Monday, December 30, 2013

Yule Ball Celebration!

Earlier in December we had the pleasure of attending a Harry Potter Ball at our favorite local bookstore:  Alamosa Books!

They had many activities for wizards and muggles to participate in:

Being sorted by the sorting hat:  







Racing with Owls:



Fighting other wizards:


And hanging out with friends:




Thanks Alamosa Books!  We can't wait for next year's ball!

Thursday, December 26, 2013

Best Books of 2013

 Although this was not the best year as far as consistent reviews go, Rebecca and I actually did read many books. (We’ll try harder next year, I promise.) And at the end of every year I really enjoy compiling our “Best Of” list and giving you, our readers, some recommendations if you haven’t read the following books yet. So, here it is, another year gone by and another list of the top ten books we’ve read (split between Rebecca and me).

Enjoy!
Rebecca & Esso


Rebecca's best books:


Rank


Title

Rebecca says:
1
by John Green






I laughed, and I cried as I gained insight into the lives of the chronically ill and their caretakers.
2
by Patrick Ness




I was on the edge of my seat while reading.  Ness paints an interesting picture of the true nature of people and makes me wonder if we could colonize another planet.
3
by Rick Yancey






Would we survive an alien invasion?  With determination and some help we would put up a heck of a fight.
4
by Veronica Rossi





Rossi continues to develop strong characters in this second book.  I can’t wait to see how Perry and Aria save the world.
5
Cast in Sorrow
by Michelle Sagara





Sagara did not disappoint with Kaylin’s latest journey.  One person can have such a large impact on many.


Esso's best books:


Rank


Title

Esso says:
1
By Leigh Bardugo



 As a continuation of Alina’s story this book couldn’t get any better. I love the new characters we’re introduced to, particularly the unexpected, swoon-worthy, privateer Sturmhond. More please!
2
by Rick Yancey





A YA novel that is more survival than dystopian. Yancey is a magnificent writer and isn’t afraid to take chances and pull out all the stops in this story.
3
The Final Descent
by Rick Yancey





It is finally the end for Will Henry and Dr. Warthrop. The ending is somewhat controversial for fans of the series, but I can’t imagine it any other way.
4
by Annabel Pitcher



A contemporary YA fiction novel, this is a huge surprise coming from me. Pitcher made me fall for this story and the characters she created. This is a book that will draw you in and keep you for all 261 pages. Good luck putting it down.  
5
by Robin LaFevers






Assassin nuns.
Read it. You won’t be disappointed.  


Oh, and if you’re wondering, Rick Yancey is the reigning champion (according to me), seeing as he has maintained a spot on our “Best Of” list every year since our blog’s inception. That is no typo; you’ll notice Yancey acquired three of these coveted spots this year. I think we should all commence in singing “For He’s a Jolly Good Fellow” now.  Go ahead, I'll sing with you.