How do you feel about series books?  Love them?  Hate them?  I happen to delight in delving deeply into a place and its people, so I adore them.  Naturally, then, I'm excited to jump into today's Top Ten Tuesday topic.  

If you want to join in the fun, all you have to do is hop on over to The Broke and the Bookish, read the rules, make a list of your own, and start clicking around the blogosphere.  It's a good time, I promise!

So, back to the topic du jour.  Because I love series so much, I'm in the middle of about a million of them.  Today, we're supposed to list series we've been meaning to start but haven't.  I don't even want to think about that when I've got so many I need to finish.  So, here's a mix of series I want to re-read, start, and finish:

1.  Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling (status: complete)—I read the Harry Potter books as they came out and have been meaning to re-read the entire series ever since.  I've started this goal in the last six months or so and it's been fun to revisit the HP world we all know and love!

 2.  The Chronicles of Narnia by C.S. Lewis (status: 1/7)—I read The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe back in elementary school.  Although the book totally captured my imagination, I don't think I ever continued with the series.  Methinks I need to remedy that.

 

3.  The Little House on the Prairie by Laura Ingalls Wilder (status: complete)—When I was a kid, I was obsessed with the Little House world—the books, the t.v. show, everything.  I've been meaning to re-read this whole series for a long time, just haven't done it yet.

 4.  Outlander by Diana Gabaldon (status: 1/8)—I read Outlander a number of years ago.  Although I loved the book, I never continued with the series.  Not sure why.  I want to finish it, but the idea of re-reading Outlander, plus seven more very lengthy tomes is a little daunting.  One of these days ...

5.  Bloody Jack by L.A. Meyer (status: 5/12)—This is such a delightful series.  It's got it all—adventure, romance, humor, sass, etc.  Fortunately, Meyer finished the Bloody Jack books prior to his death in 2014.  Unfortunately, he will never pen another series.  Bummer, because this one is a real treasure.

6.  Ruth Galloway by Elly Griffiths (status: 4/10+)—I've enjoyed this series about a quirky British forensic archeologist who helps the police solve mysteries.  More books are being added every year, so I need to catch up quick!

7.  Amelia Peabody by Elizabeth Peters (status: 7?/20+)—An oldie but goodie, this series made its entrance into the world in 1975, just like Yours Truly!  I'm not sure where I am in the series as I've been reading it for a long time.  I'd like to go back and re-read the early books, then continue on.  Someday.

8.  Lady Julia Grey by Deanna Raybourn (status: 0/5+)—I've enjoyed Raybourn's newest series, so I'm interested in checking out this older one as well.  

9.  Study/Chronicles of Ixia by Maria V. Snyder (status: 0/6+)—I've been meaning to read this YA series about a royal food taster ever since it began back in 2005.  One of these days ...

10.  Lady Darby by Anna Lee Huber (status: 0/6+)—Lark got me interested in this historical mystery series about a widow who shares her anatomist husband's "unnatural" interest.  

So, there you go, ten series I want to re-read, start, and finish.  What series are you interested in starting?  Have you read any of the ones I mentioned?  Which other series should I be starting?  Leave me a comment and I'll gladly return the favor!

Happy TTT! 

 

(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Rhys Solario isn't like the other guys at Brigham Young University.  He hasn't served a mission, he doesn't hold the priesthood, he's not interested in a temple marriage—heck, he's not even Mormon.  He's a good guy, but he's learned from bitter experience that he's not the kind of man for whom BYU co-eds are looking.  Which is fine by him.  He just needs to keep his head down for two more semesters, then he'll be done with the Y and its crazy dating scene forever. 

Emmy Jennings only has one thing on her mind: ballet.  She's a talented, experienced ballerina, but now that her impulsive twin has up and quit dancing—an obsession they've always shared—Emmy will have to work even harder to learn routines and perform well enough to earn a coveted solo in an upcoming show.  With a full school schedule, a learning disability that makes studying even more complicated, and a sister-roommate who's acting strangely, Emmy's got plenty on her plate.  The last thing she needs is a distraction like her handsome new study partner.  She's not looking for a date, let alone her eternal companion, but Emmy can't deny her attraction to kind, down-to-earth Rhys Solario.

 

for nothing offensive, although the story is most appropriate for readers 12+

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of Love on Pointe from the generous folks at Covenant.  Thank you!

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(Image from Barnes & Noble)

Even though there are maps tacked up all over his bedroom walls, Sebastian is not the kind of boy who longs for adventure.  He's certainly not the type who goes looking for it.  In fact, he prefers his life just the way it is—safe, predictable, and logical.  So, why does a cryptic sign posted in a dingy alley make him so darn curious?  What is it about The Explorers Society that keeps tugging at his underactive imagination?  

Most illogically, it's a pig in a tiny hat who grants Sebastian entrance into the mysterious society's headquarters.  What he finds inside are people and stories so mind-boggling he can hardly believe they're real.  The Explorers Society is a fun place to hang out, especially since Sebastian's not required to do any adventuring for himself.  

When 11-year-old Evie Drake appears on the Society's doorstep, however, everything changes.  Suddenly, Sebastian finds himself in the middle of a grand adventure complete with a missing explorer, a puzzling mystery, and two sinister bad guys hot on his trail.  Sebastian wants to help Evie find her missing grandfather—he really does—but he's no Indiana Jones.  How can he solve the mystery, rescue Mr. Drake, and keep himself and Evie safe from goons with guns?  It's impossible.  Especially for a risk-averse, panic-attack prone boy like Sebastian.  He's no hero.  Or is he?

The Door in the Alley, the first book in a new series by Adrienne Kress, is a fun-filled, action-packed adventure perfect for armchair explorers.  Featuring a quirky, conversational narrator, it's an upbeat tale with plenty of twists, turns, and surprises.  Sebastian and Evie make a likeable team—it's easy to root for them as they work together to save the only family member Evie has left.  The Door in the Alley is an easy, exciting read that middle graders will surely eat right up.  Personally, I can't wait to see what happens next to this dynamic duo.  

(Readalikes:  Reminds me of York by Laura Ruby; also of books by Lemony Snicket, Psuedonymous Bosch, and Chris Grabenstein)

Grade:

 

If this were a movie, it would be rated:

 

for violence and scenes of peril

To the FTC, with love:  I received an ARC of The Door in the Alley from the generous folks at Random House Kids.  Thank you! 

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(Image from Barnes & Noble)

When Oona Lee, the clumsiest Sun Dancer on the planet, learns that the Five Worlds are in danger of extinction, she vows to save them.  Her sister—last year's Chosen One—will know what to do.  All Oona has to do is find her runaway offspring.  Surely Jessa, a talented Sand Dancer, will be able to light all five beacons and save the worlds.

Then, war breaks out.  Oona's journey is thwarted by the surprise attack.  Helped by two unlikely allies, she gets back on course.  Finding Jessa isn't easy; it may even be impossible.  If Oona fails in that task, it just might be up to her and her new friends—a penniless street rat and a famous starball player—to play hero.  Oona has never been able to control her sand—how can she possibly use it to save anyone?  As the trio continue on their wild, dangerous adventure, they will all discover the hidden powers inside themselves.  And maybe, just maybe, it will be enough to save the worlds they love.

Full disclosure: I've read exactly one graphic novel besides 5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior, so I'm hardly an expert on the genre.  As expected, the story (written by brothers Mark and Alexis Siegel and illustrated by Xanthe Bouma, Matt Rockefeller, and Boya Sun) is fast-paced and full of action.  The pictures are colorful, eye-catching, and dreamlike.  A lot is going on, both in text and artwork, some of which I followed easily, some of which I didn't.  I'm still a little confused, truth be told.  Still, The Sand Warrior made for a quick, exciting read that should appeal to kids who enjoy comic books.  That kind of thing is not really for me, though, so I don't plan on picking up the next installment of 5 Worlds.  I wouldn't hesitate, however, to hand The Sand Warrior to a reluctant reader who's yearning for a quick, empowering read with plenty of action and adventure to keep his eyes and imagination busy.

(Readalikes:  Um, no clue.  Comics/graphic novels really aren't my jam.  Suggestions?)

Grade:

 

If this were a movie, it would be rated:

 

for violence and scenes of peril

To the FTC, with love:  I received a finished copy of 5 Worlds: The Sand Warrior from the generous folks at Random House Children's Books.  Thank you!