Mistborn: The Hero of Ages

I just finished the third and final book in the series that I described previously. This book follows the characters into the final episode of the conflict until everything comes to an end.

I really enjoyed this book as well. I love the varying points of view presented in the book. And once again, I was very involved in the story. I also appreciated the thought-provoking ideas presented as the characters went through their various conflicts. I also was pleasantly surprised by the ending of the book--It was not what I was expecting, but I liked it. I'd highly recommend this series if you're looking for a good book (/books) to read.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Mistborn: The Well of Ascension

This is the second book in the series I started last month. I won't summarize this book because then it would give away how book one ended. So, suffice it to say that this book continues the story of the final empire.

This was another GREAT book. I was just completely enthralled in the story and wanted to read all the time. The story really just consumed my mind; I thought about the characters and events all the time. It was an exciting book where I kept trying to guess what would happen but was continually surprised.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma

The Mysterious Benedict Society and the Prisoner's Dilemma is the newest book in the Mysterious Benedict Society series by Trenton Lee Stewart. This series is the story of four young children--Reynie, Kate, Sticky, and Constance. These kids are not ordinary children, however. They were hand-selected by Mr. Benedict because they are very smart and very clever. The books tell the story of the children's adventures as they work to out-smart and defeat a criminal mastermind named Mr. Curtain.

I enjoyed this book. It was a fun story. The characters in these books are really distinct and likable, and their personalities just make the book really entertaining to read. This is a cute series--a recommendation for upper elementary kids.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Peter and the Sword of Mercy

Peter and the Sword of Mercy is the newest book in the Peter and the Starcatchers series by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson. This series is the background story behind Peter Pan and how he came to be the Peter we know. The first few books follow Peter and his friend Molly, whose father is a member of the Starcatchers, who search for "starstuff" that has fallen from the sky in hopes of protecting it from the "Others." This particular book takes place when Molly is all grown up and married and has three children, including a girl named Wendy.

I really liked reading this book. It was different from the earlier books in the series since it took place later in time, which made it kind of fun. This is a great series with a creative storyline. The books are entertaining with a lot of humor (Dave Barry's touch, I presume) but are also descriptive and exciting. I'd recommend this series to upper elementary kids or those of you older folks like me who enjoy kid series.

Rating: * * * (3/3 = Loved it)

Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking When Stakes are High

One of my cousins mentioned this book on her blog a few months ago, and I decided it would be an interesting read. Crucial Conversations explains how we can better approach the "crucial" conversations we have each day in our family, friend, and work relationships. The book presents strategies that can be used to avoid arguments and have open communication with those around us.

This was a really enlightening book. It helped me see where I have weaknesses in my conversation skills and how I can really handle some communication situations a lot better. I don't read many books like this, so it was kind of fun to read a new type of book and to learn from all the examples presented.

Rating: * * (2/3 = Liked it)