madameblogalot

The Hollow Hills: I finished this second book in the Merlin trilogy this month. Again it was a good escape and I enjoyed reading the legend from Merlin’s point of view. I liked how the title resonated throughout the story. I would say this was a HIT for me.

The Last Enchantment: I also finished the last book in the Merlin trilogy this month. This part of the story did not captivate me quite as much and I’m not sure why. Maybe it’s because I’m not familiar enough with the legend (I didn’t know about Merlin’s assistant-although my son did!) Or maybe it was all the editing errors in this edition. I find that so distracting. Although it’s a long book, there were several errors. I found it strange since I had been reading a large hard back copy which contained all three of the books in one edition (I did read The Crystal Cave in its own edition.) Overall, I still found myself wanting to get back to the story when I’d missed a couple of days. I guess I would rate it as a HIT too.

The City of Ember: My daughter and I watched this movie together. Although it was not outstanding, it was fun enough. My daughter liked the young girl who played in the movie. I thought the show was a little weird in spots but it was watchable and adventuresome enough for older kids. There was no bad language. And it did make me want to find the original book. So I guess that’s enough to make it a HIT for me.

Dancing at Lughnasa: I had never heard of this show before. Nor had I heard of the pagan holiday of Lughnasa. I was drawn into this version of the stage play put on by an area high school. I was impressed with the composure and maturity exuded by the young actors. And they did a pretty good job with the Irish accents as well. I found much of the show interesting and could relate to the character of the oldest sister maybe a little too much. I am not sure if the show is depressing or not. But I give this rendition a HIT.

Among the Impostors: This second book in the Shadow Children series is filled with mystery and plot twists. It is easy to read and easy to get absorbed into. My daughter was excited to get it from the library and finish it in just over an hour! Of course, then I had to read it! This story was also a HIT with me.

Among the Betrayed: Not much more than an hour after finishing the second Shadow Children book, my daughter finished this one and asked what the next one is! This book was a bit confusing at the beginning, as the story continues to twist and turn on itself. My daughter and I both found it a HIT.

The Wicked Day: I finished the last book in the Arthur series. This one has little to do with Merlin and finishes the story about Arthur and Mordred, again told from a different point of view from most Arthurian legends. I did not know much about the end of the saga so was interested in reading this. Though I am not sure where the differences lie in this retelling, the author states that she approaches the story telling it with a view as to why and how Mordred became Arthur’s bane and doom. I agree with the author in the fact that the way Arthur is portrayed in the end (of the legend) seems to nearly contradict what he had been before. I also learned that about the real Mordred, very little is said and that most of what is said about him in surviving legend is simply made up and romanticized (incidentally, that is the case too with the character Lancelot whose real name was Bediver or Bedwyn.) Again I was able to lose myself in the story. Overall, I guess I would call it a HIT as well.

The Other Side of Heaven: is a movie about a Mormon missionary to Tonga in the 1950s. The story was fine, interesting even. And the scenery breath taking. But there were some things I just questioned as to how accurate they were. I know Hollywood often takes liberties in these kinds of movies. But I questioned things like the clothes worn by the natives and how they got certain items. And the storm towards the end of the show was overdone. The show was neither a HIT or a MISS with me.

Among the Barons: This next in the Shadow Children series is again filled with mystery and plot twists. I really enjoyed this next installment of the story. I rate it as a HIT.

Among the Brave: Seems as if we are flying through this kids’ series.
This book made me think of the Nazis, Again, I like the twists in the story. I do wonder though how the adults all listen to the kids! At any rate, I still rate it a HIT.

The Screwtape Letters: The stage production of C.S. Lewis’ book is absolutely excellent! Max McLean did an outstanding job, as did Karen Eleanor Wright. I love the way the set was done. I would love to see this production again. This one was a big HIT with my entire family.