Monday, September 30, 2013

The Mark of Athena by Rick RIordan

Book: The Mark of Athena (The Heroes of Olympus #3)
Author: Rick Riordan
# of Pages: 574 (Hardcover)
Challenge: September is for Sequesls Challenge
Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
Annabeth is terrified. Just when she's about to be reunited with Percy—after six months of being apart, thanks to Hera—it looks like Camp Jupiter is preparing for war. As Annabeth and her friends Jason, Piper, and Leo fly in on the Argo II, she can’t blame the Roman demigods for thinking the ship is a Greek weapon. With its steaming bronze dragon masthead, Leo's fantastical creation doesn't appear friendly. Annabeth hopes that the sight of their praetor Jason on deck will reassure the Romans that the visitors from Camp Half-Blood are coming in peace.

And that's only one of her worries. In her pocket Annabeth carries a gift from her mother that came with an unnerving demand: Follow the Mark of Athena. Avenge me. Annabeth already feels weighed down by the prophecy that will send seven demigods on a quest to find—and close—the Doors of Death. What more does Athena want from her?

Annabeth's biggest fear, though, is that Percy might have changed. What if he's now attached to Roman ways? Does he still need his old friends? As the daughter of the goddess of war and wisdom, Annabeth knows she was born to be a leader, but never again does she want to be without Seaweed Brain by her side.

Narrated by four different demigods, The Mark of Athena is an unforgettable journey across land and sea to Rome, where important discoveries, surprising sacrifices, and unspeakable horrors await. Climb aboard the Argo II, if you dare....



My Thoughts:

I just love reading Rick Riodan's books. This one is narrated by four characters: Percy, Annabeth, Leo, and Piper.

I was so happy that we finally get to see things from Annabeth's perspective. Her mother sets her the task of following the Mark of Athena which is not only dangerous but Annabeth must complete it alone. Percy is used to being the leader on quests learns to rely on and work with his friends as a team. I've liked Leo from the beginning. His ability to create gadgets on the spot is awesome. And Piper is cleverer than she gives herself credit for. 

Even though the Greeks and Romans are enemies, I was impressed by how well the demigods got along. We meet new gods, goddesses, and creatures. And the demigods experience some pretty memorable mini adventures along their journey to the Ancient Lands.

Overall, The Mark of Athena was a fun, action-packed read with a cliffhanger ending that will leave you with your mouth hanging open. I'm so glad the sequel comes out next week!

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Book: Clockwork Princess (The Infernal Devices #3)
Author: Cassandra Clare
# of Pages: 568 (Hardcover)
Challenge: September is for Sequels Challenge
Rating: 5 stars

Goodreads Summary:
A net of shadows begins to tighten around the Shadowhunters of the London Institute. Mortmain plans to use his Infernal Devices, an army of pitiless automatons, to destroy the Shadowhunters. He needs only one last item to complete his plan: he needs Tessa Gray.

Charlotte Branwell, head of the London Institute, is desperate to find Mortmain before he strikes. But when Mortmain abducts Tessa, the boys who lay equal claim to her heart, Jem and Will, will do anything to save her. For though Tessa and Jem are now engaged, Will is as much in love with her as ever.

As those who love Tessa rally to rescue her from Mortmain’s clutches, Tessa realizes that the only person who can save her is herself. But can a single girl, even one who can command the power of angels, face down an entire army?

Danger and betrayal, secrets and enchantment, and the tangled threads of love and loss intertwine as the Shadowhunters are pushed to the very brink of destruction in the breathtaking conclusion to the Infernal Devices trilogy.



My Thoughts:

Clockwork Princess was absolutely amazing! The story just kept getting better and better with every page, and I loved every moment of it.

I admit that I did not care much for Will at the beginning of this trilogy, but after reading Clockwork Princess, I have come to love him just as much as Jem. Tessa's identity is revealed as well as her importance to Mortmain. I did have my doubts before reading this that I would be left with questions, but I am happy to say that that was not the case. I was very satisfied with how things came together.

This book had everything: action, suspense, unexpected twists. Seriously the best book in the trilogy.

Monday, September 23, 2013

Top Ten Best Sequels Ever

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare

Hunger (Gone #2) by Michael Grant

Spark (Elemental #2) by Brigid Kemmerer

The Last Echo by Kimberly Derting

If I Die by Rachel Vincent

Cross My Heart, Hope to Die and Seven Minutes in Heaven by Sara Shepard

All the Harry Potter sequels by J.K. Rowling

Rage Within (Dark Inside #2) by Jeyn Roberts


Monday, September 16, 2013

Top Ten Books on My Fall 2013 TBR Pile

Top Ten Tuesday is hosted by The Broke and the Bookish.





Vampire Academy (Vampire Academy #1) by Richelle Mead
The Archived (The Archived #1) by Victoria Schwab
Shatter Me (Shatter Me #1) by Tahereh Mafi
The Girl of Fire and Thorns (Fire and Thorns #1) by Rae Carson
Anna and the French Kiss (Anna and the French Kiss #1) by Stephanie Perkins
A Beautiful Dark (A Beautiful Dark #1) by Jocelyn Davies
Allegiant (Divergent #3) by Veronica Roth
The House of Hades (The Heroes of Olympus #4) by Rick Riordan
Just One Year (Just One Day #2) by Gayle Forman
Through the Ever Night (Under the Never Sky #2) by Veronica Rossi
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2) by Cassandra Clare

What books are on your Fall TBR Pile?

Sunday, September 1, 2013

September is for Sequels Challenge

This challenge is hosted by Lisa at Lisa Loves Literature. The goal is to read and review at least 4 sequels between September 1-30. It can be any # book in a series except for the first.

My goal is to read 5 books.

1. Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
2. Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
3. Through the Ever Night by Veronica Rossi
4. Impostor by Jill Hathaway
5. City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

August Wrap Up & September TBR Pile


Books Read in August:
The Shadow Cats by Rae Carson
Beautiful Chaos by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Going Dark by Robison Wells
Seven Minutes in Heaven by Sara Shepard
Beautiful Redemption by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

September TBR Pile:
finish Clockwork Princess by Cassandra Clare
Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
The Darkest Minds by Alexandra Bracken
Girl of Fire and Thorns by Rae Carson
Anna and the French Kiss by Stephanie Perkins

What will you be reading this month?