Lankylil's 2012 reading log.

24. The Case for Easter: A Journalist Investigates the Evidence for the Resurrection: by Lee Strobel

"Did Jesus of Nazareth really rise from the dead? Of the many world religions, only one claims that its founder returned from the grave. The resurrection of Jesus Christ is the very cornerstone of Christianity. But a dead man coming back to life? In our sophisticated age, when myth has given way to science, who can take such a claim seriously? Some argue that Jesus never died on the cross. Conflicting accounts make the empty tomb seem suspect. And post-crucifixion sightings of Jesus have been explained in psychological terms.How credible is the evidence for---and against---the resurrection? Focusing his award-winning skills as a legal journalist on history's most compelling enigma, Lee Strobel retraces the startling findings that led him from atheism to belief. Drawing on expert testimony first shared in his blockbuster book The Case for Christ, Strobel examines: The Medical Evidence---Was Jesus' death a sham and his resurrection a hoax? The Evidence of the Missing Body---Was Jesus' body really absent from his tomb? The Evidence of Appearances---Was Jesus seen alive after his death on the cross? Written in a hard-hitting journalistic style, The Case for Easter probes the core issues of the resurrection. Jesus Christ, risen from the dead: superstitious myth or life-changing reality? The evidence is in. The verdict is up to you."

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Case-Easter-Ressurrection-ebook/dp/B000SESHY4/ref=sr_1_4?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1334476919&sr=1-4

This was an interesting read. Lee was a journalist for the Chicago Tribune with journalism and law degrees. He was an atheist. His wife converted to Christianity … and he decided to investigate Christianity in the same way that he would any other journalistic piece of work. He spoke to leading experts in various fields about crucifixion and resurrection. The purpose of the research was to debunk his wife’s new belief system. The proof that he was presented with convinced him of the reality of Jesus and he became a Christian himself.

I am already a Christian myself so the book only verified some of the things that I already knew. I did like Lee Strobel’s way of methodically looking at each aspect of the core basis of the Christian faith … the book isn’t fussy or bogged down in unnecessary long explanations. Instead the language is simple and to the point. He took his questions to the experts and let them explain their beliefs and evidence. The evidence, in my opinion, is irrefutable but as I have already stated, I am already a Christian.

A lot of the information presented in the book I already knew. However, some of the medical aspects were new to me and I found it interesting (if somewhat distressing in places). The medical side of the crucifixion was examined and discussed. A very detailed description of each stage of the process proves that it could not have been survived and the talk of Jesus actually swooning on the cross and being taken down (believed dead) is debunked. Valid points are made about society at that time, about women and class.

One point that I thought was well made was that of the Disciples after Jesus had left them. They spent the rest of their lives proclaiming that the man that they knew was the Son of God. Now, if Jesus had really been mortal and died on the cross, they would have known that they were wrong about Him. The normal response to this would have been for them to try to take up the threads of their previous lives and forget that they had ever met Him. Instead they allowed themselves to live the rest of their lives in poverty, being beaten and tortured in the name of Jesus. It would seem a high price to pay for a lie.

25. Delver Magic Book III: Balance of Fate by Jeff Inlo

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Delver-Magic-Book-III-ebook/dp/B0030ZRWA8/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1334479005&sr=1-1

"Ryson Acumen finds that his time of service to the people of Uton is not yet complete. Together with Holli Brances and Lief Woodson, they must work together once more to end a growing threat and to meet their own undeniable destinies. Their cause is not without loss or sacrifice as they struggle to battle grotesque forces of malevolence. Under the conniving guidance of the serp Sazar, legions of dark creatures rise out of Dark Spruce Forest and the serp turns his lustful eyes eastward. Targeting the outposts and farmlands surrounding Connel, Sazar forms a dark army to conquer the human city.

Even as Ryson and his elf friends struggle against such foes, they look to the powerful wizard Enin for aid, but the spell caster remains withdrawn from nearly every clash. It is within him to decimate the entire horde, but the consequences of such intended actions trouble Enin's very soul. An understanding of balance has taught the wizard more than caution; it has led him to the presence of a being of equal power, but a creature with intentions of malice. Enin's unwillingness to interfere in the choices of individuals is born of the belief that he must allow all those around him to seek their own path as well as their own ultimate fate."

This is the third book in this series. Once again the friends are called to defend. To defeat the dark magic that is pervading the whole land. The Serp that was introduced earlier in the series has once more reared his ugly and greedy head. This time he seeks yet more power and approaches a talented sorcerous to help him. Whilst everyone is preoccupied in defending against this new threat, an even greater one lurks ready to pounce!

Enin frustrated me a lot in this book. It wasn’t so much his inaction but his way of talking and thinking. I felt like screaming at him to “get to the point”. Whilst I appreciate this was a way of showing the Wizards character and personality, it did get very frustrating as he over-explained so many things. It did make me begin to dread some of the passages that he was featured in.

There was a shock when one of the friends, one of my favourite characters, is killed. I sat staring at the page in disbelief, waiting for this person to leap out and explain how they had escaped … but they did die.

I keep waiting for Hollie and Sy to become romantically involved … I know that she is an Elf and he is a human … so I don’t know if they’d even be allowed to have a relationship but I keep thinking how well suited they are!

I enjoyed this book … my only criticism is one that I have already mentioned (Enin). I believe that anyone that enjoys the Lord of The Rings books would enjoy this series too. The plot continues to be well thought out and explained. The characters are likeable and hateful (depending on who they are). The story is thought provoking as it encourages the reader to think about good and evil, balance, action and inaction, consequences and repercussions. I am now reading book 4 in this series.

“Ryson Acumen battles frustration and fatigue as another struggle unfolds before him. A growing conflict threatens to engulf Uton from the western shores to the eastern plains. Illusions abound after the magic from an erratic sorceress alters the corridors of life and death, and the delver faces internal doubts as well as horrific monsters.
A treacherous creation first hunts the dark creatures of a nightmare realm, but the danger quickly falls back upon Uton. Forced to choose between divergent paths, Ryson must rely on others to defend the person he cares about the most. He can only hope his friends are able to defeat a new menace that revives old fears.
While the delver ventures into the Lacobian Desert, cliff behemoths vow to protect his wife, Linda, just as the elf guard, Holli Brances, leads spell casters against an unknown and dangerous foe in the abandoned town of Pinesway. Even the powerful wizard, Enin, enters the clash in hopes of ending the conflict before too many lives are lost. It is ultimately up to Ryson Acumen to defeat his inner demons and to find the answers that will save Uton and all its inhabitants.”

What a great read! Something dark and powerful is seeking to control Uton. It is trying to obliterate everything good by sending out dark creatures. These dark creatures have always been disorganised and self-seeking, except when they’d previously been under the control of Sazer, the Serp. Now they are united again, driven by the false promises and desires of this dark monster.

Now the races must unite again if they have any chance of succeeding before the dark forces move to rid Uton of everything good. The Dwarves are eager to redeem their past transgressions but not all races are quick to forgive. An old friend reappears to redeem himself. I was happy to see Dzeb enter the story again as I love this character.

Ryson, Linda and Enin seem to be particular targets of the dark power, so they must part company to spread the dark forces further apart. Ryson understandably rebels at the idea but it’s more than that … he begins to doubt himself. He is tired. More than tired. He longs for an ordinary life. His recent life seems to have been battle after battle and he begins to doubt as to whether his interference and sacrifices have really made a difference.

The story moves quickly towards the battle of good against evil. It reminded me of the end of the days (Revelations). It’s nail-biting reading!

I think that one of the reasons that I have enjoyed this series so much (aside from the wonderful characters) is that there are no loop holes that leave me wondering about how something could have happened. Everything that happens is well thought out and makes sense. Every thread of plot interweaves perfectly into the bigger story. The story may be a fantasy but the fantastical does make sense when you lose yourself in the plot.

I look forward to reading book 5.

“He has resisted temptation for centuries – until he meets someone whose heart is as frozen as his… With a dagger in her hand and vengeance on her mind, Elise Chase prowls Boston’s streets in search of retribution against the Rogue vampires who took from her everything she cherished. Using her psychic gift she stalks her prey, well aware that the power she possesses is destroying her. She must learn to harness this gift and for that she can turn to only one man – the vampire Tegan.
Tegan is no stranger to loss and he knows fury, but when he slays his enemies it is with ice in his veins. He is perfect in his self-control – until Elise seeks his aid. An unholy alliance is forged, one which will plunge them into a tempest of danger, desire, and the darkest passions of the heart…”

This story was just as engrossing as the previous two. There is once more that perfect mix of the larger, on-going plot that follows through each story and then the individual tale of Breedmale warriors in each book.

The story of The Breed, The Order, The Ancients, The Rogues and the fight to protect humanity runs through each book. The action is fast, fierce, bloody and sometimes devastating when people lose loved ones. The Warriors are fierce Breedmales. Their reputation has been built upon and despite the good that they do, the self-sacrifice and honour … they are regarded with suspicion and caution. They are huge, gorgeous, sexy and wild. Dangerous, passionate and every inch the dominating male.

Tegan is a consummate Warrior. He is also a loner. A powerful Gen One. Even his comrades treat him with caution and respect. He loved once, only to have his mate tortured and raped. She’d been brutally treated and returned fit only for a merciful death. He’d vowed never to give his heart again.

Elise is also a shell of her previous self. She has led a protected and sheltered life in the Darkhavens, mixing only with the most refined and genteel of her kind. However, the death of her mate and then her teenage son, has left her reeling and looking for revenge.

Tegan and Elise have both loved and lost. Both on a mission to rid the world of rogues and minions. Both trying desperately to protect their hearts from any more pain.

Perfect for each other!

I found Tegan a really attractive character. He was like a wounded lion, roaring at anyone that got too close. He was part of the Order and yet not a cohesive unit like the others. He was too afraid to form any kind of relationship, even friendship. His emotional protective walls had been carefully constructed over centuries. He was a dangerous, avenging angel, swooping down on evil and leaving ash in his wake. A hard, invincible shell wrapped in a gorgeous package and with a well-hidden, tender, kind heart. What woman could resist that?

This is a wonderful series and I look forward to reading the next book.

Midnight Rising (Midnight Breed Book 4) by Lara Adrian

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Midnight-Rising-Breed-ebook/dp/B004E9SYF6/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1335392125&sr=1-1

“In a world of shadows and consuming passions, desire is the deadliest weapon… Fuelled by pain and rage over a shattering betrayal, the warrior Rio has pledged his life to the war against the Rogues. He will let nothing stand in his way – least of all a mortal woman who carries a secret power. But now an ancient evil has been awakened and a new darkness is on the rise. For journalist Dylan Alexander, it began in Prague, where suddenly she is at the centre of a gathering storm of violence and secrets. But nothing is as dangerous as the scarred, lethally seductive man who appears from the shadows to plunge her into his world of dark desire and endless night. Very soon Dylan will have to choose: leave Rio’s midnight realm, or risk everything for the man who has shown her infinite pleasures of the heart…”

Rio is a warrior at the end of his tether. Haunted by his past and betrayed by his Breedmate, the woman he loved, he wants nothing more than to fade into oblivion.

Dylan is the spunky reporter who asks too many questions and doesn’t know when to leave well enough alone.

Rio finds himself attracted to her but knows that no woman would ever truly be attracted to a man as badly scarred, emotionally and physically, as he is.

Then there is the awful truth that an Ancient One is still alive and somewhere in the world. And an evil Gen one is determined to take advantage of the Ancient One in order to gain power …. The Order want to stop him but they need to find him first.

Dylan’s Mother is dying of cancer whilst Dylan is trapped in a world of secrecy and confusion. And like all Breedmates, Dylan has a gift … one that not many people would envy …

The series continues to deliver … romance, sex, action … it has it all. Like all the other books you have the story of a Warrior Breedmale meeting his Breedmate amid the larger story of The Order trying to protect humanity against the evils that it is in ignorance of.

I enjoyed this book with the exception of the decision to set a sex scene in a church. It could have been set in any dis-used building and I didn’t like the decision to have an alien vampire romping in a holy place. It seemed disrespectful. I hope that there are no other scenes like this or I may have to reconsider continuing the series, despite my enjoyment of it.

29. Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden, book 1) by Julie Kagawa

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/reader/184845094X/ref=sr_1_1?p=S002&keywords=blood+of+eden+julie+kagawa&ie=UTF8&qid=1335725235

“My Vampire Creator Told Me This: Sometime in your life, Allison Sekemoto, you will kill a human being. The question is not if it will happen, but when. Do you understand?
I didn't then, not really. I DO NOW.
In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity.
Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten. Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of them. The vampires who killed her mother and keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked - and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters. Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must work with her vampire creator and learn the rules of being immortal. Including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.
When Allison is separated from her creator, she flees into the unknown, the world outside her vampire city, beyond the wall. There she joins a ragged band of humans who don't know what she is, seeking a legend - a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.”

I am a HUGE fan of the Iron Fey series by Julie Kagawa and have recommended it to all my friends. I therefore looked forward to reading this book, especially after I’d read that it had been optioned for a movie before the book had even been released!

I found the book a little slow at first, which gave me doubts, as I wasn’t as immediately gripped as I had been with The Iron fey.

However, I am glad that persevered as I became immersed in the story to the point of finding it difficult to put down. There were a few scenes that had my heart beating faster, when I became genuinely concerned for Allison’s safety.

I finished the book and jumped straight on to Amazon to pre-order the sequel … which is unfortunately unavailable yet (no shocker as the book was only released a couple of days ago!).

Although I definitely preferred the Iron fey series (which is now listed amongst my favourite books), I did enjoy this book and look forward to the others in the series.

30. The Abortionist by Colin Cohen

http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Abortionist-ebook/dp/B002BWQ60S/ref=sr_1_2?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1336229918&sr=1-2

“In the not-too-distant future, where abortion is legal until the 18th year, the mentally-disabled daughter of a pro-life senator discovers an abortionist coming for her just days before achieving personhood, leading to a fast-paced chase through a dangerous city, where friends and foes are indiscernible. And the aging abortionist, whose sagging career depends on the girl's termination, must struggle not only to find her in time, but to survive himself when a mysterious stranger enters the hunt. But most of all, he must struggle with his own past.
The Abortionist is part thriller, part Swiftian satire. It is the story of the insatiable desire to live, and one man's unsought chance for redemption.
-----------------------
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 257 KB
Print Length: 200 pages”

This was a fairly short read with a storyline similar to a few books and films that I’ve read and seen over the last year ~ one that examines the morality of abortion and the possibility of post-birth termination. Whilst it wasn’t as detailed or thought-provoking as “Unwind” by Neal Shusterman, this was a good read. The hypocrisy of people and society’s negligence of less fortunate citizens is examined … there is a brief but disturbing scene where an old man is being eaten by feral dogs and no-one seems to care other than the young woman whose own life is in danger. There are a couple of fairly predictable twists to the story but I enjoyed the book none the less.

31. Veil of Midnight (Midnight Breed book 5) by Lara Adrian

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Veil-Midnight-Breed-ebook/dp/B004EBUUCO/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1336229749&sr=8-2

32. Clarity (Cursed book 2) by Claire Farrell

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Clarity-Cursed-2-ebook/dp/B007RHLTZY/ref=sr_1_sc_3?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1336229118&sr=1-3-spell

“Perdita’s still dealing with the consequences of her actions when her enemies change their targets with no warning, but it’s the unexpected betrayal of those closest to her that hurts the most. When her world shifts beneath her, Perdy has to figure out how to stay standing without losing any more of herself to the werewolves.
Nathan’s watching everyone pull away from him, but he can’t control his destiny. He’s trying to protect his loved ones, but something always seems to get in the way. A public attack has everyone talking about wolves, and all eyes are on his family. His grandfather has lost his mind, and Nathan’s caught in the crossfire, but all of his choices will cost him a sacrifice. One way or another.
Nobody’s watching Amelia… Big mistake.
Product details
Format: Kindle Edition
File Size: 326 KB”

Noooo, I just finished this book and want to know what happens now but the next book hasn’t been published yet!

Nathan’s Grand Mother is dead and it feels like his family is falling apart. His Grand Father disappears but then returns, with a complete character change, to the point that Nathan doubts his sanity. Nathan wants his uncle Byron to take charge but he seems reluctant to. His cousin reappears and Nathan is unsure as to whether to trust him. Amelia is suffering from disturbing dreams that she believes to be more than they seem. She is also plagued with awful headaches.

The one constant in Nathan’s turbulent life is Perdy. The curse brought them together (in the book “Verity”, Cursed book 1) and he finds their mutual physical attraction mounting, despite the fact that their world is spiralling out of control.

Perdy is plagued by doubts. She is unhappy with how the wolves have taken over her life in such a short period of time, especially when a loved one is attacked. She is worried about Nathan. When she met him he was gentle and mild-mannered. However, he is starting to show a darker, more fiery side that she doesn’t like. That she is a little afraid of.

Betrayals and unexpected alliances, love and passion, doubts and confusion. This Y.A book is another great read from Claire Farrell and the only disappointing part was the fact that I couldn’t immediately start reading book 3!!!