A new student review of The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel

iamabooklion posted a new student review of The Break-Up Artist by Philip Siegel. See the full review.

I absolutely love this book! It was funny and cute and heart warming. I really love Becca as a character as she is relateable and funny. The writing is really beautiful and I love it. It's original and funny. I really like how it was fast-paced and entertaining.  Becca is a really funny character and I can't help but love her! 

A new student review of Dark Destiny by M.J. Putney

dancechicka posted a new student review of Dark Destiny by M.J. Putney. See the full review.

If I could have one word to describe this book, if would be…..inconsistent.  The first part of the book was, bluntly, abysmal—then, in the second half, it was like somebody flipped a switch.  At the beginning, the sentence structure and dialogue was painfully awkward; the plot jumped from one thing to another, and the characters were horribly annoying.  Then, in the second half, it was like a whole different book--the writing was impeccable, the direction solid, the characterization strong.  I couldn’t put it down!  There was action; there was intrigue; there was desperation and angst, and, most of all, GOOD DIALOGUE!  By the ending, it felt like that author finally got “settled” into the story.  But for a plot as unique as Dark Destiny’s, you really need to capitalize on good writing skills and details that make the reader feel like they’re there—throughout the entire book. Something that I would strongly recommend for those of you interested in reading this book would be to start at the beginning of the series—Dark Destiny is book number three of the Dark Mirror series, and maybe reading the first two will help clear up some confusion. All in all, I think that this series has a lot of potential, but just needs to focus more on the basic concepts of writing and less on an intricate, complicated plot.

“So far, so good.  Tory wondered if the soldiers realized the British and the tiger by the tail.  And she was in no mood to be eaten.”

I would recommend this book for ages eleven and up—the content is mostly clean, except for a little section where the word “strumpet” and its various affiliates are used quite liberally. 

Will Rebecca and the British mages be able to save Lackland—or will they watch in defeat as Napoleon’s Army takes over the city they once loved?  Dark Destiny by M.J. Putney is the only way to find out!

NOTE:  Interested in starting the series?  Dark Mirror is book #1, Dark Passage #2, and the prequel novella (Fallen from Grace) has also been released!  

A new student review of The Eye of Minds by James Dashner

thudson36 posted a new student review of The Eye of Minds by James Dashner. See the full review.

I personally didn’t like this novel. I thought it could get very boring and long at points, and found myself not interested in it. I do like the overall idea of the book and think it’s very different and original. I would only recommend this book to someone that was interested in technology and video games, because it may be uninteresting if not. The book does flow and is action-packed. There are many suspenseful parts that caught my attention, but overall I found myself distracted and indifferent while reading this book.

A new student review of Twisted (Volume 1) by Brittany Hawes

Sweetfable posted a new student review of Twisted (Volume 1) by Brittany Hawes. See the full review.

This book had a lot of elements which I really liked, such as the humor and the main character, Lola. She has a surpirising amount of depth and I really liked how she thought things through before taking big leaps. The plot was really good as well, and the story moved along quite smoothly. As for the not so good parts, I found some of the roles to be sterotypical and there really was not as much action as I hoped there would be. I found I did really like her writing style, although some of it was a bit confusing to read.

I am definitely looking foward to reading the rest of the series and cannot wait to see how this author develops her writing style more.

A new student review of Aesop's Secret by Claudia White

pavannah posted a new student review of Aesop's Secret by Claudia White. See the full review.

Aesops Secret, is a riveting tale for children, that if young enough can capture your attention and excitement.  However, for an older audience, this book lacks substance, it fails to provide a book to get lost in.  I really wanted to like this book, but found myself constantly looking for an excuse to avoid it.  I read it, only by force; which proved arduous, and cumbersome.  The book lacks sufficient details, and the storyline proved weak, in the realization that the authors moves for the characters could be easily guessed from an early point in the story.  This story may prove a valuable read for children looking for a beginners book, but as for me, I would do well to steer clear of any future books of this nature.

 

A new student review of Egg & Spoon

dancechicka posted a new student review of Egg & Spoon . See the full review.

While the plot may seem slightly implausible, I really enjoyed this book.  The design was beautifully worded and very descriptive—the text just tended to flow.  I found the characterization to be very strong and relatable (but still able to invoke sympathy or contempt).  In a many books these days, the protagonist tends to be put on a pedestal—perfect, ideal, unreachable.  With Elena, I didn’t get that feeling at all.  Maguire was skilled at revealing her and other character’s flaws—because, as you know, we, as human beings, find it impossible to be perfect.   The symbolism and folklore was also very prominent in this book, which could sometimes be confusing for those of us who are not up to date on our Russian legends—but, in many situations, it also added to the intrigue and the literary flow that I mentioned earlier.  While slightly dry and rigid at some points, the story was mostly kept fast-paced and energetic.  I also enjoyed the humor that was scattered throughout—the dry wit of some character’s definitely kept the story light and airy.  All in all, a good read that I would recommend for anyone looking for something a little different to add to their reading list.

                “I don’t know what the crisis is…..but have you ever noticed that the world can hardly fail to be beautiful even when it is falling apart?”

                I would recommend this book for all ages, as the fairy-tale impression would appeal to younger readers and the action and suspense appeal to the older.

                Will Elena and Cat find a way to be happy in their own destinies that their circumstances have planned out for them—or will they find a way to make their own fate?  Read Egg and Spoon by Gregory Maguire to find out!

A new student review of This Is Sarah by Ally Malinenko

mashagoodspeed posted a new student review of This Is Sarah by Ally Malinenko. See the full review.

This book was good but not great. This book was not unique and was very predictable. It is a good book to read if you like books that deal with real life events but don't read this expecting something dramatic to happen. This book is very realistic though, as well as very emotional. The trauma that the characters face actually happens to many families. This books spans the time frame of a year and I think that the way the "year after" is depicted is really well done. Overall I think this book is a good read but not a groundbreaking novel. 

A new student review of Winterspell by Claire Legrand

Star360 posted a new student review of Winterspell by Claire Legrand. See the full review.

I really wanted to adore Winterspell. I love The Nutcracker, and Legrand’s previous book, The Cavendish Home for Boys and Girls, was wonderfully creepy. However, I was not able to completely immerse myself in this novel. First off, Winterspell should not be billed as a spinoff of the (Nutcracker) ballet. Besides the Christmastime setting and a few characters’ names, it has a whole life of its own. Also, while I appreciated the time that was put into describing assorted settings or emotions, it caused the book to drag. As for Clara, I understand that Victorian-era girls are not famed for being tough. But since she was put in so many perilous situations, I would have liked to see her be more resilient and clever. Her love interest, Nicholas, was manipulative and often lied to her. The faery queen was not the villain that I expected. To be honest, she seemed like an extremely psychologically imbalanced Princess Elsa of Frozen fame. On a positive note, the magical world of Cane was very thoroughly mapped out. The kingdom’s people were diverse, its cities well-detailed, and its history was explained. The book also included modern social criticism about different hierarchies and lifestyles. Essentially, Winterspell has an interesting skeleton. Readers, likely teen girls, who enjoy their Christmas season with a dash of fantasy will be pleased with the romantic tale.

A new student review of Once Upon a Road Trip by Angela N. Blount

snehayamsani posted a new student review of Once Upon a Road Trip by Angela N. Blount. See the full review.

I loved how Blount used her actual life experiences and journal entries and turned them into a novel. It’s inspiring to know that ideas are everywhere, you just have to know where to look. Every adventure in the book was exciting and very clear to follow. I especially loved the banter between the characters. I was laughing my head off half the time while I was reading.

 

You could also see Angie progress from the beginning to end as she learned more about herself. I admired this personal growth because I felt like Angie was me. I’ve always wanted to take an adventure and reading this novel just spurred me on. I even have a map marked with all the places I want to visit after I graduate!

 

I’d give this novel a 4.5 out of 5. It’s a great book, and I hope you all get a chance to read it.

 

A new student review of Thrones of Bones: Frostborn by Lou Anders

jotaf posted a new student review of Thrones of Bones: Frostborn by Lou Anders. See the full review.

I really liked Thrones and Bones: Frostborn.  It was very thrilling,  adventurous, and funny.  It was also fairly descriptive, like when the author, Lou Anders, described Helltoppr's draug minions as smelly, rotting, undead beings.  One of my favorite parts in the book was where Karn and Thianna faced the dragon, Orm, and they outsmarted him.  This book didn't really feel like it had any bad parts to it, other than a few very minor parts where it confused me a bit.  My favorite character was Karn because he was a boy who always wanted to go adventuring to explore lands near and far.  I would recommend this book to anyone aged eleven through seventeen or to readers who enjoy books with action, suspense, and excitement, yet can also handle a minimal amount of death.

A new student review of The Counterfeit Father by PV Lundqvist

nictaf posted a new student review of The Counterfeit Father by PV Lundqvist. See the full review.

The Counterfeit Father was an extremely good read that was fun and fast-paced.  One great example is when Tony tricked Hawes into letting him visit his cyber friend, Juniper.  Going to visit Juniper was against Tony’s mother’s rules because of Tony’s health. Tony was a very well developed character, but wasn’t very believable in the real world.  One example of this is his owning a pet monkey with an automated cage.  Despite not being believable, I loved this book.  I cannot wait for book two, because this book made me laugh out loud!  I would recommend this book for all ages; everyone will love it.

A new student review of The Cydonian Pyramid by Pete Hautman

MezokaCapturer65 posted a new student review of The Cydonian Pyramid by Pete Hautman. See the full review.

I found this book to be very enjoyable and a pleasant challenge for readers, as there are many characters and concepts that must be followed in order to understand any of the story.  It also helps if one has read the first book of this series, “The Obsidian Blade,” which further explains some of what is mentioned in this book.  The author put a lot of work into creating distinct worlds in the different timelines that each chapter follows, to the point where it can be difficult to understand the order of events or who each character really is.  The tone and narrative voice change perceptively with each character speaking, from Lah Lia to Tucker and to one other character at the end.

I feel that the author was very strong within the areas of grabbing the reader’s attention and making them continue to want to read the book.  Even though there were some pieces that I didn’t understand, they were further explained later and I was still inspired to continue with the book.  This book was exceptionally interesting, with the characters guessing about what was going to happen next, just like the reader.  Each side character, especially Yar Song, entertained me a lot with their wisdom, cruelty, or even just their accent.  It has definitely convinced me to continue with the series.  It may be difficult for younger readers to really understand the events of this book, so I recommend this book to those 14 and up.  

A new student review of Lies in the Dust by Jakob Crane

Star360 posted a new student review of Lies in the Dust by Jakob Crane. See the full review.

Lies in the Dust is a fresh take of the Salem Witch Trials. It was very thought-provoking to read a book that was from the point of view of an accuser years after the trials. Ann Putnam and the other girls did wrong accusing over 200 people of witchcraft, but the true conundrum is why they did it. There are many ideas, some of them scientific, but this book’s hypothesis is on the psychological spectrum. Ann’s struggle is revealed through flashbacks involving herself and her scheming parents. An afterword provides more straightforward information. While Crane’s prose is to the point and easy to understand, it sometimes takes a delightful lyrical quality. Decker only uses pen and ink for his illustrations, but those basic mediums work very well for this graphic novel. The black and white pictures convey both the tedium of Puritan life and the mass hysteria that arose during the trials. Lies in the Dust is also a wonderful resource for teachers whose students can’t read The Crucible just yet! Lies in the Dust is a gripping graphic novel that is accessible and well-crafted.

A new student review of WhipEye by Geoffrey Saign

Lucy posted a new student review of WhipEye by Geoffrey Saign. See the full review.

WhipEye, is an amazing book that I couldn’t stop reading. I finished it in less than a week. I really recommend this book to those who are interested in magical creatures like snakes and parrots. Whipeye is the first in the series, Whipeye Chronicles. I plan on getting the second book very soon.

A new student review of Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer

wallace.madi posted a new student review of Notes to Self by Avery Sawyer. See the full review.

This was a very emotional book to read. Robin's pain was tangible, and the suspense of whether EMily would be okay or not built throughtout the entire book. The way Robin's classmates treated her was relatable for anyone who has felt like an outcast in their own school. This was one of the most powerfully felt books I have ever read. 

A new student review of Anybody Shining by Frances O'Roark Dowell

nictaf posted a new student review of Anybody Shining by Frances O'Roark Dowell. See the full review.

Anybody Shining is not the book that I was expecting.  I was expecting something very funny, happy, and new.  Instead, it is a tale that merges a bunch of letters to Arie Mae‘s cousin with the story itself.  I found this book to be a bit lackluster.  Girls may like this book better than boys. On the other hand, the characters are easy to understand and are believable.  For instance, when Tom must sit out and not play, he writes in his journal instead.  I would recommend this book for ages 9 and up.

A new student review of The Royal Red Secret by M. K. Nelson

baseballal posted a new student review of The Royal Red Secret by M. K. Nelson. See the full review.

I would not recommend this book for people who are into fast-paced action and comedy.  It is good for young readers that do not like scary stories.  I think this would be good for boys and girls ages 7-8.

A new student review of Caught Between Two Curses by Margo Dill

McTower posted a new student review of Caught Between Two Curses by Margo Dill. See the full review.

Five stars for Margo Dill! Caught Between Two Curses was awesome! It had the best vocabulary possible for the recommended age. The book pulled you in the second you started to read it. On top of that, it  had a lot of reality blended with the curses on Julie's family. Could this be the best book in the world? It might just be!

A new student review of Alice-Miranda by Jacqueline Harvey

RockinR4 posted a new student review of Alice-Miranda by Jacqueline Harvey. See the full review.

I thought this book was pretty good! I loved the adventure, characters, and storyline. One thing that could have made book so much more interesting, would be more background info. Because of this, some parts of the story became very difficut to understand from the author's point of view. If there were more background, I would have given it 5 stars instead of the three I did give this book.

A new student review of The Dark World by Cara Lynn Shultz

LaRayne posted a new student review of The Dark World by Cara Lynn Shultz. See the full review.

This is an awesome book that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat the entire time. You fall in love with Logan as Paige does, you cry when she cries and you laugh when she laughs. The ending will have you furiously searching the internet for news of another book. You will find yourself laughing throughout the entire book. Cara Lynn Shultz wrote this book so well you are surprised when you look up and aren't sitting on the roof with Logan and Paige. I would suggest this book to tween and teen girls.

A new student review of Seeing by Joseph Falank

Alyssakb99 posted a new student review of Seeing by Joseph Falank. See the full review.

I liked writing this review. This book taught me a lot of how family can overcome hardships. I would definitely recommend this book to young adult readers; this is a well written story about family and hardships, and how to overcome trials. This book shows people that even when life seems to be against you, real friendships are the ones who get you through anything. 

A new student review of The Fourth Wall by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo

123evae123 posted a new student review of The Fourth Wall by Elizabeth Maria Naranjo. See the full review.

This book, although a fantasy book, did not use fantasy to drive the plot, but rather to keep the plot on track. As Marin is only asleep during certain times of the book, the fantasy aspect could not control the book and was not overwhelming. It did take me a little while to get into the story, and really like the plot, but after the third chapter I could not put this book down. It was a great debut novel for Elizabeth Maria Naranjo.

A new student review of The Blackhope Enigma by Teresa Flavin

alison_S posted a new student review of The Blackhope Enigma by Teresa Flavin. See the full review.

While The Blackhope Enigma focuses primarily on external conflict, for the novel’s first two hundred pages the three main characters struck me as somewhat oversimplified; Flavin establishes each character’s dominating traits early on, and, for the bulk of the novel, her characters conform to these traits with no internal conflict whatsoever. For instance,  though Angus Bellini, the novel’s primary antagonist, exhibits every manifestation of “evil” imaginable (such as greed, pride, violence, and even gluttony) within the first half of the novel, he lacks all but the slightest glimmers of remorse. Similarly, for the book’s initial two-thirds, Dean seems to function more as a plot device than as a nuanced, three-dimensional character. While deciding whether or not to enter The Mariner’s Return to Arcadia, Blaise does wrestle with some ambivalence. Once he arrives, however, this high school freshman faces sea monsters, raging whirlpools, and crumbling ravines with relative bravado. Throughout The Blackhope Enigma, Blaise and Sunni embody all that is brave and virtuous, while Angus personifies malice, greed, and self-centeredness. What dissatisfied me more than these individual traits, however, was each character’s tendency to act﹘ and react﹘ predictably. Thankfully, though The Blackhope Enigma lacks internal conflict, Flavin’s imaginative premise and competent imagery immerse readers in Fausto Corvo’s hideaway of magic and mysticism. Furthermore, Flavin’s dialogue amused me with its humor and charmed me with its sweetness. Though some aspects of The Blackhope Enigma’s fantastical setting felt a tad formulaic, Flavin adorns her novel with fresh, witty details. Because Sunni, Blaise, and Dean spend much of the The Blackhope Enigma wandering through The Mariner’s Return to Arcadia, with only the vague hope of getting home to guide them, this novel’s pacing lacks the purposefulness of more goal-directed works. Then again, who wouldn't treasure every extra moment spent exploring Flavin’s imaginative debut?

A new student review of Magic Tree House #3: Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne

moseso posted a new student review of Magic Tree House #3: Mummies in the Morning by Mary Pope Osborne. See the full review.

 

This book is a definite page-turner. The plot is very easy to understand and simple to become involved in. Because the plot is straightforward and easy to comprehend, the book should be geared for seven to nine year olds. The way the book is written makes it seem as if you’re really in ancient Egypt with Jack and Annie. Mummies in the Morning is the third book in a series, so there is continuation from the other books. Therefore, it is slightly hard to understand the beginning and end of the book if you have not read the first two books. Aside from that, the book is a superior read and highly recommended.          

A new student review of Kissing Atticus Primble by Stephanie Hoina

JesusFreak posted a new student review of Kissing Atticus Primble by Stephanie Hoina. See the full review.

My thoughts on "Kissing Atticus Primble" are a mixture of good and bad.  Although I'm not a big fan of love triangles, I found the characters relatable and likeable.  The cover art, while simple, was interesting and different.

Although there were various spelling errors throughout the book, it was well-written.  The author does an amazing job at putting you in the mind of a high school girl.

Overall, a great book for preteens who love teen romance.

A new student review of Little Fish: A Memoir from a Different Kind of Year by Ramsey Beyer

Gwendolyn posted a new student review of Little Fish: A Memoir from a Different Kind of Year by Ramsey Beyer. See the full review.

This deeply self-reflective autobiography is an interesting scrapbook of lists, notes, cartoons, and diary entries, providing a fun and intimate perspective into the author's life. I couldn't have discovered Little Fish: A Memoirs from a Different Kind of Year at a more relevant time in my life. In short, this graphic novel sheds light on Ramsey's experiences as she heads to college. She is excited for the opportunities, independence, and knowledge that college will bring, but also terrified and daunted by adulthood. Through fluctuating moods, the drastic lack of friends and family, and an overabundance of schoolwork and intimidating professors, I found Ramsey's experiences and self-advice to be wise and comforting. This book showcases experiences that I think we can all relate to at some point in our lives, but something that has become quite real for me just recently. I was shocked at how many thoughts are currently going through my head about my future that this book touches upon. I often find myself baffled at my own generation and unable to connect or relate to things that are familiar to my age group. Although slightly different, I think that Ramsey has somewhat similar feelings in certain instances. In addition, I love the cover of this book because I feel that it perfectly expresses the tone and message of it. Although an angst-ridden story, I was pleasantly surprised with the fact that Ramsey has a rather optimistic perspective. Even when she's not her happiest, the wiser side to Ramsey tries to find the positives in each negative situation. In conclusion, as an avid list maker, writer, daydreamer, and a highly introspective person, I found this book to be quite enjoyable to read.

A new student review of Wheels of Change by Darlene Beck Jacobson

Anjel posted a new student review of Wheels of Change by Darlene Beck Jacobson. See the full review.

This book was great. I loved that Emily received a response and invitation from the president after sending a letter criticizing him. It gives me hope that maybe someday I will meet the President also. I really liked that a girl my age, Emily, was the heroine in the story.  She is very couragous and brave. The book brings up some issues that are difficult, but the only thing I didn't like was the nasty Mrs. Peabody character and how mean people can be to each other. I would recommend this book to 10-12 year olds, historical fiction lovers and fans of The Ninth Ward by Jewell Parker Rhodes.

A new student review of Wildflower by Janine Carbone

VBat posted a new student review of Wildflower by Janine Carbone. See the full review.

You can hardly read the news today without seeing another instance of campus violence, rape, or mental illness. Wildflower combines these relevant issues in a thrilling story that weaves snippets of the past into Faith’s point of view. My favorite part of Wildflower was the book’s accurate depiction of college life. At one point, Faith goes up and down her dorm hallway, knocking on doors, looking for someone to hang out with for the day. The awkward search for friends during college is very real, and Faith’s reaction to the college lifestyle is very relatable. Faith herself is a very likable character— her introspective nature and natural defensiveness resonated with me. The other characters, including Jason, Casey, and Seth, were realistic, but I definitely didn’t feel as though I got to know them very well. I would have loved to see more of their lives outside of the main story. 

 

Wildflower’s plot was interesting and suspenseful, making use of many current issues to move the plot along. I would have liked to see the book evolve into a deeper social commentary, especially considering the prominence of campus violence and mental illness in the news. These hot issues were used to move the plot along, but I did not feel as though I left the book with a deeper understanding of the issues. The book would have benefitted from a deeper look at specific psychological phenomena. 

 

The style of the book occasionally distracted from the story with too many adjectives and redundant descriptions. The style issue did not overwhelm the story, however, and became less noticeable as the book progressed.

 

I would recommend Wildflower to female teens and young adults who enjoy realistic fiction. 

A new student review of Shadowboxer by Tricia Sullivan

awalker10 posted a new student review of Shadowboxer by Tricia Sullivan. See the full review.

This was a better than average book. The action was fairly constant, and kept you on your toes. Conflicting and unexplained characters made it slightly confusing. However, the language and descriptions were highly amusing and created detailed images in the reader's mind. The conflict was introduced fairly late-- there were a great deal of smaller conflicts that took precedence over the course of the plot, but a conflict that united both seperate characters did not appear until over a third of the way in. The flawed and imperfect character of Jade was very likeable and relatable, and you were rooting for her throughout the story. Mya was not nearly enjoyable, as she was more naive and simple, but she was also a well developed character. 

A new student review of Two and Only Kelly Twins by Johanna Hurwitz

cowboys1 posted a new student review of Two and Only Kelly Twins by Johanna Hurwitz. See the full review.

I enjoyed all the adventures the sisters had.  This was a very lighthearted story that dealt with real feelings and I like that.  I hope the Kelly Twins have more adventures in the future.  I like these characters.

A new student review of Growing Up Dead by Chelsea M. Campbell

sschu5 posted a new student review of Growing Up Dead by Chelsea M. Campbell. See the full review.

Growing Up Dead is a great book because it is easy to understand, so many people can read if they would like. But readers under 7 probably wouldn't be able to keep up with the plot. It is also good because it leaves some suspense at the end of the chapters, which keeps you hooked and wanting to read more. The story starts in an interesting way right off of the bat and it captured my curiosity. Also the book starts off slow, then it speeds up when it comes to the interesting part; that is so cool because you get to know the characters and understand them. I think it is pretty much a good book for anyone who would want to read it.

A new student review of The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau

LegoLover posted a new student review of The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. See the full review.

        Jeanne DuPrau brings you back to Ember in this vividly pictured graphic novel.  The graphic novel follows the same storyline as the novel The City of Ember.  However, it is illustrated very interestingly and compels you to read farther, making the book hard to put down.  The art was done by Niklas Asker, and the story was adapted by Dallas McDaugh. But the story stays true to the original story, written by Jeanne DuPrau even if it came out ten years later.  I enjoyed the book very much because of the pictures and how it stayed true to the original.

A new student review of Come August, Come Freedom by Gigi Amateau

S.Ehlers posted a new student review of Come August, Come Freedom by Gigi Amateau. See the full review.

Come August, Come Freedom was a fascinating book. I loved all of the emotions and that the book was very accurate. I especially enjoyed it because right now in Social Studies I am learning about this time period so I could connect to many of the references. All in all, I absolutely loved this book and would recommend it to anybody who likes to read.

 

A new student review of Second Thoughts by Cara Bertrand

McTower posted a new student review of Second Thoughts by Cara Bertrand. See the full review.

Book Two of the Sententia Series is sure to grab your attention just as well as Lost In Thought did. Although Lost In Thought was a very good book, you don't need to read it in order to understand Second Thoughts. This book was very interesting and definitely kept me turning the pages. Cara Bertrand certainly made me feel like I was right in the middle of all the action. The vocabulary used was good for the recommended age, although there was some language throughout the book. Overall, as the reader, I believe that this book was a very, very good read.

A new student review of Keepers of Runes and the Tower of Shadows by Andrew Cratsley

jotaf posted a new student review of Keepers of Runes and the Tower of Shadows by Andrew Cratsley. See the full review.

Keepers of Runes and the Tower of Shadows is the first book in a series.  It was an exciting book that had the action, magic, and thrills that I like, but it was often so confusing that I didn't know who was speaking and had to read the same sentence three times to understand what was happening.  This was a very good book despite that one mistake, though.  One of the good parts of this book was that the characters were very well developed.  For example, Corinth was an elf that needed to open up a little bit, but he still enjoyed the company of his friends.  I also liked the part in the book where they were buying magical items from a trader and one of the characters was able to weasel down the price with her good looks.  I would recommend this book to ages twelve through seventeen.  I'd really love to give this book a five star rating, but the fact that it was so confusing dropped its point level to a four star for me.