The Books I Read in January

The Name of the Star by Maureen Johnson

Boarding school story/Jack the Ripper-esque mystery set in the heart of Whitechapel, London. Did I mention it's YA? :P This was a bit darker subject material than I'm used to seeing from Maureen Johnson, but it was not without her signature humor. With its well-drawn characters and good set-up, I'm looking forward to the continuation of the series.

Favorite Quote: "I decided to deflect her attitude by giving her a long, Southern answer. I come from people who know how to draw things out. Annoy a Southerner, and we will drain away the moments of your life with our slow, detailed replies until you are nothing but a husk of your former self and that much closer to death."

A Storm of Swords by George R.R. Martin

I'm not sure I remember this one very well. I read the Song of Ice and Fire books fast, and it's been a month and a half since this one. It was good, I remember that.

Favorite Quote: "Every once in a while, Lord Tywin Lannister would actually threaten to smile; he never did, but the threat alone was terrible to behold."

I'd Tell You I Love You, But Then I'd Have to Kill You by Ally Carter

First book in a YA series about a private school for girls that's actually a school to train them to become spies. It's cheesy but fun.

Dance of Death by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Child

Kicking my re-reading of the Pendergast novels into high gear. In this one, Pendergast is presumed dead, and his evil brother Diogenes has no one to stand in his way as he plots his greatest crime yet.

Favorite Quote: " 'Stupidity is an elemental force, and I respect it.' "

House Atreides by Brian Herbert and Kevin J. Anderson

Having read all six original books in the Dune saga, I was wary of the prequels for a long time because they weren't written by Frank Herbert. But I went to the used bookstore last month and picked up the first three because they looked really good, and I missed immersing myself in the world of Dune. I've read the first two, and they're very promising. I hardly notice that I'm not reading words from the original author.

Favorite Quote: " 'Brilliant, Piter! I'm glad I didn't execute you all those times when you were so annoying.' 'So am I,' de Vries said."