Goodbye Google Reader!!

Have you heard the news?  Google Reader is going away!! That means if you are following me this way, you need to switch to something else, like Bloglovin'!You can also follow me through Google + This is just one way to follow me and is where I have moved all my favorite blogs. It's easy to sign up and move.  If you look to the right ----------->  You will find the Bloglovin' button, Linky followers, and NetworkedBlogs widgets as other ways to follow.  Of course you can always just sign up to follow by email if that is easier for you!  July 1st is when Google friend connect, Google Reader will be GONE!!!  

Just so you know, in honor of this big switch, here is a Throw-Back photo of myself. Taken back in 2008.  Alright, its not that far back, but it's the best I can do.   

GameBoard of The Gods by Richelle Mead

Gameboard of the Gods by Richelle Mead

My rating: 2 of 5 stars

Summary:  In a futuristic world nearly destroyed by religious extremists, Justin March lives in exile after failing in his job as an investigator of religious groups and supernatural claims. But Justin is given a second chance when Mae Koskinen comes to bring him back to the Republic of United North America (RUNA). Raised in an aristocratic caste, Mae is now a member of the military’s most elite and terrifying tier, a soldier with enhanced reflexes and skills.

When Justin and Mae are assigned to work together to solve a string of ritualistic murders, they soon realize that their discoveries have exposed them to terrible danger. As their investigation races forward, unknown enemies and powers greater than they can imagine are gathering in the shadows, ready to reclaim the world in which humans are merely game pieces on their board.

Gameboard of the Gods, the first installment of Richelle Mead’s Age of X series, will have all the elements that have made her YA Vampire Academy and Bloodlines series such megasuccesses: sexy, irresistible characters; romantic and mythological intrigue; and relentless action and suspense.

I am well known for my rushing-into-things-without-thinking.... the OH-LOOK!-It's-Richelle-Mead-I'm-going-to-request-it-immediately-ZONE.  I didn't even consider this book could be and ADULT book!! DUH Karen!! Being so excited to read something new from Richelle Mead, I didn't realize it wasn't a Young Adult read until I started reading. *sigh* Mentioning that I was disappointed would be an understatement.  But... I got over it and decided to read it anyway.

The first part of the book seemed to be really great. I loved Justin's character as well as Mae's. Soon I was a little lost with the whole story. Then it became...INFORMATION OVERLOAD!! I realize that each character has a past that we are slowly uncovering, but for me it was too slow, but then the world building, the politics, the semantics of it all just jumbled in my head. I had to go back and re-read things a few times to try and make sense of each character.  Maybe I am not up to reading something this complex or what but I just couldn't finish this book without a headache. 

I'm sorry Ms. Mead. I hate giving bad reviews, but I just can't bring myself, or focus my attention on this book.  I am a fan of the Vampire Academy novels and can't wait to see it on film or tv.

Thanks to the Publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book. 



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Invisibility by Andrea Cremer and David Levithan

Invisibility by Andrea Cremer
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

Summary:  Stephen has been invisible for practically his whole life — because of a curse his grandfather, a powerful cursecaster, bestowed on Stephen’s mother before Stephen was born. So when Elizabeth moves to Stephen’s NYC apartment building from Minnesota, no one is more surprised than he is that she can see him. A budding romance ensues, and when Stephen confides in Elizabeth about his predicament, the two of them decide to dive headfirst into the secret world of cursecasters and spellseekers to figure out a way to break the curse. But things don’t go as planned, especially when Stephen’s grandfather arrives in town, taking his anger out on everyone he sees. In the end, Elizabeth and Stephen must decide how big of a sacrifice they’re willing to make for Stephen to become visible — because the answer could mean the difference between life and death. At least for Elizabeth.

WOW... This is so not what I thought it was going to be! I even (mistakenly) thought it would be lame. How can you really make a story, especially with romance involved, interesting when one person is invisible? Boy was I ever wrong!

Listening to this book was an added bonus to the beautiful writing. The narrators were AWESOME! They did an amazing job bringing the characters to life. Each chapter changed point of views switching between Steven and Elizabeth. LOVE LOVE LOVE that! I fell in love with Steven right from the very beginning.. wandering through life not just ignored but completely void from everyone and everything. He could only watch other peoples lives never to be part of them, until one day... SHE SEES HIM!

Elizabeth. Not exactly my favorite person in the story. She was just too abrasive, stubborn, and a little selfish at times. I know I may be in the minority, but I don't like heroines who end up being the martyr. I understand this is an equal-opportunity world and I'm very glad it is, BUT... I still am old fashioned in some ways, wanting men to be MEN!(Ok, off my high-horse.)

Oh how I enjoyed Laurie! When I first heard his name, I was thinking he was a girl. NOPE! When I realized it was a Little Women reference, I had to smile. His personality brought so much light, joy and laughter to the pressing issues they were faced with. Laurie was definitely my favorite!!

FINALLY!! An ending I can live with!! No huge cliffhanger! This left me satisfied but yet leaving me wanting questions answered. It was great!


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