Reading!!

Okay, I've got to give a huge amount of praise to Rick Riordan.  Because his books are fantastic, if you haven't read any of them, go pick them up and read them!

I finished the Son of Neptune, the second installment of the Heroes of Olympus series, and wow!  It's been a really long time since I've literally been unable to put down a book (The Deathly Hallows was the last one).  If it wasn't for work, I would not have left my house, or eaten, or slept until I finished it.

I won't go into detail obviously, but I do give warning that if you do pick it up.... make sure you have plenty of free time.

But honestly, I think he's one of my favourite authors.  His characterization is amazing, he has just the right amount of humour at the right moments, his plots are gripping, and his writing is at the perfect level for younger readers.  Because it's simple, but still very effective.  Well young readers and me, haha!  It's right in with my style.  Enough description that you know where the characters are and what's happening, but not so overwhelming that you start thinking: get on with it!

I could probably talk all day about how awesome his books are.  I highly recommend all of them, but definitely start with the Percy Jackson series.  They're quick reads too, which is both good and bad.  Good because if you're like me and get really into the stories, at least you won't be laid up for a long time.  And bad because they don't last nearly long enough.

Personally I prefer his writing to Rowling's.  She is a fantastic author, but I find Riordan's work a bit more... what's the word... polished?  Not quite... But I found, especially in the 4th harry potter book onward, there was a lot of unnecessary scenes that dragged the story on, while with Riordan's book, every scene helps propel the story.  Or gives the reader a needed moment of laughter after a series of high energy, nerve tingling action!

Now I've got to find me something else to read... or try to hold out till Christmas to get some books I know are coming! I don't read often, mainly because I'm super picky about what books I will read.  They have to be well written, with a gripping plot, and most importantly, well fleshed out characters.  Cause in my opinion, nothing kills a story faster than unrealistic characters that you can't relate to.  Or just super whiny ones that can't live without their boyfriends.

Anywho, going back to my semi-conscious state of zoning out!