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!)

The Summoner by Gail Z. Martin

Type of Read:
Fantasy

Plot Summary:
Prince Martris 'Tris' Drayke has always been able to see the palace ghosts, even when others couldn't. Little does he know that he has an even greater power hidden within, the power of a Summoner. When his older brother stages a coup and takes the throne, Tris and his friends must flee and find help. As they travel, Tris becomes aware of his power. Now if only he could control it and then perhaps he could save his kingdom and possibly the rest of the world.

Strengths:
The biggest strength in this novel is the twist on how necromancers are portrayed. Usually, necromancers are stuffed in the EVIL category. It's not a hard thing to do considering they spend a lot of time playing with dead things. But this book makes necromancers or "Summoners" a necessity that society holds in high regard. Summoners are powerful and they help people crossover. They are the good guys. People who commit regicide...well obviously they are the baddies.

Another big strength came from the religion Martin built. It was interesting to see that while the entire world worships "the goddess" there are eight different aspects of her that accentuated in the different countries. For example, one kingdom might worship the warrior aspect of the goddess while another might put more emphasis on her Lover facet. Depending on which aspect is worshiped shapes the type of society. The country who reveres the warrior aspect will of course make sword fighting and battle tactics a priority. This idea is ingenious because it defines each individual kingdom while keeping it a unified world.

Weaknesses:
As an overall warning: This book is not deep. Don't expect George R.R. Martin or Patrick Rothfuss when you start this book. It has a pretty simple straight forward plot and has A LOT of fantasy cliches. Evil brother takes control of the throne and the younger brother must escape and go on a journey to learn more about himself. There is even the old mentor in the middle of nowhere that is only in the story to help the main character control their magic. Of course there is truly nothing new and unique, but you have to admit...this story plot has been played out many times before.

There were a few things that kind of bothered me about the story. For one thing, almost all of the main characters are incredibly good looking. Even the bad guys are handsome. When does that ever happen? Throw in a ugly, fat man or woman just to mix it up.

Another thing, the characters are all successful in their chosen careers and they are all twenty years old or younger. Even the captain of the guard was twenty (I really don't think that would happen even if he was an amazing warrior. The old coots who have more experience would be chosen before this little whipper-snapper.) Even the bard is unusually gifted at some random skills. He not only can entertain people with his storytelling and musical talents, he can also throw knives, cook and shoot a bow and arrow unerringly well. It's never explained how he knows how to do these things. He's kind of the catch all when it comes to Martin's storytelling. If she needs someone who can shoot fireworks and cause a distraction, calling in the bard!

Opinion and Recommendation:
If you are looking for a fun, turn-off-your-brain read, this is it. You won't find deep plot or deep characters, but you will find is a fast paced adventure novel that keeps you turning pages. Give it a chance. I'm not going to tell you that it's the best fantasy in the world, but it's worth a read. The 600+ pages reads more like a young adult novel then an epic fantasy, but I think the story is worth the read. You just have to go with the flow and not worry about the little things. Think of it as a in-between-book: something you read when you have to wait for the next in your favorite series to come out. I recommend you check this one out at the library or borrow it from a friend (like I did).

The Iron Wyrm Affair by Lilith Saintcrow

Type of Read: 
Fantasy/ "Steampunk"

Plot Summary:
A forensic sorceress, Emma Bannon, is tasked with protecting a rather eccentric gentleman named Archibald Clare. Archibald is a mentath, which means he is a master of deductive reasoning and his mental health depends on him solving challenging puzzles (remind you of anyone?). He gets his fill of challenges when Emma recruits him to solve a mystery of why other mentaths are turning up dead. As they investigate they uncover an even bigger plot that threatens all of Victorian England.

Strengths:
Unfortunately there were very few strengths in this book. (This might be my first "bad" review)

 One of the strengths was that the concept of the story was interesting. I mean, a forensic sorceress? Who wouldn't want to read about that? Saintcrow does do a good job building an alternate Victorian England. I have never been to London or any of the surrounding towns (cities?) so I probably did not notice when she made something up or played with what exists. But I am traveled enough to know that there are not any carriage pulling mechanical horses roaming London's streets (yet!)

Weaknesses:
Unfortunately there are a lot of weaknesses that come with this book. First of all, the jargon in this book was overwhelming. The setting takes place in Victorian England. Great! I love that era...I just don't know a lot about it. Saintcrow mixes slang from the era with her own fantasy language. Though this is admirable, it leaves the reader confused and frustrated. I had to just keep pushing through the chapters until I had enough context clues to understand what was being described. (Oh! So a Wyrm is an ancient mechanical dragon thing...sort of...not really??)

Another weakness is in the magic department. There was barely any need for Emma to team up with anyone. With barely any limits to her power, she pretty much took care of everything on her own. She does grow tired and she can get hurt, but her restorative powers are strong enough that she can be stabbed in the abdomen and be ready for the next outing by dinner. I personally like to have limits when it comes to magic so the writer/ main character is not totally reliant on their powers. Magic doesn't solve problems...it usually creates them.

Finally, Steampunk is REALLY hard to pull off. Sure you can throw goggles and steam powered machines into the story, but I have yet to read an author who has pulled it off yet (if anyone has suggestions I will gladly try them) Saintcrow does build the world well, but the descriptions either fall short or are too confusing to muddle through.

Opinion and Recommendation:
I wanted to like this book. I really, really did. I wanted to like it so much that I stuck with it through the end when I probably should have given up.  The concept seemed amazing and it had been on my 'to-read' list for a long time. But I was sadly disappointed. The descriptions and jargon in the book made everything garbled and difficult to understand. Even when I got to the end there were questions that had not been fully explained (for example: what is the difference between a registered mentath and an unregistered mentath? And how does one become registered or unregistered?) Overall, this was a very disappointing read and I can't personally recommend it. But if you want to give it a shot, go for it! I mean Lilith Saintcrow did get the book published and she is still writing books in the series...so someone must enjoy it. So borrow it if you must, but don't buy it until you know for sure you enjoy it.

Shadow of Night by Deborah Harkness

Type of Read: 
Fantasy/ Romance

Plot Summary:
Diana, a historian and witch, and Matthew, a vampire, have fallen in loved and been married even though it is strictly forbidden. (I know you just thought of Twilight and inwardly sighed, but stay with me. It gets good!) Because the two of them broke the rules, they are being hunted by the Congregation, an organization that is responsible for keeping order and distance between the three types of creatures-vampires, witches and daemons. In order to find answers to both Diana's powerful magic and the mysterious book known as Ashmole 782, they travel back in time to 1591. While they search for the manuscript that might hold answers to the origin of all creatures and help Diana find a teacher to help her control her magic, they also must navigate through the treacherous world of political intrigue during the last years of the Tudor reign.

Strengths:
Deborah Harkness is a fantastic writer. I feel that every word she chose was purposeful and lent to the story. She is descriptive and witty. Unlike Stephenie Meyer, you can see why the vampire fell in love with the unsuspecting witch. Also, their relationship is believable. Poor Matthew is plagued by loss and regret in his long life, and it effects not only him, but also Diana. Plus he is still a scary vampire, not sparkly.

Harkness is also a historian so she really knows her stuff. You might ask, "What makes her a historian?" Well, she has multiple degrees in history from Mount Holyoke College, Northwestern University, and the University of California at Davis. She has researched for the past 28 years the history of magic and science in Europe during the 1500s through the 1700s. She's worked in multiple libraries and currently teach European history and the history of science at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles. Not to mention she has published multiple historical papers and books (deborahharkness.com). So when this woman says that the Holy Roman Emperor, Rudolf II acted like a spoiled child and was in search for the philosopher's stone, I'm inclined to believe her.

One last strength is how Harkness approaches time travel. Instead of sticking with the age old 'butterfly effect' she puts forth the notion that what is meant to happen, will happen. They do have some control over the past and future, and they leave behind noticeable changes. But when they try and make big changes such as rescuing a specific witch from burning, it doesn't work. No matter what they do, the witch will still burn. (This isn't really a spoiler, I promise.) I think this was an interesting approach and brought to mind the differences between one's destiny and one's control.

Weaknesses:
This is a deceptively long book and it takes a few hundred pages to find the rhythm of it. I really enjoyed the first one, but it too took a while for me to gain interest in it. And this is not a book that you can skim. If you do, you will miss important information and subtle hints of what is to come. The writing is beautiful, but I wish that there was a quicker way to draw the reader in so they don't give up before it gets really good!

Also, as a fair warning, this is a romance book. I did not realize this when I read the first book in the series and was a little disappointed. For some reason I had expected an adventure story featuring a librarian. There are several explicit scenes in the book, but at the same time, they are married so I guess that makes it a little less shocking...(So I'm a bit of a prude, sue me. According to Wikipedia that means I am an honorable woman in Old French)

Opinion and Recommendation:
I would highly recommend this book, but be warned that it will take some time to read. Stick with it though. The writing is magnificent and the historical accounts are probably as accurate as they can get (I personally am not a historian, but I definitively used Google to check facts and rumors that surrounded some of the main characters during the Elizabethan period...Don't lie. You would have done it too!) I would buy the trade back copy for sure.

Bone by Jeff Smith

Type of Read: 
Graphic Novel/Adventure/Fantasy

Plot Summary:
The three main characters of this series are Bones, but they don't really look like normal bones. (stay with me!) The three cousins, Phoney Bone, Smiley Bone, and Fone Bone, are run out of their hometown Boneville and get lost. Stumbling into a valley, they meet new friends and foes, and they soon find themselves at the center of an epic adventure. There are dragons and secrets, great evil and hidden sects sworn to fight it. All the while, the three bones are trying to find their way back home.

Strengths:
The biggest strength is the fact that the graphic novel is perfect of kids who love fantasy. The language is clean (except for the occasional 'stupid'), it's funny for all ages, and there is plenty of action and fantasy. While working in a bookstore, I would have kids ask me all the time for graphic novels. Part of me would cringe because I knew quite a few series that were not appropriate for kids (they either had adult language, images, or concepts). Bone is different. It is a great way to introduce graphic novels to kids without it being too "baby-ish."

Also, this series is an epic fantasy. Bone takes place in a different world with a different mythology. There are power struggles and political intrigue with an overarching evil. Jeff Smith did a fantastic job in his story pacing. He had to stretch the adventures of Bone over 9 volumes (from 1991-2004) and still keep the reader interested in what Fone Bone and his cousins were up to next. It shows the talent and skill of Smith to keep the series popular for so long. (Not to mention the numerous awards he won along the way).

Weaknesses:
Without ruining the series, I have to say the weakest point was the ending. It was almost anticlimactic compared to the build up over the past eight novels in the series. I had to go back and re-read the last few pages just to make sure I didn't miss anything. I didn't. It was just a let down.

Opinion and Recommendation:
I spent an entire weekend holed up in a blanket fort reading all nine graphic novels in the series. It was wonderful! I laughed (and might have cried) throughout the whole thing. The black and white version is great, but I would highly recommend the colored version. I checked them out from the library because I feel that graphic novels take so little time to read that it's almost a waste to buy them. This series is an exception. I would love to go back are re-read it and even introduce it to my future children. So I will be the nut that spends a good amount of money on the all-in-one volume in color and hardback. But you don't have to. If you like fantasy graphic novels that are pretty clean, I say check it out!

Mistborn Trilogy by Brandon Sanderson

Type of read:
Action/Adventure Fantasy

Plot Summary:
The entire series starts when a chosen hero sets out to defeat an evil...and fails. What happens now? Well, an evil called the Lord Ruler, oppresses the world for a thousand years. That's when a mismatched band of thieves takes it upon themselves to overthrow the Lord Ruler and free the world. But what if the Lord Ruler is the least of their worries..?

Strengths:
The biggest strength is the author himself. Brandon Sanderson is well know for his world building. Not only does he set all three books in a different world, he creates a new magic system, a different religion and mythology and makes it all believable. The characters, while not wholly good or completely bad, are people you can root for. The plot twists and turns. There always seems to be a spin that you're not expecting. (sorry if that's a spoiler!)

The most interesting aspect of the book is the magic system. There are limits and rules to the system. The hero can't just go out and defeat the bad guy because he's stronger. The hero has to be clever and resourceful to defeat evil. There are a select few who can ingest metals and then "burn" them to enhance their abilities. Each metal grants a different ability. For example Iron pulls on nearby metal and steel pushes on nearby metal and brass can sooth emotions and zinc riots them. (confused? just read the book! Sanderson explains it WAY better than I can) People with the ability to burn metals can either burn one metal, or all of them. Those who can burn all of the metals are called Mistborns (hence the name...)

Weaknesses:
This is an epic fantasy. While the action is fantastic and clever, there are parts in the series where the author has to slow down and explain things or character build. This isn't always a bad thing, and those of you who are fans of epic fantasy expect this and even welcome it. But there are others that find it tedious to slow down the story in order to explain the rules of the world. (Not me Brandon! Please send me an autographed book..)

Opinion and Recommendation:
I am a big fan of Brandon Sanderson. He is a master world builder and is very inventive when it comes to new magic systems. The books are not very long, but remember that it is still considered an epic, so take your time reading it. Enjoy the journey! The entire series is worth buying. Just go find the entire box set and buy it! Trust me on this.

Miss Peregrine's Home for Peculiar Children by Ransom Riggs

WARNING: There might be a few mild spoilers...but nothing you couldn't of predicted.

Type of Read: 
Young Adult Fantasy/Horror

Plot Summary:
Jacob has grown up listening to his grandfather's fairy tales about a hidden orphanage for peculiar children. One night his grandfather dies and leaves Jacob mysterious pictures that prove his fairy tales were in fact true. Jacob sets out in search for his grandfather's childhood home, hoping that it will allow him closure to his grandfather's untimely death. Instead, Jacob is pulled into an adventure and a world that is very...peculiar.

Strengths:
The biggest strength of this book is the idea that started it all. Ransom Riggs started to collect odd, old photographs from yard sales and antique stores. He selected 50 of the pictures and created a story out of them. How cool is that?! And the pictures really do add to the story. So much so that I got spooked one night after looking at a picture of a creepy Santa. (I'm a bit of a weenie when it comes to horror.)

Another strength comes from the writing. Riggs is beautifully descriptive. He brings the characters to life and makes each one believable. Even the peculiar children. He also has a way of describing the setting. A very clear picture is presented and the reader is transported.

Weaknesses:
The biggest weakness was the plot line. The first half of the book was spooky and filled with mystery. Where was this orphanage? Why would his grandfather send him to the middle of nowhere? Why was it so important that Jacob find the truth? But once that mystery is solved, there isn't much else to hold the reader. There are the peculiar children and the world that surrounds them, but I honestly couldn't get myself to care enough about them. There were some intense fight scenes that were pretty cool, but I personally found the ending lacking...maybe the sequel will be more thorough.

Opinion and Recommendation:
There is a lot of hype surrounding this book. It hit the bestseller list quickly and for good reason. The whole idea behind this book was brilliant. The pictures lend the story a creepy vibe and the descriptive writing makes it all believable. There are a few low points in the story itself, but it is still worth reading. I personally probably won't re-read this book, but to each their own. Definitely give it a chance and pick up a copy from the library.

P.S. It is rumored that Tim Burton will be making a movie of this book...thought you would want to know ;)

The Magicians by Lev Grossman

Type of Read: 
Dark-ish Fantasy

Plot Summary:
It seems like Quentin has everything going for him. He's a genius on his way to graduating high school and headed to an ivy league college. But for Quentin, this isn't enough. He would rather bury himself in his childhood fantasy stories surrounded by magic and adventure. One day he finds himself taking a mysterious test that gains him entrance into a school of witchcraft and sorcery. Suddenly his fantastic dreams become a reality...but so do the dangers.

Strengths:
This book has been described as a "grown-up Harry Potter" and it's true. It's filled with magic and sorcery with much more adult themes such as drugs, alcohol, and sex, added in. Now, some of you might think that ripping off Harry Potter would be a weakness, but Grossman does it in a way that makes it respectable. Instead of ignoring the similarities between his story and J.K. Rowling's, he plays with it. He gives little salutes to the magical world of Hogwarts that says "yeah, I know what I'm doing."
Another strength comes from the writing. It truly transports the reader to a different world. It's one of those books that when the reader raises his/her head after a while, they have to blink a few times to come back to reality. The reader feels what Quentin feels. There is a moment in the book where Quentin is close to graduating from school and he realizes that he doesn't know what he's going to do with the rest of his life. I personally can remember this feeling after graduating with a B.A. in English thinking "Yay! I did it! ...Now what?"

Weaknesses:
The biggest weakness of the book is Quentin himself. He is just not a very likable person. He is constantly unhappy with where he is in life and is always looking for something better. He makes horrible decisions that reap even worse consequences. This wouldn't be bad if this was a coming of age story, but Quentin doesn't really ever grow-up or learn from his mistakes. It can be frustrating to the reader.

Opinion and Recommendation:
I have mixed feelings about this book. I enjoyed the first half of the story when Quentin is in school, but once he graduates he resorts to drinking heavily, doing drugs, and ignoring his girlfriend. This part of the book was really frustrating and difficult to read. I wanted to reach into the pages and shake Quentin out of his stupidity. But alas you can't...mainly because he's a fictional character and books don't allow for 3-D interaction.
I would say pick up a copy from the library (like I did) and see what you think before you go out and buy it.

Promise of Blood by Brian McClellan

Promise of Blood(www.brianmcclellan.com)

Type of Read:
Action-Adventure Fantasy/Flintlock Fantasy

Plot Summary:
The book begins when the coup to overthrow a monarchy has just been successfully completed. So what now? The main character, Field Marshall Tamas, must now squelch royalist rebellion, stabilize the city, and set up a new government. Oh, and did I mention that there are loyalist mages running around that are too strong to kill, a broken promise that is attached to a dangerous legend, and gods once again walk among men. Interested? You should be!

Strengths:
There are plenty of strengths in this book. I think the strongest aspect is the magic system. Unlike most epic fantasies, this book is not set in the middle ages with horses and sword fighting. Industry has advanced to the point where there are now guns (hence flintlock fantasy). There are two types of mages. There are the mages that we are all used to where they can touch the "ether" and use it manipulate the world around them. Then there are Powder Mages whose magic is centered around gun powder. They can ingest gun powder to enhance their senses such as eye sight and physical endurance. They can use gun powder to make accurate shots and keep bullets in the air longer in order to hit their targets. They can even sense gun powder and ignite it from a distance. It is a very interesting and different concept that is pulled off very well.
Then there are the characters. The book is written from several different view points. The multiple main characters in the book come to life and the reader becomes involved in each of their struggles. They each have their own motives for behaving the way they do. Even the background characters are captivating.

Weaknesses:
There are a lot of plots intertwining and if the reader is not paying attention, things can be missed. Important things that tie the plot lines together and carry over to the sequel. This isn't really a weakness, but this is not a book that one can skim through. Take your time while reading this book. Also, because this book has to do with war and fighting, there tends to be intense violence and a bit of language if you are sensitive to that. But think about it, a Field Marshall of an army isn't going to say "Oh shoot the enemy approaches."

Opinion and Recommendation:
I personally LOVED this book and would recommend it to fantasy lovers. There is plenty of action and adventure and just a touch of political intrigue. I'm usually not a fan of books that center around war, but this particular book fascinated me. I have actually read it twice and I don't do that often. So go pick up a copy from your local library or take the chance and just go out and buy it. Trust me, it will be worth it!

Well, Here It Goes...My Book Review Blog

So I have literally been sitting in front of my laptop for an hour watching Knight and Day and eating Cheetos trying to think of how to start a book review blog. I've never done it before (obviously!) and I keep thinking, "who the heck would want to read about little ol' me?" But I have a couple of faithful friends who have told me that they think I would be good at posting reviews and recommending books to others. After some thought and weighing the pros and cons I decided to give it a shot. I mean, the worst thing to happen is that no one reads this and I'm just talking about books to myself...it wouldn't be the first time.
I guess the best place to start is to tell a little bit about myself. I mean, if others are going to trust me to recommend books, they should at least know the basics. 

Personality and Tendencies:
What to say about myself. I could tell you that I'm cool and witty and confident. But that would be a lie. I'm shy and introverted and would be a complete recluse if it weren't for my two best friends. I am very good of thinking of comebacks several hours after it would have been appropriate, I am accidentally funny, and am a long way off from being cool. I love playing video games and reading and writing (duh). I collect Pokemon cards (as bookmarks I swear!) and I would rather sit at home under a blanket tent watching movies then going out into the world to see people. I like to always have a plan and I don't really handle change well. 
But I promise I have a bunch of good qualities too. I am loyal to my friends and family, I am a hard, tenacious worker, and I have a very kind heart. 

Education and Occupation:
I received a B.A. in English from Texas A&M University (whoop!) and a Masters in Library Science from Texas Woman's University. 
In the past I have coached gymnastics at Powersports and I have been a supervisor at Half Price Books. I currently work as a Library Specialist in the Texas A&M libraries. Although I love helping people find what they are looking for, my dream would be to become a full time writer. But right now, I'm just a wannabe. :)

Family:
Family is incredibly important to me. We are all close. My family has weekly dinners together where we catch up with each other. I have a mom, dad, Mimi, and grandpa who have always supported me and helped me reach my dreams. They helped me get through undergraduate and graduate school with no debts, they drove me to Cypress from College Station EVERY DAY so I could reach my potential in gymnastics, and they will always be there for me.
My little brother has been my shadow for years and it's hard to think that he's nineteen now and about to start college. I will always remember him as a chubby little boy following be around in his diaper and yellow t-shirt while we danced in the dinning room to the Lion King soundtrack (yeah, we were that cool...and I'm going to have to find a picture of it one day). 

And then there is my best friend and husband, Joel. He is always there for me, and will do anything for me. He understands my need to sometimes be alone, and he just rolls with any mood swings or irrational behavior that may come his way. I can be myself around him and ask him anything. (Just the other day we were discussing what would happen if both my arms fell off one day...) I can be goofy and weird and know that he will still love me. 

The Plan:
The plan for this blog is going to be me writing reviews of books I have recently read. I usually go through a book a week, depending on how much time I have on my hands. Even though I've read hundreds of book, I don't think it would be fair for me to try and think back to others I read a year or more ago.  After I read a book, I'll post a review on the type of read it was (romantic, no brainer, a thinker, etc.), the strengths and weakness of the book, and then my overall opinion of it and whether I would recommend it to others. At the very end I'll post the next book I'll be reading and reviewing. I might also intermittently post personal blogs and maybe one day expand to include reviews on video games and movies. But we will see how all this goes. 
In the future I would love followers to start recommending books to me. I want discussions to ensue and people to connect through their love of books. 

I think it would be a good idea to add that this is just my opinion and although I'm an avid reader, I certainly do not know everything there is to know about book critiques. I'm just a wannabe ;)