Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Cinder by Marissa Meyer
My rating: Back It Up

Cinder is a cyborg. It says everything, right?! Can a female protagonist be even better? No, not even Katniss from the Hunger Games
She is a strong-willed, reliable, stubborn and independent character. But there is even more about her that made me like her. She knows how to fix androids and other technical things. She is a very gifted mechanic. A girl? Mechanic? Yes it does make her even better :)

I love Cinder!
Finally something new and interesting! How can you go wrong with a cyborg as the main character as Cinderella.
An Asain, futuristic version of it? Wow. I hope that my daughter will like this book in the future. She wants to be Cinderella when she grows up.

Captivating!
Prince Kai? He is an interesting character to me.
He is in the middle of so many conflicts and all alone. The death of this father, the plague, the Lunar queen(b*tch) and Cinder. Still, he knows what to do and he has faith and I hope he will do everything right in the future.


The plot is fantastic! The development, the secrets that are revealed step by step.
I would love to write even more about this book, but there would be lots and lots of spoilers then, so I just stop here.

I closed the book and was left behind with sooo many questions... And not a single answer. Just think I ALMOST quit on this book. I am glad I didn't.

The second installment is on its way through the library for me to read. SWEETNESS.

Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia by C.S. Lewis

Prince Caspian: The Return to Narnia by C.S. Lewis


This is the fourth book in The Chronicles of Narnia series by C.S. Lewis. Like the others, I really enjoyed this book. Peter, Susan, Edmund and Lucy are all transported back to Narnia, where Prince Caspian is on the run as his tyrant uncle has claimed Caspian's throne and wants to kill him to ensure he isn't rightfully restored. The children discover that the magic has left Narnia hundreds of years before, when they originally left, and that the place is not safe for Old Narnian's. They must fight, alongside Aslan, to restore Narnia to it's former glory and to see Caspian put on the throne.

C.S. Lewis has created such a magical world, and I love going there in his books. I am so happy that my wife introduced me to this great series. He is engaging and fun, and I wish I lived in Narnia, who wouldn't. I like all four children, they are noble and brave, out to fight the evil that ensnares the world. Their dwarf companion ,Trumpkin. He was a great character, I enjoyed watching him develop. He makes me laugh throughout the book.

We see castles, evil men, dwarfs, giants, humans, lions, mice, badgers, the White Witch and river gods, just to name a few. This is a great children's fantasy book that adults can enjoy. It is fun, gripping and well worth reading. The end was a bit sad, with the adventure ending for some characters, but the very last line made me laugh.

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman

Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman
My rating: Save It
Published: 1996

This is my first experience by Gaiman and I sure did like this book. I started this book as a group read lead by Carl over at  Stainless Steel Droppings, but as usual the distraction called life prevailed.I think that it was even better listening to the author reading his own masterpiece. I do recommend that everyone listen to the audiobook and you will not regret it.

This book took a week or so longer than expect, because I could not listen to the book going to work. This was due to the fact that my muffler rusted off from the exhaust. Thus, it sounds like a Harley was in my backseat. I could not get much from listening to the radio. 

I like it that Gaiman put a normal man Richard Mayhew stuck in the middle of his magical world(London Below) and he was thrust ed in this world after a meeting a bloodied girl, Door on the street. I think that there are few people that cannot relate throughout this journey of London Below. Gaiman did a great job putting the reading in the shoes of Richard, because the reader was thinking what Richard is thinking at that moment. I am thinking WOW this was his first novel.

I am glad that I read this book; I have been a fan of the dark arts for quite a while. It was a big thanks to Tim Burton movie and no I cannot choose which one.I love this gothic style of writing it was a painting f charters throughout wanting me to get some more.

After reading this piece if work, I think that I am going to be reading some more Gaiman. After reading this book, I wonder if there is a London Below in other towns and cities or maybe your town. Well..it is a thought.

The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch

Title: The Lies of Locke Lamora

Author: Scott Lynch

Series:Gentlemen Bastards Book #1

Format: Paperback

Genre: Fantasy

Year:2007

Acquired:Library

Ranking: Back It Up

Summary: An orphan’s life is harsh–and often short–in the island city of Camorr, built on the ruins of a mysterious alien race. But born with a quick wit and a gift for thieving, Locke Lamora has dodged both death and slavery, only to fall into the hands of an eyeless priest known as Chains–a man who is neither blind nor a priest. A con artist of extraordinary talent, Chains passes his skills on to his carefully selected “family” of orphans–a group known as the Gentlemen Bastards. Under his tutelage, Locke grows to lead the Bastards, delightedly pulling off one outrageous confidence game after another. Soon he is infamous as the Thorn of Camorr, and no wealthy noble is safe from his sting.

Passing themselves off as petty thieves, the brilliant Locke and his tightly knit band of light-fingered brothers have fooled even the criminal underworld’s most feared ruler, Capa Barsavi. But there is someone in the shadows more powerful–and more ambitious–than Locke has yet imagined.

Known as the Gray King, he is slowly killing Capa Barsavi’s most trusted men–and using Locke as a pawn in his plot to take control of Camorr’s underworld. With a bloody coup under way threatening to destroy everyone and everything that holds meaning in his mercenary life, Locke vows to beat the Gray King at his own brutal game–or die trying.…(Good Reads)
___


My Thoughts:

One of my friends has been head over heels for Scott Lynch since reading this book. Then I decided to join her read-along that she ran the last month or so. Due to real-life constraints, I had to bow out of the read-a-long. I sure am glad that I stuck with the The Lies of Locke Lamora.


In the book it is fast paced throughout. You just never know what twist or turn going to happen on the next page. I do guarantee that it will keep you(the reader) up in the wee hours of the night,while reading it under your bed sheet....people still do that right. 

The liked the way that Scott Lynch build the world of  Camoor. It struck such a strong resemblance to Venice, Italy.  Lynch gives you information about the world throughout the book, but wanting to learn more about this deep book. For example, The city-state of Camorr is built on the ruins of some ancient civilization known as the Eldren. Lynch does not go into terrible detail about the Elren. I am hoping to learn more in his upcoming books.

The dialogue throughout this book is also something you just do not forget. You could swear the Lynch has been in jail a time or to with some of the lines he writes in the book.  You the reader will be laughing out  loud before you realize it. Especially, with Locke's sarcasm is what get me  much of the time.

I did like the way that Locke does seek revenge on the Gray King. I think you will as well.

Scott Lynch has me sold and roped into his world. Now I am going to be starting his next book, Red Seas in the Red Skies.His book structure is different as well, he what is happening now and then the next chapter is a flashback of the past. It did not disrupt the pace of the book whatsoever.I HIGHLY Recommend this book to you. So please drop everything you are doing and do find this book ASAP.

I cannot say enough about this book, so I  am going to end my review before the internet crashes..lol.

Magic Kingdom for Sale—Sold! by Terry Brooks

Title: Magic Kingdom for Sale—Sold!

Author: Terry Brooks

Narrator: Dick Hill

Series:Magic Kingdom of Landover Book #1

Format: Audiobook

Genre: Fantasy

Year:1986

Acquired:Library

Ranking: Back it Up

Summary:  
 Book One in the Magic Kingdom of Landover Series Landover was a genuine magic kingdom, with fairy folk and wizardry, just as the advertisement promised. But after he purchased it, Ben Holiday learned that there were a few details the ad had failed to mention. The kingdom was in ruin. The Barons refused to recognize the king, and the peasants were without hope. A dragon was laying waste the countryside, while an evil witch plotted to destroy everything. Ben's only followers were the incompetent Court Magician; Abernathy, the talking dog who served as Court Scribe; and the lovely Willow - but she had a habit of putting down roots in the moonlight and turning into a tree. The Paladin, legendary champion of the Kings of Landover, seemed to be only a myth and an empty suit of armor. To put a final touch on the whole affair, Ben soon learned that the Iron Mark, terrible lord of the demons, had challenged all prospective Kings of Landover to a duel to the death - a duel which no human could hope to win. The task of proving his right to be King seemed hopeless. But Ben Holiday was stubborn...

My Thoughts: 
 I was not that sure what to expect from this book. I would never put a light comedy and Terry Brooks together, especially with his epic Swords of Shannara series. It was a pleasant surprise that I stepped into with the  Magic Kingdom for Sale—Sold. It has a great balance of comic relief and adventure in this book.


The cast in this book, I have not quite read before well...Terry Prachett, but that is a different ball game.This is a perfect first read for my challenges(Once Upon A Time and A Humor in It All). This book anyone can read from a fantasy genre addict or somebody that just wants to wade into a fantasy world.


I will be continuing this series in NEAR future. I sure am glad for Good Reads recommendations..;)


If you have read this book, what were your thoughts this book?
 

LOTR Read-A-Long; Return of the King Section 3

 I just cannot believe that this the end of Lord of the Rings. I just cannot believe that I WAITED this long in the live the finally read the Lord of the Rings trilogy. I will say this  experience was so much better reading with friends like you. I am sure that I will never see any of you face to face, but I do consider you friends. I was about to talk to you about my thoughts and everything in between.


 I just could not believe how much Middle Earth changed throughout the war. It was nothing that the hobbits remembered when they left The Shire.

As always, leave your link in the comments.
Do you twitter then use the hash tag #LOTRreadalong .If you would like the discuss more about this section.

What Other Bloggers Thought:
All Booked Up
Little Red Reviewer 
Blue Fairy Bookshelf

The Section Questions:

What do you think Gandalf was going to speak with Tom Bombadil about?
I for one am not that sure at all. Well maybe it is in The Adventures of Tom Bombadil . It maybe worth a looking into and seeing if we could find out what Gandalf is really up to with Tom. Who really knows what that Gandalf character is up to anyways..:)

What did you think of the two weddings? Do you think Eowyn will eventually find happiness with Faramir?

Ahhh...I am not that sure what to really think of two weddings. I was wondering what was Sam going to do in the end.He could not live with Mr. Frodo forever...could he. I do hope that everyone find happiness in their marriages and everything is so much more than they expect it to be for each partner.

What did you think of their meeting with Saruman on the road home?  I was half expecting someone to just kill Saruman.





I thought that it was funny that he was a peasant and such. I did not believe that this is was going to be the last that we saw of Saurman anyway. He is like the flu, he always pops up at the least opportune times. I just seemed that he needed to live to make the readers wonder what became of him. It would have been nice to have his head hewed off, but no such luck. It was a pretty tense encounter nonetheless.

Holy Cow I was not expecting the scouring of the shire.  If this is your first time reading, were you surprised? And if this isn't your first time reading, does the shock get a little easier to swallow on re-read?



I could not believe what I was seeing in The Shire. The hobbits surely did not think that this was the right place. If I were them my thoughts would have been "Am I in an alternate universe.' I was shocked to see what happened to the Shire in this chapter. Seeing the kind of destruction that took place while the Hobbits were absent would be a tough pill to swallow.
I am glad that did lead the revolt in taking and cleaning the Shire back the way that it was when they left so long ago.

What did you think of the very end, of the departure of the Havens?



To me this part is sad throughout this chapter. With the quest complete and everything is back to normal. How do you live your life now knowing that you saved Middle Earth. Sam wanted so badly wanted to come with, but he knew that he could not come along.

Characters are supposed to change and develop during a story, right?  Who changed more, Sam or Frodo?

For me it was Sam. He began the quest as an obedient follower to his Master Frodo. Throughout the journey he became so much more decisive and was the Ring bearer for a time. In the end it seemed that he much more happier and was leading more of a life than being a servant.


Come and join us in the reading of  The Children of Hurin during the month of December. Posts won’t be as formal as these, but Little Red Reviewer  and Stainless Steel Droppings and I look forward to your comments!

LOTR Read-A-Long: The Return of the King Section 2

But do you remember Gandalf's words: Even Gollum may have something yet to do? But for him, Sam, I could not have destroyed the Ring. The Quest would have been in vain, even at the bitter end. So let us forgive him! For the Quest is achieved and now all is over. I am glad you are here with me. Here at the end of all things, Sam.

Well hello everyone on this fine day.Sorry about the posting being a bit late this week it was Opening Day for hunting this weekend in Wisconsin. I cannot believe all the action that happened throughout this section. I was in awe in some parts of this quest in this section. Here we found out Denethor has been using a palantir and was being mislead. We also find out how loyal Samwise really is to his master Frodo.Frodo and Sam were met with Gollum once a again and was not going do all that he could to get the Ring.
This weeks questions were provided by Carl V from Stainless Steel Droppings, and they are some good ones!  As always, leave your link in the comments or tweet it to me at @g33ky_daddy with #LOTRreadalong .
What Other Bloggers Thought:

Little Red Reviewer
Lynn’s Book Blog
Blue Fairy’s Bookshelf

The Questions

1.  After witnessing the events of Denethor's demise, what are your thoughts on him as a father and as a ruler, especially when compared to what happened with Boromir and the Ring.
I think that him as a father and ruler was skewed throughout our experience with him. Denethor was a person that we were not that sure about since we met him throughout the book. One fellow bloggers mentions that Denethor might have been more mad about the fact that Faramir allowed Frodo to continue on his way on his journey. Thus giving Faramir a suicide mission in return. Denethor was captivated with power of the ring.
So he could not function, adequately was a ruler and as a father. As a ruler he lost all insight after he was looking into the palantír.

2.  Instead of riding into the city with pomp and circumstance, Tolkien pens the king's return as a clandestine act in which he demonstrates his rightful place through the act of healing the wounded.  Your thoughts?

I thought that it was great that he did not just walking in and assume control of the city just like that, even after the city’s Steward had just died. Especially in the circumstances that he died.I think that the town was in mixed feeling with what was happening.
Aragon does show that he cares more about the his friends to be well and safe than the power and authority that he portrays in the book. Especially with the line in which he belongs to. He does not let that go to his head.

3.  For one chapter Sam got to be rescuer and ring-bearer.  What are your thoughts about Sam's brief time as a ring-bearer in comparison to the others who have born the ring, or wished to?

I thought that it was great that Sam took the ring and did not let the power of the ring take over him like the many others that the ring did in the past. He did feels the burden of the ring weighing on him, but he did not seemed bothered by it much at all. Sam as always thought of his master first. If Frodo was not there to continue on the mission he would go and try to accomplish the feat that they set out to do in the first place. Sure am glad that Frodo had a great companion with him throughout this journey.:)
I like that Tolkien did this to try to set up a what if possibility if the mission was not conquered in the end.

4.  In a twist unexpected in many hero tales, Tolkien ends the journey into Mount Doom with Frodo ultimately failing at his task.  How did you feel about this and ultimately how does it make you feel about both Frodo and Gollum?

It was a twist alright at the end. I could not believe that Tolkien did this showing that Frodo and Sam came so close to fail. It would make a lot of sense that rings power would be so much great with the closer that it was to Mount Doom and more burden that ring was laying on Frodo.
In the end, it was different how the ring was ultimately destroyed.Sadly for Frodo lost a finger in the end with Gollum getting the ring back. Gollum finally got his precious back, but falls to his death into Crack of Doom into the lava. This freed Middle-earth from Sauron's power.

5.  Given that The Lord of the Rings is largely about an all male cast, what are your thoughts about Tolkien's portrayal of Eowyn now that we've seen the course of her journey through these culminating chapters of her story?

.I sure did like what Eowyn did throughout her journey. After being told to stay home and do not get into trouble by her father. So what does she do. She Eowyn dresses up so that she is not recognized and is in the thick of the Battle at Minas Tirith.
I sure did like like were being bold enough to go and ride for day being disguised, I know that not many people would even attempt to do such a thing. She is a person fascinates me. You just do not know what to expect from her next.  She is hands down awesome and Tolkien knows that he created a character that everyone would love.

6.  Much of this section of our reading has been filled with desperate acts with little hope of success.  How do you feel about the mood Tolkien created in the build up both to the battle and the final push into Mount Doom and what are your thoughts on how these sections ended?

I like the journey to Mount Doom. I was enthralled with the suspense that coming in step by step in this part of the book. I was being to wonder how they were going to accomplish the task that the hobbits set out to do in the first place. I know this mostly walking and find drinkable water. This part of the section had me on the edge of my seat:)

7.  The "assigned" sections for part 3 only take us to the end of the actual story. Will you be reading the appendices?

I hope been looking over many of the appendices throughout this journey in destroying the One Ring. I have been a fan of maps and family trees and such for quite some time now. I think I will be looking over and seeing what sparks my interest. I do not think that I will be read everything, but some of it. I think everyone should skim through some parts of it.

LOTR Read-A-Long: The Return of the King Section 1

Out of doubt, out of dark to the day's rising
I came singing in the sun, sword unsheathing.
To hope's end I rode and to heart's breaking:
Now for wrath, now for ruin and a red nightfall!

Welcome back to the quest through Middle Earth everybody. I hope that everyone is enjoying the journey as much as I am in The Return of the King. This week it was my task to figure out some question for the group to answer. You can add other thoughts as well.
In this section, it filled with plenty of actions in the first 6 chapters that was for certain. In this section, there was preparing for the imminent Battle that was about to take place in Minas Tirith. The gathering of other all the other people(nations) in one place to take on the Orc and other of Saurman’s evil army.
There were plenty of surprises in the section as well. Finding out that Both Eowyn and Merry snuck in to fight for the People of Rohan. I liked this part that you cannot deny for fighting for what I believe in.
on twitter? use #LOTRreadalong
Link your post in the comments, or tweet it to me.  Once again, thank you for joining us on our journey to Middle Earth!
What Other Bloggers Thought:
 Little Red Reviewer
Blue Fairy’s Bookshelf 
Lynn's Books 
Polishing Mud Balls
Book Den

1.With the company that went with Aragorn through the Paths of Death. Would you have volunteered knowing it may be curse and ghosts haunting the paths?
 I think that I would have volunteered to go with Aragon to the Path of Dead. It was a quite difficult task for the Company of Rangers to start out with.They find the lost army of the undead oathbreakers who dwell in the Paths of the Dead, a mountain hall where they have been enslaved since their treachery ages ago.
i would have like to be a part of something like that with the Company of Rangers. Aragon used the oathbreakers of ultimately defeat the Corsairs of Umbar. It makes me smile thinking of the way that the Company of Rangers and Oathbreakers came into the battle at the right moment.                   

2.What were your thoughts of Merry and Pippin in the preparation to the Battle of Gondor. It seemed that each ruler just thought that each hobbit could not be a contribution to the battle.  
I felt that each hobbit were mot being treated as solider, but as a child in which their physical appearance resembles. If I were either one of them I would have been ticked that the Lord or King of either people not really allowing them fight in a battle that Pippin and Merry wanted to be a part of hands down.
In the end both Pippin and Merry were involved in the way even if their services were no longer required by Rohan or Gondor. I would have fought tooth and nail to be a apart of this battle as all the other able men were as well.        
3.Did you think that the preparations to the Battle sparked your interest and  all or did you find that the flow was bogged down a bit?
I did think at times that it got a little long with the descriptions and the parts that were lulled. Tolkien did shows that a great battle does not just take place over night. Their is a strategy in the planning and attempt to take down the enemy that is trying to overtake your place. Tolkien also shows his experience from the World War I once again.
i thought that it was great that Tolkien implemented his war experiences into this epic tale of good vs evil. Like the Allied Powers vs the Central Powers. I do think that after this read along I am going to do some real life war reads.

4. I thought that it was great that both Eowyn and Merry made it to the Battlefield. Yet against orders of the King and made a huge contributions. What did you think both of them doing this and would you have done this if it was you?I thought that it took a lot of guts from both of them. Merry did not think that he was riding into battle with Eowyn in the first place. Merry thought that he was riding to battle Dernhelm.Merry did find out there was a reason that Dernhelm did not chat to much on their 4 day horse ride to Minas Tirith.
The Witch-King was taken down by Éowyn and, with help from Merry. Both were hurt pretty bad in the combat against the Witch-King.
I am not that sure if I would have committed  insubordination against my King or father. It is pretty hard to say what i would have done. Well…it would have depended upon what my thoughts would have been on the situation.
5. What do you think of Denethor's rash decision to send Faramir to hold Western Osgiliath against the hosts of the Enemy that outnumbered their own greatly?
I think that Denethor has lost all reason after the loss of his son Boromir. For crying out loud he sent his remaining heir on a suicide mission, in which was hopeless to come out victorious. I feel that Denethor should be relieved of his duties considering that he is not think straight right now. He is morning the loss Boromir his favorite child.
This book was perfect start with the same kind of action that we left off with the Fellowship. It may be separated. This journey is enthralling and action packed throughout the first 1/3 of The Return of the King.

LOTR Read-A-Long:The Two Towers Part 3

Samwise Gamgee: I wonder if we’ll ever be put into songs or tales.

Frodo Baggins: What?

Samwise Gamgee: I wonder if people will ever say, "Let’s hear about Frodo and the Ring," and they’ll say, "Yes, that’s one of my favorite stories. Frodo was really courageous, wasn’t he, Dad?" "Yes, my boy, the most famousest of hobbits. And that’s saying a lot."

Frodo Baggins: You left out one of the chief characters: Samwise the Brave. I want to hear more about Sam. Frodo wouldn’t have got far without Sam.

Samwise Gamgee: Now Mr. Frodo, you shouldn’t make fun. I was being serious.

Happy Saturday, to everyone that have been traveling on this quest to Mount Doom. Reading the Lord of the Rings during this time of the year just feels perfect book to be devoured into. I hope that everyone enjoyed the second book in the Lord of the Rings Trilogy in The Two Towers. This week’s discussion questions were provided by Andrea of The Little Red Reviewer.
At this point of the story, Sam and Frodo were travel through Shelob’s Lair and was betrayed by Gollum(he gave up hobbit to Shelob). Sam was suppose to he he food and Gollum wanted to get his precious. Shelob was to stun Frodo. There was a change in the plans and many of you found out. Sam fended off Shelob and some Orcs found Frodo and brought up to a chamber while he was still unconscious. There is where the book ended with Sam to go on the quest alone.
on twitter? use #LOTRreadalong
Link your post in the comments, or tweet it to me.  Once again, thank you for joining us on our journey to Middle Earth!
What Other Bloggers Thought:
Little Red Reviewer 
Blue Fairy's Bookshelf
Stainless Steel Droppings
Lynn’s Book Blog
All Booked Up
The Written World


Faramir strikes me as a noble, intelligent fellow, especially concerning powers beyond his control.  Had he gone to Elrond's Council instead of Boromir, how might the story have changed?
I think that Faramir and Aragon would have had a leadership struggle while Aragon was “left” to be in control of the Company. I think this because Faramir is use to giving orders and other not questioning his authority most of the time.
I think that Faramir would have been beneficial throughout the journey with his knowledge of the land. With him not having the horn that Boromir had, I am not that sure how the Orc attack would have concluded. The whole party possibly might have been murdered.

What did you think of Shelob and her lair? Would you willingly go in there?  Yes, I know Gollum says "this is the only way", but Frodo could have demanded they explore and attempt to find another way.
I think that I would have been leery of Gollum considering that he has a split personality disorder. As I stated last section, I am a fan of caves. I am not that sure if I would have went in, because Gollum said that it was the ONLY way. Gollum took advantage of the burden of The ring was putting of Frodo physically and mentally.
There is always another way to get to a place. It may take longer, but I would not have bought Gollum’s choice of this is the only way.

When Sam saves Frodo from Shelob, he finds himself in the vision he saw in Galadriel's mirror.  Knowing the future isn't always as helpful as one would think, is it?
Growing up I wanted to have a time machine like on Back To The Future. Now I am not that sure if I really want to know things that I would mess up on in the future. In this case, I do think that seeing the future is helpful for Sam.
Sam does realize that he can come up big when his master NEEDS his the most. He is Mr. Clutch facing the Shelob. I am sure that Andrea enjoyed another sider chapter in this read-a-long.

Having always been a sidekick/helper of sorts, Sam reluctantly realizes he may have to become the Ringbearer. What do you think Sam will do with the Ring of Power? If you were the sidekick of the hero, and suddenly had the opportunity to become the hero, to finish the quest, what would you do with the Ring of Power?
For me, I have identified with Sam during the entire quest. i think that Sam would finish was he and Mr. Frodo set and started that seemed like eons ago. Like he said at the end of the book when he was debating with himself. He would finish the quest if Frodo is not alive. I think that Sam will take a detour and save Frodo from the Orcs, if he can.To Sam he would be lost if Frodo was gone for good.
As for me I would give it a valiant effort to finish the job to destroy the One Ring at Mount Doom. I am not that sure how successful I would be. I would try to save my friend or master as well.

The conversation between the two Orcs at the end was highly amusing for me.  Yes, it serves to educate Sam on Frodo's condition, and Tolkien could have just left it at that, but he didn't. The Orc's commiserating could have been any soldiers in any war.  To me, it felt like Tolkien was humanizing the enemy, instead of the traditional dehumanizing of the enemy that you usually see in war stories. What do you think?
I am with Andrea here and I thought that this part of the story was funny. It was great Sam found out that Frodo was alive after being stunned instead of Frodo being dead. I think that it helps that Tolkien served in World War I. So he has first hand knowledge of how soldiers socialize with one another.
This is what is so great about Tolkien. You are in a serious situation in the Lair and such. Then he throws this part in the book. It would have been interesting to have met him in real life.
The book ends on a cliffhanger. Are you excited to finish up the trilogy and see how it all turns out?
I am itching to start the Return of the King. I am not that sure if I can make it til November 5th to begin read the book. It is going to be interesting to see how the trilogy finishes up after ROTK.I was on the edge of my seat for most of this book. So far, this is my favorite book in the LOTR story.
My heart is still racing with me just finishing the book on Friday night, while I write this post.

Just wanted to put out a snippet out there as well about the a word that occurs all the time. When Tolkien uses peril throughout the book(s). I just think of the 80's cartoon The Smurfs. With the overuse of the word "smurf" and its derivatives in a variety of meanings. Great now I think I might get my Smurfs DVD out..:)

I would like to thank everyone for joining the LOTR Read-A-Long to Middle Earth with Andrea, Carl V and myself.
Do not forget to leave your link to your blog post so that visitors can see what your thoughts were in this section of the Read-a-Long.

The Two Towers Section 2

"'Not this way, master!' he pleaded. 'There is another way. O yes indeed there is. Another way, darker, more difficult to find, more secret. But Smeagol knows it. Let Smeagol show you!'"
Welcome back everyone to the Lord of the Rings Read-A-Long. We(as a group) now continue the reading of the The Two Towers, the second book of the epic classic of Lord of the Rings. Below are the discussion question that your truly decided to ask for the whole group to answer with their thoughts. You can also add other remaining thoughts after the questions as well.
This week it was Carl from Stainless Steel Dropping turn to ask the questions. I thought that he found and though up some great question for the group to answer. It was nice for him to join the Question Crew for The Two Towers and beyond.

What Other Bloggers Thought:
 Little Red Reviewer
Blue Fairy’s Bookshelf
All Booked Up
Stainless Steel Droppings
Lynn’s Book Blog
Book Den 
Passages of the Pen 
Remember to post your discussions no earlier than this Saturday, and if you're on twitter use #LOTRreadalong.  Here are this week's questions:
1.  The Glittering Caves of Aglarond; Fangorn Forest:  Which of the two would you be most excited to visit once the war was over? 
For me this is a tough one. I am a fan of both forest and caves. When I was in grade school, I was privileged enough to be able to visit Monmoth Cave down in Kentucky. We did not get the chance to really get to know the Glittering Caves. There would be a great chance that I would pick the Glittering Caves as my after the war visit…well as long I make to that point at least.

2.  How did you like the reunion of at least part of the fellowship at Isengard?  Did any part of it stand out to you?
I did think that was great for part of the Company the to tell the other what their side of the quest has gone so far. As well as how the did get to Isegard in the first place. It aslo thought that it was kind of neat that the hobbits were in ill prepared conditions for company. It just shows that hobbits are always wanting to entertain thier guests regardless where they may be at the moment.
The part that really stood out to me was what Ents did to Isegard to wipe out Saurmans Army of Orcs and other villians of evil were flooded out by the Treebeard and Company. I can still see Treebeard doing this in the movie adaptation by Peter Jackson.
3.  What are your thoughts about Galdalf's confrontation with Saruman?
This confrontation reminded me so much of Star Wars. Why would it remind me of a space opera. The fact, that first Saurman offered his hand to Gandalf and together they would finish this war together. Then after that Gandalf offered Saurman a way out of his melicious ways by allowing him a way out, but under certain stipulations.
There was plenty of other people imvoled that were nervous throughout this confrontation. They were wondering what was going to really happen in the end. In the end Saurman’s pride and greed for power was just to much to give up.

4.  We learn a great deal about the Palantir in this section.  How do you feel about Saruman given Gandalf's speech about the use of the Palantir?  Would you, like Pippen, be tempted to look in to see what you could see?
I think that I would have been with Pippen and wonder what you can really see in the Palantir. I am not sure i would go to the lenth that Pippen did and take from Gandalf and tick him off in the process.
It sure interesting with the fact that he can see so much throughout Middle Earth. To the viewer, you see multiple events can create a false impression on the viewer.
5.  What are your thoughts about Smeagol/Gollum in this first part of his journey leading Frodo and Sam?  For those of you who've seen the film, are you hearing Andy Serkis in your head when you read Gollum's lines?
The parts where Gollum talks it is like taking with somebody that has a multiple personality disorder. Sometimes he is Smeagol and other times he is Gollum. Whatever his name is I would trust Gollum at all, but he has Frodo and Sam in a pickle. Due to the fact, that the two have no clue where they are going and what terrain is set before them. 
Yes, i hear Andy Serkis voice whenever Gollum speaks in the book. I can hear the voice and I laugh every so often just thinking back to the movie. There was much blood shed in the battles that were fought in the Marshes. It always seems that battle sites always have a story to be told.

6.  Sam and Frodo are not traveling in the most picturesque part of Middle-earth.  Which would you find worse, the seemingly impossible to leave mountains or the Dead Marshes?
I think that the worst part is the Dead Marshes. It just seems that a person or a group can get turned around in the marsh in a hurry. Not to mentions with the faces in the water. It is like going to Gettysburg or even an Indian Burial Ground. 
In this case the Dead Marches are no different, but the Marches seem to be haunted and those who are hypnotised by these lights. Then you can end up as one of the dead as well.
7.  Tolkien introduces us to a lot of places in this section of The Two Towers, many just getting a mention in passing.  What do you think of Tolkien's place names (Minas Morgul, Isengard, the Emyn Muil, and on and on)?  Do any stand out to you?  Are there any that you don't care for?
There are so many places that are mentioned through out the quest in this section of the jounrey. Sure would be interest to actually get know know more about all these wonderful place in Middle Earth. It seems that Tolkien likes to tease the reader in this part of the story.
The one place that stand out to me is Minas Tirith. I am not that sure why of all the places mentioned throughout the quest this is the one that stands out to me as much as it does. I did not get to see Return of the King. There were no places that I did not really care for though. I found out that every place in Middle Earth has a place in its history.
I would like to thank everyone for joining the LOTR Read-A-Long to Middle Earth with Andrea, Carl V and myself.

The Two Towers Section 1

Curse him, root and branch! Many of those trees were my friends creatures I had known from nut and acorn; many had voices of their own that are lost for ever now. And there are wastes of stump and bramble where once there were singing groves. I have been idle. I have let things slip. It must stop!

Welcome back everyone to the Lord of the Rings Read-A-Long. We(as a group) started reading the first section of The Two Towers. I do think that Tolkien did capture  both humor and being serious in the same event. Below are the discussion question that your truly decided to ask for the whole group to answer with their thoughts. You can also add other remaining thoughts after the questions as well.

What Other Bloggers Thought:
Andrea
Carl 
Kailana
The Blue Fairy’s Bookshelf
Lynn’s book blog
Book Den

Remember to post your discussions no earlier than this Saturday, and if you're on twitter use #LOTRreadalong.  Here are this week's questions:

What is your favorite part of The Two Towers, thus far into the book?

I would like to say the entire section was my favorite part of the book, but I know technically that is not a part par say. If I do have to choose a favorite part it would be the Treebeard chapter. I found it great that Merry and Pippin helped thew cause of more nations to face off against the power of Saruman.

In the chapter, Treebeard convinced his fellow Ents to join the forces of Gandalf in the battle against Saruman, whom have been killing his fellow Ents.

What were your thoughts of Boromir trying to defend Merry and Pippin from Orc archers?

I was with Little Red Reviewer not able to trust Boromir fully especially after his confrontation with Frodo after the FOTR. After reading that he gave his life trying to protect Pippin and Merry with the invading Orcs was something to be said. In my opinion, he did rectify what he tried to do at the end of the FOTR.

I thought that he did a great job trying with all his might to fend off the Orcs as long as he could until help did appear.

What thoughts would have been going through your mind if you were approached by Treebeard?

What would be going through my mind...hmmm. Something like a tree is approaching and asking me what I am doing in his forest. With Treebeard being 14 feet tall and looks like a tree would get me to wonder, “Did I eat some kind of strange and hallucinogenic mushroom. A tree is talking to me now...well it is better than smurfs I guess.

After getting that out of my heard, I tell him that I just escaped from some disorganized Orcs. I am on a quest, but were separated from the company. 

What were your thoughts and reactions of the battle at the Hornburg?

I thought that Jackson did a good job with adaptation of this scene in the movie. I thought it was hiarious that Gimli and Legolas were competing on how many Orcs that they killed throughout this battle.

This section of this book was very compelling how the Riders of Rohan and the reamining Company set out to defend Helm's Deep. With how the company(Gandalf) did save the King of Rohan to continue to being poisoned by Wormtail.

Do you like it that Tolkien has split the Company into three mini-quests? Do you wonder if the company will be together throughout the quest again?

I think that it is great on how Tolkien does have the Company split up into three different quests within the Company. It shows that everyone in the Company does in fact have something to offer and have a variety of skills. We(as readers) did learn so much more about Pippin and Merry with how they escaped from the Orcs and how they handled Treebeard and the Ents. I do think that we will be learning more about Sam before this journey to Middle Earth is finished.

As it stands at this moment, I do not think that Frodo and Sam will join the party at the end of the journey. As much as I want to see it, just do not see it happening.


Other Thoughts:
With the amount of surprises we had in the first section of The Two Towers. It will be interesting to se what will be popping next in the next two section,lus we have an entire to read.
The Company found that Gandalf is alive He is now Galdalf the White is here to help finish the quest to Middle earth.
I also thought that it was something about Eowyn being named to be hier to the throne if something does happen to the King and his son Éomer.


I would like to thank everyone for joining the LOTR Read-A-Long to Middle Earth with Andrea, Carl V and myself.

Fellowship of the Ring Section 3 Group Read

Gandalf: I once knew every spell in all the tongues of Elves... Men... and Orcs.
Pippin : What are you going to do, then?
Gandalf : Knock your head against these doors, Peregrin Took! And if that does not shatter them, and I am allowed a little peace from foolish questions, I will try to find the opening words.

Well here we go everyone we have made past some obstacles with Frodo and the Company. This section covers the end of Fellowship of the Ring, and was even more eventful than the last section.  Frodo's quest is suddenly so much bigger than himself, so much bigger than anything he could have imagined. The consequences of failure are dire, yet the consequences of success have their downsides too.

Please remember not to post your discussions until Saturday. 

on twitter?  use #LOTRreadalong
Join in anytime by expressing interesting in the comments of this post, or tweeting myself or Little Red Reviewer.

In this section, much of the journey is spent in the darkness of Mines of Moria. Here this section tests the Gandalf from the start and, continue to test him until the end.There was so much to keep you on edge of your seat with Gandalf battling the Balrog. After both of them fall down, then the Company lead by Aragorn is leading the way through the Misty Mountains. 

This section to me at least supersedes section 2. I cannot believe the amount of action and debate that company id put through especially after that they last Gandalf. 

What what others thought:
 Stainless Steel Droppings
Little Red Reviewer 

Blue Fairy Bookshelf 

The Written Word

Book Den 

Lynn’s Books 

Questions or discussion topics from Andrea over at Little Red Reviewer.

Gandalf and the Balrog, just Wow.  Just a short scene, but oh so intense!  With their mentor gone, how will the group go on?  Even when they do reach Lothlorien, no one seems to know how to get where they are going.  They had been dependent on Gandalf making the decisions, and now he is gone.

I think that with Aragorn assuming the command of the company now and helping calling all the shots for the group. There is no Gandalf it is going to be quite something now, but Aragorn was leading the group earlier throughout the book with no Gandalf present. 

I think that group did rely on the great Gandalf a bit to much at times. In this instance, it now shows that the group has to find out and choose which way is going to be the best for the group from the information that the company gathers throughout the quest. Then they have to choose if they will use the info or not.

Galadriel and her Ring. She knows the Ring of power must be destroyed, but with it's destruction comes the de-powering (is that a word?) of her Ring as well. The Elves must leave Middle Earth or forget who and what they are. For her, this is a no win situation. Frodo's success effectively means the banishment of the Elves in Middle Earth. I wonder if that makes him more likely to do everything in his power to succeed, or less?

I think that Frodo knew that there would some people(species) that would not all benefit from success in the quest.It like life basic physics: When every action there is an equal reaction.  Galadriel state that she would prefer the success in the mission.After their discussion Frodo knowsGaladriel would like the see Sauron to be defeated. Rather than see Sauron ruling all of Middle Earth with his ruthless evil.

I do thin that it was admirable that Frodo offered her the Ring. Even she knows the risk of having the Ring in her possession. Galadriel knows that the Ring would corrupt her as the power of Ring clouds Sauron thoughts and agenda.

Boromir - I didn't trust from way back at the Council at Rivendell. His conversation with Frodo at the end of Fellowship made him look like a know-it-all with a world view of colonialism and imperialism. Is this Tolkien taking a shot at the old fashioned British world view, or am I reading way, way too much into it?

It is hard to trust Bormir, it has seemed like that he has had his own agenda since he appeared with the Fellowship. I think it is an old fashion British view as well. It seems like that he want to fight now. In that, Boromir is trying to convince Frodo to use the Ring as a weapon. This is something that Gandalf and the Council advised the ring NOT to be used as by any means.

After spending some time in Lothlorien, Sam realizes the Elves aren’t quite as scary or as strange as he first thought. I wonder if when he gets back to the Shire if he’ll realize the Hobbits in the next town aren’t quite as strange as he once thought.  I really don’t think this is an overt “message” story, but I do wonder if Tolkien didn't mind throwing in a little message of “those folks in the next valley aren’t as different as you think.

I like this thought right here. This is a great life lesson for everyone and not just Sam. Just because somebody is from the otherside of the railroad track does not mean that the person, elf or hobbit should be valued any less. Tolkien did show many people to judge a book by what is inside and not what is outside. 


The individual in which that you are associating with may have more than offer if you would take time to get to know them. I do think if Sam does get back to the Shire will think that Hobbit from the next town over are not any more strange than Shire Hobbits.

I only stared reading fantasy a few years ago, and I keep running into this undercurrent of choice.  Bilbo has to choose to give up the Ring.  Frodo has to choose to take on the quest and be the Ring bearer. Even Boromir is choosing how he feels about the Ring and what it could bring him.  In the end, this is all coming down to how we choose to live our lives from moment to moment. 

Right here is a geat case that shows that our lives are greatly impacted with a few choices select. Just look at how Bilibo's and Frodo's lives have been deeply impact from one chose of Bilbo finding and hiding the ring. Frodo deciding to be the Ring Bearer. Frodo is riding out to the end and try to destroy the Ring or all this will be for nothing in the end.

And the obligatory: what was your favorite part of this section?  

 I am sure that I am not alone in this one. I liked the battle between Gandalf and the Balrog. It was full of action and good verses evil. It is sad that Gandalf technically did win the battle, but the Balrog's whip caught him by the leg to drag him down as well. I know I only choose one this time. This is the one that turns the whole book in a totally different direction. I do think that Tolkien has so many life lessons in just this book.

Fellowship of the Ring Group Read Section 2

"It is no small thing to have come so far, and through such dangers, still bearing the Ring."

Welcome everyone to the second section of the Fellowship of the Ring read a Long. part one is here, if you would like to take a look at the post.

This week is my turn to decide what to ask the group. I could not believe that I had to narrow it down to 5 question. I could have asked so many more in this action packed part of The Fellowship of the Ring. I know that you have lives outside of books(scary thought), I did not want it to seem like a term paper or anything like that. This past week read chapters At the Sign of the Prancing Pony thru The Ring Goes South. Discussion posts are not to go up any sooner than Saturday. We( Little Red Reviewer, Stainless Steel Droppings or Geeky Daddy) you are added to the link lists so that everyone can see your bloggy thoughts as well.

Who twitters here? I do and if you do as well use the hashtag #LOTRreadalong for discussing this group read.
Other  Discussions:
 Little Red Reviewer
All BookedUp
Stainless Steel Droppings
The Written World
My Rammblings
Blue Fairy's Bookshelf
Mithril Wisdom

 Here are the questions below:
1. What was your initial thoughts of Strider/Aragorn when Hobbits met up with him in The Prancing Pony? Did you think that he was linked with the Riders?
2.What was the biggest surprised to you during this section of the Fellowship of the Ring?
3.Do you like that Tolkien goes in depth and tells the readers of the history events of the war that is upon the Fellowship?
4. How far do you think you would have lasted if you were Frodo and nearly becoming a Rider?
5. As dangerous quest unfold to become, the other hobbits want to stick by Frodo til the end. Would you sacrifice yourself and stick with Frodo til the end?

Here are the answers to my own questions:


1. What was your initial thoughts of Strider/Aragorn when Hobbits met up with him in The Prancing Pony? Did you think that he was linked with the Riders?
I was not that sure about him at first. I did feel the same way that Sam felt toward Strider(whatever his name is) just not that sure if I could trust him.At the Prancing Pony he was made to be an outsider and did not feel all that welcomed there at the inn. So how could the hobbits and readers really trust him from how he was being portrayed.

Well yes I did feel that Strider was connected to the Riders. Well that is until the later that the Butterbur failed to deliver to Frodo and the party. After reading Gandalf's letter then I was assured that Strider was the the travel guide that the hobbits needed.The last thing that the hobbits needed was to get themselves in anymore pickles. He was truly there to help the hobbit out and not lead them into some kind of a trap.

2.What was the biggest surprised to you during this section of the Fellowship of the Ring?

The biggest surprise to me in this section was finding out the true identity if Aragorn. He is the heir of Isildur. Yes the same Isildur that cut the One Ring from Sauron's hand. That right there just through me into a loop. It got me on the edge of my seat and wonder out loud. "Huh..now I did not see that whatsoever."

3.Do you like that Tolkien goes in depth and tells the readers of the history events of the war that is upon the Fellowship?

The  way that I grew up, yes I love this historical part of Tolkien. This is in my element, I grew up in a household(well my dad at least) that try to help you find out why we are dealing with the issues that is currently bestowed upon us.I
 like the stories that whomever it is and finding out when the hobbits and company are really try to get rid of the ring in the first place.

4. How far do you think you would have lasted if you were Frodo and nearly becoming a Rider?

I think that I am strong willed and have a high tolerance for pain. I do have about as good as luck that Frodo and the Hobbits have as well. I feel that I may have last as long as Frodo did with the help of his friends trying to get him the medical attention that he needed.

Well i would like to think that I would have lasted as long as Frodo anyways.

5. As dangerous quest unfold to become, the other hobbits want to stick by Frodo til the end. Would you sacrifice yourself and stick with Frodo til the end?

Who thought of a question like this I would like to know. Oh yeah it was me..:) As close as Frodo and the other hobbits are, I do not think any of them would even think of about leaving the party. They started this together and will end it together.

As for me, I would sacrifice myself to go with Frodo and it would matter what we would come up against. As long as we could get the quest accomplished I would be at  Frodo to the ends of Middle Earth.

Other Thoughts:
I thought that this sections was so much more serious than the first section. It seems that the fellowship is really starting to get down to business. I just could not believe how much more action there was in this part of the Fellowship of the Ring.

I surely hope that you come to join us with the last section of the Fellowship of the Ring. i just wonder what new things will we learn about Frodo, the Ring and anything that relates to the Fellowship. I hope to hear from you then.

Fellowship of the Ring Part 1

 Welcome to the Lord of the Rings Read a Long. During this month we as a group will be discussion The Fellowship of the Ring(FOTR). If you do a post, leave your link in the comments, and Little Red Reviewer and myself will edit our co-hosting pages to include a direct link to your post.Are you one twitter? use hashtag  #LOTRreadalong

This past week, we read the first 8 chapters, of the  FOTR. The kind Little Red Reviewer took care of the questions this time.In the FOTR the first 8 chapters we covered.  Here we go:

1. Hobbits seem to have songs for everything!  I didn't realize this was a musical. . . . how are you liking all the songs? 
2. I love that we learn about Gollum and his past so early on. It gives a dark and foreboding (dare I say, perilous?) feeling to the whole thing. Were you surprised that the story took a dive towards the dark and scary so quickly?
3. Tom Bombadil!  what and who is he???  If you met him in a forest, would you trust him?
4. What did you think when Pippin, Merry and Sam told Frodo about their "conspiracy", and that they pretty much knew what he was planning from the beginning?
5. What's your favorite part of the book so far?

View other  blog discussions:

Little Red Reviewer
Stainless Steel Droppings  
All Booked Up-Elena

1. Hobbits seem to have songs for everything!  I didn't realize this was a musical. . . . how are you liking all the songs? 
I never thought that you could have a musical in a book, but that is what it seems like right now. Tolkien did make it work. It does show you that during simple times, all you needed to do was strike up a song to lighten to mood a little bit.I sure do wish that was always the case, but not that sure if people would like to hear me sing in the first place.

Singing in a book is different, I for one am not all the use to it singing and being jolly during an adventure.

2. I love that we learn about Gollum and his past so early on. It gives a dark and foreboding (dare I say, perilous?) feeling to the whole thing. Were you surprised that the story took a dive towards the dark and scary so quickly?

I was not that surprised to learn about Gollum and his past so quickly. Frodo needed to know how Bilbo came into the possession of the ring. The past also shows how dark Gollum really is as well.He murdered to get his precious and then was consumed by the ring and that is all he thinks about.. It is interesting to find out that ring chooses who it goes with majority of the time. The ring might be shiny, but it show there is much more than meets the eye and the amount of history behind it is unreal.

3. Tom Bombadil!  what and who is he???  If you met him in a forest, would you trust him?

I do think that this Tom fellow is some kind of a cross between a elf and human. Maybe he was a love child or something.:) I do think that I would have to trust somebody that got my companions free from a Willow tree that was swallowing them whole.I would trust him enough to follow him home.

While reading this I sure do wish that I did live in Middle Earth. The kinds of adventures that these people sure do have. Just makes a season want to get away.


4. What did you think when Pippin, Merry and Sam told Frodo about their "conspiracy", and that they pretty much knew what he was planning from the beginning?


I thought that it was clever that they used Sam the most trusted one in the group as the spy. It was funny that Frodo was dumbfounded that they knew what he was planning on doing as soon as he could.There is so much more to Sam than meets the eye.
I think that this was great planning to really find out what Frodo was up to before he pulled wool over their eyes. This just shows that his friends will be with him until the end of the journey.

5. What's your favorite part of the book so far?

I will say that my favorite part  book is when the group goes  into the Haunted Old Forest. It reminds  when I was kid going into the forest behind my parents house when it was dark. You could swear that the trees were moving toward you and even talking. Also getting turned around was an easy feat as well.
I can relate that Frodo and his party quite easily.

This is all for the week discussion questions. Let me know what your thoughts are about the questions listed about. Next week I will be asking and answering the questions.

Lord of the Rings Read-A-Long Schedule(Updated)

Image via WikipediaI am sure that most of you are wondering when the Lord of the Rings Challenge is going to begin for the month of September. As of right now we are planning on starting the Fellowship of the Ring Book on September 3 or before if you are really getting antsy to read it.

The questions will be send out September 8th and the answers will be be on mine and Little Red Reviewer's blog on September 10 and whomever else  would like to blog with us.

• 1st week (Little Red Reviewer does questions) A long Expected Party thru Fog on the Barrows down (8 chapters)
• 2nd week (I do questions) At the sign of the prancing Pony thru The Ring Goes South (7 chapters)
• 3rd week (Little Red Reviewer does questions) A Journey in the Dark thru The Breaking of the Fellowship (7 chapters).  

We hope that this works out great for everyone participating. So tell all your friends about the event that is going to be taking place for the next couple of months. It is not to late to join in the LOTR Read-a-Long. You can sign up here or through Little Red Reviewer.