Dark Eden by Patrick Carman

I thought that Dark Eden, by Patrick Carmen, was a most enjoyable read. The plot line features a group of seven children who are struck with completely debilitating fears. These seven children are all the same age, and are all seeing the same therapist, Dr. Stevens. Dr. Stevens recommends a place called Fort Eden to help them with their terror. The story follows one of the children, Will, a fifteen year old teenager who already knows everything about the other people- and Fort Eden. The reason behind this is that he has hacked Dr. Stevenss computer and borrowed the files on it. He knows that something is amiss about the place, so he hides and refuses to enter. His hiding place is a place just outside the fort called The Bunker. In his race to find out what is wrong with Fort Eden, Will tries to save the girl he has been secretly watching for a long time, ever since the sessions with Dr. Stevens before Fort Eden. But will Will be able to save her, and deny her the cure, or will he even be able to save anyone? It will be impossible to stop reading once you get going.
I enjoyed reading Dark Eden, but it had large draw backs as well that made it hard to read in some places. Even though it had problems it was a very easy story to get swept away in.  It had a good story line, fantastic characters that are really very easy to relate to, and a most puzzling dilemma. One of the draw backs I thought held the book up was that it seemed to be pushing hard for a creepy, slightly scary theme, but never really achieved it. Whenever it got a little bit scary, it always killed the suspense by adding good or happy elements to the book. The angle in which the story is written is through the observers eyes. I enjoyed this because I have never read a book like that, it was rather interesting. The other major drawback in the book was the explanation. The story seemed to branch out into a completely different story when it finally explained everything. The explanation never even seemed like it was trying to flow with the rest of the story. It almost seemed like the author took the easy way out. It was such a good book, and the story was so well written, however, that it I could not stop reading this book once I picked it up. This book may have flaws, but if you focus on them, you can never enjoy this book as what it is, a good read.  

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Monrovia, MD USA

Heir To Power: Book 1 by Michele Poague

Kairma is a member of the Healing family, and its her duty to become the next Miral, or leader, of Survin, her secluded home nestled in the shadow of a huge mountain. The once- pretty little girl was perfectly accepted in her community, that is, until she was bitten by a White One. The White Ones are horrid creatures whose bite causes fever. They haunt the people of Survin, striking fear into the hearts of those who see them. Kairma was the first to survive their bite. Years later, at age sixteen, the fever has left her with pale skin and white hair, so similar to that of the White Ones, so different from the dark skin and hair of her people. Now, Kairma faces discrimination from many members of the village. As if coping with this isnt enough, a stranger has come to the village, and an ancient law orders that he must die. When Kairma and her grandmother Isontra, the current leader of Survin, choose to allow him to live for the present, discriminators only have more reason to hate the Healing family. The stranger then starts trying to convince members of Survin to go to the city, his home. The Survinees are forbidden from leaving their valley, though. Will they leave for the city and risk exposing the location of the Healing Crystal, the very center of their village  and purpose for their seclusion? Will the Survinees allow the stranger to live? Will men from the city attack their village to harvest its gold and make the Survinees lose their home forever?
I really enjoyed this book! I do think its lengthier than it needs to be, but the overall story is original and creative. For me, this book was well worth the length. I like the fact that this book doesnt use a corny or common formula. It has a completely unique plot, with all the action and adventure you could hope for, as well as a touch of social drama and romance. If youre looking for a book thats simply a good read, this is the one for you.

Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Crescent City, CA USA

Faerie Wars by Herbie Brennan

Henry Atherton is an average boy. When he wakes up on a not so average day, he finds out several things. First of all, his parents' relationship is ruined because his mother is having an affair with his dad's secretary. Secondly, when he goes to work for old Mr. Fogarty, he finds a mysterious fairy named Pyrgus Malvae, the Crown Prince. Pyrgus is from a different world, the Faerie Relm, and he is next in line for Emperor. He doesn't care for politics too much, anyway. While he is out roaming the streets, Brimstone of the glue factory captures him and needs to sacrifice him to the demon Beleth. Pyrgus gets rescued by the Emperor's guards [his father's]. When his father knows he isn't safe in their world anymore, he gets sent in their magical portal to the Analouge World [the human world]. Pyrgus somehow gets sabotaged in the process, so instead of going to an island, he gets sent to Mr. Fogarty's backyard. Henry and Mr. Fogarty try to help Pyrgus get back to his own world, but something else goes wrong. The whole time this is going on, his sister Holly Blue, is trying to help get Pyrgus back and find out who sabotaged him. Will he get back to the Faerie Relm safely?

When I first started the book, I thought it would be about a war going on [because of the title]. However, after reading a few chapters I knew that it wasn't. The chapters go back and forth from character to another to another, so you have to pay attention to understand the whole story. The vocabulary is understandable and has a great variety. I would recommend this book to people who like fantasy because of the different 'species' of characters. There is great foreshadowing to help you predict events that would happen later in the book. I found this book very well-written, addicting, and I cannot wait to get the second book to read in this series!

There is mild violence.


Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America

All You Desire by Kirsten Miller

In All You Desire (the second book of the The Eternal Ones series) Haven is paranoid she can tell that the black man is watching her again, but no one not even her boyfriend, Iain, will believe her. But when her best friend Beau goes to find a boyfriend that he may have known in a previous life and disappears Haven and Iain must leave their beloved Rome and travel to New York the home of the Ouroboros Society and its leader the black man whose name is Adam. The Ouroboros Society is a secret society for people who have been reincarnated. The people of the Ouroboros society each have a talent that they improve on each life and many of them are the famous actors, politicians, or business people of today. This book is an exciting and dark adventure of Haven desperately searching for her friend Beau and the love triangle that Haven is in the middle of.
Opinion of the book:
All You Desire is a magical and enchanting book. Although is can sometimes get a little to dark for my taste because of a main part of the plot being reincarnation, I like it because a big part of the reincarnation is the love and soul mates that are formed over their lives.

        Adam is a confusing character in a good way, he loves Haven so much an Haven thinks she could be in love with him but he has done so many evil things in the past and Haven feels that every good thing he does is only for her sake. Iain is so important to the story and my second favorite character. Iain is one of the only reincarnated person that can remember every detail of each of his lives, he is born every life with his purpose to find Haven and they love each other dearly but Adam is starting to pull them apart. Beau and Leah are my favorite characters because although they are both only in the ending of the book they both are so unique and so well developed. Leah is a fortune teller friend of Havens who comes to help her later in the book and Beau is the one who is kidnapped at the very beginning of the book.

        Reading this book is sometimes a little confusing and the book is definitely for mature readers only but I have not read the first book so that may be only my opinion. This book is very hard to classify because I dont think it is fantasy or science fiction but I would compare it to Twilight or other vampire book because of its darkness and its focus on love. One of the only things I really did not like about this book was the ending it was such a cliffhanger it has been driving me crazy all week!

I would definitely recommend this to teens and adults for a fun read.

Homosexuality and reincarnation.
Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Holland, Michigan USA

This Dark Endeavor by Kenneth OppelVictor Frankenstein, his brother Konrad, their distant cousin Elizabeth are in the library one day when they discover a secret passage. Surprised that they hadn't found it before, they go down the passage to find a secret library, filled with books about ancient medicine and alchemy. When Konrad falls deathly ill, Victor returns to the "Dark Library" and finds the instructions to prepare the Elixir of Life - supposedly the only one that really works. With the help of Elizabeth, their friend Henry, and an old alchemist, Polidori, they set about collecting the ingredients for the Elixir. Surviving the dangers of creating the Elixir, they then fight for the Elixir with Polidori, who wants it as his own. Narrowly escaping Polidori (and his lynx Krane) they return home to give Konrad the Elixir, and his health returns. But soon after, they discover the Elixir does not work - when Konrad dies. Crazed, Victor vows that he will someday raise his brother from the grave...This book was exciting at every turn, as well as dark and mysterious throughout. It is a very interesting prequel to the classic story Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley. I think that it is a very accurate portrayal of Frankenstein's childhood, the author captured his character quite well. The book is also quite realistic, almost as though it actually happened. There was only one thing I didn't like, though I can't explain it well, it was sort of like the levels of a video game, if you understand what I mean. There's an objective, they have to go through the challenges, complete the task, and then they go through another "level". It's not too bad though, and i really liked the book despite that.Quite gory toward the end, examples: fingers being chopped of with a chisel and hammer, then being flayed and cut up. And cutting open a lynx's stomach with guts spilling out. I thought it was cool, but it might be a little over-the-top for others.Reviewer Age:13Reviewer City, State and Country: Santa Fe, TX USA

Victor Frankenstein, his brother Konrad, and their distant cousin Elizabeth are in the library one day when they discover a secret passage. Surprised that they hadn't found it before, they go down the passage to find a secret library, filled with books about ancient medicine and alchemy. When Konrad falls deathly ill, Victor returns to the "Dark Library" and finds the instructions to prepare the Elixir of Life - supposedly the only one that really works. With the help of Elizabeth, their friend Henry, and an old alchemist, Polidori, they set about collecting the ingredients for the Elixir. Surviving the dangers of creating the Elixir, they then fight for the Elixir with Polidori, who wants it as his own. Narrowly escaping Polidori (and his lynx Krane) they return home to give Konrad the Elixir, and his health returns. But soon after, they discover the Elixir does not work - when Konrad dies. Crazed, Victor vows that he will someday raise his brother from the grave...

This book was exciting at every turn, as well as dark and mysterious throughout. It is a very interesting prequel to the classic story Frankenstein, by Mary Shelley.  I think that it is a very accurate portrayal of Frankenstein's childhood, the author captured his character quite well. The book is also quite realistic, almost as though it actually happened. There was only one thing I didn't like, though I can't explain it well, it was sort of like the levels of a video game, if you understand what I mean. There's an objective, they have to go through the challenges, complete the task, and then they go through another "level". It's not too bad though, and I really liked the book despite that.

Quite gory toward the end, examples: fingers being chopped of with a chisel and hammer, then being flayed and cut up. And cutting open a lynx's stomach with guts spilling out. I thought it was cool, but it might be a little over-the-top for others.

Reviewer Age:13
Reviewer City, State and Country: Santa Fe, TX USA

Saving June by Hannah Harrington

I feel really tired.

But it's a good kind of tired. Like after you run a marathon. Or after you finally finish taking all your finals. You're exhausted but content and your heart is just a teensy bit heavy.

Saving June details Harper's life after her older sister June commits suicide. Unable to bear it all anymore -- the hurt, her mother's tears, the unfamiliar pats on the back by random strangers -- Harper escapes to California with her best friend Laney, her sister's apparent acquaintance Jake, and June's urn. California was June's dream, and fulfilling it for her seems like the only way Harper can come to terms with what happened. But a place is just a place. Mostly. And the journey there is only a road trip. Sort of.

Man, I cannot stop myself from pausing every once in a while, picking up Saving June again, and re-reading some of the standout passages. I'll probably be willing to shout the title of this book from the rooftops, and it's coming out in paperback. Seriously? Saving June deserves a hardcover edition and a few weeks in a comfy spot on the NYT Best Sellers List.

Why all the enthusiasm? Our protagonist Harper has backbone and doesn't take crap from anyone. Puke on her, and she'll puke on you. Jake is a sweetheart with a music obsession and a spiny exterior. Laney is fun and flirty and fiery, and I'm running out of adjectives that start with f to describe her. This is what all fictional characters should strive to become. They should have a life and a heart and a soul and a personality. Physical attraction isn't a bad trait, either.

Really, this book was about healing and maturity and dealing with death. I feel like reading it has made me a different person (that's what all great novels should do, in my opinion). But it also made me chuckle and sigh. And this weight on my chest just won't disappear.I recommend Saving June to anyone looking for truly beautiful YA contemporary fiction.

Sexual content.

Reviewer Age:16
Reviewer City, State and Country: Palo Alto, CA USA

Gaia Warriors by Nicola Davies

Everyone has heard of the threat of global warming. Scientists believe that this devastation is inevitable, and humans must prepare for its effects now. Although it is bound to happen, we know of several ways to slow down the process. These methods include reducing CO2 and methane emissions, especially in areas of the world such as the United States that produce the most of these gases. Many methods will have to be used by large companies and factories, but there are also ways that normal people can reduce their own carbon footprint like walking or biking instead of driving a car, reusing clothes, and being careful about electricity use. Everyone must work together to help protect our world and become Gaia Warriors.
I love to learn about science, and I wanted to explore the study of global warming because of its prominence in political and intellectual talk. This book helped me to not only learn the terrible effects of the problem, but it also showed me many ways that I can do my part in slowing down the process of global warming. The book was written in a very friendly manner, and people of any age could enjoy this book. It is a book compiled into many segments of stories and opinions of different scientists and everyday people. This makes it interesting to read because there is a wide range of interests explored, such as athletics, fashion, travel, and (of course) the environment. I wish that everyone would read this book so we can work together to ensure that we are prepared for a raised global temperature.

Reviewer Age:18
Reviewer City, State and Country: Carlisle, Pennsylvania United States of America

Shadowcry by Jenna Burtenshaw

In a once beautiful, but now dark and cruel world Kate Winters is about to discover just how dark it can be.

When Kate discovers that she can bring a blackbird back to life her whole belief of existence is shattered. She must now except that she is a Skilled and learn the secrets of the ancient book Wintercraft to stop the cunning and ruthless Council members from destroying Albion and the few loving people she has left. As her home is destroyed and her best friend isnt who he says he is, Kates old life will never be the same again. With secret passages, hidden libraries, and murdering immortals Kate will embark on a journey that will change her life&&but for the better or the worse?

Jenna Burtenshaw has created something entirely new that is a mixture of genres, but cannot be placed in any specific one which makes it quite wonderful. The setting was dark, intense, and well fleshed out. It really fit will with the theme of darkness and death.

The writing is also well done and very fluid and impassioned. The only problem I had with was the charactors. Kate is nice and sweet, but slightly bland. Her best friend Edgar at first seems sweet and soft, but turns mysterious and possibly untrustworthy. The rest of the charactors, which there are few of, are also good but still have that bland quality. The plot was my favorite part of the book because the best plots are unpredictable, and this one was very much so. The ending was somewhat commendable and completed the book with contentment.

  I would recommend this book to older teens, because of the violence and bleak atmosphere. It is a great read and I never got the feeling of wanting to put down, so in my opinion it was a fun way to fill my day.


Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Colorado Springs, Colorado United States of America

Amos Daragon by Bryan Perro

Amos Daragon: The Mask Wearer is a book about Amos Daragon, a teenage boy, that one day, when hunting crabs, meets a mermaid who sends him on a quest to meet someone named Gwenfadrille.  On his quest, things are beginning to turn to stone at random.  He later figures out that this was caused by gorgons, and he meets Beorf, a humanimal that can turn to a bear.  While Amos continues on his quest, Beorf fights the gorgons and eventually gets turned to stone.  Amos later accepts the mask wearer title and with it, an army under his command.  In the end of the book, there is a war with the naga, snake humanimals.  How does the war end? Does Amos save Beorf? Read and find out!

I think the author's purpose was to provide an entertaining book to read.  I think the book would be good for ages 9-13, but my parents thought they might like it too.  The book is well written and keeps your attention with the storyline feature of going back and forth in time. For example, there is a point where someone travels back in time, becomes young again, and then raises an army for Amos.  The author did a good job putting in mythology at certain parts in the book and it wouldn't be as good without it. I would recommend this book to most of my friends and anyone who likes mythology.

Reviewer Age:12
Reviewer City, State and Country: Dickinson, Texas United States

Open Wounds by Joseph Lunievicz

Growing up in Queens in the 1930s with a drunken abusive father and a strict grandmother, Cid Wymann hasn't had a lot of exposure to the outside world.  This changes when he, one day, sneaks out to follow his grandma to church services.  When he arrives at a movie theatre, he threatens to tell unless she lets him see the show with her.  There, he watches Captain Blood, a dashing swordsman, and his dream of becoming a fencing master is born. Cid eventually becomes friends with two boys as they unite to battle the bullies in their neighborhood.  As Cid grows up and his father goes missing, he is placed in the custody of his cousin, a disfigured war veteran called Lefty.  Cid begins to learn fencing from Nikolai Varvarinski, a Russian sword master, and faces new challenges, develops new relationships, and starts to discover who he truly is.

This book was a sad, but exciting, coming-of-age book that kept my interest until the very end, as well as after I had finished it. It dealt with many different issues such as World War II, culture differences, poverty, and drug reliance in a manner that helped you feel as if you were living in the 1940s with Cid. The setting and mood was mostly dark, but it fit the plot well.  Times were tough, Cid fended for himself, but the overall feel of the book had an edge of hope that made the reader cheer him on as he faced his enemies: some human, some within himself. Cid and all of the characters were all very believable. Cid was violent, he got into fights like teenage boys do, and he acted like you expected him to after getting to know his personality traits. The story is told from Cid's perspective, which fits the style of the book. It is intense, powerful, and very interesting. The author ended the story almost abruptly, but it fit with the plot. I loved the whole book: Cid's confusion and heartbreak, all of his struggles that built his entire character. I felt like I could have been his best friend. I would recommend this book to anyone who would enjoy an intense page-turner.

some language, addictive drug use (opium, morphine)
Reviewer Age:15
Reviewer City, State and Country: Sandy, OR USA