Kobra Kid Reviews: The Camelot Caper

The Camelot Caper by Elizabeth Peters

My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This book was cute. It wasn't cutesy, thank god, just cute. And it was much better than I honestly expected it to be. Maybe I'm a book snob--okay, no, there's no maybe about that--but in my experience, this kind of book isn't exactly the best of style and subtance, which is why I typically avoid them. There are too many books, too little time, and I don't have nearly enough patience to waste what little time I have on reading books that are essentially empty and, in the end, impart nothing to the reader.

However, I found The Camelot Caper in the backseat of my aunt's car one day and started reading it, for lack of anything better to do at the time. (The back of one's aunt's car is not, after all, a very exciting place to be.) So then, of course, I had to keep reading to find out why this broad was being chased about England. I was pleasantly surprised to find that the author is actually a decent writer. Not amazing, by any means, but decent. She writes clearly and concisely; she's brief and subtle in the right places, while in others she paints very vivid images without being too verbose, too elaborate, or god forbid, purple.

I was a little disappointed with the ending. The premise just really fell apart, in my opinion, and I had a hard time believing that either side would simply let things go that easily. I feel like maybe Peters had an idea what she wanted to do with this book, but didn't put very much thought into it beforehand, then just tried to wrap up the loose ends as well as she could at the end. However, I enjoyed all the dry, sarcastic repartee so much, and the book is so full of little humorous bits and general snarkiness, that it more than made up for the plot holes. For me, at least. And while there was, in fact, an element of romance, it was very understated and did not gross me out at all. A-plus, Peters.

All in all, an enjoyable read for when you want something quick and light, maybe on a rainy day or when you're sick in bed.


Kobra Kid, signing off.
[You can't stop the signal.]


View all my reviews

Follow Friday #1

To join the fun and make now book blogger friends, just follow these simple rules:
(Required) Follow the Follow My Book Blog Friday Host { Parajunkee.com } and any one else you want to follow on the list
(Required) Follow our Featured Bloggers - http://ninjagirlreads.blogspot.com/
Put your Blog name & URL in the Linky thing.
Grab the button up there and place it in a post, this post is for people to find a place to say hi in your comments
Follow Follow Follow as many as you can, as many as you want, or just follow a few. The whole point is to make new friends and find new blogs. Also, don't just follow, comment and say hi. Another blogger might not know you are a new follower if you don't say "HI"
If someone comments and says they are following you, be a dear and follow back. Spread the Love...and the followers
If you're new to the follow friday hop, comment and let me know, so I can stop by and check out your blog!

Q. It's circle time. Time for us to open up and share. Can you tell us FIVE quirky habits or things about you? We all have them...

My Answer:

1. I can quote way too many lines verbatim from Stargate SG-1
2. Potty humor is highly amusing to me.
3. The stranger the book, the more I will like it. Dark, twisted or downright unthinkably evil plots and sex scenes are totally my thing.

4. I randomly break out singing " IT'S THE FINAL COUNTDOWNNNN DO DO DO DOOO" For no reason whatsoever.

5. I am a hard person to get to know. I am very cautious and a bit reserved at first. But, once I know someone and trust them, I will go out of my way to help them. No matter what.

So that's my 5 quirks what's yours ? I'm new at the Follow Friday so bare with me.

More Upcoming Reviews!

Angela's bookshelf: currently-reading




More of Angela's books »

Kobra Kid Reviews: The Horse and His Boy

The Horse and His Boy by C.S. Lewis

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I liked this book better than its predecessor, largely because it felt like more of a proper story than, "A girl goes through a wardrobe to a magical land, and here, have some Christian allegory. And how about a bit more Christian allegory, with a side of Christian allegory, topped with Christian allegory?" Aslan is still Jesus, obviously, but he only shows up toward the end of the book, so you don't get overwhelmed by the religious message.

The rest of the book is a fun, fast-paced little adventure with interesting characters to meet and places to see. It sometimes requires a suspension of disbelief, and also suffers throughout from POV issues (I usually loathe third person omniscient, which reads like exactly what it is: a spastic writer with the neurotic compulsion to tell the story from every single character's perspective), but since this is a children's book, rather than something really intended for the more discerning adult, I'm willing to overlook that. Mostly.

Kobra Kid, signing off.
[You can't stop the signal.]

View all my reviews

Author's Spotlight -- Marlee Morgan --Interview

I'd like to thank Marlee Morgan for taking the time to answer our questions!I hope you all enjoy this interview and please pick up a copy of Soujon's Journey.

Tell us about you! where are you from? Family?

I was born and raised in Southern California. I have 2 children, my son in a doctor with the Air Force, my daughter - in - law is a veterinarian. My daughter is a RN working in the pediatric emergency room here in Las Vegas. I have 2 grandchildren, my grandson is 10 years old and my granddaughter is 8 years old. I am owned by very spoiled animals 3 dogs and 3 cats. The two fish behave themselves very well.



How long have you been writing?

I have always written little short stories for just myself. But when I turned 50 years old, I finally sat down and began Soujon's Journey. It took awhile, between working, and regular old life, but she finally got finished.



Who are your influences?

I love Leon Uris, James Clavell, Sue Grafton, Tolkien, C. S. Lewis, and Lewis Carroll and of course J. K. Rowling. I also love the way Rita Mae Brown, Harper Lee, and Margery William write.

What do you like to read?

I read all sorts of fiction when I have the time. The Oddkins by D. R. Koontz; the comics For Better for Worse by Lyn Johnston; The Pelican Brief by John Grisham; Rebecca, and My Cousin Rachel by Daphne du Maurier; and Tai Pan by James Clavell.
Plus so many more

Do you have a favorite author?

Harper Lee, J. K. Rowling and Lyn Johnston. (can't have just one). Their writing really grabs me.

What is the hardest part about writing?

Sitting myself down at the laptop. Ignoring the laundry, dishes, and regular housework.


What is the most fulfilling part about writing?

Actually seeing my story complete. It plays out like a movie in my head, and seeing complete and the story the way it should be it fantastic.


What advice would you give young kids today who aspire to becoming authors?

Keep writing whatever comes into your head. Whether it makes sense or not.


What are you working on right now?

The second story related to Soujon's Journey. Kender's Story is just about complete.


What future works do you have rolling around in your head?

Many. The Teacup Detectives, Melvin and the Toothbrush Room. Plus, something else, but not too sure what it will be


Where can we find out more about you and your works?

I have a website; www.marleemorgan.com

Angel Reviews: Soujon's Journey

Soujon's Journey by Marlee Morgan


My rating: 5 of 5 stars



It's been a long while since I've read anything in the YA genre, so I picked up Soujon's Journey a little hesitantly. Was I too old to enjoy a book geared toward the younger generation? Would it seem too simple? Predictable? I honestly had no idea at all as to whether I would enjoy it even a little bit.


I am happy to say that I was almost immediately sucked into the world of Soujon and The Sky Mountain People. Soujon's world is what I wish our world was, pristine beauty and harmony but like most young folks, she wants more. Following her youthful heart and what she thinks is love she makes a decision to leave home with a man who is not as perfect as she thinks he is. What ensues is a story that I think almost any young girl can relate to. (even us older girls too) Growing up isn't easy, love hurts and we can't change past mistakes, only learn from them and hopefully not repeat them.

This is a heart-warming story that I would recommend to anyone needing a lift of spirit in this world full of anger and violence. Soujon and the Sky Mountain People are what we should aspire to be.

I will definitely be reading this gem again!





View all my reviews

Teaser Tuesday # 2

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along! Just do the following:
Grab your current read
Open to a random page
Share two (2) “teaser” sentences from somewhere on that page
BE CAREFUL NOT TO INCLUDE SPOILERS! (make sure that what you share doesn’t give too much away! You don’t want to ruin the book for others!)
Share the title & author, too, so that other TT participants can add the book to their TBR Lists if they like your teasers!

Every Breath You Take by Judith McNaught

Walking beside Kate, he tried to recall how many times during his boarding school years he'd been asked by a classmates family if he was any relation to the "Chicago Wyatts" How Ironic that he'd answered no all those times. Which suddenly explained why he could barely force himself now to acknowledge that the answer was actually yes.