Monday, March 28, 2011

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.

We put our clocks one hour forward Sunday morning, and it really messed with my sleeping pattern. I feel jetlagged; I couldn't sleep until three in the morning yesterday and today I'm so tired all I want to do is fall asleep on the couch. I love the fact that we have one more hour of daylight at night, but I hope my system adjusts soon!

FINISHED LAST WEEK
While not falling asleep last night I finished Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder, a YA dystopian. I haven't read much from that particular genre, but I throught this one was pretty good. I will try to have a review up on Wednesday.

I also posted my review of Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer.
 
CURRENTLY READING
Cinderella: Ninja Warrior by Maureen McGowan. Besides being a fantastic idea and having beautiful cover art, it's actually a choose your own adventure story, which is something I haven't come across since reading Donald Duck pocket books when I was a kid.

WHAT'S NEXT
I can't wait to read Outside In by Maria V. Snyder and see what will happen to Trella and the others.

What are you reading this week?

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Review: Artemis Fowl



Artemis Fowl
By Eoin Colfer

First published: 2001
Series: Artemis Fowl #1

Read: 13 - 20 March 2011
Pages: 280
Challenges: 1st in a Series Challenge #4
Myster & Suspense Challenge #4

From the cover
"Stay back, human. You don't know what you are dealing with."

Twelve-year-old Artemis Fowl is a brilliant criminal mastermind. But even Artemis doesn't know what he's taken on when he kidnaps a fairy, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon Unit. These aren't the fairies of bedtime stories. These fairies are armed and they're dangerous. Artemis thnks he's got them just where he wants them, but then they stop playing by the rules...

Fairies and leprechauns and dwarves, oh my!

Artemis Fowl is a fast-paced, action-packed story full of creatures from Irish mythology. This was my first time reading about fairies, and I don't think it will be my last, even though these particular fairis might not be representative of the genre.

After Harry Potter I have almost come to expect all children's/YA books to appeal to adults as well, and although some do, others are clearly written solely with a younger audience in mind. Artemis Fowl belongs in the latter category, and although I had fun while reading it, it did make me feel like I wasn't the intended reader. I found it childish at times, especially in its descriptions of the dwarves' anatomy and how they build tunnels, which is the very thing I expect many children will adore. That being said, I enjoyed learning about the fairy community and their technology and mythology.

I also liked Captain Holly Short, the fairy Artemis kidnaps in order to exchange her for fairy gold. She's a smart gal trying to survive in a man's world as the only female LEPrecon officer. Some of the supporting characters like the tough, but soft-hearted Commander Root, and Butler, Artemis' personal servant and bodyguard, were quite interesting and seemed more developed than the main characters. My favourite was the centaur Foaly, who is the techno wiz of the LEPrecon Unit and has the best one-liners.

I'm still not sure what to make of Artemis though. Child prodigy, yes; sympathetic, not really. He does have some redeeming moments, especially when it comes to his mother, but he's also as cold and calculating as any James Bond villain. Even though Artemis is the main character (after all the book is named after him), I was rooting for Holly and her team. It will be interesting to see how Artemis develops through the rest of the series.

Best: The organisation and magical system of the fairy community.

Worst: The commentary on environmental issues, although some of them true, started to feel preachy after a while.

Bottom line: A fast-paced, fun-filled action story with a twist on Irish mythology that is sure to delight younger readers (and a probably quite a few adults too).


My rating:


The Artemis Fowl series
  1. Artemis Fowl (2001)
  2. The Arctic Incident (2002)
  3. The Eternity Code (2003)
  4. The Opal Deception (2005)
  5. The Lost Colony (2006)
  6. The Time Paradox (2008)
  7. The Atlantis Complex (2010)

Friday, March 25, 2011

Book Blogger Hop

I haven't been hopping for a while, so I thought today might be a good day for it (it's The Big Waffle Day!).

The Book Blogger Hop is hosted by Jennifer at Crazy For Books. Each week she asks a question so that blogger can get to know each other a little bit better. This weekend the question is:

If you could physically put yourself into a book or series ... which one would it be and why?

Oh, that's a tough one! Many of my favourite books are great to read, but I don't think I would want to physically experience them. Like many others I think the Harry Potter series would be wonderful to visit; I would love to see Hogwarts and perhaps practice some magic. Another option is Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman, because London Below sounds like a fantastic place to experience. Yet another option is the No. 1 Ladies' Detective Agency series by Alexander McCall Smith, because I've never been to Africa and a conversation with Mma Ramotswe over a cup of hot bush tea might just make me a little bit wiser. But the book I really want to visit is Winter Solstice by Rosamunde Pilcher, because being stuck in a snowstorm in a small town in Scotland during Christmas sounds just perfect.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Booking Through Thursday - Series or Stand-alone?

Booking Through Thursday is a weekly meme about (mostly) books and reading.

This week's question is:

Series? Or stand-alone books?

Both, please! I like stand-alone books because they wrap up the story and give me a sense of fulfillment when I finished them. I also like series because they allow me to really get to know the characters and spend more time with them. I used to read mostly stand-alones, but lately I seem to gravitate more towards series. I must have close to a hundred different series I have started or want to start. Perhaps it's time to think about finishing some of them. ;)

The problem with series is that I always have to read them in order. I hate starting in the middle of a series, because I'm afraid I might have missed something vital to the story. Also, I don't like having to wait forever to read the next book in the series (I'm looking at you, Republic of Thieves), and some series seem to go on forever without moving forward at all (I'm looking at you, Stephaine Plum). Perhaps trilogies are the perfect compromise; short enough not to lose its appeal, and long enough to get to know the characters and their story (i.e. Inkheart).

Monday, March 21, 2011

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.

Happy Spring Equinox!

Aaand it's snowing again... Bugger. The forecast says it will continue snowing well into next week. I know I have said this a few times now, but I really wish winter would be over soon. I can't wait for sunshine, warmer weather, no more wool caps and a chance to wear my new shoes. But I guess this the price I have to pay for six weeks of midnight sun during the summer...

Reading-wise this year has been my best so far. I had to update my personal reading goal from 40 to 45 books, and I am already at 31 per cent. If I can keep this up, I might even get to 50 books this year, which is way more than I had hoped for. I'm really enjoying reading right now, and that is a wonderful feeling.

FINISHED LAST WEEK
I read my first digital book on the laptop, and even though it probably took me a bit longer to read it than a paper book, I found it a lot more enjoyable than I had anticipated. It probably also helped that the book was very good. Check out my review of The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern. I would like to read more by this author; any reccommendations?

I also finished Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer, which was fun, action-packed and full of strange creatures I have never read about before. Review coming later this week.

CURRENTLY READING

I started Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder last night. I'm only 30 pages in, but so far it sounds very interesting and I can't wait to finish work and continue reading. That's a good sign, right?

I will also start Cinderella: Ninja Warrior by Maureen McGowan today. It's an e-book that I will be reading on my computer, and it sounds like a lot of fun. And isn't that cover gorgeous?

WHAT'S NEXT
I will probably start the sequel to Inside Out, Outside In by Maria V. Snyder, as soon I finish the first one.

What are you up to this week?

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Are You a Hardcover or Paperback Book?

I wanted to post this because this describes me to a tee!

You Are a Paperback Book

You are an avid reader, and you probably buy a lot of books. And nothing beats an inexpensive paperback you can carry around.

You read whatever you feel like reading. You aren't a snob, and you aren't ashamed of your tastes.

You always have a stack of books to get through, and it seems to be constantly multiplying.
You don't mind waiting for a book you want to come out in paperback. You have plenty to read in the meantime!

Take the quiz here

Friday, March 18, 2011

Review: The Book of Tomorrow

The Book of Tomorrow
By Cecelia Ahern

US publishing date: 25 January 2011 by HarperCollins
First published 2009
Read: 5 - 16 March 2011

E-galley provided by the publisher through NetGalley.

From the publisher
Born into the lap of luxury, comfortable in the here and now, spoiled, tempestuous sixteen-year-old Tamara Goodwin has never had to look toward tomorrow. Until the abrupt death of her father irrevocably shakes her world. Suddenly all that’s left of Tamara’s old life is a mountain of debt, and she and her mother are forced to move in with Tamara’s uncle and aunt a million miles away from the world she knows.

In this tiny village in the Irish countryside, with no access to Facebook or Twitter, Tamara is lonely and bored—her only diversion is a traveling library run by a cute local boy named Marcus. There she finds a large leatherbound book with a gold clasp and padlock, but no author name or title. Intrigued, she pries the lock open. And what she finds inside takes her breath away.

Tamara finds entries written in her handwriting and dated for the next day. At first, she’s skeptical. But when the next day happens exactly as recorded, Tamara realizes she’s found a way to solve mysteries that are seemingly out of her control, like what is wrong with her mother and why won’t they let the local doctor examine her? And why does her meek Aunt Rosaleen rip the mail out of her hands, prevent her from seeing her mother, and evade questions about their mysterious neighbor? Determined to find answers, Tamara learns that some pages are better left unturned and that, try as she might, she can’t interfere with fate.

This is the first book I have read by Cecelia Ahern, and I had heard mixed reviews of it beforehand, so I didn't really have any high expectations. Maybe this was a good thing; I don't know, but either way I was pleasantly surprised right from the beginning.

Even though the narrator Tamara is in her teens, the book is categorised as adult fiction (at least it was on NetGalley). I think it is a sort of cross between YA and adult that will appeal to a wide audience. I certainly enjoyed reading it, and I think my 16-year-old self would have too.

Ahern has done a wonderful job of setting the mood in this novel. It has a gothic feel to it, with a castle in ruins, a strange woman across the road, oddly-behaving family members and secrets looming in the distance. One particular chapter really made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end and I experienced that familiar feeling of being watched together with Tamara.

Many of the reviews I have read mention how Tamara is a spoiled brat and several people say they had trouble connecting with her. I didn't have that problem; I actually liked her from the beginning. Yes, she used to be the little rich girl who would get everything she pointed at, but when the book starts she has already changed. And she keeps on changing for the better throughout the story. She may have the occasional relapse into her old ways, but I forgave her that because after all she has essentially lost everything she knew and loved. At least she knows that the way she used to behave was wrong and she is trying hard to be a better person. I admire her for that.

The rest of the cast is also very interesting. Aunt Rosaleen was perfectly creepy and mysterious, and I would have hated having to live with her. If she had not been hiding something I would have been very disappointed. Arthur seemed like the classic henpecked husband, but he did show some backbone from time to time. I loved Marcus the bookbus driver, and Weseley was a real nice guy too. But my favourite character was Sister Ignatius, the quirky old nun who tends bees and reads Mills and Boon books.

The Book of Tomorrow is full of mystery and unanswered questions, and I enjoyed seeing every secret slowly being unravelled. I have only a few complaints, none of which are big enough to ruin the experience for me:

– The subplot with Marcus was never really resolved, but I guess that's life sometimes; you can't work out everything with everyone.
– The diary was put aside a little too easily despite being such a big part of the story.
– The ending was satisfactory, but felt a bit rushed.

Incidentally, Tamara has the same birthday as me. I know it's irrational, but it made me feel like there was some sort of connection between us. Imagine if I had been able to read this ten years ago; we would have been BFFs before the end.

Best: The gothic mood and the magical element.

Worst: The last few chapters felt a little rushed.

Bottom line: An intriguing and mysterious story with a sprinkle of magic that will appeal to young and older readers alike.

My rating:


Cecelia Ahern is the author of the international bestsellers P.S. I Love You, which was adapted into a major motion picture starring Hilary Swank; I Love, Rosie; If You Could See Me Now; There’s No Place Like Here; Thanks for the Memories; and The Gift. Her books are published in 46 countries and have collectively sold more than 11 million copies. The daughter of Ireland’s former prime minister, she lives in Dublin, Ireland.

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Instructions by Neil Gaiman

This is a poem about what to do if you find yourself in a fairy tale...

Listening to Neil Gaiman reading his wonderful poem Instructions made my day a little better. Maybe it can brighten yours too.

Monday, March 14, 2011

It's Monday, What Are You Reading

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.

Just when it looked like spring was about to come, we had a massive snowfall this weekend and are back to full winter... I have to go outside and literally dig out my car later. I think this winter has lasted long enough now, I want it to be spring already! I also have a lot to do at work until Easter, so my plans of making March my best reading month yet might be overthrown... But we shall see. I am expecting an order from The Book Depository, and if those books would just hurry up and get here, there are a couple I want to get started on ASAP.

FINISHED LAST WEEK
I really enjoyed reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban again. I realised I had forgotten so much of the story, so it was almost like reading it for the first time. Now I know why I liked Lupin so much. I think this might be my favourite book in the series (out of the five I have read).

CURRENTLY READING
I started Artemis Fowl by Eoin Colfer yesterday. I have heard good things about this series, and have been looking forward to reading it for a while. So far it's very interesting. The setting is quite unique, and I have never read about fairies or leprechauns before. It's an easy read, so it shouldn't take too long to finish.

I am also still reading my e-book of The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern. I didn't get to read it this weekend because I was visiting my mother and didn't take my computer with me, but I hope to finish it either today or tomorrow. Look for a review soon.

WHAT'S NEXT
I plan to start Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder as soon as it gets here. I also have an e-ARC of Cinderella: Ninja Warrior by Maureen McGowan that I should read soon. Now that I have almost read an entire book on my laptop I realise it wasn't as bad for my eyes as I had thought, so I can start accepting galleys that don't have a Kindle option. The trick? Turn down the screen brightness to 60%.

What are you guys reading this week?

Thursday, March 10, 2011

Random Acts of Kindness - March

A few days ago I came across this awesome feature at Book Soulmates:


The Rules:

• Sign up each month you'd like to participate in.
• Show off your participation! Grab one of the buttons available :)
• Create a wishlist and post it in the Google Doc located in each R.A.K post for the month.
{Post on your blog, Amazon, where ever as long as there's a link to it.}
• If you choose to do a R.A.K for someone, check out their wishlist and contact that blogger for their address.
• At the end of the month, SHOW US YOUR R.A.K!
Make a post saying 'Thank You' to whoever granted one of your wishes and share it with us :)

OPEN TO EVERYONE!
Lets's keep our International bloggers in mind and in our hearts.
Remember, there's always the Book Depository and they offer FREE shipping!
I think this such a fantastic idea! I have already fulfilled one wish and plan on granting more. Makes me feel like a fairy godmother!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday - Dynamic Duos

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature / weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week we make a top ten list from a given topic.

This week's topic is

Top Ten Dynamic Duos

The BFFs, partners in crime and powerful couples I just can't forget about, with a couple of trios thrown in for good measure.

1) Dirk Pitt and Al Giordino (Dirk Pitt series by Clive Cussler)
Best friends and colleagues saving the world on a regular basis.

2) Nancy Drew, George Fayne and Bess Marvin (Nancy Drew series by Carolyn Keene)
Although Nancy is the main character of the books, George and Bess are never far away.

3) Merry and Pippin (The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien)
I could of course have included Frodo and Sam instead, but I feel the balance between Merry and Pippin is more even.

4) Harry Potter, Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)
Obviously.

5) Fred and George Weasley (Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling)
I had to include these two as well. The Weasley twins are my favourite mischief-makers.

6) Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (Sherlock Holmes series by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle)
The classic dynamic duo, these two complement each other perfectly. 

7) Locke Lamora and Jean Tannen (Gentleman Bastard Sequence by Scott Lynch)
Locke and Jean always have each other's back, and none of them would survive long without the other.

8) Winnie-the-Pooh and Piglet (Winnie-the-Pooh books by A.A. Milne)
Friends forever.

9) Arthur Dent and Ford Prefect (The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams)
Travelling the universe together without panicking (much).

10) Batman and Robin (DC Comics)
The real dynamic duo.

What are your favourite dynamic duos?

Monday, March 7, 2011

It's Monday, What Are You Reading?

It's Monday, What Are You Reading is a weekly meme hosted by Sheila at Book Journey. It is where we gather to share what we have read this past week and what we plan to read this week.

READ LAST WEEK
I finished The Survivor by Sean Slater, a debut thriller from Canada. It was quite good and introduced me to a setting I have never read about before. Check out my review.

CURRENTLY READING
First I want to thank all of you who took the time to share what you thought I should read last week. Second I want to apologise for not listening to any of you and actually reading Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban instead. What can I say, sometimes only Harry Potter will do.

I also realised I only had two weeks left until my e-ARC of The Book of Tomorrow by Cecelia Ahern expired, so I have started that one too. I have been putting it off because I have to read it on my laptop, something my eyes don't always approve of. But I try to read a chapter or two and then take a break, and it's been going well so far. I have read mixed reviews of this book, but so far I think it's interesting.

WHAT'S NEXT
To my delight I got approved for Outside In by Maria V. Snyder on NetGalley, so as soon as the first book in the series, Inside Out, gets here from The Book Depository I will be reading those two. I have heard great things about them, so I'm really looking forward to reding them.

What are you reading this week?

Saturday, March 5, 2011

My Month in Books: February

Well, February was short, wasn't it? No sign of spring here yet, but the days are getting longer and the sun is back. I returned to my usual average of three books in January, but two of them were 700 and 500 pages respectively, so in terms of pages read I wasn't that far behind my January count.

Read in February

Links go to my reviews

9) The Lies of Locke Lamora by Scott Lynch – reread, one of the best books I have ever read. Highly recommended for fantasy fans!
10) Heat Wave by Richard Castle
11) The Survivor by Sean Slater

Incoming Books

For review
Cinderella: Ninja Warrior by Maureen McGowan (NetGalley)

Bought
The Queen of Attolia by Megan Whalen Turner
The Stainless Steel Rat Omnibus by Harry Harrison – this sounds like White Collar in space, so I had to have it
Hard Landing by Stephen Leather (Kindle)

Challenge Progress

First in a Series Challenge – 3/6 (this might be updated to the next level during the year)
1. Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone by J.K. Rowling
2. Burglars Can't Be Choosers by Lawrence Block
3. Heat Wave by Richard Castle 

2nds Challenge – 0/3 

Mystery & Suspense Challenge – 3/12
1. Burglars Can't Be Choosers by Lawrence Block
2. Heat Wave by Richard Castle
3. The Survivor by Sean Slater

Other Posts of Interest

Discussion posts
A Match Made ... On My Bookshelf
The Trouble With Audio Books

Booking Through Thursday
Something Old, Something New

Other
Sound Advice
Patiently Awaiting

I also had a giveaway for Heat Wave by Richard Castle. It only got two entries, which was a little disappointing, but I think the book has found a good home.

Here's to March – bring on spring!

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Review: The Survivor

Publishing date: 3 March 2011 by Simon & Shuster UK

Read: 21 - 28 February 2011
Challenges: Mystery & Suspence Reading Challenge #3

ARC provided by the publisher through Book Chick City's Mystery & Suspense Challenge 2011.

From the publisher
Columbine. Dunblane. Virginia Tech. Winnenden. But Saint Patrick's High?

In his first hour back from a six-month leave of absence, Detective Jacob Striker's day quickly turns into a nightmare. He is barely on scene five minutes at his daughter's high school when he encounters an Active Shooter situation. Three men wearing hockey masks - Black, White, and Red - have stormed the school with firearms and are killing indiscriminately.

Striker takes immediate action. Within minutes, two of the gunmen are dead and Striker is close to ending the violence.

But the last gunman, Red Mask, does something unexpected. He runs up to his fallen comrade, racks the shotgun, and unloads five rounds into the man, obliterating his face and hands. Before Striker can react, Red Mask flees - and escapes.

Against the clock, Striker investigates the killings for which there is no known motive and no known suspect. Soon his investigation takes him to darker places, and he realizes that everything at Saint Patrick's High is not as it appears. The closer he gets to the truth, the more dangerous his world becomes. Until Striker himself is in the line of fire.

And the violence follows him home.


In an interview Sean Slater reveals that Lee Child and James Patterson are some of his favourite authors, and after reading The Survivor, this does not surprise me. The book is a gritty, fast-paced thriller that will leave you on the edge of your seat from the first page.

This is a book I probably would not have picked up had I not received an ARC of it, but I am glad I got the chance to read it. The setting (Vancouver) was completely new to me, as was the subject matter (Asian underground gangs). According to the cover, Slater is a "real-life Vancouver cop" and it is obvious that he knows his way around both the city and its police force.

Detective Jacob Striker is a nice guy who has been through some tough times. He is trying to come to terms with the death of his wife and being a good father to his 15-year-old daughter Courtney. She, on the other hand, is behaving like any other teenager; skipping school, trying to catch the eye of her crush, and being angry with her father. Their father-daughter relationship rang true, and I also liked Striker's relationship with his partner Felicia, who is a smart and feisty cop. Striker is good at his job and follows his hunches, even if it lands him in trouble with his superiors. We also get a bit of insight into the main antagonist's mind, with some chapters written from his point of view. This worked very well and made him more human to me. I almost felt sorry for him, rather against my will.

At times there were a lot of different plot points and clues to keep track of, but Slater does a good job of connecting all the dots in the end. The book does contain some violence and a couple of torture scenes, but they are not overly graphic. The ending took me by surprise, and felt a little more realistic than in many other books of the same genre.

Best: The authenticity. I'm not a cop nor have I ever been to Vancouver so obviously I don't know what either is really like, but it felt real while reading.

Worst: The rather silly nicknames, like Noodles, Shipwreck and Meathead. And the name Pinkerton Morningstar. I could not take that man seriously.

Bottom line: The Survivor is a fast-paced thriller that will keep you engaged from beginning to end.

My rating:



The next installment of the Jacob Striker series will be out in 2012.

Giveaway Winner: Heat Wave


The winner of Heat Wave by Richard Castle is


Congratulations! Nikki Heat will be on her way soon!

Tuesday, March 1, 2011

Top Ten Tuesday - Books I Just HAD To Buy


Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature / weekly meme hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. Each week we make a top ten list from a given topic.

This week's topic is

Top Ten Books I Just HAD To Buy ... But Are Still Sitting On My Bookshelf

My first thought was, only 10? I could make a list at least five times that size (I probably shouldn't admit that, huh?). To narrow it down somehow, I tried to find the books that have been gathering dust on my shelves the longest.

1. The Complete Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams
A frind lent me the first two (or was it three?) books in the series eight years ago, and I immediately went and bought the omnibus edition of all five books. I haven't picked it up since.

2. The Book With No Name by Anonymous
"An untitled book by an anonymous author brings death to anyone who reads it." Of course I had to buy it. Still haven't read it (no, I'm not scared).

3. When the Lion Feeds by Wilbur Smith
I had to buy this one. No, literally. Amazon was having a 3 for 2 deal and I needed one more book to get the discount. At the time it sounded interesting, but today I couldn't tell you why it caught my attention even if you gave me a $10 giftcard. Obviously it has failed to catch my attention ever since that first time.

4. Dangerous Lady by Martina Cole
I bought this in a wonderful bookstore somewhere in Covent Garden eight or nine years ago. A 17-year-old girl who is the queen of organised crime in London's underworld; sounds fascinating, right? That's what I thought – until nine years passed and I'm suddenly no longer in the same age group as the heroine. That, and the book is huge.

5. The Cryptographer by Tobias Hill
Huh. Don't even remember getting this one. Wonder what's about?

6. Raven Queen by Pauline Francis
A few years back I was going through a Philippa Gregory phase and wanted to read more about the Tudors. Not so much any longer.

7. Treasure Island by Robert Louis Stevenson
I honestly don't know why I haven't read this one yet. It's got pirates, damn it!

8. The Templar Legacy by Steve Berry
I think this one came from the same haul as number 3 (seems I would have been better off not placing that order). I keep hearing good things about Berry's books, but I still haven't read this (or the next one in the Cotton Malone series, which I interestingly enough also own).

9. The Mists of Avalon by Marion Zimmer Bradley
Oh my God, I actually had to blow dust off this one. I love Arthurian legends, so when I spotted this at a sale I had to get it. It has survived moving house twice, so it really deserves to be read one of these days (preferrably before I move again, because it is HUGE).

10. Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen
Yeah. Maybe one day.

Now I feel ashamed. And a little sad. I think I will go and hug a book now.
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