Uprising

 

Vampire Federation: Uprising (1)

by Sean McCabe

Genre(s): Horror, Paranormal
Published:  Dec 2010
Pages: 480

 

 Summary:  A gruesome ritual murder has stained the Oxfordshire countryside. It's just the first incident in a chain of events awakening Detective Inspector Joel Solomon to his worst nightmare-and a dreadful omen of things to come. Because Joel has a secret: he believes in vampires.

Alex Bishop is an agent of the Vampire Intelligence Agency. She's tasked with enforcing the laws of the global Vampire Federation, and hunting rogue members of her race. A tough job made tougher when the Federation comes under attack by traditionalist vampires. They have a stake in old-school terror-and in an uprising as violent as it is widespread.

Now it's plunging Alex and Joel into a deadly war between the living and the unloving-and against a horrifying tradition given new life by the blood of the innocent.

Review:   An age old vampire tale with a modern twist. The vampires have officially blended in with society. By taking special pills, they can even join humans for an afternoon picnic in the sun. To keep humans oblivious to their existence, the Vampire Federation exists to keep the vampires in line. Those that break the rules will be shot with a special bullet that kills them. Naturally, not all vampires like these new rules and will do as the feel they must to ensure the Federation is properly dealt with.

So, along with these two vampire factions we have the humans. And one lone detective, Joel Solomon who knows vampires are real. When he was just a boy his family was slaughtered by them. He goes is search of the one object he knows of that can kill any vampire with ease, a very special cross. This cross is feared by all vampires due to the lore it has. But it has been lost for centuries. Joel teams up with Alex, who claims to also know about vampires but is actually one herself. Together they search for the cross as time runs short for the Federation.

This book is part political thriller, vampire and action all rolled in one. It reminded me a lot of the Blade movies. While the story was good, it jumped around a lot for me. Especially the first 100 pages. Every chapter introduced mew characters, and with each chapter being only a few pages long, that is a lot of people to keep track of. After awhile the characters do slim down or take smaller roles, but still. The beginning put me off the book on several attempts. Once I got past those early pages it was better. The plot picked up, the characters delved deeper, etc. Enough so, that it has me curious to check out the next book to see what will happen so select characters.

I won this book on Goodreads in their giveaway contests. Thank you Penguin Group publishing for this great opportunity! 

 

 

Turn of the Millenium Challenge

Turn of the Millenium Challenge

The number of books you have to read for each of the years is the number corresponding for that year and must be published within that year.
Example for 2001-read 1 book, 2002= 2 books, etc.  Simply Read the correct amount of books published within each year.  This can be an ongoing challenge so that in 2016, 2017 etc you can add more books.  For now, I will plan to  keep this up until 2020

I am taking this challenge, like so many others, from a group I belong on Goodreads.  Many challenges I sign up for are from this group.  However I did tweak the challenge title and made it indefinitely ongoing.

No  young children/picture books or graphic novels allowed.  Books here are 150 pages minimum.

Challenge started 1/8/13. 

**These are just the first books I read for the years since I started them.  Not favorites of that year or anything!**

2016: 0/16

2015: 15/15 DONE!

• A Cold Legacy by Megan Sheperd
• Resignation by Amanda Thome 
• Sleeping Tom by EV Fairfall 
• unFocused by Roselyn Jewell 
• Treasure, Darkly by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek 
• Crimson Bound by Rosamund Hodge 
• The Wicked Will Rise by Danielle Paige 
• The Heir by Kiera Cass  
• The Jumbies by Tracey Baptiste 
• Rogue by Julie Kagawa 
• Grey by EL James 
• The Secrets we Keep by Trisha Leaver 
• The Copper Gauntlet by Holly Black and Cassandra Clare 
• Into Darkness by Hayley Barrett 
• The Winner's Crime by Marie Rutkoski 

2014: 14/14 DONE!

• The One by Kiera Cass 
• Independent Study by Joelle Charbonneau
• Son of Set by Kelsey Ketch
• The Stars Are Falling by Michelle Birbeck 
• Dream Warriors by D Robert Pease
• Sinners, Survivors and Saints by ND Richman
• Shawndirea by Leonard D Hilley II
• Graduation Day by Joelle Charbonneau
• Salvation by James Wymore
• Glimpse of Darkness by Nicole Delacroix
• Amity by Micol Ostow
• Her Dark Curiosity by Megan Shepherd
• Killer Within by Jeff Gunhus
• Not a Drop to Drink by Mindy McGinnis

2013: 13/13 DONE!

• Spellbinding by Maya Gold 
• Unseen Country by Phillip W Simpson 
• Quite Contrary by Richard Roberts 
• Dreamer by Patrick O'Sheen 
• The Exemeus by Folami & Abeni Morris
• King Solomon's Wives: Addicted by Holly McDowell 
• Scrap by Emory Sharplin 
• Colour Wielders by Dawna Raver
• Viral Nation by Shaunta Grimes 
• The Warble by Victoria Simcox
• The Acadian Secret by Tammy Lowe 
• Ink: Fine Lines by Bella Roccaforte
• The Relucant Assassin by Eoin Colfer

2012: 12/12 DONE!

• The Hunger Games A�Z by Martin Howden

• Survivors by Z.A. Recht 
• The Selection by Kiera Cass 
•  Into the Night by Jade Fowler
• Warm Bodies by Isaac Marion 
• Mythical by C.E. Martin 
• Losing It- By Cora Carmack
• The Golden Lily by Richelle Mead 
• The Submissive by Tara Sue Me 
• The Loners by Lex Thomas
• The Hallowed Ones by Laura Bickle
• Dead Letter Office by Kira Snyder

2011: 11/11 DONE!

•  With Abandon by JL Langley
•  Midnight by LJ Smith
•  Bloodlines by Richelle Mead
• The Shard by Victoria Simcox 
• Fifty Shades of Grey by EL James 
• Fifty Shades Darker by EL James
• The Hunt of the Unicorn by CC Humphreys 
• Attachments by Rainbow Rowell 
• City of Fallen Angels by Cassandra Clare
• Iron Crowned by Richelle Mead
• Divergent by Veronica Roth

2010: 10/10 DONE!

• Shadow Souls by L.J. Smith
• Uprising by Sean McCabe  
• Moon Sworn by Keri Aurthur 
• Origins- Ghostwriter of LJ Smith 
• Yellow Crocus by Laila Ibrahim
• Kiss of Death by Rachel Caine 
• The Grimm Legacy by Polly Shulman 
• Ghost Town by Rahel Caine 
• Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins 
• Rooms by James L Rubart

2009: 9/9 DONE!!

• The Vast Spread of the Seas by Fuyumi Ono

• Lord of Misrule by Rachel Caine

• Bound to Shadowsby Keri Arthur

• The Dragon Book: Magical Tales from the Masters of Modern Fantasy by Jack Dann
• Deadly Desire by Keri Arthur  
• Carpe Corpus by Rachel Caine   
• Bound to Shadows by Keri Arthur  
• The Awakening by Marley Gibson 
• The Guidance by Marley Gibson

2008: 7/8

• The Search for the Red Dragon by James A Owen
• Bone Key by Keith RA DeCandido 
• Storm Born by Richelle Mead 
• The Indigo King by James A Owen
• City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare 
• Thorn Queen by Richelle Mead 
• The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

2007: 4/7

• Witches's Canyon by Jeffrey J Mariotte 
• City of Bones by Cassandra Clare
• Beastly by Alex Finn
• The Zookeeper's Wife by Diane Ackerman

2006: 1/6

• The Art of Hayao Miyazaki by Dani Cavallaro

2005: 2/5

• Inkspell by Cornelia Funke  
• Their Baby Miracle by Lilian Darcy

2004: 0/4

2003: 1/3

• The Greek's Secret Passion by Sharon Kendrick

2002: 2/2 DONE!

• Dread Champion by Brandilyn Collins 
• Coraline by Neil Gaiman

2001: 1/1 DONE!

•  Eyes of Elisha by Brandilyn Collins

My Brother, My Enemy

 

Star Wars: Rebellion:   My Brother, My Enemy(1)

by Rob Williams and Michel Lacombe

Genre(s): Graphic Novels, Science Fiction
Published: Feb 2007
Pages: 128 

Summary: Having rescued Rebel strategist Jorin Sol from the Empire, Luke Skywalker now leads X-Wing attack runs on Imperial convoys to rustle up much needed supplies for the Rebel fleet. Little does he know that within Sol lies a secret that will put the entire Alliance in danger. What's worse, when Luke receives a coded message from Lt. Sunber, he must decide whether to trust his old friend or obey the orders of Princess Leia who believes Tank may be part of an Imperial plot to capture the Rebellion's greatest hero

Review:   Nicely written comic. The story focuses on how the empire infiltrates the rebel alliance by brainwashing one of their own and using an old friend of Luke's, from Tatooine. The story leaves you wondering what their motives are and which side they end up on (and I'm not giving that away). Especially Luke's friend. The conflict of it all and which of them is fighting for the right side is well written.
The writer did a good job expression various thoughts and emotions and were also caught well enough by the artist. Te artistic style was very details which I like. I really enjoyed they way he played and worked with shadowing. My only complaint was the characters were often drawn looking too old. He was suppose to be around 18 years old but does not look it. Nor does Leia. Otherwise though, very well done

 

   

Ptolemy's Gate

 

The Bartimaeus Trilogy: Ptolemy's Gate (3)

by Jonathan Stroud

Genre(s): Young Adult, Fantasy
Published: Sept 2005
Pages: 501 

This is a sequel to The Golem's Eye

Summary: Three years have passed since the magician Nathaniel helped prevent a cataclysmic attack on London. Now an established member of the British Government, he faces unprecedented problems: foreign wars are going badly; Britain`s enemies are mounting attacks close to London; and rebellion is fomenting among the commoners. Increasingly imperious and distracted, Nathaniel is treating Bartimaeus worse than ever. The longsuffering djinni is growing weak and vulnerable from too much time in this world and is nearing the end of his patience. Meanwhile, Nathaniel`s longtime rival Kitty has been stealthily completing her research on magic, demons, and Bartimaeus`s past. She has a daring plan that she hopes will break the endless cycle of conflict between djinn and humans. But will anyone listen to what she has to say? In this glorious conclusion to the Bartimaeus trilogy, the destinies of Bartimaeus, Nathaniel, and Kitty converge once more. Together the threesome faces treacherous magicians, a complex conspiracy, and a rebellious faction of demons. To survive, they must test the limits of this world and question the deepest parts of themselves. And most difficult of all-they will have to learn to trust one another.

Review:  Fantastic final book to the Bartimaeus Trilogy. I actually give this a 4.5 stars. In this book, Bartimaeus, Nathaniel (John Mandrake) and Kitty are back. Its three years after the events with the golem from the second book. Nathaniel is now a member of the council and one of the closest magicians to the minister and holds substantial power. Kitty had been working as an assistant to a magician in order to gain knowledge on Bartimaeus and his past. Bartimaeus....well he is much as he has been in the previous books.
We get a good look at the relationship between Bartimaeus and Ptolemy in this novel. As Kitty works to unravel his mysteries, Nathaniel is busy with the war effort but is met with opposition from many ends. When Nathaniel's career is put on the line, it draws our three characters together to unravel the dark mystery of Mr Hopkins and the relations between magician and 'demon.' Nathaniel of forced to learn that many, including his former teacher, are disappointed in the person he has become and just how hated the magician rule really is. As he questions his loyalties, Kitty is put to the test of drawing 'demon' and human closer together.
This book had a much more mature viewpoint and style. While the others were lighter in general, this one is darker. More language, violence and a unexpected ending. Mind you, Bartimaeus is cynical as ever, so you won't be disappointed there. A great book for older youth and adults of all ages.

 

Color Challenge

 Color Challenge-

Use a book cover for each color. Color must a one of the predominant colors on the cover.

I got this from a group I am part of on Goodreads. 

No children/picture books or graphic novels allowed.  Books here are 150 pages minimum.

As Always, feel free to use or join me in this challenge.

Progress: 3/10
Started 1/31/13

Black
White
Red: The Search for the Red Dragon by James Owen (3/11/13
Blue: The Selection by Kiera Cass (1/31/13)
Green
Yellow Dread Champion by Brandilyn Collins
Purple
Brown 

Pink

Orange