I love this action-packed adventure story! The characters are so full of life, the plot keeps me guessing, and I'm so intrigued by the mystery of the Ormond singularity!

Cal is a character who grows and changes, makes mistakes and learns his lesson, and ultimately is just a normal guy pressed into extraordinary circumstances. I love that in this book we see more and more of his good heart. His concern for his sister and mom, his trusting attitude, and his compassion for those less fortunate than him, all point to his kind nature. He's ready to suffer personal torment and sacrifice for those around him. I'm so impressed with his character!

The banter between Cal and his best friend, Boges, is hilarious in this third book, and I especially was interested to see the interaction between Winter and Boges. The snark is high, and we get to see Cal being a normal teenager in a weird social situation.

There is a scene with snakes that I had to skim over, because I'm afraid of snakes. Let's hope there are no more snakes in the rest of the series. Ugh.

Loving these books, and I can't wait to read the rest of them!

Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher in exchange for a free and honest review.

This play is unfortunately very Anti-Semitic, which sadly was a prevalent attitude in Shakespeare's time. Shylock the Jew is several times called a devil, and to be fair, he (personally, aside from his nationality or religion) IS the villain of the story. He is psychotic and cruel and evil and only wants revenge on Antonio.
However, his daughter Jessica is kind and fair and good. So not all Jews are painted as being evil. Then again, Jessica converts to Christianity, so that might be why her character is treated differently. I hate to read these sort of ignorant prejudiced opinions, but I just try to ignore it and remember that history had it's faults just as we do today. Still a wonderful play!

Portia is a sweet character. Her situation is unique with the suitors having to choose from three chests. I thought that was an interesting development.

I didn't like Bassanio at first b/c he only wants to get married in order to take Portia's money and pay his debts, but then he really does seem to love her, and they evidently have history of having met before when her father was alive. I like him now! And I loved seeing his close friendship with Antonio, and how they support and protect one another.

AGAIN, again with the women dressing up like men!! ARgh! So sick of that same plot device in every play. But I do love that the women are the ones to sweep in and save the day!
The entire last scene with the trick about the rings is hilarious. Loved it!

There are some really great lines in this one, and all the comedy is witty and fun. I would love to see it acted out.

The ending was a bit abrupt, and kind of unresolved, but I like the middle and I like the love scenes.

A cute little story about some kids going to the mountains for a month vacation. It is the fourth or fifth book in a series, so I got a bit confused at first about who was who, (too many new characters at once), but I figured it out and enjoyed the simple story. Not amazing writing, very old-fashioned, but an enjoyable read for when you are sick and can't be bothered to pay much attention.