Chosen: House of Night book 3, PC and Kristin Cast

I happened upon this gem by complete chance in B & N yesterday and read it in about two hours. It's not my favorite of the three, but it's still a really great read. Mostly I think this comes because I start getting impatient when series go on past three books and not a lot has been accomplished in terms of finishing the plot (this is also the problem I have with the "Twilight"series- I just want to know how it freakin' ends!). I can easily see there being many MORE books about Zoey and her friends, but I really want this particular storyline with Neferet to end. I want her to get her come uppance, and get her a$$ kicked by Zoey and her friends. But again, I'm impatient. The book is really well written, and I've enjoyed the growth in the characters- especially Aprhodite, whose role in this book is definitely kicked up.

The crux of the plot is this: Zoey is intent on helping Stevie Ray reclaim her humanity, but doesn't know how, so spends some time trying to do research. Her relationship with Erik is a little rocky as he feels he's being ignored, but mostly Zoey's just too busy and stressed to deal. Plus, there is poor imprinted Heath who is missing from most of the book because he's on vacation with his parents, and Zoey's still dealing with her attraction for Loren. Most of the book is really about Zoey as even her friends take a bit of a back seat. But Zoey's dealing with a lot that she can't discuss with her friends for fear Neferet will read their minds and as it turns out Aphrodite is the only one she can talk to (apparently Neferet can't read her mind either).

The ending holds some great surprises and I can't wait to see what happens next. Part of me hopes that the next is the end of for the story line for Neferet, as I'd love to see new adventures of Zoey and her friends. For those who this may be of concerned, there is an increase of language toward the end of the book, as well as some sexual situations, that easily make this a PG-13/rated R (yes, the MPAA probably would rate this R if it were a movie, but as it's a book and gory details are left to the imagination, I lean towards PG-13).


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Books Book Teens Reading

Paolini's Inheritance III Gets a Title and Other Book News

Due to release September 20th, Christopher Paolini's third Inheritance novel gets a title "Brisingr" (which I think is the magic word for fire- though correct me if I'm wrong!).

In other book news, there's more casting information for Stephenie Meyer's "Twilight". As most fans know, Kristin Stewart (the older sister from "Zathura") has been cast as Belle, and Robert Pattinson (Cedric Diggory from the "Harry Potter" movies) has been cast as Edward. But here's some of the latest casting news: Peter Facinelli as Carlisle (sorry- but I'm having a REALLY hard time with this one as I can only see him as the jock from "Can't Hardly Wait"), Elizabeth Reaser as Esme, Jackson Rathbone as Jasper, Nikki Reed as Rosalie, Ashley Greene as Alice and Kellan Lutz as Emmett. I'm not familiar with any of these other actors really, but they look the parts. Check this page out to see pics: http://www.stepheniemeyer.com/twilight_movie.html.

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Books Book Teens Reading

Virus on Orbis & Betrayal on Orbis 2: PJ Haarsma

I recently received these first two books in "The Softwire" series and have to say I really, really enjoyed them.

Virus on Orbis is the story of 200 children who were raised by the Renaissance's ship computer "Mother" after their parents all perished when their sleepers malfunctioned. The story centers around Johnny Turnbull (JT), his sister and a few friends (and enemies) as they learn upon landing on Orbis that they will be separated into groups to work for different "Guarantors" to pay off the debt that their parents carried (in exchange for passage to Orbis). JT also learns that he is a softwire, an extremely rare human that can interface with computers using only his mind (he knew he could communicate with the ship's computer, but didn't realize how special his ability was). Unfortunately JT soon becomes the prime suspect when the computer that controls the rings of Orbis begins to malfunction. JT tries to warn people, but there are those that don't believe him (because the "technologically perfect" computer never malfunctions) and those that think he should be put to death. It's up to JT and his friends to prove his innocence and find out what's really going on on Orbis all while dealing with bullies, learning the extent of his powers, a terrible boss and adjustment to life on a strange planet.

In Betrayal on Orbis 2 (releasing on March 25th, 2008), JT and his friends are tranferred (somewhat illegally) to the second ring of Orbis (there are four) where they are to work for an alien who's primary job is communicate and care for the Samirans, huge water creatures that have a very important job each year during the Harvest Festival. But all is not as it seems and JT quickly learns that their new "employer" is planning a terrible betrayal that could bring about the downfall of Orbis 2. I don't want to give too much away about the story- but we do learn more about JT's parents (who may not be who JT thought they were) and more about why JT is so special. I can't wait for the next two books in the series.

Both books are definitely great reads- fast paced, great stories and engaging characters that will keep you turning the page and wanting more. The best part is that I think both books will engage kids that might not like reading as much, or have a tougher time doing it- the chapters are shorter, the descriptions give just enough information to "see" Orbis, but still leaves plenty of room for the imagination (in a good way!) There's even neat looking role-playing game at www.ringsoforbis.com that brings the world of Orbis to life in a new way (and may get a reluctant reader even more interested in the books). You may also want to check out www.pjhaarsma.com for more information about the author, his involvement with the "Kids Need to Read" program and a great interview with actor Nathan Fillion ("Mal" from TV series "Firefly" and the follow up movie "Serenity").

The first book will be available on Amazon.com after Feb. 28th, but you can get a copy on Barnes and Noble's website now.


Books Book Teens Reading