****
Shannon Hale
Dashti, a young mucker turned maid, and Lady Saren, the girl she has just been hired to serve, have an interesting problem. Since Lady Saren has refused to marry Lord Khasar, she must spend the next 7 years locked in a tower with her new maid.
You may think this is the recipe for the most boring book on earth, but it's far from it. While in the tower, Dashti rejoices over the food they have, pretends to be Lady Saren, adopts a cat she names My Lord, fights off rats and Lord Khasar and a mysterious and deadly beast and tries to sing away the ailments of her new lady.
But the wonderous mountains of food Dashti marveled over don't last through the rats, the temperature, the mysterious disappearance of the guards and the binge eating of the depressed Lady Saren. And even if they escape, what will happen when Lord Khasar discovers them?
The Wish
****
Gail Levine
Wilma is in 8th grade, but you'd never know it. If you asked around for her, you'd discover that no one really knows her; no one is her friend; no one likes her. In fact, all anyone really knows about her is that she once wrote an essay from the point of view of her dog and used the word anus.
But when Wilma gives up her seat on a bus to an old lady, everything changes. The old woman grants her one wish. Of course, Wilma wishes to be the most popular girl at her school. But is this wise?
It happens like magic the next morning. Stepping off the bus, Wilma is the invisible girl who once said anus in an essay. Stepping into school, she's suddenly surrounded by caring friends, drooling boys and adoring fans. And life is pretty good.
Until Wilma realizes that she only has 2 weeks left before she graduates: 2 weeks until the spell ends. Will she be able to survive if her new friends don't like her anymore? How do people normally become popular? And will anyone know her name if the spell wears off?
This was a great book! It's a quick read and a lot of fun. The language is very clear and simple. The story is entertaining and creative (if a little cliche) and Wilma is a pretty lovable character. If you have a couple afternoons, check this book out!
Gail Levine
Wilma is in 8th grade, but you'd never know it. If you asked around for her, you'd discover that no one really knows her; no one is her friend; no one likes her. In fact, all anyone really knows about her is that she once wrote an essay from the point of view of her dog and used the word anus.
But when Wilma gives up her seat on a bus to an old lady, everything changes. The old woman grants her one wish. Of course, Wilma wishes to be the most popular girl at her school. But is this wise?
It happens like magic the next morning. Stepping off the bus, Wilma is the invisible girl who once said anus in an essay. Stepping into school, she's suddenly surrounded by caring friends, drooling boys and adoring fans. And life is pretty good.
Until Wilma realizes that she only has 2 weeks left before she graduates: 2 weeks until the spell ends. Will she be able to survive if her new friends don't like her anymore? How do people normally become popular? And will anyone know her name if the spell wears off?
This was a great book! It's a quick read and a lot of fun. The language is very clear and simple. The story is entertaining and creative (if a little cliche) and Wilma is a pretty lovable character. If you have a couple afternoons, check this book out!
Starclimber
*****
Kenneth Oppel
Matt Cruse and Kate DeVries are back! Their secret relationship is as secret as ever. Their adventures are more dangerous than ever and tension of any kind is higher than it's ever been. This time pirates, flying cats, electrifying sky squids and airborn adventures aren't enough. This time, Matt and Kate are taking on SPACE!
But it's not like you'd imagine it. At all.
How could I not give the third book in this series 5 stars? It was as wonderful as the first. There were nights when I had to stay up late with my little booklight holding my breath and turning page after page. Gripping! I just wish there was another one of these to look forward to! Maybe I should go look at those other books he's written. Bats? Cats? Hmmm. Off to investigate!
Kenneth Oppel
Matt Cruse and Kate DeVries are back! Their secret relationship is as secret as ever. Their adventures are more dangerous than ever and tension of any kind is higher than it's ever been. This time pirates, flying cats, electrifying sky squids and airborn adventures aren't enough. This time, Matt and Kate are taking on SPACE!
But it's not like you'd imagine it. At all.
How could I not give the third book in this series 5 stars? It was as wonderful as the first. There were nights when I had to stay up late with my little booklight holding my breath and turning page after page. Gripping! I just wish there was another one of these to look forward to! Maybe I should go look at those other books he's written. Bats? Cats? Hmmm. Off to investigate!
Artemis Fowl - The Eternity Code
*****
Eoin Colfer
Artemis is a criminal at heart, so we really can't blame him for using fairy technology to make a computer so advanced he can use it to blackmail the biggest technology mogul in the world. After all, Artemis made sure the meeting between the two couldn't possibly go wrong. No one could possibly gain the upper hand over Artemis. None of the locals could possibly be involved. The computer couldn't possibly be stollen. He couldn't possibly need to defend himself with a fairy bomb. No one could possibly get hurt. Butler couldn't possibly get killed. The Mud Man World and the Fairy World couldn't possibly collide causing the entire underground world to shut down and putting everyone's livelihood at stake.
No, it's completely safe.
Not.
LOVED it. Artemis is such a complex character. Is he good? Is he bad? Is he a child or an adult? Is he a genius capable of thinking out every detail of every plan or is he a scared kid who wishes he was normal? Guess you'll have to try the series to find out!
Eoin Colfer
Artemis is a criminal at heart, so we really can't blame him for using fairy technology to make a computer so advanced he can use it to blackmail the biggest technology mogul in the world. After all, Artemis made sure the meeting between the two couldn't possibly go wrong. No one could possibly gain the upper hand over Artemis. None of the locals could possibly be involved. The computer couldn't possibly be stollen. He couldn't possibly need to defend himself with a fairy bomb. No one could possibly get hurt. Butler couldn't possibly get killed. The Mud Man World and the Fairy World couldn't possibly collide causing the entire underground world to shut down and putting everyone's livelihood at stake.
No, it's completely safe.
Not.
LOVED it. Artemis is such a complex character. Is he good? Is he bad? Is he a child or an adult? Is he a genius capable of thinking out every detail of every plan or is he a scared kid who wishes he was normal? Guess you'll have to try the series to find out!
Artemis Fowl - The Arctic Incident
*****
Eoin Colfer
Ever wondered where Artemis's father wound up? Well, so does he. Constantly. And in this book, if he can help the fairies out of yet another jam, outsmart some older criminals, not get killed, protect Holly and still make it back in time to fool his mother, Artemis may just find out where his father has been all these years.
But even if he does, will it be good news?
Very good! As I've said about all of them - easy read, very quick, hard to put down, leaves you hungry for the next one!
Eoin Colfer
Ever wondered where Artemis's father wound up? Well, so does he. Constantly. And in this book, if he can help the fairies out of yet another jam, outsmart some older criminals, not get killed, protect Holly and still make it back in time to fool his mother, Artemis may just find out where his father has been all these years.
But even if he does, will it be good news?
Very good! As I've said about all of them - easy read, very quick, hard to put down, leaves you hungry for the next one!
Artemis Fowl - The Opal Deception
*****
Eoin Colfer
If your whole culture's future rested in the hands of an adolescent boy, would you feel safe? Well, once again, the Fairy World finds itself in Artemis's hands. Only this time, Artemis doesn't have a clue who or what a fairy is or any of the details about his supposed nemesis, Opal Koboi. Luckily for everyone (except perhaps Opal), Artemis didn't let go of his memory without a fight. And things are slowly starting to come back to him.
Which is really good, because Opal has pulled and elaborate ploy and is, at this very moment, about to expose the entire Fairy World to the Mud Men, unless Artemis can stop her.
This is a great book, maybe my favorite of the whole series so far! It's sad, it's funny, it's frustrating... I highly recommend it! (But read the others first, trust me!)
Eoin Colfer
If your whole culture's future rested in the hands of an adolescent boy, would you feel safe? Well, once again, the Fairy World finds itself in Artemis's hands. Only this time, Artemis doesn't have a clue who or what a fairy is or any of the details about his supposed nemesis, Opal Koboi. Luckily for everyone (except perhaps Opal), Artemis didn't let go of his memory without a fight. And things are slowly starting to come back to him.
Which is really good, because Opal has pulled and elaborate ploy and is, at this very moment, about to expose the entire Fairy World to the Mud Men, unless Artemis can stop her.
This is a great book, maybe my favorite of the whole series so far! It's sad, it's funny, it's frustrating... I highly recommend it! (But read the others first, trust me!)
Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox
*****
Eoin Colfer
Artemis's mother is dying of a magical plague that he accidently gave her. And there's nothing anyone can do because years ago, Artemis personally destroyed the only thing that would have been able to save his mother.
Lucky for Artemis, he knows the fairies. Traveling back in time with his close fairy-friend Holly, Artemis discovers that all those years ago, things didn't go quite as he remembered them. Not only that, but meddling in the past is seriously dangerous stuff. Has Artemis finally met his match: 10-year-old Artemis? And what will happen if he and Holly can't get back to the present time?
I am still really enjoying this series. I find the characters ever more lovable. And the plot, while always kind of the same, is always different enough to keep me thoroughly entertained!
Eoin Colfer
Artemis's mother is dying of a magical plague that he accidently gave her. And there's nothing anyone can do because years ago, Artemis personally destroyed the only thing that would have been able to save his mother.
Lucky for Artemis, he knows the fairies. Traveling back in time with his close fairy-friend Holly, Artemis discovers that all those years ago, things didn't go quite as he remembered them. Not only that, but meddling in the past is seriously dangerous stuff. Has Artemis finally met his match: 10-year-old Artemis? And what will happen if he and Holly can't get back to the present time?
I am still really enjoying this series. I find the characters ever more lovable. And the plot, while always kind of the same, is always different enough to keep me thoroughly entertained!
Savvy
*****
Ingrid Law
Mibs isn't popular by any means. In fact, quite the opposite. But that's okay because she only has one more day left at school.
That's because, tomorrow Mibs turns 13. And in her family, that's a really big deal. 13 is when the Beaumonts get their savvy. A savvy is like a special power, or, as Mibs calls it, a special know how. Rocket Beaumont makes electricity. Fish Beaumont makes storms. And Mrs. Beaumont does everything pretty much perfectly. Mr. Beaumont, however, doesn't have a savvy. And he's been in an accident.
Now Mibs finds herself on a mission. Believing she has discovered her savvy, she heads to the hospital to rescue her father. But her savvy still has a few surprises in store. As do the rest of people inadvertently along for the ride!
Really, really cute book. This is one of the Virginia Young Reader books this year and totally worth the read. The book looks long (especially since it's only available in hardback), but it's really a quick read. The characters are great. Each one is entirely believable and lovable. You won't be able to put it down!
If you liked this book, check out:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Charlie Bone Series
The new book by Ingrid Law coming out in 2010.
Ingrid Law
Mibs isn't popular by any means. In fact, quite the opposite. But that's okay because she only has one more day left at school.
That's because, tomorrow Mibs turns 13. And in her family, that's a really big deal. 13 is when the Beaumonts get their savvy. A savvy is like a special power, or, as Mibs calls it, a special know how. Rocket Beaumont makes electricity. Fish Beaumont makes storms. And Mrs. Beaumont does everything pretty much perfectly. Mr. Beaumont, however, doesn't have a savvy. And he's been in an accident.
Now Mibs finds herself on a mission. Believing she has discovered her savvy, she heads to the hospital to rescue her father. But her savvy still has a few surprises in store. As do the rest of people inadvertently along for the ride!
Really, really cute book. This is one of the Virginia Young Reader books this year and totally worth the read. The book looks long (especially since it's only available in hardback), but it's really a quick read. The characters are great. Each one is entirely believable and lovable. You won't be able to put it down!
If you liked this book, check out:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Charlie Bone Series
The new book by Ingrid Law coming out in 2010.
Artemis Fowl
****
Eoin Colfer
Artemis is a genius. Artemis is a criminal mastemind. Artemis is ruthless. Artemis is clever and cunning. Artemis stays one step ahead of his enemies. Artemis is rich.
Artemis is 12.
In the first book of the series, young Artemis schemes to steal a literal ton of gold from creatures that many say don't exist outside of fairy tales. Sound fantastic? Just wait until you see what the other side has planned!
This is a great book. Like so many books I've read recently, I really didn't know what to expect going in. But with this book, it only took a couple of pages to get hooked. And it only took a couple of days to finish.
If I had to find one complaint with the book, it would be that the chapters are seriously long. They are pretty well broken up, though; there are stopping points along the way.
If you liked this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
The Immortal Nicholas Flamel Series
Eoin Colfer
Artemis is a genius. Artemis is a criminal mastemind. Artemis is ruthless. Artemis is clever and cunning. Artemis stays one step ahead of his enemies. Artemis is rich.
Artemis is 12.
In the first book of the series, young Artemis schemes to steal a literal ton of gold from creatures that many say don't exist outside of fairy tales. Sound fantastic? Just wait until you see what the other side has planned!
This is a great book. Like so many books I've read recently, I really didn't know what to expect going in. But with this book, it only took a couple of pages to get hooked. And it only took a couple of days to finish.
If I had to find one complaint with the book, it would be that the chapters are seriously long. They are pretty well broken up, though; there are stopping points along the way.
If you liked this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
The Immortal Nicholas Flamel Series
Saving Juliet
*****
Suzanne Selfors
Mimi is the heiress of a local theater and she's been acting since she was three. And she hates it. Mimi's dream is to become a doctor, not play Juliet yet again. Don't get me wrong, she's an excellent actor, but even her life-long experience isn't going to help her now. Overcome with stage fright, smothered by her mother, conflicted about her gorgeous yet shallow co-star, and overcome with debilitating fear of walking onto the stage, Mimi makes a break for it. Unfortunately, during the struggle, the charm she's wearing breaks and ashes that are supposedly from Shakespeare's quill flood Mimi's lungs.
When she can see again, she realizes that she's not at the theater anymore. She has been transported right into Shakespeare's famous tragedy just in time to hear the prince declare a death penalty to any Montague or Capulet caught fighting in the streets of Verona.
For a while, Mimi believes she's only dreaming, but as the dream continues, she comes to realize that she is actually living in Romeo and Juliet's world - and that every one of her actions are changing the play. Caught between trying to get home and wanting a happy ending for the surprising sweet and child-like Juliet, Mimi struggles to make things right and stay alive. But in the end, which is more important: getting home, or helping Shakespeare's characters survive?
EXCELLENT book! I think you'd have to know (and love) Romeo and Juliet to truly appreciate this book, but it's great no matter what. Mimi is a dynamic and loveable character. Selfors creates remarkably real Shakespearian characters. All around, this was a great book that you should definitely go pick up!
If you liked this book, check out:
Anything by Levine
Shakespeare's Secret
Septimus Heap books
Suzanne Selfors
Mimi is the heiress of a local theater and she's been acting since she was three. And she hates it. Mimi's dream is to become a doctor, not play Juliet yet again. Don't get me wrong, she's an excellent actor, but even her life-long experience isn't going to help her now. Overcome with stage fright, smothered by her mother, conflicted about her gorgeous yet shallow co-star, and overcome with debilitating fear of walking onto the stage, Mimi makes a break for it. Unfortunately, during the struggle, the charm she's wearing breaks and ashes that are supposedly from Shakespeare's quill flood Mimi's lungs.
When she can see again, she realizes that she's not at the theater anymore. She has been transported right into Shakespeare's famous tragedy just in time to hear the prince declare a death penalty to any Montague or Capulet caught fighting in the streets of Verona.
For a while, Mimi believes she's only dreaming, but as the dream continues, she comes to realize that she is actually living in Romeo and Juliet's world - and that every one of her actions are changing the play. Caught between trying to get home and wanting a happy ending for the surprising sweet and child-like Juliet, Mimi struggles to make things right and stay alive. But in the end, which is more important: getting home, or helping Shakespeare's characters survive?
EXCELLENT book! I think you'd have to know (and love) Romeo and Juliet to truly appreciate this book, but it's great no matter what. Mimi is a dynamic and loveable character. Selfors creates remarkably real Shakespearian characters. All around, this was a great book that you should definitely go pick up!
If you liked this book, check out:
Anything by Levine
Shakespeare's Secret
Septimus Heap books
The Alchemist: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel
***
Michael Scott
Josh and Sophie are pretty average teenagers. They're twins, which is a little unusual, but other than that they're normal; they're working their first summer jobs to save up for their first car, they live in a normal town and, like most teenagers, they think their parents are from a different planet.
But their parents aren't what they should be worrying about. One day, while at work, Sophie and Josh witness the nice elderly couple that owns the book store in a terrifying battle against a strangely dressed man and his three body guards who just might be made of stone. As mint and rotten eggs fill the air and balls of yellow and green light fly, the book shop is destroyed and the twins' lives are changed forever.
No longer safe in their own town, the pair leave with Nicholas and embark upon a terrifying and mystifying journey. How could it be that all of the myths they've heard are really true? And what else is Nicholas Flamel hiding? What does the Codex prophecy have to do with them. And most importantly, will they even live to see 16?
If you liked this book, look for:
Percy Jackson Series
Harry Potter Series
Pandora Series
Septimus Heap Series
Michael Scott
Josh and Sophie are pretty average teenagers. They're twins, which is a little unusual, but other than that they're normal; they're working their first summer jobs to save up for their first car, they live in a normal town and, like most teenagers, they think their parents are from a different planet.
But their parents aren't what they should be worrying about. One day, while at work, Sophie and Josh witness the nice elderly couple that owns the book store in a terrifying battle against a strangely dressed man and his three body guards who just might be made of stone. As mint and rotten eggs fill the air and balls of yellow and green light fly, the book shop is destroyed and the twins' lives are changed forever.
No longer safe in their own town, the pair leave with Nicholas and embark upon a terrifying and mystifying journey. How could it be that all of the myths they've heard are really true? And what else is Nicholas Flamel hiding? What does the Codex prophecy have to do with them. And most importantly, will they even live to see 16?
If you liked this book, look for:
Percy Jackson Series
Harry Potter Series
Pandora Series
Septimus Heap Series
Septimus Heap - Queste
****
Angie Sage
More Heaps!
Septimus, back in his own time, is doing well. But he's sneaking around behind Marcia's back and she's about to find out! But Marcellus isn't the threat this time. This time the concern is The Quest. Once you start, you can't escape it and, unbeknownst to Sep, he's on The Quest. No apprentice has ever come back from The Quest. No apprentice has ever been so young. No apprentice has ever gotten The Questing Stone in quite this manner. No apprentice has ever taken friends along on the journey. But then again, no other apprentice was Septimus Heap.
Very cute. This series isn't what I'd call spectacular. I can put the books down, but I also enjoy them and look forward to reading them. I would recommend these to anyone who likes fantasy.
If you like this book, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Charlie Bone Series
Terry Pratchet Books
Percy Jackson Series
Angie Sage
More Heaps!
Septimus, back in his own time, is doing well. But he's sneaking around behind Marcia's back and she's about to find out! But Marcellus isn't the threat this time. This time the concern is The Quest. Once you start, you can't escape it and, unbeknownst to Sep, he's on The Quest. No apprentice has ever come back from The Quest. No apprentice has ever been so young. No apprentice has ever gotten The Questing Stone in quite this manner. No apprentice has ever taken friends along on the journey. But then again, no other apprentice was Septimus Heap.
Very cute. This series isn't what I'd call spectacular. I can put the books down, but I also enjoy them and look forward to reading them. I would recommend these to anyone who likes fantasy.
If you like this book, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Charlie Bone Series
Terry Pratchet Books
Percy Jackson Series
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
*****
JK Rowling
Ever wonder what might happen if you break a silly rule? You just might find yourself facing dangerous, possibly deathly tasks and losing your best friend! Of course, this time, Harry didn't actually break the rule. Someone did that for him. But who? And why? And how is he going to fawn over Cho, keep up with his studies, avoid Rita Skeeter, and learn to dance while preparing for the tasks?
Is it wrong that I find the premise of this book slightly hilarious? I mean, they say this tournament is dangerous. People have died! But then everything seems perfectly safe to me*. Either way, it's an enjoyable read. Even though there are sad parts, it's still mostly a light book. Nothing compared with the darkness that is to come in the next 3!
*except, of course, for that one little flaw. But that wasn't exactly planned.
JK Rowling
Ever wonder what might happen if you break a silly rule? You just might find yourself facing dangerous, possibly deathly tasks and losing your best friend! Of course, this time, Harry didn't actually break the rule. Someone did that for him. But who? And why? And how is he going to fawn over Cho, keep up with his studies, avoid Rita Skeeter, and learn to dance while preparing for the tasks?
Is it wrong that I find the premise of this book slightly hilarious? I mean, they say this tournament is dangerous. People have died! But then everything seems perfectly safe to me*. Either way, it's an enjoyable read. Even though there are sad parts, it's still mostly a light book. Nothing compared with the darkness that is to come in the next 3!
*except, of course, for that one little flaw. But that wasn't exactly planned.
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
*****
JK Rowling
Prepare for a turn for the worse.
Voldemort is back. No one believes it. In fact, while Harry has been trapped in Little Winging with his horrible aunt and uncle, the wizarding world has been doing their best to discredit him...and Dumbledore.
When Harry is finally whisked back into "his world," he finds a gloomy group known as The Order of the Phoenix fighting a losing battle against propaganda, disappearances, and dark recruitments. Even at school, Harry faces a lot of opposition.
Which is a shame, because Harry could really use the help of his friends. Plagued by bad dreams, a distant mentor, classes (or should I say torture sessions) with Snape and, worst of all, another new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, this one worse than any so far, Harry feels all alone. He takes some comfort in his after-school-activities, such as the secret DA club he and his friends have formed, but when it all comes down to it, Harry will need to be the one who once again stands up to the Dark Lord.
This book made me so angry! Don't get me wrong, I loved every second of it, but Umbridge...OOOOH that woman! There was some incredible action, especially near the end, and I cried several times (like when Molly encountered the bogart!). But in the end, I was mostly numb with disbelief. How could anything end so bitter-sweet? (Although, if you think this was bitter-sweet, wait 'til you read the last one!)
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
JK Rowling
Prepare for a turn for the worse.
Voldemort is back. No one believes it. In fact, while Harry has been trapped in Little Winging with his horrible aunt and uncle, the wizarding world has been doing their best to discredit him...and Dumbledore.
When Harry is finally whisked back into "his world," he finds a gloomy group known as The Order of the Phoenix fighting a losing battle against propaganda, disappearances, and dark recruitments. Even at school, Harry faces a lot of opposition.
Which is a shame, because Harry could really use the help of his friends. Plagued by bad dreams, a distant mentor, classes (or should I say torture sessions) with Snape and, worst of all, another new Defense Against the Dark Arts Professor, this one worse than any so far, Harry feels all alone. He takes some comfort in his after-school-activities, such as the secret DA club he and his friends have formed, but when it all comes down to it, Harry will need to be the one who once again stands up to the Dark Lord.
This book made me so angry! Don't get me wrong, I loved every second of it, but Umbridge...OOOOH that woman! There was some incredible action, especially near the end, and I cried several times (like when Molly encountered the bogart!). But in the end, I was mostly numb with disbelief. How could anything end so bitter-sweet? (Although, if you think this was bitter-sweet, wait 'til you read the last one!)
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
*****
JK Rowling
Finally, Harry is expecting a quiet year at Hogwarts. Yeah, right. Before he even gets close to going to school, things start to go wrong. Harry loses his temper and does (*gasp*) magic in front of muggles. Sure that he is about to be expelled or possibly even arrested, Harry decides he has nothing to lose and runs away from home. Thankfully the Knight Bus is there to rescue him and take him safely to Diagon Alley where he learns that he is in no trouble at all.
From there, the strangeness persists. Harry is followed everywhere by a mysterious black dog (the Grim?), hunted by a crazy serial killer, attacked by dementors, tutored by a man who grew up with his father, tortured by Snape (okay, that's pretty normal) and engrossed in the mystery of Peter Petigrew and his parents' deaths.
Is it disingenuous to give all of Rowling's books 5 stars? Oh well. I am in love with this series. This is the last light and happy book (if you can call it that) before the series starts to get pretty dark and depressing (but still irresistibly good!) There are parts of this book that will make you scream with the unfairness of it all and there are parts that may have you literally cheering for the trio.
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
JK Rowling
Finally, Harry is expecting a quiet year at Hogwarts. Yeah, right. Before he even gets close to going to school, things start to go wrong. Harry loses his temper and does (*gasp*) magic in front of muggles. Sure that he is about to be expelled or possibly even arrested, Harry decides he has nothing to lose and runs away from home. Thankfully the Knight Bus is there to rescue him and take him safely to Diagon Alley where he learns that he is in no trouble at all.
From there, the strangeness persists. Harry is followed everywhere by a mysterious black dog (the Grim?), hunted by a crazy serial killer, attacked by dementors, tutored by a man who grew up with his father, tortured by Snape (okay, that's pretty normal) and engrossed in the mystery of Peter Petigrew and his parents' deaths.
Is it disingenuous to give all of Rowling's books 5 stars? Oh well. I am in love with this series. This is the last light and happy book (if you can call it that) before the series starts to get pretty dark and depressing (but still irresistibly good!) There are parts of this book that will make you scream with the unfairness of it all and there are parts that may have you literally cheering for the trio.
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
Septimus Heap: Flyte
****
Angie Sage
Now that the long lost brother (and 7th son of a 7th son) has been idenitified and put in his proper place as ExtraOrdinary Wizard Aprentice, things should be going well. After all, DomDaniel was defeated and the Dragon Boat is safe with its Keeper.
But what about the jealous oldest brother, Simon? What sort of trouble is he causing by stealing Princess Jenna away on his horse? And why does Aunt Zelda insist that DomDaniel isn't dead but has just Disappeared? And furthermore, how long is it going to take to rid ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia of her Shadow? (And what's up with all these RaNdOm CaPiTaLiZaTiOnS??)
If you liked the first book, you should definitely grab this one. It starts off with action (the first was a little slow) and doesn't stop until the last page (literally). The characters are all still here, this time with some very interesting twists. I think this one may even be better than its prequel, which is something I rarely say about a series!
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Charlie Bone Series
Angie Sage
Now that the long lost brother (and 7th son of a 7th son) has been idenitified and put in his proper place as ExtraOrdinary Wizard Aprentice, things should be going well. After all, DomDaniel was defeated and the Dragon Boat is safe with its Keeper.
But what about the jealous oldest brother, Simon? What sort of trouble is he causing by stealing Princess Jenna away on his horse? And why does Aunt Zelda insist that DomDaniel isn't dead but has just Disappeared? And furthermore, how long is it going to take to rid ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia of her Shadow? (And what's up with all these RaNdOm CaPiTaLiZaTiOnS??)
If you liked the first book, you should definitely grab this one. It starts off with action (the first was a little slow) and doesn't stop until the last page (literally). The characters are all still here, this time with some very interesting twists. I think this one may even be better than its prequel, which is something I rarely say about a series!
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Charlie Bone Series
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
*****
JK Rowling
Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts starts much like the first; he's happy to be home, but it's not without problems. Harry starts the year in trouble this time when he and Ron arrive in a flying car. It's not long before the trio (Harry, Hermione and Ron) begin to suspect that Draco, the epitome of a Slytherin, is up to no good. When students start to drop like flies and Harry begings hearing voices, they know they have to do something. Since no one will listen to them, the trio decide to take matters into their own hands.
I probably don't even have to tell you that I love the Harry Potter series. Yes, the books are very long, but they go by so quickly you won't even realize that you've read hundreds of pages before you're suddenly at the end. If you like fantasy, or books about students, or a little romance, or adventure, or mystery... these books are for you. Even if you don't, it would be worth a try!
JK Rowling
Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts starts much like the first; he's happy to be home, but it's not without problems. Harry starts the year in trouble this time when he and Ron arrive in a flying car. It's not long before the trio (Harry, Hermione and Ron) begin to suspect that Draco, the epitome of a Slytherin, is up to no good. When students start to drop like flies and Harry begings hearing voices, they know they have to do something. Since no one will listen to them, the trio decide to take matters into their own hands.
I probably don't even have to tell you that I love the Harry Potter series. Yes, the books are very long, but they go by so quickly you won't even realize that you've read hundreds of pages before you're suddenly at the end. If you like fantasy, or books about students, or a little romance, or adventure, or mystery... these books are for you. Even if you don't, it would be worth a try!
Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
*****
JK Rowling
Also called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, this book is the first in the famous Harry Potter series. Rowling opens her tale with a young orphaned boy left on the doorstep of his unremarkable (and often cruel) aunt and uncle. As Harry grows up, he notices that he's a little different from his extended family, and not just because he sleeps in a broom cupboard and wears only hand-me-down clothes.
Then, on his 11th birthday, a giant named Hagrid shows up and changes Harry's entire world. Now studying at a magic school and saving the wizarding race are commonplace for the dark-haired orphan.
I probably don't even have to tell you that I love the Harry Potter series. Yes, the books are very long, but they go by so quickly you won't even realize that you've read hundreds of pages before you're suddenly at the end. If you like fantasy, or books about students, or a little romance, or adventure, or mystery... these books are for you. Even if you don't, it would be worth a try!
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
JK Rowling
Also called Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone, this book is the first in the famous Harry Potter series. Rowling opens her tale with a young orphaned boy left on the doorstep of his unremarkable (and often cruel) aunt and uncle. As Harry grows up, he notices that he's a little different from his extended family, and not just because he sleeps in a broom cupboard and wears only hand-me-down clothes.
Then, on his 11th birthday, a giant named Hagrid shows up and changes Harry's entire world. Now studying at a magic school and saving the wizarding race are commonplace for the dark-haired orphan.
I probably don't even have to tell you that I love the Harry Potter series. Yes, the books are very long, but they go by so quickly you won't even realize that you've read hundreds of pages before you're suddenly at the end. If you like fantasy, or books about students, or a little romance, or adventure, or mystery... these books are for you. Even if you don't, it would be worth a try!
If you like this, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series
Twilight Series
Charlie Bone Series
Percy Jackson Series
three little words
*****
Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Ashley is a toddler when 'they' take her from her mother. Throughout the next decade of her life, she is shuffled from foster home to foster home. Sometimes the parents are godsends. Sometimes they are so abusive, she can't see her way out. Separated and reunited with Luke, her younger brother, and a mother who just can't seem to get it together, Ashley can only rely on herself.
I debated posting this book at all. But I have some very mature readers and I think you can handle it, if not just yet. I'm definitely rating it R or maybe higher because it's very mature. But as I read all 320-some pages in one day, I thought I better share it with you. It's a memoire (autobiography) of a girl who has lived through it all. You won't be able to put it down and you just may cry!
Ashley Rhodes-Courter
Ashley is a toddler when 'they' take her from her mother. Throughout the next decade of her life, she is shuffled from foster home to foster home. Sometimes the parents are godsends. Sometimes they are so abusive, she can't see her way out. Separated and reunited with Luke, her younger brother, and a mother who just can't seem to get it together, Ashley can only rely on herself.
I debated posting this book at all. But I have some very mature readers and I think you can handle it, if not just yet. I'm definitely rating it R or maybe higher because it's very mature. But as I read all 320-some pages in one day, I thought I better share it with you. It's a memoire (autobiography) of a girl who has lived through it all. You won't be able to put it down and you just may cry!
Fever 1793
*****
Laurie Halse Anderson
Mattie is a 16-year-old in 1793 Philidelphia. Like many teenagers, all she wishes for is a little freedom, the boy of her dreams and a chance to sleep just a little later in the mornings. But all of these simple desires change when the family's maid becomes one of the first to die from Yellow Fever. As the death toll rises, the city begins to shut down. Mattie tries to hold her family together and at times just to survive as the world around her falls into utter chaos.
This is an excellent book! You won't be able to put it down. Laurie Anderson is one of the best writers I know, and this book is no exception! It's a very easy read and would be good for anyone who likes books that are a little sad, but really, really good.
If you like this book, look for:
Out of the Dust
Day of Tears
The Mailbox
Speak
Catalyst
Laurie Halse Anderson
Mattie is a 16-year-old in 1793 Philidelphia. Like many teenagers, all she wishes for is a little freedom, the boy of her dreams and a chance to sleep just a little later in the mornings. But all of these simple desires change when the family's maid becomes one of the first to die from Yellow Fever. As the death toll rises, the city begins to shut down. Mattie tries to hold her family together and at times just to survive as the world around her falls into utter chaos.
This is an excellent book! You won't be able to put it down. Laurie Anderson is one of the best writers I know, and this book is no exception! It's a very easy read and would be good for anyone who likes books that are a little sad, but really, really good.
If you like this book, look for:
Out of the Dust
Day of Tears
The Mailbox
Speak
Catalyst
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