Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart Winner

I thought the picture was funny =)

Anywho, the winner of my ARC copy of MR. DARCY BROKE MY HEART is...

Melanie from
Melanie's Musings

Congrats!! I've emailed you already and you have until Thursday, February 25th to email me back. Thanks so much to those that entered. =)

Teaser Tuesday [39]

Teaser Tuesdays asks you to:






-Grab your current read
-Let the book fall open to a random page.
-Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12
-You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
-Please avoid spoilers!


----------




"The red stone grinds closed above me.
Without the strength to shift it, without the quills to feed, I will stay here, eaten by my hunger, until I fad so thin I can move through stone and walls and, mad, invisible, and mouthless, roam Earth endlessly, never satisfied, more than damned." (207)

and Falling, Fly by Skyler White

Book Arrivals

Purchased:

• Queene of the Light :: Jennifer Armintrout
• Slave to Sensation :: Nalini Singh
• Magic Burns :: Ilona Andrews
• Firespell :: Chloe Neill
• Daughter of the Forest :: Juliet Marillier
• The Mermaid's Madness :: Jm C. Hines
• Spellbent :: Lucy A. Snyder
• King of Sword and Sky :: C.L. Wilson
• Kissed by an Angel :: Elizabeth Chandler
• The Thief :: Megan Whalen Turner
• Wolbreed :: S.A. Swann
• Gone :: Lisa McMann
• At Grave's End :: Jeaniene Frost
• One Foot in the Grave :: Jeaniene Frost
• Nightlife :: Rob Thurman
• Moonshine :: Rob Thurman
• The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo :: Steig Larsson
• The Looking Glass Wars :: Frank Beddor

For Review:

• and Falling, Fly :: Skyler White - received from author

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I may have went on a wee bit of a splurge... *blushes*

Also, the format changed this week because I did the whole post the old way (which took a long time, btw) and then my computer froze and deleted the entire post. I didn't feel like doing it all again =( So, I'm sorry about that everyone. This happened actually last weekend so I was so mad I needed a week to cool down haha

Sister of the Dead

Sister of the Dead

Barb & J.C. Hendee

Series or Stand Alone: Noble Dead series, book three

Release Date: January 2005

Publisher: Roc

Pages: 416

Book Site: http://www.nobledead.com/

My Rating: 4/5

Source: Paperbackswap.com

Synopsis [from nobledead.com]:

Magiere is a dhampir — half human, half vampire — sired for the purpose of slaying the undead. Outside the village of Chemestúk, where she was born and raised, stands her father's keep. Within its walls, she hopes to discover the secrets of her past and figure out why a vampire would wish to breed a creature capable of slaughtering his own kind....

But there are those who don't want Magiere to learn the truth — and when her half-elf partner, Leesil, makes a startling discovery in the keep, he can understand why. Before Leesil can reveal the truth to Magiere, they must vanquish a creature of unimaginable and unlimited power who has damned a small village of people with a horrifying curse...

Review:

**Caution: This review may contain minor spoilers...

SISTER OF THE DEAD is a great contribution to the Noble Dead series. I think it's really a spotlight for development on the characters and their background. The authors know how to throw twists in the plot to make a reader think and re-think certain aspects of the story. I appreciated the efforts they made and had a blast sifting "discovering" things along with the characters themselves. Old mysterious are resolved while new ones are being created.

I was slightly disappointed when I opened SISTER OF THE DEAD up because right in the front is a map and a pronounciation guide... If some of you remember from my review of the first book, I praised it for being a fantasy read that didn't need such things. Now I must admit I understand the need for both items. There is quite a lot of Elvin language going on in this installment and to be honest I didn't really pay it too much attention. I rarely looked at the pronounciation guide and sort of skimmed the foreign language. But I do understand if some readers needed or wanted it to be included.

On the other hand, I happily admit I welcomed the map. I glanced back quite a few times in reference to some of the places they ended up visiting. The characters are traveling and exploring more of the land then what was first introduced. At the conclusion of THIEF OF LIVES, Magiere and Leesil have decided what their future plans are. After Leesil finds out his elvish mother is still alive after all these years he decides he must know her fate. And Magiere wants to know why she was created. Why would a Noble Dead create something that could destroy his own kind?

The first part of their journey is to find out about more about Magiere's past. Magiere's birth is more complex than anyone could have anticipated. And let me just say... a lot is revealed by the time the book is over! If you haven't given this series I try yet, I ask "What are you waiting for?" =)

Waiting on Wednesday [45]

from penguin.com:

“I will seek vengeance upon those who betrayed my family. I am Ezio Auditore Da Firenze. I am an assassin…”

Betrayed by the ruling families of Italy, a young man embarks upon an epic quest for vengeance. To eradicate corruption and restore his family’s honor, he will learn the art of the Assassins.
Along the way, Ezio will call upon the wisdom of such great minds as Leonardo da Vinci and Niccolo Machiavello—knowing that survival is bound to the skills by which he must live.
To his allies, he will become a force for change—fighting for freedom and justice. To his enemies, he will become a threat dedicated to the destruction of the tyrants abusing the people of Italy.

So begins an epic story of power, revenge and conspiracy.

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Reason: I LOVE books based on video games. It's almost like finding out a really good movie was originally a book. *swoon* I played a little bit of this game and the graphics are crazy gorgeous. However, I got stuck in a certain spot...basically in the beginning of the game...lol so I stopped playing. I'll get back into it someday =D && yes I featured this on my last Friday Finds post not knowing it came out so soon, so yay!

Cover Discussion: Just like the game...Scores major points with me!!

Assassin's Creed: Renaissance will be released February 23rd!

What are you waiting on this week?
To see more books that are being waited for click here.

Dino Vicelli: Private Eye

Dino Vicelli: Private Eye In a World of Evils

Lori Weiner

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone (Sequel scheduled for 2010)

Release Date: June 2009

Publisher: Dorrance Publishing Company, Inc.

Pages: 98

Book Site: http://www.dinovicelli.com/

My Rating: 2/5

Source: Received for review from Carol Fass Publicity & Public Relations

Synopsis [from goodreads.com]:

This story transports the reader to an alternate-reality version of New York City, in which talking dogs interact regularly with humans. The hero, Dino Vicelli, is a private investigator who just happens to be a sharply dressed Italian greyhound with a great fondness for cigars. He takes on what initially appears to be a routine missing person case but soon finds himself in the midst of a sinister plot that involves kidnapping, murder, and bizarre scientific experiments aimed at controlling the world. As he investigates this strange case, Dino repeatedly encounters mortal danger, while also finding romance with a beautiful blonde Afghan dog.

With its unusual twists on the traditional detective story genre, this book blends elements of humor, suspense, and fantasy into a truly unique and entertaining tale.

Review:

I actually received an email promoting this book and jumped at the chance. The blurb grabbed my attention and I haven't read too many books with animals as the main characters. I was really looking forward to reading this detective/mystery book but found myself a little let down when it was all over.

The story itself was pretty good. Dino is the main character who happens to be a greyhound. He can talk, walk on two legs, and dresses considerably well for a canine. He owns his own private investigation company in New York City where it's talking dogs live right along side humans.

Dino gets hired for a case that is much more than it first appears to be. He meets some pretty interesting characters along the way (mostly all dogs as well) as he searches for his client's missing wife. The mystery unravels into a bigger story that threatens to take Dino down if he's not too careful.

I didn't know the book was as short as it was until I received it, so I suppose I should have expected a very simple, short, and to-the-point novel. However, my brain just didn't work that way. I wanted more depth and development from the story point of view, from the characters, etc. I don't fault the author at all for my disappointment in the novel, it was much more of a personal preference. DINO VICELLI was very entertaining and an entirely interesting and unique spin on the PI world. I recommend it for dog lovers and anyone who wants a quick escape into a different kind of world =)

Happy Valentine's Day!

Hugs & Kisses to everyone that wants some,

Love me =)

Friday Finds [24]

**Hosted by MizB, click here to see more Friday Finds

I usually add a lot of books on my TBR list throughout the week. This is just a small glimpse into the ones that were added on recently. Maybe you'll find something you like =)

Please let me know your thoughts on a book you've read from the list. Or tell me about a good book you've found this week.



My Finds This Week:

The Manual of Detection :: Jedediah Berry
Velvet Haven :: Sophie Renwick

The Adamantine Palace :: Stephen Deas
State of Decay :: James Knapp

Assasin's Creed: Renaissance :: Oliver Bowden
Of All The Stupid Things :: Alexandra Diaz

The Crimson Rooms :: Katharine McMahon
The Book of Fires :: Jane Borodale

Mad, Bad and Blonde :: Cathie Linz

Weeping Underwater Looks a Lot Like Laughter :: Michael J. White

Waiting on Wednesday [44]

from us.macmillan.com:


Gabriel is a New York City college kid who loves to bury his nose in books, looking up stories of long-dead cultures, lost languages, and forgotten legends. He never imagined one of those legends would come looking for him—until a tough-talking girl named De Mona Sanchez thrusts an ancient weapon into his hands...and recruits Gabriel in a dark epic war he was born to fight.

Banished centuries ago by warrior knights, a demonic army is storming through a dimensional rift into our world. Stalkers are prowling the streets. Corpses are rising up to fight. And Gabriel—a descendant of one of the original warriors—has no choice but to drop his textbooks and start kicking demon butt alongside his new friend De Mona…who has a few secrets of her own. If Gabriel fails, humanity loses. If war is hell, this is hell on earth…

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Reason: My top reason is that trident! I mean come on - give me a trident over a sword anyday. Seriously, how many trident weilding characters have you seen recently??...go on...I'll let you think about it... Slim to none right? That along with the blurb is enough to get me to sign up for Club DARK STORM =D I'd totally drop out of school to save the world... add in that trident and I would do it all with a smile too!

Cover Discussion: You know what? I like it! Granted it's a little too fake for me, as in cartoonish, but it has definitely grown on me since I first saw it.



Dark Storm has already been released (February 2nd)


** I apologize for that, didn't notice it until after I wrote this fantastic, trident-filled post, so just bear with me for this week =)



What are you waiting on this week?
To see more books that are being waited for click here.

Thief of Lives

Thief of Lives

Barb & J.C. Hendee

Series or Stand Alone: Noble Dead series, Book Two

Release Date: January 2004

Publisher: Roc

Pages: 416

Book Site: http://www.nobledead.com/

My Rating: 4.75/5

Source: Paperbackswap.com

Synopsis [from fantasticfiction.co.uk]:

On the heels of DHAMPIR, Barb and J.C. Hendee's acclaimed Fantasy debut, comes THIEF OF LIVES, the new novel featuring Magiere and Leesil, Slayers of the Undead....

Magiere the dhampir thinks that her nights of hunting vampires are over. After settling down in her newly adopted village of Miiska - now vampire-free, thanks to her and her half-elf partner, Leesil - she looks forward to quiet days tending to her tavern.

But far away in the capital city of Bela, a prominent councilman's daughter has been found dead on her own doorstep... and all signs point to a vampire. Knowing that the battered and burned village of Miiska could use an infusion of cash, Bela's town council offers a generous bounty to the dhampir if she will slay their vampire. Magiere resists, wanting nothing more than to forget her past and ignore her half-vampire nature. Only Leesil can persuade Magiere to follow her destiny - before more innocent lives are claimed by darkness.

Review:

**Caution: This review may contain minor spoilers...

While THIEF OF LIVES has a similar storyline to DHAMPIR I still enjoyed the heck out of it =) A surviving member of the first set of vampires from DHAMPIR has started his own coven in the capital city. He's not seeking revenge although he's still wary of Magiere and her team. While he and his new family are laying relatively low there is still some sloppy killing going on. After a councilman's daughter is found brutally killed, the town of Bela decides to call on Magiere to investigate and hunt the killer down.

Magiere is reluctant to leave Miiska and her tavern. After defending her new home from the first set of vampires, she just wants to live in peace with Leesil and Chap by the sea. But Miiska is still trying to recover from her last undead battle. So basically Magiere is guilt-tripped into traveling to Bela to hopefully save the people and return with the profit for Miika to use to rebuild.

Now one of the best things about THIEF OF LIVES (and most other 2nd books in series) is the fact that the author reveals more information about the characters, their backgrounds, and emerging powers, etc. Twists in the plot are either complicated more or ironed out a little to tease the reader but overall it accomplishes it's goal: MUST READ MORE!!! And for those that don't mind skipping around in a series (which I simply can't do for some reason) you'll be happy to know that you can get by just fine if you start out with THIEF OF LIVES.

I've already finished book 3: SISTER OF THE DEAD and I'm planning on getting the next ASAP =) Be on the lookout for my thoughts on the next installment.

Teaser Tuesday [38]

Teaser Tuesdays asks you to:

-Grab your current read
-Let the book fall open to a random page.
-Share with us two (2) “teaser” sentences from that page, somewhere between lines 7 and 12
-You also need to share the title of the book that you’re getting your “teaser” from … that way people can have some great book recommendations if they like the teaser you’ve given!
-Please avoid spoilers!

----------

"She decided: she would go with Sanso tonight. To save her father, she'd leave him." (45)

Burn :: Ted Dekker & Erin Healy

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart [ARC Review] & GIVEAWAY

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart

Beth Pattillo

Series or Stand Alone: Stand Alone

Release Date: February 2010

Publisher: GuidepostsBooks

Pages: 272

Author Site: http://www.bethpattillo.com/

My Rating: 3.75/5

Source: Received for review from publisher

Synopsis [from goodreads.com]:

Claire Prescott is a sensible woman who believes in facts and figures, not fairy tales. But when she agrees to present a paper to a summer symposium at Oxford on her ailing sister's behalf, Claire finds herself thrown into an adventure with a gaggle of Jane Austen-loving women all on the lookout for their Mr. Darcy. Claire isn't looking for Mr. Anyone. She's been dating Neil -- a nice if a bit negligent -- sports fanatic. But when a tall, dark and dashing stranger crosses her path, will the staid Claire suddenly discover her inner romantic heroine? Her chance meeting with a mysterious woman who claims to have an early version of Austen's Pride and Prejudice -- in which Lizzie ends up with someone other than Fitzwilliam Darcy -- leads to an astounding discovery about the venerated author's own struggle to find the right hero for Lizzie Bennett. Neil's unexpected arrival in Oxford complicates Claire's journey to finding her own romantic lead.

Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart is the story of a woman who finds that love isn't logical and that a true hero can appear in the most unexpected of places.

Review:

I'm sure I've said this before, but I'm one of those people who have yet to pick up a book by Jane Austen. And again, I'm not too sure as to why I haven't. I suppose the language of the book scares me away... But anywho, going into this book with Sense and Sensibilites and Sea Monsters [check out my review] being the only Austen-ish book under my belt (in addition to a movie here and there), I have to say my review is probably a little skewed...

With that said... I enjoyed MR. DARCY BROKE MY HEART. I believe if I had read Pride and Prejudice before-hand my opinion of the book would have either been entirely different or more strengthened. Basically I think you'll either really like the book or you won't. In the book, the main character Claire stumbles upon a early version of Pride and Prejudice called First Impressions. Although First Impressions is entirely fictional, it would have been really nice to have the original story in my brain to compare it to. Although, the author does a good job explaining or pointing out the differences as she writes, which I appreciated very much.

As for Claire herself, she was an interesting character. She wasn't an extraordinary character, yet I found her personality very enjoyable. As the story progresses, Claire's life is laid out for the reader to discover bit by bit. This summer symposium at Oxford is an event that forever changes Claire's life and her outlook on life. She discovers what love truly is as she meets a handsome Darcy-like gentleman in Oxford while juggling her current boyfriend who she's been comfortably invovled with for quite some time. She re-evaluates her relationship with her family, especially her sister, and how her personality and lifestyle came to form around others rather than herself. I found MR. DARCY BROKE MY HEART to be a fresh and entertaining read that involved real emotion without the story dragging on and on.

I definitely recommend fans of Jane Austen to give this a try to see if it's your cup o' tea. I think people who have never really read Jane Austen will enjoy it like I did as well.

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GIVEAWAY INFO:

One person will win my gently read ARC copy of Mr. Darcy Broke My Heart by simply commenting below with an email address... (no email address = no entry)

Extra Entries:

+2 for following/subscribing the blog.
+2 for following on twitter. (provide your twitter @name)
+1 share this! -sidebar, blog post, twitter, facebook (links required, each link = +1)

Giveaway ends Febrauary 22nd and the winner will be announced February 23rd. US Entries only.

Good luck!

GIVEAWAY CLOSED

Book Arrivals

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From Contests/Giveaways & Misc.:

Deadtown :: Nancy Holzner

(Thank you Ivy from BookReaderTimes)

They call it Deadtown: the city's quarantined section for its inhuman and undead residents. Most humans stay far from its borders -- but Victory Vaughn, Boston's only professional demon slayer, isn't exactly human...

Vicky's demanding job keeping the city safe from all manner of monsters is one reason her relationship with workaholic lawyer (and werewolf) Alexander Kane is in constant limbo. Throw in a foolhardy zombie apprentice, a mysterious demon-plagued client, and a suspicious research facility that's taken an unwelcome interest in her family, and Vicky's love life has as much of a pulse as Deadtown's citizens.

But now Vicky's got bigger things to worry about. The Hellion who murdered her father ten years ago has somehow broken through Boston's magical protections. The Hellion is a ruthless force of destruction with a personal grudge against Vicky, and she's the only one who can stop the demon before it destroys the city and everyone in it.

Pleasure Unbound :: Larissa Ione

(Book one in the Demonica series)

(Thank you Larissa from Larissa's Life!!)

In a place where ecstasy can cost you your life . . .

She's a demon-slayer who hungers for sensual pleasure-but fears it will always be denied her. Until Tayla Mancuso lands in a hospital run by demons in disguise, and the head doctor, Eidolon, makes her body burn with unslakable desire. But to prove her ultimate loyalty to her peers, she must betray the surgeon who saved her life.

Two lovers will dare to risk all.

Eidolon cannot resist this fiery, dangerous woman who fills him with both rage and passion. Not only is she his avowed enemy, but she could very well be the hunter who has been preying upon his people. Torn between his need for the truth and his quest to find his perfect mate before a horrific transformation claims him forever, Eidolon will dare the unthinkable-and let Tayla possess him, body and soul . . .

Four Dukes and a Devil :: Elaine Fox, Jeaniene Frost, Cathy Maxwell, Sophia Nash, Tracy Anne Warren

(Thank you Jackie from Literary Escapism!)

Fall in love with the unpredictable and irresistible dukes (and one dog named Duke) of Four Dukes and a Devil. Join New York Times bestselling authors Cathy Maxwell, Jeaniene Frost, and Tracy Anne Warren, along with USA Today bestselling author Elaine Fox and RITA® Award winner Sophia Nash, for tales of noble danger and devilish desire.

Delicate young ladies must be protected from him.

First he steals her clothes, then he steals her heart.

Most would be terrified of this powerful vampire - but not him.

He's "the catch of the century". . . but she's the only one he can't have.

A young miss demands a kiss. But he won't rest once she's touched her lips to his.

With four dukes and one devil, there's no limit on love.

Stray :: Rachel Vincent

(Book one in the Werecats series)

(Thank you again Jackie!)

There are only eight breeding female werecats left . . .

And I am one of them.

I look like an all-American grad student. But I am a werecat, a shape-shifter, and I live in two worlds.

Despite reservations from my family and my Pride, I escaped the pressure to continue my species and carved out a normal life for myself. Until the night a Stray attacked.

I'd been warned about Strays -- werecats without a Pride, constantly on the lookout for someone like me: attractive, female, and fertile. I fought him off, but then learned two of my fellow tabbies had disappeared.

This brush with danger was all my Pride needed to summon me back . . . for my own protection. Yeah, right. But I'm no meek kitty. I'll take on whatever -- and whoever -- I have to in order to find my friends. Watch out, Strays -- 'cause I got claws, and I'm not afraid to use them . . .

Drawn Into Darkness :: Annet McCleave

(Book one in the Soul Gatherer series)
(Thank you again Jackie!)

Serving a five-hundred-year sentence as a Soul Gatherer-one who battles demons for the souls of the dead-Lachlan MacGregor keeps his distance from humans. That is, until the lovely Rachel Lewis knocks on his door, begging for help. As they struggle to rescue her daughter from the clutches of a powerful demon, Lachlan finds himself increasingly drawn to the artistic single mother. But when Death assigns him an unbearable task, he's left wondering who will provide more for his soul.

The Stolen Moon of Londor :: A.P. Stephens

(Book one in the White Shadow saga)

(Received for review)

The era of peace among the elves, men, and dwarves comes to an end when one of Londor's twin moons disappears from the heavens…..Without the moon's balancing effect, evil forces grow bold, and warfare, sickness, and chaos threaten life itself.

Hearing the prayers of desperation that ride on the violent winds, the ancient wizard Randor Miithra, servant to the elf-gods, takes it upon himself to mend the world he has sworn to protect. The task will not be an easy one, though, for the wizard, too, has begun to feel the effects of the world's imbalance. As Randor struggles to maintain some semblance of his powers, he meets a secretive band of colorful characters from all walks of life, drawn together by a common goal: to find the stolen moon, whatever the cost. It does not take Randor and his motley company long to see that someone or something does not want the moon returned to the heavens.

The road is perilous….the stakes have never been greater….will they find victory…or will they only find their deaths?

Lips Touch: Three Times :: Laini Taylor

(Won from Teenreads.com)

Three tales of supernatural love, each pivoting on a kiss that is no mere kiss, but an action with profound consequences for the kissers' souls:

Goblin Fruit: In Victorian times, goblin men had only to offer young girls sumptuous fruits to tempt them to sell their souls. But what does it take to tempt today's savvy girls?

Spicy Little Curses: A demon and the ambassador to Hell tussle over the soul of a beautiful English girl in India. Matters become complicated when she falls in love and decides to test her curse.

Hatchling: Six days before Esme's fourteenth birthday, her left eye turns from brown to blue. She little suspects what the change heralds, but her small safe life begins to unravel at once. What does the beautiful, fanged man want with her, and how is her fate connected to a mysterious race of demons?

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From Paperbackswap.com:

In The Hand of the Goddess :: Tamora Pierce

(Book two in the Song of the Lioness series)

Sent north to fight the marauding Tusaine, Alanna is swept into a world of danger and intrigue. She proves herself in battle, but she must uncover Duke Roger's secret before facing the terror of "The Ordeal", the ceremony that will make her a knight - or destroy her.

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From B&N/Purchased:

The Lightning Thief :: Rick Riordan

(Book one in the Percy Jackson and the Olympains series)

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can't seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse-Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy's mom finds out, she knows it's time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he'll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends -- one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena -- Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

The Sea of Monsters :: Rick Riordan

(Book two in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series)

After a summer spent trying to prevent a catastrophic war between the Greek gods, Percy Jackson's seventh grade school year seems unnervingly quiet. His biggest problem is dealing with his new friend, Tyson -- a six-foot-three, mentally challenged homeless kid who follows Percy everywhere, making it hard for Percy to have any "normal" friends.

But things don't stay quiet for long. Percy soon discovers there is trouble at Camp Half Blood: the magical borders that protect Half-Blood Hill have been poisoned by a mysterious enemy, and the only safe haven for demigods is on the verge of being overrun by mythological monsters. To save the camp, Percy needs the help of his best friend, Grover, who has been taken prisoner on an island somewhere in the Sea of Monsters, the dangerous waters Greek heroes have sailed for millennia. Only today, the Sea of Monsters goes by a new name . . . The Bermuda Triangle.

Percy must retrieve the Golden Fleece from the Island of the Cyclopes by the end of the summer or Camp Half Blood will be destroyed. But first, Percy will learn a stunning new secret about his family -- one that makes him question whether being claimed as Poseidon's son is an honor or simply a cruel joke.

The Titan's Curse :: Rick Riordan

(Book three in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series)

When the goddess Artemis goes missing, she is believed to have been kidnapped.And now it's up to Percy and his friends to find out what happened. Who is powerful enough to kidnap a goddess? They must find Artemis before the winter solstice, when her influence on the Olympian Council could swing an important vote on the war with the titans. Not only that, but first Percy will have to solve the mystery of a rare monster that Artemis was hunting when she disappeared -- a monster rumored to be so powerful it could destroy Olympus forever.