What An Animal Reading Challenge V hosted by

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The What an Animal Reading Challenge IV ends at the end of this month on February 29th. Our new challenge will begin on March 1, 2012 and end on February 28, 2013. The rules are really simple...


1. Read at least 6 books that have any of the following requirements:


a. there is an animal in the title of the book

b. there is an animal on the cover of the book

c. an animal plays a major role in the book

d. a main character is (or turns into) an animal (define that however you'd like).

2. The animal can be any type of animal (real or fictitious)--dog, cat, monkey, wolf, snake, insect, hedgehog, aardvark...dragon, mermaid, centaur, vampire, werewolf...you get the idea...


3. Challenge runs from March 1, 2012 to February 28, 2013. That’s a full year to read at least 6 books (you can read more if you’d like). You can still sign up after March 1st as long as you can get 6 books read by February 28, 2013).


4. Books can be fiction or nonfiction.


5. You may make a list of books at the beginning of the challenge or you can just list them as you find them.


6. Book titles may be swapped out at anytime (assuming you made a list to begin with).


7. Crossovers with other challenges are permitted and encouraged.


8. You don't have to have a blog or write a review, but you can if you want to.
 If you don't have a blog, just post in the comment section that you'd like to join. You can post your books in there.

9. Books can be in any format of your choice (print, audio, ebooks)

A Touch of Magic Review

A Touch of Magic by Gregory Mahan

Summary:

In a world where magic is forbidden and the penalty is death, Randall Miller faces a difficult choice when he discovers his own budding power.

Tricked into apprenticeship by a powerful Mage, Randall is forced to live a life of deception until his mentor is killed. Tracked by Aiden, head of the secret police, Randall teams up with a trio of avaricious traders in his quest to reach the city of Port Medlin and set sail to the large continent of Salianca, where magic is accepted.

Review:

                This was a great book.  I loved the world that was created and the interaction between the main character and others.  I laughter, cried, and want to know what happens next.  That is what I call a good read. 

                I am always trying to find books that my kids, especially my son, will read and enjoy.  This is one that I can happily give my kids and know they will enjoy.  I give it 5 out of 5 clouds.

Finders Keepers Review

Finders Keepers by Catherine Palmer

Summary:

                Antiques dealer Elizabeth Hayes hopes to expand her shop by purchasing and refurbishing the Chalmers House next door. Zachary Chalmers, an architect who recently inherited the house, wants to tear it down and build an office. The resulting feud drags the town into a battle of historic value vs. personal property. The only one who doesn't care is Nikolai Hayes, Elizabeth's adopted Romanian son. He's interested in persuading Zachary to be his father and in listening to Boompah's stories of the "nachos" who tyrannized Europe during World War II. Nikolai's endearing attempts to master English provide levity in a romance that tackles deeper issues than land rights.

Review:

                This was a touching story about two people searching for love and afraid of losing a part of themselves in the process.  While some of the situations were trite romance novel stuff (boy meets girl, they start to like each other, something tears them apart, they eventually work it out and get back together).  However the story is still entertaining and a good read. 

4 out of 5 clouds

The God King by James A West Review

Synopsis
Title: The God King
Author: James A. West
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Heroes are not born, they are forged in the fires of apocalypse...
In the heavens above, the three moons crash together, streaming fire and death in their wake; below, the seas rage as the roiling face of the world shatters. After Prince Varis Kilvar steals powers to transform himself into a god, chaos reigns from the king's city of Ammathor to the forbidding walls of the Black Keep. At his heels marches a demonic army torn from the very bowels of the Thousand Hells, and the risen God King uses terror to stake his claim over all lands.

Betrayed and bound to Varis by powers he does not understand, mercenary Kian Valara is forced to masquerade as the world's savior, while a beautiful Sister of Najihar prepares him for his last battle. Victory against a living god is far from certain, but vengeance? For Kian, when the battle rage falls upon his soul and the sword hilt is hot and alive against his palm, vengeance is never out of reach.

Review

I really like the premise of this book.  I love the idea of a person being able to transform themselves into a god and the two sides being drawn in this battle.  The book is well written with beautiful language.  For example, early in the book this description is given:  “now its pitted surface was covered in vines, creepers, and witchmoss. Dampness and invading roots had crumbled its stones, giving it the look of an ancient, slumbering beast stricken with leprosy.”  I also found my favorite new curse, “You son of a poxy whore!”  I love the rich language and descriptive passages.

I really wanted to love this book for all the above reasons; however I had a hard time getting interested in the story as it dragged initially.  At one point I was so bored I wasn’t sure I wanted to continue reading.  Despite loving words and enjoying the unique descriptions, I just wanted something to happen.  I would have even been okay with killing people off to get the story moving.  Finally after about half of the book, the story picked up.

The last half of the book was much more active and held my attention.  It was not engrossing like many books I have read, and my son stopped reading after the first two chapters.  I would have called this a boy’s book except for the fact that my son didn’t enjoy it and he loves fantasy literature.

I would be interested to read something else by James West to see if it was just this story that I had a hard time connecting with, or if it is his style of writing.  I do think this story fits a nitch audience, it just wasn’t my nitch. 

Overall I would give the book 3 of 5 clouds due to the rich language and the promising second half.

West, James A. (2011-11-11 08:00:00+00:00). The God King (Kindle Location 185). Kindle Edition.

West, James A. (2011-11-11 08:00:00+00:00). The God King (Kindle Locations 210-212). Kindle Edition.

The Dreaming of Books Giveaway Hop giveaway winners did not respond to several attempts to contact them.  Therefore, we have two new winners.  Congratulations to gkayla who won the "Trackers" book and to ricki who won Flirting With Death (Assassins Anonymous - Step One) (Kindle Edition) by Heidi Hall.  

Thank you all and Congratulations!

Don't forget our upcoming free books, the next one starts on January 25, 2012

Dreamer2229

Books, Books, and More Books Blog

Wow what a busy week.  I am reading two great books received from the authors for review, The God King and Always You.  Loving them so far.  Can't wait to finish and post my reviews.  Be sure to enter the contests for free copies.
Excellent month for reading.  I am joining several read for 2012 lists.  I will post them and update regularly within the next week.  My goal is 100 books this year in the general book read.

Synopsis
Title: The God King
Author: James A. West
Genre: Epic Fantasy
Heroes are not born, they are forged in the fires of apocalypse...
In the heavens above, the three moons crash together, streaming fire and death in their wake; below, the seas rage as the roiling face of the world shatters. After Prince Varis Kilvar steals powers to transform himself into a god, chaos reigns from the king's city of Ammathor to the forbidding walls of the Black Keep. At his heels marches a demonic army torn from the very bowels of the Thousand Hells, and the risen God King uses terror to stake his claim over all lands.

Betrayed and bound to Varis by powers he does not understand, mercenary Kian Valara is forced to masquerade as the world's savior, while a beautiful Sister of Najihar prepares him for his last battle. Victory against a living god is far from certain, but vengeance? For Kian, when the battle rage falls upon his soul and the sword hilt is hot and alive against his palm, vengeance is never out of reach.