16-year old Martin and his family are enjoying a vacation on a Caribbean island. The foursome joins two other families on what is believed to be an adventurous trek through some of the mountains of the island. However, it goes horribly wrong; they are kidnapped and taken hostage by guerrillas and forced into the heart of the Santa Clara wilderness. They are scared for their lives, and for those of Martin's brother and two other tourists, who supposedly escaped their capture. As they go through their ordeal, they learn a lot about the political backdrop of Santa Clara and why exactly their captors are against those current politics. The two-part book Captives speaks of the politics of terror and the harsh world of Santa Clara that is not seen in its tourism.
To be honest with you, the book just couldn't keep my attention. It's an awesome storyline and plot though, which is why I really wanted to review this book. You don't hear of books too often where vacations are ruined due to the fact that the vacationers were kidnapped and taken hostage by guerrillas. But once I began reading Captives, I found my mind wandering, or when I was paying attention, I realized the author was using a lot of the same adjectives to describe the captors, hostages, and their journey (for instance, the word "jaundiced" appeared at least three times within the book, and I could remember what chapter it last appeared in). The first part of the book was a diary of the father, and the second part was of Martin's account of the kidnapping, but the writing styles of the two were just too similar, so at times, it felt like I was reading the book twice.
Content: I'm a Christian, and I just didn't like the fact that every time Martin and his family were in situations they didn't like, they took the name of God in vain. Also, intimacy is mentioned a well amount in the book, and although the author didn't delve into the subject much, there was an instance where it was mentioned that one of the supporting characters had sex.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 15
Wednesday, August 15, 2007
Shen and the Treasure Fleet by Ray Conlogue
I enjoyed Shen and the Treasure Fleet by Ray Conlogue. For a long time, I have been fascinated by the Zheng He, the 15-century Chinese explorer who is major character of this book. His experience as an explorer was equal to those of some European explorers such as Christopher Columbus and Magellan. Unfortunately, I am not sure how historical accurate the book is. A reader has to read the introduction of the book for it to make sense. The book is little confusing before you get used to it. I did not care for the part of book when the protagonist killed a passenger pigeon carrying an execution order. I thought that was a needless glitch in the plot. However, I enjoyed the exciting plotline and the complex characters. I also liked that the novel took place in a time period that is not very well known. It made it an interesting read.
The book opens in 1403, when there is civil war in China. The Emperor Hui Di's uncle Zhu Di claims he is the rightful heir to the throne. Under Zhu Di's skilled eunuch general Zheng He, his army is besieging the Chinese capital city of Nanjing. The main characters of the book are Shen Fei and his younger sister Chang Fei. Their father, Captain Fei Lee is a personal guardsman of Emperor Hui Di, so the family has to get out of Nanjing before the city is captured. However, Captain Fei Lee has to stay behind because he is a personal guardsman of the Emperor so he has to defend him to the death. Captain Fei Lee hires a mysterious friend, Lan Yi, the owner of the Suzhou Acrobatic Troupe, to smuggle the two children and their mother out of Nanjing. On the road to the Zhenjiang, the group hears that the palace was burned, but Shen believes his father is still alive. As they continue on the way to Zhenjiang, the two children's mother is arrested by a man called Lord Yang Rong, who is the leader of the Brocade army. The Brocade army's goal is to search for "traitors to China" in the army and in society. However, Shen and Chang manage to avoid capture and join Lan Yi's Suzhou Acrobatic Troupe. But the two children are still not safe. The Brocade army is still looking for "traitors" and suspects that the Troupe contains people running from the law. The Army tries to capture the Troupe, but Lan Yi out-smarts them and escapes to the shipyard. There, the troupe is safe because the shipyard is guarded by a marine brigade of Ocean-Spanning guards. At the shipyard, Lan Yi manages to get the Troupe on the famous Treasure Fleet's inaugural voyage. He also manages to secure the position of scribe for Shen. But even on board the Fleet the Troupe is not safe- Lord Yang Rong and some Brocade troops are also allowed to board the fleet as representatives of Emperor Zhu Di. Lord Yang Rong befriends Shen and tells him to help find the overthrown Emperor and Lord Yang will give Shen a letter from his mother. Shen starts to tell Lord Yang classified information he learned from his scribe work. Chang and Lan Yi suspects that Shen is betraying secrets to Lord Yang. Chang and Lan Yi warn Shen not to trust Lord Yang, but Shen doesn't listen to them. Meanwhile, a fight breaks out and a man is killed, pushing the tension on the Fleet to breaking point. Shen, Chang, Lan Yi notice that the Brocade army smuggling weapons onto a secret vessel. What are Lord Yang Rong and the Brocade army up to?
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Urbana, Illinois United States
The book opens in 1403, when there is civil war in China. The Emperor Hui Di's uncle Zhu Di claims he is the rightful heir to the throne. Under Zhu Di's skilled eunuch general Zheng He, his army is besieging the Chinese capital city of Nanjing. The main characters of the book are Shen Fei and his younger sister Chang Fei. Their father, Captain Fei Lee is a personal guardsman of Emperor Hui Di, so the family has to get out of Nanjing before the city is captured. However, Captain Fei Lee has to stay behind because he is a personal guardsman of the Emperor so he has to defend him to the death. Captain Fei Lee hires a mysterious friend, Lan Yi, the owner of the Suzhou Acrobatic Troupe, to smuggle the two children and their mother out of Nanjing. On the road to the Zhenjiang, the group hears that the palace was burned, but Shen believes his father is still alive. As they continue on the way to Zhenjiang, the two children's mother is arrested by a man called Lord Yang Rong, who is the leader of the Brocade army. The Brocade army's goal is to search for "traitors to China" in the army and in society. However, Shen and Chang manage to avoid capture and join Lan Yi's Suzhou Acrobatic Troupe. But the two children are still not safe. The Brocade army is still looking for "traitors" and suspects that the Troupe contains people running from the law. The Army tries to capture the Troupe, but Lan Yi out-smarts them and escapes to the shipyard. There, the troupe is safe because the shipyard is guarded by a marine brigade of Ocean-Spanning guards. At the shipyard, Lan Yi manages to get the Troupe on the famous Treasure Fleet's inaugural voyage. He also manages to secure the position of scribe for Shen. But even on board the Fleet the Troupe is not safe- Lord Yang Rong and some Brocade troops are also allowed to board the fleet as representatives of Emperor Zhu Di. Lord Yang Rong befriends Shen and tells him to help find the overthrown Emperor and Lord Yang will give Shen a letter from his mother. Shen starts to tell Lord Yang classified information he learned from his scribe work. Chang and Lan Yi suspects that Shen is betraying secrets to Lord Yang. Chang and Lan Yi warn Shen not to trust Lord Yang, but Shen doesn't listen to them. Meanwhile, a fight breaks out and a man is killed, pushing the tension on the Fleet to breaking point. Shen, Chang, Lan Yi notice that the Brocade army smuggling weapons onto a secret vessel. What are Lord Yang Rong and the Brocade army up to?
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Urbana, Illinois United States
Sweep by Cate Tiernan
Morgan has always lived in the shadow of her best friend, the gorgeous and popular Bree. When Cal, a handsome and charismatic senior, transfers to their school, he immediately catches Morgan’s eye. But when Bree announces her intention to go after him, Morgan feels that she has no chance and resigns herself to watching from the shadows as usual. But Cal is not your average guy. He practices Wicca, and wastes no time in inviting a group of students to join him in a Wiccan celebration. Morgan is strangely affected by these circles, and Cal starts showing a particular interest in her. Could it be that she is a “blood witch,” descended from one of the seven great witch clans?
BOOK OF SHADOWS is a great beginning to the Sweep series. I’m not a Wiccan, but it was still really interesting to read about their different practices and beliefs. Morgan is a likeable character and is sure to gain readers’ sympathies. It should be kept in mind however, that this is part of series, doesn’t have a definitive ending, and will no doubt leave more than one reader planning a trip to the bookstore to get the next book.Content:2This book deals with a lot of Wiccan celebrations and beliefs, although it is not immediately clear whether the author is in support of it or not.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Little Rock, AR USA
BOOK OF SHADOWS is a great beginning to the Sweep series. I’m not a Wiccan, but it was still really interesting to read about their different practices and beliefs. Morgan is a likeable character and is sure to gain readers’ sympathies. It should be kept in mind however, that this is part of series, doesn’t have a definitive ending, and will no doubt leave more than one reader planning a trip to the bookstore to get the next book.Content:2This book deals with a lot of Wiccan celebrations and beliefs, although it is not immediately clear whether the author is in support of it or not.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Little Rock, AR USA
Vampire Academy by Richelle Mead
Lissa Dragomir and Rose Hathaway are best friends that literally depend on each other for survival. Lissa is a Moroi princess, a mortal vampire with a link to Earth's magic. Rose, a Dhampir, must protect her from the Strigoi, the most dangerous vampires who never die. The two have a rare bond that allows Rose to feel the emotions that Lissa has, and even see through her eyes when it gets strong enough. They were free from St. Vladimir's Academy, in the deep forests of Montana, for two years until they were drug back to it. Rose has to continue with her Dhampir education. Lissa becomes really popular again. Both girls break many hearts inside the Academy. Even though they thought they were safer outside of the Academy, danger is inside and out of it. Together they need to stay safe from the Strigoi or else Lissa will be one forever.
I thought that this book was very interesting to read. The characters both had very deep actions and emotions that kept me at the edge of my seat wondering what they would do next. The fact that Rose could feel how Lissa was feeling made me even more excited. Even though Vampire Academy is slow at some parts the action builds up and makes it better and better throughout the whole story. At the end, it leaves a huge surprise that made me want even more. I can't wait to read more from Richelle Mead.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
I thought that this book was very interesting to read. The characters both had very deep actions and emotions that kept me at the edge of my seat wondering what they would do next. The fact that Rose could feel how Lissa was feeling made me even more excited. Even though Vampire Academy is slow at some parts the action builds up and makes it better and better throughout the whole story. At the end, it leaves a huge surprise that made me want even more. I can't wait to read more from Richelle Mead.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
Seals: Rollling Thunder by Jack Terral
After several weeks of boredom and confinement aboard the USS Dan Daly, Lieutenant William “Wild Bill” Brannigan and his team of SEALS a.k.a. Brannigan’s Brigands finally get a new assignment. There new mission (Rolling Thunder) is to patrol part of Afghanistan close to the Iranian border. After being shipped out to Shelor Fields, an air force base, they familiarize themselves with their new weapons and the DPV’s (Desert Patrol Vehicles). Not soon after arriving they run into and armored caravan of Iranian Special Forces… Who actually turn out to be a terrorist group called Jihad Abadi. Even after that, the plot thickens more when the SEALS discover that the Jihad Abadi are trying to unite the terror groups scattered throughout Afghanistan and Iran to make a massive army, and then begin to make a modern day Persian Empire. Can Brannigan’s Brigands stop the Iranians from uniting the Terrorists?
I thought this was a great book. It was a fast action-packed read. It also offered a very interesting glimpse into what Terrorist Leaders may be thinking. Also, it included a glossary on all of the military abbreviations like DPV and MRE. I think that it did contain strong language, so mature action readers should enjoy this book; however a 12 year old kid should not read it.
Content: This book contained very strong language and some sexual themes.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Denair, California America
I thought this was a great book. It was a fast action-packed read. It also offered a very interesting glimpse into what Terrorist Leaders may be thinking. Also, it included a glossary on all of the military abbreviations like DPV and MRE. I think that it did contain strong language, so mature action readers should enjoy this book; however a 12 year old kid should not read it.
Content: This book contained very strong language and some sexual themes.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 9
Reviewer Age: 14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Denair, California America
Frenemies by Megan Crane
Augusta "Gus" Curtis is turning thirty. She figures in preparation of becoming a grown-up she has the perfect trio: a stable boyfriend, two best friends, and a great job. When she catches her boyfriend kissing her freshmen year college room-mate, everything good in Gus's life begins to dim. Reeling from emotional upheaval, Gus must find a way to stablize her life again and discover what matters most to her. Full of hilarious antics, Frenemies preaches how growing up might be different than anyone can ever imagine.
Gus is a fantastic character, full of real life dreams and issues. Her best friends provide an excellent comical break from the drama. Frenemies is well written and fun with a typical but enjoyable plot. The book may seem to be an easy speed-read yet there are times when chapters seemed to drag endlessly, repeating the obvious. The book was too long, but don't give it up--the ending is worthwhile.
Content: Frenemies is an adult book, sexual situations occur and there is mention of drinking frequently.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Concord, Massachusetts United States
Gus is a fantastic character, full of real life dreams and issues. Her best friends provide an excellent comical break from the drama. Frenemies is well written and fun with a typical but enjoyable plot. The book may seem to be an easy speed-read yet there are times when chapters seemed to drag endlessly, repeating the obvious. The book was too long, but don't give it up--the ending is worthwhile.
Content: Frenemies is an adult book, sexual situations occur and there is mention of drinking frequently.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Concord, Massachusetts United States
The Hollywood Sisters: Backstage by Mary Wilcox
Jessica's sister Eva is THE teenager in Hollywood at the moment. She's turned her small role on the TV show 'Two Sisters' into a starring role. She's got offers for more roles coming her way. But she's also getting some bad press - the kind that only an insider could hand off to the gossip columnist. Who on set is selling Eva out? Jessica is determined to sleuth around and discover the culprit.
'Backstage Pass' was a cute, fun, fluffy read. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes glimpses of a sitcom in the making. My main complaint was that the boyfriend/girlfriend relationship between the main character and one of the actors seemed sudden and unrealistic - a bit laughable. The writing, by no means spectacular, moved the story along at a good pace and gave me characters to cheer for. A good beach read, especially for those interested in acting.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Moscow, ID USA
'Backstage Pass' was a cute, fun, fluffy read. I enjoyed the behind-the-scenes glimpses of a sitcom in the making. My main complaint was that the boyfriend/girlfriend relationship between the main character and one of the actors seemed sudden and unrealistic - a bit laughable. The writing, by no means spectacular, moved the story along at a good pace and gave me characters to cheer for. A good beach read, especially for those interested in acting.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 7
Reviewer Age: 16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Moscow, ID USA
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Lavender-Green Magic by Andre Norton
Holly Wade, her sister Judy, and her brother Crockett are in a bad mood. Their mother is sending them to live with their grandparents while she goes and works in a different town. While Judy and Crockett start to adjust to living in a junkyard and going to school, Holly refuses to enjoy anything. When she and her siblings find a magical pillow and mysterious maze things start changing drastically, but not necessarily in a good way.
It took me a little bit to get into this book, but once I did it was a cute read. Mazes have always interested me so I enjoyed reading what Andre Norton thought up. Another thing I liked was the insights into African-American culture. Some very good lessons I got from this book were how to distinguish good and evil, listen to your heart, and believe in your family.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: , North Carolina USA
It took me a little bit to get into this book, but once I did it was a cute read. Mazes have always interested me so I enjoyed reading what Andre Norton thought up. Another thing I liked was the insights into African-American culture. Some very good lessons I got from this book were how to distinguish good and evil, listen to your heart, and believe in your family.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 15
Reviewer City, State and Country: , North Carolina USA
Love, Cajun Style by Diane Les Becquets
Lucy and her 2 best friends, Evie and Mary Jordan have one of the most eventful summers of their lives. Everything changes when the artist Mr. Savoi and his son Dewie move into their small Louisiana town. All of the girls get a taste of summer love. Lucy begins a relationship with Dewie, yet she also has to make sense of her feelings for her older drama teacher, Mr. Banks, whose daughter she babysits. Then, her mother keeps disappearing for long periods of time, suspiciously at Mr. Savoi's house and Lucy thinks that her mother is having an affair. By the end of the summer, Lucy and her friends learn that love turns up in the most unexpected places.
I thought that this book had some very entertaining scenes. It was a little slow in the beginning, but it definately picked up as the story went on. By the end, I couldn't put the book down. The characters were very interesting and I loved that the story was set in Louisiana. Love, Cajun Style is the perfect summer read and I'm looking forward to seeing what Diana Les Becquets will cook up next!
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Philadelphia, PA USA
I thought that this book had some very entertaining scenes. It was a little slow in the beginning, but it definately picked up as the story went on. By the end, I couldn't put the book down. The characters were very interesting and I loved that the story was set in Louisiana. Love, Cajun Style is the perfect summer read and I'm looking forward to seeing what Diana Les Becquets will cook up next!
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 8
Reviewer Age: 20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Philadelphia, PA USA
The Dream of the Stone by Christina Askounis
The book starts with Sarah’s parents being very suspicious about Sarah’s older brother’s job. Sarah’s parents go to check on Sarah’s brother in California and end up dieing in a plane crash. Sarah then has to go to New York and live with her aunt and uncle. When a dark stone appears in the mail from Sarah’s brother Sam, Sarah and her friend Angel are taken to the planet Oneiros. Unfortunately, Sarah loses the dark stone that can save Sam from the Institute he used to work for. This is where Sarah must become the stone-bearer and Angel king.
I thought the book was very well written. It was a little slow at times but very good over all. The author mixed mystery with a little action in this book to make readers want to keep reading. The book had a surprising amount of tricky vocabulary. There where words like wormholes, quantum, continuum, and antimatter. The author must have put a lot of thought in to writing this book.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hamilton, OH USA
I thought the book was very well written. It was a little slow at times but very good over all. The author mixed mystery with a little action in this book to make readers want to keep reading. The book had a surprising amount of tricky vocabulary. There where words like wormholes, quantum, continuum, and antimatter. The author must have put a lot of thought in to writing this book.
Rating (0 - 10 scale): 6
Reviewer Age: 12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Hamilton, OH USA
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