9-27-08 Soon I Will Be Invincible by Austin Grossman - Fiction

3 - It was cute. A story about superheroes and supervillains, this book delves into the untold portions of the stories: body image, drawbacks, power envy. Told by supervillain Doctor Impossible, "The Smartest Man in the World" and superhero Fatale, "the Next Generation of Warfare", the story follows Doctor Impossible's newest attempt to take over the world. Alternately funny and touching, Soon I Will Be Invincible is an enjoyable story for those of us who don't really follow comics but is likely much more so for fans of comic books and superheroes.

9-22-08 Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows by J.K. Rowling - Fiction

5 - This really is one of the best final novels in a series. Harry has to examine his relationships and himself to keep on the path he must take but that he takes of his own free will. Friendships are tested and lives are given freely during Harry's pursuit of the Horcruxes. Dumbledore's Army rises again and assumed enemies join with known friends. I'm sorry, but I'll be re-reading this series probably at least once a year until I die.

9-20-08 Glorious Appearing by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins - Fiction

3 - This book was super-preachy but it was to be expected. Not that much action; everything goes pretty smoothly for the remnant of believers since they are clothed in God's faith. Tons of bible verses as the glorious appearing approaches and the believers try to convert the few undecided who are left. You know how the story ends and all are reunited in the end. Overall this is a very good series, only the fifth and final books cramming faith down your throat. I would recommend this to others because of the great story and well rounded characters.

9-16-08 Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J.K. Rowling - Fiction

5 - The battle truly begins in this book as people begin to choose sides, either for or against Voldemort. Harry learns of the boy and man Voldemort was and, by learning about him, is handed the weapons he will need to meet him in battle. He finds comfort and frustration in Ron and Hermione as they alternately help him in and question his newly discovered beliefs in the motivations and actions of their enemy. Harry also discovers true love and what sacrifices may be made in the course of loving another. A great build-up to the final battle that occurs in the seventh and last book in the series.

9-13-08 Armageddon by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins - Fiction

5 - I was surprised with this one because people you are so sure are going to make it to the end are dropping right and left! Lots of action as the Tribulation Force and the Antichrist prepare for the final battle. Both sides are taking more risks making for a very turbulent world climate. More judgements are sent to earth as well, tormenting those who have already chosen to accept the mark of the Antichrist. Armageddon keeps you on the edge of your seat as you wait to see who will make it alive to the Glorious Appearing.

9-10-08 Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix by J.K. Rowling - Fiction

5 - See my other reviews for this title. Harry really starts to grow up in this book. Yes, he is the typical obnoxious and moody teen, but he's beginning to understand the truth of the battle he has unwittingly been drawn into.

9-6-08 Blood and Thunder by Hampton Sides - Non-Fiction

4 - This is the first good rating I've given to a book that I didn't finish. It was written well and very interesting but I honestly just wasn't in the mood for something like this. Heavy readers will understand me. The description of the book made me think it was about Kit Carson and the Navajo, but it was so much more. Blood and Thunder covers the expansion into the Southwest and West giving background on all the major players regardless of if they were trappers, soldiers, or politicians. A very interesting book that I would absolutely recommend, it just wasn't my cup of tea at this time. I probably will pick it up again and finish it.

9-1-08 The Remnant by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins - Fiction

4 - Still a good espionage, survivalist style story, The Remnant sees the Tribulation Force broken up and scattered throughout the world so they can do the most good for the most people. Carpathia's followers are suffering even more as further judgements descend upon the earth: seas, rivers, and lakes of blood, scorching heat from the sun, all encompassing darkness. Yet the believers continue to work and try to save the few undecided that are left.