Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling (Book Review)

Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Author: J.K. Rowling
Publisher: Random House Listening Library
Narrated by: Jim Dale
Genre: YA/Fantasy
I listened to this book for fun!

First sentence: It was nearing midnight and the Prime Minister was sitting alone in his office, reading a long memo that was slipping through his brain without leaving the slightest trace of meaning behind.

Year six finds Harry, Ron and Hermione headed back to Hogwarts after passing their O.W.L.s. There is also a new Prime Minister of Magic after Fudge was fired over his handling of Voldemort's return. Ron and Harry are disappointed as they had not scored high enough on their Potions test to continue on in this class - but this is soon rectified by Dumbledore. Since they hadn't purchased Potions books, they must use some old ones from the classroom until theirs arrive. Harry is lucky and gets one filled with detailed notes and spells. Notes left by the Half-Blood Prince. But who is the Half-Blood Prince?

Dumbledore believes Harry (since he is the Chosen One) is ready to start learning more about his enemy Voldemort. Through a series of memories viewed through the pensieve, Harry sees Voldemort as Tom Riddle and watches his transformation into the Dark Lord. He is also able to discover what a horcrux is and how Voldemort has used them to gain his advantage.


Along the way we have Harry's adventures in Quidditch, learning to apparate and see him developing feelings for Jenny, Ron's sister.

I continue to enjoy this series, having read the first four and now listened to 5 and 6. I was happy to have finished this one before the movie comes out! I have decided though, that I enjoy listening to them more than reading them - probably because I can clearly see the characters (because of the movies) and very much enjoy listening to Jim Dale read them. If you have not read the Harry Potter series, I think you definitely should - regardless of your age. I guess I can admit now that I tried to read the first one when it came out and couldn't get past the first chapter. All the muggles and mudbloods and Quidditch! I am not sure what has changed.

Gatekeepers by Robert Liparulo (Book 3 in Dreamhouse Kings series) - Book Review

Title: Gatekeepers (3rd book in the Dreamhouse Kings series)
Author: Robert Liparulo
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Genre: YA fiction

First Sentence: Xander's words struck David's heart like a musket ball.

I am so very glad that I was able to read the first three books in this series so closely together. My only gripe is that I have to wait until July for Timescape - the 4th book in this series!

In Gatekeepers, we again join Xander, David, Toria and their father, Edward, in the search for their mother, G(ertrude). As they discover more rules about the portals, they also encounter more danger - both in their own world and the world behind the antechambers. Men - warriors - are now coming through the portals and are after the children! Come see how Xander, David and Toria fight off three of these men in the mysterious clearing in the woods - how they are able to fly out of the way of danger!

We also meet Jesse, a very elderly man who has a gift of "feeling" when history has been changed. He also has a link to the mysterious King house, as well as to the King family themselves. He is able to help the children with their knowledge of the portals - but will he have the time to share all of his secrets, or will "time" want him back.

The children may not be able to rescue their mother during this book - but come and find out who they do meet in the other worlds along the way. I guarantee you will not want to put it down!

See my other reviews for the first two books in the series: House of Dark Shadows and Watcher in the Woods.

Watcher in the Woods by Robert Liparulo-(Book 2 in Dreamhouse King series)- (Book Review)

Title: Watcher in the Woods (book 2 of Dreamhouse Kings series)

Author: Robert Liparulo

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Genre: YA

First sentence: At twelve years old, David King was too young to die.

Ok - how can you not want to keep reading with that first line. This was book 2 in the Dreamhouse King series, and it kept me as riveted as book 1 did (House of Dark Shadows - see my review here). I was able to devour this book in one day. In melded seamlessly with book 1, and as I have already started book 3 (look for my review tomorrow!) I can tell you that it was the same with it also.

Book 2 picks up with the King children and their father wondering how to go about searching for their mother - and if they find her - how to get her back. Now their mother has not just been kidnapped - she has been taken through one of the portals of the house into another world - the doorways to these worlds change, seemingly without rhyme or reason and in all worlds but one, danger is around every tree, bush, or building!

Since Edward and Gee (parents) have known each other, they have doodled a cartoon figure they called 'Bob'. Edward comes up with the plan that they would leave pictures of 'Bob' in all the worlds they visit, to let Gee know that they are looking for her. They leave the first picture in the one world that is peaceful - Edward carves it in a tree.

But lets not forget that the King family must also maintain an outward appearance of normalcy - this means going to work/school and making everyone believe their mom just went back to Pasadena to close up the sale of their old house. Add to that - David falling out of a "tree" and breaking his arm, being chased by bullies at school and a mysterious stranger trying to get them evicted from their house!

I was so glad that I had gotten the third book for First Wild Card Tours because that meant I could start it immediately! Can you tell I loved this book!

Series Challenge Season 3

Kathrin at Crazy Cozy Murders is hosting this series challenge. The challenge starts December 1st, 2008 and goes until November 30th, 2009.

The rules are easy:

1) Pick a couple series you already started and now want to finish (meaning, you'll be all up to date with the series when it ends).

2) Read at least 4 books, more are also okay, of course!

3) Post your review of the books on your blog or in the comment section at Crazy Cozy Murders , no matter how long. If you post the review on your blog, please post a link to the review at Crazy Cozy Murders in the comment section so that everyone else can check out your review.

4) Have fun!



I can already think of 3 series that I need to finish:

1. Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince


2. Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows


3. The Hollow by Nora Roberts (Sign of Seven Trilogy)


4. Pagan Stone by Nora Roberts (Sign of Seven Trilogy)
5. Watcher in the Woods - Robert Liparulo
6. The Gatekeepers - Robert Liparulo

If I think of more I will add them as I go along - there is always the J.D. Robb series - but I still have tons of books to go there!