Sometimes I want to comment on a book, but don’t really have enough to say to warrant a full review. I’ve read a few of these types of books lately, so I thought I’d blurb! Please share your thoughts in the comments below.

The Lost Hero (Heroes of Olympus, #1)
by Rick Riordan

The Lost Hero is the first in a spin-off series of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, and it’s a fantastic start! It’s very similar in style to the Percy Jackson books and even features many of the characters we met in the original series, so if you enjoyed the PJ books, I think you’ll like The Lost Hero. i actually enjoyed The Lost Hero even more than the Percy Jackson books!  And I cannot wait for book 2, The Son of Neptune to come out in October.

If you’re still not sure, you can check out the first two chapters here.

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Smokin’ Seventeen (Stephanie Plum # 17)
by Janet Evanovich

Many fans of the Stephanie Plum series are complaining that the later books have lost their edge and it feels like we’re just getting the same stuff book after book. And while I don’t disagree with those comments, I do think book 17 marked a bit of an improvement in the Plum series. It may have something to do with the fact that Smokin’ Seventeen made me laugh out loud during a time of great sadness, but whatever the reason, I found Steph’s adventures in book 17 to be more enjoyable than the last few books. Now if only Janet would make some actual CHANGES in the Plum world, I think this series could find its second life.

Read more about what we’d like to see happen in the Plum world in our Sizzling Sixteen Book Chat.

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Marked (House of Night #1)
by P.C. Cast & Kristin Cast

To be fair, Marked and the House of Night books aren’t really much different from any of the other teen paranormal-love-triangle series that have flooded the YA market ever since Twilight came sparkling into existence. But something about this one had me hooked pretty quickly.

I picked up Marked specifically because I wanted some fluffy YA vamp fantasy to take to the cottage with me, even though I’ve had some failed attempts with these types of books lately and I was a little worried I might not like it. But I just couldn’t put it down. I think the fact that I really, really liked Zoey (the main character) is what made Marked stand out from the vampire crowd for me. I found it extremely refreshing to have a heroine who isn’t (excuse the language) a slutty bitch (Yes, I’m talking to you Vampire Diaries books). And while I only gave the book 3 stars, I still picked up and read book 2, Betrayed in just 2 days. And I didn’t even like Betrayed as much as Marked. Aside from being a big fan of Zoey’s, I also like that the authors have created a fresh new take on the standard vampire lore. So, if you’re in the mood for some light, fluffy vamp stories you just might have fun with the House of Night books. I know I’ll be tearing through Chosen (book #3) soon enough.

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And now we’d love some feedback from the all-important and very wise YOU!

1. How do you feel about Blurbs instead of complete Reviews? Is there enough information in the above to help you decide if you’d want to read the book or not?
2. Have you read any of these books? Please share your thoughts!