Monday, July 5, 2010

It’s Monday, What Are You Reading? (1)

This meme is hosted by Shelia at Book JourneyMondayMeme

 

 

Read this past week:

Blood Feud

                 Killer Squad

Blood Feud by Alyxandra Drake          The Squad: Killer Spirit by Jennifer Barnes

(Drake Chronicles #2)                         (The Squad #2)

Only the Good Spy Young                Model Spy

Only the Good Spy Young                  Model Spy by Shannon Greenland

(Gallagher Girls #4)                            (The Specialists #1)

Wide Awake Princess 

The Wide-Awake Princess by E.D. Baker

Currently Reading:

Down to the Wire                 Titan's Curse

Down to the Wire by                        The Titan’s Curse by Rick Riordan

Shannon Greenland (Specialists #2)  (Percy Jackson #3)

 

Upcoming:

Forbidden Sea             Grimm Legacy

Forbidden Sea by Sheila Neilson    The Grimm Legacy

                                                      by Polly Shulman

 

What are YOU reading this week?

Thursday, July 1, 2010

The Short Second Life of Bree Tanner by Stephenie Meyer

Bree Tanner

Pages: 178

Release date: June 5, 2010 (Hardcover)

Also available to read online thru July 5th

http://ld-breetannerbook.libredigital.com/index.html

Fans of The Twilight Saga will be enthralled by this riveting story of Bree Tanner, a character first introduced in Eclipse, and the darker side of the newborn vampire world she inhabits.

In another irresistible combination of danger, mystery, and romance, Stephenie Meyer tells the devastating story of Bree and the newborn army as they prepare to close in on Bella Swan and the Cullens, following their encounter to its unforgettable conclusion.

Bree Tanner can barely remember life before she had uncannily powerful senses, superhuman reflexes and unstoppable physical strength. Life before she had a relentless thirst for blood... life before she became a vampire.

All Bree knows is that living with her fellow newborns has few certainties and even fewer rules: watch your back, don't draw attention to yourself and, above all, make it home by sunrise or die. What she doesn't know: her time as an immortal is quickly running out.

Then Bree finds an unexpected friend in Diego, a newborn just as curious as Bree about their mysterious creator, whom they know only as "her". As they come to realize that the newborns are pawns in a game larger than anything they could have imagined, Bree and Diego must choose sides and decide whom to trus. But when everything you know about vampires is based on a lie, how do you find the truth?

Summary from Goodreads.com

I can't believe there are so many heartfelt reviews for this book (and negative ones)! For me, it was like stepping back into the Twilight series. The writing stayed true to the series. Although I think it's funny that Meyer's writing exercises on different character's perspectives can result in 180 page books, I was impressed and satisfied.

We see Bree in the end of Eclipse during the fight scene. We know that she surrenders, that she still wishes she could drink Bella, but she is willing to join the Cullens. We also know, sadly, that the Volturi don't give her a chance.

Obviously, in getting a book from Bree's perspective we get to know her, like her, and respect her. I had to keep reminding myself that she was going to die at the end regardless. Even knowing that, her journey there was worth the read. I also look forward to seeing another character, Fred, hopefully pop up in more of Meyer's books.

If you're a fan of the series, I think you'll be pleased. If not, just borrow the book from someone else, or read all of the negative reviews and call it a day :)

Cover 10/10 I actually got the symbolism this time!

Characters 9/10

Ending 10/10

Plot 9/10 Slow at the beginning, but so worth it

Mom Approval Rating 8/10 Light language, vampire induced violence that didn't bother me but was "graphic" to my husband.

Total 46/50 92% A-