Review: PALACE OF MIRRORS by Margaret Peterson Haddix

This is the 88th book I've read this year.

This is a spoiler free review. :) (my first ever)

Summary from: goodreads.com

Cecelia lives like a peasant girl, but she knows she is truly a princess, hidden away as an infant for safety and replaced by a decoy commoner. When danger finds her in her small village, Cecelia decides it is time to act, setting out to claim her rightful place on the throne. But when she and her best friend Harper venture to the capital city and into the famed Palace of Mirrors, they discover that all is not as it seems, and that they have placed themselves in more danger than they could have imagined….


Christian beliefs: They don't say that they believe in Jesus Christ. But they do say things like. 'Thank God'.

Other belief systems: None. :) Besides saying things like 'fabled' which could possibly be directed towards magic. But they never say that it is magic.


Language: Well, they never say anything bad words, but they say things like, 'idiot' and they say like 'curses' like, not...'I curse you' but like, they say lines like, for example, 'blast the dark one's sneezes!" hehe.  There are a couple of those in there, but they're harmless, and quite funny. :)


Romance: Well, there is one kiss (on the lips mind you.) and the author says that the characters weren't sure how to turn their heads to kiss each other. lol. They say things like 'marrying' and 'the best knight's hand in marriage' and how they are, and how going around together. (boy and girl) isn't allowed. But that's it. :) But I liked, I didn't have to read anything too, serious.


Any other bad things: They enemy is always out there, and that they want to kill the 'true princess'. And someone gets hit with a harp. And a dog jumps out at Cecilia. And Harper (Cecilia's best friend) and Cecilia make fun of each other by jokes that, if you would have said to anyone else, you would get their feelings hurt. It's like...'you can only say it to your friends' jokes. If that makes any sense.

Comments: I loved it. It was a great read. With no bad words, nothing bad. And I would let my sister read this. But the only thing that bothered me, and it has nothing to do with the book, it's that this book was up in the teen section in my library. I think it belongs in the kid section. I think a ten year old or even younger that could read this. Depending on what their parents let them read. :)


Rating: 5 out of 5 stars for amazingness.
And 5 out of 4 stars for any age. (because of the little romance and a little violence)


-maddie

Only 9 more hours!!

Only 9 more hours for you to vote for your favorite set of chacecters! Go and vote!!!!!!!!

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-maddie

Teaser Tuesday!

Hey guys! Here's a teaser! Hope you enjoy it!!

Life isn’t so bad. I have Walter. And I still have mom and Steve. And Lizzy.

Somewhere.

-maddie

After Thanksgiving post... IMPORTANT

Well...I am very full of food. hehe. And I've gotten hooked on Girls Generation music. Here's one of their songs:

The Boys <333 lol

Anyhoo, there's only day left of Thanksgiving break, and that's tomorrow. And I'm going to the Nutcracker with my friend. :)))))

I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! I sure did. :)

Don't forget to vote!! -------->

And don't forget about my party! Dec. 27th 2011 5pm-6pm EST. :) Details up top!

(I'm planning the plan for the party now. I'll finish it after the poll results come in. The Pirates are winning at the moment!)

Oh!!! And I have the winner for the "Signed Copy of 'A Pirate's Wife for Me?'"

ELIZABETH!

I'll email you, and I'll send you the copy of the book as soon as I can! :)

Congrats!

And guess what? I won the NaNo 2011 writing thing. lol. I think I'm getting five copies of TWO RINGS. PUBLISHED! Can you believe it??? I CAN'T!!!!


Well, enjoy the music video! :D

-maddie

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving all!!!!!

Don't forget to be thankful! I know I won't. :D

-maddie

Teaser Tuesday. A bit late

Sorry guys! I had a rough morning, and then I had to hurry and finish school and then go to my book club.

So...here's the teaser from FEATHERS coming Dec. 19th 2011! :)

“Say good-bye, girly.” The voice said.

I closed my eyes. Preparing to die.

Don't forget to vote! (right hand side) And don't forget to check out A Tale of Worlds 3. :)

Happy early Thanksgiving! Be thankful! I know I am. :)

-maddie

Cover Reveal: A Tale of Worlds 3

Hey all!

Sent the book to the amazing cover creator on Friday and look! Amazing! Thank you, Hope R.!!!

Enjoy guys!!

-maddie

A Tale of Worlds 3!!

Here's the link to A Tale of Worlds 3!! Tell me what you think. :)

http://madisonlouisesbooks.weebly.com/a-tale-of-worlds-3.html

-maddie

Hey!

People have been asking about what time zone my party is going to be in. And the answer is EST time. 5pm-6pm EST time. :)


-maddie <3

Tomorrow!!

Tomorrow, A Tale of Worlds 3 comes out!!!

What am I doing today?

Well, school, writing the new pirate book and editing A Tale of Worlds 3.

Yeah, I know. This is the first book to come out on a Saturday, so I didn't get a weekend day to do it. Actually, I've had plenty of time. I just was putting it off. * procrastinator*

My family and I are watching Thor tonight. Hopefully I won't put it off too long. haha I want to watch the movie!!!!

Well, I have to finish school, eat lunch, write some more. And hopefully edit A Tale of Worlds 3

Biiii!

I finished TWO RINGS!

Give me some cheers!

I finally finished TWO RINGS. I thought I would never finish it!! The plot changed so many times is was INSANE.

Anyhoo, read the summary at the "Summaries of my Books" page up top. ^^^

TWO RINGS will be on my book website Jan. 1st 2012. (yes, the world will still be here ;))

-maddie <3

Review: THE SON OF NEPTUNE by Rick Riordan

WARNING: THIS IS THE 2ND BOOK IN THE HEROES OF OLYMPUS SERIES. IT ALSO HAS SPOILERS FROM THE PERCY JACKSON AND THE OLYMPIANS SERIES AS WELL.

Son of Neptune----> (Blue Bunny wouldn't put it down)


Summary from: www.goodreads.com

Seven half-bloods shall answer the call,
To storm or fire the world must fall.
An oath to keep with a final breath,
And foes bear arms to the Doors of Death. 

Percy is confused. When he awoke from his long sleep, he didn't know much more than his name. His brain fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa tol him he is a demigod and trained him to fight with the pen/sword in his pocket. Somehow Percy manages to make it to a camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he has to keep killing monsters along the way. But the camp doesn't ring and bells with him. The only thing he can recall from his past is another name: Annabeth 

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn't do a very good job of it. Sure, she was an obedient daughter, even when her mother was possessed by greed. But that was the problem - when the Voice took over he mother and commanded Hazel to use her "gift" for and evil purpose, Hazel couldn't say no. Now because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk. Hazel wished she could ride away from it all on the stallion that appears in her dreams. 

Frank is a klutz. His grandmother says he is descended from heroes and can be anything he wants to be, but he doesn't see it. He doesn't even know who his father is. He keeps hoping Apollo will claim him, because the only thing he is good at is archery - although not good enough to win camp war games. His bulky physique makes him feel like an ox, especially infront of Hazel, his closest friend at camp. He trusts her completely - enough to share the secret he holds close to his heart. 

Beginning at the "other" camp for half-bloods and extending as far as the land beyond the gods, this breathtaking second installment of the Heroes od Olympus series introduces new demigods, revives fearsome monsters, and features other remarkable creatures, all destined to play a part in the Prophesy of Seven.


Christian beliefs: ...

Other belief systems:  The Olympian gods. Both Roman and Greek. And the myths and stories that go along with them.

Language: Percy can understand what horses are saying because his dad is Poseidon, the god of the sea, and he created horses, so what I am getting at is that, one horse cusses. But Percy never says what he says. He almost says the other word for your button. But he stops. The author also says that Percy and Frank cuss like a horse. But he doesn't say what they said. Thank goodness.  Also, they say. "oh my gods" and "oh gods" a couple times.

Romance: SPOILER: Hazel kisses Frank on the lips. But the author doesn't describe it. It's a cute, sweet moment. Hazel also kisses Percy on the cheek. The author describes it as a 'sisterly kiss' which I found very sweet and cute. :) SPOILER: And Percy thinks about Annabeth, his girlfriend, all the time, and how much he misses her.

Any other bad things: There are fight scenes. The author describes the blood sometimes, but nothing horrible. (believe me, I've read worse than what's in this book) and also, Tyson hits another Cyclopes's groin. It's actually kind of funny how the scene goes down. All you read is someone saying that it's sensitive and then that's about it. 

Comments: I loved every second of it. I admit, I would have gotten it done earlier, but I am a teen, and a teen needs sleep. So, I fell asleep, meaning to pick up the book, but didn't. (my light got left one a good many nights) I also blame Rick for making the book so awesome, my imagination was going crazy with new plots and ideas. hehe 

I love how it's so kiddish, but for my age as well. An adult would enjoy this I'm sure. I love how the romance isn't too high, and that it's cute and sweet. Like a romance everyone wants. (at least, that's what I want) And I love how most of the couples were friends and then they started to date. But I must admit, I didn't like how Hazel likes Frank, who is 16 and she's 13. BUT, she died and then came back to life 70 years later. But still...

Well, I loved it. It was amazing. I can't wait for the 3rd book. (it'll be called: The Mark of Athena and it comes out Fall 2012. A WHOLE year!! Gah!!)

Rating: 5 out of 5 for AMAZINGNESS!

And, 5 out of 5 for ANY AGE. (kids that can understand that is, you could read it to a little kid. (3 or 5) but I doubt they'd understand what was going on.)

Thanks for reading my review! This was my 85th book I've read this year. :D

-maddie

Teaser Tuesday!

Hey guys! This is the last teaser for A Tale of Worlds 3. It comes out THIS Saturday!! Whoop whoop!

(don't forget to vote on the poll ------>>>>)

Alright, here's the teaser:

                                                                   “I don’t think…”

                                                             “You don’t think what?”

                                                      “I-I’m Lightning’s princess and…”

                                                                       “And what?”

                                                       “We don’t have the right to, and.—“

                                                                 She was cut off by his lips.

-maddie

Maddie's 1st writing career birthday!!!

Come join us HERE to do a live chat for Madison Louise's 1st writing career birthday.

We have the open chat box here: http://madisonlouisesblog.blogspot.com/p/maddies-1st-writing-career-birthday.html

It's on the 27th (Tuesday) at 5 - 6pm EST.

We will have special guests, giveaways and more!!

Mark your calenders! Hope you can come! And don't forget to vote on which set of characters you want to be at the birthday party!! (poll just to your right on the top)

It's International, but keep in mind it's EST time.

If you have facebook, here's the link to the event on my facebook page. :)

Maddie's 1st writing career birthday event

I thought a  picture would make it more exciting. ;) ^^^

(Don't forget to spread the word!!)

-madison

I felt like posting...

Hello everyone!

As you know, I'm working on a new book called, TWO RINGS. And maybe it'll have a sequel. Not sure yet. But anyway, what I was going to tell you was that, I'm going to write another Pirate Chronicles after TWO RINGS.

Do you guys remember little Marie Antoinette from "A Pirate's Life for Me?" Well, she's going to be older now, and I'm pretty sure she's going to make an appearance.
I was trying to find a good movie to watch, you know, to find out what life was like back in 1770 and the clothes and such.
Take my advice and don't watch THE DUCHESS and the new MARIE ANTOINETTE. The old one might be ok, but I'm getting a PBS video on her to watch.

Anyway, thought I'd tell you that. And don't forget to vote on the poll. My facebook page and writing career's birthday is Dec. 27th and I'm going to pick which every set of characters to answer all your questions. :)

So vote!!


Well, take care you guys!!!!

-maddie

New Poll!

My Facebook page, (my whole writing career somewhat) 's birthday is on the 27th of Dec.

So, vote on which set of characters you would like to ask your questions to! It ends the 30th of Nov. Spread the word!!

POLL ---------------------------->>>>>>>>


Have a great rest of the week!!

-madison

Teaser Tuesday + Cover Reveal

Hey all! Today is Election Day. Did your parents go vote today? I watched my dad vote.

Anyhoo, here's the teaser for A Tale of Worlds 3!

She put her arms around his neck and kissed him back.

Love is such a beautiful thing.

And...for the cover reveal, Hope R. has made TWO RINGS a cover! Check it out:

I hope your week is goin good so far! I'm running for Student Council Secretary today. Wish me luck!!

Don't stop dreaming!

-madison

Review: THE IRON KNIGHT by Julie Kagawa

This is the 84th book I've read this year.

WARNING THIS BOOK IS THE FOURTH BOOK IN THE IRON FEY SERIES, DO NOT READ AHEAD IF YOU DO NOT WISH TO READ A LOT OF SPOILERS.

Summary from: www.goodreads.com

My name- my True Name- is Ashallyn'darkmyr Tallyn. I am the last remaining song of Mab, Queen of the Unseelie Court. 

And I am dead to her. 

My fall began, as many stories do, with a girl... 

To cold faery prince Ash, love was a weakness for mortals and fools. His own love had died a horrible death, killing gentler feelings the Winter Prince might have had. Or so he thought. 

Then Meghan Chase- a half-human, half-fey slip of a girl- smashed through his barricades, binding him to her irrevocably with his oath to be her knight. And when all of Faery nearly fell to the Iron fey, she severed their bond to save his life. Meghan is now the Iron Queen, ruler of a realm where no Winter or Summer faery can survive, 

With the unwelcome company of his archrival, Summer Court prankster Puck, and the infuriating cait sith Grimalkin, Ash begins a journey he is bound to see through its end- a quest to find a way to honor his vow to stand by Meghan's side. 

To survive the Iron Realm, Ash must have a soul and a mortal body. But the tests he must face to earn these things are impossible. And along the way, Ash learns something that changes everything. A truth that challenges his darkest beliefs and shows him that, sometimes, it takes more than courage to make the ultimate sacrifice.

First off, I just want to say that, this is one of the books that I found...rushing a little too much. Don't get me wrong, I loved the plot and everything, but there were a lot of words that were used a lot. It's like reading a paragraph with too many 'so's' in it. But I loved the plot and the characters.

You get to know Ash a look better than you did before. You can see what he's been thinking this whole time.  Also, I got this book on Monday of this week, and finished this morning at 8:00am. I stayed up 3 hours reading it last night. That's probably why I slept until 10:00 this morning...

I'm sure Team Ash enjoyed this book very much. But me being Team Puck...it was a little hard to read. *winks*

Alright, let's get started:

Christian beliefs: the words 'sin' is used, but that could work with any religion.

Other belief systems: Magic, faeries, the power of love. *winks*

Language: I found this book being the only one in the Iron Fey series that had the least cussing and swearing. Which I was grateful for. Well, here's the langauge: I did not read the LORD's name being used wrongly. Which I was so glad about. h--l, b-----d, a-s, b---h and idiot was used. That's it for the language.

Romance: Well, to start off, there are only like three kissing scenes in this book, but those kisses were very important. :) And Ash thinks about Meghan all the time, and how he has to get through his almost impossible journey to be with her. And he's always thinking about Ariella, is former love that was killed a long time ago. And Ash and Meghan sleep together, but what really upset me, is, Ash and Meghan have kissed and slept together at least twice, and it bothers me how SPOILER:  once Ash and Meghan got married, it wasn't the first time they kissed and the first time they slept together. And it made me want to cry. I am waiting, and on my wedding day will be the first time I kiss any man. At least, that's what I'm going for and I really hope that's how it ends up. :) Wow, that was a very long paragraph...

Any other bad things: There are fighting scenes and a lot of ketchup, (if you get my meaning) and people and creatures die. It's like Narnia, and Lord of the Rings, battles and descriptions of what happened and such, but nothing too gruesome every happens. Not that I read though, I skipped through some things because I'm a very impatient person and wanted to get on with things. lol

Comments: Aside from the ones up there, I'd say this book was really good and I enjoyed it. It made me cry in some places, I'm never a crier about things like that, I've only cried during one movie, and that was...no, it's too embarrassing, fine, Hotel for Dogs. Yes! I know, so humiliating. But I never cried watching it again though. But I came pretty close this time, and those were happy tears, opposite of the ones for Hotel for Dogs, that movie was...*sniff* *sniff* so sad at places....*clears throat* ok, rating time. 

Rating: I'd give it 2 out of 5 for any age AND 4 out of 5 for awesomeness.

Thank you for reading my review!!

Make sure you check out Julie Kagawa's website at: www.juliekagawa.com

Keep dreaming!

Summary to new book: Two Rings

Hey all! Here's the summary and name for my new book!

TWO RINGS 

Madison Louise

Pearl just wants one more day to be free, one more day to do what she wants before her fifteen birthday, when a life changing choice is made for her.
But it turns out better.
Her leader lets her go to a public school for the remaining of the school year. Pearl is grateful for the chance, but she cannot go without swearing she won't fall in love.
If only it was that easy.


-madison

Some Important news!

Hey all!

Click on the link below to read the important post.

http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=231914076872415&id=128893393841151&ref=notif&notif_t=like

-Maddie

Teaser Tuesday - A Tale of Worlds 3 - It's Nov. 1st - and more

Like the long post title? haha.

Well, first off, happy Nov. 1st!! Here in Ohio, it was SNOWING. Yes, SNOWING. In OCTOBER! I was like...woah....And they say it's global warming. ;)

And for those of you who read "A Pirate's Wife for Me?" which was your favorite part? (here's the link to the book.)

Also, one of my fans made me this: 

It's cool ain't it? I think I might ask Hope R. to do some of my covers for me. :)

Anyway, here's the teaser:

“Electricity! What are you doing? Going to forgive her like that? She deserves to die! That’s two bad things already.”

(the cover for this book should be out soon.)

Biiii