"Once upon a time, an angel and a devil fell in love. It did not end well."

They say you should never judge a book by it's cover and this gem by Laini Taylor, Daughter of Smoke and Bone, proves that rule. It was recommended on the BN website and I heard from some friends who saw Scott Westerfeld (Pretties, Uglies, etc.) that he raved about this book. Add me to the list of fans! This is the story of Karou, a 17 year old girl who has her foot in two worlds. One is the human world, where she lives in Prague. The other is the world of the Chimaera, part animal, part human, where she is being raised by Brimstone. Brimstone is a  chimaera with a secret, a HUGE secret, about who Karou really is. The drama begins when Akiva, a seraphim soldier, spots Karou while she is on a mission for Brimstone in Marakkesh. He instantly feels a connection to her, and it stops him from killing her on site. You see, the Seraphim (Angels) and the Chimaera have been at war since the beginning of time and that make Karou his enemy. They are drawn to each other and when Akiva realizes why, both his wildest dream and worst nightmare comes true. His vengeance when he lost his greatest love, will have lasting impact on Karou and her Chimaera family. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE these characters and this book. I haven't read anything like it and look forward to the sequel... which I am actually glad about. Some books you just want to end, but I could live in this strange world for a while longer. Laini Taylor has some absolutely fantastic lines in this book- beautifully written figurative language. "The air in the grove was rich enough to sip, full enough to dance with"  I hope you all take my advice and don't judge this book by it's cover. You'll fall in love with Akiva, Karou and Brimstone and maybe you'll find a wishbone to hope on.

Birthmarked

     FINALLY finished. Birthmarked  is the story of Gaia, who helps her mother deliver babies outside the wall. Set in the future, the first three babies born in each area must be given to a family inside the wall, where they will live a life of luxury and privilege. Gaia was burned as a child, so she was not taken like her two older brothers were, deformities and illness are not allowed inside the wall. One night, her parents are taken, arrested and held for execution because they have been keeping secret records of these taken children. Gaia is determined to set them free and finds a way to sneak inside the wall. While she is there, she is witness to a hanging of a pregnant woman. After the woman is hanged, Gaia races to save the unborn baby and draws a great deal of attention to herself, making her a marked girl.Along the way, she meets a member of the guard named Leon, who can't decide if he wants to help her or arrest her. Leon has secrets of his own, making him a dangerous ally for Gaia. Gaia finds help in all sorts of different places as she struggles to find her parents. This book is not a happily ever after kind of book. Much death occurs, sad things happen and you are left hanging as Gaia tries to make her way to the Dead Forest with precious cargo in her arms. This book had an interesting premise, and a strong female lead who makes you realize looks don't determine character. I'm off on a new adventure with a New Year's resolution- 3 months early- to read at least a half an hour when I get home. No more bad tv- just some good books. My new book is Daughter of Smoke and Bone which is of course a supernatural thriller. Just started it last night, but I'm already hooked. Happy Reading my darlings.

Time time time

     I haven't disappeared... so busy at work and after work, meeting after meeting. But I am currently almost done with Birthmarked,  a book about a society where the first three babies born each month are given to the rich folks inside the city walls. Enjoying it when I get a chance to read. I had the great opportunity to see three authors who came to our school last Friday. I talked about them in my last blog. It was inspiring to meet and talk to them.  They were so interesting and friendly and willing to answer our questions. It was even better to see some old students who came back to see them too- Bridget, Faaria and Nabila. I miss talking to my girls about books. Anyway, just wanted to check in and see what everyone was up to. Back to the grind- so many new books on the way that I can't wait to read, it's killing me. I need a vacation or day off to try and catch up. If that is possible. Happy reading to those who have the time.