I have been on a sort of a kick with reading lately. Ever since Harry Potter came out in July, the family and I have been reading pretty regularly. Here's what's been in our hands:

• Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) - what can I say that hasn't already been said. My wife and I have read Harry since we found the first book in a Zany Brainy about 8 years ago. I am still amazed at the affect this series has had on the culture. I can't think of any other set of books that has made children want to read more than this. I will miss Harry and his friends and hope that Rowling take some time and comes up with another world for us to be submerged into.
• The Elves of Cintra (The Genesis of Shannara, Book 2) - This was probably the most anticipated book release of the summer for me. The way that Armageddon's Children (Book 1) ended pissed of the wife to no end, which means it was a really good ending. This series is one that Shannara fans have been waiting for since the The Sword of Shannara was released in 1978. I refuse to give anything away for those who have not read it, but I was wondering how long it would take for the King of the Silver River to show up. Now the true puzzle is discovering who the ancestor of the Ohmsfords is. If you like Terry Brooks, you will not be disappointed.
  
• City of Bones (Mortal Instruments series) - Keeping along the lines of the supernatural, this book is chocked full of all the things in our nightmares. Yet again, it's the Vampires vs the Werewolves, with the fate of mundane humans lying in the balance. And, of course, we have no idea as to what actually is going on. Add to that a love triangle, teenage angst, and a family secret and you get a page turner that is hard to put down.
• I ticked of the last 2 books in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The Sea of Monsters (Book 2) and The Titan's Curse (Book 3) were both excellent reads and it will be really interesting to se e where the author tak es us next. Knowing a little bit about Greek Mythology is a great help when reading these book, but they are fun regardless. I just can't believe she turned him into a guinnea pig.
• Finally, we have all started reading The Last Apprentice Series. I have finished The Last Apprentice (Revenge of the Witch) and am in the middle of The Last Apprentice: Curse of the Bane (The Last Apprentice). Both books are a bit on the scary side, which is good, but they aren't too gory, which is better for the kids. Is it me or are do all these stories seem to be set in an area that resembles New England.