By Jove!

By Jove!

I'm sure you've read this expression in such books as The Chronicles of Narnia- and others of their kind (is it even possible to compare any other books with C. S. Lewis's masterpieces?)This expression (as I'm sure many of us know) is akin to exclaiming- "Oh my goodness" or "No Way". I was surprised to find out where this expression came from. It was really just putting two and two together, but it made me very happy...as if I'd solved a problem. I am sure that many people know what I am about to share with you, but it is special and amazing to me!

"Jove, or Jupiter, was the king of the gods, and the god of sky and thunder. He is the equivalent of Zeus in the Greek pantheon."

Of course, as you know by my profile am very, very interested in Greek/Roman mythology. So I know that Zeus a.k.a. "Jove" is the king of the gods, an unfaithful (to the extreme) husband, and the father of many/most of the twelve Great Olympians. So when I finally figured out the derivation of the phrase I was very disappointed wit myself! How could I not have discovered this before?

By- we all know what that means! So let's put this phrase back together shall we?

By Jove, or By Zeus, is sort of like saying- "By the gods" or "By Everything.

And that is the beautiful discovery I made!

The Dark: Guardians of Time

Ethan...Isabel..Lorian and Arkarian are back in this action packed sequel to The Named.



This time our two narrators are Isabel and Arkarian and a new warrior has joined the named as one of the final players in the prophecy. With Marduke's death the Goddess has become more and more relentless in her pursuit of power. She has lost Rochelle to the Guard and her soul mate (Marduke) is lost in the world between worlds. Lorian and the Guard are hard pressed from all sides. Veridian and Angel Falls need to be protected from the Goddess's ire and the Guard has to make sure Neriah is well protected also.



Arkarian- He is the most trusted and elevated member of the guard, the one who devised the plan to kill Marduke. The Goddess does not forget- she kidnaps Arkarian and we finally find out where the place is where "It is midnight every day and black flowers bloom under a bleeding moon"



Ethan- Back again, Ethan has a new apprentice- Matt. He is still pairing with Isabel on missions and fighting with Carter- oh what a surprise! When his mothers life is shown to be threatened and Arkarian is kidnapped his world spins out of controll, as always though Ethan will risk everything for a friend, even an Immortals displeasure and not just couldy skies but black skies- the future of this mission does not appear bright.



Matt- He is the leader mentioned in the prophecy. His powers have yet to show and he is as depressed and protective as ever! But when Ethan and Isabel plot a daring rescue attempt to save Arkarians life, Matt defies everyone- Isabel, Ethan and even Lorian to go with them.



Isabel- Our lovely and smart and capable heroine is at it again. She has learned to mask all of those embarassing thoughts that seem to pop up in the truthseers presence. She has yet to learn how to guard her heart though. When Arkarian is kidnapped will she risk life itself to save him? Or will she watch from afar while Arkarians life bleeds slowly out?



In this book everything has grown- love, treachery- betrayal, the world has expanded with the cast. The Order is raising in power and one of Ethan's closest friends will be found to be a member of the Order of Chaos- will the Past be protected? Or will Chaos reign supreme and the Future be changed- to find out- read The Dark.


View all my reviews.

The Named: Where Fantasy and Reality Intwine and Worlds Collide

What if you could protect the Future...by traveling into the Past



The Named- where the Gaurdians of Time travel into history to protect life as we know from the Goddess of Chaos, a rampaging Immortal intent on taking over the world.



Ethan- a member of "The Named", part of a prophecy made years ago fortelling the end of the battle that rages between Lorian and the Goddess, and the main character of the book. He has been promoted to "Trainer" and his apprentice is - his ex-best friend' sister- which doesn't set well with Matt (the ex-friend) who is overprotective as well as the jumping-to-conclusion's type. With his fragile peace with Matt verging on all out war, and his standing with the Tribunal in jeopardy this is an interesting time to spend with him.



Isabel- Matt's sister and Ethan's apprentice she is a huge part of this story. With her gift- healing- revealing itself the Guardians recrute her and Ethan has only two weeks to get her ready for her first mission- to save King Richard the II of England.



In this book of ambiguity and beautiful ideas. Everything is not what it seems. Mysterious and mesmeric this is a very, very enjoyable read. Fantasy and reality intwine in this lovely book where worlds and deminsions collide.


View all my reviews.

Ms. Meyer: A Plea

Ms. Meyer, the worldwide acclaimed author of Twilight, announced that she would not be finishing her book, Midnight Sun, as someone had stolen, and published on the Internet, some of the chapters. I am sure that this made her very mad but I wish that she would not punish all of her readers for one persons sin. We love her books and would very much like her, no scratch that, need her to finish them. They are addictive stories and it will make me very, very sad, anguished even if one of them, one of those beautiful novels remains unwritten because some idiot had to go and steal her story. That was not smart. Please, please Ms. Meyer reconsider. I would buy it in a heartbeat.

The Little Mermaid (a retelling of the classic fairy tale)

Midnight Pearls- By Debbie Viguié

This is on of the "Once Upon a Time" books. A series of books that are "retellings" of classic fairy tales. One of the best in that series, this watery wonderland book is well worth the hour it takes to read it.

CAST
Main Character- Pearl
Little Mermaid- Faye
Prince- James
Prince- Kale

As you can see the "little mermaid" is actually not the main character. This is a retelling so the main elements- the sea witch, the seven to three days (there are variations) and the mermaid falling in love with a Prince from the land- are still there but with a more intricate plot, a fresh and new outlook of the story.

A betrayal...a lover from the sea...and a kidnapping, these are the new twists which Ms Viguié has added which make this delightful tale all the more enjoyable. A ethereal, misty masterpiece under whose surface lies deception and darkness. This is a wonderful fantsy novel whose story is as reckless and changable as the sea.

Scarlet Moon

Scarlet Moon- by Debbie Viguié

A wolf...a grandmother...and a scarlet moon.

Ruth- She knew when her brother left he might never come back. When the Wolf attacked her she knew she might die. When she falls passionately in love with Lord William, the Earl... she doesn't know, doesn't have a clue what will happen.

William- Earl...Hero...Villian. His past is dark. His future is darker. He is haunted by his family's curse. Stalked by the fear that he will harm the woman who he loves. Ruth, his shining light...the girl who he almost killed as a child.

Grandma- She was banished from the village for her supposed "witch craft". She is not a witch...she is a healer and a loving, kind woman. She is a wise woman a star-watcher and a mind reader. When her granddaughter is threatened with a darkness she can not fathom what will this wise woman do?

Stephen- Loving brother...devoted son. He left for the war and found death.

Peter- He was as close to her as a brother, but the war messed with his mind... now she doesn't know what to make of him.

When a killer is released in the forest how will Ruth discover who is behind it?
When she falls in love with the Earl what will become of it?

It this story anything is possible. The monster is masked as a friend...the lover hidden by a beast. Who will survive the Scarlet Moon...

Finding Stefanie

Finding Stefanie
By Susan May Warren

Finding Stefanie, the newest book in the Noble Legacy trilogy is wonderful (as Susan May Warren books usually are). Lincoln Cash is a famous Hollywood actor, Stefanie Noble is a ranch hand on the family ranch whose dreams seem to have been left in the dust. What could possibly bring these two people, people from entirely different worlds, together? Is it Fate? Or Providence? As in all Susan May Warren books faith is an active part of the story. The characters faith works out itself through the entirety of the book. So is it Fate? No. It is the Providence of God. A house fire, poisoing, mugging and kidnapping are only a few of the things that add to the over all swashbuckling Romance and heart-stopping adrenaline. Stefanie will rediscover her dreams, and Lincoln Cash will finally escape from the terrors that haunt his past...and his present. With a colorful array of cast this book is not something any Christian Fiction reader will want to miss out on.

Twilight: A Spectacular Masterpiece

Twilight

“About three things I was absolutely positive.
First, Edward was a Vampire.
Second, There was a part of him- and I didn’t know how
dominant that part might be- that thirsted for my blood.
And third, I was unconditionally, and irrevocably in love with him.”

Twilight, the worldwide best-seller by Stephanie Meyer, is the tale of the forbidden love that exists between the human, Isabella Swan, and the vampire, Edward Cullen. This ethereal story is told from the view point of Isabella, who moves to her father’s house in Forks- a small town near Seattle- when her mother remarries. Bella, has always felt ill at ease in the sunless town, so different from the sunny city of Phoenix where she grew up. Yet it seems like the best choice. Her discomfort is only strengthened on her first day of school. Though the majority of the students at Forks High School surround her with friendliness, howbeit a bit of curiosity, the open hostility of Edward Cullen is not something Bella anticipated. His antagonistic attitude towards her frightens and confuses Bella. As the next week dawns his changed behavior mystifies her even more. He is friendly, and she doesn’t know what has changed. As time goes on Bella finds herself falling farther and farther under Edward’s irresistible spell. Will she escape the dark ending that awaits her…

When Bella’s life is threatened by the hunter what will Edward and his coven do? Will they leave Bella to her fate…

In this complex and fast-paced romantic thriller, anything is possible. These young lovers come from entirely different worlds. Riddled with complex and mysterious characters this book is a masterpiece of fantasy. Stephanie Meyer does a remarkable job, this electrifying stratagem will grip your heart with its emotional turmoil and its intricate and sensual plot. Twilight’s multi-faceted saga will stay with you long you have finished exploring its haunted depths.

Enchanted Etymologist ~

Hey had to keep up!

I had 7 posts in May and wanted to have the same for June, so I thought I'd just tell you how happy I am you're here. If you're seeing this it means you've visited my blog, I'm so glad to have you! Leave a comment, I LOVE those!

Ad Astra,

Enchanted with Etymology

Etymologist (A definition)

Etymologist- An etymologist (me) studies the history of words. The origin of names, phrases and every kind of adj. enthralls me. I love adj.s they are my favorite part of speech words like, trepidation, exhilaration, morbid, electrifying- yellow! They hold me inspelled. Just wanted to let you gents know how I got my uniqe name. I think it's sophisticated, but that's just me!

Ad Astra,

Enchanted with Etymology

Jonas Brothers and Camp Rock

Camp Rock, the new hype in Disney's musical movies for juvenilles! High school Musical, well, I liked it O.K. but Camp Rock, it's wonderful! Jonas Brothers, where do I start? They're talented, funny and have reat voices to match their cute-ness! Demi Lavato has a wonderful voice and all-in-all I thought this was a fun movie to watch. The music is good and the plot is remnisent of Fame, the TV show of the late 1900's.

Camp Rock is a summer camp for talented yound adults. Mitchie's mom is camp cook, and when she decieves everyone into thinking her mom is a big shot in China she is excepted into the "Cool Girls" group. This however is not to last. Michie makes a friendship with the pop star Shane who is staying at the cam to teach. But when Mitvhie's covr is blown, and Shane finds out she's been lying to him, will their friendship bear the strain...or will her lie cost them their budding camaraderie? This is a good movie for the entire family! Enjoyable for everyone, don't miss it!

New Realeases and Coming Soon (Update)

I love Nathaniel Parker! He is the reader for the Artemis Fowl series and he's got a great voice! Eion Colfer is also a wonderful writer which makes listening to the Artemis Fowl series on audio CD a wonderful all around experience. If you haven't read the Artemis books you should! The Time Paradox (#6 in the series) is going to be released the 8th of August! Speaking of August have you seen August Rush? It's a wonderful story of music, love and finding your family! Fresh in blockbusers now Spiderwick Chronicles, a wonderful fantasy adventure! Also airing soon Brisinger by Chris Paolini! Adore him! He's great! Eragon, Eldest! He's an awsome writer! 29th of September's the date to watch on that! Also Twilight the movie is coming out soon! I've never read the book, and if someone who has sees this, is it good? Madagascar 2 is also going to hit theaters soon! Walle is coming to theaters near me tomorrow! Great huh? My bros are really exciterated! Anyway, that's the new releases and coming soon (update)!

A Touching Story

Hey Ya'll know I don't usually post links to other peoples articles, but this one really touched me. Visit this site and read the May 22 posting.

Wings and Words

Hey Bloggers,

I go to a WONDERFUL Greek class. Professor (see link above) also has an AWSOME blog. If you are in the market for a good Greek instructor there is no one I'd recommend more! ANyway, we have a great time learning Greek. This is where the "Wings" part comes in. We study at Wing Stop. Their wings are also divine. The Verb paradigms are much harder to learn than the Noun ones, but if you study you can master both. This is not speaking from expirience but from observation. Mr. Professor is a master of Greek I am not. It seems like I keep forgetting the words I used to know! I'm hoping to get to study more this summer. Hopefully!

Mystery II- Which one's better Mystery I or Mystery II Tell Me!

A Good Beginning

“Cait! Over here!” Carol shouted, waving to her friend. Carolyn, Carol, for short was seventeen and had just graduated from high school. Collinville High was a wonderful school and Carol, an outgoing bubbly teenager was well liked. She didn’t lack friends but though she had become quite popular with the “Cool Crowd” in her sophomore year, her best friend was still Cait. Cait and Carol had been close since infancy. Their mothers, April Bail and Jessica Longborn were as close as friends could possibly be. April and Jessie were neighbors. After April’s parents died when she was seventeen, in a tragic house fire, she bunked with the Longborns until her birthday when she was emancipated. Jessie and April had stayed close over the years. When they had children of course it was only natural for them to be best friends too.
“Carrie,” Cait said, walking through the press of shoppers, “I didn’t expect to see you here. Thought you were going to pick up Kev. You know, ‘cause his cars in the shop.”
“Nope,” Carol replied, trying not to show her disappointment, “he got Adam to give him a ride home. They left at six this mornin’.”
“What!” Cait shrieked, “I didn’t now he was coming home today!”
“Well he is I thought you knew. Oh m’ gosh I bet it was supposed to be a surprise.”
“He told me,” Cait began, “that ‘I’m going to have to stay on campus a few more days, I’ve got packing to do.’” She said, in a deep voiced impersonation of Adam.
“Well just act surprised. He wanted to astonish you with his presence. We’re all going out to an Italian restaurant tonight and from what Kev tells me it’s really nice like they’ve been saving up to take us there when they got back so dress accordingly. Just don’t tell Adam I said anything. He’ll hate me, and that’d be a great way to start off the summer,” Carol added, sarcastically.
“Your secrets safe with me,” Cait replied, animatedly.
That was one of the things Carol liked most about Cait. She could never stay depressed for long. As Carrie’s life the past few years had been trying she was very happy to have such a caring, and kind friend. If she was honest Cait was more like a sister than not.
“Yeah, well I’m here ‘cause I knew this is where you’d be. Shopping, that’s the first thing you do after you get out of school for the summer,” she said in mock disgust, rolling her eyes.
“Hey, since you’re here let me treat you to a strawberry shake. It’s still four hours before the boys’ll be back from Notre Dame and all this shopping has me beat.”
“You- never,” Carol contradicted, her eyes wide. Laughing they made their way to the food court.




“So,” Carol mused, sitting in a corner booth of the food court, “Where are you applying for college?”
“Umm… well,” she cleared her throat, “I’m going to try to get into Notre Dame.”
“Oh, that’s brilliant,” Carol exclaimed, real joy lining her face.
“Yeah, I don’t know if I’ll be able to get in. Of course I could always go to TWU. Their Nursing school is awesome, and then I’d be close to Adam if he ends up doing his Masters degree at UTD. You know he’s considering transferring. If he ends up not transferring there is nothing in the world that will keep me from getting into UND.”


“Okey-dokey, it’s your turn to spill.”
“I’d love to get into Oxford,” Carol said with a fiery passion, “But my Daddy’s got a great school.” Carol’s Dad worked for the County College. “Are you going on a Vacation this summer?”
“I’m not going anywhere,” Cait said, “I’ve decided that I need to stay here to get ready for College in the winter. I can’t believe we’re done with high school. What about you, you going on a vacation?”
“No, I’m staying home with Daddy,” replied Carol, “You know I understand where the phrase ‘the absent minded Professor’ came from. My father is the essence of “absent minded” but I love him.”
“Yes you’ve taken good care of him since Aunt April died. It’s been four years and m om still cant believe the absurdity of it all. We barely had a week’s warning. Brain cancer, how’s your dad doin’?”
“Still devastated.” She didn’t mention that though she was bubbly and mysterious in front of her friends her own sorrow was still a dull throb in her chest. The place that her Mother had occupied in her heart seemed dark and void. When April Bail was diagnosed with brain cancer she did not go into shock and begged her husband to save his grief till she was dead. The oncologist had said “There is no need for Chemotherapy. The cancer is so progressed. We cold not buy her any time, it would just make her last days all the more miserable.”
Of course Carol and her father agreed and their last days as a family were spent in happiness over the joy of life and friends. April departed this world the Sunday after they heard the news. After attending church for the last time she died in her sleep. She never once questioned God and her faith was a model to follow after to the end.
“Carrie,” Cait’s voice snapped Carol out of her dark memories, “Want to come to my house? I need a professional opinion on what to wear tonight. After Adam’s been gone for a whole semester I want to knock him off his feet with my glamour,” she said, striking a model’s pose. Laughter, good medicine to a haunted heart floated on the wind as Carol headed to her car.




“Okay,” Cait said, “What in the world am I going to wear tonight. There was no end to the choices. Cait’s great weakness was shopping and she had lovely garments, some of the dresses in Cait’s collection cost upward of two-hundred dollars. But she could afford it. Her Grandfather, Hal Jennings had died last year and left a large chunk of his substantial fortune to his only granddaughter. He had owned considerable shares in Apple since its founding. Most of it was in a trust fund but about a fourth of it was hers now.
“Well,” Carol contemplated the walk in closet and its many treasures. “I’ll do your hair if you’ll let me borrow that sea green sequined halter dress you bought at Christmas.”
“You have a deal,” Cait said with enthusiasm, “You did an awesome job on my hair for the jeweler’s convention. Dad asked me to go with him last minute, you remember, last spring. I got dozens of complements on it.”
“Really,” Carol asked innocently, “Your Dad is the best jeweler around. I absolutely love your mother’s custom made ring. It’s divine.”
“Well it was a labor of love.”
“You got that right.”
Anyone could see how very much in love Cait’s parents were.
“Okay,” Carol continued, “I think… that midnight blue shift with the open lace-up back. You got that last month. Adam has never seen it and Ron Veraldi paid you a complement when you wore that.”
“That is true. When the football QB pays you a complement that really means something,” Cait said, rolling her eyes, “Carol, you know I owe this whole relationship to you. If you hadn’t of introduced us, well, we never would have gotten to know each other.”
“Yeah well, when I met him at CCCC, I knew he was perfect for you. I had to make the introduction, and frankly, ya’ll are the ones who really meshed together.”
“Yeah, I guess,” Cait said, her eyes sparkling.
“Oh, I’ve got to go!” Carrie exclaimed, “I’ve got to pick up dinner for Dad before out hot dates get here. I should be back over here at,” she checked her watch, “6:15, so we can get dressed.”
“Alrighty, Carrie, drive safely.”
“Always.”




“Hey Dad,” Carol said as she saw him on the other side of the door. “Daddy, what’s wrong?” Carol said as her Dad looked at her out of concerned and disquieted eyes.
Professor Bail was pale, dark circles lined his eyes and his demeanor, usually at leas attempting to be cheery, was somber.
“Carol,” he said. “Professor Stanford is missing.”

Pride & Predujice

Right now I'm in the process of reading the book which inspired one of my most favorite movies!!! Of coure my favorite variation is the one with Keira Knightly in it. She is so AWSOME as Elizabeth. I feel like I'm reading the script so many of the lines where taken directly from the book. Miss Bennet (Elizabeth) is so witty and charming. Mr. Arrogant a.k.a. Mr. Darcy, is such a wonderful hero. So cold and annoyingly haughty when we first meet him, but as we get to know him he turns out to be a true gentleman and we grow to love him. He is so selfless in his dealing with the "Lydia Incident" that makes me like him all the more. I'll check in when I finish the book. But right now, the book in my opinion is as good as if not better than the movie!!!

Prince Caspian (the ultimate review)

Hey bloggers!!!

"Prince Caspian" was subtitle by it's author "The return to Narnia." C. S. Lewis, (in my book) is the greatest christian fiction author of all time. He is wonderful!!! His plots so enjoyable, yet all of them hold deeper than surface meaning. I love his books. Prince Caspian is my favorite in his seven book series. It is such a wonderful story. So fairytaleish and awsome. Of course my favorite character in the book is Caspian. However in the movie, I have to admitt that King Peter (William Moseley) out did himself, both in acting and in deminsion of character. The writers, although they departed somewhat from the book added a speacial place for Peter in our hearts. We can relate to him so much better as the doubting youth than the fierce and loving King of Narnia. Correct me if I'm wrong but so far as I know none of ya'll are kings, (or queens for that matter). Prince Caspian (Ben Barnes) also gives a wonderful preformance. His short lived romance with Queen Susan (Anna Popplewell) is entertaining and lovable. I personally was sad Susan couldn't stay with Caspian forever in Narnia. Knowing (as I've read the Last Battle) that Susan will ultimately never come back I was rather gloomy. Skander Keynes line when he is correcting Miraz as to the userpers calling him "prince" is great he says, "King Edmund, but just King Peter's the High King" that line cracked me up, Ha, Ha, Ha. Mr Keynes, you are a great actor. Georgie Henley, not to be left out shines as Lucy as she did in the first installment of The Chronicles of Narnia. Her character is perfect. Trusting and helpful as the Lucy of the books always was. All in all, this is a movie to add to your permament collection. GO SEE IT!!! It's AWSOME!!!

Exerpt II

Mystery

By Enchanted Etymologist

Prologue-


Eric’s breath came in short rapid gasps. His dark cell was melancholy and dank, his depression rolled over him like a tidal wave. This was not supposed to happen. Whatever happened he wouldn’t give it to them. His resolve strengthened, they couldn’t have it. Bail was a good man. He smiled when he thought of his friend finding the clue he had left him. Yes, he’d be out of this wretched hole soon.

A Good Beginning

“Cait! Over here!” called Carolyn Bail, waving to her friend.
Carolyn, Carol, for short, was a beautiful seventeen-year-old, Golden-blond with a pretty form and sooty-black eyelashes covering her deep jade colored eyes. Carol had just seen Cait, her best friend; at the Collinville Mall (Carol had been friends with Cait ever since Kindergarten).
It was strange to see this bold energetic girl being friends with Cait, a meek, shy girl (though she had no trouble making herself heard with those she knew well) Cait was however quite conscientious of strangers. The mall was full of people. Walking through the press of shoppers was not easy, but Cait finally joined her friend. Cait was lovely; she had a dark brown wavy hair that fell well below her shoulders, twinkling blue eyes and a beautiful creamy completion.
“Hey, great to meet you here busy today isn’t it.” “Yeah,” Carol said. “I thought I might find you here today. Shopping that’s usually the first thing you do after schools over,” She said, rolling her eyes, “Well I just got here but it’s,” she consulted her watch, “Twelve-thirty, want to eat lunch?”
“Fine with me, I’m famished.”

They made their way to the food court, got food, a booth and settled down for a nice chat, “So,” Carol mused, “Where are you thinking about going to College Cait?”

“I don’t know,” Cait replied, a slight frown between her brows, “I have all summer to think about it though,” she said, her frown vanishing. Though both girls were supreme students, Cait was at her strongest in the sciences and had always thought about being a nurse or doctor. “Where are you thinking about going?”

“I’d love to get into Oxford,” Carol said with a fiery passion, “But my Daddy’s got a great school.” Carol’s Dad worked for the County College. “Are you going on a Vacation this summer?”

“I’m not going anywhere,” Cait said, “I’ve decided that I need to stay here to get ready for College in the winter. I can’t believe we’re done with high school. What about you, you going on a vacation?”
“No, I’m staying home with Daddy,” replied Carol. Carol, who had lost her mother at the tender age of seven, to a catastrophic car accident was an intriguing person, and though she was always laughing, she had a serious and mysterious side as well.
“Want to come to my house,” asked Cait, “I’m beat and I want to show you the new dress that I bought.”
“Okay, fine let’s go,” Carol replied.
They left the mall and went to Cait’s house.



“Oh,” said Cait. They were in the living room, and Cait was twirling around in her exquisite new dress. “Oh Carol, just look at it,” she exclaimed, rubbing the fabric between her thumb and forefinger.
“It’s beautiful,” Carol replied, “and I bet Adam will like it too.” Adam was Cait’s “knight in shining armor”, or, to put it more frankly, her boyfriend. Adam was a blonde haired, blue eyed, nineteen year old, who was crazy about Cait they did everything that they could together even down to cleaning the garage. They began dating each other a year ago when they first met. It was a courtship that began as a blind date by Carol. Carol had met Adam at a function for her father’s school and thinking he would be perfect for Kate had introduced them.
“He probably will,” Cait laughed. “He’s taking me out to dinner tonight.”
“Oh,” Carol exclaimed, thinking she’d better not overdo her welcome, “Well, tell him I said hello. I’ve got to go.”
“Want to go to lunch tomorrow?” asked Cait.
“Sure,” Carol answered. “I’ll see you then.”
Carol got into her silver convertible Volkswagen Beetle and went home. She got out of the car, went into her pretty, yellow house and walked straight into the tidy, well-kept kitchen. She got out some steaks, vegetables, and a frying pan and started supper.
Carol’s father was a professor of philosophy at Collinsville College.
“Ding Dong,” it was the doorbell.

“Hey Dad,” Carol said as she saw him on the other side of the door. “Daddy, what’s wrong?” Carol said as her Dad looked at her out of concerned and disquieted eyes.
Professor Bail was tired and pale. “Carol,” he said. “Professor Eric Stanford is missing.”

Memorial Day

Enchanted Etymologist had a wonderful memorial day!!! My family had a "pool party," fajitas and ice cream. Enchanted Etymologist is sooooo tired!!! I stayed up really late last night watching pride and prejudice. The one with Keira Knightly in it. I love that movie. It's so romantic. Anyway...have an AWSOME week!!!

The Miliant Pacifist

Visit this blog too!!! It's great. My Daddy's blog and if he can raise a girl like me...well, he must be pretty special!

Excerpt

OPERATION

By Enchanted Etymologist

Prologue-

In this dimension there is an elite unit, a division with such heightened senses that the qualities they possess cannot be taught to people without “the gift”, these personas are born. Some call them psychics, some shape-shifters and still others “The Company”. The Company whose sole purpose is to make sure a war never breaks out on the face of this plant again. Stop the battles before they even begin. I call it my job…who I am. I have many talents; I can detect strong auras and fears in human kind and also change my appearance at will. Who am I? I am COI (company officer of intelligence); I have many aliases, can speak many languages and am gifted with an aptitude for marshal arts and technological weaponry as well as armaments, who am I? I am a vastly gifted and highly trained shape changer; my name… is Holly Trueit.



The Beginning
Chapter One




“Holly, I need to talk to you!”

Startled, Holly whirled, and found herself face-to-face with her commanding officer.
“Yes, Commander Xavier sir, what can I do for you sir?” she asked, saluting, and standing at attention with her right hand clasping her left wrist.

At twenty-two Holly Trueit was smart and fit. Having graduated from the base academy at the premature age of nineteen, she had started tutoring her younger colleagues, but Holly Trueit had yet to go on her own first operation. Her assignment, she was sure, would be a mission only she could accomplish. An op that would require both cunning and street smarts. Both of which she had in abundance. If there was one person on base who could get her hands on a pound of C4 in unfamiliar territory and not arouse the suspicion of the surrounding law-enforcement system it was Holly.

This proves just how smart she really was, she knew who to make friends with in order to get the job done quickly and accurately. In their virtual reality ops she had always completed the mission first and most efficiently and many of her teachers were dumbfounded that she had not been given a mission yet. But still others knew the reason she had not been on assignment was personal. Xavier had almost completely raised her and he knew she would be in danger out in the field, although he had trouble showing it he loved her with a depth that was almost frightening. Many times he had protected Holly from dangers she didn’t even know existed.

“We have a problem;” he barked, “I want you in the situation room at 1500 hours. Am I clear?”

“Yes, sir,” she replied, nodding her head once curtly. As the commander stalked off to his office in the eastern quadrant of the base Holly checked her watch, 1400 hours. She had plenty of time to go and check up on her students on the training field.

‡


Holly was one of the most accomplished shape-changers on the force and even she had problems getting warmed up. Hair color, and height were the easiest things to change, but full body transformations were the most difficult and were not attempted until graduation from the academy. Change of sex was impossible. Holly had changed her entire form more times than she could count. She had done her first shape change at the age eighteen and almost gotten expelled until Major Lyrace, the teacher of anthropoticmetamorphology, told the counsel how foolish that would be.

“This is something that is unheard of. Even I didn’t make my first shape change until I was twenty-two, and on this force a shape-changer is rare already. But she… she’s as rare as a telepath or a weaver!”

Being under scrutiny by the whole counsel was not something Holly wanted to repeat. Some of the company with the gift of shape changing had severe reactions to shape shifting; it made them deathly ill. Holly however had none of these negative effects. When she slid from one form to another it felt like the most natural thing in the world.
The training field was a large concrete room full of mirrors, (if you’ve ever been in a maze of mirrors you know what it’s like) in the center of the room there was a large mat on the floor for hand to hand combat. On the left hand wall there were racks with numchuks and samurai swords. There was a steel reinforced door at the opposite end of the room leading to a another concrete room full of automatic, semi-automatic, glocks, 9-millimeters, laser sights, knives and all manner or armory, and advanced espionage technological genius.
Through this room you proceeded to yet a third concrete room with steel reinforced plates inventively called “the target room” whose use is so obviously implied in its name.
Walking up to the cadets who were gathered on the mat Holly faced the her students, “Cadets,” she said, clapping her hands, dropping whatever weapons they held they stood at attention, hands clasped behind them.
“Yes, Professor,” they chanted in unison. There were about six in all, varying in age from seventeen to twenty-five (the average age for a cadet to graduate from the academy).
Holly was the only trainee who had grown up on base. Usually, the parents of the elect would raise them and when they were seventeen or eighteen would send them off to “college” to be trained. But Holly was very different. Once Commander Xavier located her in an orphanage he wasn’t about to leave her care up to the primal humans in whose care she was in. He brought her back to base where she was raised, mostly by him.
“Who would like to spar with me?” Holly challenged, raising an eye-brow. A cocky boy about nine-teen stepped forward, last time she had wrestled him he had won. If there was one of her students that she would like to be partnered with once he graduated it was Marc. He was the only one in her class who showed outstanding promise. Sure, the others were good at what they did too. But, if there was one trainee who really stood out from the rest and who would do very well out in the field, well in her professional opinion, it was Marc. He was dashingly handsome with his longish dark hair and midnight-blue eyes, and had a manner about him which made you want to get to know him at once, along with his gift of telepathy; this was a lethal combination as he could sway your thinking as well. Coming out of her reverie, Holly said, “All right, Marc, you’re on.”
“Don’t worry Holly; I’ll go easy on you” he said, with an arrogant shake of his dark haired mane, and a cocky smile at his companions.
“Ah,” she replied coolly, with an appraising glance, “We’ll just see about that, Marc.”
The curriculum at the academy was a mixture of taekwondo and wrestling and anything else you happened to know that could effectively disarm your opponent. They approached each other, bowed and retreated to their respective sides of the mat. When the fight started it was all Holly could do to block him. He was better than last time and that was saying something. Their limbs were a blur. He took a punch at her head; she ducked and followed up with a high kick. He dodged and kicked her legs out from under her. Holly did a back hand spring, bouncing up and doing a 360, ready to defend herself!
Feeling eyes on the back of her head she whirled to face him, just in time to get a chop across the windpipe. She back-rolled to a standing position and arched her body to avoid his flying punches that came at a speed not known to humankind. She ducked and rolled. Springing up behind him she got him in a headlock, but he was too strong for her. He shook her off and they were circling again like a pair of rambunctious lions, this time she made the first move. She ran forward and ducking beneath his flying hands she delivered a well placed punch to his stomach. He doubled over and she rammed him to the floor, pinning his wrists to the ground with her hands, her knees on his chest. But there is only one rule, in wrestling, never underestimate your opponent, Holly made this fatal mistake. He was getting his second wind and Holly didn’t stand a chance. Just as she thought she had won she was flying backwards, found her hands pinned down with a grip of iron and a heavy weight settled across her chest, a voice just inches from her ear said, “Do yield Holly?” Holly had no breath to reply as it was all being pressed out of her so she settled for nodding her head. Marc climbed up off of her and the drama of the moment was done. He held out his hand and pulled her up. Holly held up her hands in the classic yield sign. This is just what I need to be all bruised up and sweaty before the biggest meeting of my life. She thought sarcastically. Holly took some deep breaths to refill her lungs with precious life giving oxygen.
“Good game,” she choked out, “You’re better than last time. When you graduate I’ll recommend you to fight the commander. That’ll be a fun fight,” she mused, a mischievous plan growing in her mind, “You know he’s never been beaten,” Holly added, with an impertinent grin.

“Thanks, Professor, you’re not to bad yourself,” he said, a twinkle in his eye.

“Oh don’t try to save my feelings a bruising, I was lousy.” Holly said, resignedly.

“No,” he denied, “really private you do have a beautiful high kick, and you are very good I’ve seen you fight, I would never take a challenge of a samurai sword duel with you. You would give Zorro a run for his money. I’m just fantastic in the ring, or outside of it of course,” he added, with an arrogant wink, “If you were ever up against someone off base they would be human and even a shapechanger with no training would win against those weaklings.”

“I suppose,” she said, doubtfully, “Oh I’ve got to go,” Holly screeched, looking at her watch, “Bye.”

Holy ran back to the compound and straight to the situation room. She was late for the biggest meeting of her life and she was very, very sore which impaired her running skills. But she was only five minutes late surely she could just sneak in and sit somewhere in the back. This, however was not to be. Holly opened the door quietly, turning around she closed it without a sound and saw that everyone in that colossal room was staring at her.

Reading List

Lamb, Mary/Charles: Tales from Shakespeare
Bennet, Holly: The Bonemender
Bennet, Holly: The Bonemender’s Oath
The Poisoner’s Blade
Dumas, Alexandre: The Count of Monte Cristo
Stevenson, Robert Louis: Treasure Island
The Metamorphosis
Connell, Richard: The Most Dangerous Games
Jackson, Shirley: The Lottery
Chekhov, Anton: The Kiss
Greene, Graham: The Destructors
Secret Garden
Lewis, C. S.: The Magicians Nephew
Lewis, C. S.: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
Lewis, C. S.: The Horse and his Boy
Lewis, C. S.: Prince Caspian
Lewis, C. S.: The Voyage of the Dawntrader
Lewis, C. S.: The Silver Chair
Lewis, C. S.: The Last Battle
Tolkien, J. R. R.: The Hobbit
Tyers, Kathy: Firebird
Selections from: The Complete Collection of the Brothers Grimm
Selections from: The Complete Collection of Hans Christian Anderson
King Auther and the Knights of the Round Table
The Orange Book
The Blue Book
The Brown Book
The Purple Book
Selections From “1001 Nights”: Author unknown
Patricia: Twice Freed: Christian Historical Fiction
Henderson, Dee: The Negotiator-Christian/Suspense
Henderson, Dee: The Guardian-Christian/Suspense
Henderson, Dee: The Truth-seeker
Henderson, Dee: The Protector: Christian/Romance
Henderson, Dee: The Healer: Christian/Romance
Henderson, Dee: The Rescuer: Christian/Romance
Blackstock, Terri: Private Justice: Christian/Romance
Blackstock, Terri: Word of Honor-Christian/Romance
Novel Crimes-Christian/Romance
Kurland, Lynn: Star of the Morning
Matas, Carol-Nodelman, Perry
Matas, Carol-Nodelman, Perry- Of Two Minds-Psychic
Matas, Carol-Nodelman, Perry Out of Their Minds-Psychic
Matas, Carol-Nodelman, Perry More Minds-Psychic
Matas, Carol-Nodelman, Perry A Meeting of Minds-Psychic
Tingle, Rebecca- The Edge of the Sword: Historical Fiction
Tingle, Rebecca- Fartraveler: Historical Fiction
Dunkle, Clare B- The Hollow Kingdom: Fantasy
Dunkle, Clare B- Close Kin: Fantasy
Dunkle, Clare B- In the Coils of the Snake: Fantasy
Dunkle, Clare B- By these ten bones
Hilgartner, Beth- A Necklace of Fallen Stars: Fantasy
Atwater-Rhodes, Amelia: Hawksong- Fantasy
Atwater-Rhodes, Amelia: Snakecharm-Fantasy
Nadia- Christian Suspense
Best Friends- Christian Romance

Colfer, Eion- Artemis Fowl: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
Colfer, Eion- Artemis Fowl: The Arctic Incident: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
Colfer, Eion-Artemis Fowl: The Eternity Code: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
Colfer, Eion- Artemis Fowl: The Opal Deception: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
Colfer, Eion- Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
Colfer, Eion- The Artemis Fowl Files: Fantasy/Criminal Mastermind
*Batson, Wayne Thomas- The Door Within: Christian Fiction (Juvenile)
*Batson, Wayne Thomas- The Rise of the Wyrm Lord: Christian Fiction (Juvenile)
*Batson, Wayne Thomas- The Final Storm: Christian Fantasy (Juvenile)
#Alexander, Lloyd-The Book of Three “Prydain”
Alexander, Lloyd: The Black Cauldron “Prydain”
Alexander, Lloyd: The Castle of Llyr “Prydain”
Alexander, Lloyd: Tara Wanderer “Prydain”
Alexander, Lloyd: The High King “Prydain”
Alexander, Lloyd- The iron Ring
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of the old Clock
Keen, Carolyn: The Hidden Staircase
Keene, Carolyn: The Bungalow Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of Shadow Ranch
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue of the Tapping HeelsKeene, Carolyn: The Haunted Bridge
Keene, Carolyn: The Whispering Statue
Keene, Carolyn: The Message in the Hollow Oak
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue of the Broken Locket
Keene, Carolyn: The Password to Larkspur Lane
Keene, Carolyn: The Sign of the Twisted Candles
Keene, Carolyn: Nancy’s mysterious Letter
Keene, Carolyn: The mystery of Lilac Inn
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of Red Gate Farm
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue in the Diary
Keene, Carolyn: The Mystery of the Brass-bound Trunk
Keene, Carolyn: The Mystery of the Moss Covered Mansion
Keene, Carolyn: The Quest of the Missing Map
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue in the Jewel Box
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret in the Old Attic
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue in the Crumbling Wall
Keene, Carolyn: The Mystery of the Tolling Bell
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue in the Old Album
Keene, Carolyn: The Ghost of Blackwood Hall
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue in the Leaning Chimney
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of the Wooden Lady
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue of the Black Keys
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue of the Velvet Mask
Keene, Carolyn: The Scarlet Slipper Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: The Witch Tree Symbol
Keene, Carolyn: The Hidden Window Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: The Haunted Showboat
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of the Golden Pavilion
Keene, Carolyn: The Mystery of the Fire Dragon
Keene, Carolyn: The Moonstone Castle Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: The Clue of the Whistling Bagpipes
Keene, Carolyn: The Phantom of Pine Hill
Keene, Carolyn: The Mystery of the 99 Steps
Keene, Carolyn: The Spider Sapphire Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: The Invisible Intruder
Keene, Carolyn: The Mysterious Mannequin
Keene, Carolyn: The Crooked Banister
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of Mirror Bay
Keene, Carolyn: The Double Jinx Mystery
Keene, Carolyn: Mystery of the Glowing Eye
Keene, Carolyn: The Secret of the Forgotten City
Keene, Carolyn: The Sky Phantom
Keene, Carolyn: Mystery of Crocodile Island
Keene, Carolyn: The Thirteenth Pearl
Sheldon, Ann: The Secret of Ranch Del Sol
Sheldon, Ann: The Palomino Mystery
#Hardy Boys: Mystery
*Paolini, Christopher- Eragon: Fantasy
*Paolini, Christopher- Eldest: Fantasy
#Funke, Cornelia Caroline- Dragon Rider: Fantasy
Funke, Cornelia Caroline: Thief Lord: Fantasy/ Criminal/ Mystery
Funke, Cornelia Caroline: Inkheart: Fantasy
Funke, Cornelia Caroline- Inkspell: Fantasy
Alexander, Lloyd- The Rope Trick: Fiction
McKinley, Robin- Beauty: Fairy Tale Adaptation
McKinley, Robin- Rose Daughter: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Viguié, Debbie. Midnight Pearls: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Viguié, Debbie – Scarlet Moon
Weyn, Suzanne- Night Dance: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Weyn, Suzanne- Water Song: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Dokey, Cameron- Before Midnight: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Dokey, Cameron- Beauty Sleep: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Dokey, Cameron- The Storytellers Daughter: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Dokey, Cameron- Golden: Fairy Tale Adaptation
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone: Fantasy
Rowling, J.K. - Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets: Fantasy
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban: Fantasy
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire: Fantasy
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix: Fantasy
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince: Fantasy
Rowling, J. K. - Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows: Fantasy
Collins, Suzanne- Gregor the overlander: War/ Fantasy
Collins, Suzanne- Gregor and the Prophecy of Bane: War/ Fantasy
Collins, Suzanne- Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods: Fantasy
Collins, Suzanne- Gregor and the Marks of Secret: War/ Fantasy
Collins, Suzanne- Gregor and the Code of Claw: War/ Fantasy
Cleopatra: Daughter of the Nile/ Historical Fiction
Anastasia: The Last Duchess
The Story of the World: History
The Brides of the Empire-Historical Christian Romance
The California Chances-Historical Christian Romance
The Kentucky Chances-Historical Christian Romance
The English Garden Sequence-Christian Romance
Once Upon a Time: Christian Romance
Reunited: Christian Fiction
Hope-Western Romance
Faith-Western Romance
June-Western Romance
Ruth-Western Romance
Glory-Western Romance
Singer
*Roberts, Katharine: Spellfall
Hanley, Victoria- The Seer and the Sword
Hanley, Victoria- Healer’s Keep
Alcott, Louise- Eight Cousins
Alcott, Louise- Rose in Bloom
Johnson, Louis Walfrid- The Invisible Friend
They Loved to Laugh
Alcott, Louisa: Eight Cousins
Alcott, Louisa: Rose in Bloom
Henry, M.: Born to Ride
Henry, M: Justin Morgan Had a Horse
Henry, M: Misty of Chincoteague
Henry, M: Stormy Misty’s Foal
Henry, M: Misty’s Twilight
Henry, M: Sunshine of Sawdust Valley
Black Beauty
Beorn the Proud

Cooper, Susan- Over Sea, Under Stone: Fantasy
Cooper, Susan- The Dark is Rising: Fantasy
Cooper, Susan- Greenwich: Fantasy
Cooper, Susan- The Grey King: FantasyHomer- The Iliad and the Odyssey