Mockingjay

I have enjoyed this set of books. At first I avoid them since everyone loved them so...but I have to admit they were as good as people said.

I enjoyed this end installment. It stayed true to the characters and did not go how I thought it would. While I had been able to guess some of the plot twists I did find my self saying "Oh no she did not just do that!"
That makes this read well worth while

Remember the Promise

This is a $1 find I got from DI. It is a portion of the talks given that EFY conference for 2001.

While it is not all the speakers it has a nice variety.

Not a real thought provoker but still an OK read.

I really enjoyed some of my favorite speakers portions.

The Measure of Magic

Every August I get to read the latest Terry Brooks novel.

This is the 2nd book in a two part set.

It picks up seconds after the first one ended and moves quickly forward.

The characters are likable and the magic that is Shannara is added too.
My only complaint is that it seemed to end quickly and easily. May be too easily.

If you are new to the Shannara world this comes before Sword but should be read after you read the main 3. (IMHO)

Brooks has been accused of writing formula books but hey...when it works it works.

Assassin's Apprentice

I again really wanted to like this book. The plot sounded like a new look at fantasy. A bastard son of a Prince is turned over to be trained as a Royal assassin.

I found this hard to get into. Overall it sounded like a Prequel to more books that are coming. I guess there are more books and I may go to them some time in the future but have found myself not wanting to rush out and start the 2nd book.

I think what I found most bothersome with this book was that it was told from the 1st persons point of view remembering his life.

The problem with this style of writing is that you already know that they get out of any trouble they are in.

I also found the day to day recap of his life growing up very slow.

I wanted death and how he learns to deal it out, not taking care of horses or being hungry and tired from his chores.

I do see how some people can fall in love with this book and the world it has created.

In fact the world of the book is wonderful and the best part of the book I think.