Heaven loves little boys

I came across this series of pictures while visiting the blog and realized that I didn't post them. Tigger and Roo are good friends who have grown, even in the time since these pictures were taken. Tigger's goose egg in the last picture was from a weight machine smacking him pretty good. He was fine, although he did have that bump for two days. 

Audible Book Review - The Hero's Guide to Saving your Kingdom by Bhristopher Healy, League of Princes, book 1

Having wrapped up the available Finishing School books I was trying to find something to get with my credit that Angel might like. It just so happened that the Audie Awards nominees were up. As I was perusing them I came across The Hero's Guide to Being an Outlaw, read by a favorite narrator of mine, Bronson Pinchot. I read the description, then went and looked at the first and second books in the series and thought it look interesting. I am here to say that not only was it interesting but it is fantastic! Bronson Pinchot is an amazing reader and does a fantastic job with each of the characters, even narrating goblins correctly (i.e. goblins sound like they have a mouth full of gelatin and that sounded about right). Angel hasn't used her credit yet and I'm trying to convince her to pick up the second book in the series with it, but I've been unsuccessful so far. Here is a link to the Audible page for the book. I'm looking forward to sharing Bronson's Pinchot's performance with my kids when they get just a little older.

Plot: You've heard how Prince Charming rescued Snow White, kissed Sleeping Beauty, saved Rapunzel, and won the heart of Cinderella. What you may not know is that Prince Charming is just what those idiot bards called the four separate princes who actually did those things. Prince Frederic, Prince Gustav, Prince Liam, and Prince Duncan all rather dislike being a Prince Charming. They all have their different reasons, but the fact of the matter is that they have this in common. It's those blasted bards' fault that no one knows the real them. However, when someone begins kidnapping the bards with horrible and malicious murder on their mind someone has to save the day. So, it is up to the imperfect but determined League of Princes [Charming] to do it.

My personal favorites: Hands down one of the best performances I have ever heard. In addition to the great voice the story was a lot of fun. It felt like a middle grade book with twenty-something year old characters (with the exception of the bandit king), but it didn't feel awkward or out of place. The writing was clean and pacing was great. I liked the way the princes were able to get their differing abilities in order and the pay off. There were funny parts and stand up and cheer parts. The princesses were awesome as well. They were strong without the men being week. Everyone was competent in their own way, even Duncan and Fredric.

Considerations: I have no difficulty in recommending this book to anyone. I think my seven-year old would enjoy listening to it, but I might be a little over eager.

I'm already planning on re-listening to it soon (probably while waiting for my next credit). I also can't wait for my own "princes charming" (ages five years and six months) can listen to it. It was fantstic and I can't wait to listen to the others. The total length was just over nine hours.

Audible Book Review - Waistcoats and Weaponry by Gail Carrier, Finishing School Book the Third

This is the most recent of the Finishing school books to come out, so we have a wait for the fourth. That is I think there is going to be a fourth - or rather there better be. Again, I finished this a while ago, but haven't reviewed it due to classes and work. I'm learning how this series is fitting into the Gail's others and this book seems to have some key information about The Custard Protocol, her latest new story line. At least from what I could tell from reading some book summaries. Here is a link to Audible's page for the book. A fun thing about this performance, it uses music from "the official music video" for the series and even has the whole song availalbe as the last "chapter" in the audio file. I like the video so I've include it here. The series continues to be narrated by Moira Quirk who is an utter delight to listen to.

Plot: Sophronia has been at finishing school for about eighteen months now, well into her second year, and is learning all kinds of fun things. For one, they are learning seduction now and Sophronia is curious how she can apply it. Things are certainly more interesting between her, Lord Mersey and Soap. Especially when she and her Dimnity plan on attending her brother's engagement ball. However, she is very worried when Sidhaeg gets word from home that things have gone upside-down in her werewolf pack. What results is a wild chase involving a train, vampire drones, picklemen, a dirigible, the Queen's own wolf - the Dewan. Things are about to change for Sophronia and she has some important decisions to make.

My personal favorites: This book had much for of an adventure feel, particularly the parts with the train. I continued to like the characters and their personalities. Soap was delightful, as always, and I even could sympathize with Felix. Sidhaeg's troubles were relate-able and her determination was inspiring. Overall this book opens several questions, probably more than it answered, and it certainly left me ready for more.

Considerations: There are a few more references to sensuality than the last two books, but still within what I consider appropriate. There was nothing graphic and I don't have a problem recommending this book to anyone.

I don't know how long we will need to wait until the next book comes out. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger, but it was satisfactory to me. I talked to my sister about the other books by Gail Carrier and while I may not get into those, I heartily recommend these books. The total length was just shy of nine hours.