Review: Athena the Brain

Athena believes she's a mere mortal, until a message from her father Zeus commanding her to Mount Olympus Academy. She's excited at the chance to learn something more challenging than her current studies, but she's sad to leave her foster family behind.

When she arrives at the school, she realizes that she's behind in her education. She has no idea how to perform magic. She doesn't want to mess with mortals for entertainment. Athena doesn't want her father to consider her a failure.

When she realizes she's on the wrong side of friendship with Medusa, she's not sure what to do. But she's not about to let Medusa and her sisters ruin her chance. Luckily, she does make friends with Aphrodite, Athena, and Pandora. Will she make a stand against Medusa and find her place at the Academy?


My Thoughts: The start of a new series for tween girls is amazingly cute and seriously fun. I love the combo of brains and fun in making a well rounded goddess girl.

The Cover: Very Cute

Source: My friend Jessica from I READ TO RELAX loaned this to me.

Spotted: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows

Doesn't it look amazing? I simply can't wait!

Mysterious Saturday Review: Grace Under Pressure

Grace works at Marshfield Manor as the assistant curator. She's still within her probationary period, when she's called downstairs to handle an unruly guest in the tea room. He's extraordinarily unhappy and pitches a fit. Grace and the rest of the staff don't realize at the time that this man's providing an excellent diversion.

The real action's happening upstairs in the private wing of the manor. Abe, the head curator, is murdered in a case of mistaken identity. Now, Grace decides it's up to her to take control of the manor. She starts straight away, to the dismay of some of the staff members. Her switch in roles makes the police a little suspicious of her. They took a look into her background. Frustrated with the police, Grace attempts to put the pieces together from the crime.

The manor resembles a large family, with Grace trying to work her way to being part of the family. She starts looking through old files, trying to learn more about her staff. Will she turn up old family secrets that should remain hidden?

My Thoughts: A wonderful start to a new series. (Hyzy is also the author of the amazing White House Chef mysteries.) Grace Under Pressure has a strong main character with a nose for trouble. She has two best friends, Bruce and Scott who provide comic relief. She has a potential romance with landscaper Jack Embers. All in all, it's smart, fun, and charming.

The Cover: Adorable

Source: I bought this one because I needed to read it and the library didn't own it yet

Movie Review: Robin Hood

I saw this a few weeks ago and have been meaning to post about it ever since. I really loved most of the movie - until the ending.

I loved watching Robin and Marian's relationship unfold. I loved Marian's feisty, proud, strong, and sarcastic character. The Merry Men were fantastic - very funny. The parts I didn't enjoy were the French coming for the British and the British trying to band together even though they all hated King John.

There were parts not fully explained. Plus the movie seemed more like a prequel of how Robin Hood became an outlaw and not of his outlaw days, which makes me question if this movie will become something of a series. I wouldn't mind seeing where they take Robin Hood.

Review: Trail of Fate

At the end of KEEP OF THE GRAIL, Tristan's desperately trying to return to England under the orders from his commanding knight carrying a very precious cargo. He washes up on shore and wakes up to find himself surrounded by swordsmen.

Much to his dismay, he's in France. The leader of the swordsman is Celia doesn't want to let him go. Luckily Robard Hode and Maryam (Robin Hood and Maid Marian) eventually find him. Celia has enough trouble of her own. She's bringing her people to a safe haven where they can defend themselves against corrupt religious leaders.

Tristan has no doubt that Sir Hugh will catch up with him, he knows it's just a matter of time. He wished to be in England before that happened, but fate brings him to a fork in the road. When Celia lets him go, he could return on his journey or he could stay and help Celia fight against prejudice. Once he makes his choice, he stays to fight for Celia, not knowing that Sir Hugh will be upon them shortly. Will his remaining with Celia and her people bring more trouble than help to them? Will Sir Hugh finally capture Tristan and his most prized possession?

My Thoughts: This 2nd book picks up directly after the cliff hanger ending of book one. Spradlin never lefts on the action, danger, and friendship between these three travelers. There's a sprinkle of romance in this book, which adds to the great adventure. I adored this book, it's another fast read with tons of action and turns to keep you guess.

The Cover: Eye-catching

The Source: My Library

Up Next: Book 3, Orphan of Destiny comes out in October!

A Meg Cabot Moment

For those of you regular readers, you know that I ADORE Meg Cabot and all of her books. I'm a facebook fan/friend, I follow her on twitter, and I read her blog. So I was super excited to read this posting where I'm listed as FEW and it goes back to my review of her latest book out next Tuesday.


I totally admit to a fan girl squeal (or several) and a lengthy happy dance, which I will not subject you to.

That totally made my day/weekend.

Happy Release Day: Forgive My Fins

Enjoy Tera Lynn Child's new book FORGIVE MY FINS
take a look at the book trailer I made:



And be sure to check out her blog and the BUZZ blog for chance to win the book!