Age before me, I suppose

Book 45 - A book your mom loves

The Villa by Nora Roberts

Let's start by discussing the things that we assumed, and then move onto those that were, almost, tear-shocking.

Nora Roberts only writes novels about romance. People, though there was romance within the novel, there was so much more to the story.

Moma's taste in novels is sub-par. Furthermore, we must refrain from such comments as she has now risen in my books.

This book won't set me back in my challenge. 

Now to those things that brought a hand to my mouth and almost made me drop the novel. 

The story line was full of devious secreters and all their lying plots. The only trouble was picking them out of the circle that was the main characters' prestigious family. Yes, you will be surprised by the ending. I didn't see it coming and, after further investigation, neither did Moma. Also, I ended up hanging off a few cliffs. (That did nothing to my already surprised state.) 

This whole time I just assumed that romance novels were nothing but romance, and therefore; couldn't possibly hold a place on my bookshelf.

The pages have turned.

Finally, you can count as well as I can. There are five books left to read, and only four weeks left in the year. I'd also like to mention that I may never get through if people continue in this festive mood of planning parties and get-togethers. (I say that with the utmost quality of love.)

Happy reading! this is t-bear signing off

The Hairy Dog Father

Book 44 - A book set somewhere you've always wanted to visit

 

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

 

You may look at the challenge and argue that the place I have chosen is not real, and therefore; I should disqualify myself immediately.

For those of you out there who are readers, you will understand. Visiting the fantastical places that I have read about in books is definitely not an "out there" desire.

I can't even count the number of years where I have sat around on September 1st wishing that I were on the Hogwarts Express.

Although, I would love to someday visit The Wizarding World of Harry Potter in Orlando, it is really just a representation of the movies. The books, as we all know, are just so much better.

If I had to choose my favorite film of the Harry Potter eight, I would have to say that the third rises above.

I loved the emotion of the seventh duo, and the newness of the first tale; but I just can't think about the series without that glorious Prisoner of Azkaban.

It may have something to do with the new Dumbledore or maybe the different set. No matter the reason, something fantastical is the film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban.

Lessons from the novel include;

- Hippogriff riding

- Patronus casting (If you don't know what that is, read this novel. The movie questions our belief in alien invasion)

- Don't befriend strange rats just because a Weasley says so

- Hogsmeade really isn't worth sneaking out for

- Black dogs maybe aren't as terrifying as Professor Trelawney makes them out to be

- Maps are sometimes easily concealed

 

Now let's not bring ourselves down by continuing too far with this idea of visiting Hogwarts. After all, we do have reality to look forward to; and that's not always a nice cup of chocolatey chai tea.

 

Farewell for now, this is t-bear signing off

The Chamber Isn't Always Secret

Book 43 - A book with magic

 

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

 

There is a saying about starting things and never finishing them.

I imagine if you took a stroll through the life of a middle aged man, you would encounter many projects that have been started and never finished.

On the other side of the world, if your 21 year old self claims to have OCD and can't start something without seeing the last something through; then you will understand why I have chosen to proceed in such a fashion.

If you will turn your attention back to the 33rd challenge, you will note that I have, once again, read a chapter from the library of Ms. Rowling.

Harry Potter is one of those series' that should be started at the beginning, and then read all the way through to the wonderfully tragic ending of the seventh and final novel. (You will note that this is not the case for me, and it saddens me greatly.)

As I read the first novel some weeks ago, I felt it was high time I returned to the beautiful pages. Unfortunately, I will not be able to proceed any further than the third novel as the remaining four do not fit into my challenge criteria. (Have no fear, I have plans to continue the party in the new year.)

Enough about me, let's turn our minds to the story...

As you won't recall, (unless you are following me in this book challenge and/or have recently read the first novel) we left Harry on his way back to the Dursley's for the summer break. He wasn't happy about it, but he took with him the joyful idea that he would be spending part of the summer at the home of the Weasley's. Don't worry, he is not denied that joy.

As Harry returns to Hogwarts for his second year, he is challenged by some rather large creatures. (Pun entirely intended.)

With the presence of Gilderoy Lockhart, hearing voices in his head, the opening of the Chamber of Secrets and the sad idea that Hogwarts may have to be closed forever; we witness a threatening of the innocence of our dear 12 year old Harry.

If you are also feeling Harry Potter deprived, tune in next time to hear about the Prisoner of Azkaban!

 

Much love, this is t-bear signing off

North Dogs

Book 42 - A book you pre-ordered

Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan

If you know me at all, then I don't think you need to question why I pre-ordered this novel.

Months ago, while browsing social media, I came upon the cover of this novel and had to check into it. Much to my delight, this novel is the debarkation of a new series; written by our dear Uncle Rick.

I am often concerned about pre-ordering books because I don't know if I will actually enjoy the novel. This is not the case with Uncle Rick. He wouldn't even need to release the name and I would buy the novel.

As you may remember, the trio of novels that I read for the seventh challenge were about Egyptian gods. If we just back up a little further to the second challenge, you will note that that novel was about Roman and Greek gods.

Well, this challenge breaks away from both of those series', however; you will take note of the lovely addition of a beloved female character from the Greek and Roman series'. (I guess he just couldn't help including her.)

Anywho, this novel is about Norse gods (think Odin, Thor, Loki, etc.), however; we aren't talking Hollywood altered story lines. This is the real deal. 

First of all, *spoileralert* (though you will find this out in the first few chapters), the main character dies and is sent to live in Valhalla which is one of the afterlife places to live. He ends up questing with a Valkyrie, a dwarf and an elf, which is a little different from the usual demigod group of questers.

Second, the story doesn't just take place in our world, there are nine worlds, which means that the characters do a little world jumping during their journey. The strangest idea is picturing them climbing the massive World Tree.

Lastly, if you doubted that Uncle Rick would add his usual sarcasm, you will be nicely surprised. The main character shares all of that wonderful sass that just reminds me so much of dear Percy Jackson.

Now, this is normally the part where I would strongly suggest that you read the novel, because it's just such a wonderfully written tale; but I think I'm a bit biased in that area. I can say that if you have read one of Uncle Rick's novels before and enjoyed it, then you will enjoy this piece of awesome.

Winter is coming, this is t-bear signing off