The Chimera's Curse

Back-of-the-Book Description: None is available, so I'll try to sum it up real quick: (boy, am I terrible at this!)

Connie Lionheart hears the voice of Kullervo even in her sleep, always reminding her of their coming confrontation--a confrontation she is sure to lose. When she discovers a possible way to fight him on equal terms, she is dismayed by the lack of support from her fellow society members and Trustees, as well as angered at how they have forbidden her to learn how to defend herself from Kullervo.
Meanwhile, a chimera--third lion, third goat, third snake--is chasing after her, and drawing her visiting brother into danger. Could he be connected to Kullervo?

My Description: Wow. This is probably the best out of this eco-fantasy series, The Companions Quartet (including The Secret of the Sirens, The Gorgan's Gaze, and The Mines of the Minotaur) and I really, really, enjoyed it. Here are a few things that annoyed me, even though I like this book quite a bit:

A: HOW COULD THE SOCIETY (PARTICULARLY THE TRUSTEES) BE SO STUPID?!!!! Really, it's beginning to get a little repetitious, how many times they are terrible to Connie. If I had been her I would have quit the society by now! Then again, it's her only source of information on how to defend herself and others from Kullervo, so I suppose she has her hands tied.
I mean, I understand them keeping her from the moore (where the chimera lurks) and not allowing her to challenge Kullervo, but cutting her off from her library? Robbing her of her only source of information on how to defend herself from Kullervo? Honestly, it makes no sense.
B: Simon and Connie are brother and sister, and I absolutely hate their relationship. And why aren't they living with their alive and well parents anyways? And why isn't Col living with his father, even though his father is living with Connie and his wife (her aunt), practically right down the street?
So, I have a problem with where people live and Simon and Connie's relationship. I don't see why he was being so terrible to his big sister, though I think there was one fleeting moment where she could have fixed things (I say this as an experienced older sister--two little boys, one girl around my age), but it was easy to miss.
C: I didn't like Connie having a companion. The whole point was that, as a Universal (able to bond with all creatures), she was open to all species, and it doesn't make sense for her to bond with a particular creature. It annoyed me, made no sense, and limited her. It also doesn't seem fair to Argand (her dragon companion), as she will have to share Connie with so many other creatures.
D: I was a little surprised by how easily Kullervo turned against Connie after how hard he fought for her for so long. It seemed inconsistent with his character. I understand that eventually he would give up, but I felt like... I don't know, that it should have taken a little more to make him do so.
F: There was this point at the end that I don't want to give away, that was completely pointless, not emotionally moving at all, and didn't even develop the story. There was no reason for it, whatsoever. If the guy had survived it would have made sense, but since he didn't, it wasn't any good in my opinion, not even drawing me to tears (which is fairly easy to do).
G: My final complaint, I suppose, is that I really wanted to read about Connie telling Col about... the difference. I'd say what it was, but I try to avoid writing spoilers in my reviews.

One thing I could totally relate to was when Kullervo had Connie's friends as well as her captive, and she felt... restricted. She could handle putting herself at risk and fighting Kullervo, but having her friends there and deciding whether they lived or died a horrible death was too much. Once they were gone, we both breathed a sigh of relief, and she felt she could fight and be strong now that she didn't have to worry about them.

Also, I just love the character of Sentinel. I really have nothing more to say than that... he's honorable, kind, and I love to read about him.

Well, I guess that's it. Beside the few things I mentioned that annoy me personally, I very much enjoyed this series and am sad to see it at it's end. It is fun, entertaining, adventurous, and a very good read.
Pages: 307
Recommendations: I would recommend this series to fantasy lovers, people concerned about global warming and the environment, those who enjoy adventure, and fans of The Percy Jackson and the Olympians series.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8 3/4


Book #29 of 09, Book #79 of all

Many Books

I may and I may not post some actual reviews of these books, but here is what I have read:


The Case of the Waylaid Wolf--by Erle Stanley Gardner

Goose Chase--by someone I can't remember, but I really loved this one.

The Lady in the Tower--I enjoyed this, but would have liked more conversation and less narration. I didn't feel like it ended either, but I still liked it.

I probably won't ever write full reviews on these books, but I wanted to get them up here. When I start reading again I'll probably start writing reviews diligently once again, but I make no promises.

Books #26, 27 and 28 of '09

Once Upon A Marigold

Just so you know, I read this book a long, LONG time ago. But due to laziness, illness, and birthdays I didn't post a review, and I might never. The next few books I'll put up will most likely also be review-less, so be warned. I will say, however, that this was wonderfully cute and sweet and I liked it very, very much. I knew I'd love it when I read the part where a character is reading Greek Myths; "nothing like a bit of fratricide, matricide and infanticide to put you to sleep" (just so you know that's a very rough quote and there's a 95% chance of inaccuracy). I personally love Greek Myths, so that little joke made me adore this charming tale.

Author: Jean Ferris

Back-of-the-Book Description: Readers first meet Chris when he is a strong-willed, clever child of six. He has run away from home, determined to live on his own in the forest. Edric, a troll, finds him and gives him shelter but cannot make him go back home, and Chris grows up with Edric and his dogs as his family, guided by an etiquette book found in the forest and Edric's own wisdom. As the boy grows, he continues his interest in inventing and watches the princess in the castle across the river. She is headstrong but lonely, and when Chris contacts her by carrier pigeon (or p-mail), they become best friends. When he takes work at the castle, there is no way that Chris, a commoner, can tell Marigold who he is, and he can only stand by as she is to be married to an unsuitable suitor. When he learns that her life is in danger, he must find a way to save her and the kingdom.

Book #25 of '09, Book #75 of all

The Case of the Step Daughter's Secret

(a Perry Mason book; reviews on my book blog include: (The Case of...) The Worried Waitress, The Demure Defendant, The Shapely Shadow, The Fabulous Fake)

Author: Erle Stanley Gardner
Back-of-the-Book Description: When a man's past threatens his family's future, there's only one way to turn--to Perry Mason....

Harlow Bissenger Bancroft, head of a vast corporate empire and a happily married man, had a battery of lawyers--not one of any of any use to him in his present situation.
That's why he sat facing Perry Mason, his air of authority vanished, a deeply disturbed man.
"There are three ways of dealing with a blackmailer," Mason told him, "but only one should concern you--tell him to go jump in the lake." (This is Galaxy speaking; I don't remember that line in the book... but I might have forgotten it. And I thought there were four ways of dealing with a blackmailer...?)
The blackmailer was found on the lake, all right, but he'd not had a chance to jump in it for he was dead as the proverbial mackerel.
My Description: One thing that really annoys me in this series is how his clients always lie to him, or don't come to him immediately. If they just had told him the truth (though this book isn't a very good example of that) or had come to him when there was trouble (this book is a good example of that) things would have been sooooooo much better for them!

Anyways, it's a fun Perry Mason. Not as mind boggling as some of the others, but with a satisfying ending and plenty of times to try and guess as to what is going on in that lawyer's mind. There's a bit of the annoying repetition (see The Worried Waitress through the link above), a bunch of the heart-pounding suspense... I'd write more, but I've reviewed so many books in this series that there isn't much more to say... oh, except that I missed Lt. Tragg and Hamilton Burger in this one, but I guess they can't be in 'em all.
Pages: 166
Recommendations: To anyone who likes mysteries, or any Perry Mason books.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 7 3/4


Book #24 of '09, Book #74 of all

The Case of the Worried Waitress

(A Perry Mason book, other books in that series I have reviewed include (The Case of) The Demure Defendant, The Shapely Shadow, and The Fabulous Fake)

Author: Erle Stanley Gardner

Back-of-the-Book Description: None available; basically a waitress comes to Perry Mason about finding a cache of money in her Aunt's hatboxes, and asks him what to do. As usual, a few days later what started out as a bit of worry turns into an (almost) murder mystery, where once again Perry Mason proves he's totally awesome.

My Description: I wish all lawyers were like Perry Mason, but honestly, I don't see how he can afford it. He practically bought the girl a car and helped her out for almost nothing at the beginning... I wouldn't find this odd, except in almost all of his cases he does this, and so I begin to wonder where he gets all the money...? Still, if he has it, then that whole thing makes Perry even cooler.

The mystery this time was super crazy, with all sorts of odd things happening... They missed explaining one thing, (the going store to store to save a few cents but spending dollars on taxi cabs) but I might have missed the answer. Besides that this case was as wonderful as the others, filled with heart-pounding suspense (and I mean literally. I almost screamed at one point) and Perry turning it all around at the last minute.

One slightly annoying thing I noticed throughout the series is that Mr. Gardner has a tendency to repeat things. In some cases that's cool, like if you've forgotten who a certain character was, but when Perry says(I italicised the repetition),

"Would you mind if we looked at it?"

"Not at all. But you'll have to go all the way back down the stairs to the front door, then climb two more flights of stairs."

"I'd like to take a look," Mason said. "It's unfurnished?"

"That's right."

"I'd like to get and idea of the way it's laid out. It has the same floor plan as this one?"

"Yes."

"May we look?"

Stuff like that happens in the book lots of times, and it gets a little irritating. But besides that, I loved this book, just like I loved all the others and I'd definitely recommend it to mystery lovers!

Pages: 212

Reading Time: Two days

Recommendations: To anyone who likes mysteries, or Perry Mason fans (book or TV series; doesn't matter... I personally started with the show, then read some of the books).

Writing Rating: 7

Story Rating: 7 1/2
Overall Rating: 8

Book #23 of '09, Book #73 of all

Just Ella

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Back-of-the-Book Description: Haddix (Running Out of Time) puts a feminist spin on the Cinderella story, beginning her tongue-in-cheek novel where the traditional story ends. Ella Brown plans to live happily ever after when Prince Charming whisks her from her evil step-family. But when she arrives at the castle, she discovers that the prince is a dull dud, needlepoint is now her most strenuous activity and her ladies in waiting are abuzz with a concocted tale involving Ella, a fairy godmother and a pumpkin (in fact her own resourcefulness got Ella to the ball). When she refuses to marry "Charm," as she calls him, she is thrown in the dungeon to be held there until the wedding day. Making matters worse, Jed, her one kindred spirit, unaware of her imprisonment, leaves to start a refugee camp for victims of the castle's war with a neighboring kingdom. But luckily Ella is not a girl who needs magic or a man to save her. Haddix weaves in elements of fairy tale, with colorful characters such as Lord Reston, Ella's portly, pompous religious teacher; Quog, the ogre-ish jailer; and, of course, the cruel-to-the-core Step Evils. But Ella's modern sensibility seems jarring against a chivalric backdrop (e.g., "Don't that beat all?" Ella says, imitating a servant). Still, her straightforward, often gleefully glib narrative breathes fresh life into the tale.

My Description: Before I begin, I’d like to mention this book is a Cinderella Story.
Ella talks very… not crass, but bluntly, and sounds like someone from nowadays, rather than a medieval person. It’s a little odd to hear her talk like that in such an environment, but it’s also fresh and crisp. Still, her character was fun and outspoken and I enjoyed reading about her, and liked her quite a bit.
I read this book in less than a day. I started at the library around 5:50 and finished it by 9:45. So yes, it ‘hooked’ me. I enjoyed it, and there were some fun aspects to the story, but I did have some problems.
Let’s start at the beginning:

1: I understand the whole point of the castle people being dull and lifeless and limiting, but come on! No one can really be so 1-dimensional, and if even a little luster was expressed in Ella’s lifeless ladies-in-waiting I would have been happy. Sure, there was a bit with Madame Bisset, but Ms. Maddix didn’t go into it, and that’s only one out of I don’t know how many. Also, I don’t see how castle life could be so restricting… I think Ms. Maddix went a little over the top, but I suppose that was the point.
2: Ella should be enjoying the castle a bit more, even though I understand her being horrified at its limitations. She actually misses peasant food, which would make sense if it was for the overwhelming richness of castle food, but she describes the bread as ‘tasteless’. And the dresses… I thought that Ms. Haddix should have gone into her revelry in the finery she could now wear as well as her exasperation (and I must say that that bit was done pretty well—it’s just lack of the opposite. Castle life just can’t be that bad) with the limitations.
3: The prince goes from Prince Charming to a witless buffoon in a couple pages. When did that happen? At first he’s portrayed as perfect, and the next moment he can hardly speak without someone telling him what to say. I’d understand if there was ‘another side’ to him, or some other evil, but I feel that making him so utterly… empty was a mistake. The one bit where Ella tells him she doesn’t want to marry him was done well, I think. It made sense (if he was a witless buffoon) and all up to the tying-up bit was pretty good, but the last scene we’d seen him he was different, and that’s the problem I have.
4: The whole point of the Cinderella Story is that the people who were evil to Cinderella end up getting punished, and everyone knows what they did to her. Cinderella ends up on top and everyone knows what a great person she was.
In this version, that isn’t so. Ella ends up ‘happy’, I suppose, but the step-sisters and step-mother end up living in the castle, and Ella ends up running a refugee camp and the ‘Step-Evils’ really don’t deserve it. I, personally, need characters to know things, and I wanted the Kingdom to know what they had done to Ella. I wanted them to end up poor old maids, which might seem cruel, but they deserved it.
5: There are a couple things brought up in this book that are a little… uncomfortable. It’s probably best to be in your early teens when you read it or read it with the family.
6: The book didn’t end. It stopped. It gave you a vague idea of what is going to happen to Ella, but I generally like to read about the happy ending, not imagine it myself.

Of course there were lots of pros. It was interesting, Ella was a like able character, the story echoed itself lots of time near the end and that was really cool… but all in all the last bit ruined it for me.

Pages: 185

Recommendations: To people who'd like a retelling of Cinderella, but aren't attached to the conventional 'happily-ever-after', or the Step-Mother-and-Sisters getting the short end of the stick. Probably for early teens to adults.

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 7, but it didn't leave me with a good feeling

Book #22 of '09, Book #72 of all

Bella at Midnight

Author: Diane Stanley

Back-of-the-Book Description: Left by her father, an arrogant and unpleasant knight, to be raised by her wet nurse after her mothers death, Bella is an imaginative and attractive child whose best friend is the wet nurses previous charge, Prince Julian of Moranmoor. It is not until her father summons her that she is told that the loving people with whom she has spent her childhood are not her true family. She finds his household miserable, her new stepmother unwelcoming, and no place to sleep but the kitchen. Using familiar ingredients including a pair of glass slippers and a magic ring as well as the legend of a Worthy Knight with a halo of heavenly fire, Stanley has brewed a magical elixir that will warm the hearts of readers who like their adventures set in medieval worlds, and who appreciate a bit of a love story as well. Bella is a worthy heroine, capable in the kitchen and courageous enough to journey to a foreign land to warn Prince Julian and attempt to forestall the reopening of the war between Moranmoor and Brutanna. As a bonus, she has inherited her mothers magic touch that comforts all who come in contact with her–a gift that she hardly needs to accomplish her political task but that revives the spirits of a stepsister, still mourning her own father.

My Description: (coming soon)

Pages: ???

Recommendations: To people who would like a retelling of Cinderella... Or just those who would like fantasy?

Book #21 of '09, Book #71 of all

Mines of the Minotaur

Author: Julia Golding

Back-of-the-Book Description: A fantasy series about a secret society sworn to protect mythical creatures and the girl who becomes its most important member

My Description: (coming soon)

Pages: ???

Recommendations: To those who enjoy fantasies, or the others in this series (Secret of the Sirens, The Gorgan's Gaze). It's probably a book for 10-14-year-olds

Writing Rating: 7

Story Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 7

Book #20 of '09, Book #70 of all

I missed a few books

I don't know why, but I didn't post up a few books, and forgot the title to one of them. When I remember it I'll post it, but for now I'm just going to post the covers to the ones I remember.

I just read a new book and I'm going to post a review of that, but the others I will do later. For now they're going to be empty pictures, but expect reviews later... it may take a while, but don't give up!


Galaxy

Book of a Thousand Days

Author: Shannon Hale
Back-of-the-Book Description: When Dashti, a maid, and Lady Saren, her mistress, are shut in a tower for seven years for Saren’s refusal to marry a man she despises, the two prepare for a very long and dark imprisonment.
As food runs low and the days go from broiling hot to freezing cold, it is all Dashti can do to keep them fed and comfortable. But the arrival outside the tower of Saren’s two suitors—one welcome, and the other decidedly less so—brings both hope and great danger, and Dashti must make the desperate choices of a girl whose life is worth more than she knows.
With Shannon Hale’s lyrical language, this forgotten but classic fairy tale from the Brothers Grimm is reimagined and reset on the central Asian steppes; it is a completely unique retelling filled with adventure and romance, drama and disguise.
My Description: Dashti is the main character of this book, and she is a joy to read about. You get into her head, and hear her innermost thoughts as this whole book is written in diary format, and you can't help but empathize with her situation, as well as sympathize. She starts out believing she is nothing, merely a creature made from mud to serve the Gentry, but as the book continues, she finds her confidence, and fights for herself.
But she never stops taking care of Saren, her Lady. Saren is crazy, literally, and at first she is a mystery. At one point I hated her, at one point Dashti did, but as the book moves on, and the story continues, you can't help but care for her. The reason for her madness could have been more... delved into, I suppose, and it was a bit of a let down how little there was to it, but still, it was understandable, and she got a happy ending in the book as well.
The foreshadowing in this book was amazing, so amazing that you didn't even see it coming, and yet when it came, it was like the pieces of a puzzle snapping together. Near the end so many things came together, and of course, the story had a happy ending, which is something I demand from almost all books.
And of course, the ending was perfect. Those last lines... don't read ahead like I did. I read the last page when I was near the middle, to see if it ended happily, and it was so lyrical and lovely... I tried to forget it (and failed), but it was even better the second time, ending the story sweetly and well.
I'll admit, some aspects of this book are predictable, but not everything, and I was surprised numerous times. Also, some people might say Dashti is a little childish, but I think that's just the way she is, and I didn't really mind or notice it much.
In the beginning, Book of a Thousand Days is a little slow. Interesting, yes, but nothing much happens. However, as the story continues to the second part, things pick up pace. It you start to get bored (which I didn't), don't give up. There is excitement to follow!
Dashti always makes the best of her situation. When she's in the tower, she's happy for not having to fight for survival, when she's out, she's so glad to have the sun and stars. She is not always prepared, but she fights, and does whatever necessary to make things right.
All in all, this is a wonderful story. When Dear Sister (who was reading it aloud to me) sadly finished it, we both just sat there. I don't know about her, but all I could think was 'Wow'. I just loved it.
Pages: 320
Recommendations: There are two or three things in the book that are a little gory, (you don't really see it happen in the story, it is only referred to) so I'd say girls 10+, unless it's a family together.
Writing Rating: 8 1/2
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8 1/2


Book 18 of '09, Book #68 of all

The Tattooed Patato and Other Clues

Author: Ellen Raskin
Back-of-the-Book Description: Answering an advertisement for an artist's assistant involves seventeen-year-old Dickory Dock in several mysteries and their ultimate solutions.
My Description: Dickory is the name of the main character, and at first I didn't like it, but as the book went on, it grew on me. The story starts where you don't know anything about anyone, but as you read on, you learn more and more about the mysterious Garson, his tenants, and even our heroine herself.
The way The Tattooed Potato and other Clues is written, it somehow just keeps drawing you in. The writing is humorous, and the story is touching, a little sad, but it ends happily all the same.

At first I wasn't sure what to think of Garson... should I like him? Should I not? And I think I was supposed to feel that way. I think I was supposed to develop an opinion of him as Dickory does, and if that is the case, than Ms. Raskin did an excellent job. By the end of the book, my feelings for all the characters were very clear.
There are so many wonderful books out there that you read once, say "Boy, that was great!" and then go looking for another. This isn't one of those. This is a book you can read again, and again, and again, and still love it, even if you know all that happens.

And what is my final note on this book? It's sweet, and sad, and funny, and fun, and mysterious, and kept me guessing the whole way... In the end, it pulls everything together, and the whole story is amazing. I really, really loved this book, and I think it's one of my favorites. READ IT.
Recommendations: To anyone who likes mysteries, though The Tattooed Potato and Other Clues is much, much more than that.
Pages: 176
Writing Rating: 8 1/2
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8 1/2


Book #17 of '09, Book #67 of all

A Curse Dark As Gold

Author: Elizabeth C. Bunce

Back-of-the-Book Description: "If you'll allow me to demonstrate, I do think I could be of some help to you here."
I smiled tightly. "You'd have to be able to make gold appear from thin air to be much help to us now, I'm afraid."
"Gold, you say?" he said quietly. "Well, not out of the air, maybe, but--" He reached toward Rosie and drew a length of straw free from her hat. From out of a pocket in his jacket appeared an old-fashioned handheld drop spindle, the kind no one uses anymore, and he sent it spinning with a turn of his hand. Slowly, as we watched, he drew out the straw and spun it--spun it! (CONT.)
As if it were a roving of wool! Rosie and I stood there and watched him, moment by moment, as the spindle bobbed and twirled. Something pulled out from the brown straw and through his knobby fingers, and where it should have gone onto the spindle, the finest strands of gleaming gold threads appeared. Round and round the spindle went, and the gleaming of gold turned with it. I don't know how long we watched it, turning and turning, flashing gold with every revolution. I could not take my eyes away.

My Description: A Curse Dark As Gold is very, very well written. I felt the awe of the golden straw, I felt the excitement of running the Mill, I felt the horror at every setback, I felt the grief of Charlotte's (our heroine) lost father... It was amazing. The story was interesting too, and I cared for Charlotte from the start. It took a while before the whole 'Rumpelstiltskin' part came into play, and the bits when he came back were very far apart. A beginning and introduction was necessary (and it was interesting, don't get me wrong), but it could have been a little shorter.

As Randall (who represented the 'King' from Rumpelstiltskin) and Charlotte fall in love, it's sweet and romantic, but I would have liked a little more time. Also, the troubles in their relationship were very well done and written, but that whole part made me stop liking Charlotte as much as I used to, and the way she could save the mill if only she let Randall help her... Also, at the part when Jack Spinner ('Rumpelstiltskin') tells her it's her son or the mill, she should have not have had to think. She should have taken her son and ran (even though it actually turned out better when she didn't). It made me like her even less when she said 'Give me time to think'.

The climax was good--it ended happily and everything came together--but I was still a little confused. It would have been nice if there had been a scene when they'd gone over everything.

All in all, I liked the book when I liked Charlotte. There were some things here and there that annoyed me, or upset me, and it's a dark book. The beginning is interesting and the whole book is very well written. At the climax I couldn't put it down, but Charlotte's over aversion to superstition was believable for a person, but a person I wouldn't like that much after everything Charlotte has seen. In the end it was also a little confusing... I liked this book, and I didn't like it. I'm not sure what to think.

Pages: 400

Recommendations: To people who like retellings of fairytales or those who enjoy dark mysteries/fantasies. Mainly 13 and up.

Writing Rating: 8 1/2

Story Rating: 7 1/2

Overall Rating: ? (it's really hard to rate this since I both liked and didn't like it... it is a good book, just not perfect for me)

Book #16 of '09, Book #66 of all

Hogfather

Author: Terry Pratchett
Back-of-the-Book Description: (I edited this description a little because I felt like it--so be warned!) This year the Auditors, who want people to stop believing in things that aren't real, have hired an assassin to eliminate the Hogfather. (You know him: red robe, white beard, says, "Ho, ho, ho!") Their evil plot will destroy the Discworld unless someone covers for him. So someone does. Well, at least Death tries. He wears the costume and rides the sleigh drawn by four jolly pigs: Gouger, Tusker, Rooter, and Snouter. He even comes down chimneys. But as fans of other Pratchett stories about Death know, he takes things literally, and just posing for the Hogfather isn't quite enough... it'll take a bit of help from his clever granddaughter, Susan, and a few other characters to get everything together in time for a pleasant Hogswatch.
My Description: Hogfather is really, really funny. Hogfather also is really, really, really, really confusing, but I think it's supposed to be... it zips from one character to another without a second glance (because of which there's practically no timeline and that makes it super hard to find your spot once you've lost it), and things in the Unseen University and other spots in the book are just plain whacked. It would be nice if there had been a bit more clarity with the story... it could still be confusing and crazy, but if it had made just a little more sense I would have enjoyed the book more.
Some of the random people on the side they brought up were a little mean. I would have liked to like them, because I like liking characters, but I couldn't. Also, there's quite a bit of profanity in this story... the S-word for certain and quite a few others I can't remember. I just thought I'd let you know.
Mr. Teatime (pronounced teh-ah-tim-eh) is really scary. Sometimes I walk down the halls at night and have to look over my shoulder... He made a cool villain, if more than a little quirky; there just isn't anything quite like him. He's a little annoying in the movie, but in the book he's better. My favorite part of the book was when he and a guard he's going to kill have this short conversation; I don't want to give it away, but that one part was cut short in the movie, and in the book it's just hysterical to me.
My favorite character is Death... he's good and kind and has more funny moments than I can count. I loved Death.

Anyways, all in all, a quirky and near hysterical book. I really enjoyed it.
Pages:
Recommendations: There's a lot of death and fowl language, so definitely for older readers. I suppose there are a few families that might be able to read it together, but be warned.
Book Or Movie?: It's kind of hard to choose since the movie is just like the book--I mean word for word. Teatime was a little annoying in the movie, but that weird way he way at one place and then you look away and then he's at another was cool and made up for that. I liked the character of Bilious (the oh god of hangovers) a little better in the book, but he was fine in the movie. All in all, I can't decide. They're both great.
Writing Rating: 8 1/2
Story Rating: 7 1/2
Overall Rating: 8

Book #15 of '09, Book #65 of all

Ranger's Apprentice: The Battle For Skandia

Author: John Flanagan
Back-of-the-Book Description: Still far from their homeland after escaping slavery in the icebound land of Skandia, Will and Evanlyn's plans to return to Araluen are spoiled when Evanlyn is taken captive by a Temujai warrior. Though still weakened by the warmweed's toxic effects, Will employs his Ranger training to locate his friend, but an enemy scouting party has him fatally outnumbered. Will is certain death is close at hand, until Halt and Horace make a daring, last-minute rescue. The reunion is cut short, however, when Halt makes a horrifying discovery: Skandia's borders have been breached by the entire Temujai army. And Araluen is next in their sights. If two kingdoms are to be saved, an unlikely union must be made. Will it hold long enough to vanquish a ruthless new enemy? Or will past tensions spell doom for all?
My Description: Honestly, I still don't know why that one Temujai guy kidnapped Evanlyn. I spent a good part of the book thinking about that before I finally was able to brush it off. Also, I didn't like the tension that ensued between Evanlyn and Will... I liked their relationship, and when the problems came between them--which I didn't even understand--I was looking forwards to a resolution of sorts... but no, they still are--...I don't know what they are, but the book just ends without them making up or anything, and I looked up the next book, and it doesn't look like Evanlyn is going to be in it much if at all... As a matter of fact, it looks like in the next book Mr. Flanagan is going to have more with Alyss. I wish if he was going to do that he would have built Alyss' s character more and Evanlyn less, because I hardly know Alyss and to lose Evanlyn will be hard for me. Maybe I'm wrong and she is in it... I hope I am.
I had a hard time believing an entire year had gone by since Halt had been banished (okay, shy of two weeks, but about a year). I just couldn't, and it made me feel a little sad to think so. I mean an entire year of that horribleness for Will and Evanlyn... an entire year of banishment from the Ranger Corps for Halt...
It was nice to see Will and Halt together again. I've been waiting for them to reunite and it was nice when that happened fairly early in the book.
Erik is a cool and interesting character, and I loved how things worked out for him.
This book has a lot more action than the last... a huge battle, arrows everywhere... It was all well-written and exciting--I had such a ride!

All in all, humorous, adventurous, funny and fun, but the ending wasn't for me.
Pages: 272
Recommendations: To those who have enjoyed the Ranger's Apprentice books (including The Ruins of Gorlan, The Burning Bridge, and The Icebound Land), more for boys than girls, though both genders can enjoy.
Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8


Book #14 of '09, Book #64 of all

Ranger's Apprentice: The Icebound Land

Author: John Flanagan

Back-of-the-Book Description: Kidnapped and taken to a frozen land after the fierce battle with Lord Morgarath, Will and Evanlyn are bound for Skandia as captives aboard a fearsome wolfship. Halt has sworn to rescue his young apprentice, and he will do anything to keep his promise— even defy his King. Expelled from the Rangers he has served so loyally, Halt is joined by Will’s friend Horace as he travels toward Skandia.

My Description: Another wonderful Ranger's Apprentice book (the others being The Ruins of Gorlan and The Burning Bridge)! The characters still have their silly moments together, and I really enjoyed it.

We got a good amount of Will (our hero), I suppose, but near the end something comes up that basically writes him out for that last quarter of the book until the very, very end. It was a little sad, since Will is such a wonderfully vibrant character.

The whole Halt bit at the beginning felt odd for me, but once I figured out what the Ranger was trying to do I got it; so DON'T WORRY when you reach that point--Halt is still Halt and will be returning to normal shortly.

Speaking of Halt, I had been looking forwards to seeing the Ranger and his Apprentice together, but the two never cross in this book and I was a little disappointed.

I have to keep reminding myself that Will is sixteen, going on seventeen... or Evanlyn, for that matter--whose character I am thoroughly am enjoying, by the way. I just keep thinking of them as 13 or 14... I know I'm off, and they don't seem immature or anything, but somehow I just think of them as my age.

You might like to note that Halt and Horace travel through a Kingdom on their way to rescue Will and Evanlyn where times are very, very ruff, and things that are said and done there can get a little uncomfortable... thankfully, most of that passes quickly.

Anyways, it's a great book.. Fun, funny, adventurous... I loved it!

Pages: 288

Recommendations: More to boys than girls, but good for both genders. Probably mostly a series for preteens and early teens.

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book #13 of '09, Book #63 of all

Wayside School Gets A Little Stranger

Author: Louis Sachar
Back-of-the-Book Description: Revolving around the substitute teachers that the students of this zany school must endure, the 30 stories here will delight devotees of the Wayside School; according to PW, Sachar's supply of plot twists and plays on words are "inexhaustible."
My Description: Wayside School Gets A Little Stranger was just as silly as the others in this series, (Sideways Stories From Wayside School and Wayside School is Falling Down) and Mr. Sachar's writing was as wonderful as ever. My favorite of the stories in the book was the last one, with the teacher who had an ear on top of her head and could read minds.
This collection of short stories is not the best of books for older readers, but oh my it is fantabulous for little ones, and anyone can enjoy it, if not as fully as peoples like my baby brothers. I really loved these cute little stories both when I was little and now that I'm not quite so... Someday, I'm not sure when, but someday I'll read these again... and AGAIN...
Pages:. 160
Recommendations: Mostly to younger children or a family reading together, but anyone could enjoy this series.
Writing Rating: 9
Story Rating: Again, it's hard to rate the story of this book since there are so many different ones.
Overall: 8

Book #12 of '09, Book #62 of all

The Burning Bridge

Author: John Flanagan
Back-of-the-Book Description: Apprentice ranger Will and his friend Horace, a Battleschool apprentice, plunge into a desperate situation... While traveling on the frontier as their kingdom prepares for war, they discover a nearly completed bridge that will make possible a devastating sneak attack by the enemy. With the help of a young woman in disguise, they attempt to thwart the enemy's plans.
My Description: In the last book of Ranger's Apprentice--The Ruins of Gorlan--I loved how the characters joked with each other and made silly comments that added comedy to the book. But in the beginning of The Burning Bridge those silly moments ran a little too thick. Near the middle, however, the jokes became more dispersed and therefore more enjoyable.
In the last book Alyss and Will get together, and I was looking forwards to learning more about Alyss--as I hardly know her character--and finding out more about her and Will's relationship. Yes, we do have a bit of Alyss, (along with another wonderful display of the justice that makes me love this series and giggle with glee) but mostly her character is off in the side and we never see the two together. I was a little disappointed about that.
My wish for more Alyss wasn't granted, but at least I got more Horace. The former ward bully has grown a lot and his character is interesting and fun to have along in the story. I'm glad Mr. Flanagan brought him into a large roll in this book.
Most of the story Will and Halt are separate, and I was a little sad for that. I kept hoping the two would get together again and I'd have some good times with apprentice and mentor.... but it wasn't too be.

Anyways, I really enjoyed The Burning Bridge... Good humor, fun characters, suspense... Definitely a well written ending(with a great big cliff hanger so don't read it until you have the third book on hand!)!
Pages: 288
Recommendations: Probably to preteens and early teens, more on the boy side, but girls can enjoy also... of course, anyone who loved the first will love this.
Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8

Book #11 of '09, Book #61 of all

Wayside School Is Falling Down

Author: Louis Sachar

My Description: This book is crazy, but in a good way. It's Wayside School, it's Louis Sachar, what's not to love? Wayside School Is Falling Down keeps up with it's predacessor, Sideways Stories From Wayside School, and I highly enjoyed it.

Back-the-Book Description: Wayside School is 30 stories high with only one room on each floor. On the top floor is Mrs. Jewls' class, where order has been abandoned in favor of nonsense and silliness.

Pages: 152

Recommendations: To younger kids, or a family reading to younger kids, but anyone could love it.

Writing Rating: 9

Story Rating: Again, I can't really rate the story to this book since it's a collection of stories.

Overall Rating: 8

Book #10 of '09, Book #60 of all

If You're Reading This, It's Too Late

Author: Psuedonamous Bosch
Back-of-the-Book Description: Beware! Dangerous secrets lie between the pages of this book.

OK, I warned you. But if you think I'll give anything away, or tell you that this is the sequel to my first literary endeavor, The Name of This Book is Secret, you're wrong. I'm not going to remind you of how we last left our heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest, as they awaited intiation into the mysterious Terces Society, or the ongoing fight against the evil Dr. L and Ms. Mauvais. I certainly won't be telling you about how the kids stumble upon the Museum of Magic, where they finally meet the amazing Pietro!

Oh, blast! I've done it again. Well, at least I didn't tell you about the missing Sound Prism, the nefarious Lord Pharaoh, or the mysterious creature born in a bottle over 500 years ago, the key to the biggest secret of all. I really can't help myself, now can I? Let's face it---if you're reading this, it's too late.
My Description: Oh my gosh... This book is hysterical. Hysterical, I tell you! Like in the last book, there are some things I'd rather not read about, but Mr. Bosch is an amazing author, and he does the funniest things... I loved how the chapters were numbered backwards, like a countdown, how the page where the main characters are on a boat was slanted, how he keeps bringing up all of these silly things and how throughout the entire book I could almost swear he was talking to ME.

That being said, I wish that Cass and Max Ernest wouldn't get in trouble so much. You'd think that a secret society that they happen to be a member of would at least find a way for the kids not to get grounded after practically saving the world. It really annoyed me throughout the entire book, and sort of took away from it.

I didn't get the whole Yo-Yoji thing, and I didn't understand how Amber could be known as the nicest girl in school and act the way she did. I don't really know what to think of her, and I wish her character had been more definitely placed.

This book is for older readers. I wouldn't recommend it to younger people for a couple things that made me uncomfortable... but it was better in that aspect than The Name of This Book Is Secret, though both were equally funny.

Anyways, this book is a riot, and I highly enjoyed it.
Pages: 400
Recommendations: To people who enjoyed The Name of This Book Is Secret
Writing Rating: 9
Story Rating: 7 1/2
Overall Rating: 8


Book #9 of '09 (isn't that silly?), Book #59 of all

Sideways Stories from Wayside School

Author: Louis Sachar

Back-of-the-Book Description: There was a terrible mistake-Wayside School was built with one classroom on top of another, thirty stories high! (The builder said he was sorry.) Maybe that's why all kinds of funny things happened at Wayside-especially on the thirtieth floor.

My Description: I got this book because I heard the third in the series (Wayside School Gets a Little Stranger) on tape when I was very little and absolutely adored it. This one was a little unjust here and there, but I still loved it because of the way Mr. Sachar wrote it (he also wrote my all-time favorite book Holes). Though I didn't like the unjust bits, little peoples are sure to adore the whole thing.

All in all, a very cute and very silly story. It's crazy, zany, and most definitely sideways!

Pages: 128

Recommendations: A family reading to younger children, or younger children would be the main audience, but anyone and everyone could love this cute story.

Writing Rating: 9

Story Rating: I can't really rate the story, because it's more than one... It's bunch of stories put together to make this silly book.

Overall Rating: 8

Book #8 of '09, Book #58 of all

Keeper of the Earth

Back-of-the-Book Description: Having found the Board of Fire, Jenna and Simon hurry to decipher the clues that will lead them to the Board of Earth—and mastery over the very land itself. But on their way to locate the tomb of a mythical English hero while fending off shadowy new attackers who want the Boards for themselves, an offer of help comes from a surprising source. Can Jenna and Simon trust this offer—or are they walking straight into a trap set by the one who has coveted the Boards for millennia?
My Description: When I write my reviews I try not to give anything away. I keep my mouth shut mostly. But there are some cases when it is necessary to reveal certain things... and this is one of them.
I've read and loved this series. I've given a piece of my heart to all of the characters. I've invested myself in the Daughter of Destiny series (including Keeper of the Winds, Keeper of the Waters and Keeper of the Flames). And in this book, Simon Monk dies.
My sister read Keeper of the Earth first, and she told me, and I am ever grateful to her that she did. His death was very well written, and that almost made it worse. You put down the book to cry a little, finally feel better, start reading and then sob all over again. How could the author have killed Simon?!? He's been there forever, he's the safe one... I'd rather have any other character die, just not Simon! It broke my heart, and I lost that little piece I gave him. I also lost the piece I gave Jenna, because she is heart-broken too. The worst part is during that last few pages of him dying author keeps giving you hope that he'll make it, that Jenna will find a way to save him... and then she doesn't. That's why I'm telling you: because I couldn't have taken it if Dear Sister hadn't told me about Simon dying, so I'm saving you from facing that alone.
His death made me utterly hate this book, even though it is wonderful, and almost exceeds the others.
I would have liked to have learned more about Jenna's ancestor Morgan Le Fay, and I was bothered by Jenna saying nonchalantly to Simon "You don't trust anyone!" when he tells her he's suspicious of someone... Yes, Simon hardly trusts anyone, but the funny thing is even though he hardly trusts anyone, he's always right!!!
Besides the problems I stated earlier, this book was great. Interesting, fun... not to mention a wonderful premise. I would have loved it...

...if Simon had not died.
Pages: 256
Recommendations: To those who don't like the character of Simon.... Okay, okay, to teen girls, or others who liked this series. It's a little violent, so be warned.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 7 3/4


Book #7 of '09, Book #57 of all

Keeper of the Flames

Back-of-the-Book Description: From the searing desert of the Middle East, Jenna and Simon travel to the ancient city of Pompeii, following the clues to the hiding place of the Board of Fire—also known as the Board of the Flames. But Peraud is hot on their trail, and is more determined than ever to claim the two Boards the Keeper already possesses. Jenna must also contend with her growing attraction to Simon, who is torn by his desire for her—and his sacred duty to the Church.

My Description: A little more violent than the last book (Keeper of the Waters, and before that Keeper of the Winds), this one is still interesting. Jenna should quit bugging Simon, and the whole plot twistish thing near the end was really predictable. Anyone reading could figure it out, but I'll keep my mouth shut just in case.

The Boards' personalities are pretty cool, and the story is still interesting. This book keeps up with the others, and I'm enjoying the Daughter of Destiny series so far... still, it's a little annoying how someone says "Those dogs are actually ancient spirits", and then a chapter later someone else says the same thing and people act all shocked about it. Hopefully that's something that won't show up in the next book.

All in all, I enjoyed it. Hopefully the next will be as good.

Pages: 272

Recommendations: To those who liked the other Daughter of Destiny books... Probably teen girls.

Writing Rating: 7

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 7 1/2

Book #6 of '09, Book #56 of all

P.S. There were some things left unexplained (like how someone pertaining to the plot-twistish thing knew things he/she shouldn't have), and it was also quite confusing here and there. I forgot to mention this stuff earlier, so I thought I should now.

Keeper of the Waters

Author: Jenna Solitaire

Back-of-the-Book Description: Having mastered the power of the Board of Air, Jenna travels to Jerusalem to find the Board of Water. She is accompanied by Simon Monk, who seeks the Boards on behalf of the Vatican. Jenna doesn’t trust Simon, but he’s her only source of information about the Boards. In Jerusalem, Jenna meets Saduj, a local guide who claims to be able to help them find the Board they seek. Simon is suspicious, but Jenna finds herself strangely attracted to Saduj. Jenna must find the Board before it awakens and causes unimaginable destruction. But will she lose her heart—and possibly her life—in the process?
My Description: Keeper of the Waters in the Daughter of Destiny series is about as interesting as it's predecessor, Keeper of the Winds. Shifting a little in theme from the first book (which introduced the first Board and the central characters) this one centers around finding the next Board--the Board of the Waters. Simon is still a cool character, but his fights with Saduj get annoying. Jenna gets angry with Simon too easily, and the one time she should really blow up at him she forgives him almost instantly.
The last book was more geared towards teen girls, but boys would have enjoyed it and younger peoples--or a family reading together--would have also... this one is definitely in teen territory, and moved even more to the girly side. Upped in violence slightly (but less death than the other) this book also has romantic content that should be for older readers.
Jenna makes some comments she shouldn't, and should have trusted Simon a lot more than she did. A little confusing in all, but still really interesting and I highly enjoyed it.
Recommendations: To those who liked the other Daughter of Destiny books... Probably teen girls.
Pages: 256
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 7 1/2

Book #5 of '09, Book #55 of all

Fairest

Author: Gail Carson Levine
Back-of-the-Book Description: In a world in which elegance, beauty, and singing ability are revered, Aza is bulky, awkward, and homely. Her saving grace is that she can sing and has a gift of voice manipulation that she calls illusing. Through a chance meeting at her family's inn, a duchess invites Aza to act as her companion and accompany her to the palace to attend the King's wedding. When the beautiful new queen discovers Aza's gift for throwing her voice and for mimicry, she sees a way of protecting her reputation and disguising her own lack of talent. Pressured by the woman's threats upon her family, Aza deceives the court into believing that Ivi is a gifted singer. When the ruse is discovered, Aza is forced to flee the castle in order to save her life. Through her adventures, she discovers her own strength of character, learns about her true heritage, and decides that her physical appearance is not worthy of the stress and worry she has wasted on it.
My Description: I enjoyed the first part of this book; it was quite interesting... but the rest fell a little flat. It never really 'climaxed', and I expected more out of it. I was also a little disappointed that we never found out who Aza's birth parents were.
Another issue I had was with Queen Ivi (the villain); she attempted to kill Aza--twice--, threatened to harm her family if she didn't do her bidding, was terrible to her subjects, Aza was accused of terrible crimes and Ivi just went along with it... the King heard of this, and did nothing more than send her to a different castle and abdicate his throne so he could be with her. WHAT?! I was not satisfied with that. Not in the least.
Aza forgave Prince Ijori too quickly... I understand her forgiving him, but she shouldn't have done so so quickly.

All in all, it was okay. The beginning was interesting, but it just didn't do it for me.
Recommendations: To those who like books by Gail Carson Levine...? (I'm not sure who to recommend this one to--I don't mean this book isn't good for anyone, just that I don't know who to recommend it to)
Pages: 352
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 5

Book #4 of '09, Book #54 of all

The Ranger's Apprentice: The Ruins of Gorlan

Author: John Flanagan
Back-of-the-Book Description: Like the other 15-year-old wards of Castle Redmont, Will is nervous about Choosing Day, when each of them will be assigned to a different master for training. Though his dearest wish is to enter the Battleschool, his small stature prevents it. Instead, Will is apprenticed to the grim-faced, mysterious Ranger. Soon Will learns that becoming a ranger is more difficult, dangerous, and worthwhile than he had imagined. He earns the respect of his elders and the friendship of a former foe, but all this is prelude to the great adventure that follows, when his skills wielding a knife and keeping a heightened awareness of his surroundings become vital to the survival of his mentor and the safety of the kingdom.
My Description: Have you ever heard the saying 'Don't judge a book by it's cover'? It applies here. The cover made me think this book would be dark... I read the description, and it actually sounded interesting, so I decided to give it a go...

This book is not dark. It's suspenseful, interesting, exciting, but it's not dark. It was wonderful to get a book that started light-hearted, and ended light hearted... not only was it light hearted, but it had Justice. Often in stories, when something happens to a character and people think badly of him/her when it's not their fault the author just leaves it like that, or the bad characters get away with whatever they were doing... I HATE that... but it doesn't happen in this book; there was justice to some pretty bad characters in this story that made me literally giggle with glee.

The Ranger, Halt--Will's mentor--was a really awesome character. He reminded me of Brom, from Eragon. He was so... cool. I had the best time reading about him, and his relationships with other characters was cool too. But now I'm paranoid that he's going to die in the last book of this series... I don't want him to die! He's too awesome to die! Please don't kill him off, Mr. Flanagan!

A good deal of time was spent describing the other wards that Will spent his time with before he was apprenticed, but they didn't show up much after he became a Ranger--with the exception of Horace. It would have been nice if there hand been more with them, but I suppose they'll show up more in other books.

Mr. Flanagan spent a good deal of time in the middle of the book going into Horace's perspective, and I really liked that, but at the last third of the book we didn't go to his perspective anymore, and I would have liked to have seen more of him.

Will and Alys (I hope I spelled that right... much apologies if I didn't) getting together made sense, and I suspected it would happen, but I would have liked more time to get to know Alys... she doesn't show up all that much in the story, and as a result I don't know her character that well, even though Will does. I would have liked it if either more time had been spent on that, or if Mr. Flanagan had waited a few books before it happened.

This book isn't actually a 'comedy', but the way the characters interact with each other, and things they say made me smile a few times. There were also a couple points in the writing of the story that were silly as well, but I wouldn't say it was a comedy exactly, so I didn't add the label. Just know that you will smile now and then when you read this book.

Anyways, all in all this is a wonderful story and I highly recommend it(I've already got the second!)!
Pages: 272
Recommendations: To both boys and girls 10 and up, or a family reading together.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8



Book #3 of '09, Book #53 of all.

The Two Princesses of Bamarre

Author: Gail Carson Levine
Back-of-the-Book Description: Addie admires her older sister Meryl, who aspires to rid the kingdom of Bamarre of gryphons, specters, and ogres. Addie, on the other hand, is fearful even of spiders and depends on Meryl for courage and protection. Waving her sword Bloodbiter, the older girl declaims in the garden from the heroic epic of Drualt to a thrilled audience of Addie, their governess, and the young sorcerer Rhys. But when Meryl falls ill with the dreaded Gray Death, Addie must gather her courage and set off alone on a quest to find the cure and save her beloved sister. Addie takes the seven-league boots and magic spyglass left to her by her mother and the enchanted tablecloth and cloak given to her by Rhys--along with a shy declaration of his love. She prevails in encounters with tricky specters (spiders too) and outwits a wickedly personable dragon in adventures touched with romance and a bittersweet ending.
My Description: It was nice reading a book where two sisters actually love each other!!! In so many stories these days sisters have this weird "I absolutely hate you and wish you had never been born, I still love you but can never be happy when I'm around you" relationship that drives me MAD. My sister and I have wonderful relationship, so it was nice to read about sisters like that in a book.

Now, about the story....

I felt a little resentful of our heroine, Addie, at first for trying to keep Meryl from going off on her adventures, but as I read on and learned more about Bamarre and the characters that resentment disappeared. Addie was like-able (even with that short bit of resentment), and though it could be said that more development was necessary for her and Rhys' relationship, their love wasn't the main story of the book, so I personally think that Ms. Levine spent just enough time with it as a side story--and a sweet one at that.

Addie's emotions when she was running off to save her sister I found incredibly easy to relate to... Her fears and her wishes for some reason not to have to go, but still knowing she must and not letting anything get in her way, her need to be there for Meryl's last days conflicting with the need to have more days with her sister, her gazing through her magic telescope just to glimpse poor Meryl... I think that Ms. Levine did a fantastic job with that, and would be quite surprised if she didn't have a sister of her own.

Meryl and Addie's father is not a good one, and I was hoping for either him to change somehow, or for SOMETHING to happen with that... But, just to warn you, that was left unchanged and unexplained, so poor Addie and Meryl are still stuck without a decent father at the end of the book.

The story relies heavily on a certain poem known as Drualt about a hero of Bamarre's past... the verses sounded odd when spoken poem-like, and didn't rhyme. Though I understand the difficulty, I think a little more time spent on making Drualt rhyme, or at least flow would have made the book a bit better.

Anyways, to sum it all up, I really enjoyed The Two Princesses of Bamarre... it was fun and I had a wonderful time traveling with Addie as she found her courage to save her sister.
Pages: 272
Recommendations: Girls 10-14 who enjoy fantasy-adventures with a bit of romance... but I'd say this book is great for anyone who has a sister they'd die for.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 7 3/4


Book #2 of '09, Book #52 of all

P.S. There was this one dramatic moment at the end that I just can't give away that I could so see happening between Dear Sister and me... it was almost scary!

Ever

Author: Gail Carson Levine

Back-of-the-Book Description: Falling in love is never easy, but falling in love with an immortal god while your days on Earth are numbered is almost more than a young girl can bear. Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine has created a stunning new world of flawed gods, unbreakable vows, and ancient omens in this spellbinding story of Kezi, a girl confronted with a terrible destiny. Attempting to thwart her fate, Kezi and her love, Olus -- the god of wind and loneliness -- embark on a series of dangerous and seemingly impossible quests.

My Description: I was really excited about Ever... I'm just now getting into 'romance' and the book looked and sounded very interesting... Unfortunately, it fell a little flat.

Olus falling in love with Kezi was believable to me, because he had watched her and her family for over six months, but her falling in love with him so quickly seemed a little rushed. I'm used to love happening quickly in movies and stuff, but I think there should have been a bit more time set aside for that.

The whole 'test' thing seemed a little odd to me... it was like the gods were setting Kezi up to become a 'heroine', rather than her becoming one of her own. Not only that, but it seemed a little easy, and if she wasn't searching for Admat it would have been easier. Still, that wasn't so bad, and I enjoyed how Kezi handled her test--muscle memory saved the day!

I was a little sad that Kezi ended up away from her family... I kept expecting something to happen that would change the course of the story... Something to make everything alright... but that was another thing about this book, it stated where it was going, and that's where it went; there weren't any twists.

Also, I would have liked it if Olus and Kezi had found Admat (the god Kezi always believed in, but she started doubting his existence when she met other gods who didn't know about him), or proved he didn't exist. That was a mystery in the story that I was looking forwards to having solved, but it was left open.

Ever wasn't really bad, it's just wasn't making me jump for joy or anything. It was okay throughout, with a bit more action in the middle. I had a good time reading it, I suppose, but it's not the best.

Pages: 256

Recommendations: To those who enjoy romance for a rainy day... I don't know why but it seems like a good 'rainy day' book to me.

Writing Rating: 6

Story Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 5 1/2

Book #1 of '09, Book #51 of all

An Update at the End of the Year

It's been a year since I started my ravenous hunt for books... wow...

At the beginning of 2008, I set a goal: I wanted to read 25 books before January 1, 2009. I've reached that goal, and doubled it--I've read 50 books, and what books I read!!!

Here are some favorites from my long hunt:*

1. Holes, by Louis Sachar
2. The Shadow Thieves and Siren Song, by Anne Ursu
3. The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, The Titan's Curse and Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan
4. Sirena (DEPRESSING ENDING ALERT!!!), by Donna Jo Napoli
5. Waiting For Odysseus, by Clemence McLaren
6. The Riddles of Epsilon, Christine Morten-Shaw
7. The Good Neighbors, by Holly Black
8. The Book of Lies, by James Moloney
9. Keeper of the Winds, by Jenna Solitaire
10. Getting Started With Latin (NON FICTION ALERT!), by William E. Linney

My favorite of them being Holes, which is currently my all-time favorite book (even though it's not fantasy. Quite shocking)

What will the next year hold? Hopefully a huge bag of books--good books! And what will my goal be? Well, I decided instead of setting a goal, I would guess how many books I think I'll read. My guess for now, I suppose, is 48.

Anyways, this has been a wonderful year of books! I hope this next year brings you the most wonderful of stories--and life--you can imagine!

Love,

The Bookworm known as Galaxy

*There were bunches of other wonderful books; these were just some of my favorites. Also, I didn't mention the books that came in a series I had already read part of when I started my book-blog (like Brisingr, which was wonderful, but I didn't review Eragon or Eldest--its predecessors--so I didn't mention it in my favorites).

Inkdeath

(warning: Parts of this post may seem bloodthirsty due to some characters who made Galaxy furious)

Author: Cornelia Funke

Back-of-the-Book Description: The Inkworld is in disarray: Its author, Fenoglio, has lost his ability to write and, therefore, shape events; the odious Orpheus, however, has taken to recycling Fenoglio's words to control the narrative/world himself. The evil Adderhead, whose immortality was bound into the White Book by bookbinder-turned-people's champion Mo/the Bluejay, finds his body decomposing and demands a new Book; can Mo use the opportunity to end the villain's life altogether? Can Dustfinger come back from the dead? Will Resa's baby be born into peace or violence?

My Description: Inkdeath is beautiful. I'm not sure if it's the way it's written, if it's the magical Inkworld... I don't know. It's just beautiful, and you can't stop reading it because of it's beauty, and when you realize there are only 100 pages left you have to close the book and sigh to yourself that's it going to be over soon, and think about never finishing it, just so you won't have to leave that world behind.

However, I do have a few problems;

1. Doria(who is a boy, by the way, not a girl as the name suggests): In the last book, Meggie and Farid are together. I liked that. It tied the characters together, and those two made a cute couple; even though Meggie is a too young, and he is too old. For some reason, in this book Ms. Funke decides to bring in this 'other character' who starts to steal Meggie's affections, but we don't even get to know him. Sure, I know a bit about Doria's past, but that's it. I don't know his character.or what he would do or say half as well as almost any other character in the story, or at all, as a matter of fact, and for me he was underdeveloped. Meggie 'falling in love' with him was underdeveloped as well. One second we read about how he "sometimes brought her flowers", (it would have been nice if Ms. Funke had devoted a page or two to have an actual SCENE of that) the next her father sees him whispering in her ear and making her blush. Farid does hardly anything about it, even when he's without Dustfinger and with Meggie. He doesn't try to salvage the relationship until the very end, and that didn't make much sense.
2. Dustfinger: I love Dustfinger. He is one of my favorite characters; perhaps even my favorite. There jut wasn't enough of him in this book, though I was very excited when he took a lead in the end of Inkdeath, and I liked how he and Mo ended up good friends.
3. Meggie: Meggie used to be the main character. What happened to that? Why is Meggie no longer our protagonist? WHY? I always loved reading about her, yet she doesn't have much to do in this book besides blush at Doria, worry about her father and hold grudges with people who don't deserve it (especially her mother). Still, her no longer being the lead didn't bother me as much as I would have expected it to; it just confused me and made me wish for more of her--without the stupid grudges.
4. Mo: At the beginning of the book I can hardly recognize his character, but as the book moves on Ms. Funke sort of fixes that... Still, I find it odd that he'd say to Resa who is begging him to go back into our world (since when did Mo want to stay in the Inkworld anyway?) that "Meggie is almost grown up"(she's just thirteen, like me)"and she's in love with Farid"(oh, yes, she'd never even blush at another boy because of her love of Farid--that was sarcastic)and that's why they should stay. Later in the book Mo gets better, and you understand how he changed (sort of), it's just that one scene was a problem for me.
5. Orpheus: He LIVES? Are you kidding me? Why? WHY? Orpheus, who was a mere nuisance and annoying character in the previous book, becomes an evil, evil villain, and I, wanted, him, DEAD! Why did Ms. Funke leave him alive? WHY?!?!?!?!!?!?!?!
6. Brianna: Someone should have punched her. Violante should have punched her. I almost want to read her out of the book just so I can punch her. I don't mind Violante forgiving her for having a romance with Cosimo, Violante's husband, but I just wanted someone to punch her for it. I wanted Violante to do something. I mean yes, she kicked Brianna out of the castle for a while, (which was wonderful), but I would have liked something else... Like someone punching her. Like me punching her. Just once.

Besides those problems, this is a wonderful, wonderful book. I loved it. It's a page turning, it's interesting, and it's so, so beautiful.

Starting Date: Christmas (December 25th)

Ending Date: 2:??am, December 28th

Reading Time: Three days, if you count me staying up 'til 2:00am as a third day.

Pages: 663

Recommendations: To those who have read Inkheart and Inkspell. Don't think about reading this series out of order.

Writing Rating: 9

Story Rating: 7 1/2

Overall Rating: 8

Book #50 of '08

P.S. In the end, Farid leaves Dustfinger. WHAT? That's doesn't make any sense. NONE. That, is, not, FARID! NONE!!!

Keeper of the Winds

Author: Jenna Solitaire
Back-of-the-Book Description: After the death of her beloved grandfather--childhood guardian and only living relative--19-year-old Jenna Solitaire (billed as the book's author, complete with biographical blurb) begins the difficult task of sorting through family memorabilia in the attic. There she discovers a strange object in a pale, leathery case in an old trunk: an oddly shaped wooden board covered in scorched symbols accompanied by a planchette. The board, which produces in Jenna an uncomfortable yet addictive surge of energy, seems to be linked to her recent bad dreams and appears capable of summoning gale-force winds. The board also attracts friends and foes, including Simon Monk, a handsome yet shifty Vatican scholar with whom Jenna feels a resonance but whose allegiance remains a mystery.
My Description: I actually really enjoyed this book. The plot was very interesting, and I couldn't put it down. Still, I personally think that there was too much death (not of anyone we knew, besides Jenna's Grandfather, just innocent people), and Jenna should have listened to Simon much sooner. Besides that, not absolutely fabulous, but a very good read. I'll be looking for the next in the Daughter of Destiny series!
Pages: 236
Recommendations: To teens (probably more for girls than boys) who enjoy fantasy and mystery.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 7 1/2


Book #49 of '08

Getting Started With Latin

(subtitle: Beginning Latin for Homeschoolers and Self-Taught Students of Any Age)

Author: William E. Linney

Back-of-the-Book Description: What's preventing you from teaching Latin in your homeschool or learning it on your own? If you're intimidated because you've never studied Latin, bewildered by traditional Latin books that move too fast, or just don't know where to begin, then Getting Started with Latin is for you! Specifically designed to overcome these types of obstacles, Getting Started with Latin is divided into simple lessons that explain the fundamentals of Latin grammar in a way that anyone can grasp. Instead of burying you in mountains of information to memorize, new words and concepts are introduced in a gradual and systematic way. You can immediately apply what you've learned by translating the fun exercises at the end of each lesson. To hear the words pronounced, simply download the free MP3 files from www.gettingstartedwithlatin.com. Quickly check your work by turning to the included answer key. With everything you need here in one book, why aren't you Getting Started with Latin?

My Description: My family and I have been wanting to learn Latin for quite some time now. Mommy found this book on Amazon.com and ordered it.

It sat lonely on our shelf for a couple weeks before I pulled it down. I'll never forget my first lesson... "Nauta". It means sailor.

Now, for the actual review...

Mr. Linney gives us bite-sized lessons--usually only one page-worth--where we learn one word at a time, and sometimes learn Latin grammar. He makes it easy to grasp and though there were some times when I was slightly confused (the whole "Ablative Case" really mystified me. It took me a bit before I figured that out) I just kept going and I got it eventually.

I did, however, 'take a break' a couple times. Not purposely, but I just stopped studying... I was able to come back to it, though; almost without any trouble. By the end of this book I had a much-improved understanding of Latin, and more than just a foundation to build the house of language upon.

Getting Started With Latin is the only non-fiction book I've been truly wrapped up in. Practically all I read is fantasy, so being almost completely sucked-in wasn't something I expected. Now I love Latin. I really, truly do. He made it fun, interesting, and very lovable. I loved how it ended, and I also loved the little "Latin Expressions" he does every once in a while to keep us from getting bored (he explains some Latin phrases that are in our own language--like Summa Cum Laude). The FREE downloadable MP3s on his website helped quite a bit with my pronunciation, and the pronunciation guide in the back helped as well.

As much as I loved this book (and I mean really LOVED), I never fully appreciated it until I moved on to "The First Year of Latin". Don't get me wrong, it's good so far, and I'm excited about doing it, it's just the piles and piles of information in the INTRODUCTION, and the way it was written, and how small the text was... If I hadn't developed my love of Latin and that foundation from Mr. Linney's book, I would have been scared off. Instead, I took a few deep breathes and re-read the beginning. Turns out I was reading WAY more than I was supposed to, and after a bit I finally started catching on.

Anyways, to get to the bottom of it, if you want to get started with Latin, Getting Started With Latin is the way to go. Definitely. Positively. ABSOLUTELY.

Recommendations: To anyone who wants to learn Latin--if you can read, you could do it by yourself (like I did), but I'd recommend learning it with someone, if only so you can have someone to talk to in Latin and to share your new knowledge with (a job Dear Sister was forced to take, hehe. It's amazing how much she has learned without even reading passed lesson 8--she even skipped #6 and 7)

Pages: 224

Writing Rating: 9

Interest Level: 9

Overall Rating: 9 (it would be 10, but the book wasn't nearly long enough)

Book #48 of '08

The Book of Lies

Author: James Moloney

Back-of-the-Book Description: One dark and stormy night, four hooded men deliver an unconscious boy to a home for orphans and foundlings. There, a wizard awaits, ready to erase the boy's memories and implant new ones with the help of a magical book, The Book of Lies. A small girl watches the scene from her hiding place, plugs the boy's ears with wax to limit the damage, and later tells him his actual name, Marcel. Throughout the book, Marcel's challenge is to peel back the layers of deception that lies between him and the truth as he struggles to determine his identity and his allies amid warring factions grasping for a kingdom.

My Description: Wow. This book is a workout for the mind... You start formulating hundreds of guesses before you even realize it.

All the twists aren't that unpredictable, but it still keeps you guessing and guessing and dances circles around you, and still manages to pull you gently through the entire tail.

I loved Marcel and Bea and Nicola and Fergus (eventually), and the whole mystery around them. I love how you slowly... slowly learn pieces bit by bit, until CLICK! the story falls into place and things finally make sense.

I would highly recommend this book; even though the ending confused me, and left me a little disappointed.

Recommendations: To those who love fantasy, adventure, and/or mystery.

Pages: 368

Writing Rating: 7

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book #47 of '08

Septimus Heap: Queste

Author: Angie Sage
Back-of-the-Book Description: There's trouble at the Castle, and it's all because Merrin Meredith has returned with Darke plans for Septimus. More trouble awaits Septimus and Jenna in the form of Tertius Fume, the ghost of the very first Chief Hermetic Scribe, who is determined to send Septimus on a deadly Queste. But Septimus and Jenna have other plans—they are headed for the mysterious House of Foryx, a place where all Time meets and the place where they fervently hope they will be able to find Nicko and Snorri, who were trapped back in time in physik. But how will Septimus escape the Queste?
My Description: I didn't like "Queste" as much as I had liked the other Septimus Heap books. It just didn't do it for me.
I wish that they had a happier ending for Simon and Lucy. I know what Simon did was horrible in the book before last, but I wanted him to resolve things with his brothers, and Jenna especially... I also wanted Lucy to figure things out with her own family, but I suppose the next book might make all that better--fingers crossed!
Also, it took forever for the action to start. In different books it's about halfway before they get passed the introduction. Normally in Ms. Sage's books I get it a lot more quickly. Strangely enough, this one was a little different. It took forever for some action, but when it came it was great.
Don't get me wrong, I really enjoyed this book. It was still the clever, witty, humorous and fun stuff that made me love this series... I just didn't like it as much as the others. Oh well.

Oh, and the whole Dragon/Marcia thing was great. I love Marcia.
Recommendations: To those of us who have fallen in love with the Septimus Heap books.
Pages: 608
Writing Rating: 8 1/2
Story Rating: 7 1/2
Overall Rating: 7 3/4

Book #46 of '08

The Other Boleyn Girl

Author: Philippa Gregory

Back-of-the-Book Description: Before Henry VIII ever considered making Anne Boleyn his wife, her older sister, Mary, was his mistress. Historical novelist Gregory (Virgin Earth) uses the perspective of this "other Boleyn girl" to reveal the rivalries and intrigues swirling through England. The sisters and their brother George were raised with one goal: to advance the Howard family's interests, especially against the Seymours. So when Mary catches the king's fancy, her family orders her to abandon the husband they had chosen. She bears Henry two children, including a son, but Anne's desire to be queen drives her with ruthless intensity, alienating family and foes. As Henry grows more desperate for a legitimate son and Anne strives to replace Catherine as queen, the social fabric weakens. Mary abandons court life to live with a new husband and her children in the countryside, but love and duty bring her back to Anne time and again.

My Description: Before I start my review I would like to mention that I am going to completely (with the exception of Anne's last words) ignore history in this review. All I say will be in relation to this book, so there will be no confusion in the matter.

I picked this book up because I'm tired of reading books and hearing about movies where Anne Boleyn is practically evil, and I am thinking of writing my own book... unfortunately, I didn't know much about her history, so I thought I'd read a story around the same time period and see how that was presented, so hopefully I could find something useful in the writing to help me write my own. I had a hunch this book would be for older readers (a hunch that was confirmed), but I really wanted to see how it would be presented...

Now, for the actual review...

Mary seems nice enough, though it's a little odd that she would be as virtuous as the book depicts when she is from such a cruel and heartless family, but oh well, I can live with that. I liked that I could sympathise with her falling in love with King Henry, since she had been stuck in a marriage that she had no say in, and she was only fourteen and being pushed to become the King's mistress by her ambitious family, though she should have felt more guilty about what it was doing to Catherine of Aragon (whose character I adored) than she was.

When Mary has her children, she has a complete change of morals and all she wants is to be with them. That I liked and could believe, but I found it odd how little her parents cared for her and Anne. On that same note, Anne seemed to have no feelings for Elizabeth, and though she was desperately wanting a boy, I still think that she should have had a bit more feeling for her. I guess Ms. Gregory was just trying to get us to hate her even more.

I also felt that Mary should have been more sympathetic to her husband at that point, as it was obvious he really cared for her. Also, there were several things in this book that just made me really uncomfortable.

I did, however, like the parts about Anne falling in love with Henry Percy (no, not the King, a different Henry) simply because it was sweet and it showed a less than evil picture of her, the parts with William Stafford, and the parts with Mary and her babies.

I was quite disappointed in the execution scene. There was no feeling written into that part of the book. NONE. It was if Mary were any old spectator. Not a tear was shed from her face, and Ms. Gregory didn't do Anne's last words, which really meant a lot to me. Of course, Anne's last words in real life didn't fit the character of Anne that was in the book, so I guess that's why she made Mary "unable to hear them". It was cool how that last scene was a mirror as to how the book began, but it didn't do it for me.

I was also really looking forwards to Anne and Mary coming together at the end of it all, but no, Anne stays as merciless and cruel as she was at the beginning. I was really disappointed.

All in all, highly interesting, but not something I really care about.

Reading Time: Four days

Pages: 672

Recommendations: To late teens and up who like 'risque' historical fiction.

Writing Rating: 6

Story Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 5

Book #45 of '08

The Thief Queen's Daughter

Author: Elizabeth Haydon

Back-of-the-Book Description: In the sequel to The Floating Island (2006), the king sends Ven to the amazing Gated City in Kingston, which is ruled by the Thief Queen, and where "some of the most magical and exotic goods in the world are sold." His mission: to solve the riddle of a mysterious light stone. He is accompanied by four good friends, one of whom is kidnapped, and the search for her is fraught with peril, though they find some individuals willing to help. One of them turns out to be the Thief Queen's runaway daughter, who orchestrates their escape from her mother's evil clutches.

My Description: I didn't realize that this book was part of a series, so I got it expecting something quite different than what I got. Still, once I realized what the book was, I was able to enjoy the story a lot more. Some of the things in the book, such as Saeli getting captured, didn't impact me as much as it would have if I had read the first, but when I put the book down, I decided it was a good one. It's a humorous little story with action and characters you can care about, though I did get Nicholas and Char confused a bit here and there, just because of my lack of experience in this series.

Still, I think you should give The Lost Journals of Ven Polypheme series a try--just read the first book first!

Pages: 320

Recommendations: To both boys and girls anywhere from 8-14, or a family (with younger children) reading together.

Writing Rating: 6 1/2

Story Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 7

Book #44 of '08

My Book List

I've decided I'll make a post dedicated to books I want to read, but have yet to, and put a link on the side-bar. That way, I won't forget the ones I'm waiting for.

1. Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Last Olympian, by Rick Riordan
2. The Good Neighbors, Kith, by Holly Black
3. I'm uncertain to the title, but I want to find the audio version I heard with Dear Sister when I was little. On the second half of the tape there was some songs from a musical of that book, and I'm hoping to get it again, if only for memories.
4. Inheritance, book four, (title unknown) by Christopher Paolini
5. Master of the Books, by James Moloney
6. A Perry Mason book, by Erle Stanley Gardner
7. The 10th Kingdom, by Kathryn Wesley
8. Song of the Unicorn, an audio CD.
9. The Singing Neanderthals, (MOST LIKELY NON FICTION ALERT!!!) by Steven Mithen
10. The Next Generation: Ghost Ship, by Diane Carey
    

If you have any suggestions for me, that would be awesome!!!

Galaxy

The Good Neighbors

Author: Holly Black

Back-of-the-Book Description: Rue Silver's mother has disappeared . . . and her father has been arrested, suspected of killing her. But it's not as straightforward as that. Because Rue is a faerie, like her mother was. And her father didn't kill her mother -- instead, he broke a promise to Rue's faerie king grandfather, which caused Rue's mother to be flung back to the faerie world. Now Rue must go to save her -- and must also defeat a dark faerie that threatens our very mortal world.

My Description: Mommy picked this book out for me, and I was excited since it's from on of the authors of The Spiderwick Chronicles. It was not what I expected, but in a good way.

The story is written like a comic strip, which is something I don't really read, but it's also dark and mysterious, and low key, another thing I don't often read. It was like swimming in cold water, refreshing, relaxing, and strange. It was a breath of fresh air, and though confusing here and there, I actually liked it, just because it was so different from what I usually read, and I finished the story needing more. I'll definitely be looking for the next in Kin.

Pages: 117 (it's mostly pictures, so it isn't as long as it seems)

Reading Time: An hour or so.

Recommendations: To older readers... Early to mid teens, I'd suppose. Maybe a few tweens.

Writing Rating: 7 3/4

Story Rating: 7 3/4

Overall Rating: 8

Book #44 of '08

Dragon Slippers

Author: Jessica Day George

My Description: I put off writing my review for this book for quite some time, so I might not cover all of the facts I wanted to, but I'll do my best.

I got this book expecting a highly lighthearted and hopefully not too much less than hysterical comedy... that's just what I got out of the cover and description. At first, it was pretty much what I wanted and expected, but the second half changed, and I wasn't too happy with it.

I liked Creel (the heroine) immediately, which helped me to like the book. It was really funny at first, so that helped too. One thing that Ms. George did that took away from her story was something fairly easy to do in writing, that I do myself sometimes, was that she scooby-dooed things. Sometimes, weeks passed in a book like this: "Weeks passed,", and I would have liked it if it had either had more written on those weeks, or that it had been less time, but it wasn't really that bad.

Also, the second half of the book got a little intense. It wasn't that light-hearted comedy it was at the beginning, and characters actually died, which really took me off guard. Normally, I wouldn't have minded such things, but in the comedy book that I was expecting, it just didn't fit. Also, they had two main characters who we really care about die, and then made it seem like they might be alive after a death that makes it impossible for them to be alive, and didn't explain how they survived, so that was a little weird too. Ms. George also had the main villain of the book die, when I rather would have had "Justice". The death of her just didn't please me, while if she had actually been brought to court I would have felt happy and smug.

I also would have liked it if Creel had been reunited with her brother. I'm really family oriented, so maybe that wouldn't bother other people, but it did me, and that's something I wanted to mention.

Besides all that, I rather enjoyed the story. The last part just didn't do it for me... Oh well.
P.S. (much, much later) It turns out that there is a sequel to this book, so I take back what I said about things not getting explained!

Back-of-the-Book Description: Creel, the heroine of Dragon Slippers is hardly a damsel-in-distress. After her aunt totes her out to the local dragon in desperation (with the hope that the local prince will rescue her from certain death and marry her), Creel refuses the haughty prince and finds friendship with the dragons, who set her on a journey to the center of the kingdom with a pretty pair of what only seem to be ordinary slippers. Along the way we discover Creel’s enormous talent at embroidery, and you can’t help but linger over the rich descriptions of her lovely tapestry-like gowns, which quickly make her the most sought-after dressmaker in the kingdom. But soon enough those mysterious slippers begin to wreak havoc, and it’s up to Creel to save the kingdom from disaster and defend the dragons from certain doom.

Pages: 352

Writing Rating: 7 1/2

Story Rating: 7 1/2

Overall Rating: 6 1/2

Book #43 of '08

Silent Echoes

Author: Carla Jablonski
My Description: Silent Echoes has a very interesting premise, in my opinion. Two girls being able to speak with each other over a hundred years... The other good thing is that it was actually played out very well, and I rather enjoyed it.
However, there were some things in the book that made me a little... uncomfortable. Some definite "adult content" made this book a bit hard for me to swallow.
As for how they could communicate, I didn't really get the reason, and what happens to Lindsay in the end could have been more satisfying, but I suppose it was well enough.
All in all, an enjoyable book, but definitely for older readers.
Back-of-the-Book Description: Silent Echoes jumps back and forth between 19th-century New York City and the present. In 1882, Lucy, 16, has been forced (I don't know why this review says that... she wasn't really forced to, though she probably wouldn't have if her father hadn't been there) by her father to act as a medium in sham séances for the wealthy. Much to her surprise, at her first session she hears the voice of Lindsay, whom she assumes is a spirit. In the present day, Lindsay feels trapped by her alcoholic mother and abusive stepfather. She hides in her closet to avoid their fighting and is surprised when Lucy answers her cries for help. Lindsay gradually discovers that they hear one another only when they are in the same place in their respective times. Eventually the girls unravel the reasons they are able to converse across time, and each one helps the other out of a no-win situation.
Starting Date: (coming soon)
Ending Date: (coming soon)
Reading Time: (coming soon)
Pages: 288
Recommendations: For older teens to adults who enjoy history and a bit of romance.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 7

Book #42 of '08

Brisingr

(see this post on my regular blog if you wish... it's about this book as well)

Author: Christopher Paolini

My Description: Oh, my, gosh. It's not everyday you come by a book like this. It's not every year you come by a book like this. This an amazing adventure... a wonderful ride... a fantastic story....

Now for my description:

The first ten or so pages were okay, then it was fabulous. Then, it went down hill when Eragon started eating meat again.

In the last book, Eragon learns to go inside the minds of other creatures, and he feels how animals feel, and then, when he starts to eat animals, he just can't do it after sharing their experience of existence and knowing how they live... It was just a complete change of morals for him to start eating it regularly, and I had really liked the whole vegetarian thing. After that, however, the book really takes off and gets great. I love how it switched from Roran, to Eragon, to Nasuada... I really haven't read a book like this in a long, long time. I just loved it. There was a little too much time spent on forging Eragon's new sword, but besides that and my other few problems, Brisingr was amazing... Wow. Wow, wow, wow.

There was one plot twist (that I actually predicted!) that was just wonderful. I thought it was a great addition and though I want to go on and on about it, I don't want to spoil it for you... So I'll just let you read the book. The amazing, wonderful book.

Here's a 'prophecy' I made up about some things that happen in the book... I thought you might like to hear it:

A Shade slain,

A city taken,

A new King named,

And truths shaken...

Mr. Paolini, please hurry up and finish the next book!!!

Back-of-the-Book Description: Following the colossal battle against the Empire’s warriors on the Burning Plains, Eragon and his dragon, Saphira, have narrowly escaped with their lives. Still there is more at hand for the Rider and his dragon, as Eragon finds himself bound by a tangle of promises he may not be able to keep.

First is Eragon’s oath to his cousin Roran: to help rescue Roran’s beloved, Katrina, from King Galbatorix’s clutches. But Eragon owes his loyalty to others, too.

The Varden are in desperate need of his talents and strength—as are the elves and dwarves. When unrest claims the rebels and danger strikes from every corner, Eragon must make choices—choices that take him across the Empire and beyond, choices that may lead to unimagined sacrifice.Eragon is the greatest hope to rid the land of tyranny.

Can this once-simple farm boy unite the rebel forces and defeat the king? (OF COURSE! Eragon is awesome. Yes, this is Galaxy speaking...)

Starting Date: (Coming soon)

Ending Date: October 11th

Reading Time: (Coming soon)

Pages: 784

Recommendations: To those who like fantasies or adventures 11 & up, and those who like the Inheritance series (Eragon, Eldest, and now Brisingr).

Writing Rating: 8 1/2

Story Rating: 9

Overall Rating: 9

Book #41 of '08

Beware, Princess Elizabeth

Author: Carolyn Meyer
My Description: A lot less depressing than Mary, Bloody Mary (both books are in the Young Royals series), but just as interesting, fast paced and enjoyable. I rather liked the heroine of this book... she is tough, witty and charming (though she does have a bit of a temper!), and it wasn't hard to like Elizabeth or sympathize with her situation. I don't agree with her image of marriage (she swore she would never marry) but I might have the same convictions if my father had my mother executed Still, the book was well written and I rather liked it. It was especially nice that the story was written in first person, so I could really feel her anger, sorrow and joy throughout the whole book. It was a little weird, however, to go from Mary being the heroine (from Mary, Bloody Mary), to Mary being the villain, as she was in this book.
I was a little disappointed in the ending, as near the end of Mary's rein as queen the entire kingdom was in turmoil and poverty, I was hoping to read about how Elizabeth would fix things up... still, if didn't end there, there wouldn't have been a place for that beautiful last paragraph, and that magnificent ending line:

Today I am Elizabeth, Queen of England.

Back-of-the-Book Description: As the title suggests, this gripping historical drama tells of the danger Elizabeth Tudor faced on her way to the throne of England. The novel is not meant to portray Elizabeth's whole life; rather, set within a story frame of her coronation, the narrative relays the hardships, ill treatment, and tragedies that occurred between the death of King Henry VIII and the death of Elizabeth's half sister, Queen Mary. Because the story is told in first person, readers have a sense of being with Elizabeth and feeling the uncertainty, apprehension, and determination she feels. The author does not pull any punches when it comes to telling about Elizabeth's feelings for Tom Seymour, her religious convictions, or the bloodshed caused at the behest of Queen Mary. The political intrigue and changing alliances could be confusing, but a family tree at the front of the book helps readers keep most of the relatives straight. If only there were a chart of court advisors, foreign dignitaries, and servants! Reading Jane Yolen's The Queen's Own Fool (Philomel, 2000), about Elizabeth's cousin Mary, Queen of Scots, would be an interesting comparison/contrast study with this novel because both women faced similar types of opposition. Elizabeth was a unique person in her own time, and her intelligence, drive, and independence will appeal to today's readers.
Starting Date: Unknown
Ending Date: Unknown
Reading Time: I don't really know... I interrupted the reading of this book to read one of the Percy Jackson books (the previous review)
Pages: 211
Recommendations: To those who would enjoy learning about England in it's earlier years, and also simply to those who wouldn't mind a good drama.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 7

Book #40 of '08

The Battle of the Labyrinth

(no picture available)

Author: Rick Riordan
My Description: Again, a good book. Funny, interesting, exciting... a real page-turner. It's just as good as the other books, and that makes me pretty happy as I know of a lot of series (how do you plural that?) that go down hill.

However, I do have a couple issues: One, Annabeth's attitude to Rachael, and 'mortals' in general. Yes, she is a little jealous of her and Percy, but she doesn't really have too much of a reason to be (as they aren't even really 'together', and there isn't much hinting otherwise), and she just went overboard with hostilities. Not only that, but she tried to demean her by hinting that she's a mortal and that halfbloods (half god, half human, as Annabeth and Percy are) were better... I've always liked Annabeth, but that just sent her down hill.
And then we come to Daedalus. They tried to make him some sort of hero near the end, but it didn't make me sad at all, as I was pretty neutral for the character after all that he had done... I'm still mourning for the character in the previous book that died, and his 'heroism' didn't come close to hers, and it just didn't impact me... This may not be a problem, but I thought I'd mention it.

Besides these facts, this book is a wonderful, fabulous and entertaining adventure. I'd go off more on this, but I think I've said enough in my reviews of the previous books in this series (The Lightning Thief, The Sea of Monsters, and The Titans Curse). Definitely one of my favorite series (again, does ANYONE know how to plural 'series'?).
Back-of-the-Book Description: Percy Jackson isn’t expecting freshman orientation to be any fun. But when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears on campus, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse. In this latest installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half-Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos’s army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop the invasion, Percy and his demigod friends must set out on a quest through the Labyrinth–a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn. Full of humor and heart-pounding action, this latest book promises to be their most thrilling adventure yet.
Starting Date: (unknown)
Ending Date: (unknown)
Reading Time: Approximately four days...
Pages: 368
Recommendations: To those who enjoy Greek mythology and would like a modern twist, and to those who enjoy fantasy adventures.
Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8


Book #39 of '08

Mary, Bloody Mary

Author: Carolyn Meter
My Description: An interesting story. I started it late last night and couldn't put it down. It took me a while to convince myself that I needed to stop and sleep. On the down side it's very depressing... I felt so sorry for poor Mary. I would hate to be in her shoes.

It did annoy me that Anne Boleyn was the 'villain' of this book, since ever since Shakespeare's Secret I've had a high opinion of her. Of course, this book is from the perspective of Mary, and since Anne replaced her mother as Henry's wife she must have a low opinion of her... Still, I feel that if you read this book you should check Anne Boleyn out in some history books or on the Internet, since I don't think it's fair to judge her from this book alone; e.g. After Catherine's--Mary's mother, the King's x-wife-- death her wearing bright yellow, which in the book was put in celebration, and though that might be true, yellow is also the Spanish color of morning, and I might be wrong but I think Catherine was Spanish.

These were Anne's last words before she was executed--by her husband's (the kings) command!

"Good Christian people, I am come hither to die, for according to the law, and by the law I am judged to die, and therefore I will speak nothing against it. I am come hither to accuse no man, nor to speak anything of that, whereof I am accused and condemned to die, but I pray God save the king and send him long to reign over you, for a gentler nor a more merciful prince was there never: and to me he was ever a good, a gentle and sovereign lord. And if any person will meddle of my cause, I require them to judge the best. And thus I take my leave of the world and of you all, and I heartily desire you all to pray for me. O Lord have mercy on me, to God I commend my soul."

Back-of-the-Book Description: As a baby, Mary was adored by her father, who carried her around on his shoulder and displayed her for the court to admire. But as his marriage with her mother, Catherine of Aragon, waned for lack of a male heir, Henry began an affair with the beautiful Anne Boleyn. Mary was convinced that Anne was a witch. Didn't everyone know she had a sixth finger? And wasn't it Anne who persuaded Henry to declare his first marriage invalid (rendering Mary a bastard)? As the king grows ever colder, Mary is banished to a distant house, forbidden from seeing her mother, left to wear rags, and finally--at Anne's bidding--summoned back to court to be a servant to her baby half sister Elizabeth. Once there, Mary lives in constant dread that she will be poisoned or sent to the executioner's block in one of her father's rages. By the time Anne Boleyn herself is beheaded, Henry's first daughter has become the bitter and angry woman who was to be known as Bloody Queen Mary for her savage religious genocide.
Starting Date: September 18th
Ending Date: September 18th
Reading Time: One day
Pages: 222
Recommendations: To those who would like to learn a bit of history in a rather interesting way, and who don't mind being depressed.
Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 6 1/2
Overall Rating: 6 1/2


Book # 38

Where are the Pictures?

The last couple of reviews didn't have any pictures... I thought I'd post as to why:

Well, I go to Amazon.com so I can copy and paste a picture of the particular book... sometimes they have this weird 'Search Inside' thing where you can read the first chapter or so of the book on the Internet; when they do this they have this weird 'Search Inside' icon, and it didn't feel right to have 'Search Inside' icon on the picture of the book... Sorry about this! At least some books don't have it...

Until next time!


Galaxy

Second Sight

(no picture available)

Author: Gary Blackwood

My Description: A very interesting entertaining and suspenseful story. I really enjoyed it and had the hardest time putting it down.

I especially enjoyed this story because the author talked to me, and he talked in such a way that I really felt like he was talking to me, Galaxy. The way he described his story was almost like getting a tour of a house, and he made me feel at home. It was really nice just to follow him as he led me around through all the amazing places and happenings of his Second Sight... and he described it all so well that I could see it clearly in my minds eye. It was just a really good story, and I was wondering through the entire book whether or not he was going to have President Lincoln die in this slightly altered version of the end of the Civil War.

I highly recommend you read this book!

Back-of-the-Book Description: In fall 1864 Joseph and his father appear on the Washington stage in a skillfully performed mind-reading act. Their success eases the family's poverty and leads to Joseph crossing paths with fellow actor John Wilkes Booth and with President Lincoln, whose wife is attracted by the boy's supposed clairvoyance. Although their act is based on a verbal code, Joseph comes to believe that Cassandra, a girl who lives in the same boardinghouse as his family, actually does have psychic abilities. When she foretells the shooting of President Lincoln in a theater box, Joseph feels compelled to take action.

Starting Date: Unknown...

Ending Date: Unknown...

Reading Time: 5-6 days???

Pages: 288

Recommendations: To those who enjoy history and would like a bit of a twist, to those who enjoy mysteries, to those who enjoy suspenses and to a family reading together.

Writing Rating: 8 1/2

Story Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 7 3/4

Book #37 of '08

The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio

(no image available)

Author: Lloyd Alexander

My Description: The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio was a humorous and entertaining book. The story was interesting, though a bit predictable at a few points, and some thing weren't really explained, the characters were fun and (mostly) likable and I enjoyed it.

All in all, not my favorite book, but it's Lloyd Alexander, you gotta love it.

Back-of-the-Book Description: Since his parents' death, Carlo has worked for his uncle, a merchant, but Uncle's patience with Carlo's daydreaming wears so thin that he finally gives the young man a purse of coins and ships him off to nearby Campania. Carlo, who has just discovered a treasure map in an old book, travels across the sea to the Middle Eastern port that marks the beginning of the Road of Golden Dreams. Planning to follow that perilous route to the treasure, Carlo hires two traveling companions: Baksheesh, a lazy, loquacious camel puller, and Shira, a young woman bent on revenge. Against all advice, Carlo follows his dream, only to find it changing as he comes to know himself through the crucible of the journey.

Starting Date: (unknown)

Ending Date: July 20th

Reading Time: 4-6 days

Pages: 320

Reccomendations: To 9-12 year olds, a family reading together or just someone who loves Lloyd Alexander as my family and I do.

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 7 1/2

Book #36 of '08

The Titan's Curse

Author: Rick Riordan

My Description: A great book. Bunches of action, adventure, cool stuff, humor... but for once in this series, there was death.

Two people died, and I was not expecting it. Yeah, the prophecy did say that 'one would be lost in land without rain' and 'one shall perish by parent's hand' but I really was expecting Mr. Riordan to find away around it. And he didn't. There's hope for one, but none for the other, and the other was a really awesome character who I did NOT want to die. She had such sorrow in her life, and she was finally happy... it just wasn't right. And it really depressed me. These books had never had such grief in them... I just wasn't expecting it. I guess that Riordan felt that for it to be realistic someone had to die. He didn't have to make it them. It wasn't fair.

Now that I'm done whining about death, I would like to say that this book is just as clever, humorous and downright fun as it's predecessors and I recommend it, but be prepared.

Back-of-the-Book Description: Just after finding Bianca and Nico, two newly discovered half-bloods, Percy, Grover, Annabeth, and Thalia end up trapped between a helicopter and a manticore. Artemis and her Hunters save the day, but Annabeth disappears over a cliff; then Artemis rushes off to hunt a dangerous monster. Back at Camp Half-Blood, the Oracle foretells that Artemis must be rescued and makes a prediction that bodes ill for one of their number—but which one? Percy, who is supposed to remain behind while others pursue the quest, follows in search of the missing Annabeth. Their adventures range widely across the U.S., taking them to locales that include Washington, D.C., and the deserts of the Southwest and pitting them against the usual assortment of colorful adversaries.

Starting Date: July 9th

Ending Date: July 10th

Reading Time: Two days

Recommendations: To those who enjoy fantasies and/or Greek mythology with a splash of humor.

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book #35 of '08

The Gorgan's Gaze

(no picture available)

Author: Julia Golding
My Description: Another of my types! This one was very very enjoyable. A great come-back and sequel to the first in the Companions Quartet (Secret of the Sirens). I highly enjoyed it and expect you will too.
Also, I really understood and liked the Kullervo part near the end. I truly related as to how Connie felt. In most instances where the lead refuses to kill the villain, I find it very stupid and unbelievable. In this one, it made sense, and I really got it.
Back-of-the-Book Description: Connie Lionheart's calculating great-aunt and uncle try to take her away from the tantalizing reach of the Society for the Protection of Mythical Creatures. What they don't realize (or do they?) is that Connie is the Society's most important member--she is the only universal companion able to bond with all mythical creatures. Connie's great gift also puts her in great danger, as the evil shape-shifter Kullervo needs her power to destroy the Society once and for all. But how can Connie help anyone, even herself, when she hasn't learned how to use her gift yet? In this second book of the Companions Quartet, Connie and her friends team together again to protect the fragile bonds between humans, creatures, and the world we must share.
Starting Date:
Ending Date:
Reading Time:
Pages: 320
Recommendations: To those who enjoy fantasies with adventure.
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 7



Book #34 of '08

The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren

Author: Wendy Toliver

My Description: Did I miss something? I found this book on Amazon.com while looking for pictures of some of the books I've read to put up on this blog. The lowest rating in reviews of this book was four stars. I was really disappointed.

The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren is really crass. The other word for a female dog was used at least twice, butt was used a lot (though that word isn't bad, the way that it was used was just weird), and the s-word was uncountable. Teenagers were drinking, and doing other inappropriate things, and not only all of this, but the way the Lead--Roxy--talked was just crass too. It was hard to like her sometimes, and you know me, I need to like the lead.

The story was mostly predictable to me, though the ending was slightly surprising, and though the story did make me laugh a couple times, it really wasn't that funny. As I said in the 'About the Journey' article on my side-bar, there are some books I just can't relate to. Maybe if I had gone to school/high school I would understand the characters better, and I'm sure there are some (thus the five star rating on Amazon) who love this book, but I really didn't. The one redeeming quality was the slightly sweet ending, though at that point it didn't really matter.

Back-of-the-Book Description: Geeky to gorgeous in sixty seconds...
Roxy's about to turn sixteen, but life isn't so sweet. As a band geek, Roxy can barely get the cute guys to notice her, much less go out with her. Then, on her birthday, Roxy is transformed into a siren: seductively beautiful with the power to control all men. She thought sirens were an ancient myth, but suddenly Roxy can get any guy she wants with just a few notes on her flute.
There are only two rules: don't tell anyone about being a siren, and don't fall in love. When she starts dating Zach, the guy everybody's crushing on, Roxy realizes she could get used to this siren thing...but how can she keep herself from falling in love?

Starting Date: June 18th

Ending Date: June 19th

Pages: 304

Recommendations: To people who don't mind bad language and other such things in a romantic comedy--definetly over 14.

Writing Rating: 5

Story Rating: 6

Overall Rating: 3

Book #33 of '08

The Sea of Monsters--Percy and the Olympains #2

Author: Rick Riordan

My Description: Another of my kind of books. This one being a little more serious than 'Siren Song', it's still light-hearted and fun. I really loved it. It has a tiny bit of humor and many surprises and twists that make it a real page turner and is sure to give you all the action and excitement that you could want in a book.

Back-of-the-Book Description: In this second installment in the series, Percy, Poseidon's 13-year-old demigod son, is desperate to rescue his friend Grover, captive of the bloodthirsty Cyclops Polyphemus, and to retrieve the healing Golden Fleece. The sheepskin is needed to restore the protection around Camp Half-Blood, the only safe haven for the children of gods and humans, heroes-in-training in our modern world. However, the camp has already been compromised and the quest for the Golden Fleece has been awarded to the bully Clarisse. Encouraged by Hermes, Percy sets off for the Bermuda Triangle anyway with his friend Annabeth and classmate Tyson, who turns out to be a half-brother and a Cyclops as well. Adventure follows chaotic adventure at a rapid pace, and readers with even a passing acquaintance with the Odyssey will enjoy this fresh use of familiar stories.

Starting Date: May 31st

Ending Date: June 2nd

Reading Time: Three days

Pages: 288

Recommendations: To anyone who likes Greek Mythology or adventure.

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book #32 of '08

Siren Song--The Cronus Chronicles

Author: Anne Ursu
My Description: This is my kind of book! I loved it! Anne Ursu gives us humor, fun, and at the same time suspense. This book is one that can make you you feel the thrills and suspense without getting gloomy and at the same time make you smile. This is a very rare book--a light hearted one! I just can't get over how fun it was, though it was a little unjust here and there, but you couldn't really get around that with what happened in the first book in this series. I do promise you this, though, it ends happily!
Back-of-the-Book Description: Ever since Charlotte Mielswetzski and her cousin, Zee, saved the world, life has been rather ordinary. Ordinary, that is, if you call being ultramegagrounded (in Charlotte's case) or treated as if you might fall to pieces (in Zee's case) ordinary. Either way, heroes deserve better.
Of course, no one knows Charlotte and Zee are heroes. It's not like they can simply announce that Greek myths are real or proclaim they have returned from the Underworld, where they rescued all of mankind from Philonecron, a deranged demigod with delusions of grandeur. Instead, they are forced to keep this terrible knowledge to themselves, and are stuck in a state of extraordinary ordinariness.
But things aren't quite as ordinary as they seem. For Philonecron is the grandson of Poseidon, and you don't mess with the progeny of the second most powerful god in the universe. And Philonecron himself isn't so happy about having all of his delicious plans thwarted by mortal children. He wants revenge, and with his grandfather to help him, he is going to get what he wants.
For Charlotte and Zee, their not-so-ordinary lives are about to be disruptedonce again. This time it's not the world they must save -- it's themselves.
Starting Date: May 28th
Ending Date: May 30th
Reading Time: Three days
Pages: 448
Recommendations: To anyone who likes Greek mythology but wants a little twist, or likes adventure with a constant sprinkle of humor.
Writing Rating: 9
Story Rating: 7 1/2
Overall Rating: 8

Book #31 of '08

Pirate Curse

Author: Kai Meyer
My Description: Great first part. Despite Munk's parents getting killed it was light-hearted and fun and I really liked it. And then it came to the next part and it just went down hill. It became frightening, gloomy, frustrating, and sad. Can't there be any lighthearted books out there? (that stay lighthearted anyway) Oh, and it's kind of silly that the description doesn't even mention Griffin, a boy who likes Jolly, who quite infuriated me because Munk likes Jolly too, and I liked Munk (not in that way, of course).
Back-of-the-Book Description: Fourteen-year-old Jolly is a polliwog. She can literally walk on water. Raised by a pirate captain, she loves her life until Bannon and his crew are betrayed and only Jolly escapes. She is washed up on a tiny island, discovered by Munk (another polliwog), and quickly drawn into the plans of the mysterious Ghost Trader, who insists that the very existence of the world is threatened by the imminent return of the Maelstrom. Somehow, the polliwogs hold the secret to defeating the ancient malevolent force, even if they are only teens.
Starting Date: Somewhere around May 20th?
Ending Date: May 28th
Reading Time: Approximately 8 days?
Pages: 336
Recommendations: To people who don't mind goriness, and to those who like pirates. I didn't really enjoy this book, but I'm sure others will.
Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: (for me) 4


Book #30 of '08

Secret of the Sirens

Author: Julia Golding
My Description: A really good book (for those readers of my regular blog this is the one I was reading in the rain) with awesome characters and cool magical beings... There were a few things I didn't get (like why the Heroine's parents send her to live with her aunt and her brother to boarding school? Or some other unanswered questions that I can't quite remember...) but overall it was a pretty good book that I would recommend it... and don't be fooled by the word 'Siren' like I was, this book isn't really that much about Greek mythology.
Back-of-the-Book Description: When Connie Lionheart is sent to live with her eccentric aunt by the sea, she's not expecting anything great--not to make friends with Col, the coolest guy in town, and certainly not to discover that mythical creatures still exist, that an ancient society had protected them for centuries, and that a dark and treacherous force lurks in their midst.
Most of all, she doesn't expect to learn that she has the rarest of talents, greater even than her secret ability to communicate with animals. With Col's help, she could achieve unimaginable power--and face the terrifying choices that come with it.
Starting Date: May 19th
Ending Date: May 23rd
Reading Time: Five days
Pages: 357
Writing Rating: 6
Story Rating: 7
Overall Rating: 7

Book #29 of '08

Here's a Siren I drew as it appeared in this book... I just thought I'd put it in.

The Shadow Theives

Author: Anne Ursu

My Description: A wonderfully witty and fun book--for once, it doesn't have that dark atmostphere that more than 90% of our books have these days(well, it does get a little dreary here and there, but it's much better than most in that aspect)! Again, it's got Greek Mythology , fun humor, interesting characters (who you can like quite easily) and a great theme. I'm not sure I really liked how the author did Hades, and the villain of the book needed a bit of work, but besides that, I really did enjoy this book and I will be looking for the next in the Cronus Chronicles!

Back-of-the-Book Description: Charlotte Mielswetzki is in such a bad mood that she doesn't notice a freakish man in a tuxedo following her home from school. But something extraordinary is about to happen. Charlotte's cousin Zee lives in England, where all of his friends are becoming mysteriously and seriously ill. Sent to Charlotte's family in America, he discovers that the same thing is happening to his new friends. It turns out that Philonecron, born in the Underworld, is determined to overthrow Hades and builds an army from children's stolen shadows, getting at them through Zee. The quick-paced novel takes readers on a danger-filled journey from the Midwest to Hades, where Charlotte and Zee make their final stand against the evil threatening to destroy the world of the dead.

Starting Date: May 7th

Ending Date: May 11th

Reading Time: Five days

Pages: 432 (it passes by quickly)

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book #28 of '08

The Princess Bride

Author: I'm not sure if it's Willam Goldman, or S. Morgenstein...
My Description: This book was (very) confusing, and slightly frustrating (not to mention a little boring), but there were a couple good parts... I think I liked the movie better. Back-of-the-Book Description: The Princess Bride is a true fantasy classic. William Goldman describes it as a "good parts version" of "S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure." Morgenstern's original was filled with details of Florinese history, court etiquette, and Mrs. Morgenstern's mostly complimentary views of the text. Much admired by academics, the "Classic Tale" nonetheless obscured what Mr. Goldman feels is a story that has everything: "Fencing. Fighting. Torture. Poison. True love. Hate. Revenge. Giants. Hunters. Bad men. Good men. Beautifulest ladies. Snakes. Spiders. Beasts of all natures and descriptions. Pain. Death. Brave men. Coward men. Strongest men. Chases. Escapes. Lies. Truths. Passion. Miracles."
Goldman frames the fairy tale with an "autobiographical" story: his father, who came from Florin, abridged the book as he read it to his son. Now, Goldman is publishing an abridged version, interspersed with comments on the parts he cut out.
Starting Date: April 28th
Ending Date: May 4th
Reading Time: Seven days
Pages: 300
Writing Rating: 4
Story Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 3 1/2

Book 27 of '08

The Case of the Demure Defendant

Author: Erle Stanley Gardner
My Description: Another wonderful Perry Mason book! I really loved it.
It's definitely the most suspenseful of the them all... I never would have guessed who dunnit! I had no idea how Perry was going to pull this one off!
Back-Of-The-Book Description: A young woman under the influence of the "truth" serum sodium penthahol confesses to her doctor that she poisoned the older man in whose house she had been living. After the man's death, she says, she threw the bottle containing the poison into a lake. The doctor, armed with this information and a recording of the session, consults Perry Mason, bringing the famous lawyer into the case.

The police have no knowledge that anyone has been murdered. The possible victim's cause of death was put down to natural causes when he died. Now, though, the police get wind of the confession, and Mason finds himself racing against time to determine whether a crime has been committed at all. He goes to the lake and succeeds in finding a bottle that, thankfully, does not contain poison. Apparently, the case is at an end. The "confession," he thinks, was just a product of the woman's imagination and guilty conscience. However, just when Mason thinks he can rest easy, the police recover a second bottle.

Now, not only is Mason's client back in hot water, but Mason himself is also facing legal trouble. The police, it seems, suspect Mason of having planted the first bottle... Can Perry Mason save his client--and himself?
Starting Date: April 25th
Ending Date: April 28th
Reading Time: Four days
Pages: 242
Recommendations: To anyone who likes mysteries. Again, Erle Stanley Gardner has proven himself a most fabulous writer!
Writing Rating: 7 3/4
Story Rating: 7 3/4
Overall Rating: 7 3/4

Book #26 of '08

GOAL REACHED!!!

Hooray! I've read 25 books just like I wanted--am I even halfway through the year yet?!?!?! Anyway, I'm very happy and I look forwards to seeing how many I devour by the end of the year!

The Case of the Shapely Shadow

Author: Erle Stanly Gardner

My Description: Fabulous! Amazing! Wonderful! READ IT!!!

The mystery was very interesting and highly unpredictable. Perry (yes, this is another Perry Mason book) did a great job in solving the case, and I think this book was wonderful--it really kept you on your toes and guessing.

One negative thing is that near the end they kept talking about putting the Defendant on the stand, and I was getting really excited about that, but they didn't, and that made me a little disappointed. Besides that, this book was great, and I highly recommend it!

Back-Of-The-Book Description: When Janice Wainwright shows up in Perry Mason's office with a suitcase full of money and a story of her employer being blackmailed, Perry, Della, and Janice start recording the numbers of as many bills as possible. However, when her employer ends up murdered, the evidence points to Janice as a blackmailer and a killer. Even more surprising, Perry Mason puts on no defense evidence, effectively betting Janice's life on one small detail, a detail which sets off a firestorm of legal fireworks and has Hamilton Burger (District Attorney) spitting nails.
This is a novel that defines Perry Mason; one where he goes up against a mountain of evidence, but finds a different analysis of it, combined with legal tactics which run circles around the district attorney. Highly recommended.

Starting Date: April 20th

Ending Date: April 24th

Reading Time: Four days

Pages: 162

Recommendations: To anyone who loves/likes mysteries. This is fabulous.

Writing Rating: 7 3/4

Story Rating: 7 3/4

Overall Rating: 7 3/4

Book #25 of '08

The Case of the Fabulous Fake

Author: Erle Stanley Gardner

My Description: It's Perry Mason! I love Perry Mason! (there's a black-and-white TV show starring him on weekdays at noon, Fox. It's a great show. Wonderful mysteries) Perry Mason is an lawyer, who not only proves his client innocent, but finds the actual Murderer in the process. This case was wonderfully written, highly suspenseful, and kept me guessing 'til the very last line.

I love Perry Mason.

Back-Of-The-Book Description: Perry Mason's beautiful new client isn't giving anything away, not even her name, and he suspects that what she does choose to reveal is mostly lies. Certainly the bag full of cash she carries isn't shopping money. All the mystery woman asks is that Mason make himself available for a few days in case she needs him--for what purpose, she remains silent as the grave.In fact, his headstrong client, who identifies herself only as "36-24-36," is headed for disaster--not only into a blackmailer's clutches but into a lethal trap from which not even Perry Mason's brilliant courtroom sorcery may be able to extricate her. Alive, anyway . . .

Starting Date: April 19th

Ending Date: April 21st

Reading Time: Three days

Pages: 180

Recommendations: To anyone who likes mysteries.

Writing Rating: 7 1/2

Story Rating: 7 1/2

Overall Rating: 7 1/2

Book #24 of '08

The Lightning Thief

Author: Rick Riordan

My Description: I love ancient Greek mythology. I love, love, LOVE ancient Greek mythology. So I love, love, love, LOVED the Lightning thief, a story about a young boy name Perseus--a.k.a. Percy--who tries to save his mother from death, man kind from World War III and his father's--Poseidon, god of the sea--reputation on a journey with some very interesting characters.

I highly recommend this book... I'll definetaly be looking for the second!

Back-Of-The-Book Description: Perseus, aka Percy Jackson, thinks he has big problems. His father left before he was born, he's been kicked out of six schools in six years, he's dyslexic, and he has ADHD. What a surprise when he finds out that that's only the tip of the iceberg: he vaporizes his pre-algebra teacher, learns his best friend is a satyr, and is almost killed by a minotaur before his mother manages to get him to the safety of Camp Half-Blood--where he discovers that Poseidon is his father. But that's a problem, too. Poseidon has been accused of stealing Zeus' lightning bolt, and unless Percy can return the bolt, humankind is doomed.

Starting Date: April 16th

Ending Date: April 19th

Reading Time: Four days

Pages: 375

Recommendations: To anyone who likes/loves greek mythology and to kids 9-14 who like fantasies.

Writing Rating: 7 1/2

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book 23 of '08

Shakespear's Secret

(no picture available--sorry!)

Author: Elise Broach
My Description: It's a very enjoyable mystery about a girl named Hero and her search for the rumored 'Murphy Diamond' that is said to be within her newly bought house.
Shakespeare's Secret had a lot to do with history and--shocker--Shakespeare, I had a lot of fun reading it... and though there are a few things that Hero and some of the other main characters do that I don't quite understand, I definitely would recommend this book.
Back-Of-The-Book Description: Hero has always hated her Shakespearean-based name, for, as her new sixth-grade classmates are quick to tell her, it's better suited to a dog than to a girl. Resigned to their constant teasing, she concentrates instead on her new found friendship with her kindly, if somewhat eccentric, elderly next-door neighbor. Mrs. Roth tells Hero about the missing "Murphy Diamond," a precious jewel that supposedly disappeared from the house where Hero now lives. Mrs. Roth has the necklace that once held the diamond, an heirloom that possibly once belonged to Anne Boleyn, and she is convinced that it is still hidden in the vicinity. She and Hero set out to find what the police could not, and, with help from Danny, a popular yet self-assured eighth grader who befriends them both, they succeed. Only then do the real connections among the three of them come to the surface and change their lives forever.
Starting Date: April 13th
Ending Date: April 15th
Reading Time: Three days
Pages: 272
Writing Rating: 6 1/2
Story Rating: 6 3/4
Overall Rating: 6 3/4

Book #22 of '08

The Riddles of Epsilon

Author: Christine Morten-Shaw
My Description: I really loved the way this book was written! It was a girl's (Jess's) Diary most of the time, and every once in a while it was the print-outs of her in a chat-room on the computer talking with either Epsilon or with her friend Avril(who I personaly don't like... she's a bad girl).
The Riddles of Epsilon has awesome riddles, a highly interesting plot, and bunches of cool twists and turns. I really liked it!
Back-Of-The-Book-Description: Jess has moved to a remote island called Lume off the coast of England. Her parents are restoring an old house, and Jess discovers an abandoned cottage on their property Inside the cottage Jess encounters an eerie presence--something like a ghost but suffused with a comforting energy. She also finds three locked boxes. Inside each she finds antique papers that send her mind spinning.
As Jess unravels the mysteries of Lume, she finds the writings of Sebastian, a boy who lived one hundred years ago and whose life contains unsettling reflections of her own. To her horror, the dangers he unearthed in 1894 now begin to threaten Jess and her family. Something dark has awoken, and Jess doesn't have much time to do something about it.
Jess has a talent for solving puzzles, riddles, and codes. She is confronted with a series of riddles that she must unlock in order to save her mother from a dark and ancient threat. Jess is guided by the creepy presence in the cottage. The mysterious guide is called Epsilon, but is he a guide from the bright side, or the dark?
Starting Date: April 9th
Ending Date: April 12th
Reading Time: Four days
Pages: 375
Recommendations: To late pre-teens and teens. It's a little spooky, and there is one swear word, but it still is a great book!
Writing Rating: 8 1/2
Story Rating: 8 1/2
Overall Rating: 8 1/2


Book #21 of '08

The Xanadu Adventure

Author: (the amazing, the fabulous, the really really awesome writer) Lloyd Alexander

My Description: It's another of those Vesper Holly books! I really loved all of them, but they did get a little repetitious... I was very disappointed when they never introduced a new villain, (of course different accomplices, but the same main villain) and I got a little bored. Not only that, but I had a picture of this one character--'The Weed' as Vesper nick-named him--and as it turned out, I was way off and some of the things that happened I was completely unprepared for because of that different picture I had of him... anyway, besides all that, Vesper Holly is as cool and Indiana Jones-ee as ever, Brinnie is still her Dear Old Tiger, and all in all it's a very good book.

Back-of -the-Book Description: Vesper Holly loves archaeology and adventure. So when she is told that archaeologist Herr Schliemann has found the ruins of ancient Troy, she's determined to go investigate further. So she and her friends Brinnie, his wife Mary, and the knowledgeable oddball The Weed (not his real name) set out to Hissarlik. But things rapidly go awry. A sinister boat captain dumps them off in the wrong place, and a sputtering archaeologist -- who claims he, not Schliemann, has found Troy -- turns out to be working for the malevolent Dr. Helviticus. And this time, the doctor has far-reaching plans not only to take control of the world's oil, but to rule the world itself from his own luxurious Xanadu...

Starting Date: April 4th

Ending Date: April 6th

Reading Time: Three days

Pages: 145

Recommendations: To all who loved the other Vesper Holly books, and to those who like Indiana Jones.

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book #20 of '08

The Best Written Award Nominee(#1)

It's time to award the book that I just keep thinking about. A book that I couldn't get out of my head. A book that was really good. A book that I enjoyed, though the end depressed me.

I will award...

Sirena

(by Donna Jo Napoli)

Sirena is a beautifully written book. Even now I just keep thinking about it. It had a large impact on me... The story is so sweet, so sad, so... I just loved it. It's one of those books that you can't tell what you think of it until it's over. Then you hate it. But as time passes you know you love it. I do.


Honorable Mentions:

Waiting For Odysseus
Holes

That's all, Folks!


Galaxy

Unclaimed Treasures

Author: Patricia MacLachlan
My Description: I didn't like it much. It's about a girl named Willa mostly, though it does include her twin brother Nicholas and their friend Horace.
The story was confusing, and it was hard to get what was going on. It took me a while to actually start liking Willa a little bit, and since I like liking the main character right away because their such a wonderful person, the story didn't quite take me in... and of course, it didn't help that it was so confusing. I really didn't like it that much, but maybe it would appeal to someone. I don't know.
Back-Of-The-Book Description: Oh, to do something special, something extraordinary! That, and to find a true love...
Willa was always watching for her true love, in every line outside the movie theater, or ice rink or at the bank. He would, she knew, be tall and solemn.
Willa does fall in love, but it isn't at all the way she dreamed it would be. And just what is extraordinary? Willa, her twin brother Nicholas, and their new friend Horace Morris all wonder about that. Willa's mother will have a new baby soon. That seems ordinary to Willa. Horace's mother has left to "seek her fortune." That, Willa thinks, is extraordinary. There are other new friends: Old Pepper, ancient and wrinkled; Horace's maiden aunts, the Unclaimed Treasures who play Beethoven by the garden; and Horace's father, tall and solemn.
What is ordinary, what is not? Old Pepper knows. And by the end of the long summer of laughter and talk under the old apple tree, Willa and Nicholas know too. And each does something quite extraordinary.
Starting Date: March 16th
Ending Date: March 19th
Reading Time: Four days
Pages: 118
Recommendations: Too... young girls... I don't know. You'll have to decide yourself. I didn't really like it.
Writing Rating: 4
Story Rating: 3
Overall Rating: 4

Book #19 of '08

A Ring of Endless Light

Author: Madeline L'Engel

My Description: It was a good book. I really enjoyed it... It was very... deep. One thing I will say is that this book is about life and death... consiquently, this book is full of life and death...

Also, the book didn't end, it just stopped. I didn't understand what was going to happen to the characters, or how it was all going to work out. I enjoyed this book, but it definetly is for older readers.

I can't say anything more.

Back-Of-The-Book Description: Vicky Austin is filled with strong feelings as she stands near Commander Rodney's grave while her grandfather, who himself is dying of cancer, recites the funeral service. Watching his condition deteriorate as the summer passes on beautiful Seven Bay Island is almost more than Vicky can bear. To complicate things, she finds herself the center of attention for three very different boys: Leo is an old friend wanting comfort and longing for romance; Zachary, whose attempted suicide inadvertently caused the Commander's death, is attractive and sophisticated but desperately troubled; and Adam, her older brother's friend, offers her a wonderful chance to assist in his experiments with dophins but treats her as a young girl just when she's ready to feel most grown-up.

Starting Date: March 12th
Ending Date: March 15th

Reading Time: Four days

Pages: 336

Recommendations: Mostly for girls 13 and up

Writing Rating: 8

Story Rating: 7

Overall Rating: 8

Book #17 of '08

The Lost Queen

Author: Frewin Jones

My Description: It's a really good book. I highly enjoyed it. The Lost Queen is sequel to The Faerie Path, and though I didn't think this book was better than the last, I do believe that this was just as good, and that's saying something considering how good the first was!

I won't say mauch about this book--so I won't give it away--but I will say that I really loved it and highly recommend reading it--after you've read the first that is--oh, and it's a cliff-hanger, so be warned.

Back-Of-The-Book Description: Once upon a time, Tania was an ordinary girl. But then she was swept into another world, where she was the long-lost princess of the elegant and magical court of Faerie, and only she could save the court from great peril.

Now Tania--and her true love, Edric--will go back to the Mortal Realm to seek Queen Titania, lost hundreds of years ago while searching for Tania.

Their return leads to struggles with Tania's much-loved mortal parents and friends as she and Edric try to conceal their secret. But much more serious dangers lurk: The sinister Lord Gabriel Drake is not yet defeated, they are pursued by dark supernatural forces, and Tania's two worlds are about to collide in amazing and frightening ways she never could have anticipated.

Starting Date: May 13th

Ending Date: May 14th

Reading Time: Two days

Pages: 331

Recommendations: To anyone who liked the first one.

Writing Rating: 7

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8

Book #16 of '08

(Okay, I know I didn't put this up on the 'what I'm reading' thing, but I started this after I started the other book and didn't have chance to put this up. Sorry. I'll finish "A Ring Of Endless Light" soon)

The Young Unicorns

Author: Madeline L'Engle

My Description: Another great book by Miss L'Engle. The Young Unicorns is the continuation of The Moon By Night, and The Moon By Night is the continuation to The Arm of the Starfish. I really liked The Young Unicorns. It was very interesting. It had mystery, suspense, adventure, plot twists, the one thing I would change is I would have had it a little more centured on Vicky, and not so evenly dispursed. I like Vicky.

Anyway, I can't say what happened without giving away awesome secrets, but I will say, though the begining was a little confusing and it took a bit to figure out what was going on, I LOVED IT! (oh, and it has NOTHING to do with unicorns, don't ask me why it's called that)

Back-Of-The-Book Description: "You called me?"

When Suzy and Rob Austin and their friend Emily Gregory find an old lamp, rub it, and appear to conjure up a tall, powerful figure in long, smoky green robes and pale blue turban who says he is "the genie Hythloday, the servant of the lamp," they are completely unaware that a bizarre and terrifying plot to rule New York City is under way. It means extreme danger for the Austin family and their friends, all of whom are targets for the corruption--or destruction. But luckily their "genie" is on their side.

Starting Date: March 3rd
Ending Date: March 11th

Reading Time: Nine days

Pages: 285

Recommendations: To people who like suspenses and mysteries. I would say this book is good for ten and up, (or a family reading together) because it would be to hard for younger children to understand some of the scientific content. Though the previous book in this series had some facts in it that I wouldn't recommend to younger children, this one is fine--as long as you have someone who can understand science!

Writing Rating: 7

Story Rating: 8 1/2

Overall Rating: 8 1/2

Book #15 of '08

The Name Of This Book Is Secret

Author: Pseudonymous Bosch

My Description: It had a wonderful beginning. It made me laugh. It made me smile. It was--I tell you--a wonderful beginning. I loved it.

Then the book continued. It was suspenseful. It millions of questions, it was gripping. I was scared. It was great.

Then it ended, and I tell you, it put me in a bad mood. Not only no one believe them, but they got blamed for all the bad things that happened! Also, some people who turned out to bad were people I really didn't want to be, though I guess I suspected it... The book just had an awful ending. Do yourself a favor, and skip chapter 32. Go strait to chapter 32. (really, that wasn't a typo, the have two chapter 32s. One you can write yourself) Then end the book before you get put in a foul mood... But I guess the worst part was, I NEVER LEARNED THE SECRET!

Back-Of-The-Book-Description: If this were a normal cover for a normal book, I would tell you that this book is fantastic! Gripping! (according to their covers, all books are fantastic and gripping) You'd meet the brave young heroes, Cass and Max-Ernest*. And you'd hear about how a mysterious box of vials, the Symphony of Smells, sends them on the trail of a magician who has vanished under strange (and stinky) circumstances. If this were a normal book, I would brag about the hair-raising adventures that follow--about the brain twisting riddles Cass and Max-Ernest* solve and the nefarious villains they fave. But, sadly, I can't tell you about any of those things: they might make you want to read the book.

You see, not only is the name of this book secret, the story is too. For it concerns a secret--a big secret--that has tormenting people like you for over... OH NO! Did I just mention the Secret? Then it's too late.

I'm afraid nothing will stop you now. Open the book if you must, but please, tell no one.

With apologies, Pseud. Bosch

*not their real names.

Starting Date: February 29th

Ending Date: March 1st

Reading Time: Two days

Pages: 360

Recommendations: To people who are at least 10 or a family reading together. I guess some people may not mind the ending, but I do, and I wouldn't like you to feel as I do, so I would recommend to play it safe and follow advice I gave earlier.

Writing Rating: 9

Story Rating: 8

Overall Rating: 8 (you know, had it not been for the ending, it would have been one of my favorite books... *sigh, sigh sigh*)

Book #14 of '08

Stardust

Author: Neil Gaiman

My description: I didn't like it. It was kind of growse, very gorry(sp?), written in such a way I didn't figure out what the heck was going on until over halfway through the book, and it had a sad ending!

Some things in the book made more sense than the movie, like it was much longer than a week before Tristran (the main character) got back to Wall(Tristran's home town), thus giving him and Yvaine (the fallen star) more time to fall in love, but most of the story was not as good as the movie for me personally. Maybe the book would apeal to an older audience, as it is apparent that that is what this book was intended for. If you plan to read the book, read the book first. Then the happy ending from the movie will stick in your head (hopefully). And if you're planning on reading the book and you've already watched the movie, wait until you are older.

Back-Of-The-Book Description: In the sleepy English couintryside, at the dawn of the Victorian Era, life comes at a leisurely pace in the tiny town of Wall, so named for an imposing stone barrier that divides the village from an adjacent meadow. Armed sentires guard the sole gap in this wall, in order to keep the curious from wandering through. Only once every nine years do they relax their vigil, when a market fair unlike any other comes to the meadow.

Here in Wall, young Tristran Thorn has lost his heart to the beautiful Victoria Forester. But Victoria is cold and distant--as distant, in fact, as the star she and Tristran see fall from the sky on a crisp October evening. For the coveted prize of Victoria's hand, Tristran vows to retrieve the fallen star and deliver it to his beloved. It is an oath that sends the lovelorn swain over the ancient wall, and propels him into a world that is strand beyond imagining.

But Tristran is not the only one seeking the heavenly jewel. There are those for whom it promises youth and beauty, the key to a kingdom, and the rejuvenation of dark, dormant magics. And a lad compelled by love will have to keep his wits about him to succeed and survive in the secret place where fallen stars come in many guises--and where quests have a way of branching off in unexpected directions, even turing back upon themselves in space and in time.

Starting Date: 26th
Ending Date: 29th

Reading Time: Four days

Pages: 235

Recomendations: To adults and late-teenagers who don't mind witches and gore.B

Book Or Movie?: The movie without a doubt.

Writing Rating: 4 (because it was so confusing)

Story Rating: 9 (I loved the basic story idea, it was really cute: Guy goes to find a fallen star for a girl he likes, star is a woman, he and the star go on journeys, guy and star fall in love. But I didn't like the way it was intorduced)

Overall Rating: 4

Book #13 of '08

Septimus Heap: Physik

Author: Angie Sage
My Description: This is the third book of the Septimus Heap series, (including Magyk and Flyte) and it's lived up to the title. Another fabulous, interesting, suspenceful, and slightly humorous fantasy by Angie Sage. Wonderful. All I can say is I can't wait for the fourth!
Back-Of-The-Book Description: When Silas Heap unSeals a forgotten room in the Palace, he releases the ghost of a Queen who lived five hundred years earlier. Queen Etheldredda is as awful in death as she was in life, and she's still up to no good. Her diabolical plan to give herself everlasting life requires Jenna's compliance, Septimus's disappearance, and the talents of her son, Marcellus Pye, a famous Alchemist and Physician. And if Queen Etheldredda's plot involves Jenna and Septimus, then it will surely involve Nicko, Alther Mella, Marcia Overstrand, Beetle, Stanley, Sarah, Silas, Spit Fyre, Aunt Zelda, and all the other wacky, wonderful characters that make Magyk and Flyte so memorable.
With heart-stopping action and a dash of humor, Angie Sage continues the fantastical journey of Septimus Heap.
Starting Date: February 23rd
Ending Date: February 25th
Reading Time: 2 days
Pages: 544
Recomendations: To anyone from 12-12,000 who enjoys funny fantasies and has read the first and second book.
Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8


Book #12 of '08

He's The One

Author: Nina Alexander

My Description: This is one about a girl who likes to date bunches of guys at the same time, and when it get's serious, she likes to break up. The thing is, she meets a guy named Craig who she wouldn't mind getting serious with. I enjoyed this book. I won't say it was wonderful or anything, but it was pleasant to read. Though it was filled with all those moments where one of them thinks the other is doing something wrong, and the other think the one of them is doing something wrong, and one tries to make it right but the other won't because they think the other is doing something else... Though infact, Jill (the main girl) is doing something wrong, but she straitens out in the end because she loves Craig.

Back-Of-The-Book Description: Jill Gersten has never been a one-guy type of girl--after all, variety's the spice of life. So Jill's become a master at juggling dates. As long as she can get away with it, she has no need to commit to just one person. And with the tourists flooding her town on the Delaware shore in the coming weeks, Jill's sure to have a guy crazy summer!

Then Jill meets Craig Miller. With his deep green eyes and intense personality, he's, well... different. When Jill's friends tease that she's finally fallen for someone, Jill protests. She's still not interested in settling down--no matter how cute Craig is . But when Jill spots Craig kissing another girl, she's sick with jealousy... Now she wants Craig all to herself... but can she give up her playgirl ways?

Starting Date: February 23rd

Ending Date: February 23th

Reading Time: 1 day

Pages: 176

Recomendations: To girls in their early to late teens who like Romance books.

Writing Rating: 6

Story Rating: 6

Overall Rating: 6

Book #11 of '08

Hercules: The Man, the Myth, the Hero

(this is a little book, so my review will be different than usual)

Autor: Kathryn Lasky

Illustrator: Mark Hess

My Description: It's an awful story. I rented it because of my love of Greek Mythology. I did NOT like it. Oh my gosh... Poor, poor, poor, short tempered Hercules! The illustrations were beautiful--they really POPPED--but they weren't of things I actually wanted to see... And like I said, the story was just AWFUL. So many horrible things... Please, don't let me begin to THINK about them. I want to write a sequel where Hercules goes to the realm of Hates (the Land of the Dead) and get's his family back, then goes to get revenge on that nasty vengeful Hera! It's not Hercules' falt that his father is god who won't stay true to his wife (Hera) and has countless children (in this case Hercules) with mortal women.

Back-Of-The-Book Description: Listen to my tale, one of cunning and glory. A story of a monster and a man, a hero and a man. But all with one name: Hercules...

So begins the monumental saga of one of the most fascinating Greek hheroes, Hercules. The son of Zeus and a mortal woman, he is the most hated enemy of Zeus's jealous wife, Hera. Only the unique gift of godlike strength that Hercules posesses will serve as his salvation from Hera's treachery. But it will also become a frightening and monstrous force that Hercules will have to learn to control in order to find the peace that he seeks.

Staring Date: February 23rd

Ending Date: February 23rd

Reading Time: 1 day

Pages: 30

Writing Rating: 4

Story Rating: 3

Illustration Rating: 8

Overal Rating: 4

Book #10 of '08

Hard To Resist

Author: Wendy Loggin

My Description: Hard To Resist is not a bad book, and not an exceptionally good book either. It isn't quite right, in the sense that the love story in this book is about a girl who falls in love with her best friends boyfriend. Yeah. Not quite right. But other than that I enjoyed reading the book, because it's not just about romantic love, but about friendship, and it kinda goes over the ups and downs of that kind of love, so I think that this one is better than the other Love Story books I've read.

Back-Of-The-Book Description: Leigh Feralano's move to Buffalo has been a blast, thanks to her fun-loving new friend Kerry Cole. Now Leigh's psyched to begin her junior year, and curious to meet Kerry's boyfriend, Christian Archer, who's been studying in England for the past year. Leigh can't believe Christian could possibly be as cute and charming as Kerry claims.

The second Leigh meets Christian, she discovers he's all that... and more. As much as she wants to, Leigh can't deny that she's beginning to develop serious feelings for him. And the more she sees Christian, the more she suspects her's into her too. Still, there's no way anything can happen between her and her bestfriends boyfriend... is there?

Starting Date: February 20th

Ending Date: February 22nd

Reading Time: 2 days

Pages: 192

Recomendations: To girls in their early to late teens who enjoy romances.

Writing Rating: 6

Story Rating: 6

Overal Rating: 6 1/2

Book #9 of '08

The Egyptian Cinderella

(this is a little book, so there will be some differences in this review)


Author: Shirley Climo
Illustrator: Ruth Heller
My Description: It's about a girl named Rhodopis who was born in Greece and captured and taken to Egypt and sold as a slave. It's basically 'Cinderella' from there, and it is based on a true story. It didn't really impress me, but the story wasn't written badly and I enjoyed reading it.
Back-Of-The-Book Description: In the land of Egypt, where the green Nile River widens to meet the blue sea, lives a maiden called Rhodopis. Because she is Greek, and a slave, Rhodopis is scorned by the Egyptian girls. She had only her rose-red gold slippers, which flash like fireflies as she dances. When a falcon swoops down and snatches a slipper away, Rhodopis is heartbroken. How is Rhodopis to know that the falcon has delivered her slipper to the great Pharaoh himself? She cannot guess that the Pharaoh will search all Egypt to find the owner of the tiny shoe and make her his queen.
Starting Date: February 20th
Ending Date: Feburary 20th
Reading Time: 1 day
Pages: 28
Writing Rating: 7
Story Rating: 6
Illustration Rating: 7
Overal Rating: 6 1/2

Book #7 of '08

My Favorite Book Of The Year So Far Award (#1)

I've decided to every once in a while give an award for the book I liked best of the of 2008 so far. I didn't need to think twice about what book I was going to award first. The book I am to award REALLY stood out, and is one of the most amazing books I've ever read... and the award goes to...

Holes

By Louis Sachar

I don't think I could award any other book I've read this year besides this one. Wow. Whenever I think of it, I think, 'Wow, that was an AWESOME book!'. Holes is without doubt one of the best books I've ever read, and my current favorite out of all the books I've ever read in my entire life. The only word that can describe Holes is 'wow'.

Honorable Mentions:

Waiting For Odysseus (a close second)

The Faerie Path

The Moon By Night

Well, that's really all I have to say!

Galaxy

The Moon By Night

Author: Madeline L'Engel
My Description: It's about a girl named Vicky who is growing up, and going though a lot of changes that are happening in her life. She and her family go on a camping vacation all around America and a little in Canada and in the end Vicky is a little bit wiser, and a little bit more knowing than she used to be. I really enjoyed this book, because I'm at almost the same stage of 'growing up' as Vicky, and can relate to her. I also love Madeline L'Engel books:)
Back-Of-The-Book-Description: Vicky Austin is filled with uncertainty about everything. Her parents call it Vicky's "difficult year". But fourteen-year-old Vicky is not so consumed by her problems that she can't enjoy the exciting adventures of her family's cross-country summer caming trip--and the attention of the gorgeous, black-haired Zachary Grey, who just happenes to pop up wherever the Austin family makes camp. It will certainly be an interesting vacation...
Starting Date: Not recorded... somtime in Febuary after the last book.
Ending Date: Not recorded... sometime in Febuary...
Reading Time: Three to four days
Pages: 250
Recomendations: The story brings up some facts about the Nazis that shouldn't be heard by a younger reader... I say that only people 13 (okay, I know, I'm not quite there yet, but that section was a little upsetting for me, and I would have liked to wait a bit longer to hear it, but I will be 13 soon...ish) and up should read this book for that fact, other than that I think it's a MUST for girl teenagers who are going through this ROUGH stage of life.
Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 8
Overall Rating: 8


Book 7 of '08

Waiting For Odysseus

Author: Clemence McLaren
My Description: Waiting For Odysseus is a retelling of The Odyssey, and I love it! True, in a couple of places the Ms. McLaren could have taken her time a little more than she did, but besides that the story was beautiful, well written, and it had a happy ending! My favorite character was Penelope.
Back-Of-The-Book Description: From the moment she first sees the cocky warrior Odysseus, Penelope knows that one day she will be his wife. What she doesn't know is that Odysseus's pride will take him away from her to fight the Trojan War. Penelope must become an expert at waiting, and it is this waiting that proves to be the ultimate test of her courage, patience--and love.
The sorceress Circe has been waiting for Odysseus to land on her island so she can seduce him with her spells, just as she has countless other men. She never expects to fall in love with him, though, or that he willl be the first man capable of resisting her charms.
Odysseus has always been the goddess Athhena's favorite mortal, for he, like she, is famous for his wiles. As Athena guides Odysseus through his many trials, she waits with compassion and love to see if he will learn to temper his desire for fame and discover the truth of his own humanity.
Finally, his Nanny, Eurycleia, has watched Odysseus grow from a mischievous child into a great hero. As she waits for her beloved master to return home, she keeps loyal watch over those he has journyed twenty years to see again.
In this innovative retelling of Homer's Odyssey, Clemence McLaren author of Inside the Walls of Troy, presents the story of Odysseus's epic journey through the hearts of four women who loved and waited form him.
Starting Date: Febuary 7th
Ending Date: Febuary 8th
Reading Time: Two days
Pages: 149
Recomendations: To girls 12 and up... it's a REALLY awesome book, and an absolute MUST!

Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 9
Overal Rating: 8 1/2--a.k.a. REALLY GOOD!

Book #6 of '08

The Land of Green Ginger

Author: Noel Langley

My Description: What a delightfully funny book! It's been so long since I've read a book that made me laugh! The story was really cute and it had so many funny things in it... It really is a great book and I highly recomend it!

Back-Of-The-Book Description: This beloved classic opens with Aladdin, now Emperor of China, trying to decide what to name his new son, a child who won't stop talking and is already far too articulate for his own good. The Genie of the Lamp announces that Abu Ali should be the child's name, and that his destiny is to rescure the magician who created the Land of Green Ginger (a sort of fabulous floating garden) and then turned himself into a Button-Nosed Tortoise by mistake. Abu Ali is told he is the only one who can find the peripatric island, locate the Button-Nosed Tortoise and reverse the spell. So begins a series of adventures that invoke a comemorable cast of characters, some despicalble, some feckless, and some (no surprise) beautiful and feisty.

Starting Date: Feburary 5th

Ending Date: Feburary 7th

Reading Time: Three days

Pages: 149

Recomendations: For a family reading together, and to people who are 16 or younger... it's a funny book, but a little childish, and I'm not sure if adults (or people close to adults) would like to read it.

Writing Rating: 8 (because it was sooo funny!)

Story Rating: 7

Overal Rating: 7 1/2

Book #5 of '08

Stolen Kisses

Author: Liesa Abrams

My Description: Please don't ask why this book is called Stolen Kisses. I really have no clue. It was pretty much your average teen-romance novel; Girl hates Boy, Boy likes Girl even though she has a boyfriend, Girl starts to like Boy, Boy is haunted by the memory of Girl, Girl keeps thinking about Boy, Boy gets Girl, The End! But one thing I will say for Stolen Kisses is that it made me laugh numorous times with small jokes and all things considered I did enjoy reading it.

Back-Of-The-Book Description: Laura has great friends, the lead in the school play, and the attention of Ted, a hot senior guy. So why does she end up kissing Mark at a party one night? Sure, Mark's hot, but he's also the most nortorious player in her school--clearly not boyfriend material. Laura knows she's got to put him out of her mind, because kissing Mark was just a dumb mistake... wasn't it?

Starting Date: Febury 4th

Ending Date: Febuary 5th

Reading Time: Two days

Pages: 175

Recomendations: Girls who would like to read a bit of Romance, and don't care if it's that cheezy.

Writing Rating: 7

Story Rating: 5

Overal Rating: 6--a.k.a. GOOD

Book #4 of '08

Sirena

Author: Donna Jo Napoli

My Description: Sirena has a very depressing beginning. Very awful. Then, it gets better. Then it's enjoyable. Then I really like it. The funny thing is that the story is written like Sirena (a mermaid) is telling it to us, yet she says it all in present tense... Like this: I shout out loud. Then it ends very sadly. It still was a good book.

Back-Of-The-Book Description: Sirena is cursed. She will not become immortal unless she is loved by a human man. The siren song she sings with her mermaid sisters makes men adore her--yet it leads them to their deaths. That is why she hides when she finds a young soldier abandoned on the isle of Lemnos. He wants to know her, though she should not let him near her, or allow him to hear her sing. But how can she fight a love she's been waiting for all her life--a love that will make her live forever.

Starting Date: Febuary 3rd

Ending Date: Febuary 4th

Reading Time: Two days

Pages: 210

Recomendations: To girls who like sad fantasy romances.

Writing Rating: 9 (because it's such a wonderfully different way of writing... all in present tense)

Story Rating: 6

Overal Rating: 7 1/2--A.K.A. PRETTY GOOD

Book #3 of '08

The Faerie Path

Author: Frewin Jones
My Description: The Faerie Path was a very enjoyable book. While I read the story, I just kept flipping pages! They passed far too fast and I really couldn't stop... It was a very wonderful story and I enjoyed reading it very much; though some aspects of it made me a little angry. Oh well... That's just how some stories are. It did have a happy ending though, I don't really like stories with unhappy endings.
Back-Of-The-Book Description: Anita was living an ordinary life... until an elegant stranger pulled her into another world. Swept away into a court of magic and beauty, she discovers she is Tania, the lost princess of Faerie: the youngest daughter of Oberon and Titania. Since Tania's mysterious disappearance on the eve of her wedding day five hundred years before, Faerie has been sunk in darkness and gloom. The courtly Lord Gabriel Drake, who Tania was once to marry, found her and brought her back. With Tania's Return, Faerie comes alive again and as a lond of winged children, glittering balls, and fantastic delights. But Tania can't forget Anita's world, or the boy she loved there. Torn between two loves and between two worlds, Tania slowly comes to discover why she disappeared so long ago. She possesses a singular magical ability and she must use it to stop a sinister plan that threatens the entire world of Faerie.
Starting Date: Febuary 2nd
Ending Date: Febuary 3rd
Reading Time: 2 days

Pages: 312

Recomendations: I would recomend this book mostly to girls in their early to late teens, especially people who like fantasy-mystery-tiny bit of romance books.
Writing Rating: 8
Story Rating: 8
Overal Rating: 8--A.K.A. REALLY GOOD!

Book #2 of '08

Holes

(this book has received the 'Best Book Of The Year So Far' award)

Author: Louis Sachar
My Description: Holes was amazing. It's one of the few books I've ever loved that isn't a fantasy. It was amazing. I'd started it a long time ago but I got side tracked and didn't finish it. When I came back to read it, I thought I'd skip the first part, because I'd already read that. I decided to just read a little of the first part. I couldn't stop. The way it was written was slightly humorous, spellbinding, enjoyable, interesting, fun... I could go on and on. I've never read a book that had fewer holes than Holes. Everything linked together. It was made up of four different stories, one of which was very sad, but really tied it all together. Each story intertwined so beautifully... I just couldn't stop reading!
Back-Of-The-Book Description: None
Starting Date: Not recorded
Ending Date: Not recorded
Reading Time: 2 days
Pages: 233

Recommendations: Anyone over 10 years old, or a family reading together
Writing Rating: 9
Story Rating: 9
Overall Rating: 9 1/2--a.k.a. AMAZING!

Book #1 of '08