I'm feeling pretty satisfied right now...just finished The Riddle by Alison Croggon, which was completely fantastic and definitely lived up to The Gift/The Naming(prequel). In addition, I finished The Da Vinci Code a couple of days ago, as well as Sapphique by Catherine Fisher. I'm going to go one book at a time, now.
The Riddle by Alison Croggon: Was incredible. I find it really refreshing when a sequel proves to be equal or better than the prequel...instead of being a let-down, y'know? I'm going to very depressed when this...tetra-logy?...is over. This series is honestly one-of-a-kind in its beauty and individuality; it's one of those books that seem to deserve their own sub-section in the fantasy genre.
The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown: Extremely well-written with a fluid, intriguing plot, The Da Vinci Code really was a new sort of book to me. It struck me as a historical fiction thriller, perhaps? Whatever it's genre, it was very, very good as a novel. However...I felt the title wasn't very relevant to the story, at least not enough to warrant its title. Reflections on that? Please comment! :) Oh, almost forgot--this book contains some...mature content...as well as very controversial issues. So please keep that in mind before reading. Also, any comments on the prequel, Angels and Demons?
Sapphique by Catherine Fisher: I always liked the story of Incarceron. I realized while I was reading Incarceron, the prequel to Sapphique, that this was one of those stories you either like or you don't. A fantasy novel, it really strikes the chords of friendship and rivalry, and the blatant truths of the cold nature of humanity. The two books in the series conjure two worlds that are really one and the same: a dimension where most people kill for themselves, take for themselves, and live for themselves. Every man (or woman) for him or herself. The ending message: Do we have that same nature hidden deep within ourselves, ready to be released if the situation is right?
K, that's all for now. All the books that I have read and finished recently. I obtained Angels and Demons yesterday, so that's on my To Read list. I also need to get The Crow by Alison Croggon. I'm going to put the Hunger Games on hold as well!
Comment!
Medallion
-I own this book as well. If I had to use three words to describe this story, they would be: fascinating, intriguing, and unique. Definitely a one-of-a-kind book. Picked this up in a bookstore; I had made up my mind not to leave the store empty-handed, and eventually I found Montmorency by Eleanor Updale. The plot seemed interesting, so I purchased it. I was astonished at how brilliant this book was. The characters, plot, story line----everything is so sophisticated and great. Not one single complaint. I recently discovered that there isn't just one, but several sequels to this book. I'm intending to read the sequel soon. Synopsis from www.bn.com: 
-Bought this book in Barnes and Noble. Once again, I went in intending to buy at least one good book, and I succeeded. Jip:His Story, although a short novel(under 200 pages), is a sentimental story I'm sure everyone will value as much as I do once they read it. The storyline is composed of two main parts; a relationship Jip has with someone, and the underlying plot which adds a bit of suspense and drama into the story. The plot itself isn't very in-depth, not too amazing either--what I really think readers of this book think about is the relationship I mentioned. This book is one of the few books I've read that provoked tears from me. It's a treasure. Incredibly genuine characters and great writing to convey it all.