Less than 24 hours later, I just finished it up and picked up the second book. So clearly reading through it so fast I did enjoy it. Coming off reading Clash of Kings, it must a bit refreshing to read something less violent (and Hunger Games is about killing, so I guess Clash of Kings you’re very very violent). I also think being written for a younger audience made for much quicker reading as well.

I think what I most enjoyed was the pacing of the chapters. It does an excellent job of wrapping up a chapter with a cliff hanger whichs forces the “I’ll just read one more chapter” syndrome.

Very good, and going to finish up the series. But will try to pace myself a bit better for the last two books.

It’s getting a little crazy with so many kings springing up and falling, but fun to read along. It reminds me a lot of the feeling at the end of Empire Strikes Back with all the loss that seems to of befallen so many of the characters that are still living.

I think what really makes this series so unique to me is that nobody is off limits to be killed off. While you usually know early on who the hero is in most books and that in the end they will win the day, this is not the case. Just when you start liking a character it seems like they’re killed off.

The last couple of chapters really got me hooked. I think since the show hasn’t gotten that far along in the book yet I really had no idea how things might play out. Many characters whom I thought would surely meet their demise before this book would end are still around, so the next book should make for some good reading.

However, the Honey Badgers still clawed our way in this contest against the Banzai Executioners with a makeshift lineup. Dodgeball legend Jared “The Catch” Miller was able to fill in and did a fine job at first base for us. With a lot of of players playing in different positions in the field, there was a little confusion at times early resulting in some uncharacteristically sloppy play.

I made a horrible play in right field myself. I was determined to charge a shallow kick down but once I realized I wouldn’t catch up to it my momentum just carried me past it and the ball got behind me. Outfield 101 – NEVER let the ball get behind you. I topped it off with a horrible throw to the infield. I completely forget that the cutoff guys on the field at the time were not used to playing in the field there and when I realized that I had already begun my throw. My poor play cost us a run, not good.

A few of our players did have some excellent kicking however, keeping us in the game. Irena went an impressive 4-4 scoring 2 runs and kicking in one. Caitlin went 3-3 with a big time double on one of the better kicks I’ve seen this season along the left field line. Very impressive. In an attempt to make up for my horrible play in the field I did go 4-4 myself, hitting the open spots on the field with each kick.

Poor John B. despite a gutsy performance with some amazing fielding, I fear his injuries may’ve took a turn for the worse in this game. We really need to get him healthy, he’s been amazing all season.

Despite out best efforts, our sloppy fielding led us to lose this one 11-7. I did really enjoy playing however and it was nice to have Jared out there for a game. We really need Kevin and John K. back to get us back on track next week.

We were short several girls tonight, but did have the necessary 3 to field a proper team. One of our injured teammates did show up to support and cheer on our team even though she had to sit out this week. We’ve got a good team like that.

The Honey Badgers were the visiting team this week and batted first. Kevin lead off with a bullet to third that was caught by a tall enough third baseman. When we took the field the Terror Squad got a couple of base hits and were threatening to score. Our defense really stepped it up and managed to get out of the innig unharmed. It was great to watch.

The next inning with John K. and Sean on the bases I slipped a little on my kick and kicked on top of the ball by accident. Miraculously it only traveled a few feet and despite my terrible kick it managed to score two very big and early runs. The other team complained of a bunt attempt and carried on a little bit too much to me, but I did follow through and it was a legit kick albeit a very weak one.

The rest of the game we would score and then they would match it. There was some amazing plays by Irena all night. Making some huge catches, covering home, etc. She really put on a fielding clinic out there.

I did drop an amazing throw covering first base by John K. that would lead to a run. I was really bummed that I dropped that one. He made an amazing throw and it just bounced out of my hands.

With some solid and intense play we found ourselves up three runs in the bottom of the seventh. However the seventh inning didn’t prove to be our highlight of the night. With some very solid a precise kicking the Terror Squad found a way to answer back and tie the game with three runs of their own.

However, with two outs runners in scoring position John B. made a truly remarkable catch in left field to extend our night with extra innings. WIth a kick to shallow left John B. ran faster than I had ever seen him run and reached down to his shoe laces to make an amazing big time clutch catch. It was probably the finest play I’ve seen in two seasons of kickball.

Extra innings were tough. Both teams threatened in the eight but were unable to bring anyone home. The bottom of the ninth the Terror Squad put together several key kicks. The had the bases loaded with only one out and were able to kick in the winning run keeping on low of the ground to first. I wasn’t able to field it cleanly, but even had I done the runner of third would’ve scored any how by how long it the ball had been on the ground.

This was truly an amazing game and while a heartbreaking loss I was very proud of how hard everyone played. I couldn’t imagine a bunch I’d rather play with win or lose.

I did notice a shiny new hard cover edition of it on my last visit to the library and thought I should finish it up (it’s not good to not finish things). So I checked it out and was very pleased to read it through.

Having watched all the episodes on TV it really helped me to identify a bit better with the characters as well as get a better understanding of them than could be portrayed on the show. There were many moments where actions made a lot more sense when read than if you were to just watch the series.

it was a little slow moving for me at times in the beginning, but halfway though really picks up and can be hard to put down at times. No character is safe in this, and just when you grow accustomed to a character it seems that they meet an untimely demise. Very good, and I expect to continue reading more of the series.