Andre De Javon, a handsome, determined young Frenchman, arrives in New Orleans seeking a place to belong. What he discovers is a world far beyond what he could have imagined. Swept into a world of balls, beautiful women and wealthy families, his new home is a far cry from his life in France. With no surviving family, his goal is to make a name for himself, but he is unsure of what he wants to do specifically. Shortly after his arrival, his friend, Charles du Fray, introduces him to Monsieur Charleviox, a very successful plantation owner. Almost immediately, Andre decides that he wants to start his own plantation.
On top of meeting Monsieur Charlevoix, Andre also meets his daughter, Julie Marie, a stunning girl, but much younger than Andre. He thinks nothing more of it, and returns to the city with Charles, where he meets Gabrielle Ste. Claire. She is a gorgeous young woman, but as the reader soon discovers, she is spoilt, full of pride, vain and flirtatious, and will use her beauty to her advantage.
Andre is persuaded to marry Gabby, though he does not love her, he only lusts after her. Her large dowry convinces him that it is the right choice, and so she gets what she wants. However, she is clearly unprepared for many of the things that come with marriage, and Andre finds it very difficult to deal with her and keep her secrets and scandals from their family and friends.
Years pass, with numerous adventures contained in them, and Andre finds that his only sources of happiness are talking to Julie and reaping the rewards of his land.
Andre now finds himself facing an incredibly difficult situation. What will he do?
Arlette Gaffrey has interwoven history and fiction beautifully in this book. I really loved the depth of the characters and how none were completely stereotyped. The language is easy to understand, but does not lack in descriptiveness. I liked that the relationships in the story all faced unique problems and how the story showed that looks can certainly be deceiving. It was refreshing to see that not everyone in the story had a perfectly happy ending, making it more like reality.
I cannot compare the story to anything I have read so far, though parts of the story reminded me of the movies True Women, The Duchess and The Other Boleyn Girl.
As an Australian, I didn't know much about American history, and even less about New Orleans. This book was a wonderful introduction to the society of the Creoles and the situations that they faced in life. I found the book very interesting and was very happy with the ending, though I wanted to know more about the children. I would love to read a sequel that explores them growing up.
Although perhaps accurate to the society and period, there are quite a few sensitive topics. As a result, I would only recommend this book to older readers, at least 15 or 16 years old.
There are multiple sensitive topics in this book including alcoholism, slavery, sexuality, rape, depression, abuse, violence and suicide.
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Brisbane, Queensland Australia
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
The Color of Heaven by Kim Dong Hwa
The Color of Heaven is an intriguing graphic novel about how seventeen-year-old Ehwa begins to understand and experience love and relationships as she says good-bye to her love, the man she plans to marry. She, only having her mother as a role model, waits for her love to come back to her. This book concludes the trilogy and is beautifully written to bring together Ehwa and her true love. The author, Dong Hwa Kim, creates interesting characters that the reader can easily relate to, in such ways as relationships, patience and love.
Even though the authors voice is clear throughout the book, it becomes tedious and redundant at times. The story is lovely altogether, but while reading this book you feel as if you're reading through pages and pages of the Ehwa, the main character, waiting for her love. A wonderful end to the trilogy, though not as good as expected.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Bayside, Wisconsin United States
Monday, April 12, 2010
Hastur Lord, by Marion Zimmer
We've all heard stories of nobles that don't want the crown or royal position that they are destined to inherit. But have we heard one in space? Flip open the pages of "Hastur Lord" and discover, Regis, a noble in that position. When another empire seeks to change the Terran Empire's Class D Closed World status, Regis has to begin to pay more attention to politics. The fate of his country will soon rest in his hands. Hop into your spaceships, readers, and blast into this book!
Unfortunately, the review of this book will be slightly biased. Personally, I
don't enjoy many science-fiction novels. There were times in this novel where I became lost and was left wondering, "which empire were we talking about?" I never quite understood why the ecological systems were involved, and I thought this book had many awkward moments dealing with the gay relationship of Regis and his lover, Danilo. I suppose if I had read the other books about Darkover before reading this one, the story line might have made more sense. This book is appropriate for high school students, and I believe science-fiction fanatics would enjoy it. For others that are not avid science-fiction readers, I would recommend they pass this one by.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Mineola, Texas U.S.A.
Unfortunately, the review of this book will be slightly biased. Personally, I
don't enjoy many science-fiction novels. There were times in this novel where I became lost and was left wondering, "which empire were we talking about?" I never quite understood why the ecological systems were involved, and I thought this book had many awkward moments dealing with the gay relationship of Regis and his lover, Danilo. I suppose if I had read the other books about Darkover before reading this one, the story line might have made more sense. This book is appropriate for high school students, and I believe science-fiction fanatics would enjoy it. For others that are not avid science-fiction readers, I would recommend they pass this one by.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Mineola, Texas U.S.A.
This World We Live In by Susan Beth Pfeffer
In this final installation in the Last Survivor's Trilogy, Miranda and the rest of the Evans family begin to undergo some major changes yet again. When Miranda's father and step-mother arrive on the scene with their baby and a few strangers, the Evans family must learn to survive in a whole new set of circumstances, especially when reality finally seeps in that the world will never be the same again. One of the strangers is Alex Morales and as he and Miranda slowly share their stories, Miranda must make a decision that will change the course of her life forever.
Like the rest of the "moon trilogy", This World We Live In was a nail-biter. What sets this book apart from the rest of the trilogy however, is the emotional honesty we see from all of the characters. There comes a time in this novel where everybody finally realizes that things aren't going to go back to "normal" and that they must make choices that will permanently adjust their way of life. In the previous novels, we witnessed a shocking lunar event; the terrifying story of Alex and his family; and now, as Miranda and Alex's stories are intertwined, we begin to see how the past events have changed them. Miranda is no longer innocent towards her tragic environment and Alex has become extremely reserved and protective because of his devastating past experiences.
Once I started reading This World We Live In, I could barely tear myself away. The special thing about this trilogy is that the setting is so realistic; however, the one thing that I did not buy with this book was the relationship between Miranda and Alex. I'm not quite sure if there was something "between the lines" I couldn't grasp or if the author was just trying to speed things up, but Miranda's romance with Alex didn't seem real. It was rushed. In fact, the last quarter of the novel was very rushed. I wanted to know exactly what happened to the Evans family, but instead Pfeffer left you with a cliffhanger. To me, this one of most unfair moves for author to do to his readers, especially at the end of a series.
Even though I was disappointed with the ending, I'm glad I didn't have to wait very long to read this final chapter in the lives of the Evans and Morales family. I think this is a great series for anybody and should go right up there with Scott Westerfeld's Uglies. I do hope Pfeffer will have more adventures to share with us in the years to come. In the mean time, have your library get this series! They won't regret it.
Recommend to ages 12+. Graphic descriptions of death and some sensuality.
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: , NM USA
Like the rest of the "moon trilogy", This World We Live In was a nail-biter. What sets this book apart from the rest of the trilogy however, is the emotional honesty we see from all of the characters. There comes a time in this novel where everybody finally realizes that things aren't going to go back to "normal" and that they must make choices that will permanently adjust their way of life. In the previous novels, we witnessed a shocking lunar event; the terrifying story of Alex and his family; and now, as Miranda and Alex's stories are intertwined, we begin to see how the past events have changed them. Miranda is no longer innocent towards her tragic environment and Alex has become extremely reserved and protective because of his devastating past experiences.
Once I started reading This World We Live In, I could barely tear myself away. The special thing about this trilogy is that the setting is so realistic; however, the one thing that I did not buy with this book was the relationship between Miranda and Alex. I'm not quite sure if there was something "between the lines" I couldn't grasp or if the author was just trying to speed things up, but Miranda's romance with Alex didn't seem real. It was rushed. In fact, the last quarter of the novel was very rushed. I wanted to know exactly what happened to the Evans family, but instead Pfeffer left you with a cliffhanger. To me, this one of most unfair moves for author to do to his readers, especially at the end of a series.
Even though I was disappointed with the ending, I'm glad I didn't have to wait very long to read this final chapter in the lives of the Evans and Morales family. I think this is a great series for anybody and should go right up there with Scott Westerfeld's Uglies. I do hope Pfeffer will have more adventures to share with us in the years to come. In the mean time, have your library get this series! They won't regret it.
Recommend to ages 12+. Graphic descriptions of death and some sensuality.
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: , NM USA
The Story of Cirrus Flux
The Story of Cirrus Flux is a fast-paced adventure. The book switches between the year 1783 in London and events in the past. In 1756 James Flux, Cirrus’ father is on a ship near the Antarctic Circle and he sees a magical wall of light in the sky, some of which is captured in the small metal globe he wears around his neck. Then, in 1771, he sets off in hopes of seeing the light again, thinking it is the mystical substance known as the “Breath of God.” He leaves his newborn son, Cirrus, and the globe at the foundling hospital, because his wife has died and is never seen again. 1783 finds Cirrus still at the hospital, hoping to be apprenticed. A mesmerist comes to the hospital hoping to take Cirrus, because she thinks he possesses the Breath of God, but the governor persuades her to take Pandora instead. Pandora learns that her mistress, Madame Orrery, as well as another shady character, Mr. Sidereal, are both pursuing the Breath of God, hoping to harness its power. A series of wild adventures, discoveries, and narrow escapes follows, during which Cirrus begins to learn the truth about his father and his past.
The book is fun to read because there’s a lot of action, including many thrilling incidents, which really draw the reader on to the next chapter. The author keeps you guessing about which characters are sinister and which kind. The names of characters in this book are unique and interesting, and sometimes even funny, as in Cirrus’ best friend from the foundling hospital, Bottle Top. Though this book is set in what seems like a historical London, there are some fantasy elements, such as a bird made of fire (which turns out not to be a phoenix) an all-seeing eye and magnetized water.
The main weakness of this book is that the author never reveals the true nature of the “Breath of God” even though all the action in the book relates to it. I think this book would have been more interesting if the ending had been more satisfying, for example, if Cirrus had gone traveling with his father’s friend. Most of the characters’ plot lines seemed unresolved at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fast-paced adventure with a hint of fantasy.
Content: 1
Rating: 7
Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lake City, IA USA
The book is fun to read because there’s a lot of action, including many thrilling incidents, which really draw the reader on to the next chapter. The author keeps you guessing about which characters are sinister and which kind. The names of characters in this book are unique and interesting, and sometimes even funny, as in Cirrus’ best friend from the foundling hospital, Bottle Top. Though this book is set in what seems like a historical London, there are some fantasy elements, such as a bird made of fire (which turns out not to be a phoenix) an all-seeing eye and magnetized water.
The main weakness of this book is that the author never reveals the true nature of the “Breath of God” even though all the action in the book relates to it. I think this book would have been more interesting if the ending had been more satisfying, for example, if Cirrus had gone traveling with his father’s friend. Most of the characters’ plot lines seemed unresolved at the end. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fast-paced adventure with a hint of fantasy.
Content: 1
Rating: 7
Reviewer Age:11
Reviewer City, State and Country: Lake City, IA USA
The Returners by Gemma Malley
Fifteen year old Will Hodges is different from the other kids in his school. His mom committed suicide which he witnessed when he was eight, his old shrink thinks he's paranoid when Will says "freaks" are following him around everywhere he goes, he's a witness to a murder and he has weird nightmares about people getting killed. One day one of the "freaks" tells him he's a Returner and for some reason he doesn't remember things he is apparently supposed to. As Will struggles to decide whether the Returners are real, Britain is starting to feel that the immigrants that come into the country are making the country a worse place. Will's destiny is realized as Will becomes more absorbed into who the Returners are.
The beginning of the book was a little different. It takes place in 2016 in Britain. If you don't understand some British talk it could be a little bit confusing. Also during the first few chapters you realize how loner-ish and depressing sounding the kid is. But after the Returners are introduced the plot gets better. Another thing that’s mildly annoying is the characters of Patrick and Will's dad who are in the party who don't like the immigrants that are in Britain. The ending of the book was pretty good because Will realizes things about his destiny and past lives that are interesting. All and all the book was good it wasn't an epic page turner but it was worth reading.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Loves Park, Illinois United States
The beginning of the book was a little different. It takes place in 2016 in Britain. If you don't understand some British talk it could be a little bit confusing. Also during the first few chapters you realize how loner-ish and depressing sounding the kid is. But after the Returners are introduced the plot gets better. Another thing that’s mildly annoying is the characters of Patrick and Will's dad who are in the party who don't like the immigrants that are in Britain. The ending of the book was pretty good because Will realizes things about his destiny and past lives that are interesting. All and all the book was good it wasn't an epic page turner but it was worth reading.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Loves Park, Illinois United States
Only One Wish by Mia Ikumi
There is an angel who will grant any one wish for you, but there is a catch. She tends to be mischievous and will warp your wish. Several young girls fall prey to her scheme. All they need to do is text the dark angel and make their wishes. The angel has granted girl's love wishes, revived the dead, and brought revenge. With each wish, however, the angel warps the wisher's dream. Be careful what you wish for...
This manga by Mia Ikumi is a fun read. I would say that it does not rank near the top of others that I have read, but it was still decent. The drawings are very complimentary to the story, and the plot is intriguing. I like how the characters are different for each chapter, but the angel and her personality remain the same. This book is appropriate for any age; there are no references to derogatory themes. I recommend this book to one who likes manga or a person looking for a quick read.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
This manga by Mia Ikumi is a fun read. I would say that it does not rank near the top of others that I have read, but it was still decent. The drawings are very complimentary to the story, and the plot is intriguing. I like how the characters are different for each chapter, but the angel and her personality remain the same. This book is appropriate for any age; there are no references to derogatory themes. I recommend this book to one who likes manga or a person looking for a quick read.
Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America
Behind the Columns by Arlette Gafrey
This story is about a southern belle named Desiree Bordeaux, a beautiful Creole living in the year 1846. She is wooed by the evil Philippe Jaunet, a cruel and mean man who only wants her grandfather's plantation, Chene Vue. When she meets the handsome American, Lance Van Buren -who falls deeply in love with Desiree- her life, definitely takes a twist. When her grandfather dies, someone needs to take over Chene Vue, and whoever takes the farm, takes charge of Desiree, too. In this incredible love story, and exciting page turner, Desiree makes decisions that will change her life forever.
This is a strong and very descriptive book. It has a very well thought-out plot and is very easy to understand and visualize every scene. This is definitely a book like no other I have ever read before. I think it had a certain style to the writing that made you feel really connected with Desiree and her feelings, and you got her point of view. Although this is a book for an older audience, I would definitely recommend it to those of you, who love the old time romance, and challenges of the 1800s lifestyle.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Mineola, Texas United States
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Monster Fliers by Elizabeth MacLeod
"Monster Fliers" by Elizabeth MacLeod is an incredibly informative book. Nineteen amazing creatures from pre-historic times are highlighted. Each has a page or so and a small chunk of text. Name pronunciation, metabolic facts, descriptions, and overall miscellaneous facts are given. There are even questions every so often that are answered. Also included is a picture of each creature in its habitat performing some sort of action.
The pictures illustrated by John Bindon are marvelous. There is a pristine quality about them that makes them appear quite real. Besides the lively illustrations, the facts are presented in such a way as to not appear intimidating to young readers--small sections of information are given, instead of massive chunks of wording. As a non-fiction book, this will excite readers and, contrary to the title, even girls will enjoy this book. Additionally, this book is not overtly pro-evolution.
Some pictures show creatures eating other creatures
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Troy, NY USA
Friday, April 09, 2010
Vampire Sunrise by Carole Nelson Douglas
Delilah Street is a paranormal investigator living in post-Millennium Revelation Las Vegas. She recently discovered a group of Egyptian vampires living in one of the city's hotels after they tried to kill her and her boyfriend, Ric. Delilah is also being framed by her possible twin sister, Lilith, who doesn't want Delilah around. So, with the help of her wolfhound Quicksilver, Ric, her mirror-walking abilities, and her silver familiar, will Delilah be able to take down these vampire enemies?
Vampire Sunrise was an interesting book but it definitely was not one of my favorites. There wasn't much plot to the story and it was very confusing. The reader is introduced to too many characters and you have to try to remember who is who. I later found out that this book is part of a series which could explain some of the confusion. The author, Carole Nelson Douglas, did a good job of keeping us in tune with some of the characters thoughts and feeling. She also kept the story going and didn't over-explain unimportant details.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Brownsburg, Indiana United States of America
Vampire Sunrise was an interesting book but it definitely was not one of my favorites. There wasn't much plot to the story and it was very confusing. The reader is introduced to too many characters and you have to try to remember who is who. I later found out that this book is part of a series which could explain some of the confusion. The author, Carole Nelson Douglas, did a good job of keeping us in tune with some of the characters thoughts and feeling. She also kept the story going and didn't over-explain unimportant details.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Brownsburg, Indiana United States of America
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