Fairest by Gail Carson Levine

Youth Fiction - 3 stars

From the author of Ella Enchanted, Fairest is the reworking of the classic tale of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves by the Borthers Grimm (one of my favorite fairy tales).  In the story, Aza is a large orphan girl taken in by innkeepers in the Kingdom of Ayortha, neighbor kingdom to Frell. Aza embarks on a journey that brings her to the castle where she meets the new queen and Prince Ijori. A story of love, self awareness and choosing between right and wrong, Fairest is full of references to the original story. Megan really enjoyed the book, and it is perfect for the tween crowd, especially if they love fantasy/fairy tales. I think the moms in the book club thought it a little too silly. What we do for our daughters!

A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

Fiction - 5 stars

The third book in the Game of Thrones series, A Storm of Swords is all that and more. My favorite so far in the series, this novel is full of intrigue, lust, and violence. The characters and their relationships are so real, and the sheer commitment it takes to read this series creates an attachment I have not felt since the Outlander series. I loved this book!!!!!!

A Clash of Kings, by George R.R. Martin

Historical Fantasy - 5 stars

The Second in the Song of Fire and Ice series, A Clash of Kings picks up where Game of Thrones left off. Martin continues to develop his characters and keep the reader guessing as to the fate of all in these books. This is a very long, complex story, and I can't say anything else because if you aren't reading the books, you might be watching the show on HBO. I don't want to ruin the next season. It's sufficient to say that I can't wait to read the next one. However, sticking to my promise to myself, I'm going with a classic next.

A Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

Fiction - 4.5 stars

I loved reading this book. The series is one of George's favorites, and I thought I'd at least read the first one before the show starts on HBO in April. I am so glad I did. It is a fantasy book told from the point of view of several characters spread out among "the Seven Kingdoms." They are all very complex characters, and the events in the story are often unexpected because of the sheer ambition and self-serving agendas of the players of the "game of thrones." Martin's character development is top notch, and you quickly get to know the characters, whether you like them or not. I am so excited to see how HBO adapts this - plus Sean Bean plays a critical character in this first book. How can you go wrong when Sean Bean is present?