Bloodlines - by Richelle Mead

As a big fan of the "Vampire Academy" series by Richelle Mead, I was excited to hear about the spin-off series, Bloodlines which featured the character Sydney the alchemist.

I received a copy of the book from the library last week and quickly devoured the book while on breaks at work over a few days. While I always liked the character of Sydney — she wasn't featured much in the previous series — it was nice to get a better understanding of her perspective on the Moroi and Dhamphir groups. All the set-up of the new characters and setting made the first half of the book too slow though, in my opinion. It wasn't until about page 200 that the action Mead is known for finally started to kick in and the storyline got interesting. If not for my love of the original series I would have likely given up on the book earlier.

Another down-side of the book was that the main story ended, but it seemed to have a few other endings in order to prep for the next book in the series. I'm also very interested in where upcoming storyline will lead. The last-minute addition of previous characters has enticed me to pick up the next book in the series (slated for summer 2012). I just hope Mead can pick up the pace in the next book and get me hooked again.

I rate this book a weak 3 stars out of 5, with hopes of rating the next book a 4 or 5!

For more information on Richelle Mead and her Vampire Academy series check out her website: http://www.richellemead.com/books/vampireacademy.htm

Start Something That Matters- by Blake Mycoskie

If the name Blake Mycoskie sounds familiar, it's likely because you watched the hit TV show "The Amazing Race" of which he was a contestant. While I'm not a big reality TV show watcher, I was at least familiar with the name and face from TV commercials.

I received "Start Something That Matters" by Blake Mycoskie from a Goodreads giveaway. It is an inspirational book filled with tips on how (and why) to start a business, as well as hints on how to save costs and become a more happy you. In addition to the interesting history of Mycoskie's TOMS (an business that gives a pair of shoes to those in need for each pair of shoes purchased) the book discusses the history of other famous inventors and business people, and what innovative ideas helped them succeed.

While I admit I haven't finished the book (I'm not in the need of starting a business) I enjoyed reading about how Mycoskie has succeeded, and the principles that got him there. I give this book 3 stars out of 5.

For more information on TOMS and the book, check out the video below.