Dmitry Khon Khon من عند Presidio, Ver., المكسيك من عند Presidio, Ver., المكسيك

Rick Riordan is definitely prepping something big for the finale of the Percy Jackson. I definitely have that feeling from reading The Battle of the Labyrinth. Percy isn't just some young demi-god anymore. There is increasing pressure on his part, knowing that he could be the one mentioned in the Oracle's prophecy and his character is really growing up to the expectations that come with being Poseidon's son. The Battle of the Labyrinth is like the Helm's Deep from The Lord of the Rings saga. There is an epic battle in itself but it's also lending weight to something even bigger after it. Camp Half-Blood is going to be under siege; it's going to be attacked by an army led by none other than Luke, and once again, Percy and his friends have to go about saving the world. The action is definitely ramped up in this installment. Quite a few twists and turns, as well as introductions to new characters, of which I am particularly fond of Calypso. I quite like the fact that we got to see another side of Clarisse, who is Percy's nemesis. It was sort of sweet to see her in situations when she's not actually threatening to kill Percy. I also have a sweet spot for Tyson. He's just so adorable and innocent! I have to say something about Annabeth though. For a daughter of Athena, she's not always the wisest of them all. I get that she's cautious and she's guarded and she wants to protect herself and her friends, but will it kill her to let someone into her confidence? It's obvious she cares for Percy, she's gets jealous when he pays attention to other girls, how much more of a clue does she need? Still, I'm very excited to be reading the finale to the series. The gang has made an enemy out of Hera, and according to traditional mythology, she's not one to be trifled with. I wonder if she has a bigger role to play in the finale...

I really like Fannie Flaggs books. This one was a very entertaining read. I'd say read her other books first to get a good understanding of the characters in this book.

Strawberry Shortcake Murder Joanne Fluke Kensington, 2001 ISBN 1575667215 Mass Market Paperback Hannah Swensen, cookie baker extraordinaire, is once again on the snoop. This time, she’s after the murderer of the husband of a friend, struck down right after his judging duty at a dessert bake-off — and he’s literally facedown in Hannah’s own strawberry shortcake. Only Hannah and a few others know just how nasty-tempered this man was and she’s determined to track down the killer before the police decide the wife is the culprit. In the meantime, a most annoying reporter is behaving strangely and the list of suspects is growing. In Hannah’s second adventure, Joanne Fluke brings us another winner, a cozy in the truest sense, complete with the wonderful cat, Moishe. This time, Hannah and her sister, Andrea, have resolved their long-standing rivalry and Andrea joins in the sleuthing with enthusiasm. The two of them make quite a team and the reader has the pleasure of watching the sisters discover surprising things about each other. And the men in Hannah’s life? Well, suffice it to say that batty Moishe is the only one not causing problems of one sort or another. Strawberry Shortcake Murder is every bit as enjoyable as Hannah’s first story, Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder, and Ms. Fluke shows us once again that she is very adept at creating a traditional mystery, replete with small-town characters, multiple bodies and suspects, a little romance and a cat with personality, not to mention some wonderful recipes. If the author keeps this up, I’ll collapse from overeating but at least I’ll be reading a good book while I stuff myself! Reviewed by Lelia Taylor, 2002. Slightly revised 2010.