The Ghost and the Goth by Stacey Kade

Title: The Ghost and the Goth (Ghost and the Goth #1)

Author: Stacey Kade

Publisher: Hyperion 2010

Genre: YA Paranormal

Pages: 281

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Paranormal - Ghosts; New Author; Library Loan; Book Bingo - 5 from series

How I Got It: Library Loan

After a close encounter with a bus, Alona Dare goes from homecoming queen to Queen of the Dead. She’s stuck as a ghost in the land of the living with no sign of the big, bright light to take her to a better place. To make matters worse, the only person who might be able to help her is Will Killian, a total loser outcast.
More than anything, Will wishes he didn’t have the rare ability to communicate with the dead, especially the former mean girl of Groundsboro High. He’s not filling out any volunteer forms to help her cross to the other side, though it would bring him some welcome peace and quiet.

I picked this series on a whim. I wanted a fun story, something a bit lighter than what I've been reading. And to my surprise, I loved it! The book isn't anything ground breaking, but it's solid young adult paranormal. The characters are likable. The concept is pretty fun. The plotline is well thought out and executed. I really enjoyed getting into the slightly strange world of Alona and Will. I feel like I need to read the sequels now. It was that good...

Ghost and the Goth

The Ghost and the Goth
Queen of the Dead
Body and Soul

Death: At Death's Door by Jill Thompson

Title: Death: At Death's Door

Author: Jill Thompson

Publisher: Vertigo 2003

Genre: Graphic Novel, paranormal

Pages: 203

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; Women Authors; Library; 52 Weeks -- W10

How I Got It: Library Loan

Written by Jill Thompson; Art and Cover by Thompson A manga digest, printed in black, white, and gray tones, featuring appearances by Sandman and all his siblings. In an original story that parallels the events of SANDMAN: SEASON OF MIST, the minions of Hell end up in Death's apartment. Sisters Delirium and Despair decide to throw a party for the dead - which quickly gets out of control. It's up to Dream's older sister Death to figure out how to save the day and the afterlife...not to mention the carpet.

This is cute, and that's the problem. I loved Gaiman's Sandman series for its dark humor and bleak outlook. This manga style volume focusing on Death makes her too cute. She loses all her mystery and cunning in this volume. I just couldn't stay with the book all the way through. It's too cute. I prefer Gaiman's volumes.

Morrigan's Cross by Nora Roberts

Title: Morrigan's Cross (The Circle Trilogy #1)

Author: Nora Roberts

Publisher: Jove 2006

Genre: Fantasy

Pages: 352

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: SubGenre - Sci/Fan, Vampire; New Author; Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Blogger Recommendations

How I Got It: I own it!

As a storm rages, the tale of a powerful vampire's lust for destruction-and of the circle of six charged by the goddess Morrigan to stop her-begins. One of the chosen is a medieval sorcerer whose quest will take him through time-and into the arms of a woman courageous enough to link her destiny to his own.

One of those books that has sat on my shelves for way too long. A friend suggested I read this series about three years ago. Better late than never... I picked it up and couldn't put it down. It's an epic time travel paranormal romance action adventure fantasy all rolled into one. I assumed that Nora Roberts only wrote fluffy romances. This one is definitely not a fluffy romance. I premise is interesting: Lilith trying to take over the world. The settings are interesting: 12th century Ireland, Geall, modern NYC, and modern Ireland. But above everything else, I loved the characters. Glenna is easy to like. Hoyt has a great steady quality to him while his twin Cian has all the mystery and cunning. Moira is an awesome "little Queen," while her cousin Larkin is great all around guy. King lends some strength and Blair is the right mix of sassy and sweet. This is definitely a series I will be enjoying.

The Circle Trilogy:

Morrigan's Cross
Dance of the Gods
Valley of Silence

Princess of the Midnight Ball by Jessica Day George

Title: Princess of the Midnight Ball (Princess of the Midnight Ball #1)

Author: Jessica Day George

Publisher: Bloomsbury 2009

Genre: YA fairy tale

Pages: 280

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Telling Tales; Women Authors; Library; Book Bingo -- 5 from series

How I Got It: Library Loan

Rose is one of twelve princesses forced to dance through the night in an underground palace. The key to breaking the spell lies in magic knitting needles, an invisibility cloak, and—of course—true love. Inspired by "The Twelve Dancing Princesses,"this novel is as captivating as it is fresh. Enchanted readers are sure to clamor for the new companion, Princess of Glass, also publishing this season.

This was such a cute little fairy tale retelling. I sat down to read it after lunch and read it straight through. The plot is fairly predictable. It is a retelling of "The Twelve Dancing Princesses." But it's the characters that drew me into the novel. I love seeing all twelve of the princesses. They each have their own personality and interests. Rose is the focus, but each of the others are given their own time. Galen is a treat. I loved following him from solider to future king. He's a down-to-earth character and kept my attention throughout.

Princess of the Midnight Ball

Princess of the Midnight Ball
Princess of Glass
Princess of the Silver Woods

Princess of Glass by Jessica Day George

Title: Princess of Glass (Princess of the Midnight Ball #2)

Author: Jessica Day George

Publisher: Bloomsbury 2010

Genre: YA Fairy Tales

Pages: 266

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Telling Tales; New Author; Library; Book Bingo -- 5 from series

How I Got It: Library loan

Hoping to escape the troubles in her kingdom, Princess Poppy reluctantly agrees to take part in a royal exchange program. She travels abroad hoping to find better political alliances and perhaps a marriage. But thanks to a vengeful fairy, Poppy's happily ever after gets complicated. This companion to Princess of the Midnight Ball will delight readers with action and romance.

So, I realized after finishing this book that I read it out of order. Silly me! I was wondering why lots of past plot points were referred to often. Oh well! It was a good little story even with my blunder. We are treated to a retelling of Cinderella complete with glass slippers and a fairy godmother (or is she?). Poppy must use her previous enchantment breaking experience to help the people of Breton. I liked Poppy. She was unconventional and spunky and smart. She kept her wits about her when faced with what seemed to be impossible odds. Thankfully I also liked the male lead, Prince Christian. He too is just unconventional enough to be thoroughly likable. The characters are where this book shines. The plot is predictable (it's Cinderella, remember?), but the characters keep it fresh and interesting. Now that I've read book two, I guess I should go back and read book one...

Princess of the Midnight Ball

Princess of the Midnight Ball
Princess of Glass
Princess of the Silver Woods

A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel

Title: A Game of Thrones: The Graphic Novel Vol 1

Author: George R.R. Martin, Daniel Abraham

Publisher: Bantam 2012

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 240

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; Library

How I Got It: Library Loan

This graphic novel adaptation contains more than fifty pages of exclusive content not available in the original comic books, including a new Preface by George R. R. Martin • early renderings of key scenes and favorite characters from the novels • a walk-through of the entire creative process, from auditioning the artists to tweaking the scripts to coloring the final pages • behind-the-scenes commentary from Daniel Abraham, Tommy Patterson, and series editor Anne Groell

This is definitely not the TV show. Instead we are treated to a reimagining of the story from the novels. I love the illustrations. There are just gorgeous, full of so much detail. I especially loved the panels starring Daenerys. While Emilia Clarke is just amazing on the TV show, the graphic novel version is to die for. I really want to pick up Volume 2.

Locke and Key Vol 5: Clockworks

Title: Locke and Key Vol 5: Clockworks

Author: Joe Hill, Gabriel Rodriguez

Publisher: IDW 2012

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 152

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel, Library, Seriously Series

How I Got It: Library Loan

The sprawling tale of the Locke family and their mastery of the 'whispering iron' thunders to new heights as the true history of the family is revealed to Tyler and Kinsey. Zack Wells assumes a new form, Tyler and Kinsey travel through time, and surprises beyond imagination will be revealed before the sixth issue ends!

I thought this was the last volume. Turns out I was wrong. There's one more volume, but it won't be released in trade form until sometime later this year. Even with my mix up, this was a great volume. We learn so much more about the keys and the history surrounding Keyhouse. We also finally see what happened to Dodge all those years ago. We find out how he came to be the way he is. And man is it a wild ride! There's twists and turns everywhere within the pages. I am so excited to see how this series concludes.

Locke and Key:

Crossed by Ally Condie

Title: Crossed (Matched #2)

Author: Ally Condie

Publisher: Dutton Books 2011

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 367

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: SubGenre -- Scifi/Fan, Dys; Women Authors; TBR Pile; Seriously Series; Eclectic - Dystopian

How I Got It: I own it

Cassia's quest leads her to question much of what she holds dear, even as she finds glimmers of a different life across the border. But as Cassia nears resolve and certainty about her future with Ky, an invitation for rebellion, an unexpected betrayal, and a surprise visit from Xander - who may hold the key to the uprising and, still, to Cassia's heart - change the game once again. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever.

I figured that the second book would be a bit of a let down after the amazing first book. This one is good, just not amazing. I did love seeing what is outside Society, but the overall plotline and pacing didn't grab my attention. The addition of Indie and Eli and even Hunter did make up for some of the pacing issues. I like meeting of new people. Ky and Cassia are good characters, but they seem to flounder here. Cassia starts questioning everything, but not in a good way. Ky continues to hold back and keep secrets from Cassia. If these two have any future, they really need to start being honest with one another. Of course, they are only seventeen. After all they have seen and know, I expect to see more growing up. Oh well, there's always the conclusion...

Matched:

Matched
Crossed
Reached

The Complete Hans Christian Anderson Fairy Tales

Title: Complete Fairy Tales

Author: Hans Christian Anderson

Genre: Short stories; fairy tales

Pages: 1504

Rating: 3/5 stars

Reading Challenges: T4MC -- Short Stories; Genre -- Short Stories; Ebook; 52 Books -- Week 9

How I Got It: iPad download

Reared in poverty, Danish writer Hans Christian Andersen created more than 200 folk and fairy tales beloved by countless generations of children -- and adults.

Overall I am very disappointed in this story collection. I adore the Grimm fairy tales and thought this would be similar. I was mistaken. These are morality tales cloaked in sometimes a fanciful nature (I know the Grimm stories are too, but they hide it better). They are overtly Christian in their subject matter and tone. I just didn't enjoy these stories. I find my mind wandering while reading. I couldn't kept on track. It's taken me almost three weeks to get through this volume a bit at a time. I made it, but I won't be revisiting this volume any time in the future. I'll stick with my Grimm tales.

The Beekeeper's Apprentice by Laurie R. King

Title: The Beekeeper's Apprentice (Mary Russell #1)

Author: Laurie R. King

Publisher: St. Martin's Press 1994

Genre: Mystery

Pages: 347

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Sub Genre - Mystery, Classic Whodunit; New Author; Library Loan; Eclectic - Historical Mystery

How I Got It: Library loan

In 1915, Sherlock Holmes is retired and quietly engaged in the study of honeybees when a young woman literally stumbles into him on the Sussex Downs. Fifteen years old, gawky, egotistical, and recently orphaned, the young Mary Russell displays an intellect to impress even Sherlock Holmes--and match him wit for wit. Under his reluctant tutelage, this very modern twentieth-century woman proves a deft protégée and a fitting partner for the Victorian detective. In their first case together, they must track down a kidnapped American senator's daughter and confront a truly cunning adversary--a bomber who has set trip wires for the sleuths and who will stop at nothing to end their partnership.

A few weeks ago a friend invited me to see Laurie King speak at the local library. Turns out she's a Bay Area native. She was funny and self-depreciating and insightful. I loved hearing her talk. Unfortunately, I couldn't read any of her books before the talk. I received her first Mary Russell book from the library soon after. I am not disappointed at all. We get a classic Holmes style story starring Holmes and a refreshing newcomer. The books starts a bit slow, but really King's easing us into the crazy adventures soon to come. The capers were entertaining and lots of fun. I think I will definitely be adding this series to be TBR lists.

Mary Russell and Sherlock Holmes

#0.5 Mary's Christmas
#1 The Beekeeper's Apprentice
#2 A Monstrous Regiment of Women
#3 A Letter of Mary
#4 The Moor
#5 O Jerusalem
#6 Justice Hall
#7 The Game
#8 Locked Rooms
#9 The Language of Bees
#10 The God of the Hive
#10.5 Beekeeping for Beginners
#11 Pirate King
#12 Garment of Shadows
#12.5 Mrs. Hudson's Case
#13 Dreaming Spies
#13.5 The Marriage of Mary Russell
#14 The Murder of Mary Russell

Thin Air by Rachel Caine

Title: Thin Air (Weather Wardens #6)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2007

Genre: Paranormal action adventure

Pages: 320

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Dusty Bookshelf; Book Bingo -- 4 from series

How I Got It: I own it

After preventing Mother Earth from destroying the planet, Joanne Baldwin lost her memories thanks to Ashan the djinn-and they will remain lost forever unless Joanne can recover her identity-and destroy the demon who is impersonating her, fabulous shoes and all...

For most of this series, I have enjoyed the books but they haven't blown me away. This one changed all that. This is the best book in the series (at least so far.). Taking away Joanne's memory makes her more human and relatable. She's like the rest of us now. I loved seeing that vulnerable side to her. We re-meet so many interesting characters. We wrap up a few story lines and open a few more. I am really loving how the story is progressing. Can't wait for number 7!

Weather Warden:

Ill Wind
Heat Stroke
Chill Factor
Windfall
Fire Storm
Thin Air
Gale Force
Cape Storm
Total Eclipse

Matched by Ally Condie

Title: Matched (Matched #1)

Author: Ally Condie

Publisher: Speak 2010

Genre: YA Dystopian

Pages: 369

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Genre - Dystopia; New Author; TBR Pile; Seriously Series; Blogger Recommendation

How I Got It: I own it

Cassia has always trusted the Society to make the right choices for her: what to read, what to watch, what to believe. So when Xander's face appears on-screen at her Matching ceremony, Cassia knows he is her ideal mate . . . until she sees Ky Markham's face flash for an instant before the screen fades to black. The Society tells her it's a glitch, a rare malfunction, and that she should focus on the happy life she's destined to lead with Xander. But Cassia can't stop thinking about Ky, and as they slowly fall in love, Cassia begins to doubt the Society's infallibility and is faced with an impossible choice: between Xander and Ky, between the only life she's known and a path that no one else has dared to follow.

I was a bit reluctant to start this series. I wanted to, but heard from so many that it was just a Hunger Games clone. Well, not really. I think of this as a mix of The Hunger Games, Brave New World, and Logan's Run. I really loved the idea of this "perfect" where everything is chosen for you. You are safe, but are you really living? Cassia learns the difference after 17 years of being a perfect citizen. By the end of the book I was rooting for Cassia and her struggle to find happiness in her society. Usually I don't like love triangles, but I must say that this one felt genuine. I liked Xander and he did nothing to diminish his standing. But Ky is easily the best choice for Cassia. I can't wait to dive into the next book to see where Cassia's journey takes her.

Matched:

Matched
Crossed
Reached

Garden Spells by Sarah Addison Allen

Title: Garden Spells

Author: Sarah Addison Allen

Publisher: Bantam 2008

Genre: Fiction

Pages: 290

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Witches and Witchcraft; New Author; TBR Pile; 52 Books - Week 8

How I Got It: I own it!

The Waverleys have always been a curious family, endowed with peculiar gifts that make them outsiders even in their hometown of Bascom, North Carolina. Even their garden has a reputation, famous for its feisty apple tree that bears prophetic fruit, and its edible flowers, imbued with special powers. Generations of Waverleys tended this garden. Their history was in the soil. But so were their futures.A successful caterer, Claire Waverley prepares dishes made with her mystical plants—from the nasturtiums that aid in keeping secrets and the pansies that make children thoughtful, to the snapdragons intended to discourage the attentions of her amorous neighbor. Meanwhile, her elderly cousin, Evanelle, is known for distributing unexpected gifts whose uses become uncannily clear. They are the last of the Waverleys—except for Claire’s rebellious sister, Sydney, who fled Bascom the moment she could, abandoning Claire, as their own mother had years before.

I am including this book in my witches and witchcraft challenge, but it's a bit of a stretch. The Waverleys are witch-like. They know things and have very specific gifts, but they don't do spells or have unlimited powers. I see them more as natural witches, in tune with nature and the rhythms of the earth. That said, I absolutely loved this book. It's a great story of two sisters finding their places in the world. It reminded me a lot of Practical Magic, but a much better version. I felt very connected to Sydney on an emotional level. I desperately wanted her to find her way in the world and be content. And Evanelle is a hoot! Such a great character. The only thing I didn't love: the quick ending. You know someone is going to appear before the end of the book, but the appearance and then wrap-up seems a bit too convenient. I would have liked a bit longer for the conclusion. But overall, I adored this book. I want to get to Allen's other books...

Fire Storm by Rachel Caine

Title: Fire Storm (Weather Wardens #5)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2006

Genre: Paranormal action adventure

Pages: 320

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: What's in a Name - Fire; Mount TBR; Seriously Series; Bingo -- 4 from series

How I Got It: I own it

Putting aside the personal chaos that has plagued her, rogue Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin must rally the remnants of the Weather Warden corps against a double threat-the Djinn who have broken free from Warden control, and a cranky Mother Earth who's about to unleash her full fury against the entire world.

Every time I get about halfway through one of these novels, I start to lose interest. And then I really get back into it and race towards the end. I love the twists and turns Caine infuses this series with. Every time I think I know where the story is going, she throws in something new. I love Joanne and her journey. Plus, we get the reappearance of some other great characters: Rahel, Lewis, Cher, Kevin, etc. This particular volume ends on such a huge cliffhanger, I can't wait to get to the next book.

Weather Warden:

Ill Wind
Heat Stroke
Chill Factor
Windfall
Fire Storm
Thin Air
Gale Force
Cape Storm
Total Eclipse

Terror by Night by Ambrose Bierce

Title: Terror by Night

Author: Ambrose Bierce

Genre: Horror

Pages: 292

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: T4MC - A Author; Genre - Horror; What's in a Name - Emotion; TBR Pile

How I Got It: I own it!

'Nothing is so improbable as what is true' Of all the writers of ghost and horror stories, Ambrose Bierce is perhaps the most colourful. He was a dark, cynical and pessimistic soul who had a grim vision of fate and the unfairness of life, which he channelled into his fiction. And in his death, or rather his disappearance, he created a mystery as strange and unresolved as any that he penned himself. But more of that later.

Previously I have read Bierce's The Devil's Dictionary (such fun) and "An Occurrence at Owl Creek Bridge" (for school), but never moved to his other short stories. These stories remind me of a poor man's Poe. They have the unexpected elements of supernaturalbut none of the psychological horror so present in Poe's work. I did pass an enjoyable afternoon with Bierce's stories. My favorites were the stories of an encounter with a ghost, but not knowing it was a ghost. Good collection of stories.

The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton

Title: The Forgotten Garden

Author: Kate Morton

Publisher: Washington Square Press 2008

Genre: Historical Fiction

Pages: 552

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: T4MC - About a family; Genre - Women's Fiction; Women Authors; TBR Pile

How I Got It: I own it

A tiny girl is abandoned on a ship headed for Australia in 1913. She arrives completely alone with nothing but a small suitcase containing a few clothes and a single book—a beautiful volume of fairy tales. She is taken in by the dockmaster and his wife and raised as their own. On her twenty-fi rst birthday, they tell her the truth, and with her sense of self shattered and very little to go on, "Nell" sets out to trace her real identity. Her quest leads her to Blackhurst Manor on the Cornish coast and the secrets of the doomed Mountrachet family. But it is not until her granddaughter, Cassandra, takes up the search after Nell’s death that all the pieces of the puzzle are assembled.

Our February book Club selection and I freaking loved it! It's a gorgeous novel tracing the exposure of a huge mystery. I love Morton's writing. Even attempting to follow multiple narrators, I didn't have any problems. Morton seamlessly transitions between times and narrators. I was with each of the characters throughout. Speaking of characters, I was in love with all of them. Well, that's not exactly true. Rose and Adeline were definitely the villains of the piece. Of course, Rose is unintentionally a villain, but still her reversal towards Eliza makes her a suitable villain. I felt very connected with Cassandra and Nell and Eliza. There was something about those three characters that just pulled me straight in. And the mystery kept me guessing for most of the book. I admit that I figured it out before the big reveal, but Morton's storytelling kept me engaged throughout. Amazing book. Now I must add Morton's other books to my TBR list.

300 by Frank Miller and Lynn Varley

Title: 300

Author: Frank Miller and Lynn Varley

Publisher: Dark Horse 1999

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 88

Rating: 3/5 stars Movie 5/5

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novel; Ebook; Book to Movie

How I Got It: I own it

300 is a story of war and defiance as only Frank Miller can tell. Featuring the watercolor talents of painter Lynn Varley, 300 marks the first collaboration for these two creators since 1990's Elektra Lives Again.

The paintings are just absolutely gorgeous. I love the play of shadows and the use of a limited color palette. In many ways the characters are not clear, but rather an approximation of themselves. It's just so nice to look at. As to the storyline, I'm a bit torn. I like the historical angle, but the characters aren't very developed.

Movie

This movie is just absolutely gorgeous. I love the play of shadows and the use of the a limited color palette. Oh wait... I already said that. But it's the same for the movie as the graphic novel. I love the look of this movie, the slightly dream-like quality. The colors are to die for and the costumes have this fairy tale quality to them. I was in awe of the cinematography. I'm glad Snyder expanded the storyline to include a bit more backstory and scenes back in Sparta. The rape scene almost made me take off a star, but it's such a short scene. I could definitely have down without it... But overall, I really enjoyed this movie.

Windfall by Rachel Caine

Title: Windfall (Weather Wardens #4)

Author: Rachel Caine

Publisher: Roc 2005

Genre: Paranormal action adventure

Pages: 342

Rating: 4/5 stars

Reading Challenges: Genre - Paranormal; What's in a Name - Up/Down; Mount TBR; Seriously Series; 52 Books - W7

How I Got It: I own it

Weather Warden Joanne Baldwin's stormy personal life is taking its toll on her patience-and her powers. But when the truce between the Wardens and the mystical Djinn starts to self-destruct, Joanne finds herself forced to choose between saving her Djinn lover, saving her Warden abilities-and saving humanity.

The fourth novel in the Weather Warden series and I'm still into it. I was feeling a bit rocky after Chill Factor; not quite sure where the series was going, and not sure I want to stay with it. Thankfully the fourth book has gotten back on track with new characters and new twists and turns. The additions of Cherise and Sarah livened up the general storyline and setting. Plus we get tons more mystery as to what is really going on with the weather. I won't spoil the surprise, but I was intrigued. I must definitely read the next book to see how this plays out...

Weather Warden:

Ill Wind
Heat Stroke
Chill Factor
Windfall
Fire Storm
Thin Air
Gale Force
Cape Storm
Total Eclipse

Cowboys and Aliens by Fred Van Lente

Title: Cowboys and Aliens

Author: Van Lente, Foley, Callero, Lima, Rosenberg

Publisher: It Books 2011

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 112

Rating: 3/5 stars Movie 4/5

Reading Challenges: Graphic Novels; TBR Pile; Book to Movie; Bingo -- 4 from TBR

How I Got It: I own it

Arizona. 1873. The ultimate showdown between cowboys and Indians is interrupted… by an alien invasion.Every conqueror believes himself moved by a higher power, his destructive actions justified by necessity, compassion, or divine providence. In the greatest and most deadly expansion the world has seen, European settlers pushed west, decimating the native population without a second thought. But when aliens invade, they give the cowboys the fight of their lives, forcing them to pair with the Indians in a battle for control of the planet.The Old West will never be the same…

So, I'm a bit underwhelmed with this one. I like the idea: cowboys and natives versus aliens. This sounds like a great story. Unfortunately, the story seems very short and undeveloped. We don't spend any real time with the characters before the aliens land. The action is choppy and not very exciting. The ending does have a great cliffhanger, but something comes of it.

Movie

The movie is very different from the book. We get a story of cowboys versus aliens, but that's really where the similarities stop. I enjoyed the movie if nothing more than a fun action movie. Daniel Craig is the convincing stoic cowboy with a shady past. Harrison Ford is great as the craggy grumpy old man. The action sequences are fun and full of fun special effects. This is anything ground-breaking, but I did enjoy the movie. My only issue is Olivia Wilde's character. I could have done without her...

Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn

Title: Gone Girl

Author: Gillian Flynn

Publisher: Crown Publishers 2012

Genre: Thriller

Pages: 419

Rating: 5/5 stars

Reading Challenges: T4MC - F Author; Sub-genre - Horror, Psychological; Women Authors; TBR Pile; Blogger Recommendation

How I Got It: Borrowed from a friend (for informal book club selection)

On a warm summer morning in North Carthage, Missouri, it is Nick and Amy Dunne’s fifth wedding anniversary. Presents are being wrapped and reservations are being made when Nick’s clever and beautiful wife disappears from their rented McMansion on the Mississippi River. Husband-of-the-Year Nick isn’t doing himself any favors with cringe-worthy daydreams about the slope and shape of his wife’s head, but passages from Amy's diary reveal the alpha-girl perfectionist could have put anyone dangerously on edge. Under mounting pressure from the police and the media—as well as Amy’s fiercely doting parents—the town golden boy parades an endless series of lies, deceits, and inappropriate behavior. Nick is oddly evasive, and he’s definitely bitter—but is he really a killer?

There are no supernatural elements to this story, but I feel like it should be reclassified as a horror. There is something truly wrong with the characters inhabiting the book. But I must admit that it made for an engaging read. I love how the reader gets one story for the first half of the book and then everything gets turned upside down for the second half. It kept me guessing as to the outcome. The characters are engaging and likable (at least for awhile). They seem real, until they aren't. Flynn's style is flawless. The contrasting chapters from Nick and from Amy each have their own voice. It really feels as if those two characters are sharing their story with us. I loved the seamless transitions. The other book club members have read this and really want to discuss it, but I hadn't read it yet. So this is our informal book club selection for February. I can't wait to see what they each thought of it. Great read!

Awesome playlist from Book Riot!