Covenants: A Borderlands Novel

by Lorna Freeman

Ok, this book was kinda slow to get into and get a understanding of all that was going on. I actually think I need to reread it before I decide to read the sequel (which i regretfully have yet to start) in order to catch everything. Once you hit a certain point though, I just couldn't stop reading. It just turned out to be a fantastic read. The ending did feel kinda rushed, but I can forgive that because it was a nice paced kinda rushed that left me, for one, with a better understanding of the novel as a whole.

I definitely recommend this to anyone looking for a new book to read, especially if you are looking for something atypical, then this is the novel for you. It's got a bit of adventure, action, magic and even politics mixed together for a beautiful story that you will want to read again.
Highly recommended.

Howl's Moving Castle

by Dianna Wynne Jones

This book was rather slow to get into, but once you struggle through the first half of it, you will be captivated by the last.
My mistake in reading this may have been that I watched the movie first. The movie was good. Although it was definitely much less complicated and left out a lot from the novel. So be warned, if you've seen the movie, expect a lot more things in the novel. And the changes between the two mediums aren't bad in my opinion (although, of course the novel is better).
This romantic storyline is changed up a bit, the family of Sophie is also changed (and in my opinion for the better) and has a lot more involvement. There's also an interesting twist kinda plot nugget (of gold) that is definitely different than the movie that might actually come as a surprise.
With this novel, Jones has again written a beautiful piece of work and again captivated me, personally.
Definitely read the rest of her novels if you haven't already.
A must-read!