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Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adventure. Show all posts

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!

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!

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!)

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!

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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!

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

9th Grade Slays

****

Heather Brewer

Vlad's problems didn't end when he "killed" D'Ablo at the end of his 8th grade year. In fact, they may be worse now than they ever have been before. Still considered an abomination by the vampire community, he is now also being hunted by a vampire slayer. Uncle Otis steps in and takes Vlad for training in Siberia. But even that may not be without danger. And what's all this about the prophecy? What does it have to do with Vlad?

This is a very good follow up to the first book in the Vladimir Tod series. Like the first, it was impossible to put this book down once I started it. The action began on page one and didn't let me go 'til the end. Vlad is a great character that you want to root for. The book is an excellent balance of teenage drama and fantasy action.

If you like this book, look for:
8th Grade Bites
Percy Jackson Series
Twilight Series
The Host
Harry Potter Series
Septimus Heap Series

Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader

*****

CS Lewis

Edmund, Lucy and their insufferable cousin Eustace get pulled into Narnia through a painting to help Prince (now King) Caspian on his journey. Aboard the beautiful ship Dawn Treader, the small crew travels to islands and seeks the 7 lords sent away by Caspian's evil uncle Miraz. Along the way, Eustace has to learn some pretty tough lessons and Lucy and Edmund's bravery is put to the test.

This is a fabulous book. It's a quick read, full of adventure and aften side-splittingly funny! The language is a little difficult for low readers, but the characters are great and the story, like the series, is addictive!

If you like this book, look for:
The rest of the Narnia series
Harry Potter

Septimus Heap - Magyk

****
Angie Sage

Early one morning, Silas Heap hurries home to his wife and new child. On the way, he stumbles upon the strangest bundle in the snow: a tiny baby girl. He brings the baby home, and, to his horror, discovers that his own child has died.

Ten years later, the Heaps, all 9 of them, are living a happy but chaotic life. Suddenly, the ExtraOrdinary Wizard Marcia shows up on their doorstep and changes their lives. With her announcement that the orphaned child Jenna is actually the lost princess and that she is being hunted by those that killed her mother, Marcia sends the Heaps into a flurry of activity. Will they be able to save their precious daughter? Who is behind the plot to kill the innocent child? Who is boy 412? And what really happened to Septimus Heap?

This was a cute book. Parts of it were a little cheesy, but I was happily unable to predict the twist at the end. The adventure was gripping and parts had me literally laughing out loud!

If you like this book, look for:
Harry Potter Series
Charlie Bone Series
Terry Pratchet books
Percy Jackson Series

Hatchet

****

Gary Paulsen

Brian is having a hard time. His parents have divorced and his dad has moved to the Canadian wilderness. As he boards the single-passenger plane and heads to his father's house for the summer, he thinks about the recent past. But what he doesn't know is that the future is going to be much, much harder. When the pilot suffers a fatal heart attack, it's all Brian can do to crash the plane into a lake. Though he survives the crash, he is now hundreds of miles from humanity, without any supplies or food and completely unprepared to fend for himself. What's worse, the plane veered so far off course that no one will be able to find him. Will he be able to use his clothing, pocket change and hatchet to keep himself alive? And will he ever be able to see his family again?

This is a great book. Though it's geared toward boys, I enjoyed this book as an adolescent. It has adventure, an easily traceable plot and likeable characters. If you enjoy it, there are plenty of books to follow up with!

If you like this book, look for:
The River
The Cay
Brian's Hunt
Brian's Winter
Brian's Return
Island of the Blue Dolphins
Sign of the Beaver
Lord of the Flies
Touching Spirit Bear
The Island
Winterdance