Christmas Countdown Review #16 - The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket

Hello gentle readers. I apologize, I'm late on the update...by about 5 days...I'll catch up as quickly as I can.

This review is on The Bad Beginning by Lemony Snicket, the first book in the 13 part Series of Unfortunate Events.

It starts, rather gloomily, with an author's note on why this book should, under no circumstances, be read. From there our 3 protagonists Violet, Klaus and Sunny Baudelaire are introduced and our tale of woe begins. They are on a dreary beach and are given devastating news after which they go to live with their awful uncle who plots to steal the family fortune. Will they get away from the tyrannical Count Olaf? Will he succeed in stealing their fortune? What happens next?

This book, is actually quite cleverly written and pretty great. there are codes (no I won't give them away), villains, a hook handed man, pasta puttanesca and much more. Despite Lemony's desperate pleas to find something else to read (see the forward if you don't believe me) if you should persevere and read this book (which you totally should) I think you'll love it.

Yes I know, it's a short review today, I didn't get much sleep last night and have to be up in about 8 hours so this is where I leave you. I'll try to catch up tomorrow, or maybe tomorrow night, it's my mom's birthday though so I make no promises as to my updating schedule.

As for books I've recently finished reading, I FINALLY FINISHED THE BANE CHRONICLES, so I think I'll review that next...maybe...as always, keep reading, writing, and reviewing and the comment box is always open for comments and suggestions.

Christmas Countdown Review #15 - The Sign of the Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle

Greetings Holmesians and mystery fans of all ages, dedicated readers, I return to you today with my 15th Christmas countdown review. Upon my wading trough the masses of books that endeavour to take over my home I came across a little book that I hadn't seen or indeed read in quite some time. I acquired it as a party favour (a rather wonderful party favour, from my friend Maria, whom I have known for quite some time (I've known her since I was four (at least), let's leave it at that). One birthday she endeavoured to have a mystery party and this was the party favour that came of it, a Collector's Library, complete and unabridged, but still quite small, edition of A Study in Scarlet and the Sign of the Four by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

The Sign of the Four begins, as most of Sherlock Holmes' adventures begin, at 221B Baker Street, the flat that he and Doctor Watson rent from their landlady Mrs. Hudson. But this one begins differently, Holmes has fallen into a sort of melancholic/cocaine induced haze in the sitting room at 221B. He is bored and hasn't had a case in a while but a distraught Mary Morstan steps into the midst with a case that sounds right up their alley. Miss Morstan's father had vanished some 10 years before and 4 years after his disappearance she begins receiving gifts, one large pearl every year. She is at last invited to meet her mysterious gift giver and what follows is a tale of treasure, intrigue, and yes, indeed love. will she meet her mysterious benefactor? What happened to her father 10 years ago? Will Mary Morstan remain in the picture? What goes on in Watson's semi-non-existent love life?

All this and more will be answered as the story unfolds.

I have to say I do enjoy the Sherlock Holmes series and if Conan Doyle was around to hear me say that he'd be kicking himself. But I do, I love them they're wonderful. This one is especially intriguing and action packed and everyone should find a way to read these stories. Whether in E-Book format or paper book (I have it on good authority that there are some websites where you can get them for free (Amazon and Project Gutenberg being just two of them). So read some Sherlock Holmes and get a daily does of Holmesian wit and adventure!

That's all for me today folks, well, for right now at least, I'll be posting today's review shortly I suspect...until next time keep reading, writing and Happy Holidays!

Christmas Countdown Review #14 - City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Back again, this time with today's review, the second in The Mortal Instruments series; City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare.

City of Ashes picks up where city of Bones left off. Despite the wonderful world that she now knows surrounds her Clary can't help but wish that her life would return to the way it was before her mother got kidnapped by Valentine's Ravener demon, before she met Jace, before she say them kill the blue haired demon at the club. Although, she's got her brother to help her find her way in this world now, and she's got the Shadowhunters of the Institute, even if she and the Lightwood siblings *cough Alec cough* don't always see eye to eye. It isn't long before the Institute gets wind of killings, a werewolf child, a faerie child, it doesn't take long for them to realize that this is all a part of Valentine's newest plot.  But will Valentine's new plot, to cleanse the Mortal Sword and bind it to his allegiance, come to fruition, or will they be able to stop him? Read on to find out more.

This book is great, City of Bones was wonderful and the continuation of the series is just as wonderful. I would say that, especially for fans of City of Bones, this book is a must-read. Of course, it's a must-read for everyone else who likes fantasy novels as well but I'd suggest reading City of Bones first.

That's all for today, I'll try to post again tomorrow morning with my 15th review but I'm not sure what that's going to be just yet. I also have to finish my Christmas shopping tomorrow (although finishing it may be wishful thinking, I will/should get more done though) so I might not post until the evening. Also, for anyone on Pottermore, have you started the 12 days of Christmas thing yet? You get early access to the first 12 moments in Half-Blood Prince!!

Until next time keep reading, writing and wrapping, Happy Holidays!

Christmas Countdown Review #13 - Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan

I'm back with my 13th review of the season, Will Grayson, Will Grayson by John Green and David Levithan.

Will Grayson, Will Grayson is, chiefly, about 2 boys, both named Will Grayson, as you may have gathered. They've never met each other in their life and they have absolutely nothing connecting them, until one fateful night that is. When they happen to run into each other, quite by accident, it sets of a spiral of events that change both of their live for the better. As it turns out both of their lives go in new, romantic and fabulous directions. Will the most fabulous high school musical ever be a flop? What led tothe fated meeting of the Wills Grayson? What goes on as they become better friends? You'll have to read on and find out.

This book is amazingly funny and witty and wonderful and the collaboration couldn't have been between two better authors. Though I should warn you, each Will Grayson narrates separate chapters, by which I mean one narrates the odd chapters and one narrates the even. Often you can tell by the perspective and the way they talk and the other characters they refer to but, especially if you're reading this at 2:30 in the morning when you can't sleep, it can get confusing especially as their lives entwine more and more thus entwining their friends lives as well.

All in all I loved this book, it was wonderful, funny as I mentioned and witty and one of the most thoroughly entertaining books I've ever read. I would recommend this book to anyone who like young adult fiction, John Green, musicals, John Green, you get the idea.

That's all for today folks but do come back in a little while as I'll finally be doing my 14th book review which means I'll be all caught up! Hopefully I won't get that behind again, I shouldn't but you never know what comes up during the holidays.

Christmas Countdown Review #12 - Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

Hi everyone, I know it's been a while (well, 3 days) since my last review but you get 3 reviews today! Days 12-14. I thought I'd have more time to update after my exams were over but it turned into a really busy weekend.

Anyway, on to the review, Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins.

Mockingjay is the 3rd book in the Hunger Games trilogy and Mockingjay part 1 is coming out soon, hence the review.

Mockingjay picks up directly in the aftermath of Catching Fire when Katniss is rescued, obviously the Capitol still has Peeta and Katniss is adamant that something must be done. When they reach the home of the resistance (It's District 13 but you didn't hear that from me) Katniss is briefed on the situation and her role as the Mockingjay and they begin to plan. They plan Peeta's rescue, discussing whether or not it's even possible, the rebellion, the possible overthrow of the Capitol and President Snow, whether or not that is a goal which can be reached, they talk about everything, planning down to the last detail. Will Katniss and her family ever be reunited? Will they be able to rescue Peeta? Will the corrupt Capitol and President Snow ever be overthrown? Read on to find out.

As a dystopian future series the Hunge Games is very good and well loved by many. Mockingjay is a very good book, at the beginning at least. I did like it bu the ending left me wanting more. The way that it ends just didn't seem right for some reason. (Those who have read Mockingjay know exactly what I'm talking about). The rest of the book was OK what with the rebellion and the overthrow of the Capitol and everything It's just the ending that didn't seem right. Of course I'm not going to spoil everything by telling you exactly what didn't seem right about the ending. You'll have to read the book to find out,

All in all, as the end to a series it was alright but overall I think I'd give it a 7/10.

That's all for this review and I'll see you next time with the 13th review!

Christmas Countdown Review #11 - Paper Towns by John Green

Today's actually review, number 11, for the 11th day (no really?) is about Paper Towns by John Green.

Our story starts in Jefferson Park, Orlando with Quentin "Q" Jacobsen and Margo Roth Spiegelman, friends since childhood. However, as is usual for friends who've been that way for a while, they, inevitably, begin to grow apart. That is, until 1 night when they are both in high school and Margo enlists Q's help to get revenge on those who've done her wrong. Margo tells Quentin about her theory about  the "Paper Towns" towns that are so fake they're not even plastic fake, they're just paper, they have not substance (or very little substance).

One day, Margo runs away, trying to escape the Paper Towns and find somewhere real. Quentin goes after her, deciphering her cryptic clue trail that only he understands, along the way. Will he find Margo? Do they find somewhere that's real? Read on to find out.

I did supremely enjoy this book. I found it delightful, intriguing and suspenseful all at once, I say  9.99/10 if not 10/10. I'm not purposefully being cryptic here but I want to post no spoilers...also, there is to be a Paper Towns movie, starring Nat Wolff (Isaac from The Fault in Our Stars). As with all books that are turned into movies, I suggest reading the books first as they almost always differ in major aspect and that can be frustrating for those who've read the book because you know they've changed bits and left bits out but at the same time, you know what's supposed to happen so when you go back and read the book again your mind fills in the gaps automatically.

Anther amazing read from John Green. I'll see you tomorrow for another review, until then, keep reading, writing and reviewing!

Christmas Countdown Review #10 - Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe by Fannie Flagg

Hey everyone, I'm going to power through the reviews I missed (this being the last of 2) and then I'm going to post today's, the 11th review, all before midnight hopefully...I have an hour...and then tomorrow I go Christmas shopping!

OK, so, Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. This book is really good, kind of hard to get into at first but really good once you do. It flits effortlessly between past and present but it all starts when our main character, Evelyn Couch, goes to visit he mother-in-law in her nursing home and ends up running into, and subsequently befriending, the enigmatic Ninny Threadgoode from Whistle Stop Alabama. Ninny gives Evelyn an escape from her Mother-in-law, if you hadn't already guessed, Evelyn and her Mother-in-law don't really get along. But once she meets Ninny Threadgoode her visits to the nursing home become something she looks forward to.

It's not really a difficult book to read once you get into it and it is really very good but it does change perspective a lot, mostly between Evelyn in the Nursing home and Ninny's memories of Whistle Stop.

I guess you're all wondering why it's called Fried Green Tomatoes at the Whistle Stop Cafe. Well Ninny's sister in law Idgie Threadgoode used to run the Whistle Stop Cafe with her friend Ruth back in the '20's and one of the specialties of the cafe was, you guessed it, Fried Green Tomatoes. They're Ninny'd favourite and as she tells the story she laments over not being able to get them any more. Especially not the way they were done at the cafe.

As for Ninny's story and her childhood in Whistle Stop you'll have to read to find out.

That's it for review #10, I'll be back soon with today's review. Stay Tuned. As always, feel free to drop me a line with your thoughts and book recommendations. Happy Holidays!

Christmas Countdown Review #9 - Dewey; the Small Town Library Cat Who Touched the World by Vicki Myron

I thought, not only because these next 2 reviews are late but because we're heading full tilt into the holiday season, (don't remind me, I still have to Christmas shop, but that's what bookstores are for...and HMV...and the LCBO) that I'd write about a heart warming tale of adventure and love, and cats.

This book is about a small town called Spencer Iowa and the residents there. It all starts, I suppose, at the library. One frigid night a small, dirt covered kitten is dropped through the library book return slot and left. He's rescued by the night librarians, just closing for the night and that's where the journey starts. It's a journey of fame, of tourists coming to small town Spencer just to see the library cat and most of all it's about the paw prints he left on the hearts of millions.

First and foremost this isn't a work of fiction, it actually happened which is, I think, what makes it unique, I mean, how many libraries do you know of that can say they've had a resident cat?

I thoroughly enjoyed this biography, maybe in part because it was about a cat, but I really did love it. It's funny and heartwarming and you'll think about Dewey for the rest of your life, whether you know it or not.

I definitely recommend this book, especially if you like cats, or biographies, or libraries.

I know this one was short but the next one will be longer I promise...once I find a book to review...I'm sure I'll think of something but do feel free t drop me a line any time and suggest things

The website for Dewey Readmore Books (the cat I was talking about) is http://www.deweyreadmorebooks.com/

Christmas Countdown Review #8 - Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

Hi everyone, I'm back again. You might remember that in my last post I mused about reviewing more series (aside from Harry Potter, the first 2 books in the Bridget Jones series and the first 2 books in the Lily Bard series by Charlaine Harris, I haven't really), as I seem to review the first book and then stop. So this is a continuation of a series review, Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins.

OK, this is the second book in the Hunger Games trilogy by Suzanne Collins and, as many of you may remember, the movie just came out last year. So, if you've read the Hunger Games you know how it ends and you know that the victor(s) return to their district and life seems hunky dory for a while, well, as hunky dory as life can be in Panem. But then the government catches wind of a Mockingjay a symbol of rebellion among the people (if you've read the book you all know who/what the mockingjay is) so the government decides to make life miserable for its victors once more. It announces a special 75th Quarter Quell in which 2 victors from each district will come out of retirement to compete in the games (obviously this doesn't go over well) and things happen, terrible things and there's fire and Catnip almost gets burned alive (well I said victors, it had to be Katniss, she's the only female victor from district 12). And that's where I end my summary...

This book is just as riveting and exciting as the first one and I would recommend that everyone read it if you haven't already. I'll be reviewing Mockingjay soon in preparation for Mockingjay part 1 which comes out later this month

Until next time keep reading, writing and reviewing!

Christmas Countdown Review #7 - City of Bones by Cassandra Clare

Hi everyone, I know I'm a day late with review #7 but life is stupid. Once school lets out at the end of this week I should be able to update once a day like I planned.

Anyway, today's review is about a book chocked full of action and adventure, demons, vampires, werewolves, (fabulous) warlocks, who could ask for more? City of Bones by Cassandra Clare, the first in The Mortal Instruments series (Yes that one that they made a movie about last summer, read the books instead (or at least first anyway))

It ll starts with Pandemonium, literally, when Clary Fray and her friend Simon go out clubbing one night, the last thing they expect is murder. So when a patron is murdered by people claiming to be demon hunter, she has her reasons to be skeptical and wants to forget all about it and go about her mundane, every day life, little does she know that everything in her (and the lives of the demon hunters she met (well, saw) that night) was about to be irrevocably changed for the better? On her way home she gets a frantic call from her mother telling her not to come home, but she goes anyway, because she wants to know what's going on and whether or not she's OK (as anyone would do) and that's where trouble starts. With Ravener demons sent by an old Valentine of her mother's and her being able to see what she shouldn't.

This book is absolutely AMAZING, as is the rest of the series. I read this book on the recommendation of my friend Sara actually and, I'll admit, I'd walked past it in the library often enough but I never really paid it much attention but I trusted Sara's judgement and, as always, the book was amazing. I read all of the ones that were out at the time (I think City of Fallen Angels was about to come out) and then I waited (rather impatiently I might add) for the next one, and the next one, and the next one. When Sara told me there were only to be 6 books in the series but there were to be two other series that continued in the Shadhowhunting world I was very excited. I've read all 9 of them so far actually and I'm working on the 10th. anyway, I digress, this book is pack-ed (sorry, terrible werewolf pun) full of action and adventure and, one of the best things about the series, I think, is the Band names that Simon and his crew come up with. I mean there just so...I'll say inventive, not to give too much away before you've read the book. I'd rate this book 5 stars, 10/10 would absolutely read again and again, and again (and have done).

For anyone who enjoys the Supernatural genre, or adventure novels or indeed anything in between, this book is definitely for you.

That's all for me right now...I was looking at my blog archive and I've noticed something, with the exception of Harry Potter, which has the...honour? of being on my Banned Books week lists, I haven't really reviewed many series, I mean, I review the first one and that's it. So I'm going to start reviewing more series...and John Green...

See you next time!

Christmas Countdown Review #6 - The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Back again hooligans! This time I review the slightly eerie and creepy but riveting, if slightly, maybe just a bit, terrifying (not too terrifying though, it's very good) The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman.

Now, you've probably all heard of Neil Gaiman, the wonderful author who writes totally Tim Burton-esque novels that are just the right mixture of terrifying, riveting and happy endings. The Graveyard Book was actually the first Neil Gaiman book I ever read, I got it for Christmas and it sat on my shelf as I drowned in school work and required readings, trying to find time for other things. When I did eventually get around to it I loved it. I mean, it was a tad terrifying but all the best book are, you're always  terrified that the main character isn't going to make it out of any terrible situation alive but for Nobody "Bod" Owens it's just all that much scarier, especially when you've got The Man Jack (the man who murdered Bod's parents and one of the Jacks of all trades, but no spoilers) after you and out for your blood for seemingly no reason (except maybe to finish what he started when he killed your parents). Growing up in a Graveyard might seem a little odd, same with getting taught by the ghosts of said graveyard, but for Bod it's perfectly normal. Read on to find out about his life of adventure!

This book, as I mentioned, was riveting, maybe a tad creepy but nothing terrifying but, Odds Bodkins! if it wasn't a tad creepy it wouldn't be Neil Gaiman! I won't say you have to read this book, but if you haven;t, you should. It's wonderful and riveting and sad (only a bit sad though) and terrifying all at the same time and it just works.

Till tomorrow keep reading, writing, reviewing and requesting book reviews!

Christmas Countdown Review #5 - The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

Yes I know, review #5 is a day late but that means you get 2 reviews today instead of just 1!

The Lightning Thief is the first in the Percy Jackson and The Olympians series by Rick Riordan. It follows the (mis)adventures of one Perseus Jackson, his friend Grover Underwood and their History teacher Mr. Brunner. But when the Gods and Monsters of the days of Mount Olympus come waltzing out his text and into his already hectic life what can he do but stand amazed as his whole world and everything he's ever known gets turned upside down. Once he escapes to Camp Half-Blood with his friend Grover and a Minotaur horn in tow will he come to terms with the truth of his past? And what's this about stealing Zeus' Master lightning bolt? You'll have to read to find out about the truly exciting adventures of Seaweed Brain...uh...I mean Percy and his friends Grover and Annabeth.

This book, nay, this series, is absolutely wonderful, I loved it! (I'm going to look into reading Mark of Athena this summer...yes I'm behind considering Blood of Olympus just came out) If you're into Gods and monsters and mythology I would definitely recommend this book. I mean there's fencing (OK, well, proper sword fighting with ancient Greek swords, not so much fencing as active combat), fighting, chases, escapes (No seriously, their escape from Aunty Em (no they're not in Kansas) was genius, if a little Greek Mythology cliche), true love (not so much in this book but you see it in later ones, and the next series...) miracles (and general Demi-God related sorcery and mischief) and yes the Princess Bride references continue because IT WORKS!!

You should definitely read this book, heck, read the series, it's riveting and wonderful and magical for Demi-Gods of all ages.

That's it for now guys but feel free to drop me an Iris message (if you've got a few spare Drachma kickin' around) or just comment or tweet your recommendations...see you next time!

Christmas Countdown Review #4 - Wicked by Gregory Maguire

My fourth Christmas Countdown review is Wicked in all senses of the word. This book is visceral, detailed, descriptive, and definitely not for the faint of heart or children. I can almost hear you saying, "But it's Wicked the untold story of the witches of Oz, I've seen the musical, how bad can it be?" Let's just say it isn't all singing and dancing and happy times. I'd recommend you not read this until you're at least 15, maybe 16.

Aside from the PG-16 (at least) rating it is a very good book, chocked full of details about the life and times of the witches of Oz, some of which you never saw coming, like the convent and the Winkies (you'll  know what I'm talking about if you've read the book). Elphaba's relationships with Galinda and Fiyero and how they develop through the course of the book. There are interesting plot developments (aside from Elphaba's green skin), that are not usually shown in the musical version such as Nessarose's true disability and the shoes, there's something important about hte shoes that you'll learn.

All in all it's a wonderful read, especially for fans of the Wizard of Oz, or indeed, Wicked. I highly recommend it, there are sequels, it's a series, but I haven't had a chance to read past the first one yet. Life gets in the way you know, but I will endeavour to find them, maybe this summer or something.

As always keep reading, writing, reviewing and commenting and I'll see you next time. I should be able to write and post my fifth Christmas Countdown review later today (it's, like, 12:04am on the 5ht right now where I am, so it is, in fact, today)

Christmas Countdown Review #3 - Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

My 3rd Christmas Countdown review actually, in addition to coming off my read but not reviewed shelf, comes off my Summer reading list as well so I can finally cross that off (I'll finish it I swear,I just don't know when!) Also, I have a plan and may do 12 days of Christmas reviews after his as well, I might just review each book in a series for that one (actually, come to it, I know a series that has exactly 12 books so I'll use those, but I digress)

Leviathan is a historical (ish) novel, set "on the cusp of World War 1"1 and shows a totally different perspective (not historically accurate obviously, but different) on the War and why it was fought. It all starts with a young girl named Deryn Sharp, who pulls a Mulan and disguises herself as her brother to get into the army (well, British Air Service, but a spade's a spade). While on board a Darwinist vessel (kind of like a giant jellyfish, zeppelin thing, Barking Spiders!2 you have to read the book to understand). Anyway, she disguises herself as her older brother Dylan and they go off in the Leviathan to do exciting things, in the mountains they come across a broken down Stormwalker (a type of war transport used by the Clankers and go down to, not only search for survivors but possibly do a salvage (think Firefly in 1914, and less trench-coats, and space) and they find Alek (Prince Aleksander of Hohenberg) who fled his home to save his life after his parents were assassinated. So they bring him and his surviving crew aboard and for a wile they fly about wondering what to do with them, are they prisoners? are they...what? The leviathan is attacked and badly damaged and it turns out to be a good thing after all that Alek and his crew are aboard, with spare parts salvaged from the stormwalker our intrepid prince gets his hands dirty and becomes useful repairing the ship. Along the way they pick up Dr. Nora Darwin Barlow, a Darwinist Boffin (a scientist, they use lots of odd slang but it works with the time period and whatnot and it's really cool, no seriously, after I first read this book I went around saying Barking Spiders for about 3 days because it just caught on) anyway, they arrange for Nora to have passage to wherever it is she's headed (she's on a "secret diplomatic mission" that no one knows about and they go off to see the world.

Well, that's about all I can say about what happens (the series kind of blended together, it's been a while since I've read it, I couldn't remember if they'd met someone important yet and I didn't want to spoil the surprise. I think they meet him in the next book though, mustache, laser pigeon and all. (If you watched Sanctuary you'll suddenly know who I'm talking about) (On a side note, I just thought of another Harry Potter reference for no reason other than who I was just thinking of, "Is he a bit mad?" "Mad? He's great! But he is a bit mad yes." My friend Sara will know of whom I speak, he's our favourite scientist and he was a bit mad. Anyway I digress, I do recommend that everyone read this book, not only if you're a fan of historical fiction, it's funny, it's witty, it's packed with adventure, swordfights, chases, escapes, true love, miracles (OK that's the Princess Bride but the same principal applies). I do think you should read it, especially if you're a fan of Scott Westerfeld's other works, like the Uglies Series (which is good to, I might review it if I haven't already)

I think that's it for me just now. Read Leviathan and until next time keep reading, writing, reviewing, commenting and I'll see you next time for my 4th Christmas countdown review (I'll finally be caught up!!)

1 Yes I'm siting things but that synopsis line comes straight from the Shelfari synopsis
2 This is a quote from the book, actually, they say it a lot, kind of like how Ron says Bloody Hell quite a bit during the course of the Harry Potter Series, so this is sort of a citation but I sort of just wanted to make the tentative Harry Potter-esque connection between Deryn and Ron

Christmas Countdown Review #2 - Fatal Voyage by Kathy Reichs

Back again, yes I know I said I'd try to post one a day but it was exam week this week and I got stupid busy. As a result I will (attempt to) post reviews 2-4 today (depending on how far I get I may post the remainder tomorrow with review #5).

Fatal Voyage is a book written by Kathy Reichs about acclaimed forensic anthropologist Temperance Brennan (Yes, her books are in fact, the inspiration for "Bones" the wonderful TV series. Although, if you watch the series and read the books there are some noticeable differences but that's to be expected.

As I was saying, Fatal Voyage is about a plane crash in the mountains in North Carolina, mostly. I say mostly in that the plane crash is what brings Tempe down from Montreal as part of the investigating DMORT team. But is there something more sinister at work? Is there something else going on in the area around the crash site, how far will Tempe go to solve this case? Does she get in over her head? (She's Bones, what do you think?)

I really loved this book it was riveting and exciting, just like watching an episode of Bones. Plus, you gotta love a book that starts with a great first line like "I stared at the woman flying through the trees." I mean, that raises all sorts of questions, is said woman alive, is it a corpse (or head?)? is she hang-gliding, zip-lining? what's going on?

Will Tempe solve the case in time? Was it just a plane crash or is there something more sinister at work? Why am I asking so many questions? Why am I asking you?

Anyway, I do think you should read this book, especially if you're a fan of Bones, or CSI it's absolutely spell-binding and definitely worth the read.

OK, that's my second Christmas Countdown review done (I know, I know, I'm 2 behind). As always, feel free to review, comment, tweet, whatever. As a side note, did anyone see the Carmilla season finale? OMG!!

Christmas Countdown Review #1 - Catch-22 by Joseph Heller

I know, I promised to post my first Christmas countdown review on the first but after I posted my Christmas Countdown notice I got really busy and forgot so I'll do 1, 2 and 3, if I have time today and 4 tomorrow and so on. Now, this review may be very short, I'm not sure yet, but as you may be getting 3 today I think that would make up for it's pitiful length

Catch-22 is a satirical novel, written by Joseph Heller. It's a wonderful read and very funny indeed. It's a war story, essentially, and the main character is caught in a Catch-22 if you will (the term was coined after the advent of the book but I'm sure you've cottoned on to that). He's a pilot and there are a set number f missions that he must fly to render his military service complete. However, that number keeps increasing, due to the war dragging on, and on, and on, and there being a shortage of replacement pilots to fly. So it's a Catch-22, there is a certain amount you have to do to finish the job but even when the job's finished, it's not.

I don't know if anyone's seen the TV show M*A*S*H but, in some aspects, in fact, in many aspects, reading Catch-22 if like watching M*A*S*H. It's packed with witticisms and humour that would make Hawkeye Pierce proud.

I strongly recommend that everyone read this book, it's very good, wonderful even, and it will delight readers and leave them wanting more. (Incidentally there is a sequel called Closing Time but I haven't read that yet, I may review it later, if I can find it.)

That's it for just now, until next time keep reading, writing and reviewing, don't forget to recommend things for me to review! As mentioned previously I may not get to it very quickly but I will get there eventually.

I'm back again!

Suffice it to say that this semester got so much busier than I thought it would and I haven't been on much since Banned Books Week. However My semester ends next week so that's good, until then, I'm going to try to be on but I make no extraneous promises. I am going to read more and I'm very excited because I have a stack of books (well, 4) sitting next to my bed, that reach the top of my mattress that are begging to be read. As you can imagine that is quite a few books, some of which I didn't get to read this summer (also, fanfiction has been distracting me and yeah, I haven't been reading many paper books recently, unless you count the reading the books Harry Potter fic I'm reading now (I'm on book 4)) regardless I am going to try to read more paper books between revision for my exams next week, if you want to see what I'm currently reading, have read, or want to read, check the bookshelves on the right of my blog (sidenote, I just checked and I need to add the widgets again, I think I took them off cause I wasn't updating my Shelfari as often as I would like)

Anyway, I'll keep up with the Banned Books Week and I might do a Christmas countdown thing with a review a day or something, maybe using the books on my Read shelf so...look forward to that, also, HAS ANYONE BEEN WATCHING CARMILLA?? (I'll admit I've missed the last couple episode because I was really super busy but I'm going to catch up right...now...ish)

As always feel free to recommend me books to read in comments or over Twitter. I'll be back again soon with my first Christmas Countdown Book Review (No, not Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, I'm saving that for Banned Books Week)

Until next time keep reading, writing and enjoy the Holiday season (which officially starts now, on December 1st, I don't care what TV commercials say, the Holiday season starts in December and not before!!!)

*Skips off to bookshelf to find something to read/review*

Deck the Halls with Book a-plenty, fa la la la la, la la la la