Record all the books I read in 2012

A continuation of the story of, “Gin.” Six months after the original novel, more journeys and more insight. A good conclusion, but a bit more teen angst then the first one. A very good read.

I don’t know how I stumbled across this YA novel, but I am very glad I did! A 17 year old travels from the US to London, then various other places following the instructions of her deceased artist aunt contained in 13 little blue envelopes.

The journey allowed me to reminisce about my own trip to the UK last Spring. It also gave me time to reflect on some of the things I and “Gin,” the main character learned along the way.

A much better read then Scarlet! This one had comedy, action & a happy ending. I was greatly relieved as I generally enjoy Lawhead’s writing & Scarlet was not up to par in my opinion.

In this culmination of the adventure King Bran looks for aid in his fight to regain his throne and after giving up, finally finds it. The seeds he has sown looking take fruit, but slowly. I really liked that about this story, a slow but steady pace leading to a fairly predictable but nice happy ending.

The second in this Robin Hood trilogy told from the viewpoint of Will Scarlet. I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the first. It felt like a bridge book from start to finish. The ending is very left up in the air, and if I had read this book without having three at hand I would be pissy.

Hopefully book three really completes the story. Book 2 was overall, okay, but not a page turner by any means!

The first in a trilogy that spins a very different hood tale. The “hood,” or King Raven in this story lives in Wales, not Sherwood Forest. it is a story that explores the effects of the Norman Conquest, taking place under the expansion rule of King William Rufus.

Bran, Prince of Elfael loses his land, his father. He is also seriously wounded in a flight from the usurpers of his land. His healing is more than just physical, he heals hurts and finds his love for his people. Thus begins his adventures into what we consider the main story, the thievery, and gifts to the poor.

This book starts slowly, but starts gaining momentum with an increasing look at the time period around 1093. The book ends leaving you ready to start the second one now!

I love Pratchett’s NON-disc world books so much more. Disc world can get cloying like the bottom dregs of hot chocolate. This book took a bit to get into, but then, it totally sucked me in. A great start for my reading list for the year!