My favorite books of 2011

Isn't reading such a joy? An adventure, a riddle, a journey! In light of the fact that reading is awesome and that we have one more day in 2011 I thought I'd give you all a look into my top seven favorite books I've discovered this year. {Yes, I know, seven is a weird number to pick}

1 - Scoop by Rene Gutteridge


This was a fantastic book! I loved all the characters and the plot was so fun and easy to understand. This one might be in my top ten favorites books of all time.

2 - Very Good, Jeeves by P. G. Wodehouse

P. G. Wodehouse is a master of humorous delight and a must read for everyone. Out of the Wodehouse books 'Very Good, Jeeves' is my favorite.




3 - The Maze Runner by James Dashner


I don't think I can even begin to describe how amazing this book is. The plot line was unbelievable and his writing made you feel like you were right there. Read this and you will be at the end of your seat the whole way.

4 - A Study in Scarlet by Arthur Conan Doyle

Sadly, this was my first Sherlock Holmes book I ever read. Why is that sad, you ask. Well, because Holmes books are awesome and I waited 16 years before I read one. So all in all Sherlock Holmes book are amazing and should be read by all.

5 - One Thousand Gifts by Ann Voskamp

A beautiful book that is exactly what it says it is, 'A Dare to Live Fully Right Were You Are'.

6 - Safely Home by Randy Alcorn

This book made me laugh, and it made me cry. I loved this book and the minute I finished it I drove to a bookstore and bought it for my book shelf

7 - The Murder of Roger Ackroyd by Agatha Christie

Now, all of Agatha Christie's book are legendary but this one was unbelievable! Yes, this one is the best of Mrs. Agatha Christie.




8 - The Outcasts by John Flanagan

I was so disappointed when his Ranger's Apprentice series ended but I think his new series 'The Brotherband Chronicles' is super cool and I'm excited to continue to read it. The series ties right in with the ranger's Apprentice but with a very fun twist.

What about you? What are your favorite books that you discovered this year?

Curse of the Spider King {book reveiw}

About the book:
The Spider King's minions are crossing from Allyra to Earth to hunt for seven unsuspecting thirteen-year-olds who are royalty from a foreign world. Stopped once by an ancient curse the dark forces are determined to finish the job. The Seven's only hope for survival is a remnant of exiled Elves intent on restoring their kingdom - but can they be trusted.

Navigating the tangled web of the Spider King, the teens must make a perilous choice: go to Allyra and face an uncertain destiny or remain on Earth and risk the lives of the ones they love.

My thoughts:
Um...I am a huge fan of Wayne Thomas Batson, but this book didn't meet the expectation I had for it.

Some lines in this book:

"I don't understand," said Thomas, feeling like he might have blown a fuse in his brain.

Such as this ↑, look like they came from an amateur writer. I don't really understand where a sentence like this come from amazing authors such as Wayne Thomas Batson and Christopher Hopper.

The plot line was cool and I did really like the characters. The suspense was okay, the spiders creeped me out! I thought that the tree creatures were unoriginal, being they make me think of ents from Lord of the Rings.

*spoiler alert*
I thought the main element of the books suspense & plot line was very predictable. I don't understand it, the Spider King is the only one who has the power to shut down the portals that connect the Earth with the Elve world, Allyra. And all of the portals shut down except for one in Scotland, and so all the Elves gathered to that one portal and they seem surprised when an ambush is waiting for them from the Spider King. Maybe it's just me, but I found it somewhat predictable
*spoiler alert ends*

So, as you read, I am unhappy about the book. I think if the authors would have read through it a couple times and edited it, it would be much better. Both of the authors are amazing writers, but I think the book needed a little bit more thought.

page number: 361 pages
genre: children fantasy/ fiction
recommended for ages: 12+
bad stuff: There is a little bit of violence
romance: A very small amount
recommendation: I would have to give this a 3 out of 5.

Do you have any questions? What are your thoughts on this book? I'd love to hear and answer them.