Twilight

When Isabella Swan moves to the gloomy town of Forks and meets the mysterious, alluring Edward Cullen, her life takes a thrilling turn. With his porcelain skin, golden eyes, mesmerizing voice, and supernatural gifts, Edward s both irresistible and impenetrable. Up until now, he had managed to keep his true identity hidden, but Bella is determined to uncover his dark secret.

What Bella doesn't realize is the closer she gets to him, the more she is putting herself and those around at risk. And, it might be too late to turn back...

Deeply seductive and extraordinarily suspenseful, Twilight will have readers riveted right until the very last page is turned.

I must have been the only person who hadn't read this book...until now. I've jumped on the bandwagon and blame it entirely on my daughter. She's an advanced reader for her age, she's read all the Harry Potter books, the Percy Jackson series and she's been wanting to read the Twilight series, but before I can give her the okay for her to read a book that I may not think is age appropriate for her I need to read it first.

I enjoyed the setting, the cool and greenery of the Olympic Peninsula, it had a certain sadness and darkness to this story. The characters, Bella, is the new kid in town, living with her father for the first time since her parents divorce. Not only does she have to adjust to living with a parent she considers almost a stranger, but she also has to start a new school. She's warmly welcomed by all except for the Adonis like boy that ignores her. Edward is a mystery, beautiful and mysterious. There's this instant chemistry between them, but Edward fights against it as much as he can. But eventually both he and Bella decide to give their feelings a chance, and that's when the real adventure begin.

I found the love/lust that Bella has for Edward very realistic, well except the vampire thing. Remember being a teenager and being stupidly in love with the dark and mysterious boy that sits beside you in biology, or chemistry in my case. And how you would risk anything for it...

I enjoyed the book and found it easy to read...I am now curious on what will happens next. I may even watch the movies now.

But going back to the original reason on reading Twilight, I don't think it's appropriate for an almost ten year old. She'll have to wait a few more years.

Twilight by Stephanie Meyer (4/5) Young Adult: Paranormal; Published: Little Brown Books (10/05); New Author; Series: # 1, Twilight Saga; 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge (9); Young Adult Reading Challenge (4); DIK Book Reading Challenge (2); Books 2010 (45);

Moon Called

Werewolves can be dangerous if you get in their way, but the'll leave you alone if you're careful. They are very good at hiding their natures from the human population, but I'm not human. I know them when I meet them, and they know me, too.

Mercy Thompson's sexy next-door neighbor is a werewolf.

She's tinkering with a VW bus at her mechanic shop that happens to belong to a vampire.

But then, Mercy Thompson is not exactly normal herself...and her connection to the world of things that go bump in the night is about to get her into a whole lot of trouble.

I've had this book in my possesion for over two months. I took it out of the library intending to read it quickly for a challenge, but because it dealt with werewolves I've been pushing it back on my reading list. Don't get me wrong I enjoy the occasional werewolf but it seems I'm a little burned out on the paranormal front (gasp!). I needed a break and I took it. A couple of days ago I realized I needed to read this book asap because I wouldn't be able to renew again and if I returned it unread to the library there was a good chance that I wouldn't take it out again. And so I began to read Moon Called, the first book of the Mercy Thompson series by Patrica Briggs.

And let me say that I was pleasantly surprised on how much I enjoyed the book. Mercy is one tough cookie, she's a mechanic by profession, she's strong, independent and she also happens to be a shape shifter - she can be became a coyote in a blink of an eye. When she find the young werewolf she befriended dead on her doorstep, she knows something is wrong, she then discovers the Alpha wolf hurt and his daughter missing she knows there's trouble brewing, she's just not sure whom to trust.

I think what I enjoyed the most about this book was that it wasn't predictable. Just when you think you have it solved the author throws you a curve ball, and it leaves you wondering what the heck will happen next. I loved the way the characters are connected, there isn't any superficial friendship in this book, their connections run deep and are super interesting. Plus there's this possibility of a future love triangle. Hmmm...can't wait.

Moon Called by Patricia Briggs (4.5/5) Urban Fantasy; Published: Ace Book (9/06); Series: # 1, Mercy Thompson Novel; New Author; DIK Book Reading Challenge (1); 101 Fantasy Challenge (9); Books 2010 (37);

Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony

Ten thousand years ago, humans and fairies fought a great battle. When the fairies realized they’d never win, they moved their civilization underground and hid. All the families agreed, except the demons.

The demons planned to lift themselves out of time until they were ready to wage war on the humans once more. But the spell went wrong, and they were catapulted into Limbo. Now the spell’s deterioration is accelerating and the demon materializations are erupting. Even the fairy scientists cannot predict the next one.

But someone can. Artemis Fowl, teenage criminal mastermind, has solved temporal equations that no human can. So when a confused and frightened demon pops up in a Sicilian theatre, Artemis is there to meet him. Unfortunately, a second mysterious party has also solved the equations and has managed to abduct the demon.

Once again, Artemis will pair up with his old comrade Captain Holly Short, to track down the missing demon, before the spell dissolves completely and the lost demon colony returns violently to Earth.

What a great book to end 2009 with, yes ladies and gentlemen The Lost Colony by Eion Colfer was my last book. And I've been pondering on what to say about it, besides what I've already about this awesome series.

I know I will sound like a broken record when I repeat that the Artemis Fowl series is wonderful reading for both children and parents. The characters are superb and it has the fantasy/magic that will entertain the more pickier of kids (and parents too).
Artemis' growth, and I mean a conscious is entertaining and heart warning to experience but his evil genius mode is ever so appealing as well.

Artemis is back on the block, he just has changed his sights to different matters, and in this case it's demons. But here enters another evil genius master mind, Minerva. Has Artemis found his match? It would appear so... There's just a little problem: they will have to work together (along with Captain Holly Short and crew) to help their demon friends.

The Lost Colony by Eion Colfer (4.5/5) Young Reader; Fantasy; Published: Disney-Hyperion (8/06); Series: # 5, Artemis Fowl; 101 Fantasy Challenge (8); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge; (151);

The Opal Deception

Evil pixie, Opal Koboi is back and she's more dangerous than ever. This time she doesn't just want power over the fairy People, this time she wants the lot. Everyone is under threat - humans and fairies alike. Captain Holly Short is the only fairy with a hope of stopping her, but as Holly knows, it takes one genius criminal mastermind to fight another. And the 14-year-old genius Holly is thinking of can't even remember that fairies exist. How is she going to convince Artemis Fowl to help her? Gold usually does the trick with that young man and this time is no different. Together Artemis, Holly, Mulch and Butler foil Opal Koboi's plans for world domination.

Opal Koboi is back and seeking revenge. She wants world domination and she wants Holly Short and Artemis Fowl to pay for their part in her incarceration. When Holly Short is accused of murdering Commander Julius Root, her mentor, she needs help to bring Opal Koboi back to justice, and the only person she trusts is Artemis Fowl. She just hopes that she can refresh his memory. In the previous book Artemis and his bodyguard Butler were mind-wiped.

This book was a re-introduction of sorts for Artemis and Holly. And it's wonderful to see their new/old friendship flourish. Butler needs to find and protect Artemis was touching, it's more than just being his job, he truly is concerned about him. The little tidbits of strange information that both Artemis and Butler experience was well written, it showed their confusion but also a sort of understanding that they couldn't quite place. I didn't like Opal the first time around and I still couldn't stand her in this book either. She is truly a despicable genius. One of those character you love to hate.

The book was jammed packed with adventure and humorous events. And I couldn't put it down.

The Opal Deception by Eion Colfer (4/5) Young Reader; Fantasy; Published: Miramax (5/05); Series: # 4, Artemis Fowl; 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge (6); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (148);

Ella Enchanted

How can a fairy's blessing be such a curse?

At her birth, Ella of Frell was the unfortunate recipient of a foolish fairy's gift--the "gift' of obedience. Ella must obey any order given to her, whether it's hopping on one foot for a day and a half, or chopping off her own head! But strong-willed Ella does not tamely accept her fate. Against a bold backdrop of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella goes on a quest to break the curse--once and for all.

In this incredible debut novel comes the richly entertaining story of Ella of Frell, who at birth was given the gift of obedience by a fairy. Ella soon realizes that this gift is little better than a curse, for how can she truly be herself if at anytime anyone can order her to hop on one foot, or cut off her hand, or betray her kingdom'and she'll have to obey? Against a bold tapestry of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella's quest to break the curse once and for all and discover who she really is is as sharply funny as Catherine, Called Birdy and as richly poignant as Beauty, and has all the marks of a classic in the making.

Another great book enjoyed by both me and my daughter. Sophie watched the movie version recently and when she got the book she devoured. And for a change she finsihed reading the book before I did.

I found it to be a quick read (it would have been quicker if Sophie wasn't reading at the same time), I enjoyed the setting and the characters. I loved Ella and her "gift", more like a curse and her need to break the curse and live a normal life; I felt for her and thought that she was exploited by the people that should have protected her, but that aspect was needed of course. It was a great twist to the traditional Cinderella story.

Sophie has already asked for more books written by Gail Carson Levine. And I'm sure Santa will oblige, just don't tell her...

Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine (4/5) Young Reader; Fairy Tale; Published: HarperCollins (4/1997); Winner of the Newbery Honor; 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge (6); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (146);

Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code

After being held prisoner for years, Artemis Fowl's father has finally come home. He is a new man--an honest man, much to Artemis's horror. He makes his son promise to give up his life of crime, and Artemis has to go along with it. But not until he has completed one last scheme.

Artemis has constructed a super-computer from stolen fairy technology. Called the "C Cube," it will render all existing human technology obsolete. He arranges a meeting with a powerful Chicago businessman, Jon Spiro, to broker a deal for the C Cube. But Spiro springs a trap--he steals the C Cube and mortally injures Butler. Artemis knows his only hope of saving his loyal bodyguard is to employ fairy magic; so once again he must contact his old rival, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon fairy police.

It is going to take a miracle to save Butler, and Artemis's luck may just run out. . .

I cannot express how much fun I'm having reading the Artemis Fowl series by Eion Colfer. The books have good guys, bad guys, ass-kicking fairies, funny moments and tender ones as well, and they're super entertaining.

And book three, did not disappoint. Artemis was back to his old self, dealings with a businessman of ill repute. And he gets himself and Butler into a major mess. He needs help from a very special friend, Captain Holly Short, fairy cop extraordinaire. And so the adventures begins...

Like the other books, this one is fast paced and it reads quick. I love the relationship that Artemis has with Butler, and the relationship that he is beginning to have with Holly. Artemis is starting to ponder his own criminal aspirations and maybe targeting a different area. But with the ending of this book, maybe things will change again.

The Eternity Code by Eion Colfer (4/5) Young Readers; Fantasy; Published: Disney-Hyperion (5/03); Series: # 3, Artemis Fowl; 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge (5); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (144);

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell

I read Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke for two challenges. I chose to read this book for Book Awards III Challenge, it won the Hugo Award in 2005. And also for 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge.

The blurb was taken from Amazon:

At the dawn of the nineteenth century, two very different magicians emerge to change England’s history. In the year 1806, with the Napoleonic Wars raging on land and sea, most people believe magic to be long dead in England—until the reclusive Mr Norrell reveals his powers, and becomes a celebrity overnight.

Soon, another practicing magician comes forth: the young, handsome, and daring Jonathan Strange. He becomes Norrell’s student, and they join forces in the war against France. But Strange is increasingly drawn to the wildest, most perilous forms of magic, straining his partnership with Norrell, and putting at risk everything else he holds dear.

I struggled with this book, not only because of its size but also because it was so dull. I forced myself to finish reading it, and it was painful every time I picked up the book. I would read the same paragraph numerous times and not register what it said, my mind kept on wandering. Maybe it was a preconceived notion that I had right at the beginning but I just could not get into the story. And I tried people! I truly did! I wanted to be sucked in and enjoy the story, like so many other readers before me. I've been hearing great things about this book, but, I truly don't understand what all the hype is about. Thoughts anyone?

Ok, I did enjoy some of the book, mainly the historical fiction part. But I think that the author was trying too hard to fit the magic with history and politics. I found a few characters interesting enough but by the long run I was wishing they would get on with it already. Yes, it was to purply for me...

Well, at least I can say that I didn't give up...and I didn't throw the book out a window, either.

Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke (2/5) Historical Fiction; Fantasy; Published: Bloomsbury USA (8/2004); New Author; Book Awards III (5); 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge (4); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (140);

Artemis Fowl: The Artic Incident

Book summary taken from the author's website

Artemis Fowl wants to find his father, held hostage in Russia; Holly Short wants to find who's supplying the goblins with human technology; Foaly wants to find out who's disabled all the LEP Technology and pointed the finger at him.

Artemis has received a ransom demand for his father but is captured by the LEP who suspect him of supplying the goblins with dangerous Human technology (batteries). He convinces them he's innocent and agrees to help them if they help him free his father. Meanwhile, down in the underground world, chaos has arisen. An unknown traitor has stolen forbidden weapons and armed a horde of trolls, setting them loose to wreak havoc on the citizens. Clues lead Captain Holly Short straight to Artemis, and she exacts a small bit of revenge by kidnapping him, just as he once kidnapped her. But soon she learns that Artemis isn't behind the chaos, and if she's to have any hope of stopping it, she will need his help. As a result, these onetime adversaries must now join forces -- a mix that proves to be both charming and volatile.

And just like the first book of the series I devoured this book in one sitting. I couldn't help myself. I was drawn into the story right at the beginning and wouldn't let go until the very end. Good thing it was the weekend.

Artemis really wants his father back and if that means asking help of his nemesis, he will do it. And thus again Captain Holly Short and Artemis are thrown together for another adventure. I love the way the author portrays Artemis as this evil genius but he also has a sweet kindness about him that he doesn't like to show very often, and then there Holly who complains and grumbles about working with the Mud people but does so and has a very strict honour code. Great characters and great story. Can't wait to get my hands on the next book.

Artemis Fowl: The Artic Incident by Eion Colfer (4.5/5) Young Adult: Fantasy; Published: Hyperion (5/2002); Series: # 2, Artemis Fowl; Young Readers Challenge (9); 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge (3); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (136);

Coraline

When Coraline steps through a door to find another house strangely similar to her own (only better), things seem marvelous.

But there's another mother there, and another father, and they want her to stay and be their little girl. They want to change her and never let her go.

Coraline will haveto fight with all her wits and courage if she is to save herself and return to her ordinary life.

I read this book with my daughter. Actually she read it first and then I had my turn with the book. We both liked the book. I liked the book more than the movie, which we watched right after reading the book.

I found the book dark and creepy. I was afraid that my daughter would be scared but I think I was more disturbed about certain things than she was. I'm not sure what that means.... I love the way the author draws you in and keeps your attention. It also has his (un)usual humor. And the illustrations adds to the creepiness of the story.

Coraline by Neil Gaiman (4/5) Young Adult: Fantasy; Published: Harper Trophy (2002); Young Readers Challenge (8); 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge (2); 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (135);

Artemis Fowl

Artemis Fowl is a one of the greatest criminal minds the world has ever seen. He is heir to the Fowl family empire—a centuries old clan of international underworld figures and con artists. He is arguably the most cunning Fowl of all. He is also twelve years old.
Artemis' interest in mythology and an obsession with the Internet leads him to discover proof of the existence of "The People"- otherwise known as fairies, sprites, leprechauns and trolls. He learns every fairy has a magical Book. If he can find the Book, it will lead him to "The People's" vast treasure of gold.
With his brutish sidekick, Butler, he sets his plans in motion. Artemis tricks a drunken old fairy woman into loaning him her Book, a tiny golden volume, for thirty minutes. He scans it with a digital camera and emails it to his Mac G6 computer. Back in his mansion in Ireland, he is the first human to decode the secrets of the fairies.
Artemis needs a leprechaun to help him with this plan. He and Butler hunt down Holly Short, a tough, female LEPrecon, part of a gung-ho Fairy commando unit, who is on a reconnaissance mission. He kidnaps her, and a major battle begins. It's satyr against gnome, man against elf, and for the first time in his life, Artemis must decide what he values most.

I have heard nothing but good things about Eion Colfer's Artemis Fowl series. So, when I saw it listed on 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge, I knew I had to read it, or at least the first book of the series.

Well, here's another series that both children and adults can enjoy. I was hooked right from the beginning. I found the story entertaining and funny as well. It has a darkness to it that really appeals to me, but not so dark that I wouldn't let my nine-year-old daughter read. I loved the way that the author brings out the evil genius of Artemis but also the child quality that he doesn't show too much. And there's the kick-ass fairy, Holly, who has a very strict code of conduct but also a tender heart. And then you add a whole bunch of secondary characters that interesting and comical. The story cannot go wrong.

Artemis Fowl by Eion Colfer (4.5/5) Children Fiction: Fantasy; Published: Miramax (4/2001); Series: # 1, Artemis Fowl; New Author; 2009 100 + Reading Challenge (129); Young Readers Challenge (7); 101 Fantasy Reading Challenge (1);

101 Fantasy Reading Challenge

I need another challenge like I need...um...a toothache or a rash...oh well you get the point, but thanks to Ana who signed up for this challenge and posted it on her blog, I just had to join in the fun too.

101 Fantasy Reading Challenge is being hosted by Bella of A Bibliophile's Bookshelf. You can find the rules and the sign-up linky here. You can find the list of books here.

I'm not sure yet of the amount of books I want to read, but there are several that have caught my eye (more than several!).

My list(so far):

1. Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis - I wonder if it's the whole series?

2. A Midsummer Night’s Dream by William Shakespeare - One of my favourites, it's time for a re-read.

3. Moon Called by Patricia Briggs

4. Ella Enchanted by Gail Carson Levine

5. Coraline by Neil Gaiman - Completed on November 19th, 2009 You can find my thoughts here.

6. The Time Traveler’s Wife by Audrey Niffenegger

7. Wicked by Gregory Maguire - I've had this book in my TBR pit for years, I really should read it.

8. The Princess Bride by William Goldman

9. Artemis Fowl by Eion Colfer - Completed on November 8th, 2009 You can find my thoughts here.

10. Artemis Fowl: The Artic Incident by Eion Colfer - Completed on November 21st, 2009 You can find my thoughts here.

11. The Neverending Story by Michael Ende - I loved the movie! Great, I have song in my head....

12. Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift - Time for a re-read!

13.Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke - Completed on December 8th, 2009 You can find my thoughts on the book by visiting here.

14. Witchling by Yasmine Galenorn

15. Mr Darcy, Vampyre by Amanda Grange

I've bitten more than I can chew...