52 in 52 - book 24 - The Five Greatest Warriors - Matthew Reilly

We are back again with Jack West Jr, not dead, but very much alive (spoiler written on the back cover of the book, not really a major spoiler when the book is a Jack West Jr book, clearly he can't be dead...) the saga continues, the world is still in peril, to forces unbeknown.

Again, love this book, this one was finished on September 18th or 19th, and again I haven't made it to blogger until now! I highly recommend anything written by Matthew Reilly! 

52 in 52 - book 23 - 6 Sacred Stones - Matthew Reilly

Absolutely aching for the 4th book in this series, due out next month, so in preparation I've embarked on reading the series again. I've had issues with finding time to blog, paired with IOS10 blogger issues, I finished this book on September 17th :) 

As always, Matthew Reilly is an amazing writer who keeps you on the edge of your seat! I can't recommend this series enough! 

53 in 52 - book 22 - 7 Ancient Wonders - Matthew Reilly

Well, Matthew Reilly is releasing the latest book in this series later this month, so it's about time i refreshed myself on the plot line. I absolutely love his writing and this book is no exception. Following clues written in an ancient language, to unearth treasures hidden in the 7 ancient wonders of the world, to stop Europe or America from gaining world domination through an Egyptian sun ritual.... It's an amazing story! 

52 in 52 - book 21 - the Kings buccaneer - Raymond E Feist

I actually finished this one a couple of weeks ago and forgot to blog! I'll have to upload a photo later. It's another epic tale in the world of midkemia, following the royal family of the kingdom of isles, this time the youngest son of Arutha- Nick. Another attempt of the dragon lords to get back into the world through means of magic. 

52 in 52 - book 20! Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - JK Rowling, John Tiffany & Jack Thorne

Somehow news of the Harry Potter saga continuing escaped my radar until the play manuscript had been published as a book! Whilst I am not a Potterhead, and have no interest in the movies or fandom, I do genuinely love the books and enjoyed reading each of the first 7 as they were released whilst I was in primary school. I have very fond memories of sleepovers with my best friend, and her *patiently* waiting for me to finish the chapter she had just finished so that we could talk about it- that's love, no spoilers!- and so my Kmart checkout impulse purchase was this book. 

I work a half day on Fridays, and my beloved is out of town for work, so I decided that my body needed some time in the great outdoors, something that gets pushed to the back of the schedule far too often! And why not bring a book. 

Winter is such a dreadful season, unless you are in paradise! Gorgeous weather. Sunshine, pleasant breeze, and a glorious beach, all to myself. 

Three hours of serious relaxation and the adventure is already over - don't be deceived, a manuscript is formatted to take up more space than a novel, it's sadly shorter than I would have liked! 

But it is a good read, dealing with family dynamics and the crippling effects of history and choices on the present and future.

Take an afternoon off. Open a book! 

Dress for a princess

This beautiful little girl turned 4, so here is the dress I made her. Floss Style Rosie Dress with fabric I had :) 

52 in 52 - book 19 - Prince of the Blood - Raymond E. Feist

 I finished another book! Whilst the reality that I need 33 books in roughly 16 weeks seems an impossible reality to finish this challenge, I'm going to persist and see how many I can complete anyway. 

Prince of the Blood was another re-read, a book I haven't read for several years. Fantasy and adventure, it is excellently written and unputdownable. 470 pages. 

Twin princess think their father, Prince of Krondor, is unreasonable and takes the fun out of life. The death of their only male cousin, and the news that no other make heir could arise due to the queen's ill health, forces their father to drive home the gravity that the elder twin, Borric, is now the heir to the kingdom- and needed to begin to think and behave as such. And his twin Erland would never be King, but must always publicly support his brother, no matter his actual opinion, lest the kingdom be thrown into civil war at the hands of disagreeing factions. 

A diplomatic assignment to travel to the land of Kesh to attend the Empress' 75th jubilee is required, and Prince Arutha takes this as the opportunity to teach his spoiled court-born sons about the world. It's a risky mission, the Keshians are known for murder and underhanded dealings. 

Just days before they are due to depart, an attempt is made on Prince Borric's life, by none other than a member of the Keshian royal family. 

To prevent risk of offence and war, plans are changed and a small party is sent off along a less direct route, to foil any others from a second attempt. 

A stopover at the magician's academy on Stardock Island sees much change- Jimmy the Hand turned Baron James falls deeply in love with Gamina, daughter of Pug, who can speak and hear thoughts - whilst reviving James who nearly drowned, she learned every secret of his life, and loved him. With this intimate knowledge of his history, he couldn't help but love her back- she was the first person he had no secrets from, the true sense of intimacy. 

The party was delayed for a wedding celebration, and then Gamina joined the travellers on their mission to Kesh. 

A sandstorm gave bandits the perfect opportunity to attack the party, looking for things of value, and prisoners to sell as slaves. Having lost his sword and won magicians robes to replace his own lost tunic in a game of poker, Borric is captured and manages to live through the deadly walk to Durbin. Though barely. 

The rest of the party regroup, and search for the Prince. They must eventually assume him to be the one dead at the bottom of a rock fall where his shoe was found, and prince Erland- now Heir to the Kingdom, must push on and not show grief to those of Kesh, he must behave as the heir. 

With the assistance of a beggar turned failed their, Borric escapes the slavers yards, but the massive hunt put on for him indicated they were aware of his identity but unwilling to share it- saying instead he had murdered the Governor's wife. 

Near death experiences follow them to the docks, a stolen boat, chase by the sea patrols looking for the escaped prisoner, and a full day of bailing out the water of the sinking boat. A rescue by a larger vessel saves the day, they work hard, the captain is fair, but suspicious, and so puts them out before the pilot boards to take the ship into Kesh. 

I wasn't planning on writing this much! I need to get to work! I may update later, if not, awesome read. You should check it out.