61. Fire & Flood by Victoria Scott

Time is slipping away....

Tella Holloway is losing it. Her brother is sick, and when a dozen doctors can't determine what's wrong, her parents decide to move to Montana for the fresh air. She's lost her friends, her parents are driving her crazy, her brother is dying—and she's helpless to change anything.

Until she receives mysterious instructions on how to become a Contender in the Brimstone Bleed. It's an epic race across jungle, desert, ocean, and mountain that could win her the prize she desperately desires: the Cure for her brother's illness. But all the Contenders are after the Cure for people they love, and there's no guarantee that Tella (or any of them) will survive the race.

The jungle is terrifying, the clock is ticking, and Tella knows she can't trust the allies she makes. And one big question emerges: Why have so many fallen sick in the first place?



So... this was our book club selection for September.  I requested it so far in advance because I thought it would take a long time to come in... I was wrong.

Overall I enjoyed the book.  The idea of the Brimstone Bleed was interesting.  I think I might have a little literary crush on a certain someone...

However, there were some parts of the story that were a bit disappointing.  Tella's character was kind of annoying.  Yeah, she is a teenage girl, but she seemed very superficial.  Also, for all the foreboding about how difficult the race would be, it didn't seem to incredibly difficult during the story.

Rating: 3.5/5 stars

2. The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien

In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort.Written for J.R.R. Tolkien’s own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when it was first published in 1937. Now recognized as a timeless classic, this introduction to the hobbit Bilbo Baggins, the wizard Gandalf, Gollum, and the spectacular world of Middle-earth recounts of the adventures of a reluctant hero, a powerful and dangerous ring, and the cruel dragon Smaug the Magnificent.

This book was a lot easier to read than the Lord of the Rings trilogy.  To me, it seemed like more of a story than a list of events (which was kind of how the LOTR trilogy was, but I still enjoyed it).

It was fun getting a closer look at Bilbo.  I enjoyed reading about the dwarfs (though at time I thought there were too many, but I digress), and was glad that by the end of the journey they all respected and befriended Bilbo, especially Balin.  It was also fun reading about all of Bilbo's ideas and plans that saved them so many times.

There were parts of the journey that I thought were rather boring and drawn out, but overall it was enjoyable.  I am interested to see how the next two films depict the rest of the story... although the first movie was VERY different than the beginning of the book.  And what the heck?!?! - no Legolas?  I was deceived...

To me, Smaug was killed too quickly, certain people who died shouldn't have, but I guess that's why I don't write stories.  The ending was rather abrupt and I wish there was a little more to the story, but I will survive.


Rating: 4/5

REVISED:  While I enjoyed reading The Hobbit, I didn't enjoy it enough to give it four stars.  I just liked it.

New Rating: 3/5

Divergent by Veronica Roth

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue—Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is—she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are—and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.

Debut author Veronica Roth bursts onto the literary scene with the first book in the Divergent series—dystopian thrillers filled with electrifying decisions, heartbreaking betrayals, stunning consequences, and unexpected romance.

WARNING!  Spoilers!

What an exciting read!  It had a bit of a Hunger Games-esque feel, but with a sort of Matched twist.  I felt like I was a part of their world.  I kept hoping for Tris to succeed, but at the same time I wanted her to stay true to herself.  Four was a very exciting character.  I figured early on he was a transfer from Abnegation, but I didn't realize he was really Tobias!  I love that he was Divergent as well and that they both were able to fight against the Erudite.

It just goes to show that no matter what ways you try to change society, there will always be those out there who want power and personal gain.  Don't let yourself be a mindless follower, but think for yourself and do what is right!

I am so excited for the next book in the series!

Rating: 5/5

Innocent Traitor

This is the story of Lady Jane Grey, the nine day queen of England. Great niece to Henry VIII, she grows up in an unloved home with constant pressure to be the smartest, prettiest, best behaved noble woman in the land.

During this time there is great upheaval in England. Henry VIII has broken with the Catholic church and formed the Church of England. His daughter from his first marriage, Mary, is an ardent Catholic and refuses to join the reformed faith. Meanwhile his son and heir, Edward VI, firmly believes the ideas of the reformed faith and during his reign, many throughout the land follow his example. Unfortunately his health fails, and those in high places who belong to the reformed faith fear for what may be in store for them when Mary comes to the crown. They hatch a plan to set up Lady Jane as Edward's successor, knowing she is a strong believer of the Protestant faith and a very intelligent young lady.

Jane does not want any of this. She is very unwilling to accept the crown, but with the pressure from not only the highest nobles of the land, but her own parents, she grudgingly becomes Queen. Quickly following the proclamation of Jane as Queen, Mary rallies her supporters and marches on London, quickly quelling the rebellion and proclaiming herself Queen. And Jane's future is very grim.

This book was very informative. I started reading it without very much knowledge about this era in history, so I learned a lot. What a scary time! There was so much upheaval, everyone wanting power and glory for themselves no matter the cost, and most of the time the cost was their death. I am continually thankful that I live now and not during that time - scary stuff. I felt very sorry for Jane, and impressed that she held firm to her faith. She did the best with what she could.

Rating: 2.5/5

Another One Bites The Dust

Bye-bye 1984...

It was difficult to get into this book, but after the fist 20 pages I really wanted to keep reading to find out what would happen. Poor Winston! Towards the end of the book, when Winston is reading The Book for the Brotherhood, that was a little boring. I really wanted to skip those pages - sometimes there was just TOO MUCH information. And the ending... what an ending. Not sure how I felt about that. Overall, I'm glad I read it.

And I get to cross it off my 100 Greatest Novels List.

24. The Mists of Avalon - Marion Zimmer Bradley

The Arthurian legend is well-known by many, but in The Mists of Avalon, Marion Zimmer Bradley approaches it in an entirely new way: from the perspective of the women involved in the story. We hear of Arthur's conception and birth from his mother, the courageous Igraine, and there are several scenes told from Guinevere's point of view, but the most intriguing and dominant character in the book is Morgaine, Igraine's first child, whose destiny lies not with the Christian future of England but on the enchanted isle of Avalon.

This hauntingly beautiful book spins a legend of the closing days of Avalon's rule, as paganism and worship of the Goddess give way to Christianity and its male God. Morgaine's tales of a life lived between the worlds of faerie and humanity, as she watches all the things she loves fade away into the mists, is tragic and moving, and will stay with the reader long after the tale closes.

The Mists of Avalon was almost 900 pages long! It took me a week and a half to read. It tells about the legendary Camelot - how it came to be and how it came to fall. It tells of Arthur's rise, Avalon's fall, and the many stories of Arthur's knights or "Companions" of the round table.

It was an interesting read. There was so much going on in this book. There were literally dozens of characters that played a vital part in this book, and sometimes it was hard to keep track of who was who. Basically it tells of the growing contention of Avalon and the Goddess and the new and upcoming power of Christianity and God. It all centers around Arthur, born of Avalon but raised Christian. What will he do as High King of Britain - will he honor his bloodline of Avalon or will he crush them with his new faith in God? Most of the story is told from the view of Morgaine, Arthur's half sister. They have a very unique relationship and the story revolves around them.

I am always interested in reading about Arthur and his Knights, so I was really excited to read this. It went into a lot of detail and showed me a different view of Arthur and Camelot. The ending was a little rough to get through, but for the most part, a good book.

Rating: 3.75/5

Marathon

I am currently reading this month's family book club choice, The Mists of Avalon... it is almost 900 pages long and very tiny print. I feel like I have been reading it forever, and I'm not even half way done! Not that the book is boring, it's just sooooo long! This is definitely something that is going to take me a very long time to finish...

I Know...

... I've been pretty bad at updating my book blog lately. Sorry to all those that read it (all one of you)!

So, here comes a quick summary of the books I recently read...


As Shadows Fade - Colleen Gleason

This was the final installment of the Gardella Vampire Chronicles. I had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of this book... and when I still hadn't received it the day after it came out, I went to my local (but not so local) Barnes & Noble and picked one up. Lo and behold, the next morning my pre-ordered book came through the mail. Thankfully my sister, Kira, decided to buy all the books in the series and bought my extra copy from me.
I really enjoyed this book. I thought the demons were great villains and portrayed really well. And let me just clarify my choice of a suitor for Victoria - after reading the first chapter, I quickly changed from wanting Sebastian for her to wanting Max for her. It seemed that Sebastian's character became rather weak and completely different in the last book than the calm, cool and suave Sebastian I have always loved. That was one reason why I could not give this book a 5. Also, his "memories" throughout the book were slightly annoying. But overall, a great read!

Rating: 4.5/5


Lonesome Dove - Larry McMurtry

This was the book chosen by my sister Lisa for our family book club this month. I checked it out of the library before my week long excursion to Georgia for something to do while I was up there (trapped inside a one bedroom apartment with no vehicle and two little rambunctious girls). I read about 3/4 of the book that week and quickly finished it two days after I got back to Florida. All I can say is - WOW! It was such a fascinating story! I loved McMurtry's development of the characters, although there were so many of them it took me a while before I could keep straight who was who. There were so many unexpected happenings in this book and it always kept me wanting to know what was going to happen next! Yes, it was quite long (over 800 pages), but I really enjoyed it!

Rating: 4.5/5


The Nine Kingdoms Books - Lynn Kurland

Thanks to my sister Lisa, I also wanted to read these three books about the plight of Morgan of Melksham, an ordinary shieldmaiden from the kingdom of Neroche. It follows her journey of self discovery as she travels the Nine Kingdoms aiding the quest of the king and archmage of Neroche as they try to quell the evil that threatens their land. I absolutely loved the characters of Morgan and Miach! They were so cute together, although I do have a difficult time believing that somebody could be as patient and caring and loving as Miach - hello! He has a way stressful life and I love my husband dearly, but I don't know any man who is that perfect! But still, I loved pretending there was someone like that. The second book (The Mage's Daughter) was my favorite of the series, with the third book (Princess of the Sword) as my least favorite. It just seemed very anti-climatical (is that the right word there?) after all the build up to the great battle for the kingdom of Neroche. And then the ending - could it be any more quaint and sappy? However, I still really enjoyed reading the series.


Ratings:
Star of the Morning: 4.5/5
The Mage's Daughter: 5/5
Princess of the Sword: 4/5

9. The Vanishing Act of Esme Lennox - Maggie O'Farrell

In the middle of tending to the everyday business at her vintage clothing shop and sidestepping her married boyfriend's attempts at commitment, Iris Lockhart receives a stunning phone call: Her great-aunt Esme, whom she never knew existed, is being released from Cauldstone Hospital, where she has been locked away for over sixty years. Iris' grandmother Kitty always claimed to be an only child. But Esme's papers prove she is Kitty's sister, and Iris can see the shadow of her dead father in Esme' face. Esme has been labeled harmless; sane enough to coexist with the rest of the world. But Esme is still basically a stranger, a family member never mentioned by the family, and one who is sure to bring life-altering secrets with her when she leaves the ward. If Iris takes her in, what dangerous truths might she inherit? Maggie O'Farrell's intricate tale of family secrets, lost lives, and the freedom brought by truth will haunt readers long past its final page.







I really didn't have any desire to read this book. It was this month's choice for book club, and I wasn't really feeling the urge to start this book. But then both my sister and my mom read it and rated it really high, so I figured I'd better give it a chance, too. And I'm glad I did! It was very different from any book I've ever read - Maggie O'Farrell has a unique writing style. Sometimes it was a little hard to follow (mostly the beginning), but once you got used to the style the book made more sense. The characters and their life stories were really fascinating. I had a hard time putting this down! My only complaint is the ending - it was very abrupt and I did not expect that at all. Otherwise, it was a great read!



Rating: 4/5

60. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society - Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows

January 1946: London is emerging from the shadow of the Second World War, and writer Juliet Ashton is looking for her next book subject. Who could imagine that she would find it in a letter from a man she's never met, a native of the island of Guernsey, who has come across her name written inside a book by Charles Lamb.

As Juliet and her new correspondent exchange letters, Juliet is drawn into the world of this man and his friends and what a wonderfully eccentric world it is. The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society--born as a spur-of-the-moment alibi when its members were discovered breaking curfew by the Germans occupying their island--boasts a charming, funny, deeply human cast of characters, from pig farmers to phrenologists, literature lovers all.

Juliet begins a remarkable correspondence with the society's members, learning about their island, their taste in books, and the impact the recent German occupation has had on their lives. Captivated by their stories, she sets sail for Guernsey, and what she finds will change her forever.

I LOVED this book. I had a really hard time putting it down! It was the book selection for last month's family book club and I am sad to say that I just started reading it a few days ago. It's just been a really crazy month and I've had so much to do. I knew that if I started reading a book I wouldn't stop until I was finished reading, then I wouldn't get any of my Christmas stuff done in time, so I had to put this book on hold till then.

I absolutely loved the characters! Juliet, Dawsey, Isola, Elizabeth, Kit... what a wonderful group of people! I wish they were real, they were so fascinating! I am always amazed how people survived World War II, so this was a great read for me. The strength the people on the Island of Guernsey had, and the quick wit of Elizabeth McKenna! I have to say I am absolutely happy with the way the book ended! I only wish there was more of it to read!

Rating: 5/5

50. The Heretic's Daughter - Kathleen Kent

Martha Carrier was one of the first women to be accused, tried and hanged as a witch in Salem, Massachusetts. Like her mother, young Sarah Carrier is bright and willful, openly challenging the small, brutal world in which they live. Often at odds with one another, mother and daughter are forced to stand together against the escalating hysteria of the trials and the superstitious tyranny that led to the torture and imprisonment of more than 200 people accused of witchcraft. This is the story of Martha's courageous defiance and ultimate death, as told by the daughter who survived.

I LOVED this book! Being a history buff, I have read a lot of books about the Salem witch trials. Yet this book was so different from the others. It was a completely different angle to the happenings in Salem than all of the other books that I've read.

I really enjoyed the Carrier family. It was amazing all that they endured in such a short amount of time! Their strength and courage was fascinating. Every time I read about that time period, I am in complete disbelief of what happened - how a whole town (and neighboring towns) became caught up in the lies of a group of teenage girls and killed and imprisoned so many innocent people. It's incredible what greed and anger will lead to...

I would highly recommend this book, to history buffs and everyone. For this being Kathleen Kent's first novel, she did an amazing job!

Rating: 5/5

40. One Hundred Years of Solitude - Gabriel Garcia Marquez

Set in the mythical town of Macondo, One Hundred Years of Solitude tells the story of the Buendia family. Over the period of one hundred years, the Buendia family (whose predecessor is Jose Arcadio) experiences the rise and fall of their beloved home town. Jose Arcadio and his wife Ursula are the leaders of an expedition that travels to the unpopulated swamps far beyond the reach of any civilization to create the town of Macondo. The story continues through their children, their children's children and so on through six generations of the Buendia family.

This is the September book club selection for my family, so I don't want to give too much away. I really enjoyed this book. There were so many fanciful and unbelievable stories and experiences that the Buendia family members went through - you know they can't be true but you find yourself wanting to believe them because they help bring the lovable characters of the Buendia family to life. Garcia Marquez did a wonderful job weaving fantasy with real life. When asked how he came up with the writing style for One Hundred Years of Solitude, Garcia Marquez wrote:

The tone that I eventually used in One Hundred Years of Solitude was
based on the way my grandmother used to tell stories. She told things that
sounded supernatural and fantastic, but she told them with complete naturalness
. . . What was most important was the expression she had on her face. She
did not change her expressions at all when telling her stories . . . In previous
attempts to write, I tried to tell the story without believing in it. I
discovered that what I had to do was believe in them myself and write them with
the same expression with which my grandmother told them: with a brick face."

I had a hard time putting this book down. I kept wondering what would happen to each member of the Buendia family. Garcia Marquez really pulled me in with his writing style and I really enjoyed this book.

Rating: 4/5

39. Tess of the d'Urbervilles - Thomas Hardy

Because of its sexual frankness and indictment of Victorian hypocrisy, Hardy's novel was considered shocking when it was published in 1891. It is the tale of Tess Durbeyfield, a young country girl whose rape by Alec D'Urberville, a distant aristocratic relative, leads to pregnancy. Tess's baby dies, and she finds work as a dairymaid at a farm where no one knows her story. From that point, her life, which includes marriage with a man, Angel Clare, who fails to realize her worth, enters a downward spiral, culminating in the sensational tragedy that is at the heart of the book. The cynical and sophisticated Alec's seduction of a country girl, and the self-righteous Angel's destructive idealization of her, can be seen as symbols of the city's ruthless exploitation of the English countryside--a common theme in Hardy's fiction. His compassionate portrait of a young countrywoman was also characteristic of his writing, which never failed to champion the cause of rural lives and values against those of the corrupting city.

This book was a little hard to get into. The language Hardy used was so different than modern day and I had a hard time understanding some parts of the book for that reason. Does anyone know what is a "vlee"? It took me 150 pages to get into the book (about halfway through). After Angel and Tess confess their love for each other I was hooked. I was so eager to learn what their future would be. Of course, that doesn't quite make up for the first 150 pages of so-so.

Rating: 3.5/5

33. Stolen Innocence - Elissa Wall

In September 2007, a packed courtroom in St. George, Utah, sat hushed as Elissa Wall, the star witness against polygamous sect leader Warren Jeffs, gave captivating testimony of how Jeffs forced her to marry her first cousin at age fourteen. This harrowing and vivid account proved to be the most compelling evidence against Jeffs, showing the harsh realities of this closed community and the lengths to which Jeffs went in order to control the sect's women.
Now, in this courageous memoir, Elissa Wall tells the incredible and inspirational story of how she emerged from the confines of the Fundamentalist Church of Latter Day Saints (FLDS) and helped bring one of America's most notorious criminals to justice. Offering a child's perspective on life in the FLDS, Wall discusses her tumultuous youth, explaining how her family's turbulent past intersected with her strong will and identified her as a girl who needed to be controlled through marriage. Detailing how Warren Jeffs's influence over the church twisted its already rigid beliefs in dangerous new directions, Wall portrays the inescapable mind-set and unrelenting pressure that forced her to wed despite her repeated protests that she was too young.
Once she was married, Wall's childhood shattered as she was obligated to follow Jeffs's directives and submit to her husband in "mind, body, and soul." With little money and no knowledge of the outside world, she was trapped and forced to endure the pain and abuse of her loveless relationship, which eventually pushed her to spend nights sleeping in her truck rather than face the tormentor in her bed.
Yet even in those bleak times, she retained a sliver of hope that one day she would find a way out, and one snowy night that came in the form of a rugged stranger named Lamont Barlow. Their chance encounter set in motion a friendship and eventual romance that gave her the strength she needed to break free from her past and sever the chains of the church.
But though she was out of the FLDS, Wall would still have to face Jeffs—this time in court. In Stolen Innocence, she delves into the difficult months on the outside that led her to come forward against him, working with prosecutors on one of the biggest criminal cases in Utah's history, so that other girls still inside the church might be spared her cruel fate.
More than a tale of survival and freedom, Stolen Innocence is the story of one heroic woman who stood up for what was right and reclaimed her life.

I was glued to this book. I had the hardest time putting it down. It was our family book club choice for June, and since it was a pretty hectic month for us, I didn't think I would get around to reading it. However, my mom picked it up from the library a few days ago and lent it to me to read first.

I found all the details about the FLDS and their lifestyle so interesting. It was hard to believe how easily they went along with some of the things they were told, but that was all they knew. To rebel was considered the ultimate sin and so they truly went along without any second thoughts. I felt so sad for Elissa and her story. I can understand how much she loved her family and I hope to never have to go through what she did. It would be so hard to have to give up your family and have to lose all contact with them. I was impressed by her bravery and courage and hope that her case really will help many young women stuck in the FLDS.

Rating: 4.25/5

26. Wuthering Heights - Emily Brontë

After the death of his loving guardian, Heathcliff is left to the care of his guardian's son, Hindley. Jealous of the attentions given to Heathcliff by his father, Hindley mistreats Heathcliff and the two become bitter enemies. Hindley's sister and Heathcliff's playmate, Catherine, is the only one to come to Heathcliff's defense. A strange form of love bonds the two for life, but through unforeseen events they are separated and Heathcliff disappears. Many years pass before Heathcliff returns, and many changes have occurred as well. More vindictive and malevolent then ever, Heathcliff starts down a path of destruction, vowing to repay those who have mistreated him.


Wuthering Heights is considered to be "an unpolished and devastating epic of childhood playmates who grow into soul mates, widely regarded as the most original tale of thwarted desire and heartbreak in the English language. (Goodreads.com)" I believe that description hits the nail right on the head. It was an eerily disturbing tale of scorned love and how far a man will go to take revenge on those who have wronged him. It was hard to imagine that somebody would go to those lengths for "love" - pretty crazy if you asked me! It was very disturbing at times, but I found that those times were the hardest times to put the book down! I could not wait to find out what happened to the Earnshaws, Lintons and Heathcliffs and really enjoyed the ending.


Rating: 4/5

24. The Handmaid's Tale - Margaret Atwood

Offred is a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead. She may leave the home of the Commander and his wife once a day to walk to food markets whose signs are now pictures instead of words because women are no longer allowed to read. She must lie on her back once a month and pray that the Commander makes her pregnant, because in an age of declining births, Offred and the other Handmaids are only valued if their ovaries are viable. Offred can remember the days before, when she lived and made love with her husband Luke; when she played with and protected her daughter; when she had a job, money of her own, and access to knowledge. But all of that is gone now.... Funny, unexpected, horrifying, and altogether convincing, The Handmaid's Tale is at once scathing satire, dire warning, and tour de force.



This book follows the life of Offred (of Fred), a Handmaid in the Republic of Gilead (formerly the United States). It portrays the breakdown of our current society and how easy it was for a group of radicals to take over control. It was a little disturbing in that aspect, but it was interesting to read how it happened and how people were so easily to go along with what they were told. This was the family book club choice and I'm glad that I read it, but I don't think I'll be reading it again. The story jumped around a lot from the past to the present and the future, and sometimes it was hard to follow along. I did try to imagine myself in Offred's place, and although it was disappointing that she went along with what society expected, I can't say I blame her for doing so. I hope to never be in a situation like that.



Rating: 2.75/5

18. The Last Battle - C.S. Lewis

During the reign of King Tirian, a descendant of Caspian the Seafarer, rumor is spread that Aslan has returned to Narnia. It has been a long time since Aslan has roamed the land and all are excited about his return. The king and his friend Jewel the Unicorn set out in search of the illusive Aslan, the protector of Narnia, and instead they find destruction. Calormene men are tearing up the forest of Lantern Waste, a place that has special meaning to the Narnians. Tirian learns that this is done according to the will of Aslan and can hardly believe it. He soon learns that the Aslan all the Talking Beasts and Calormenes are following is an imposter and asks for help from the real Aslan to rid his land of the evil that has taken over. Eustace and Jill return to Narnia and help Tirian fight in the great last battle of Narnia.

I was a little disappointed with the book. I had read that it earned the Carnegie Medal, one of the highest awards received in children's literature, so I was expecting many great things. True, there were some great parts, I especially enjoyed the scene where Tirian enters the stable and says,

"It seems then that the Stable seen from within and the Stable seen from without are two different places."

"Yes," said the Lord Digory. "Its inside is bigger than its outside."

"Yes," said Queen Lucy. "In our world too, a Stable once had something inside it that was bigger than our whole world."

However, it just wasn't how I expected things to end. I'm glad that these books were chosen for our family book club, because I don't think I ever would have read them otherwise. Overall the series was very good and I can now officially say I have read The Chronicles of Narnia.

Rating: 3.5/5

17. The Silver Chair - C.S. Lewis

While hiding from school bullies, Jill Pole meets Eustace Stubb, another victim of bullying. After Eustace confides in Jill about his journeys in Narnia, both agree that they would like to be there instead of where they are. After asking to be sent back to Narnia, they find themselves running from bullies one minute, and the next they are floating through the air. They have fallen into Narnia and are given four signs by Aslan that will help them on their mission to find Caspian's missing son, Prince Rilian - one, as soon as Eustace sets foot in Narnia, he will meet an old friend whom he must greet at once to help them with their task; two, they must journey out of Narnia to the north and the ruined city of the ancient giants; three, they will find writing on a stone in that ruined city and must do what the writing tells them; four, they will know the lost prince by this, he will be the first person they meet who will ask them to do something in the name of Aslan. After meeting up with a Marsh-wiggle named Puddleglum, the two children set off on an adventure through the wilds of the North, encounter giants and the Queen of the Underworld, and rescue the Prince and restore him to the throne of Narnia.

I have to admit, I really had a hard time getting into this book. Maybe it's because I felt like I've been reading The Chronicles of Narnia for such a long time and I was anxious to finish... I don't know. I really didn't find Jill's character all that interesting and felt that Eustace and she were just hobbling along in the story, dragging it down. I enjoyed Puddleglum, he brought a little life to the story. To me, it just seemed the whole encounter with the Queen of the Underworld and how easily they save the prince was too quick, too easy. I was waiting the whole story for this moment, and it didn't do it justice.

Rating: 2.75/5

16. The Voyage of the Dawn Treader - C.S. Lewis

It's been three years since the beginning of King Caspian's reign. He is on a voyage across the Eastern Sea in the hopes of discovering the whereabouts of seven lords who sailed in search of the lands beyond Narnia. Near the beginning of the journey, Edmund and Lucy Pevensie unexpectedly travel through a picture of a Narnian boat and join Caspian on his journey. With them comes their cousin, Eustace, who complains about everything. Along the way, he learns important life lessons and is changed forever.

I really liked this book. I was glad that it was closer in time to the previous novel. It was nice to read more about Caspian and my all time favorite character, Reepicheep the warrior mouse! It was fun to read about all their experiences discovering new lands and what they found there. And the ending was really good, too. I was sad to see that Reepicheep went off on his own, but glad because he was fulfilling his lifelong dream.

Rating: 4/5

15. Prince Caspian - C.S. Lewis

It's been over a thousand years in Narnia since the reign of Kings Peter and Edmund and Queens Susan and Lucy. Magical creatures are forced to live in hiding during the reign of King Miraz. His nephew, Prince Caspian, is eager to learn about Old Narnia, the time when Talking Beasts roamed the land. This angers the King, who is afraid of things such as talking animals and live trees, and at the birth of his own son and no longer needing Caspian as heir, he plans his nephew's death. Caspian flees into the woods for his life. There he meets the magical creatures he's heard only in stories. As he fights to reclaim the crown that is his by right, he blows the horn that once belonged to Queen Susan in hopes that help will arrive. Help arrives, and together they battle evil King Miraz and hope to restore Old Narnia.

This book was an okay read. I found Caspain's story interesting, but the whole story kind of dragged on with the journey of the Pevensies taking up a lot of space. Another interesting part was the discovery of where Caspain's ancestors truly came from. But by far my favorite charcter was Reepicheep, a tough little Talking Mouse who was always willing to fight to prove that despite his small stature, he is a great warrior. He was absolutely hilarious! I was glad to see that great things came his way. Pretty good book, not as good as the previous two, but still enjoyable.

Rating: 3.75/5