Return of The King (Lord of the Rings #3)

 Sauron's forces have laid siege to Minas Tirith, the capital of Gondor, in their efforts to eliminate the race of men. The once-great kingdom, watched over by a fading steward, has never been in more desperate need of its king. But can Aragorn answer the call of his heritage and become what he was born to be? In no small measure, the fate of Middle-earth rests on his broad shoulders. With the final battle joined and the legions of darkness gathering, Gandalf urgently tries to rally Gondor's broken army to action. He is aided by Rohan's King Theoden, who unites his warriors for history's biggest test. Yet even with their courage and passionate loyalty, the forces of men--with Eowyn and Merry hidden among them--are no match for the enemies swarming against Gondor. Still, in the face of great losses, they charge forward into the battle of their lifetimes, tied together by their singular goal to keep Sauron distracted and give the Ring Bearer a chance to complete his quest. Their hopes rest with Frodo, a tiny but determined hobbit making a perilous trip across treacherous enemy lands to cast the One Ring into the fires of Mount Doom. The closer Frodo gets to his final destination, the heavier his burden becomes and the more he must rely on Samwise Gamgee. Gollum--and the Ring itself--will test Frodo's allegiances and, ultimately, his humanity.

GUYYYYYYS

My obsessions....I already said that.

I think that the character arcs in this one are just *awestruck gasp*. Yeah. I mean. Come on. Could there be a better way to end this trilogy?

No. There couldn't. 

I wish that J.R.R. Tolkien was still alive. It would be AMAZING to talk to him and ask him his secrets. OHMIGOSH. Imagine doing a CAT scan on him while he was writing! The computer screen would be blinding to look at!!!

I am now going to stop rambling about this and get on with it.

......................................

...why did I even put that field here....................................

Again, nothing. At all! Short and sweet.

My FAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAvorite part!

FIVE STAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARS

Share your LoTR Fangirling obsessions in the comments below!

(be honest--you know you have them!)

Princess of the Midnight Ball

Princess Rose is the eldest of twelve sisters condemned to dance each night for the wicked King Under Stone in his palace deep within the earth. It is a curse that has haunted the girls since their birth -- and only death will set them free.

Then Rose meets Galen, a young soldier-turned-gardener with an eye for adventure and a resolve that matches her own, and freedom suddenly begins to seem a little less impossible. To defeat the king and his dark court, they will need one invisibility cloak, a black wool chain knit with enchanted silver needles, and that most critical ingredient of all -- true love.

Jessica Day George's inspired reimagining of The Twelve Dancing Princesses demonstrates yet again her mastery at spinning something entirely fresh from a story you only thought you knew. 

Galen was awesome! I loved how he was mature, and yet he didn't sound like a ninety-year-old man, but a nineteen-year-old boy. He made me laugh so many times. Also, HE KNITS. Some people might find that fact weird, but I loved him SO MUCH MORE for that fact. The knitting also played a big role in the story. I can't stop raving about Galen's knitting, but it was sooooooooo adorable.

I have three younger sisters and I love stories that have a "sistery" feel to it. I find that sometimes, books that have sisters in it as a major plot point don't make them feel like real sisters. I'll be sitting there and think that these girls seem more like really good friends and not sisters. The twelve sisters in this story really seemed like sisters. They fought (and sisters do that, trust me). They helped each other. They loved each other. They were sisters.

The romance was pretty cute. I loved how Galen and Rose met, it honestly seemed like something that I would do. And their scenes were so cute, too bad there weren't more of them.

Okay, so the story world was pretty cool. Like, it reminded me sooo much of our earth, but it was different. I always find those worlds really cool. Because you have to make it different enough so people don't think that it's on earth, but not so different that they can't see the similarity

The plot was pretty good! Like I said earlier, it was ingenious how Jessica Day George made the knitting a really essential part of the plot was really cool! And the way she retold the fairy-tale was really cool.

So the ending was a little confusing and rushed. I had to re-read it to get a grip on what was going on. Like, who was the King Under Stone?? That was the part that sorta confused me. I could have done with a little less rushed ending.

So this might be a little confusing, as a said that the romance was one of my favorite things, but I don't think that Galen and Rose had enough screen time (if you will) to fall in love. Maybe attraction, but not love. The romance was so adorable, and I wish that it would have been fleshed out a little better.

So the princesses are accused of witchcraft. And there is the use of some magical objects. There are also mention of spells but they are put in a bad light.

A very adorable and easy read! I give it...

4.5 stars

Have you read Princess of the Midnight Ball? If so, what were your thoughts? Do you want to read it? Have you read anything else by Jessica Day George?

The Two Towers (Lord of the Rings #2)

  Sauron's forces increase.
The Ringwraiths return in an even more frightening form.
Saruman's army of Uruk Hai are ready to launch an assault against Aragorn and the people of Rohan. Yet, the Fellowship is broken and Boromir is dead. For the little hope that is left, Frodo and Sam march on into Mordor, unprotected.
A new number of allies join with Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas, Merry, and Pippin. And they must defend Rohan and attack Isengard. Yet, while all this is going on, Sauron's troops mass toward the City of Gondor, for the War of the Ring is about to begin.

^^^ THAT BOOK COVER. OHMIGOSH.  FANGIRL PROBLEMS.

Anyway, what I liked!

Faramir and Eowyn. Ok, so some people don't like Eowyn for her "flirting" with Aragorn (even though she supposedly knew he and Arwen were basically engaged), but she and Faramir are soooooo cute! (ESPECIALLY IN THE MOVIES)
And of course there's the obvious likes: the plot, the drama, the characters, etc. etc. etc. J.R.R. Tolkien was such a great writer! What's not to love about his books? :D

Once again.....

Nothing! At all! 

:D :D :D :D :D 

Again, only some battles and the like. Also, Denethor was too depressed for his own good. (As clearly shown in the book and also the movies.)

There is no other possible rating to give this one...

Five stars in a heartbeat!!!

Have you read The Two Towers? What was your favorite part? Who was your favorite character? Have you read anything else by J.R.R. Tolkien? If so, what was it and how did you like it?

(P.S. If I forgot to mention any other awesome parts, don't hesitate to let me know in the comments section below! :D)

The Fellowship of the Ring (Lord of the Rings #1)

  The dark, fearsome Ringwraiths were searching for a Hobbit. Frodo Baggins knew they were seeking him and the Ring that he bore--the Ring of Power that would enable evil Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-Earth. Now it was up to Frodo and his faithful servant Sam, with a small band of companions, to carry the Ring to the one place it could be destroyed--Mount Doom, in the very center of Sauron's dark kingdom.

  *hyperventilating*
EVERYTHING.
EV--ER--Y--THING.

 In my humble opinion, this is the best book that was ever written and ADFLKSDLFKJASDFLKJ HERE GOES FANGIRLING.

I LOVE the characters, the plot, the storyline, the settings, and if I could do anything at all it would be to live in Middle-Earth with the Elves.   

I have a confession to make.

Lord of The Rings is the only---ONLY---thing I obsess over. I better not hear anyone ask why.

It's a good thing someone already wrote some articles about it because I am too much of a fangirl to speak clearly on this subject. (well I probably could but...anyway...)

 The Lord of The Rings and the Five Dimensions of a Story

 How J.R.R. Tolkien Used Middle-Earth to Reveal Who We Are

Those articles, especially the first one, are sooooooo true.

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There is nothing to dislike about this. At. All. Some may disagree, but oh well. If you disagree I'd love to know why in the comments below. :D

I don't really think there is anything. Like. There's nothing bad. At. All.

There are some descriptions of battles, but they're not the kind that have you cringing, they're the kind that have you yelling stuff like, "Get 'em, Gimli!" and, "YEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEAH SAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAM!" and the like. (at least that's what I do)

(btw, in the movies I think there are a lot of "YEAAAAAH SAM" moments)

*sigh* This one is super obvious. 

FIVE STARS AND NO QUESTIONS ASKED.

Have you read this AMAZING book? Who is your favorite character? What was the saddest part, in your opinion? Have you read anything else by J.R.R. Tolkien? If so, what was it?

*the ultimate LoTR fangirl*

The Wolves of Wiloughby Chase

 Wicked wolves without and a grim governess within threaten Bonnie and her cousin Sylvia when Bonnie's parents leave Wiloughby Chase for a sea voyage. Left in the care of the cruel Miss Slighcarp, the girls can hardly believe what is happening to their lovely, once happy home. The servants are dismissed, the furniture is sold, and, dressed in rags, Bonnie and Sylvia are sent to a prisonlike orphan school. It seems as if the endless hours of drudgery will never cease.
          With the help of Simon the gooseboy and his flock, they escape. But where will they go? And how will they ever get Wiloughby Chase free from the clutches of the evil Miss Slighcarp?

       

  Ahhh, The Wolves of Wiloughby Chase. An intriguing book, honestly. I love the fact that Bonnie, who is a LOT like me (namely, a little loud and adventurous and totally up for anything and sassy) always takes care of Sylvia. From the start she is kind and protective of her, and saves the both of them from the wolves.

         I also liked the fact that Simon is so polite to them. Come on, people. Don't we need more boys like Simon??? (*loud enthusiastic YES*)

         The plot unfolds very nicely, and the storyline is great. The escape is perfectly played out, and then at the end where *character* and *character* comes back, eeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!! I LOVED it!

         I can't exactly pinpoint this, but the overall story strikes me as dark. You know? I mean, the power of settings and characters. Read the book if you don't understand. :D

         I don't think there is anything that bad in this book. I mean, there is the usual British blustering cussing of Sir Wiloughby (probably just for show). And the parts with the wolves are the tiniest bit frightening. But other than that this is a clean book and appropriate for middle aged readers and up.

(my favorite part)

         

         I liked this book, not as much as some, and much more than others in my history, so this book, The Wolves of Wiloughby Chase, receives from me...

...a 4.5 star rating!

Have you ever read The Wolves of Wiloughby Chase? If so, who was your favorite character?

If not, would you want to read this book? Have you read any other books by Joan Aiken? If so, what were they?

A Daring Sacrifice

      For three years, the Cloaked Bandit has terrorized Wessex, robbing the nobility by knife point and a well-placed arrow. But little does anyone know, this bandit is in fact Juliana Wessex, the rightful ruler of the land and a girl her tyrannical uncle    the current Lord Wessex    believes was killed with her farther.

                                      Juliana has become skilled at hiding from Lord Wessex in the forest, using her stolen goods to provide food and shelter to the peasants her uncle has taxed into poverty. But when she robs Collin Goodrich, her red hair betrays her true identity. Lord Collin remembers her from their childhood    and challenges her to stay on his estate for a week in hopes she will leave her thieving ways and become a proper lady once more. Juliana is intrigued by Collin and his charms, but only time will tell if he can overcome her distaste of nobility   as well as win her heart.  

I Just Need To State: I Looooove This Book Soooooo Much!!!

          Okay, now that I've got that out of my system let's get on the review. There are so many great elements in this book!

  
            I absolutely love how Juliana strives to help her people. She is always trying to better the lives of the people that her uncle has wronged. Even though many times she puts herself in danger as she does this.

     
             I really like how the authoress has made Juliana imperfect so that when people read this book they can relate to Juliana. She displays courage and selflessness but at the same time is displayed as one with struggles of doubting herself in her own abilities and actions.
     
              Sir Collin Goodrich is one of my favorite male heroes that I have read about. (and that's saying a lot because I have read tons    and I mean tons     of books.) He is brave, chivalrous, and at the same time kind and generous. The authoress portrays Collin not as just a handsome and amazing knight, but also as a good man.


         
               Collin seemed a little conceited and proud in the beginning. But after I read more, I discovered that he is actually a good man. There are many examples of how throughout the book. One example is how he is concerned and intrigued for Juliana's well-being and safety. Another is how, after Juliana brought to his attention that the people that live on his land do not have the best of living conditions, he did more to better their living conditions.


         
               One of the many elements I love in this book is Collin and Juliana's faith. Juliana and Collin pray, attend adoration, and receive The Holy Eucharist together. They also both deeply believe in God.


          
                The relationship between Collin and Juliana is another amazing element in the book. It's not the kind that is unrealistic and lustful. No, it's the kind that makes you believe that there is such-a-thing-as "pure", "honest", "true love". (at least from a girl's point-of-view.)


          
                 Now I guess I should warn you that if you don't like strong-minded and hard-headed characters then this is not the book for you. Because both Juliana and Collin are strong-minded and hard-headed.


                  I'm sure you know from the book cover that there is archery in this book. that is actually the reason I first read this book. I absolutely love archery, I'm actually an archer myself. (I know that fact probable isn't relevant to the review. I just thought I'd tell you why I read the book in the first place.)


                                                                   

                    The Only thing I didn't like about this book is that it ends on a-little-of-a cliff-hanger. That is the Only thing. I Am Dead Serious.




                                                                     
                                                                     

      


                 
                         There is a little gore at the end. And it does start off a little weird. It's hard to explain, so I'll just tell you:




                      
                                   " 'Time to chop off your thumbs.' The hulking soldier pinched
                                    the back of my neck through coarse wool of my cloak. The
                                    sharp pressure forced me to kneel in front of  the flat stone.
                                    'Put out your hand, you poacher.'."


                      
                          I know it must sound odd and bloody but it turns out sooooo good in the end. Trust me. Other than those things, this really is an amazing story about faith, adventure, and honest-to-goodness "true love".


                
                                                                           
                                                                         

                     

                                     I hear by rate "A Daring Sacrifice":

                                                                         

            

                                                                            Five Stars!!!

                                                                                                

  

                                                                                                

 Have you read "A Daring Sacrifice"? If so who is your favorite character?  What's your favorite part? Have you read any other books by Jody Hedlund? If so how did you like it?

PS. Please take pity on me. This is my first rodeo    I mean blog ;).  You'll have to excuse my southern humor. I am a southern belle after all ;):).





Shane

 "I had lain in my bed thinking of our visitor out in the bunk in the barn. It scarce seemed possible that he was the same man that I had first seen, stern and chilling in his dark solitude, riding up our road...He was far off and unapproachable at times even when he was right there with you."

          The Starret family's life forever changes when a man named Shane rides out of the great glowing West and up to their farm in 1889. Young Bob Starret is entranced by this stoic stranger who brings a new energy to his family. Shane stays on as a farmhand, but his past remains a mystery. Many folks in their small Wyoming valley are suspicious of Shane, and make it known that he is not welcome. But dangerous as Shane may seem, he is a staunch friend to the Starrets--and when a powerful neighboring rancher tries to drive them out of their homestead, Shane becomes entangled in the deadly feud.

         This classic Western is a profoundly moving story of the influence of a singular character on one boy's life.

Ok, peeps! If you haven't read this book, you need to. This book is so good that I read it four times in two days...I think. Anyway. I liked that this book was in first person. I don't usually like first-person narrated books, but this one was great. I don't think that a third person perspective would've worked for this one. Also, the story line is great. I mean, come on. A guy named Shane who just enters into this family on a whim, really (or maybe it was Mrs. Starret's cooking), gets involved in all the family difficulties, and whips up--no, not whips up, WHOOPS up--on the bad guys. And what is even more awesome, at the end of the book, when Shane leaves, the first guy he ever beat up.... oyhere is an overall sense of teamwork, and sticking together through thick and thin. I like how Bob looks up to Shane, and the relationship they have with each other. I really loved this scene. I thought it was sweet. And cool. Anyway, here it is:

        ...Like the time I was playing with a gun Mr. Grafton gave me, an old frontier model Colt with a cracked barrel someone had turned in at the store.

        I had rigged a holster out of a torn chunk of oilcloth and a belt of rope. I was stalking around near the barn, whirling every few steps to pick off a skulking Indian, when I saw Shane watching me from the barn door. I stopped short, thinking of that beautiful gun under his bunk and afraid he would make fun of me and my sorry old broken pistol. Instead he looked gravely at me.

        "How many have you knocked over so far, Bob?"

        Could I ever repay the man? My gun was a shining new weapon, my hand steady as a rock as I drew a bead on another one.

         "That makes seven."

         "Indians or timber wolves?"

         "Indians. Big ones."

         "Better leave a few for the other scouts," he said gently. "It wouldn't do to make them jealous. And look here, Bob. You're not doing that quite right."

And then he goes on to show Bob a few tips and tricks about holding and handling a pistol. It was so sweet how he didn't make fun of him, but instead plays along and even gives him more knowledge on the art of gunfighting. And you know how Bob feels after this. The attention he gives to Shane is basically hero worship. It is so sweet!

Hmm...was there anything to dislike about this book? I don't really think so. There is the overall disappointment about the bad guys being so dumb as to mess with a man like Shane. THEY SHOULD'VE KNOWN BETTER. And see what they got for not knowing. OH WAIT. No spoilers. 

The content was not that bad. I mean, there was the to-be-expected D-word, but I'm pretty sure it was only used in one or two places in the whole book... which is pretty good for a Western, you know? 

For an over-all great book, I do now therefore award thee, Shane....

A five-star rating!!

Have you ever read Shane? Who was your favorite character? Do you want to read this book? Have you read anything else by Jack Schaefer?

P.S. Don't forget to tell me how I did! (this was my very first blog post...ever. Like, ever, ever.)