters to agents, while I'm just trying to think of something to write about.

But I feel like this competition is a good thing. It gives people like me a kick in the rear to get things going. This past semester I've written more than I have in years, and I'm realizing that this is what I want to do. Of course I'm going to keep my day job because I like to play it safe, but I've started coming out of my shell. I enjoy writing! I talk more about it to friends instead of letting my husband brag for me. Writing keeps me sane when I have hours of desk time at my job. I like coming up with stories and sharing stories. It's scary to put yourself out there to be critiqued, but at the same time it helps you grow.

Anyway, back to NaNoWriMo...Although it's been a little less than a week since it's started, I would encourage you to try it. There's no harm or foul if you don't finish. I mean Patrick Rothfuss (one of my favorite authors) gave it a go and only wrote 35,000 words within the time limit. So if there is no consequence for failing and only the satisfaction that you conquered NaNoWriMo if you succeed, why not give it a try?

So go sign up and let me know how you do! I'll probably do a follow-up blog at the end of the month to show off how many words I wrote...or didn't write.

P.S. Here is a list from Barnes and Noble of bestselling novels that started from NaNoWriMo:

1. Water for Elephants, by Sara Gruen
2. The Night Circus, by Erin Morgenstern
3. Fangirl, by Rainbow Rowell
4.Wool, by Hugh Howey
5.The Darwin Elevator, by Jason M. Hough
6. Cinder, Scarlet, and Cress by Marissa Meyer

Now get writing!!

The Slow Regard for Silent Things by Patrick Rothfuss

I'm going to do something a little different for this post because this book was a little different. Okay it is very different. Instead of pointing out the strengths and weaknesses of this book, I'm just going to talk. Not very many people read this anyway so it really shouldn't matter, but those who do read it, I hope you'll understand.

Firstly, you have to read Rothfuss's previous books in order to read this one. He currently has two out: The Name of the Wind and A Wise Man's Fear. They are huge tomes, but trust me they are worth it. (I plan to re-read them and will do a review then) But without at least the first book's background and introduction into the world, this book will be very confusing and probably not very enjoyable.

Like I said before, this is a sweet but strange story. In Rothfuss's words, "it doesn't do things a normal story is supposed to do." And this is true. It can be hard to follow at times and there is no dialogue. But there is a strange sweetness that comes from the main character Auri. She lives under the university and has a different way of viewing the world. She is mysterious and has her own way of doing things. But she is so sweet, and selfless that, if you weren't already in love with her, you will fall hard for her.

I don't want to ruin this book for you, but I will warn you that it is not for everyone. It is only 150 pages, but it is filled with art and beauty. As I read, I was sucked into the rhythm and flow of the story. It took me a little over two days to read because, although it's short, it is rich. Take your time with it, enjoy it, and tell me what you think!

Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

Type of Read:
Dark Fantasy

Plot Summary:
As an orphan, Locke grew up stealing and pulling off cons to survive. When he gets adopted into a gang of thieves called The Gentleman Bastards, his education widens to encompass anything he would need to know in order to imitate and/or fool anyone. As an adult, he is able to accumulate a lot of wealth by doing just that. But little does Locke and his friends know, there are more sinister plots brewing in the shadows that could bring their world and their lives to an end.

Strengths:
To me, second to the story, the characters are one of the biggest things I look for in a book. When it comes to thieves, I looked even more closely. Thieves (in my opinion) are supposed to be cocky, flippant, and in it more for the con than the money. At the same time, there has to be a sense of honor and loyalty. If you cross the thief, there will be dire consequences. Lynch hit this nail on the head. Locke Lamora is the mastermind behind all the cons and his friends follow him no matter what. Of course there are arguments and dissent at times, but the every character is memorable and lovable in their own way.

Also while there is magic in the world they live in, the main characters rely more on their wit and charisma to pull off their schemes. They take advantage of magic and superstitions, but they don't really use it themselves. The band of thieves are the old school Oceans Eleven. They each lend their own talents to pull off a job. I enjoy this type of fantasy because the characters have to solve problems on their own without the use of magic, but the world is still an escape from our world.

Weaknesses:
This isn't so much a weakness as it is a warning...this is a VERY dark book. There is a lot of bad language, adult themes, and very graphic images. I'm talking drowning someone into a barrel of horse urine. Yeah... But don't let that scare you away. The darkness lends to the setting. It's just hard to read at times.

Opinion and Recommendation:
I really enjoyed this book. (but I have a thing about thieves, heists, and Robin Hood...) It's one of those nitty-gritty books that you get sucked into. Lynch is a great author who builds a fantastic world and you should really check him out. If you are a little skeptical about how dark this book is, find a copy at the library. I actually bought the paperback version, read it, LOVED it and then went searching for the hardback. Just forewarning...this might happen to you!

Fables Vol 1: Legends in Exile by Bill Willingham

Type of Read:
Graphic Novel

Plot Summary:
All the fables of old have been run out of their Homeland and have made a new home in New York. Those fables that cannot pass as humans have to live on a secluded Farm so mundys don't discover them.

Strengths:
It was a lot of fun to come across new characters and try to think of what fable they were originally from. There's Prince Charming (who's actually not that great of a person), Snow White, Beauty and the Beast, and The Big Bad Wolf (now known as Bigby Wolf). Most of the fables are obvious, but the one that tripped me up was a character names Flycatcher. It wasn't until the third novel that I finally figured it out. Not Really A Spoiler: He was the Frog Prince!

Another strength of this series is how intricate that plots are. As the story progresses, the more things tie in together. Things that seem insignificant in one story, become major plot twists later. I'm not sure if the writers had everything planned from the beginning or if they just let the story unfold as they write, but whatever they do, it's fantastic.

Last but not least is the characters. If you've read my other blog posts, you know how important characters are to me. The more the reader can connect with them, the more we care. I absolutely love the relationship between Bigby and Snow. Not to give any spoilers, there is tension there that has probably be festering for several centuries. (Fables lives a long time)

Weaknesses:
The first volume's plot was a little weak. It serves more as an introduction to Fabletown and the main characters. As the stories progress, the plot thickens and the characters become more believable. But the first novel is kind of 'eh'. It's a little predictable and the characters are a little shallow. But stick with it! They get better.

Also, there are some surprisingly inappropriate parts. I was reading this at work (shhhh) and had to stop when I came across a certain illustration. It was definitely not safe for work. Also there is quite a bit of language. It's not gratuitous, but not something you would want your child to read.

Lastly, this is still an on going series. It is rumored that it will end after novel #21, but they just recently released #19. This means that if you fly through this series as fast as I do, there will come a time when you have to wait...

Opinion and Recommendation:
If you are new to graphic novels this is a good series to start out with. It has fairy tale characters that most of us have grown up with, but they are for grown ups. I have been checking them out from the library mainly because I go through a graphic novel in about two hours. But when I have the time and finances, you can bet that I will be purchasing the series. So you can do what I did and just test out the series, but be warned. It's very addicting. (I stayed up until 4 am one day in order to finish one)

Top Ten Books That Have Effected My Life

So there is this chain going around Facebook that asks what your top ten books that have effected or impacted your life. I normally ignore things like this because 
a) I don't think I have ten other friends that haven't been tagged yet, and 
b) I think most chains are just attention grabbers (ex. "tell me the top ten things you love about me" or "ten words that describe me best")

Since I am comfortable with the friends I have and I know that they love me :) I don't need this kind of confirmation. Plus I don't want to seem too needy (FEED ME AND TELL ME I'M PRETTY!!)

But this one was different. It got me thinking. What are the ten books that have shaped me? I could have faked it and said that books like Pride and Prejudice and Moby Dick were really important to me. They weren't. I'm a fantasy nerd and the books that have shaped me are books that are inspiring, smartly written, and transport the reader to different worlds.

So I posted my top ten on Facebook, but I thought I could take this opportunity to explain my reasons for choosing each one. So here's the initial list. 

1. Eragon- Christopher Paolini 
2. Mistborn- Brandon Sanderson
3. Harry Potter- J.K. Rowling 
4. Dreams of Gods and Monsters- Laini Taylor 
5. Black Prism- Brent Weeks
6. Name of the Wind- Patrick Rothfuss
7. Theft of Swords- Michael J. Sullivan
8. Ella Enchanted- Gail Levine
9. Promise of Blood- Brian McClellan
10. Shadow of Night- Deborah Harkness 

Eargon by Christopher Paolini
I think this series is just inspiring. The vocabulary is astounding and complex, the world and language that was built is so intricate and the most amazing part of all...it was written by a teenager. He was published when he was nineteen, but he started this story when he was just fourteen. Fourteen!! I mean I thought I was doing some amazing things at fourteen (competing high level gymnastics) but in my mind that's no where as cool as establishing yourself as a writer and immortalizing yourself through your work.

Mistborn by Brandon Sanderson
So if you've been reading my blog (which you totally should be doing) you know that I'm a big Sanderson fan. He can build a world like no one else. I feel like he thinks of everything. He sees the outline of the world, he sees the religion or religions that were established, he brings a distinct history that backs up the world, and so much more. Reading his novels and listening to him lecture on writing, you can tell he is a very smart man. He might be a little full of himself, but with his writing, he has that right. 

Harry Potter by J. K. Rowling
Oh Harry Potter...what can I say? I was of the generation that grew up alongside Harry Potter and his gang. Every year that Harry grew, so did I. We even suffered teenage angst together (probably not in the same way...) But that's the beauty of Harry Potter. He grows with the audience. Each book matures, in the writing style, the reading level, and the themes. The first book may seem a little simple, but it was meant to be read by 4th-5th graders. Then there is final book in the series which has matured to the point where the readers have to deal with The Final Battle. (Don't get me started on Hedwig, Dobby, or George)

Dreams of Gods and Monsters by Laini Taylor
This is a book I've recently read, and I loved it. Taylor has a very unique writing style that borders on poetry. (Don't worry, it doesn't rhyme) There is a flow to her storytelling that's memorizing. It's different and I find it inspiring. And that says nothing about the world and mythos that she has created. The ending of the trilogy was brilliant. Without ruining it, all I'm going to say is that it ends with a beginning ( a reoccurring theme). 

The Black Prism by Brent Weeks
I think I've said this before, but where Brandon Sanderson is a master world builder, Brent Weeks is a master character builder. He creates characters that are real and believable. Events in their lives have shaped them and they live in a grey area. Most heroes in stories always do the right thing. Weeks' characters don't. They make mistakes, they fail at tasks they were given, and they have a little of good and bad in them. The reason The Black Prism stands out to me is because of one of the main characters, Kip Guile. Kip was born out of wedlock and has been mistreated by just about everyone he knows his entire life. Then suddenly he is swept up in an adventure that he knows little about. Kip is supposed to be our hero, but he is neither the most powerful magic user or the fittest fighter. He is actually chubby, ignorant, and a loud mouth. But you still find yourself rooting for him to succeed.

Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss
This is another book written by a very smart author. The way I usually describe this book is it is a story within a story. Kind of like The Princess Bride movie. This book truly transports the reader into a different world. It's almost like Rothfuss has pulled off an Inception in our brains. He tells the story of a man who as built himself into a legend. It is beautifully written and has gotten several non-readers to read this complex and very long series. I feel like this should be a goal of all authors. Way to go Rothfuss!

Theft of Swords by Michael J. Sullivan
This series doesn't get as much credit as it should. The plot might seem a little straight forward at first, but the entire 6 book series ties together is a magical way. I loved it and couldn't put it down. But the most inspiring thing about this series is the relationship between the two main characters. There is so much history and repertoire that there could be an entire series just on their past exploits (which Sullivan has begun to explore). The characters are complete opposites. One, the mercenary, is a great fighter with an even greater sense of loyalty and honor. The other, the thief, just wants to get the job done at any cost. I loved how distinct the characters were and how deep they became as the story progressed.

Ella Enchanted by Gail Levine
It has been YEARS since I picked up this book, but let me tell you, I LOVED it when I was younger. I have an old copy of this book still and it is worn out and falling apart. I think it's greatest appeal comes from the fact that it is based in a fairy tale world with trolls, and fairies and curses. It cautions against getting what you wish for and finding your inner strength. It was a coming of age story with a dash of justice thrown in. I can't wait to have a little girl to read this to one day.

Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan
I liked this series because it shows how one person can patent an entirely new genre: The Flintlock Fantasy. Sure there have been fantasies that have incorporated guns and into their warfare, but McClellan takes it to a whole new level. He bases his magic system on gun powder. He sets his world in a more technologically advanced society then most fantasy worlds (think more American Revolution then English Middle Ages). His characters are complex and the plot is masterful. He is a new writer and is learning, but he has learned from the best (he took classes from Brandon Sanderson at BYU). He might be just starting out, but he has come into the literary world with a bang! (get it...flinklock...guns...they go bang...never mind)

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness
I've written a review already on this book (which you should go read) so I'm not going to go into much depth. Harkness knows her stuff. Her writing is not only engaging and wonderful, it's accurate. She is a historian with the degrees and the academic writings to prove it. It is a wonderfully written series that everyone should try.

Ok so that's my list. I wish I could say that I would add To Kill a Mocking Bird or Gulliver's Travels to the list, but I probably wouldn't. I love my fantasy!! Tell me your top ten books are and why!

Added:
Ok so I forgot one book that has definately shaped me, but I didn't have the heart to kick any of the others off. So I'm adding it to the list. I have eleven books that shaped me, sue me. 

Hood by Stephen R. Lawhead
I LOVE Robin Hood and this book is what brought that love to life. Instead of being set in the usual King Richard-Prince John era, this series is set during the Norman invasion. It is steeped in Celtic mythology and more closely resembles what might have really happened. It's different than most Robin Hood stories, but just as magical. Some people have tried to read this series, but couldn't get into it. And that's ok. Maybe it's not for everyone. But I was sucked into this book and fell in love with it. 

Deadpool Volume 1 by Posehn and Dugan

Type of Read:

Graphic Novel

Plot Summary:

There is a deranged and very patriotic necromancer on the loose who is intent on raising all of the dead presidents in order to right the wrongs in America. Since it is bad publicity for America's heroes to take down America's past leaders, Deadpool is recruited by S.H.I.E.L.D to get a handle on the problem. Being the Merc with a Mouth, he never stops joking and poking fun at the presidents, S.H.I.E.L.D., and just about anyone else that happens to cross his path.

Background:

I'm not going to pretend that I am an all-knowing master of everything Deadpool, but here is just a brief overview of who Deadpool is. (A lot of Deadpool's background is vague and changes often depending on the telling) Deadpool AKA Wade Wilson was dying of cancer when he is recruited by the same organization that filled Wolverine with adamantium. Wade was given different abilities from different mutants including Wolverine's rapid healing ability. While the cancer was stopped and he gained superhuman abilities, he was severely disfigured with horrible burns and scars over his body, and he went insane. He is known for seeing illusions and hearing voices. Despite everything, he has a wicked sense of humor and he is known for breaking the fourth wall (this means he addresses the audience directly...Google 'fourth wall' for a better explanation). Also, he can't die. In some ways Deadpool is a tragic hero because he doesn't necessarily enjoy his life, but he can't end it. Also, no one, even other superheroes, likes him. 

Strengths:

I really like Deadpool. He's one of those characters you really shouldn't like, but his witty comments and funny jokes kind of masks the brutality he displays.  This was my first Deadpool experience, and I was very impressed with it. I found myself giggling and then showing my husband the instances where Deadpool broke the fourth wall. I even read parts to my grandfather who chuckled. I later learned that this particular graphic novel is a reboot of the Deadpool series so I don't know how different this version is from others. But if you want a good experience, check this one out!

Weaknesses:

While there is very little language in this book, there are some adult jokes and references that are not appropriate for a younger audience. Plus it's bloody and violent. (While Deadpool can't die, he can get seriously injured....like he gets shot in the head or gets his legs smashed to smithereens) 

Also, there are some political jokes sprinkled in throughout the dialogue. Some people might find this inappropriate or distasteful. But readers have to remember that they are just jokes. Some are hits and some are misses.

Opinion and Recommendation:

This was a great read. It was larger and longer than most graphic novels that I've read before, but I demolished this novel in a day. It was funny and clever and very enjoyable. I had a gift card to Barnes and Noble and this was an impulse buy, but I'm glad I bought it. I will definitely be reading through this again and even sharing it with friends. If you don't feel like shelling out the money for this hardback graphic novel, just pop into the library and request it.

The Black Prism by Brent Weeks

Type of Read: 
Epic Fantasy

Plot Summary:
Gavin Guile is the Prism, the most powerful person in the world, both magically and politically. He can summon unlimited magic and he can travel faster than any man, and he can do almost anything he wants in the name of their god. But even he has secrets. When one of his secrets comes to light, it's only a matter of time before the rest of his web of lies unravels. What lengths will he go to in order to keep his secrets hidden?

Strengths:
Brandon Sanderson might be a master at world building, but Brent Weeks is a master at character building. His characters, especially in this series, are not wholly good nor are they wholly bad. They live in a kind of a grey area. There's a little good and a little bad in everyone. (Just like in real life!) Also, it is not always clear who is the hero and who is the villain. No one is dressing all in black twisting their mustache and cackling. There is no one who is altruistic and only wants to save the world. Weeks' characters are selfish, frightened, and distrustful. But don't let this scare you off. Because of the weaknesses in their personalities, the reader is able to relate to the characters more. Their flaws make them believable.

Another strength is the magic system. It is very unique, but the structure and rules are solid enough that everything seems plausible. The basis of the magic is light and will. Certain people can channel their magic through seven different colors: Red, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange, Violet, and Sub-Red (heat). Some people can only control one color, some can control two, and some can control three or more. They can create anything with their magic as long as their will is strong enough, but there is a draw back. They can only channel so much magic during their lifetime. As they use their magic, the irises of their eyes start to change color depending on their magic (ex. someone who controls orange magic, their eyes will slowly start to become orange instead of their natural color.) Once their irises are filled they can "break the halo" which means their color leaks into the whites of their eyes and they go mad. At this point they must be put down or they will wreck havoc on the world. The Prism on the other hand can wield all seven colors and use as much magic as he wants. But the life of a Prism is usually short. His life is measured by increments of seven. So he knows exactly when he's going to die. (Sounds confusing? Just accept that this is a fantasy book, go with the flow while reading and you'll get it sooner or later)

Weaknesses:
This is an amazing book, but I will admit that you have to push through the first 50-75 pages before it gets amazing. During the beginning the magic system isn't explained and the characters are not always likable. (But they aren't horrible, they are just different then the stereo-types we fantasy readers are used to.) This was the second time I read this book, (so I knew loved it) but it still took me a long time to get into it. Please don't give up though! I promise it gets better and it is SO worth it.

Opinion and Recommendation:
I really liked this book. It is hard to get into at first, but the characters, the twisting plot and the interesting magic system is well worth the pushing though the first 50 pages. I personally bought this book in hardback and have read it at least twice already. This is a definite buy! Trust me.

The Chronicles of Amber Vol. 1 by Roger Zelazny

Type of Read: 
Fantasy

Plot Summary:
Corwin is a Prince of Amber, a mystical place full of beauty and intrigue. Actually, Amber is the only true place there is. Everything else is a Shadow (including Earth). The first book starts out with Corwin waking up from some accident with no memory of who he is or was. He gathers clues until he remembers that he isn't from this world, but from a parallel universe. He has the ability to walk through universes and shape his surroundings until he comes home to Amber. Only then he learns that he might not be as welcome as he would have hoped.

The second book is about Corwin's recovery from the events in the first book and he now has to face the consequences his rash (but justified) decisions. He must face darkness and evil as he battles for the throne of Amber.

Strengths:
As I read this book, I kept thinking of the one philosophy class I took as an undergraduate. I had to rack my brain (and then Google) the theory and re-discovered the Theory of Forms. So you don't have to resort to Google like I did, here is the basics of Forms: There is one 'true' object for everything. I might be typing at a computer, but it just a shadow of a computer. The 'real' computer is somewhere in the netherworld. (Okay I made up the netherworld, but I can't remember what my prof said and Wikipedia was no help).

Remember Plato's story of the people who were imprisoned in the cave and only saw the shadows playing on the cave's wall? Even if you released them and showed them the light of the world, they would think the real world was fake and their shadow world was real. This is how Amber is. Most people live their lives in the shadow world (I guess including us) never knowing about Amber. If they do know about it, it is mystical like Atlantis or Camelot.

Now I'm not much into philosophy, but it was interesting to see how Zelazny used the Theory of Forms to shape his fantasy world. It made the fantasy world smart and somewhat believable, even when things didn't quite make sense. (I know I felt smart reading it and knowing that it was based off a philosophy concept...even if I didn't know which one)

Anther strength was the writing. As I read, I didn't feel as if I was reading an author writing, I felt like I was reading a character talking. And, man, Zelazny got away with a lot of things authors don't even try these days. For example (don't worry not a spoiler...) about twenty pages into the second book he says the name of his sword. Through the entire first book this sword wasn't even mentioned, but suddenly he has it and it has a special name. But he calls himself out on it.  He puts a side note that says (paraphrasing) "I know I haven't mentioned it before, but this is my sword's name so if I mention it again, you'll know what I'm talking about." Simple but so brilliant!

Weaknesses:
I think the biggest weakness is the pace of the books. They are very short (150 pages) so it is understandable that the plots start fast and end fast. Unfortunately, the story lags at some points. Corwin is very internal and broods, A LOT. So most of the second book he's either brooding or plotting and then the last 30 pages he's fighting.

Another weakness is the book artwork. I know you're not supposed to judge a book by it's cover...but come on! Could it get any cheesier? I know it was written in the 70s but they could have done better. That doesn't even look like Corwin and the two big cats are mentioned in one paragraph in the second book...maybe one day they will reboot the series and come up with a better cover. (I actually laughed out loud when I picked this up from the library. Of course it would look like this. Could I be anymore nerdy?)

Opinion and Recommendation:
This was an interesting read. It wasn't my favorite and I don't feel compelled to finish the rest of the chronicles, but I'm glad I read it. It was on NPR's top 100 fantasy/science fiction books. So I thought I would give it a try. It was neat seeing how culture has changed. For example, Corwin smokes like a chimney. Even Amber has cigarettes! Now days, smoking is very frowned upon and isn't really mentioned in novels these days (unless you're Constantine). I would check this book out from the library if you want a quick read in between other books.

The Outcasts by John Flanagan

Type of Read:
Young Adult

Plot Summary:
This is a coming of age story for a group of boys who are are the rejects of their society. They live in a country that values fighting and seafaring (just like Vikings...but they aren't called Vikings). The main character Hal, is more of a thinker and inventor then a Viking. He has the ability to fight and sail, but he is always tinkering with things, always wanting to improve. He and his outcast friends enter the training program that will graduate them into manhood. Their are many tasks they must accomplish to show their strength, their smarts, and their courage. All the while, there is trouble brewing out on the sea that threatens their country.

Strengths:
I love Flanagan's writing style. He is very clean and simple. But don't let that fool you. He also has the ability to make you care about characters, see the made up world he has created and want more of this world. He is an amazing talent, but I don't think he gets nearly the amount of recognition that he deserves. So here's me, giving you props Mr. Flanagan (although you'll probably never read this)

Also, this is a spin-off story from his Ranger's Apprentice series. It takes place in the same world as the previous series, but in a different country. There are a few lines in the book that refers to past adventures of the Rangers, but there is no need to read that series before reading the Brotherband Chronicles.

Weaknesses:
The only weakness is the fact that certain things seem to come too easy to the main characters. They don't succeed in everything, but they manage to succeed in the things that matter and help them reach their ultimate goal. *SPOILER* And when they get what they want, they make a really stupid decision that makes it all fall apart. You just want to shake the characters! (I guess that's good writing for ya...) But I can understand why Flanagan does it. This is a young adult book that is supposed to inspire, but teach caution at the same time...just wish the characters struggled a bit more (wow that sounded horrible...'I just wish the characters I am reading about suffered more for my enjoyment...')

Opinion and Recommendation:
I have enjoyed all the John Flanagan novels that I've read. His clean style and fast moving story is great. I would definitely recommend this to both kids and adults alike. Since it is a fast read, I would check it out at the library first, but then buy it for your kids (If you're like me, you are already have a baby library for future wee ones.)

Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card

Type of Read:
Young Adult Fantasy/ Sci Fi

Plot Summary:
Rigg has a secret. A secret that makes him special. He can see paths of people from the past. When his father dies, Rigg is astounded at the amount of secrets that his father was keeping - secrets about Riggs past, about his true heritage, and about the rest of the world. Rigg sets out to find the truth, making friends along the way. Little does he know, he is about to be caught in the middle of a political battle with two sides - one side that wants to put him on a throne, and the other that wants him dead.

Strengths:
The coolest thing about this book is it doesn't have set boundaries with its magic. I know that usually I like having set rules in magic systems, but this one is different. (Plus it's Orson Scott Card...he does what he wants!) This is a time traveling book, but the characters in the book are figuring out their abilities at the same pace the reader is. It's interesting to see how the story develops around each new discovery of the character's abilities. Rigg has always been able to see the paths of people from the past. He can which path led to success and which led to failure. But as he works on improving his ability, he learns that the paths aren't just paths, they are a way to travel into the past. Boom! Time travel.

Also, with most of Card's books, this book is very smart. There is a lot of science involved in the reasoning behind the time travel. It's not just, 'hey look how I can travel through space and time with no problems.' There are plenty of problems with changing the past, but at the same time, the characters use the discrepancies to their advantages. They use their gifts and even their mistakes to outwit their pursuers. This shows that although they depend on their magic to solve their problems, they are smart about it.

Weaknesses:
The one weakness that I can think of is the characters. They are a little flat. Rigg is incredibly smart and always seems to have the answers. He has a lot of internal monologues that can get a bit tedious. I feel like this is Card's way of explaining the science behind his magic, but it can break the story a little bit.

Although this is not the perfect book, but that's the only thing I can really find wrong with it. Plus it feels so weird critiquing a Science Fiction legend such as Orson Scott Card. (It's weird just calling him Card...it must be his full name - Orson Scott Card). Maybe this makes me a pansy, but I truly believe that Card knows what he's doing!

Opinion and Recommendation: 
This is a really interesting and smart book. I highly recommend it, but be patient. As with most smart books, it takes a little while to get "into" the story. Also, since the magic system unfolds as the book progresses, the reader has to just roll with it. As with most fantasy books, you have to believe in the magic and trust that it makes sense (at least that's what I have to do when it comes to science fiction. I don't know enough about the laws of physics to know if going back in time is even possible. But if the Doctor can do it, then I see no problem with Rigg being able to do it too.) If I were you, I would buy the trade back copy of this book and give a try. Trust me, I'm a wannabe!

The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan

Type of Read:
Young Adult Fantasy

Plot Summary:
Jason wakes up on a bus surrounded by kids he doesn't remember. Actually, he doesn't remember anything except for his first name. Supposedly he has a girlfriend named Piper and a best friend named Leo. But the fact that he can't remember his past doesn't stop mythical monsters from trying to kill him. On top of all of those problems, he comes to find out that he is a demigod and a part of a Great Prophecy. If he wants to discover his missing memories he, Piper and Leo must take a journey across the United States to stop an ancient evil from rising.

Strengths:
 One of the best things about this series is that the different heroes each bring their own talents to the quest. They are each a hero by themselves. Jason might be the leader of the group, but his abilities don't out shine the others. Everyone is important, even if they sometimes doubt themselves. But that doesn't mean they are in it all for themselves. They work as a team and learn to trust and rely on each other.

Another great strength is the characters are believable. They make mistakes, they misunderstand tricky Greek/Latin words, and they struggle. Even though they each have special powers, they don't depend on them. They use their talents and wits to outsmart the bad guys.

Lastly, this new series introduces the Roman aspects of the gods. After reading Percy Jackson and the Olympians series we have all become accustomed to the Greek names and myths, but this series opens a whole new world.  Riordan is fantastic at bringing to life the Greek myths, but at a level that everyone can understand.This series and the previous one introduces Greek mythology to children, but in a relatable way.

Weaknesses:
I think the biggest weakness in the story is the lack of Percy Jackson. If you've read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series you have probably fallen in love with Percy. I mean the entire series is from his point of view. He is quirky, brave, and funny. He doesn't immediately know what to do when confronted with a problem, and he leans on his friends abilities just as much as his own. He's the Everyman. In general, he's a great, believable hero...and very much absent in this book. Reading further into The Heroes of Olympus series, it will all make sense, but it can be a bit disappointing to pick up the book thinking it's a continuation of Percy's story and he is merely mentioned a few times in the entire book.

Opinion and Recommendation:
If you haven't read the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series (first of all what's wrong with you!) I would recommend you to read it first. They are five quick reads but well worth it. New characters are introduced in this series and it's possible to read it by itself, but the previous series fills in a lot of background that makes the story more enjoyable.
I am a big fan of Percy Jackson and I would recommend everyone to buy the hard back copy of all the books. They are just so much fun! I remember when I first read through this book, I came to a part where they were describing a certain sorceress (not going to ruin it by telling you her name). It was so exciting to have little hints of who she was and know that her name was on the tip of my tongue. Go read this book. (if you feel strange reading a YA novel, read it to your kids as a cover. I won't tell!)