The Goddess Legacy (Goddess Test #2.5) by Aimee Carter

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): For millennia we've caught only glimpses of the lives and loves of the gods and goddesses on Olympus. Now Aimé e Carter pulls back the curtain on how they became the powerful, petty, loving and dangerous immortals that Kate Winters knows.

Calliope/Hera represented constancy and yet had a husband who never matched her faithfulness...

Ava/Aphrodite was the goddess of love and yet commitment was a totally different deal...

Persephone was urged to marry one man, yet longed for another...

James/Hermes loved to make trouble for others-but never knew true loss before...

Henry/Hades's solitary existence had grown too wearisome to continue. But meeting Kate Winters gave him a new hope...

Five original novellas of love, loss and longing and the will to survive throughout the ages.

Book Review:
Alright, Ms. Carter and I have had a bit of a rocky road. It started out with true love with the first book in this series. Then came disappointment with the second book. For some reason, I thought this was the final book in the series. I was surprised to discover that it was a composition of 5 novellas of Gods and Goddesses. Now, let me tell you I am not a big fan of short stories. I will sometimes buy books from my favorite authors in which they compile their short stories. I'm not really sure why, but I tend to lose interest in them straight away. However, Carter has once again won me over with this book. I enjoyed the varied voices and their respective stories. My favorite was probably Hades, followed closely by Hera. Carter has received criticism for her works not accurately reflecting Greek mythology. My opinion is that this is Carter's spin on classic Greek Mythology. She isn't re-writing history, but rather creating her own world. So far, I'm rather enjoying her spin on things. I recommend this story for all readers. Reading the series isn't necessary to enjoy this book, but it does enhance the story.

Favorite Quote:
“In her he saw possibility. In her he saw the future. And when she was ready for it, he would be, too” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Love this cover. I like the contrast of the lush green background with the goddess dressed in silver. 

Rating:

Top Ten Tuesday: These are my confessions

A feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

This weeks topic: Top Ten Eleven Bookish Confessions: 

1.  I am HUGE sucker for a pretty cover. If the cover is beautiful/unique/eye-catching there is an automatic 75% chance that I will read the book.
2. If I want to read a book, I will buy it. I think it comes from growing up; I always had to get my books from the library, which had a small selection to choose from. I would rent the largest amount you possibly could (12). Then read and re-read them until my parents would take me back the next week. From then on, I knew that I wanted my own, personal library. Plus, I work nights, so I usually read when nothing is open. This makes it extra nice to have options available when I finish a book at 3 A.M. and am looking for my next read.
3. I collect bookmarks. I used to make my own out of scrapbook leftovers, but now I am addicted to those magnetic ones that you clip to the top of the page. Mine have their own container that sits on my nightstand, at the ready. 
4. I started book blogging when I was in college. I was on a train ride on my way home from spring break and decided that I needed a way to track the books that I had read. Thus, my blog was born. I switched over to blogger a few years later based on a friends recommendation.
5. I rarely will tell anyone in RL what kind of books I read. Most of my RL friends read Jodi Piccoult, Stephanie Meyer, Dan Brown, etc.. Not to discriminate, becuase I have read at least 2 of those authors. However, when I've previously tried to describe YA or PNR or SciFi, I get blank looks before my friends change the subject. 
6. I do not own an ereader. I honestly do want to get one, but can't decided on what brand (NOOK or Kindle) or what kind (color, touch, etc...). Plus, there is nothing like holding a book. Yes, I am one of those. 
7. I go through every copy of a book at the store before choosing the one that is in the most pristine condition before purchasing.  
8. I usually buy my books at my local indie bookstore. I do have a B&N membership that comes in handy. When I'm short on money, I buy from amazon.
9. I am addicted to goodreads. I have the app on my phone and check the website daily. When it goes down, I am not a happy person.
10. My books are treated with tender love and care. After I've read them, they still look brand new. When I sell them back on occasion to the bookstore, the workers get giddy because of the selection and great condition they're in. It always makes me re-think if book buyback is a good idea. 
11. I take a book with me everywhere. Work, doctor appointments, school, wherever. My doctor will always ask what book I'm reading when I have an appointment.

This is probably more than you ever wanted to know about me. What are your bookish confessions?

Shadow and Bone (The Grisha Trilogy #1) by Leigh Bardugo

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Alina Starkov doesn’t expect much from life. Orphaned by the Border Wars, the one thing she could rely on was her best friend and fellow refugee, Mal. And lately not even that seems certain. Drafted into the army of their war-torn homeland, they’re sent on a dangerous mission into the Fold, a swath of unnatural darkness crawling with monsters who feast on human flesh.

When their convoy is attacked, all seems lost until Alina reveals a dormant power that not even she knew existed. Ripped from everything she knows, she is whisked away to the royal court to be trained as a member of the Grisha, the magical elite led by the mysterious Darkling. He believes she is the answer the people have been waiting for: the one person with the power to destroy the Fold.

Book Trailer:


Book Review:
There are so many things that I want to say about this book. It's difficult to fan girl squee through the whole review. I'll try to behave, but please pardon my squee moments. So, I wasn't quite sure as to what to expect when I started this book. All I really knew is that the setting was loosely based of of a Russian fairy tale. The world building in this story is amazing. The end. I mean, the characters are fantastic for sure, but the setting of the entire story is simply awesome. So back to the characters. I love Alina and Mal. Just realistic, flawed peeps who I want to get to know. The Darkling was the absolute most fantastic villain for this story. I want to know more about him. I was pleasantly surprised that this book was part of a series, and not a stand-alone book. Please excuse me while I squee uncontrollably for a moment. *cough* Ok, so, bottom line? Read this story. It will take you to fictional places you've only ever thought you could dream of. Ok, maybe that's a bit too far, but it is a really good read. I promise you at the very least will have a difficult time setting the book down once you pick it up.

Favorite Quote:

“They are orphans again, with no true home but each other and whatever life they can make together on the other side of the sea.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
I just adore this cover. It sets itself apart from other YA covers. The colors are rich and gorgeous. You just KNOW that a good story lies between those covers!

Rating:

Top Ten Tuesday: Lifespan Top Ten

A feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

This weeks topic: Top Ten Favorite Books You've Read During The Lifespan Of Your Blog:

1. Drink, Slay, Love by Sarah Beth Durst
2. The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater
3. The Pledge by Kimberly Derting
4. American Gods by Niel Gaiman
5. The Handmaid's Tale by Margaret Atwood
6. All These Things I've Done by Gabrielle Zevin
7. Forgotten by Cat Patrick
8. All Unquiet Things by Anna Jarzab
9. The Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger
10. Legend by Marie Lu

I've actually been blogging my book reviews since 2007, so this list was a very difficult one to compile! What books are among your top ten favorite?

NPR's Top Ten Teen Books

 
As seen on Muggle-Born book blog. This is the list of the top 100 Young Adult Books. Once again, I find myself in the minority of popularity, which I am okay with. While I was impressed to see some of the books listed (such as Dune), I was disappointed by others (such as The Princess Diaries).

Books I’ve Read vs. Books  I Plan On Reading Eventually

1. Harry Potter (series), by J.K. Rowling
2. The Hunger Games (series), by Suzanne Collins
3. To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee
4. The Fault in Our Stars, by John Green
5. The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien
6. The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger
7. The Lord of the Rings (series), by J.R.R. Tolkien
8. Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
9. Looking for Alaska, by John Green
10. The Book Thief, by Markus Zusak
11. The Giver (series), by Lois Lowry
12. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy (series), by Douglas Adams
13. The Outsiders, by S.E. Hinton
14. Anne of Green Gables (series), by Lucy Maud Montgomery
15. His Dark Materials (series), by Philip Pullman
16. The Perks of Being a Wallflower, by Stephen Chbosky
17. The Princess Bride, by William Golding
18. Lord of the Flies, by William Golding
19. Divergent (series), by Veronica Roth
20. Paper Towns, by John Green
21. The Mortal Instruments (series), by Cassandra Clare
22. An Abundance of Katherines, by John Green
23. Flowers for Algernon, by Daniel Keyes
24. Thirteen Reasons Why, by Jay Asher
25. The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, by Mark Haddon
26. Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson
27. Twilight (series), by Stephenie Meyer
28. Uglies (series), by Scott Westerfeld
29. The Infernal Devices (series), by Cassandra Clare
30. Tuck Everlasting, by Natalie Babbitt
31. The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian, by Sherman Alexie
32. The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants (series), by Anne Brashares
33. The Call of the Wild, by Jack London
34. Will Grayson, Will Grayson, by John Green, David Levithan
35. Go Ask Alice, by Anonymous
36. Howl’s Moving Castle, by Diana Wynne Jones
37. Stargirl, by Jerry Spinelli
38. A Separate Peace, by John Knowles
39. Vampire Academy (series), by Richelle Mead
40. Abhorsen Trilogy / Old Kingdom Trilogy (series), by Garth Nix
41. Dune, by Frank Herbert
42. Discworld / Tiffany Aching (series, by Terry Pratchett
43. My Sister’s Keeper, by Jodi Picoult
44. The Dark is Rising (series), by Susan Cooper
45. Graceling (series), Kristin Cashore
46. Forever…, by Judy Blume
47. Earthsea (series), by Ursula K. Le Guin
48. Inheritance Cycle (series), by Christopher Paolini
49. The Princess Diaries (series), by Meg Cabot
50. The Song of the Lioness (series), by Tamora Pierce
51. Treasure Island, by Robert Louis Stevenson
52. Delirium (series), by Lauren Oliver
53. Anna and the French Kiss, by Stephanie Perkins
54. Hush, Hush Saga (series), by Becca Fitzpatrick
55. 13 Little Blue Envelopes, by Maureen Johnson
56. It’s Kind of a Funny Story, by Ned Vizzini
57. The Gemma Doyle Trilogy (series), by Libba Bray
58. Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children, by Ransom Riggs
59. The House on Mango Street, by Sandra Cisneros
60. Something Wicked This Way Comes, by Ray Bradbury
61. The Chocolate War, by Robert Cormier
62. Just Listen, by Sarah Dessen
63. A Ring of Endless Light, by Madeleine L’Engle
64. The Truth About Forever, by Sarah Dessen
65. The Bartimaeus Trilogy (series), by Jonathan Stroud
66. Bloodlines (series), by Richelle Mead
67. Fallen (series), by Lauren Kate (just the first book)
68. House of Night (series), by P.C. Cast, Kristin Cast
69. I Capture the Castle, by Dodie Smith
70. Nick & Norah’s Infinite Playlsit, by Rachel Cohn, David Levithan
71. Before I Fall, by Lauren Oliver
72. Unwind, by Neal Shusterman
73. The Last Unicorn, by Peter S. Beagle
74. The Maze Runner Trilogy (series), by James Dashner
75. If I Stay, by Gayle Forman
76. The Blue Sword, by Robin McKinley
77. Crank (series), by Ellen Hopkins
78. Matched (series), by Allie Condie
79. Gallagher Girls (series), by Ally Carter
80. The Goose Girl, by Shannon Hale
81. Daughter of the Lioness / Tricksters (series), by Tamora Pierce
82. I Am the Messenger, by Markus Zusak
83. The Immortals (series), by Tamora Pierce
84. The Enchanted Forest Chronicles (series), by Patricia C. Wrede
85. Chaos Walking (series), by Patrick Ness
86. Circle of Magic (series), by Tamora Pierce
87. Daughter of Smoke & Bone, by Laini Taylor
88. Feed, by M.T. Anderson
89. Weetzie Bat (series), by Francesca Lia Block
90. Along for the Ride, by Sarah Dessen
91. Confessions of Georgia Nicolson (series), by Louise Rennison
92. Leviathan (series), by Scott Westerfeld
93. The House of the Scorpion, by Scott Westerfeld
94. The Chronicles of Chrestomanci (series), by Diana Wynne Jones
95. The Lullaby, by Sarah Dessen
96. Gone (series), by Michael Grant
97. The Shiver Trilogy (series), by Maggie Stiefvater
98. The Hero and the Crown, by Robin McKinley
99. Wintergirls, by Laurie Halse Anderson
100. Betsy-Tacy Books (series), by Maud Hart Lovelace

Read: 27 Books
To Read: 17 Books

Overall, I've read a bit over 25% of the list. Should I read the additional 17 books I listed as TBR, I'll still only have read under 50%. What are your thoughts? Do you agree with the books listed? Are there books that you have liked to seen listed instead?

Endlessly (Paranormalcy #3) by Kiersten White

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Evie's paranormal past keeps coming back to haunt her. A new director at the International Paranormal Containment Agency wants to drag her back to headquarters. The Dark Faerie Queen is torturing humans in her poisonous realm. And supernatural creatures keep insisting that Evie is the only one who can save them from a mysterious, perilous fate.

The clock is ticking on the entire paranormal world. And its fate rests solely in Evie's hands.

Book Review:
I was really excited to read this one. However, it took me forever to get through it. It seemed rather predictable. The romance was a little flat for me. Evie loves Lend, Lend loves Evie, Reth is well, Reth. I dunno. Maybe I was just in a mood when I read this. I ADORED the first book, and every subsequent book has let me down. I enjoyed the paranormals and the trips to the fairy realms. Arianna is quite possibly my favorite character. White wraps the series up nicely, though rather predictable. Fans of the series will enjoy this one.

Favorite Quote:

“Now, now, you aren't afraid of monsters in the dark, are you?" I caught a flash of her eyes, winking wickedly at me.

"No," I said, shivering. After all, I was one of them.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Well hello purple! The color is my favorite element of this cover. I imagine Evie a little more everyday looking. I don't know why covers often feature blonde hair-blue eye characters. Mix it up a little folks!

Rating:

Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Janie Gorman wants to be normal. The problem with that: she’s not. She’s smart and creative and a little bit funky. She’s also an unwilling player in her parents’ modern-hippy, let’s-live-on-a-goat-farm experiment (regretfully, instigated by a younger, much more enthusiastic Janie). This, to put it simply, is not helping Janie reach that “normal target.” She has to milk goats every day…and endure her mother’s pseudo celebrity in the homemade-life, crunchy mom blogosphere. Goodbye the days of frozen lasagna and suburban living, hello crazy long bus ride to high school and total isolation--and hovering embarrassments of all kinds. The fresh baked bread is good…the threat of homemade jeans, not so much. It would be nice to go back to that old suburban life…or some grown up, high school version of it, complete with nice, normal boyfriends who wear crew neck sweaters and like social studies. So, what’s wrong with normal? Well, kind of everything. She knows that, of course, why else would she learn bass and join Jam Band, how else would she know to idolize infamous wild-child and high school senior Emma (her best friend Sarah’s older sister), why else would she get arrested while doing a school project on a local freedom school (jail was not part of the assignment). And, why else would she kind of be falling in "like" with a boy named Monster—yes, that is his real name. Janie was going for normal, but she missed her mark by about ten miles…and we mean that as a compliment.

Book Review:
This was a quick, fun coming of age tale. We've all had those awkward moments growing up where we are unsure of where we fit in. Janie is a relatable character. The supporting cast of characters are colorful and some great punch to the story. This is a story for all ages. I recommend it if you are going for a lighthearted, whimsical tale.

Cover Art Commentary:
While it isn't a gorgeous cover, it certainly is an interesting one. A girl playing the bass guitar with farm animals in the background...that definitely caught my attention.

Rating:

Top Ten Tuesday: In Real Life

 

A feature hosted by The Broke and the Bookish. 

This weeks topic: Top Ten Couples that could make it in real life:

1. Ethan and Lena from the Beautiful Creatures series
2.  Lady and Lord Maccon from the Parasol Protectorate
3. Chloe and Derek from the Darkest Powers Trilogy
4. Lola and Cricket from Lola and the Boy Next Door
5. Dash and Lily from Dash and Lily's Book of Dares
6. Anna and St. Clair from Anna and The French Kiss
7. Audrey and James from Audrey, Wait!
8. Alona and Will from The Ghost and the Goth
9. Delilah and Patrick from Fixing Delilah
10. Ron and Hermione from Harry Potter

What fictional couples do you think could make it in real life? 

 

 

Changeling (The Order of Darkness #1) by Philippa Gregory

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Italy, 1453. Seventeen-year-old Luca Vero is brilliant, gorgeous—and accused of heresy. Cast out of his religious order for using the new science to question old superstitious beliefs, Luca is recruited into a secret sect: The Order of the Dragon, commissioned by Pope Nicholas V to investigate evil and danger in its many forms, and strange occurrences across Europe, in this year—the end of days.

Isolde is a seventeen-year-old girl shut up in a nunnery so she can’t inherit any of her father’s estate. As the nuns walk in their sleep and see strange visions, Isolde is accused of witchcraft—and Luca is sent to investigate her, but finds himself plotting her escape.    

Despite their vows, despite themselves, love grows between Luca and Isolde as they travel across Europe with their faithful companions, Freize and Ishraq. The four young people encounter werewolves, alchemists, witches, and death-dancers as they head toward a real-life historical figure who holds the boundaries of Christendom and the secrets of the Order of the Dragon.     

Book Review:
Oh. Man. I don't even know where to begin. It's rare, and I mean RARE that I do not finish a book. Sadly, this was the case here. Dredging through this book eventually put me in a reading slump that I am still trying to overcome. I just could not get into the story, despite the interesting premise. I found the characters to be lackluster and contradictory. The setting was interesting enough, but the primary focus was on the characters, who just couldn't keep me engaged. I sold this one back to the bookstore for credit, and I'm not sorry I did.  

Cover Art Commentary:
Now come on! That is one uniquely gorgeous cover! To bad the contents couldn't stand up to it!

Rating:

Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles #3) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Ethan Wate thought he was getting used to the strange, impossible events happening in Gatlin, his small Southern town. But now that Ethan and Lena have returned home, strange and impossible have taken on new meanings. Swarms of locusts, record-breaking heat, and devastating storms ravage Gatlin as Ethan and Lena struggle to understand the impact of Lena's Claiming. Even Lena's family of powerful Supernaturals is affected - and their abilities begin to dangerously misfire. As time passes, one question becomes clear: What - or who - will need to be sacrificed to save Gatlin?

For Ethan, the chaos is a frightening but welcome distraction. He's being haunted in his dreams again, but this time it isn't by Lena - and whatever is haunting him is following him out of his dreams and into his everyday life. Even worse, Ethan is gradually losing pieces of himself - forgetting names, phone numbers, even memories. He doesn't know why, and most days he's too afraid to ask.

Sometimes there isn't just one answer or one choice. Sometimes there's no going back. And this time there won't be a happy ending.

Book Review:
Again, I am such a sucker for Southern paranormal romance books. Perhaps it's because I've only lived in the Midwest? I love the intrigue and the history of the South. This book captures it beautifully. I initially thought I would get tired of reading these books. I mean they are HUGE and really, how can an entire series revolve around a relationship? Well, I am so glad I am wrong! I love this series even more with every single book. I am extremely anxious to read the next book in the series.

Favorite Quote:

“The mortal world is in a state of Beautiful Chaos and destruction, which will ultimately lead to an exquisite end.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
I am such a sucker for this series. Not only are the stories amazing, but check out those covers! Even my mother, who does not like black at all, commented when she saw those covers on a recent visit. They are just gorgeous...Gothic and classic. What's not to love?!

Rating:

The White Glove War (Magnolia League #2) by Katie Crouch and Grady Hendrix

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): Every society has its secrets.

The members of Savannah's Magnolia League have it all: money, beauty, power, and love. Some may call them lucky, but we know better. Spells, potions, and conjures are a girl's best friends, and thanks to the Buzzards -- a legendary hoodoo family -- the Magnolias never run out of friends.

Golden girl Hayes Anderson would never dream of leaving the League or Savannah, where there's no problem that can't be fixed with a cup of Swamp Brew tea -- served in a bone china cup, of course -- and no boy who can't be won over with a Conjure Up a New Love spell.

But when danger lurks and family secrets are unearthed, Hayes discovers that her life may not be charmed after all.

Book Review:
I don't know exactly what it is, but these books are like crack to me (see my review of the Magnolia League)! I just can't get enough of the south mixed with Hoodoo and high society ladies! The more I read about Alex, the more I like her. She annoyed me a bit in the first book, but she seems to have grown as an overall character in this book. I was a bit hesitant about the addition of Grady Hendrix, but he really added some depth the overall story arc. I'm really looking forward to the

Favorite Quote:

“Don't you see?" she says. "I want your life to be better than mine. That's all any parent wants.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Honestly, this cover is just okay. Nothing really stands out. On the plus side it matches its predecessor! 

Rating:

The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa

Book Summery (Via Goodreads): "In a future world, vampires reign. Humans are blood cattle. And one girl will search for the key to save humanity."Allison Sekemoto survives in the Fringe, the outermost circle of a vampire city. By day, she and her crew scavenge for food. By night, any one of them could be eaten.

Some days, all that drives Allie is her hatred of "them." The vampires who keep humans as blood cattle. Until the night Allie herself is attacked--and given the ultimate choice. Die...or become one of the monsters.

Faced with her own mortality, Allie becomes what she despises most. To survive, she must learn the rules of being immortal, including the most important: go long enough without human blood, and you will go mad.

Then Allie is forced to flee into the unknown, outside her city walls. There she joins a ragged band of humans who are seeking a legend--a possible cure to the disease that killed off most of humankind and created the rabids, the mindless creatures who threaten humans and vampires alike.

But it isn't easy to pass for human. Especially not around Zeke, who might see past the monster inside her. And Allie soon must decide what--and who--is worth dying for.

Book Review:
It's been a while since I read this, but I remember being blown away. I was sucked into the story right away. It was a very realistic story as far as vampire stories go. I also liked the addition of zombies. My favorite parts were the ones that included Allie and her mother. The incorporation of the importance of knowledge and words was outstanding! I highly recommend this for all paranormal romance fans (don't worry, the romance is very light). 

Favorite Quote:

“Words define us,' Mom continued, as I struggled to make my clumsy marks look like her elegant script. 'We must protect our knowledge and pass it on whenever we can. If we are ever to become a society again, we must teach others how to remain human.” 

Cover Art Commentary:
Wowzers. This is a huge contrast from her Iron Fey series covers! Very dark and gritty, which is fitting to the story!

Rating:

 

Pardon the dust please!

 

Hello there fellow book bloggers! You may recognize my style of reviews. ;)

I recently got a complete blog make-over, curtsey of Rachel from Parajunkee Design. I have worked with Rachel in the past a few times and every single time she blows my mind! I mean who comes up with an entire amazing design from a small picture of three lanterns? This girl! I seriously can not say enough about her! If you are thinking of getting a custom design or changing just a few elements on your blog, I can not recommend her enough! She is professional, patient, TALENTED, and her prices are reasonable! Check her out, you wont be sorry! :)

Due to unfortunate circumstances, I've had to change blogs completely. This means moving over previous posts and writing/publishing reviews from a few months past. Please be patient with me during this process. Hopefully the dust will settle soon and I'll be back on track!

Reading Reflections: July 2012

 

Books Read:
The Immortal Rules (Blood of Eden #1) by Julie Kagawa
The White Glove War (Magnolia League #2) by Katie Crouch and Grady Hendrix
Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles #3) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl
Ten Miles Past Normal by Frances O'Roark Dowell
Life Eternal (Dead Beautiful #2) byYvonne Woon

Total Number of Books Read This Month: 5

Total Number of Books Read This Year: 35

Most Anticipated:
Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles #3) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Biggest Let Down: None!

Favorite Read:
Beautiful Chaos (Caster Chronicles #3) by Kami Garcia and Margaret Stohl

Highest Rank: 5

Lowest Rank: 4

Overall Reflection:
July was an unbelievably crazy month! All things considered, 5 books  isn't too shabby! Here's to hoping for smoother waters ahead!