Words of Radiance by Brandon Sanderson

Words of Radiance is  the second novel in Sanderson's hugely popular Stormlight Archive series. Picking up six years after the assassination of the Alethi king this novel is non-stop action and a joy to read. The Assassin in White returns and this time sets his sights on all the kings/princes of the lands and it seems as if no one can stop him until Kaladin ( a military slave who amazingly works his way up to a position of power) arrives with his extraordinary (and secret) abilities. Shallan, a young woman struggling with abilities of her own, is determined to stop the return of the Voidbringers. This brings her and Kaladin together and it is soon discovered that their goals are intertwined.
Words of Radiance is truly an amazing epic journey that you will love going on. The internal struggles of the characters will endear them to the reader and make them so real you will root for their success from beginning to end. Sanderson has done a terrific job with this one.

The Anomaly by Wendy Joyce

Zia is Soul that breaks all the rules but means well just the same. She just can't seem to fathom what she is doing wrong or why the Guides are cross with her. She just isn't like the other Souls in Haven. Every time she is sent to Earth to be born she messes up and the some in Haven fear she will turn from One (sort of like God) and become one of Niie (basically Satan) When Zia is assigned Alpha for a Guide and comes to care for her 'sister' Jen; she finally starts to get the hang of her purpose. Unfortunately when she meets on the Neutral Ground in her next 'life' she must battle balance and keep it from shifting in Niie's favor.
This was an excellent book that I couldn't wait to get back to everyday. Zia is a complex and hilariously fun character who bumbles her way admirably through to her destiny. Full of unique concepts and terrific character you will enjoy The Anomaly - I guarantee it.

The Execution by Sharon Cramer

This is a captivating novel about a priest and a prisoner but so much more. When D'ata performs his unenviable duty of giving absolution to the condemned on the eve of their executions he is startled by what he finds, a young man with his features. Upon further inspection he discovers that the prisoner is actually a twin brother he never knew about.
D'ata was abandoned on a church step as an infant and grew-up the golden boy of a rich family being groomed for a life in the church until she came into his life. His condemned brother remained with their mother until her life ended and his continued in an orphanage until he was finally given in apprenticeship to a devious innkeeper.
The story of their childhoods and how they came to this place in their lives unfolds beautifully and even the hardest heart just might shed a tear as they tell of family and loves lost, cruelty and kindness, and what choices have brought them to this moment.
I enjoyed this book and hope to see more from Sharon Cramer!

The High Druid's Blade by Terry Brooks

I'm embarrassed to say that this is the first Terry Brooks novel that I have read. However I'm definitely hooked! The High Druid's Blade is an intriguing, action-filled novel that you are sure to love. When Paxon's sister is kidnapped by the notorious Arcannen he must go to her rescue not once but twice. Could a pittance of a gambling debt really be Arcannen's motivation or something far more sinister? Arcannen is the dastardly villain you'll love to hate and Paxon is the unskilled but motivated hero who dreams of a life outside of the family business.  Full terrific action, twists and characters The High Druid's Blade is sure to be a favorite and I can't wait for the next installment.

Roses are Red by James Patterson

Few people have such insight into the humanity and inhumanity as James Patterson. In yet another awesome Alex Cross novel Patterson manages to keep the excitement and action going while still showing the daily dramas of the detective's life and loves. Detective Cross is easily one of the most endearing characters in the thriller genre and Roses are Red, though not the latest in the series, is a fabulous addition to the series. Alex is confronted not only with young Alex's mother leaving but with a perplexing string of bank robberies where hostages are murdered for no apparent reason. The Mastermind, as the man behind it all likes to be called, is a vicious psychopath... or is he? Full of misdirection and action you will love Roses are Red.

Scribd - new ebook service that's like Netflix

Thought I'd pass this along in case anyone is interested in ebooks. www.scribd.com has a 30 day trial. It's an ebook service sort of like Netflix for movies. You pay $8.99 for a subscription and can read unlimited books from the subscription service (note that not all books available are subscription books and there are fees for the ones that aren't)  The books DO NOT download to your tablet, iphone or computer but instead you read them directly from the site. I'm not sure if I like it or not yet. I'll keep ya posted.

The Companions by R.A. Salvatore

The Companions is a new spin on the classic epic fantasy. When Breunor, King of the Dwarves, is killed in battle he finds himself surprised, if not angry, to be in the realm of the Goddess Mielikki whom he does not worship. More surprising is that his long departed daughter Catti-brie is there as well. She informs him that along with another friend, Regis, they must return to the mortal world to save the people that they love. Catti-brie is a mesmerizing character that you will love to follow the exploits of along with her companions who have been scattered to the winds to be reborn. Will Catti-brie and Regis survive their harrowing childhoods? Will Breunor move past being a pawn in Mielikki's plans? Will all three of them survive their journeys, escape their enemies to meet up again as planned?? If you love a novel full of dwarves, halflings, dark elves and vampire dwarves - yes I said vampire dwarves; you'll love The Companions.