Title: Canticle
Author: R.A. Salvatore
Pages: 345
Recommend Ages: 13 and Up
Rating: 3 Brads
Salvatore, is back writing in the Forgotten Realms. His attempt at making new characters we can learn to care for like Drizzt though was not as nearly successful. This work is in my opinion is not nearly on par with his Dark Elf series and was really a let down, often feeling like he was trying to hard. His writing feeling like it wasn't planned out well, with a lot of since he had done this, he was able to now type of writing clarifying at a rush why a character was able to do something out of the norm. It the left the book feeling short and lacking. The story plot was pretty good giving this book it's boost from 2 Brads to 3 and saving this book from being a bad read to a reading that was okay. I am hoping in the next book it will flow better, and not feel like Salvatore is reaching and "shooting from the hip".
In Canticle we meet Cadderly, a young priest working in one of the more elite libraries in the Forgotten Realms. Okay the library may have helped boost the Brads just cause I love libraries. With Cadderly we met his girl friend Danica, a Druid and if you have read the later books in the Drizzt series, you be happy to know that fun Dwarf brothers Ivan and Pikel. These two characters again helped saved this books ratings in my opinion. Teaming up of this unlikely team, they set off to stop nasty curse set loose in the library by an evil Cleric/Mage.
As the curse effects nearly everyone in the library and threatens to destroy the great works the library has and is doing, our heroes have to face not only the evil cleric but their inner most desires and fears. Salvatore took some daring moves which I always find fun when done right. Unfortunately Salvatore couldn't leave the world of the Dark Elves alone, and had to incorporate it in this book. Leaving me to wonder if Salvatore can write without that crutch. There many other ways he could have worked it where the Drow were not prominent in the play of things. That being said don't expect to meet the Drow, but you'll meet some of their most guarded secrets that this cleric is able to find out where no other in the realm has ever been able to. One of those things that felt like Salvatore had to go to make his book work. What happens I will let you read and find out for yourself, for any avid Salvatore fan will want to read the book, if for nothing else than for Ivan and Pikel, "oo oi".
If you are interested in reading this book you can find it here: Canticle
Monday, April 18, 2016
Saturday, April 16, 2016
Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace
Title: Star Wars Episode I The Phantom Menace
Author: Terry Brooks
Pages: 324
Recommended Ages: 10 to Adult
Rating: 3 Brads
Terry Books took on a very difficult challenge by agreeing to write this book. As a major motion picture and major motion series, writing the movie into a book is something fans are going to scrutinize with a fine tooth comb. As a avid fan of Star Wars, I am no different. That being said, Brooks didn't do to bad of a job.
The Phantom Menace followed the movie plot about as close as one could hope which was a relief to see. All to often movies and books don't match and that's just sad. Brooks did take the liberty of adding a few things here and there, changing some minor things there and here, and leaving out a small part once in a while. Now I know he didn't just do this on his own and he had the approval of George Lucas to do so, but still as a fan, it was something not expected. I think Brooks could have done a little better with describing his scenes in the books, but I also know this book is geared to a younger age group too. So putting that all together I rate this middle of the road. Younger readers will probably find it more entertaining than older readers just on that alone.
So about the book. If you have no idea what this book is about then I have to ask, what rock you have been living under for the last decade or so. We start off the book with a 9 year old boy doing something that no human before him as ever been recorded doing, racing pods. Think NASCAR only without rules, and 100 times more dangerous. Anakin is racing for his owner. Remember this 9 year old, we'll come back to him in a bit.....Soon we find ourselves in outer space ready to join two Jedi as they are on their way to settle a trade dispute. Upon arrival, as all good books, things don't go right and we go from solving issues to a war on a planted by a droid Army. Making an escape the queen of the people, who is elected, goes to get the galactic assembly to step in and safe her people.
This is where that 9 year old comes back into play. As the ship has to detour to make emergency repairs. Meeting the boy, and using him to race to get the parts needed to fix the ship, things move fast.
What happens from there is up to you and the book to find out. Although I rate this 3 Brads I would recommend any fan of Star Wars to read The Phantom Menace and all the books in the main story line. You can find the book here:
Author: Terry Brooks
Pages: 324
Recommended Ages: 10 to Adult
Rating: 3 Brads
Terry Books took on a very difficult challenge by agreeing to write this book. As a major motion picture and major motion series, writing the movie into a book is something fans are going to scrutinize with a fine tooth comb. As a avid fan of Star Wars, I am no different. That being said, Brooks didn't do to bad of a job.
The Phantom Menace followed the movie plot about as close as one could hope which was a relief to see. All to often movies and books don't match and that's just sad. Brooks did take the liberty of adding a few things here and there, changing some minor things there and here, and leaving out a small part once in a while. Now I know he didn't just do this on his own and he had the approval of George Lucas to do so, but still as a fan, it was something not expected. I think Brooks could have done a little better with describing his scenes in the books, but I also know this book is geared to a younger age group too. So putting that all together I rate this middle of the road. Younger readers will probably find it more entertaining than older readers just on that alone.
So about the book. If you have no idea what this book is about then I have to ask, what rock you have been living under for the last decade or so. We start off the book with a 9 year old boy doing something that no human before him as ever been recorded doing, racing pods. Think NASCAR only without rules, and 100 times more dangerous. Anakin is racing for his owner. Remember this 9 year old, we'll come back to him in a bit.....Soon we find ourselves in outer space ready to join two Jedi as they are on their way to settle a trade dispute. Upon arrival, as all good books, things don't go right and we go from solving issues to a war on a planted by a droid Army. Making an escape the queen of the people, who is elected, goes to get the galactic assembly to step in and safe her people.
This is where that 9 year old comes back into play. As the ship has to detour to make emergency repairs. Meeting the boy, and using him to race to get the parts needed to fix the ship, things move fast.
What happens from there is up to you and the book to find out. Although I rate this 3 Brads I would recommend any fan of Star Wars to read The Phantom Menace and all the books in the main story line. You can find the book here:
Friday, April 8, 2016
The Dragon Reborn
Title: The Dragon Reborn
Author: Robert Jordan
Pages: 674
Recommend Ages: 15 and Up
Rating: 5 Brads
Robert Jordan has once again hit a winner with the 3rd book in his Wheel of Times series. Our friends, Rand, Mat, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve, are starting to accept their fates the wheel is put them on, and they continue to grow. We start to lean the Aes Sadai aren't all what they seem to be, and we learn of the well we'll not do the spoiler thing again.
Robert once more spins a great legacy with his book captivating his readers with twists turns and an eye for the important details. Jordan again dares to take his readers beyond the safety of every day writing, and continues to grow his world. We learn more of our friends, learn to hate more of our enemies and can't help but rooting for the good guys. Again, you may mind that in book two your favorites changed, well book three may have you spinning even more. I will say this. In this series it's best to not pick a favorite right away, cause you may find you have to change those feelings three or four times before you get through.
Again I highly recommend this book to all advanced readers in Junior High to adult, though most 15 year old and up should have be able to understand and comprehend what is going on. If you did not read books one or two, you can pick up three and start, but this would be the last book I would start with. If you haven't read books one or two I highly recommend reading them, but you can survive without.
If you are interested in reading this book you can find it here: The Dragon Reborn
Author: Robert Jordan
Pages: 674
Recommend Ages: 15 and Up
Rating: 5 Brads
Robert Jordan has once again hit a winner with the 3rd book in his Wheel of Times series. Our friends, Rand, Mat, Perrin, Egwene and Nynaeve, are starting to accept their fates the wheel is put them on, and they continue to grow. We start to lean the Aes Sadai aren't all what they seem to be, and we learn of the well we'll not do the spoiler thing again.
Robert once more spins a great legacy with his book captivating his readers with twists turns and an eye for the important details. Jordan again dares to take his readers beyond the safety of every day writing, and continues to grow his world. We learn more of our friends, learn to hate more of our enemies and can't help but rooting for the good guys. Again, you may mind that in book two your favorites changed, well book three may have you spinning even more. I will say this. In this series it's best to not pick a favorite right away, cause you may find you have to change those feelings three or four times before you get through.
Again I highly recommend this book to all advanced readers in Junior High to adult, though most 15 year old and up should have be able to understand and comprehend what is going on. If you did not read books one or two, you can pick up three and start, but this would be the last book I would start with. If you haven't read books one or two I highly recommend reading them, but you can survive without.
If you are interested in reading this book you can find it here: The Dragon Reborn
Thursday, April 7, 2016
The Memoirs Of Sherlock Holmes
Title: The Memoirs Of Sherlock Holmes
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Pages: 250
Recommended Ages: 15 and Up
Rating: 2 Brads
So I jumped into this book thinking oh this should be fun, it's Sherlock Holmes, and maybe I jumped in with too much expectations cause I was really let down. For Sherlock I was expecting something a little more fast paced and mind blowing and what I found was this book dragged like a fishing net on open season.
This is a book of short stories about Holmes and Watson told from the first person aspect of Watson himself. Most of the stories were just a few pages 5 maybe to 10 pages long and left me feeling empty and disappointed. The only decent stories in my opinion were the last two stories that were a bit longer and actually had a feel of Sherlock to them. Unlike most of the books the stories didn't feel rushed and chopped off. The last story was of particular fun cause of the ending and of the way my mind works. (Trying to not give a spoilers here).
The Memoirs Of Sherlock Holmes I suppose is a must have to the dedicated Sherlock fans of the world, but let me tell you this, if you are basing your opinions of Holmes off BBC's Sherlock Holmes, then you may want to avoid this book. If you are a fan of Holmes in all aspects of life then you will probably want to read this as the stories are not the popular ones you'll have read or seen in movies.
If you are interested in reading this book you can find it here: The Memoirs Of Sherlock Holmes
Author: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
Pages: 250
Recommended Ages: 15 and Up
Rating: 2 Brads
So I jumped into this book thinking oh this should be fun, it's Sherlock Holmes, and maybe I jumped in with too much expectations cause I was really let down. For Sherlock I was expecting something a little more fast paced and mind blowing and what I found was this book dragged like a fishing net on open season.
This is a book of short stories about Holmes and Watson told from the first person aspect of Watson himself. Most of the stories were just a few pages 5 maybe to 10 pages long and left me feeling empty and disappointed. The only decent stories in my opinion were the last two stories that were a bit longer and actually had a feel of Sherlock to them. Unlike most of the books the stories didn't feel rushed and chopped off. The last story was of particular fun cause of the ending and of the way my mind works. (Trying to not give a spoilers here).
The Memoirs Of Sherlock Holmes I suppose is a must have to the dedicated Sherlock fans of the world, but let me tell you this, if you are basing your opinions of Holmes off BBC's Sherlock Holmes, then you may want to avoid this book. If you are a fan of Holmes in all aspects of life then you will probably want to read this as the stories are not the popular ones you'll have read or seen in movies.
If you are interested in reading this book you can find it here: The Memoirs Of Sherlock Holmes
Wednesday, April 6, 2016
The Great Hunt
Title: The Great Hunt
Author: Robert Jordon
Pages: 600
Recommended Ages: 15 to Adult
Rating: 5 Brads
Where to begin? Robert Jordan hit another home run with book two to the Wheel of Times series. The Great Hunt, picks up with our friends Rand, Mat, and Perrin, along with Egwene and Nynaeve still trying to get to the White Tower. Running from dark friends and the Dark One himself, our heroes continue on with their trials, tests of friendships and love as they start to realize just how important they all, not just to each other but to the world.
You may find in this book that some of the characters you loved, you'll end up not loving so much, and some of the ones you thought you couldn't stand are amazingly moving up your list of favorites. Robert Jordan keeps you guessing and continues spinning story lines that part from each other only to reemerge to separate once again.
Again Jordan keeps up with his elaborate attention to detail, as he continues to create his own language during the series and the way he describes things. Jordan seems to have the knack of knowing when he's just about hit the max point a reader cares about details before zooming them along, keeping their attention to the story the whole time. It's amazing how a writer can give as much detail as Jordan does and yet doesn't loose his audience to it.
Will our heroes ever make it to the White Tower? Heck by this time I was asking myself, are they ever supposed to make it to the White Tower. As the Wheel Turns, so does Jordan's ability to tell a great story that can only be rivaled by another little known author by the name of J.R. Tolkien. Yes, in the first two books of Jordan's The Wheel Of Times, I put him easily upon the level of Tolkien, and dare say there are few authors who can spin fantasy in their own world and have it come out as well put as Jordan has.
If you would love to start or continue your trek with Jordan's The Wheel Of Times, and yes you can start with book two and not be lost in the series, you can find the book here: The Great Hunt
Author: Robert Jordon
Pages: 600
Recommended Ages: 15 to Adult
Rating: 5 Brads
Where to begin? Robert Jordan hit another home run with book two to the Wheel of Times series. The Great Hunt, picks up with our friends Rand, Mat, and Perrin, along with Egwene and Nynaeve still trying to get to the White Tower. Running from dark friends and the Dark One himself, our heroes continue on with their trials, tests of friendships and love as they start to realize just how important they all, not just to each other but to the world.
You may find in this book that some of the characters you loved, you'll end up not loving so much, and some of the ones you thought you couldn't stand are amazingly moving up your list of favorites. Robert Jordan keeps you guessing and continues spinning story lines that part from each other only to reemerge to separate once again.
Again Jordan keeps up with his elaborate attention to detail, as he continues to create his own language during the series and the way he describes things. Jordan seems to have the knack of knowing when he's just about hit the max point a reader cares about details before zooming them along, keeping their attention to the story the whole time. It's amazing how a writer can give as much detail as Jordan does and yet doesn't loose his audience to it.
Will our heroes ever make it to the White Tower? Heck by this time I was asking myself, are they ever supposed to make it to the White Tower. As the Wheel Turns, so does Jordan's ability to tell a great story that can only be rivaled by another little known author by the name of J.R. Tolkien. Yes, in the first two books of Jordan's The Wheel Of Times, I put him easily upon the level of Tolkien, and dare say there are few authors who can spin fantasy in their own world and have it come out as well put as Jordan has.
If you would love to start or continue your trek with Jordan's The Wheel Of Times, and yes you can start with book two and not be lost in the series, you can find the book here: The Great Hunt
Tuesday, April 5, 2016
The Eye Of The World
Title: The Eye Of The World
Author: Robert Jordan
Pages: 782
Recommended Ages: 15 and Up
Rating: 5 Brads
The Eye Of The World is a wonderful story told by Robert Jordan. The Eye Of The World is the first book in a series of 14 books written by Robert Jordan, and after his death another who using Jordan's notes and with the blessing of Jordan's wife. As we meet a small country village out of the way of the world. The home of Rand, Mat and Perrin, couple of young guys, who seem to find more trouble than their fair share, would have never thought that their lives would ever amount to more than farming and living the simple life. In one night all that changes as the Aes Sadai shows up for their annual festival, with her warder followed by a gleeman and of course the anticipated peddler. In what is for sure to be a night remembered for ever in the small village, evil confronts and Rand, Mat and Perrin have no choice but to flee with the only person who has any chance of saving their lives. Running for their lives, trying to get to the White Tower where a vast of the Aes Sedais live, and teaming up with friends, from their village they trek across the known lands to find out what the Dark One wants with one or all three of the boys. Friendships are put to the test. Loves are tried and tested. New friendships made and broken, and old friends are found to be anything but trust worthy.
Robert Jordan is an exceptionally great writer. His attention to detail not only puts the reader right in the thick of things, but leaves the reader easily able to picture everything from lay of the land to the slightest smiles on a person's face. You will no doubt fall in love with more than one or two of the characters during the books. The distaste you'll come to have for other characters will grow as much as the love for your favorites. Jordan has a way of captivating you from the first words to the book to the very last words, and will have you craving to read the next book as soon as you close the cover.
I recommend this book for people over 15, but, if you have an advanced reader of ages 10 and up, you can rest assured this book will captivate them as well. They may loose interest in the details is the only bad thing. The violence in the book isn't all that bad, and not taken to the extreme and the language is something any parent can say, now there's a clean book. When the worst swear word a person can say is Light, you know that Jordan took care to make sure this was a family book. So if you are looking for a book that will challenge your imagination, send you on a world that rivals Middle Earth with Characters that will grab your heart and rooting from page one, then The Eye Of The World is the book you are looking for.
For this book or any other that I review that you may be interested in you can find them here at: The Eye Of The World
Author: Robert Jordan
Pages: 782
Recommended Ages: 15 and Up
Rating: 5 Brads
The Eye Of The World is a wonderful story told by Robert Jordan. The Eye Of The World is the first book in a series of 14 books written by Robert Jordan, and after his death another who using Jordan's notes and with the blessing of Jordan's wife. As we meet a small country village out of the way of the world. The home of Rand, Mat and Perrin, couple of young guys, who seem to find more trouble than their fair share, would have never thought that their lives would ever amount to more than farming and living the simple life. In one night all that changes as the Aes Sadai shows up for their annual festival, with her warder followed by a gleeman and of course the anticipated peddler. In what is for sure to be a night remembered for ever in the small village, evil confronts and Rand, Mat and Perrin have no choice but to flee with the only person who has any chance of saving their lives. Running for their lives, trying to get to the White Tower where a vast of the Aes Sedais live, and teaming up with friends, from their village they trek across the known lands to find out what the Dark One wants with one or all three of the boys. Friendships are put to the test. Loves are tried and tested. New friendships made and broken, and old friends are found to be anything but trust worthy.
Robert Jordan is an exceptionally great writer. His attention to detail not only puts the reader right in the thick of things, but leaves the reader easily able to picture everything from lay of the land to the slightest smiles on a person's face. You will no doubt fall in love with more than one or two of the characters during the books. The distaste you'll come to have for other characters will grow as much as the love for your favorites. Jordan has a way of captivating you from the first words to the book to the very last words, and will have you craving to read the next book as soon as you close the cover.
I recommend this book for people over 15, but, if you have an advanced reader of ages 10 and up, you can rest assured this book will captivate them as well. They may loose interest in the details is the only bad thing. The violence in the book isn't all that bad, and not taken to the extreme and the language is something any parent can say, now there's a clean book. When the worst swear word a person can say is Light, you know that Jordan took care to make sure this was a family book. So if you are looking for a book that will challenge your imagination, send you on a world that rivals Middle Earth with Characters that will grab your heart and rooting from page one, then The Eye Of The World is the book you are looking for.
For this book or any other that I review that you may be interested in you can find them here at: The Eye Of The World
Monday, April 4, 2016
Ghost Hawk
Title: Ghost Hawk
Author: Susan Cooper
Pages: 325
Recommended Age: 12 and up
Rating: 4 Brads
Ghost Hawk is an interesting tail about an Indian boy killed by some of the first settlers to America and his tale as he tries to find his way to the life beyond death. The trials, love and fears that lead up to his death and beyond are that of which one can relate but would never wish on another. Little Hawk returns from his trials of being coming a man to finding his village gone, and having to reside with another group of his family. Then one day while trying to help a white women he is killed, and claimed to have been attacking her. This wrongful death leads Little Hawk to the world of the ghost and traps him there. Will he ever find peace. Ever find his way to the great hunting grounds beyond, or is he destined to haunt the area for the rest of times. Does he go rogue seeking revenge beyond the grave or will he remain the kind kindred spirit he was when he was alive? Ghost Hawk is a riveting tail of betrayal, love, dedication and devotion.
I strongly recommend Ghost Hawk for any Junior High or High School student for a fun but serious book report. The book will grab the reader and keep them interested until the very last page. You will enjoy your travels with Little Hawk and will love exploring the world from his point of view both alive and dead. Walk in the footsteps of a murdered child and see through the eyes of the beyond. As a parent that home schools his own child, I am looking forward to her report on this book and the ability to talk to her about some of the issues and occurrences that take place throughout the story.
If you are interested in this book you can find it here: Ghost Hawk
Author: Susan Cooper
Pages: 325
Recommended Age: 12 and up
Rating: 4 Brads
Ghost Hawk is an interesting tail about an Indian boy killed by some of the first settlers to America and his tale as he tries to find his way to the life beyond death. The trials, love and fears that lead up to his death and beyond are that of which one can relate but would never wish on another. Little Hawk returns from his trials of being coming a man to finding his village gone, and having to reside with another group of his family. Then one day while trying to help a white women he is killed, and claimed to have been attacking her. This wrongful death leads Little Hawk to the world of the ghost and traps him there. Will he ever find peace. Ever find his way to the great hunting grounds beyond, or is he destined to haunt the area for the rest of times. Does he go rogue seeking revenge beyond the grave or will he remain the kind kindred spirit he was when he was alive? Ghost Hawk is a riveting tail of betrayal, love, dedication and devotion.
I strongly recommend Ghost Hawk for any Junior High or High School student for a fun but serious book report. The book will grab the reader and keep them interested until the very last page. You will enjoy your travels with Little Hawk and will love exploring the world from his point of view both alive and dead. Walk in the footsteps of a murdered child and see through the eyes of the beyond. As a parent that home schools his own child, I am looking forward to her report on this book and the ability to talk to her about some of the issues and occurrences that take place throughout the story.
If you are interested in this book you can find it here: Ghost Hawk
Friday, April 1, 2016
Allegiant
Title: Allegiant
Author: Veronica Roth
Pages: 526
Recommended Ages: 15 to Adult
Rating: 3 Brads
Allegiant, the third and final book in the Divergent series is by far the worst of the three books. We follow Trish and 4 once again, which is good cause you can't but help fall in love with the characters and this book is no different. The problem with this book is that Veronica, the author, tries to hard to make this a trilogy. This book doesn't flow like the other books, and fall well short of the standards she set in the first two books.
Trish, 4, and their friends, and few enemies, have left Chicago, and are no living in a place that is monitoring the happenings with in the city. They find out Divergents aren't supposed to be bad but what the city was should have been striving too. This all makes sense, but then things start happening that don't follow the flow of the story line. I won't ruin them here, in case you are like me and need to read a book cause well it's part of the series. There are some twists and turns and some things that may not be expected, and those are why this is rated at 3 Brads and not 2.
I just personally feel this book could have been written in a much better way. That things could have flowed better and far reaches to make this story work could have been avoided. But hey that is the opinion of just one critic. Some of you may read this book just cause I say it's not great, and that's more power to you.
If you do wish to read this book and finish off the series you can find it here: Allegiant
Author: Veronica Roth
Pages: 526
Recommended Ages: 15 to Adult
Rating: 3 Brads
Allegiant, the third and final book in the Divergent series is by far the worst of the three books. We follow Trish and 4 once again, which is good cause you can't but help fall in love with the characters and this book is no different. The problem with this book is that Veronica, the author, tries to hard to make this a trilogy. This book doesn't flow like the other books, and fall well short of the standards she set in the first two books.
Trish, 4, and their friends, and few enemies, have left Chicago, and are no living in a place that is monitoring the happenings with in the city. They find out Divergents aren't supposed to be bad but what the city was should have been striving too. This all makes sense, but then things start happening that don't follow the flow of the story line. I won't ruin them here, in case you are like me and need to read a book cause well it's part of the series. There are some twists and turns and some things that may not be expected, and those are why this is rated at 3 Brads and not 2.
I just personally feel this book could have been written in a much better way. That things could have flowed better and far reaches to make this story work could have been avoided. But hey that is the opinion of just one critic. Some of you may read this book just cause I say it's not great, and that's more power to you.
If you do wish to read this book and finish off the series you can find it here: Allegiant
Thursday, March 31, 2016
Insurgent
Title: Insurgent
Author: Veronica Roth
Pages: 525
Recommended Ages: 15 to Adult
Ratings: 4 Brads
Insurgent is the second of three books in the Divergent series. Picking up where Divergent ended, we find Trish and 4 up to their necks in trouble. Toppling a whole government and then running for their lives while the government tries to reestablish. Twist and turn, friends become enemies, enemies becoming friends, or at least allies, Trish and 4 never give up.
Insurgent is another story of twists, morals and romance. Refusing to just accept that it's the way it's always been so it's the way it has to be, Trish and 4 take on a whole city who mostly want them dead. Both being divergent, in a city where that title meant every thing that is wrong with the world, keeps them on their feet. Fleeing, running and trying to survive. Can they continue to make a change in their city. Will the changes they have started be for the better or worse. Can they face their fears and over come them as they were taught in Dauntless, or will they finally fold under the pressure and finally give up bringing order back to the city?
Book two, Insurgent, is just as exciting and entertaining as book one, Divergent. This book is another page turner and will have you rooting, laughing and sitting on the edge of your seat not sure what to expect next.
Unfortunately like Divergent, the movie is again a major let down. Again, I say if you have seen the movie, Insurgent, then I beg you not to judge the book by the movie. If you hated the movie, I can't blame you, but I highly recommend giving the book a try. If you liked or even loved the movie, then I recommend reading the book and find yourself caring and falling in love with the characters you could have never thought about seeing the movies.
If you wish to read this book, you can find it here: Insurgent
Author: Veronica Roth
Pages: 525
Recommended Ages: 15 to Adult
Ratings: 4 Brads
Insurgent is the second of three books in the Divergent series. Picking up where Divergent ended, we find Trish and 4 up to their necks in trouble. Toppling a whole government and then running for their lives while the government tries to reestablish. Twist and turn, friends become enemies, enemies becoming friends, or at least allies, Trish and 4 never give up.
Insurgent is another story of twists, morals and romance. Refusing to just accept that it's the way it's always been so it's the way it has to be, Trish and 4 take on a whole city who mostly want them dead. Both being divergent, in a city where that title meant every thing that is wrong with the world, keeps them on their feet. Fleeing, running and trying to survive. Can they continue to make a change in their city. Will the changes they have started be for the better or worse. Can they face their fears and over come them as they were taught in Dauntless, or will they finally fold under the pressure and finally give up bringing order back to the city?
Book two, Insurgent, is just as exciting and entertaining as book one, Divergent. This book is another page turner and will have you rooting, laughing and sitting on the edge of your seat not sure what to expect next.
Unfortunately like Divergent, the movie is again a major let down. Again, I say if you have seen the movie, Insurgent, then I beg you not to judge the book by the movie. If you hated the movie, I can't blame you, but I highly recommend giving the book a try. If you liked or even loved the movie, then I recommend reading the book and find yourself caring and falling in love with the characters you could have never thought about seeing the movies.
If you wish to read this book, you can find it here: Insurgent
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
Divergent
Title: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Pages: 487
Recommended Ages: 15 to Adult
Rating: 4 Brads
Divergent is a fun fast paced story about a secluded town doing what it's always known how to do to survive. Cut off from the rest of the world, or better, is there even a rest of the world, factions are set up and tests are made to place citizens in groups segregating them by skills and talents. Each faction focusing one a particular skill or mind set. Things work well in the city until Trish, a girl coming of age can't pass the skill test. Her mind fitting the talents of several of the factions marking her a Divergent. A word not used lightly and often carries a death sentence when it's found out.
On the day she must pick her path, she leaves her family behind and joins a different faction. There she learns what it truly means to find friends, enemies and love. Oh but this is just the beginning, as Trish takes on this new way of life, her Divergent mind is starting to have effect though she doesn't intend to, she starts to change the way her city has lived for years. What lies ahead for Trish, as she faces death, fear, and guilt? Divergent will have you on the edge of your seat hoping, rooting and praying for what comes next.
Now something I don't do often, if you have read the book, and have not seen the movie, then be warned, the movie in my opinion is major let down from the book. Poorly done and changed for who knows why. If you have seen the movie but not read the book, then I strongly suggest actually reading the book. You'll find it's nothing like the movie and you'll be much happier knowing you read the book and didn't leave this story up to the movie for your over all opinion.
If you wish to read this book, you can find it here: Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Pages: 487
Recommended Ages: 15 to Adult
Rating: 4 Brads
Divergent is a fun fast paced story about a secluded town doing what it's always known how to do to survive. Cut off from the rest of the world, or better, is there even a rest of the world, factions are set up and tests are made to place citizens in groups segregating them by skills and talents. Each faction focusing one a particular skill or mind set. Things work well in the city until Trish, a girl coming of age can't pass the skill test. Her mind fitting the talents of several of the factions marking her a Divergent. A word not used lightly and often carries a death sentence when it's found out.
On the day she must pick her path, she leaves her family behind and joins a different faction. There she learns what it truly means to find friends, enemies and love. Oh but this is just the beginning, as Trish takes on this new way of life, her Divergent mind is starting to have effect though she doesn't intend to, she starts to change the way her city has lived for years. What lies ahead for Trish, as she faces death, fear, and guilt? Divergent will have you on the edge of your seat hoping, rooting and praying for what comes next.
Now something I don't do often, if you have read the book, and have not seen the movie, then be warned, the movie in my opinion is major let down from the book. Poorly done and changed for who knows why. If you have seen the movie but not read the book, then I strongly suggest actually reading the book. You'll find it's nothing like the movie and you'll be much happier knowing you read the book and didn't leave this story up to the movie for your over all opinion.
If you wish to read this book, you can find it here: Divergent
Tuesday, March 29, 2016
The Dead
The Dead
Author: Charlie Higson
Pages: 485
Recommend Ages: 7th to 10th Grade
Rating: I give this 4 Brads across the aboard
The Dead is not just another typical zombie story. In fact if you ask the kids of the books, they aren't zombies at all. What makes this different from the other end of the world books is how the disease killing off the population only effects those over the age 16. So now it's up the surviving kids of the world to live on through the sickness, plague, no body really knows how or why it started. Taking place in England, focusing around London, you learn that if you're over 16 when it started, then you become a sicko. Like I said even the kids say they aren't zombies.
What starts to sound like every kid's dream, no adults, turns out all wrong when the adults are wanting to eat you. Ed and Jack, school buddies at an all boy prep school, are fighting to save their lives. Rugby players, athletes, you'd think them ready to tack what happens, but it's not the same thing when you fighting for your lives, killing your favorite teachers and hoping to find food that has gone bad or blocked by other sickos wanting nothing more than eat you.
Running out of food, energy and the will to fight, the last remaining boys held up in the prep school decide to head to the country side where they hope there are less people and more food to be found. Will they make it. Will they get diverted and find themselves in a place they never expected, or maybe just maybe they'll find themselves as a sicko meal. Is this the end of the world? Save to say it's the end of the world as we know it. Follow Ed, Jack, Dognut (Yes Dognut, cause when there are no parents around you can name yourself), in their adventures of survival, teenage love, and the desire to just plainly not be eaten.
If you are interested in reading about the lives of Ed and his pals, you can find the book with a new cover on Amazon at The Dead.
Author: Charlie Higson
Pages: 485
Recommend Ages: 7th to 10th Grade
Rating: I give this 4 Brads across the aboard
The Dead is not just another typical zombie story. In fact if you ask the kids of the books, they aren't zombies at all. What makes this different from the other end of the world books is how the disease killing off the population only effects those over the age 16. So now it's up the surviving kids of the world to live on through the sickness, plague, no body really knows how or why it started. Taking place in England, focusing around London, you learn that if you're over 16 when it started, then you become a sicko. Like I said even the kids say they aren't zombies.
What starts to sound like every kid's dream, no adults, turns out all wrong when the adults are wanting to eat you. Ed and Jack, school buddies at an all boy prep school, are fighting to save their lives. Rugby players, athletes, you'd think them ready to tack what happens, but it's not the same thing when you fighting for your lives, killing your favorite teachers and hoping to find food that has gone bad or blocked by other sickos wanting nothing more than eat you.
Running out of food, energy and the will to fight, the last remaining boys held up in the prep school decide to head to the country side where they hope there are less people and more food to be found. Will they make it. Will they get diverted and find themselves in a place they never expected, or maybe just maybe they'll find themselves as a sicko meal. Is this the end of the world? Save to say it's the end of the world as we know it. Follow Ed, Jack, Dognut (Yes Dognut, cause when there are no parents around you can name yourself), in their adventures of survival, teenage love, and the desire to just plainly not be eaten.
If you are interested in reading about the lives of Ed and his pals, you can find the book with a new cover on Amazon at The Dead.
Monday, March 28, 2016
The Death Collector
The Death Collector
Author: Justin Richards
Pages: 320
Recommend Ages: Upper 4th Grade to Lower 8th Grade
Rating: For Recommended Ages 4 Brads for all other 3 Brads
The Death Collector is a new take on an older plot. Taking place in and around the 1800s, Eddie, George, Liz and Sir William take off to stop a mad scientist from taking over the world. The unlikely group of people get tossed together when Eddie, a street urchin picks the wrong pocket at the wrong time, starting a spiral that leads to Dinosaurs, machines, and the ever exciting rich mad scientist bent on ruling the world. With a great play on words and a story line that is sure to keep middle age kids on the edge of their seats, The Death Collector is a great lesson in survival, planning and team work. With witty dialog and the not overly done details, the book is sure to keep young readers turning the pages wanting more.
Not necessarily a great book for older children or adults as the writing is pretty simple and because the details of the setting are very vague. Good book to read if you have nothing else around to read.
If you are interested in reading this book you can find it on amazon at: The Death Collector
Author: Justin Richards
Pages: 320
Recommend Ages: Upper 4th Grade to Lower 8th Grade
Rating: For Recommended Ages 4 Brads for all other 3 Brads
The Death Collector is a new take on an older plot. Taking place in and around the 1800s, Eddie, George, Liz and Sir William take off to stop a mad scientist from taking over the world. The unlikely group of people get tossed together when Eddie, a street urchin picks the wrong pocket at the wrong time, starting a spiral that leads to Dinosaurs, machines, and the ever exciting rich mad scientist bent on ruling the world. With a great play on words and a story line that is sure to keep middle age kids on the edge of their seats, The Death Collector is a great lesson in survival, planning and team work. With witty dialog and the not overly done details, the book is sure to keep young readers turning the pages wanting more.
Not necessarily a great book for older children or adults as the writing is pretty simple and because the details of the setting are very vague. Good book to read if you have nothing else around to read.
If you are interested in reading this book you can find it on amazon at: The Death Collector
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