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