Poc & Poch

After finishing the The Last Apprentice series (Wardstone Chronicles), I’ve read a few stand alone books – like Ready Player One by Ernest Cline and The Red Room by Nicci French. But, I was in a mood for another adventure series with lovable characters.

So, as usual, I turned to Goodreads to see what it would recommend.

That’s when I noticed that on my to-read list, I had one book added back in 2013: Fablehaven. I do trust myself enough to know that the books I decided on long time ago, and which have not been removed in the meantime from the to-read list, are important (for various unknown reasons).

I was not dissapointed.

I’ve read the entire Fablehaven series (a total of five books) in less than three weeks.

For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite.

Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies.

Sure, the books are not as good as many other more popular series, but they are lovable. The only thing I truly hated, was the fast pace. It felt like the characters had to go through many adventures, one after another one, or the books would end and the story would not be told. 

I thought that maybe that was the point, but I started another series by Brandon Mull, Beyonders, and it is the same with this one. The plot just hurries on, and the characters barely have time to keep up. I would’ve loved a little bit more character development. I would’ve like to see how Seth and Kendra would’ve grown (matured may be a better word).

I will acknowledge that the series was fun to read. It was a good way to relax myself after long and busy days at work. 

As we grow older and we take on more and more responsibilities, we give up on some of our hobbies, dreams and even hopes. But, there is one thing I cannot give up: reading. The Last Apprentice series by Joseph Delaney is a good example on why reading is one of the best hobbies to have, no matter if your young or old (or somewhere in between).

For years, Old Gregory has been the Spook for the county, ridding the local villages of evil. Now his time is coming to an end. But who will take over for him? Twenty-nine apprentices have tried—some floundered, some fled, some failed to stay alive.

Only Thomas Ward is left. He’s the last hope, the last apprentice.

This is one of those stories, that gets better and better with each book that you read. It has been a long time since I finished reading a series without getting bored of it.

It is one of those few stories in which all characters are lovable. There is no clear distinction between good or evil, and each of them has the power to do good or bad. It is also one of those stories where I cannot find a character that makes the books taste sour. 

I’ve also read the The Last Apprentice series in 4 countries: Belgium, Netherlands, Romania and Greece.

It is good to be alive in an age where books are not considered a luxury! That and the fact I own a Kindle. My three bookcases are already full with books, which I have not yet read (time being one of the main reasons). I thinking I buy books faster than I can read them. This might be a problem in the future, but there are few more walls empty in the house that would look good with a bookcase. 

The best part of this, is having someone who loves the series recommend it to you, only for you share that you already read it. There’s an instant connection, and a guarantee that you found yourself another bookworm friend. 

The perfect weather for a good old sit at home and read a book is here. And yet, on these rainy October days, we are installing the new kitchen cabinets.

The house, a total mess, is uninviting and cold. 

My only thoughts are Oh well.. There will be many other rainy October days. In fact, the weather will get colder and colder. And with this excuse, I placed an online order for two pair of boots. Estimated delivery time: two days. Where: at work. So, even if I will have a bad day at work, I will have one thing that will make my day.

Hopefully, we will finish installing the new kitchen cabinets till the end of the day. That would allow me an hour or two to sort through things, throw away what is not needed, clean up and maybe get some rest in the evening. That’s what I am counting on, but my energy levels are getting lower and lower with every passing hour. 

It will all be worth it in the end. A lil bit of effort from our side now, will mean that we will be able to enjoy other rainy October days. That, and the kitchen will look better and will be more practical.

Till then, I shall have to drink more coffee and just keep doing stuff to clean up the place. We will have time to rest next weekend. No plans for then, so that means we can sleep away all day long. 

I was expecting Autumn to come, but I guess I was not prepared for it. It is bloody cold, and October is just around the corner. 

Officially, there are no more road trips, work related trips, team buildings or any other activity that might involve travelling, planned for the next few months. The hiatus of trips of any nature has started, and it will be for an undetermined period. 

It was fun. It was the the most busiest summer I ever had. Going to Belgium & Netherlands (twice), Greece (vacation), Bulgaria (team building), even hiking in Romania (to places I never heard of till now), was an amazing experience which I doubt I will have the chance to repeat any time soon. 

I don’t mind not having any more trips planned for the following months. I could use some me time at home. In fact, even if I won’t go anywhere, October will still be a full month for me. I’m fully booked at work, already planned out the entire month with different battle plans, in order to cope with the workload *fingers crossed nothing goes terribly wrong*. There is also the house that needs a good scrub. That, and the fact that I also want to indulge in some of my hobbies. My hands are itching for some stitching or knitting. I was thinking, I could knit a scarf like the ones from Harry Potter. 

Heck, I think this is the first morning in weeks where I can actually enjoy my coffee and not gulp it down and run out the door. I was even thinking, that at the end of October the daylight saving time will take effect. That means that at least one night in October I will get the chance to sleep longer. 

Plus, now that the weather is colder, Pluto and Marlanu’ tend to sleep with us. It has been a while since all four of us snuggled together in bed. It is cute beyond words.