Jack: Secret Histories by F. Paul Wilson

When 14 year old Jack and his friends, Weezy and Eddy, venture out into the forbidden pine barrens of New Jersey, they find a mysterious sight. Weezy leads her brother Eddy, and Jack to a long mound of crusted sand. Soon rain comes, and the threesome find shelter under a nearby tree, and erosion takes its toll on the eerie mound. After the storm, Weezy comes along a black artifact that can't be opened. Jack looks for one for himself, but doesn't necessarily come up empty handed; he finds the head of a deceased body relaxing in the palm of his hand. They run home as fast as they can, contact the police, but don't realize the mysterious friends, deaths, or suspects, right around the corner, waiting for them in Jack: Secret Histories, by F. Paul Wilson. Jack is confused by the Lodge, a building that contains many secrets. Is the Lodge linked to the corpse? Or what about the so-called old wives' tale, about a misty monster, the Klazen? He also remembered seeing Mrs. Clevenger, the town witch, but what do these links lead to?

I was amazed by the details and descriptions in Jack: Secret Histories, by F. Paul Wilson! It was a mysterious, fiction/legend that was on-the-edge-of-your-seat thrilling! It's one of the best books I've read since joining FlamingNet. I really enjoyed reading about the characters and their different personalities. I recommend this book to anyone who isn't scared of a lot of things! I hope you will experience the same feelings I had when I read this miraculous book.

Reviewer Age:11

Reviewer City, State and Country: Osseo, Wisconsin United States

A Walk Through

This book contains various poems covering a wide scope of
different topics. The author depicts topics such as growing
up, making choices, self-confidence, and how small things
can affect one's day. Many of the subjects of this book's
poems are important for adolescents and young adults.
Carefully chosen words and phrases come together to
illustrate essential messages. It is easy to understand the
point the author wishes to make in each of his sixty poems.
Adolescents and young adults will be able to identify with
many poems and find inspiration in this book.

While I appreciated the messages that A Walk Through
Life attempted to convey, I felt that these messages were
overpowered with the way in which they were presented.
Every poem had precisely the same construction: a rhyme
pattern of AABBCC and so on throughout the poem. This would
not pose a problem if it were not for the rhymes
themselves. Each rhyme was laboriously chosen, resulting in
the fact that the rhythm of each poem was lost in the
effort. It was common in this book for two lines to be of
completely different lengths and simply rhyme at the end.
Despite this, I enjoyed the author's attempt, though the
aforementioned criticism keeps the book from being what it
could be. Hidden within the book are the promises of what
it could be with a bit more effort; there were several
lines that fit perfectly and seemed to light the poems. If
one wishes to seek perspective and better understanding in
their life, I would recommend this book, but not for the
poetry itself.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State
and Country: Melrose, MA United States

Not A Happy Camper by Mindy Schneider

Mindy Schneider is going to camp. In the past, she has gone to the strict and oppressive Camp Cicada. This year is going to be different. Mindy is headed to Camp Kin-A-Hurra where she hopes to find friends, fun, and possibly, her first kiss. While at camp Mindy stays with the picture perfect Dana (who's got looks, sings, and plays guitar), Autumn Evening (who can talk to the dead, and has had many boyfriends in her past life) and many other different girls who will form a bond that can only be made at camp.

In the beginning of the book, I wasn't sure if I would get hooked on it. I kept reading and soon fell in love with the characters and the camp. Since this book is a memoir, it made it all that much better. Knowing that all the things that happened in the book actually happened to the author was amazing. Anyone who has gone to a summer camp before will be able to find a little piece of their own camp in Not a Happy Camper.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Seaside, OR. US.

The Law of Three by Caroline Rennie Pattison

Is it possible to be cursed? Sarah Martin doesn't think so, but apparently Garnet Hopper does. After a misunderstanding, new student Sarah Martin finds herself on the bad list of Garnet Hopper, a notorious delinquent. Garnet, a rumored devil worshiper, curses Sarah. Sarah is determined to find out the truth behind the curse, so she befriends Bryon, Garnet's brother. Not even the rumors about the Hopper family could have prepared her for the mystery that she begins to unravel as she grows closer with Bryon and discovers that his sister may be a murderer.

This engaging tale not only entertains but also informs the reader about the stereotypes about Wicca. Sarah (the character from whose point of view the story is told) talks to the reader in a humorous and casual way. The only reason I gave it an eight was out of personal preference. I expected it to be more of a mystery but was slightly disappointed. However, it provided a good portrayal of both teenage life and the deeper problems that can tear apart families. I thoroughly enjoyed it, right down to the surprising ending.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Chambersburg, PA United States

King of Bollywood Shah Rukh Khan

Shah Rukh Khan is a middle class Muslim boy from Delhi, India who has always dreamed of being a star. This is the story of how he is thrown out of his fatherless, friendless world into the enthralling and enticing land of Bollywood. He soon learns that not all that glitters is gold- from failing movies to violent mafia members, Bollywood is not for the weak of heart. The book gives the story of Shah Rukh Khan's life, from his birth to the present. It is a biography about Bollywood's number one star.

The first time that I started to read King of Bollywood, it bored me until around page 30 or so. The narrator's voice is purely factual, nothing more, so the book was a bit monotonous at times. It was gripping in a few spots, but dull the rest of the way. I haven't read many other biographies like this and therefore cannot compare it to others. From a reader's point of view, the main character was really full of himself. From this book, I learned that what we read in the papers and magazines is a smokescreen of what Holly/Bollywood really is. This book is perfect for Hindi movie fans and Bollywood fans. I would only recommend this book to people who are interested in filmmaking and the history of it.

Mild depictions of adult situations, violence, and explicit threats by the mafia.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Coleyville, Texas USA

Two Moon Princess

This book is the story of a princess named Andrea who does not want to be a lady. Andrea mistakenly discovers a way to travel into our modern world. She loves life in California, but she accidentally returns to her world with a friend from California. The outsider is a threat to her secret world. Before Andrea can return her friend to our world, a war breaks out in her world. She must attempt to stop the war and save her friend. This story blends the modern world with a fairy tale. Its sole purpose is to entertain.

The ideas behind this book were unique. It mixes two opposite worlds in one story focusing on a princess's desire to fit in and find happiness. At times, the story got a bit too sappy for me. At the end, there is lots of confusion over who loves whom. It gets a little absurd. However, I am not into romantic novels of any type, so I am not the best judge. All in all, I liked the book and its unique setting.

Rating: 7

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Royersford, PA

Magic in the Mirrorstone

From Mirrorstone Publishers comes an anthology for young adult readers entitled Magic In the Mirrorstone. A collection of authors including Holly Black, Cassandra Clare, and Gregory Frost shape this entrancing new book of modern fairy-tales. From unicorns and water-spirits, to enchanted frogs and goblins, this book will keep readers on the edge of their seats. In all it's magic, slight hilarity, and pure ingenuity, this blend of authors creates a fresh, new look at the old-fashioned bedtime story. With editing by Steve Berman, Magic in the Mirrorstone is a surefire hit!
I highly enjoy modern fairy-tales, and this book is one of the reasons why. My favorite story, 'Princess Bufo Marinus, also known as Amy' puts a spin on the tale of the frog prince, as do many of the stories. I found it a refreshing read, and would reccomend it to any and all teen readers.
Some of the stories in this book, especially 'Virgin' by Holly Black, are for mature readers.

Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Boothwyn, PA USA
Rating: 10
Content Rating: 3

The Finnish Line by Linda Gerber

Maureen Clark, otherwise known as Mo, stepped foot in
Finland with two thoughts in mind: making a name for
herself instead of living in her family's shadow, and
jumping in the world-famous Lahti Ski Games. Between
studying for her classes and her ski practices, Mo realizes
that she isn't going to have as much free time to explore
Finland as she thought. After jumping during practice and
landing short of all of the others' distances, Maureen
decides that she needs extra practice. So therefore, when
her hot tough-guy teammate asks if she wants his help in
return for some recognition by the press, Maureen can't
decline his help. While at the ski trip to Kemi, Mo and
Leevi really hit it off, but how can she possibly date him
when he's her competitive teammate and an untrustworthy
Gypsy? What if she isn't ready in time for the televised
Lahti Ski Games and she can't live up to her family's
famous name? And if she doesn't, will she have to continue
living her life forevermore being called Mr. Clark's
daughter?

I really enjoyed how The Finnish Line was full
of adventure and had just the right amount of romance.
This is a fantastic, action-packed novel with very
interesting scenes and characters. My favorite character
is Leevi because he had the best personality and he was
very unique from the rest of the people in this book. There
were a lot of surprises that kept me guessing until the
very end. I think that this would be a terrific story to
make a sequel to since there were still quite a few
questions about their futures left unanswered when the
story came to an end. This is just one of the many
fabulous novels in the S.A.S.S. Series written by various
authors. Each one is a young adult romance and I hope to
be able to collect them all.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country:
Upper Strasburg, PA United States

Yozakura Quartet

Hime, the mayor of Sakurashin, is a superheroine. Kotocha can conjure up anything with the right word(s). Ao is able to read minds. They fight evil in the town to make it a better place. However, this is not done without Akina. He is just a regular guy that lives with the three supergirls. Together, they face a dangerous shooter, a demon dog, and other threats as well. Read Yozakura Quartet to find out how each individual helps keep the town safe.

I loved this book! To start off, it is a Japanese manga. However, it is translated into English. I loved how it was authentic to the way a traditional manga would be written; it is read from right to left. Also, the pictures are absolutely wonderfully drawn. This particular volume had five different sections, and each section contained a different evil they fought against. I really liked how the different characters were worked into the story. Although I was confused about the characters in the beginning I learned who each one was pretty quickly. The storyline is very unique, and it was a pleasure to read. I recommend this book to anyone seeking humor and action.

There is mild swearing and violence.

Reviewer Age:14

Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America

Keeper by Mal Peet

Paul Faustino was to get an exclusive interview with the top goalie in the world, but instead of a soccer story he got a ghost story. El Gato recants more than just his childhood, he tells about an apparition that trains him to be one of the most wanted players in the game of soccer.


It is a spooky story that has real human emotions and actions. I did find it intriguing, even though at times it was a bit slow, and I wanted to read to the end to see how the mystery would unfold. It was easy to visualize the small logging town that he grew up in and his travels to the bigger cities. I liked the book, not because of the sports angle, but because of the ghost mystery.

Reviewer Age:13

Reviewer City, State and Country: Baldwin, Maryland USA