The Hunters by John Flanagan

The Hunters by John Flanagan
403 pages

    The Herons have again failed. Before, they were given the simple task of guarding the Skandians' most prized treasure, the Andomal, but it was stolen. They chased the pirates who took it across the sea to the village of Limmat. At Limmat, they saved the people from the pirates, but failed to capture the lead pirate, Zavac. Now, Hal and the rest of them arer determined to catch him and return home.
    Following the information given to them by one of the captured pirates, they set off again on a trail of clues to find Zavac and regain the Andomal. But they will have to face him in a final battle, and one of them will have to meet their end.

**Book 3 in Brotherband Chronicles**
Previous book: The Invaders

Christmas

That's a nice looking Christmas tree, don't you think?
Well, I had a traditional tree this year, but I found this cool picture of a book tree and I thought I would share it. Here is another:


Sorry I didn't get to post about Christmas earlier, but I was busy on Christmas day and the day before that, too. I tried to do post the next day, but something was going on with blogger and it wouldn't let me post anything for some reason. So, Merry Christmas, even thought it is late. I hope you had a good time with friends and family.

Did you get any good books this year? I got some, and then a bunch on gift cards to the bookstore, as well. Rush for the Gold by John Feinstein, Turtle in Paradise by Jennifer L. Holm, Christmas After All by Kathryn Lasky, Trust No One by Linda Sue Park, and Palace of Stone by Shannon Hale are just some of the books that I got on Christmas morning. Then at the bookstore, I got The Force Unleashed by Sean Williams...and I'm planning on getting many more :)
I also got a camera, which I am thining is my favourite gift, along with a beautiful leather Hobbit journal.

Now that I wished you a Merry Christmas, I have some funny pictures to share with you.

These pictures are either from the Cupcakes to Lightsabers blog, the Facebook page When You Compare Your Life to Your Fandoms, the Facebook page Fellowship of the Wizards' Lightsabers, or they were just randomly found somewhere else.
Before you leave, you should go to my other blog, where I will soon be posting more funny pictures, these having to do with Star Wars...and also I encourage you to go check out that Facebook page I mentioned before.

The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans

The Prisoner of Cell 25 by Richard Paul Evans
326 pages

    Michael Vey has a BIG secret. Michael has Tourette's syndrome. But that is not his secret. His secret is that he's electric. He has the power to control electricity and he can electrocute people. He has only told his mother and his best friend, Ostin, about this, but one day, the bullying at school becomes unbearable, so he uses his powers. He knows the bullies won't tell, but they aren't the only ones who saw. Taylor Ridley, the most popular girl in school was right there when it happened. And now she wants to know what is going on.
    Michael decides to tell Taylor, but he is not prepared for what she has to tell him: she has powers similar to his. But someone found out about them, and  Michael, Taylor, and Ostin are in big trouble. Suddenly, Taylor and Michael's mother are kidnapped, and Michael is their only hope. Can he save them from the evil scientists who want to know the secret of their powers?

**Book 1**
Next book: Rise of the Elgen

"Have you found the last two?"
    The voice on the phone was angry and coarse, like the sound of car tires over broken glass.
    "Not yet," the well-dressed man on the other end of the phone replied. "Not yet. But we believe we're close--and they still don't know we're hunting them."
   "You believe you're close?"
    "They're two children among a billion--finding them is like finding a lost chopstick in China."
    "Is that what you want me to tell the board?"
    "Remind the board that I've already found fifteen of the seventeen children. I've put out a million-dollar bounty on the last two, we've got spiders crawling the Web, and we have a whole team of investigators scanning the global records for their whereabouts. It's only a matter of time before we find them."
    "Time isn't on our side," the voice returned sharply. "Those kids are already too old. You know how difficult they are to turn at this age."
    "I know better than anyone," the man said. "But I have my ways. And if they don't turn, there's always Cell 25."
   There was a long pause, then the voice replied darkly, "Yes. There's always Cell 25."

Hey, everyone! Miss Dashwood over at Yet Another Period Drama Blog is hosting a givaway for Annabeth's War by Jessica Greyson. I have not yet read the book, but it looks AMAZING! (That is why I am trying to win it...) Short summary: The king is away at war and Annabeth, daughter of a master swordsman, is fighting for the life of her father, Prince Alfred and her country. Will she save them, or will she fall beneath the power of Lord Raburn and his men?

So, go check out this book, and maybe entre the giveaway, too...
I can't wait to read it :)

Also, you should go check out our new Facebook page for books and awesome fandoms (click here) (I hope the link works...let me know if it doesn't...)

And more books will be coming soon...along with a review of Unstoppable.

Tolkien Tag by Nessíma Tavariel

 Nessíma Tavariel from "Arda Nessima" created this tag...i encourage you to go check out her blog!

1. How did you first hear about LOTR & The Hobbit?
   Well, I had to read The Hobbit for my Eighth Grade English class...and I think it was one of the best books I have ever had to read for school...but I never went any further with Tolkien's works in Middle Earth until this year.

2. How many times have you read LOTR/The Hobbit?  Or have you yet to read it at all?
    I have read The Hobbit and The Fellowship of the Ring once each, and I have read half of The Two Towers.

3. Would you name your child after a character from it?
    I don't know...maybe.

4. What are your thoughts on Tom Bombadil?  Do you think he should have been in the movie?
    I did not really like Tom Bambadil and thought that part was quit boring...so no, I guess I do not think he should have been in the move.

5. Do you have a favourite piece of poetry from any of Tolkien's books?
    Yes, this one:
       

The Road goes ever on and on,
Down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet.
And whither then? I cannot say.

    
6. Have you read any of Tolkien's work besides LOTR and/or The Hobbit?
    No.

7. Can you write in the Tengwar?
   Is that a language? I'm assuming it is...so no.

8. Were you at all disappointed that Prince Imrahil wasn't in the movie? 
    Seeing that I don't know who Prince Imrahil is, that would mean his absence did not disappoint me. If he is from The Return of the King, I have not yet read or see it, so that would be why I don't know who he is.

9. What would happen if you and Denethor were put face to face? 
    I don't know who Denethor is either...sorry people...my obsession is Star Wars, not Lord of the Rings...
But I would like to say that I would beat him in a fight... :)  If that is what this question is asking...

10. Would you rather reside in Edoras or Minas Tirith?
    No idea, sorry.

11. What think you of Éomer's armour?
    Well, i don't know, but seeing that it is the subject of this question, it must be something cool or special, so I would probably like it.

12. What do you think of Boromir?
     Boromir? That is the human guy who was part of the Fellowship in the first one, right? The one that still fought even though he had three arrows sticking out of his chest? Well, I think he was incredibly selfish at first, to want the ring for himself...but he WAS human... But I think I really admire what he did at the end of his life. He was very brave to help the hobbits get away...and I would only hope that if I was mortally wounded like he was, I would keep fighting for what I believe is right, no matter what.

13. Which is your favourite LOTR couple: Sam & Rosie, Aragorn & Arwen, or Faramir & Éowyn?
    Well, idk. I'm not one who is big on romance...Sam & Rosie are cute...although I have only seen the first two movies, so i don't know what happens in the last one. Aragorn and Arwen are the famous couple from LOTR, and their story is bigger....plus I like how Arwen is willing to give up her eternally-long-life to be with the one she truly loves. And I don't know much about Faramir and Éowyn since I have not yet seen ROTK, but last year my friends casted me as Éowyn for out LOTR likenesses...idk what that has to do with this, but I just thought I'd let y'all know :) So...I really don't know who my favourite couple from LOTR is...maybe Éowyn and Faramir since-in my experience thus far-their romance is non-existent... :P

14. Did you shed any tears when Thorin died? 
    Thorin? Is he one of the dwarves from The Hobbit? It has been so long since I read that, I don't even remember him dying...so I don't think I cried...sorry. I'm sure he was a great character, though.
 
15. Which is most terrifying of the following: orcs nabbing you in your sleep, giant spiders crawling out of dark tunnels and forests, Nazgul standing right over where you're hiding, or a ghost army that doesn't like you very much?
    Ummm, how about all of them. Or the Nazgul since they don't see me 'cause I'm hiding... ;)

16. How well would you enjoy life as a hobbit?  Would it be preferable to being something like, say, an elf?  Or a Ranger? 
    Interesting question...I really don't see myself as a hobbit...more like an elf...especially since all my friends just told me that I remind them of an elf...so ELF.


Well, I obviously was not the best person to answer these questions since I am not the biggest LOTR fanatic, but I still do love it...hope I did not annoy you too much with my ignorance on the subject...now, you may tag others, if you like.

Also, I would like to proudly display this:

Updates

Hi guys! Sorry it's been a while, but I've been pretty buisy...Her's an update:

1. I was just in a musical, so rehearsals are part of what has kept me away.

2. Even though it's late, Happy Thanksgiving!!


3. I have now seen The Two Towers! I saw it with a friend, and she only had the extended edition, so I got to see it with all the deleted scenes! I have decided that Gimli, the dwarf, has the funniest lines. Here is one of my favourite parts. Even though the line is not Gimli's, it's still hilarious (and it IS said to him...):



I hope I'll see Return of the King soon...

4. I have found some new epic music to like:



(Before you ask: No I have not seen the Harry Potter movies)

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving, and I hope that I will not be gone for so long this time...I'll do my best to post more...

The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch

The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch
     (Previously published as Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation)
468 pages

    Jack doesn't know anything about himself. He has grown up at St. Barnaby's Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten and Lost-where everyday is made terrible by the teachers there. And to make things at St. Barnaby's worse, Jack has no friends. One day, Jack is sentanced to cleaning the basement while the otehr kids go on a field trip. Out of the muck comes an evil robot who tries to kill Jack. Somehow, Jack destroys the robot, and a man called Jazen comes and takes him away from St. Barnaby's.
    Jazen says that Jack is from the Imagine Nation and he may be a superhero. But when Jack arrives at the Imagine Nation, he is told that he is infected with an evil virus that treatens the whole population. Will Jack be allowed in? And can he defeat his virus and also save the Imagine Nation?
**Book 1 in the Jack Blank Adeventure series**
Next book: The Secret War

Songs just for fun

I'll Make a Man out of You from Mulan

We're All in This Together from High School Musical

 

I'm the King of New York from The Newsies

 

 Call Me Maybe--Star Wars style!

 

Dragonwitch cover reveal

An Ancient Evil

Long ago, Etanun buried his sword in the depths of the Netherworld then vanished from all known history. One day, it is said, his heir will find the sword, and the Dragonwitch, firstborn of the Dragon King, will be finally slain.

A Desperate Hope

These stories are no more than nursery rhymes. In a world of cold reality, what room is left for fairy tales? Lady Leta of Aiven is pledged to marry a man she does not love . . . sleepless Lord Alistair struggles to unite the stubborn earls of the North Country . . . Mouse is lost, far from home, slaving as a kitchen drudge . . .

. . . and the reclusive Chronicler, keeping the records of Gaheris Castle, bears a secret so dangerous it could cost him his life and plunge the North Country into civil war.

An Impossible Journey

But when nursery rhymes begin to come horribly true, will these unlikely heroes find the strength they need to fulfill a prophecy of fire? For the Dragonwitch lives. And she has vowed vengeance on all who have wronged her.

______

Coming Summer 2013

Tales of Goldstone Wood

Timeless Fantasy that will keep you Spellbound!

(www.anneelisabethstengl.blogspot.com)

This is book 5, so be sure to read the first four (Heartless, Veiled Rose, Moonblood, and Starflower). This is a series you definately don't want to miss, so check it out!

Super Human by Michael Carroll

Super Human by Michael Carroll
325 pages

    Five thousand years ago, a man named Krodin terrorized the people of the Middle East while trying to conquer the world. He was the first superhuman and he was virtually invulnerable to any attack. Then one day, he disappeared.
    Now, four young heroes meet and team up to stop an old threat: Krodin. A secret group is obsessed with bringing him back from the past, and only they can stop it. With telekinesis, superstrength, the ability to control sound and a way with people, can they face the challenge and save the world?

**Book 1**
Next book: The Ascension

Unstoppable

Nick was born without any limbs. Anyone else might have been horrified, but Nick knows that he is different for a reason and lives on in spite of it. He knows that God is calling him to do something great and nothing will stop him.
Nick's new book, Unstoppable, will be released soon, and I wanted to let you all know about it. I love Nick's story. I have seen some of his video talks, and he makes great points and speaks amazing truth. And he's really funny!
Even if you don't normally read non-fiction or inspirational stories, try Unstoppable. I'm sure you will love Nick. Try it now! Here's the first chapter: (click here.)

Happy Hobbit Day!

Today is Hobbit Day, since it is Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' birthday, so Happy Hobbit Day and Happy Birthday to Bilbo and Frodo and anyone else whose birthday is today.

Who went bare-foot today? Who ate a second breakfast? Who had a party? I did! What did you do?



Books that Should be Made Into Movies

As you know, I love to read. When a book that I like has been made into a movie, I try to see it. As of right now, I think the only movie that is based of a book I read that I have not seen is The Hunger Games. :(
I have now done some thinking about what books I would like to be made into movies next. Here is a list, in no particular order:

Steel by Carrie Vaughn


The Dragon of Trelian by Michelle Knudsen


Kingdom Keepers series by Ridley Pearson


The White Giraffe by Lauren St. John


The Amaranth Enchantment by Julie Berry


Princess of the Midnight Ball bu Jessica Day George


Slayers by C.J. Hill


Dragons in Our Midst series by Bryan Davis


Ranger's Apprentice series by John Flanagan



The Girl Who Could Fly by Victoria Forester


Palace of Mirrors by Margaret Peterson Haddix


City of Masks by Mary Hoffman


The Two Princesses of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine



The 39 Clues series by various authors (including Rick Riordan, Jude Watson, and Margaret Peterson Haddix)


Isle of Swords by Wayne Thomas Batson



The Door Within Trilogy by Wayne Thomas Batson
  
Double Identity by Margaret Peterson Haddix
 Double Identity is amazing. And for all you Star Wars fans, it's got cloning in it...

This list is basically my "favourite books" list. All of these books are *clean* and I definately recommend them. They are for different ages and they are different genres, so there is something in there for everyone.

Oh, and these would make amazing movies also:
   

Quantum Prophecy is a series about young teens who find that they are superhuman. I didn't put them in a post like I do with the other books, because they have some bad language. It wasn't too much and I kind of over-looked it because the stories were so good. I really want to be Diamond if they make these into a movie. *Note: I will be posting about the prequel series soon...


If you want to learn more about these books, search their titles or authors on my blog, and most of them should be there.