The Lightning Thief {Percy Jackson & the Olympians} - Rick Riordan

In an attempt to read something lighter (and cleaner) I turned to the YA book Percy Jackson & the Olympians "The Lightning Thief" by Rick Riordan. While I was initially introduced to the book through the major motion picture, the book was quite different than the movie (of course).

Although the book was a bit slow at first — it really picked up after a few chapters. I was initially drawn to the book due to my interest in Greek mythology as an elementary and high school student, but I must admit that I did have some difficulty remembering which god which which and remember the significance of each god and goddess. While the book did include some background info, I would have maybe liked to see a chart of the relationship for the gods in the front or back of the book. This would have made reading easier.

Riordan creates great characters, writes with a unique voice, and weaves a great tale. For this reason I rate the book 5 stars.  For more information on the movie— which is quite family-friendly— click on the video link below.

Free Kindle book— 101 Offline Activities You Can Do with Your Child

Thanks to the MoneySavingMom blog for the tip on this free Kindle ebook. "101 Offline Activities You Can Do with Your Child" by Steve & Ruth Bennet likely won't be available for long at the FREE rate. So go ahead and check it out. Even if you can't read the book right now, save it for a rainy or snowy day when you're cooped up with the kids. You're sure to enjoy the quality time and learn something in the process.

Storm Born - by Richelle Mead

As a big fan of Richelle Mead's Vampire Academy series, I wanted to try out another book by the author. I stumbled upon the first book in a series starring Eugenie Markham, Storm Born. While the Vampire Academy books were geared towards young adults, the Storm Born was definitely geared towards more mature audiences.

The story centers around Eugenie Markham, a shaman whose normal day centers on banishing elementals to the Underworld. When she becomes interested in a special case, involved visiting the Otherworld, she learns more about the Shining Ones than she bargained for, and learns a lot about herself too.

Although I was prepared for the occasional light curse word, the language in this series was much more mature, with frequent swearing, and the multiple sex scenes and even rape attempts. Despite the language, I initially wanted to say I liked the story line, but it was so laden with sexual tendencies and innuendo that it was difficult to look for a storyline that didn't center on sex. What Mead did do well was create characters the reader would want to read more of. Mead also uses such vivid and descriptive language that the reader can easily visualize what she is describing.


While I want to rate this book higher than a 1 star, I just can't due to the prevalence of sex and foul language. If these things don't bother you, you may really like the book and series.

FREE Kindle books

Some of you may already be aware that there are some free ebooks on Amazon.com but for the rest of you out there with e-readers who didn't know this, you should definitely check out Amazon the free books are on the right side of the page. While most of the books are classics, you'll likely find some mystery, romance, puzzle and recipe books too. So check it out, load the books to your e-readers (or in my case the Kindle for Mac) and get to reading all for FREE!