New Moon by Steohanie Meyer

New moon is the sequel to Twilight, and is just as good mabe even better. We watch as Bella and Edward struggle to be with each other, he being a Vampire and all, but then Edward makes a choice that could seperate them forever. Bella is devestated and emty without Edward we watch as several months go by before she starts to live again. And when she does she becomes even more accident prone and starts to get in a lot of trouble with little Jacob Black whos not so little anymore. Bella soon discovers that it will take everything she has to get Edward back to her and it wont be easy.

This is one of my favorite books, I am absolutely obsessed with it and recomend it to everyone. It's beautifully written and when Bella's in pain your in pain. Trust me you won't be able to concentrate on anything else. It also stands on it's own, I read it not knowing it was a sequel and easily kept up.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fountain Valley , Ca Untied States

Cinderella ( as if you didn't already know the story) by Barbara Ensor

Obviously everyone knows the story of Cinderella, but did you know why Cinderella's Fairy godmother asked for lizards or what excuse did her stepmother make when she had to move to the attic? No? thats what I thought. As this classic tale unfolds we get to see all of Cinderella's feelings, thoughts and actions during this timeless fairytale. That makes You love Cinderella even more.

It was cute, I liked the fun little details they put here and there it made it interesting to read. I loved that they put compassionate notes that Cinderella had written to her dead mother. All in all they put a good spin on a classic tale.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fountain Valley, Ca United States

The Mask of Atreus by A.J. Hartley

The story starts with the 761st Tank Battalion patrolling a road just south of World War II Berlin. A powerful German tank column is heading their way. After the battle, the American victors inspect what the tanks had been protecting: a truck with one crate. Andrew Mulligrew, a tank commander, takes a look at the contents. Astounded, he orders his driner to call the MP's. In modern day Atlanta, Deborah Miller is at a museum fundraiser. She is there because she is the curator. After a long night, Deborah begins to drive home. Following a disturbing phone call, she returns to the Druid Hills museum and finds her mentor and museum owner, Richard Dixon dead from several strange wounds. When the mysterious caller asks if they took the body, Deborah hides under Richard's bed and watches him come and then leaves. When she returns to her apartment after being questioned by the police, Deborah senses an intruder after the police don't believe her and Keene voices his concerns about Cerniga, Deborah flees to Greece. There she makes some stunning conclusions about Richard and a dark secret. Soon she fights for her life and tries to piece together a mysterious conspiracy.

I found this book to be exciting and gripping at times. However, some parts can be a little a slow and boring. The good outweighs the bad, though, and this book can be hard to put down once you get into the plot. Mystery and suspence fans will especially enjoy this novel. In my opinion, A.J. Hartley is an excellent novelist.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania The United States of America

Curse of Arastold by Jo Whittemore

Sunil, a magical world full of, elves, mythical beasts and many other mysterious powers is where Ainsly and Megan find themselves trapped. They were brought here by Bornias Niksrevlis an old neighbor of theirs on earth, but who turns out to be the ruler of the kingdom of Arylon, in Sunil. While there, the Staff of Lexiam, the powerful artifact that was used by Bornias, was stolen. Fortunately the staff was recovered, but the magically empowered gems were not. Ainsly, while searching for the staff, contracted the Illness. The Illness, which was originated from the dragon Arastold, is a curse upon those who abuse magic… and have come into contact with dragon blood. It slowly turns a human into a dragon while destroying its host’s soul. Then the dragons fly off to serve their master, Arastold. His companion, Megan, has found a cure for this horrible fate, but can she administer it in time to save her friend

I think this was one of the best fantasy books I have read in a long time. The author made this book extremely suspenseful by throwing in many twists and turns in an ongoing roller coaster. I was, however, disappointed that I couldn’t find the first book in any local library or bookstore. I was so disappointed because I have not read the first one. I do think that it was a very good book and will be enjoyed by fantasy readers everywhere.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Denair, California America

Witch Catcher by Mary Downing Hahn

Jen’s father has inherited an estate from his Great-Uncle Thaddeus and they are moving into the old, castle-like house on the property. Jen is thrilled; she can feel the strange vibes coming from the castle and knows something out of the ordinary is going to happen. When, against her father’s wishes, Jen goes up the tower in the back yard, she finds a beautiful glass globe with a spout on the end and takes it back to her room, knowing instinctively that it is special. Odd things begin to happen. Dad has a girl friend, Moura, who Jen can tell does not love her Dad. Jen’s cat breaks the globe, and Jen meets a girl in the woods who says she was trapped in the globe and was released when it was broken. Together Jen and Kieryn must defeat HER and save her brother and aunties, who are also trapped. Can Jen rescue them? And can she do it in time to prevent her father from marrying Moura?

Witch Catcher tells of the struggle between a girl and a witch, good and bad, young and old. Mary Downing Hahn’s story is both creative and fantastic as it describes the dangers and fears of a young girl and her attempt to save her father from something that he doesn’t want to be saved from. This is a story that will fuel the imagination of the young and the young at heart.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA USA

The Oracle Prophecies Book Two: The Sphere of Secrets by Catherine Fisher

A god was reborn as a young ten year old boy named Alexos. He must travel to the Well of Songs and return three apples which he turned into stars. They must be returned to the Rain Queen, a god. Alexos had stolen the apples from the Rain Queen in one of his past lives. If he can make it across the unforgiving desert and fight the beasts that guard the well he can bring back the water to his kingdom. On his jouney he faces many predicaments. While he is away his kingdom is thrown into a war. His friend Mirany is one of the nine and works the altar of the god. Hermia, whom the god is supposed to speak through is making up the answers to the questions the people come to ask the god. She and the general of the army had formed a conspiracy. If someone was asking for something one of them was interested in they would decline. The rest of the nine have figured this out. When the prince of another country comes to ask the god to let his country mine in the mountains and is declined the rest of the nine tell him about their findings. War is soon waged between the two countries.

I thought that overall the book was very good. The suspense would not allow me to put the book down. Since there are two stories going on, one with Alexos and the other with Mirany, the author would switch between the two whenever an exciting event was about to happen. It about drove me nuts, but it kept me reading. I extremely advise you to read The Oracle Prophecies Book One: The Oracle Betrayed first. If you do pages 1-60 will make a lot more sense. I think the author used pronouns way too much. I would sometimes have no idea which character was being referred to. This was a very exciting book and if you are a fantasy fan you'll like this book.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, Pennsylvania U.S.A.

Rubber Houses by Ellen Yeomans

Written in a series of poems, Rubber Houses by Ellen Yeomans is the story of Kit. Kit is a high school student whose world turns upside down when her little brother, Buddy, dies of cancer. She reads about the stages of loss and relates each one to a part of baseball, a game she shared with Buddy. Kit tries to deny his death and starts rejecting her friends. She, also, watches her parents become despondent, consumed by their grief. Only after she gets a job at a hardware store, does Kit start to live and accept a normal life again.

I thought the book was wonderful, but extremely sad. Ellen Yeomans accurately depicts the grief a teen feels after the loss of a loved one. Before I read the book I didn't think the poetry could tell the story without the reader having to search for a hidden meaning. But the book was really easy to understand and very relatable. I, also, liked that the book ended on a hopeful note, not a depressing one. Overall, I thought it was a great book and good summer reader.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Erlanger, Kentucky United States

The Killer's Tears by Anne-Laure Bondoux

What Mr. and Mrs. Poloverdo thought was just another visitor to their home was what would change Paolo's forever. Angel Allegria was his name, killing his game. While the unsuspecting couple drank wine with the murder, he drew a knife from his belt and ended their lives. His eyes then were put on the boy, demanding him to approach. Paolo stood still and answered many personal questions. The killer and his boy, as Angel called him, then buried the parents. And they resided in the house for a few weeks...until a knock sounded at the door. It was Luis Secunda, a traveler who stole the boy’s heart from Angel. The man taught him to read and write, and after many days, promised to take him and Angel along in his travels. They went to the city of Punta Arenas first. The trio resided in an inn for a week or two. And when they were not there with the innkeeper and his daughter, they were in the city seeing the sights. But, one sight that Angel did not expect to see was his face on a poster…with the word “WANTED!” under his name. And Angel wanted to escape that town before he was discovered and arrested. And separated from the boy. Luis betrayed them when he and the innkeeper’s daughter were planning to leave the city on a boat so they would not face the music from them placing up the poster. When the boy and the killer find them, the knife is drew… Does the murder kill yet another person…or more? Does he get to stay with the boy? And, does Angel get caught? Only The Killer’s Tears can tell.

This reviewer found this book to be surprisingly fulfilling. Twists and turns fill this book like a mountain road. Ms. Bondoux has an excellent way with words, like a crafts-worker with a needle joining fabrics. This book was excellently written, and is a very remarkable work of literature. Some of the grammar is different than what many people know, however, but that can be justified: this book is a translation from French text. Even so, the meaning was not lost. This reviewer enjoyed this book and believes that anyone who reads The Killer’s Tears will fall in love with this story also!

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA United States

Alice in the Know by Phyllis Reynolds Naylor

It's the summer before Alice's junior year and Alice learns a lot more about growing up. First, her dad makes her get a job on her own. Her brother, Lester, thinks that he's finally found the woman he wants to marry. And Alice's friends experiment with drugs and alcohol. Not to mention an embarassing incident about an email involing sex nand her personal life. Alice also has to deal with sickness and death as well with some of her closest friends and family. But Alice really learns to make the best of her summer.

I was really excited to read the newest Alice book since I've been reading them all along. I was a bit disappointed with this newest edition. The story kept my attention and all, but I really felt like something was lacking throughout. I can't wait to see what happens next to Alice though. I would definately recommend reading the Alice series if you haven't read it though.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 19
Reviewer City, State and Country: Philadelphia, PA USA

Going Under by Kathe Koja

Going Under is a novel in which Kathe Koja introduces readers to Hilly and Ivan, sister and brother, but more than that. Before Hilly decided to break away from family, to meet people who were not related to her, and Ivan felt betrayed. To achieve her goal, she joined the literary magazine staff at the local high school. It’s a great activity for her; she has been writing for almost her entire life: essays for her mother, entries to contests, but, most important, her journals. While working on Currents, as the magazine is called, Hilly meets new friends, Kim and Elisha. When Elisha commits suicide, Hilly retreats from the world around her, especially Ivan, and is sent to a psychotherapist. When Ivan tries to get closer to his sister, he is pushed further away, and to cement the separation, he betrays her by establishing his own relationship with the doctor, who is manipulative of both of them, and talking with him about Hilly.

This novel is told in the alternating, very different, voices of Hilly and Ivan. Kathe Koja does a great job of telling the story from the two points of view, and it makes the story much better than it would have been if it were told by only Hilly or only Ivan. Both characters are very well-written and realistic. Going Under is definitely a page-turner; it kept my attention the entire way through, with the brilliant prose that actually sounded more like poetry at times. The ending was great, closing off the story without being too cheerful or unrealistic, which would really have taken away from the overall tone of the story. It doesn’t compare to any other young adult novels; it is, in fact, like nothing I’ve read. Highly original, this story gets into your head and stays there.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, NC USA

Conrad's Fate - A Chrestomanci Book by Diana Wynne Jones

Series Seven is one of eleven parallel universes. That is where Conrad Tesdinic, the main character, lives in the small village of Stallchester. As he turns twelve, his uncle, who is a magician, tell Conrad he has horrible karma. Then he is sent off to become a servant at Stallery, the mansion in the mountains above Stallchester. His uncle tells him that that is where he can settle his fate. There he meets a boy about his age named Christopher. Christopher reveals to Conrad that he is an enchanter from Series Twelve and is looking for a lost friend. Can Conrad succeed in settling his fate, or is he doomed to have bad karma forever? Find out, by reading Conrad’s Fate.

I enjoyed reading this book because it has a little bit of everything. It had just enough humor, suspense, and magic. It has twists and turns that kept me reading long into the night. I also liked how the author intertwined the alternate worlds. But, I think that the author should have made it a little less modern. Televisions and sports cars are, to me, a little too much. However, I think that many fantasy readers will really enjoy this book.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Denair, California America

The Crystal Doors by Rebecca Moesta and Kevin J. Anderson

The Crystal Doors is about two "twin" cousins, Gwen and Vic. The story begins with a visit to a water park in California. Where Gwen is nearly killed. Early the next morning, the cousins find Vic's Dad arranging crystals. The cousins walk in the room and are sucked into another world. This dimension has flying carpets, intelligent talking animals, and is ruled by magic.

The Crystal Doors is a good book for what it is: a fourth/fifth grade adventure book. The storyline doesn't have nearly enough depth to pull off the "young adult" characterization. Many of the twist are obvious and predictable, provided I am an avid young adult reader, lower school students will definitely find the story intriguing. The plot is fun, unique, and magical adventure. What kid wouldn't enjoy that?

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Starkville, Mississippi United States of America

Monster Blood Tattoo by D.M. Cornish

In the beginning of Monster Blood Tattoo, by D. M. Cornish, a foundling boy who has a girl’s name, Rossamünd, is selected to be a lamplighter, a special soldier who lights and dowses lamps in the hours that monsters and thieves are on the prowl, in a town called High Vesting. However, when Rossamünd boards what he believes to be the ship that will take him to High Vesting, he discovers that he has instead mistakenly boarded a ship that deals in the dark trades! Rossamünd eventually escapes the ship by jumping overboard. When he pulls himself to land, he meets two people in a horse-drawn carriage: Europe, a female fulger (a person who has surgery done to his or her body in order to cast bolts of lightning and wields this power to fight monsters), and Licurius, who is a leer (a person with super-enhanced senses). Rossamünd notices that Europe has a series of X’s tattooed on her arm, inked in the blood of each of the monsters she’s killed. Europe and Licurius agree to take Rossamünd to High Vesting. On the way to High Vesting, Rossamünd watches Europe kill a monster that hadn’t even harmed them. This makes Rossamünd feel bad for the monster, which is illegal because monsters and humans are at war. Later on in the journey, when Europe, Rossamünd, and Licurius are ready to rest for the night, they are awakened by a sound in a nearby thicket. Licurius goes to investigate and monsters leap from the bush and kill him. Europe tries to fight them but her body spasms and she cannot summon her bolts of electricity. Rossamünd barely manages to save her by throwing some monster repellant at the creatures. Now that their driver, Licurius, is dead, how will Europe and Rossamünd reach High Vesting? Read Monster Blood Tattoo to find out!

I LOVED Monster Blood Tattoo! The whole time I was reading it, I was wishing I could write a book just like it! The author used really good details and described things well. The book also has an “explicarium,” which includes a helpful glossary of terms and appendices that have maps, drawings, and other useful things that help the reader understand details of the story. I’m sure this book will be a best seller. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy books. I would also recommend it to anyone who has read The Edge Chronicles.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Saugerties, NY

Being A Girl Who Serves by Shannon Kubiak Primicerio

Do you live to serve God? Well, whether you do or not this book tells you how you can serve Him and others with your time and your talents, the importance of praying, and much more. It also points out that it doesn’t matter who you are or where you’re from, God can use you to serve Him and others. Shannon tells interesting real life stories of how God has been working wonders in her life and others’ lives as well. At the end of each chapter there are also review questions that let you look at the way you’re living your life and can help you to make it better. This is the second book in Shannon Kubiak Primicerio’s Being a Girl Series.

I think Being a Girl Who Serves is a well-written book that teaches you life-changing lessons. I think it was neat how the author divided the chapters into different sections, which made the book easier to read. This book is a pretty slow-paced book that takes a while to read but in the end, it’s worth it. I think that Shannon is a great role model for teen girls to look up to. I greatly recommend this book to Christians of all ages, but I think it would also be a good book for non-Christians to read.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Upper Strasburg, PA US

How to Speak Dragonese by Cressida Cowell

How to Speak Dragonese begins as Viking heir of the Hooligan Tribe, Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the protagonist, is in pirating school. He is attending a lesson on boarding an enemy ship, with his friend Fishlegs; his pet dragon, Toothless; and the rest of his classmates. Unfortunately, Hiccup, Fishlegs, and Toothless stray in their homemade boat (the Hopeful Puffin) away from the rest of the class’s boats, and instead of boarding a peaceable fishing boat, they board a Roman boat of war! There, Hiccup and Fishlegs find out that two Romans--a fat consul and a thin prefect--are planning to steal all the dragons from the Viking tribes. Although Fishlegs and Hiccup escape from the Romans’ boat, Toothless remains behind, captured. Will Hiccup and Fishlegs rescue Toothless and stop the Romans from stealing the Vikings’ dragons? Read How to Speak Dragonese to find out!

How to Speak Dragonese is a hilarious book. The author came up with clever solutions for the characters to use whenever they got into sticky situations. The story keeps the reader on the peak of excitement so you keep turning the pages. This is a book you’ll want to read in one sitting! I thought this book was excellent. I would recommend it to those who enjoy Viking stories, as well as those who like humorous fiction.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Saugerties, NY

The Bad Mother's Handbook by Kate Long

The Bad Mother’s Handbook by Kate Long is the story of three generations of women experiencing very different times and how they cope with one another. Charlotte is a struggling seventeen-year-old who finds herself pregnant in the middle of her junior year with the father consciously ignoring the baby’s existence. Meanwhile, Karen, Charlotte’s mother has problems of her own. Aside from finding the perfect man, and becoming a grandmother when she’s only thirty-three, she has just unearthed a huge secret about her past. One that she’s hoping will explain the current funk she can’t seem to shake. Finally, Nan, Karen’s mother, the eccentric and often perceived as crazy old woman has to cope with her past and learn to deal with her future. When you put them all together in one small English home, the hormones rage and out of the mixture comes three beautiful and strong women who learn lessons that will aid them throughout life.

This book was fantastically imaginative in that it was about everyday life. Someone once commented on how families are really just individual people with separate lives living together under one roof and loving each other. If so, this book contains the perfect example of a family. Each person brings something different to the story; Charlotte and the way she accepts her pregnancy, Karen and the way she discovers the importance of the people in her life, and Nan in the advice and wisdom she offers when it truly matters. This book reeks of English countryside, though the backgrounds and setting easily become familiar. Withholding the fact that I’ve never been to an English club, the club in the story brings memories of clubs I have known. The same goes for Charlotte’s school, the family’s home, and even the home of Charlotte’s friend, Daniel. Part of this book contains sexual material and there is one pretty horrible incident of violence, but other than that it’s marvelous. Part coming-of-age tale, part witty comedy, part bitter tragedy, this is an utterly enjoyable book, indeed.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 15

Chainfire by Terry Goodkind

ChainFire continues the story of the New World’s struggle against the troops of Jagang and the Imperial Order. Through the prophecies, it is understood that Lord Rahl must be present for the final battle. But much to everyone’s dismay, Richard Rahl seems to have suffered mentally after Nicci uses Subtractive magic to heal him from an arrow wound to his chest. Richard believes he was married to Kahlan, the Mother Confessor, and in reality he was. But the Sisters of the Dark have made everyone forget Kahlan using ChainFire, a dangerous magical power that eventually may lead to the destruction of the World. Only Richard understands the true danger of what is happening and that the final battle is fighting this unpredictable threat. Richard must convince his friends and family in time to save not only Kahlan but also all that they have fought for until now.

Overall, ChainFire is a pretty compelling and dramatic novel. Terry Goodkind does explain everything in great detail, which is great for someone who may have started this series in the middle, but for a reader who has been following the novels, it really slows down the action and thrill of the events. There are a couple of subplots that I would have enjoyed reading more about, but this novel seemed dedicated to following Richard Rahl in finding Kahlan. And although the ending is disappointing after reading such a long book, it really creates excitement and anticipation for his next novel.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Kansas City, Missouri United States

Sleeper Code by Tom Sniegoski

Government conspiracies, assassins, action, adventure, and narcolepsy. What's not to love? From the mind of novelist Tom Sniegoski comes The Sleeper Conspiracy, a two-book series packed with action. For as long as he can remember, a young boy named Tom has struggled narcolepsy, a sleeping disorder that causes him to fall asleep for days at a time. Fearful that he will have an attack in public, his parents have homeschooled him for years. Now in his late teens, his calm but sheltered life is shattered when he discovers that everything he believes is a lie. He isn't narcoleptic - he is an assassin created by an anti-government group. Now his life and the lives of everyone he knows are in danger. The Sleeper Conspiracy by Tom Sniegoski is a page-turner. These books have the makings of a high-velocity action movie. It will definitely appeal to readers of Tom Clancy novels and the Alex Rider series by Anthony Horowitz, as well as fans of Alias and 24. Who are the good guys? Who are the bad guys? What will happen to Tom? Start the story with Sleeper Code, finish it with Sleeper Agenda - and keep looking over your shoulder as you read.

LBD Friends Forever ! by Grace Dent

****** The LBD has always been there for each other, but right now the girls from the LBD are braving the world alone. Can Ronnie take her summer from a bore to a major party with the help of the LBD? ****** The LBD has always been Ronnie, Fleur, and Claude; however, when Fleur and Claude get in a stupid fight it seems like the LBD will just be Ronnie. When summer rolls around, Ronnie has nothing to look forward to, because of Fleur and Claude’s fight, her mom is constantly at her throat, she has no boyfriend, and possibly a job at “Wacky Warehouse”. What could there be to look forward to? Suddenly, a tragedy strikes Ronnie’s family. Claude and Fleur put aside their fight and come to Ronnie’s side. Yet, it still seems like their summer’s going to be a wreck, but Fleur comes up with other ideas. With some quick thinking, the LBD figures out how to get a job in a dreamy location. When they get to their destination though, they suddenly find their job isn’t as dreamy as they had hoped. With an awful boss, a haunted hotel room, some nerve-racking customers, and barely anytime for social or romantic fun the girls’ job is really starting to take a toll on them. Just when things can’t look any worse another tragedy strikes. Can the girls master their jobs, have some fun, get their love lives together, and save the LBD? Find out in this novel by Grace Dent.

I really enjoyed this book. It is a fun read for the average girl teenager. Grace Dent did a wonderful job of making the reader feel like she was there with the characters. I felt their happiness, anger, and their sadness. This book is definitely on my read again list.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fayetteville, Pennsylvania USA

Flirt by Nicole Clarke

Kiyoko Katsuda is a confident 16 year old living a life everyone dreams of. As a FLIRT intern she's constantly brushing elbows with celebrities and going to clubs with her friends. Kiyoko loves anime and seems to love trouble just as much. Her love life is just as exciting as her daily adventures which never seem to end.

As I was reading the book i found myself getting restless and fidgety. It failed to hold my attention, but it did have some funny lines. Although I did not like this book, I do think that people who like anime and people who are not particularly fond of reading will like this book.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Fountain Valley, Ca United States

The Floating Island by Elizabeth Haydon

The Floating Island begins the telling of the story of Ven Polypheme, son of a shipbuilder, and member of a race that typically dwells below groud, the Nain. Ven is not the typical Nain, even in his family. He doesn't want to build ships; he wants to sail them all over the world. When is chosen to Inspect the family's latest ship, he is ecstatic. His father's ships are the best, and he never imagines anything could go wrong. Ven never dreams that his ship will be attacked by the notorious Fire Pirates and destroyed...But that is exactly what happens.

This book most certainly kept my attention all the way through, and my mind occupied even after I read it, with speculations of what is to come in the next book about Ven. Elizabeth Haydon created a whole cast of brilliantly created characters. Every last one of them seemed to be well thought out and realistic. Ida and Char are especially interesting. Reading this book made me anxious for the next one in the series, to find out what happens next to Ven and his friends. It was certainly a good book compared to other fantasy books, and reminded me a little of the Septimus Heap books, by Angie Sage. While it is similar to a lot of other fantasy books, it certainly stood out from the rest, with its originality, fast-paced plot, intriguing characters, and great writing. Snippets from Ven's journal in the mainly third-person narrative made for a nice change of pace, and were definitely a good idea, as were the great illustrations by Brett Helquist.The Floating Island is a great book for all ages.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Asheville, North Carolina USA

Black Duck by Janet Taylor Lisle

The story begins when an aspiring journalist heads into unheard of territory. Granted David Peterson is only a freshman in high school, but the perfect story is lurking in an old man named Ruben Hart. This old man’s memory contains tales of the Prohibition period. That is what David is here for. One interview soon turns into many when Ruben speaks of himself in a tiny town where corruption and alcohol consume the lives of the people. Ruben tells of a time when he was a young boy and he and his best friend Jeddy McKenzie are on the beach when they find a dead man in a shallow tidal pool. Judging by the gunshot in his neck and the fancy gold watch that he wears, they suspect that he has something to do with the rumrunners or the Black Duck, the elusive smuggling boat. By the time the local police arrive, the body has disappeared. Soon the search for a mysterious ticket for a massive order of liquor is nowhere to be found. Young Ruben doesn’t know that he will soon be floundering at the center of this whirlpool of three gangs wanting the shipment for their own profit. David find himself immersed in this tale when alcohol and money are the driving forces of existence, and you can’t be sure of whom to trust. What is the right side of the law? And is it wrong if the whole town is profiting from it? Secrets that have held this town this together may very well tear it apart.

A quick read historical fiction book that once started is hard to put down. I found that the transitions between flashbacks and present were surprisingly smooth. Chapters would switch between the present where David was interviewing Ruben, and a flashback when Ruben was telling the story. All of the characters in the tiny town come to life under the artistry of Janet Taylor Lisle. Every person, whether it be young Ruben or Mildred, the police secretary, have personalities that are most memorable. The climax crept up on me because it came sooner than I expected it to. Soon even the reader is guessing about who is on the right side of the law. Charlie Pope is the deputy police officer is a shady character. So if the police are in on the rum running business than who can the innocent trust? Quick moving with many twists and turns, this is a great book to read on a summer day.

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Belton, Missouri USA

John-Browne's Body and Sole by Jonathan Pearce

Although the big fight may not have been John-Browne's fault, all the fighters have to participate in a special martial arts presentation at school. Jack and his pals think of karate chops to cement blocks. The beauty of akido surprises them and the principles of humility, endurance, responsibility and compassion become part of their adoloescent world. Their punishment enables the boys to develop fight-avoiding scripts. As school life becomes more settled, Jack learns that troubles threaten to change the family.

Jonathan Pearce mixes adolescent agnst with martial arts philosophy to create a robust story of family life and friendships. I especially like the encouraging, but not cloying, notes family members leave for each other. Grandpa invites Jack to "build his own person" while remembering family history. Not only has the author created a believable community in his books, he has also developed a community of readers eager to revisit that small town. This book should be filed under fun and substance. Well work reading for all ages!

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 10
Reviewer City, State and Country: Timonium , MD US

Bizenghast by M. Alice LeGrow

Bizenghast, a beautafully craft Graphic novel, follows the unexpected twists and turns in the lives of two friends; Dinah and Vincent. Dinah, the heroine of this book, is an orphan living in Bizanghast with her Aunt. Perhaps on the edge of her sanity, she has fits and is able to see ghosts much to her Aunt's worry. When touring the grounds of the large home with Vincent this story really begins. When Dinah accidently signs a contract in a hidden Masolium she and Vincent must go back every night and the free the souls lost inside. This book, quickly and easily read, follows Dinah and Vincent as they encounter different souls trapped in their nightmarish and hauntingly gothic past.

Although the writing itself in this book is often below par and the sub plot of each lost soul can be somewhat annoying (I was often reminded of many short stories hastily thrown together rather than a central story - something I don't often enjoy), the artwork and ideas more than make up for it. As my first graphic novel I didn't quite know what to expect, however this book seems different from the norm. McGrow creates ideas that are dazzeling and her artwork refelcts this. As a lover of horror and fairytales, the drawings are dark and beautiful, well up to standards and better than many paintings I have come across. Often reminding me a children's book for teenagers, the weak writing can easily be over-looked and just seeing the pictures is like looking into a dream. While I don't reccomend this for anyone looking for a good plot or likely to take any weakenesses too seriously it is defiantly worth reading. If you're a fan of artwork, enjoy beautiful things, or have a taste for the supernatural or the weird I would definatly read this...

Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Bristol, n/a England