Heaven's Superhero takes place on the third of seven parallel worlds created at the beginning of time. These worlds, or creations, are monitored and protected by Heaven's police force of angels. Daniel, one of Heaven's angels, is sent to the third creation after increased demonic activity is detected surrounding the multinational corporation, Halo Inc. When Daniel starts piecing clues together, he uncovers a sinister plot aimed at starting a war between Heaven and Hell. Along with the help of Sara Linfield, a company executive in the middle of a corporate war with Halo Inc., Daniel is in a race against time to stop those trying to take complete control of the third creation while avoiding government execution robots and bloodthirsty demons.
One of the greatest strengths of this book is its pace. Despite Daniel and Sara being on the run for decent amount of the story, clues and action scenes are spaced perfectly in this interval to keep the reader hooked. I was really intrigued by the author's vision and description of the angelic and demonic characters. Jason Krumbine's depiction of the Heaven vs. Hell theme allows readers to relate to the characters in a very human way while also recognizing that they are higher beings. One aspect that could be improved is the strands of plot. I felt that these different avenues could have been woven together in a tighter way. Nevertheless, Heaven's Superhero is a great book for action and fantasy readers who enjoy a fast pace.
Reviewer Age:20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota United States
Thursday, January 06, 2011
The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman
The Graveyard Book is the story of Nobody Owens' upbringing in a cemetery after the tragic murder of his family. Bod--short for Nobody--is welcomed by the inhabitants of the graveyard (who are ghosts), after an attempt to protect Bod from the man Jack, the assassin who killed his family. Bod' s new guardians show him the ways of the graveyard, along with the many secrets and legends it holds. Bod encounters ghouls, witches, and other creatures of the graveyard throughout his bizarre upbringing. Ultimately, these experiences help him face his family' s killer with the hopes of seeing the world beyond the gates of the graveyard.
Neil Gaiman lives in a world that science fiction enthusiasts would do anything to explore. The number of creatures and worlds presented in this book are tightly woven together and creates endless possibilities to the reader' s imagination. Gaiman has written a book that mesmerizes readers while taking them on a journey of a boy' s coming of age. Gaiman effortlessly combines the fantasy world he created along with a tale of childhood that everyone can relate to. The Graveyard Book is a masterful story that I highly recommend.
Reviewer Age:20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota USA
Neil Gaiman lives in a world that science fiction enthusiasts would do anything to explore. The number of creatures and worlds presented in this book are tightly woven together and creates endless possibilities to the reader' s imagination. Gaiman has written a book that mesmerizes readers while taking them on a journey of a boy' s coming of age. Gaiman effortlessly combines the fantasy world he created along with a tale of childhood that everyone can relate to. The Graveyard Book is a masterful story that I highly recommend.
Reviewer Age:20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Eden Prairie, Minnesota USA
Wednesday, January 05, 2011
Arisa by Natsumi Ando
The story begins with a promise between twin sisters, Arisa and Tsubasa. Then we enter the world of Tsubasa. She is 14 and has the nickname 'Demon Princess' due to her aggressive behavior toward people who have committed wrongs. She has been separated from her sister, but now is her first chance in three years to see her again. Arisa has written letters to Tsubasa for years detailing her days apart from her, but there is more to Arisa than just those letters.
Arisa sees how much her sister wishes to be her so she grants her wish and lets her be her for a day. Only after Tsubasa returns with the wonderful news of how that day went Arisa tells her that she doesn't "know their secrets or mine" just before she attempts to commit suicide. Now it is up to Tsubasa to act as Arisa and find out the secret of class 2-B.
I love Arisa. The protagonist, even though she is a twin, is so different from her sister and that's how real twins are. Tsubasa is so into justice that it is her mission to protect others. I love how open-ended the author left the book because now I have to read the next one.
I really relate to Arisa. She has a heavy burden to bear no matter how perfect her life seems. I laughed and cried because I know how the characters must have felt. Imagine people hating you so much you want to commit suicide.
Overall, I found this book very moving and powerful and I would recommend it to anyone.
Reviewer Age:20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Arizona City, Arizona USA
Arisa sees how much her sister wishes to be her so she grants her wish and lets her be her for a day. Only after Tsubasa returns with the wonderful news of how that day went Arisa tells her that she doesn't "know their secrets or mine" just before she attempts to commit suicide. Now it is up to Tsubasa to act as Arisa and find out the secret of class 2-B.
I love Arisa. The protagonist, even though she is a twin, is so different from her sister and that's how real twins are. Tsubasa is so into justice that it is her mission to protect others. I love how open-ended the author left the book because now I have to read the next one.
I really relate to Arisa. She has a heavy burden to bear no matter how perfect her life seems. I laughed and cried because I know how the characters must have felt. Imagine people hating you so much you want to commit suicide.
Overall, I found this book very moving and powerful and I would recommend it to anyone.
Reviewer Age:20
Reviewer City, State and Country: Arizona City, Arizona USA
Tuesday, January 04, 2011
Killer Angel by William Frost
Killer Angel is about a group of friends who start a band, but dream of making it big. Meanwhile, the angel, Benjamin, meets up with his old friend, Levi, who has turned on him to become a dark angel. When Levi shows up in some of the band members dreams, he offers them fame and fortune in exchange for their souls. At this point, choices come in to play to decide what's right and wrong. Will they accept and live with fame and fortune, but no soul, or will they decide to avoid the situation and walk away, knowing they made the right decision?
This book really shows how right and wrong choices can affect your life. It makes me realize how one bad choice can snowball into more bad choices. The ending disappointed me because I was expecting the complete opposite of what really happened. Besides the ending, I really liked the book because it was a fresh idea for a book and I couldn't put it down. This book was very easy to read. I would recommend this book to ages 13+ because I thought the idea of the book was a little hard to process and understand.
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leawood, KS, USA
This book really shows how right and wrong choices can affect your life. It makes me realize how one bad choice can snowball into more bad choices. The ending disappointed me because I was expecting the complete opposite of what really happened. Besides the ending, I really liked the book because it was a fresh idea for a book and I couldn't put it down. This book was very easy to read. I would recommend this book to ages 13+ because I thought the idea of the book was a little hard to process and understand.
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leawood, KS, USA
Monday, January 03, 2011
Invisible Things by Jenny Davidson
The second book in this series starts with the main character Sophie catching cats that are used in science experiments at the Institute for Theoretical Physics. From there the book gets even more bizarre. Sophie and her friend Mikael’s family live in flats at this Institute where some of Europe s greatest scientists meet. In this alternate society Germany has taken over much of Europe except for most for the countries near the Baltic and Northern Seas. Sophie learns much about her parents and the tragic explosion that took their lives and, after her great-aunt’s death; she learns even more why their family is so connected to the elusive billionaire, Alfred Nobel. Soon after her great-aunt’s death Sophie’s life begins to unravel as she discovers close kept secrets about the family she never knew about. Along the way she travels to Sweden and inside the Arctic Circle as she discovers herself and what really matters in her life.
In my opinion this book was mediocre at best. Since I didn’t know this book was the second one in the series the parts in this book about the previous book were a little confusing. The author also used many words that I never heard of and the way the characters spoke was different than I was used to. The plot was interesting at times but could get confusing at certain parts. If you were to read this book definitely read the first one first.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Loves Park, Illinois United States
In my opinion this book was mediocre at best. Since I didn’t know this book was the second one in the series the parts in this book about the previous book were a little confusing. The author also used many words that I never heard of and the way the characters spoke was different than I was used to. The plot was interesting at times but could get confusing at certain parts. If you were to read this book definitely read the first one first.
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Loves Park, Illinois United States
Revenge of the Geek by Piper Banks
Miranda Bloom, a junior at Geek High, is ready for school, but Miranda must watch her back, because Geek High (the nickname for her prestigious school, Notting Hill) has a new student, Nora. Nora seems to be a nice friend whom she could connect with, but as time goes on, Miranda becomes suspicious about this girl. Nora is copying her clothes, slowly taking her best friends, and it seems like anything she says could be a lie. Miranda sees Nora for who she really is, but her friends accuse her of being paranoid and jealous. Miranda is determined to expose this copycat for who she really is.
I read the whole book in one evening. I could connect to Miranda, because anyone who has had someone take their ideas and imitate them, feels like she does. I also understand how her friends don't believe her at first. This book has interesting characters, an engaging plot, and it touches real-life topics, like imitation and friends being skeptical of you. This book is an enjoyable read for middle and high school students.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leawood, KS United States
I read the whole book in one evening. I could connect to Miranda, because anyone who has had someone take their ideas and imitate them, feels like she does. I also understand how her friends don't believe her at first. This book has interesting characters, an engaging plot, and it touches real-life topics, like imitation and friends being skeptical of you. This book is an enjoyable read for middle and high school students.
Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Leawood, KS United States
Sunday, January 02, 2011
For The Love of Stranger, by Jacqueline Horsfall
Philoxenia- a Greek word meaning "love of strangers." Love is exactly what Philoxenia House- a house for women who need to hide from abusive husbands- shows to the strangers it takes in. Darya and Nikki are two children adopted by Tee-tee, the head of Philoxenia house, from Russia many years ago. Told from the point of view of Darya as she struggles with feelings of abandonment and being an adopted child, this story deals with the mundane as well as the fantastic, for little does Darya know that she is born to fulfill an ancient prophecy. As more and more deer are being culled and hunted, she is destined to protect them. Along with Rawley, a boy from the Virgin Islands, she must face an entire town bent on hunting these deer. Will you heed the call?
Personally, while I felt the book had believable characters and I liked the storyline behind and around Philoxenia House, the anti-hunting propaganda that littered this book was a major turn-off, and I had a hard time looking past it. I also wasn't too pleased with the overly feminist undertones of a horned deer goddess. However, looking past the obvious propaganda, the book wasn't poorly written. It was a simple and quick read that dealt with some heavy stuff, such as adoptive families, domestic violence, and feelings of inferiority. Being told from Darya's point of view, you experience some of the feelings of betrayal and neglect that she feels, and can easily relate to her problems. Overall, I give this book a 5/10 rating, and recommend it for readers ages 12 and up.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Sykesville, Maryland United States
Personally, while I felt the book had believable characters and I liked the storyline behind and around Philoxenia House, the anti-hunting propaganda that littered this book was a major turn-off, and I had a hard time looking past it. I also wasn't too pleased with the overly feminist undertones of a horned deer goddess. However, looking past the obvious propaganda, the book wasn't poorly written. It was a simple and quick read that dealt with some heavy stuff, such as adoptive families, domestic violence, and feelings of inferiority. Being told from Darya's point of view, you experience some of the feelings of betrayal and neglect that she feels, and can easily relate to her problems. Overall, I give this book a 5/10 rating, and recommend it for readers ages 12 and up.
Reviewer Age:14
Reviewer City, State and Country: Sykesville, Maryland United States
The Christian Lady's Dating Constitution... by Jessica Martin
"The Christian Lady's Dating Constitution" by Jessica Martin is all about how Christian--and all--women deserve to be treated in a relationship. Martin outlines a woman's rights and uncovers some very big myths in the dating world. Copious Bible verses are quoted--hence the Christian theme--but the overall message of the book is for all. Different types of abuse (physical, emotional, mental, etc) are gone over. Case studies are even included where the reader have room to write down what she would have done in each situation.
This book does not talk about how to date or how to get a boyfriend. It is not that type of book. Rather, it is all about what abuse is, how to recognize it, and what steps to take to stop it. Statistics and hotlines make the book feel a bit more professional. The way the writing read, it sounds like the author is speaking one-on-one to the reader; she even shares her own story of abuse. My only criticism is that the syntax with commas and semicolons is not where it should be.
domestic abuse and its warning signs are discussed
Reviewer Age:19
Reviewer City, State and Country: Troy, NY USA
This book does not talk about how to date or how to get a boyfriend. It is not that type of book. Rather, it is all about what abuse is, how to recognize it, and what steps to take to stop it. Statistics and hotlines make the book feel a bit more professional. The way the writing read, it sounds like the author is speaking one-on-one to the reader; she even shares her own story of abuse. My only criticism is that the syntax with commas and semicolons is not where it should be.
domestic abuse and its warning signs are discussed
Reviewer Age:19
Reviewer City, State and Country: Troy, NY USA
Revolution by Jennifer Donnelly
Andi Alpers is having a tough senior year. After the death of her brother two years ago, she has been self-medicating herself on anti-anxiety pills and has started to slack off in school. The only thing that keeps her somewhat sane is music; playing guitar, studying famous musicians, and listening to her iPod are the only things that Andi has going for her. But when her absent father discovers that Andi has been slacking off so much that she might not graduate, he takes her to Paris with him so she can work on her senior thesis. While in France, Andi discovers the diary of Alexandrine Paradis, a young girl in Revolutionary France who is the companion of the dauphin, Louis-Charles. Immediately Andi finds a connection with Alexandrine, who's love for the young prince parallels Andi's feelings about her own brother. But one night in the Catacombs makes Alexandrine's story come alive, and changes Andi forever.
I thought that Revolution was a magnificient novel. It takes two tough stories - Andi's grief and Alexandrine's suffering during the French Revolution - and makes them feel real. The stories intertwine so perfectly; nothing is rushed and the different tales are not choppy - it's almost as if they belong together. The reader is smoothly and surely drawn into both Andi and Alexandrine's worlds. Jennifer Donnelly did an amazing job of writing about the French Revolution, one of history's most interesting periods. There is so much detail and you feel as if you are there with Alexandrine, experiencing the horror of the Revolution and the Reign of Terror. At time the plot is slow-moving, but it allows for a lot of backstory and for the reader to learn about the Revolution. The parallels between Andi and Alexandrine are uncanny - their names are even an anagram - and it's as if they are the same person living in two different centuries. Revolution was an amazing novel and I recommend everyone to read it.
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States
I thought that Revolution was a magnificient novel. It takes two tough stories - Andi's grief and Alexandrine's suffering during the French Revolution - and makes them feel real. The stories intertwine so perfectly; nothing is rushed and the different tales are not choppy - it's almost as if they belong together. The reader is smoothly and surely drawn into both Andi and Alexandrine's worlds. Jennifer Donnelly did an amazing job of writing about the French Revolution, one of history's most interesting periods. There is so much detail and you feel as if you are there with Alexandrine, experiencing the horror of the Revolution and the Reign of Terror. At time the plot is slow-moving, but it allows for a lot of backstory and for the reader to learn about the Revolution. The parallels between Andi and Alexandrine are uncanny - their names are even an anagram - and it's as if they are the same person living in two different centuries. Revolution was an amazing novel and I recommend everyone to read it.
Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Aston, Pennsylvania United States
Flipped by Wendelin Van Draanen
Flipped is, simply put, the story of a boy and a girl told from both of their perspectives. It follows them for six years. It starts days before their first day of second grade when Bryce moves in next door to Juli. And it follows them throughout elementary and middle school. Flipped documents their struggles and triumphs, giving opposing perspectives to each issue.
Fliped is an incredible story of a girl who loves a boy. And then a boy that loves a girl. The story follows Bryce and Juli, next door neighbors who can never agree. The book is from the perspective of both characters and shows the serious miscommunications they have. The tale takes place in elementary and middle school yet the romance is real. Van Draanen is able to intertwine grade school drama with deep feeling successfully. Van Draanen makes a high school student interested in the young romance.
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Amherst, MA USA
Fliped is an incredible story of a girl who loves a boy. And then a boy that loves a girl. The story follows Bryce and Juli, next door neighbors who can never agree. The book is from the perspective of both characters and shows the serious miscommunications they have. The tale takes place in elementary and middle school yet the romance is real. Van Draanen is able to intertwine grade school drama with deep feeling successfully. Van Draanen makes a high school student interested in the young romance.
Reviewer Age:17
Reviewer City, State and Country: Amherst, MA USA
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