Review of Outlander by Diana Gabaldon

Summary: "In 1946, after WWII, a young Englishwoman named Claire Beauchamp Randall goes to the Scottish Highlands with her husband, Frank. She’s an ex-combat nurse, he’s been in the army as well, they’ve been separated for the last six years, and this is a second honeymoon; they’re getting re-acquainted with each other, thinking of starting a family. But one day Claire goes out walking by herself, and comes across a circle of standing stones—such circles are in fact common all over northern Britain.  She walks through a cleft stone in the circle….and disappears. Back into 1743, where the first person she meets is a gentleman in an 18th-century army officer’s uniform. This gentleman, Jack Randall, looks just like her husband Frank—and proves to be Frank’s six-times-great-grandfather. Unfortunately, he also proves to be a sadistic bisexual pervert, and while trying to escape from him, Claire falls into the hands of a gang of Highland Scots, who are also trying to get away from Black Jack Randall—though for other reasons.

In order to avoid being handed over to Captain Randall, Claire is obliged to marry one of the young clansmen. So she finds herself trying to escape from Castle Leoch and her Scottish captors, trying to get back to her husband Frank, trying to avoid being recaptured by Captain Randall—and falling in love with Jamie Fraser, the young man she’s been forced to marry. The story rolls on from there…" - from www.dianagabaldon.com

Review: I'm actually shocked that I had never even heard of this book until the TV show first premiered. I actually had a friend that I work with recommend the show to me, describing it as being a show with "history, time-travel, romance, nurses (which I, as a nursing student, really appreciated), and a really, really hot Scottish guy in a kilt." And just like that I was sold. I went and watched the first (and only episode that had aired yet, at the time) that night. I was hooked and went on to do some research for the next episode, and that was when I read that the television series is based off of a book series. So, naturally I had to go buy the book on my kindle because I just had to know what happened next. I honestly could not put this book down. I would bring it to work with me and read it on my break and I would stay up until the late hours of the night reading until my eyes could not stay open anymore. If you like steamy romance and attractive men with accents, then this book is for you! 

I guess a part of me would say that certain portions of the book were a bit slow, however most of it was jam packed with action and drama and I found myself falling in love with the characters and the setting. Although I am mostly Scottish myself, I never really knew that much about the history or the lifestyles of Scotland. After reading this novel, I am definitely more interested in the various customs and traditions of Scotland and I hope to one day visit. 

This book definitely has a little bit of everything for everyone in it. While there is a ton of romance in it after you hit a certain portion, there is still plenty of history. fantasy and action. There are many sex scenes, but they were always very tasteful and usually not very graphic. Overall, very well done! Thank you to Diana Gabaldon for creating such a wonderful story. I have already purchased and started reading the second Outlander book, Dragonfly in Amber, and I am hooked once again.

I highly recommend this book and I still cannot believe that it took me so long to find it! The television series also keeps very true to the book and I cannot wait for future episodes!

Overall, I would give it 5 out of 5 stars!

Review of The Summoning by Kelly Armstrong

Summary:

After years of frequent moves following her mother’s death, Chloe Saunders’s life is finally settling down. She is attending art school, pursuing her dreams of becoming a director, making friends, meeting boys. Her biggest concern is that she’s not developing as fast as her friends are. But when puberty does hit, it brings more than hormone surges. Chloe starts seeing ghosts–everywhere, demanding her attention. After she suffers a breakdown, her devoted aunt Lauren gets her into a highly recommended group home.

At first, Lyle House seems a pretty okay place, except for Chloe’s small problem of fearing she might be facing a lifetime of mental illness. But as she gradually gets to know the other kids at the home–charming Simon and his ominous, unsmiling brother Derek, obnoxious Tori, and Rae, who has a “thing” for fire–Chloe begins to realize that there is something that binds them all together, and it isn’t your usual “problem kid” behaviour. And together they discover that Lyle House is not your usual group home either…

Review:

I first came across this book when a girl in my French class was reading it. Next I saw my brother's (female) friend reading it while she was staying with us for a couple of days. The cover of it really caught my eye; I had never heard of the book until then. So I went out and bought it, and certainly don't regret it! You may hear this alot but I'll say it anyways because in this case, it's very true...I was sucked into it within the first page. I couldn't put it down. I found this book very refreshing because I hadn't read any books on "ghosts" before, and it was really interesting.

The main character, Chloe, is witty, funny, and has a certain charm that made her seem very realistic at times. The plot line was creative, even though the school of paranormal students wasn't, and it was filled with humor, romance, fantasy, mystery and even some horror. I have already read the sequel, and will just say that it was very good as well, although not as good as the first in my opinion.

If you like teen supernatural romances, I highly recommend The Summoning!

Overall, I would give it a 4 out of 5 stars!

First Post!

Just testing it out...I hate seeing my page so blank! Today is my dad's birthday so I won't be able to post anything until later. I'm reading the fifth book in the Pretty Little Liars series right now...called Wicked. I'm going to review all the books on my bookshelf first, starting with...IDK!!! :) I'll decide later...for now, I think this is long enough. Already I have customized my template (kinda...) and I'm quite happy...although it is super pink. I like pink, but in moderation. :D