Marlfox by Brian Jacques

Marlfox by Brian Jacques

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


I was recently weeding books and pulled out Marlfox, because it's in bad shape and needs to be replaced. I decided to read it, because I remember one of my students recently mention that this was his favorite book in the Redwall series. I'm so glad I did.

Legend has it that marlfoxes possess magical powers and can appear and disappear at will. When several marlfoxes are spotted in Mossflower wood, the various creatures take it upon themselves to go and warn everyone at Redwall Abbey. The marlfoxes and their crew of water rats attack the Abbey and succeed in stealing the most valuable item in the Abbey -- the tapestry of Martin the Warrior. Song and Dann (both squirrels) and Dippler, a shrew, are told in a dream by Martin the Warrior that they have been given the task to find the tapestry and bring it home. Along the way the trio meet new friends, battle fierce enemies, and are met with a surprise or two. Ultimately, they must battle the marlfox and rats on their home turf -- the island at the center of the Hidden Lake.

I've been a fan of Brian Jacques ever since I was given his first two Redwall books in the early 90s. I remember when I heard him speak one time he mentioned how he wrote these books as a type of radio play for students at a school for the blind. That's why all the different animals have such distinctive dialects. I'm glad I knew that -- it made me more appreciative of the style of these stories. I know that at times, it can be difficult reading what's being said but you only have to listen to one of the full cast productions of Redwall books to know why it's perfect!

Now, to Marlfox.. I'm not sure why I liked it so much. On the surface, it seems to have the same characteristics as the other stories. Creatures of the Abbey going on a quest, sent by the warrior Martin, facing dangers and learning one's own strengths, etc. I guess one of the things that most attracted me to this one was Song. She's really the leader of the trio from Redwall. She's the one figuring out the riddle to guide their way. She's the one making the decisions on going, staying, etc. Although Dann is the one with Martin's sword, he's not the one doing the crazy heroic acts all the time. I love that the girl is strong and courageous, and the others accept her that way.

There's plenty of exciting battles in Marlfox to attract those fans of action/adventure stories. I'd recommend it to anyone looking for a thrilling story about friends on a quest. Even if you haven't read other Redwall stories, you could jump right in and be just fine. Wonderful story! I give it an A!

The Fire Within by Chris d'Lacey (Last Dragon Chronicles #1)

The Fire Within by Chris d'Lacey


When David, a college student, rents a room from Liz and her daughter, Lucy, he soon discovers something odd about the dragon statues that Liz creates. Are they real or is it just his imagination?

This book was nothing like I expected. The dragons really don't come into the story until almost the very end, but I can see many possibilities for the books in the rest of the series. I hope I'm right. It's a very quick read -- only took a couple of hours to finish. I think this is the type of story to appeal to both boys and girls, really anyone that's a fan of fantasy and those who say 'What if?' C rating.

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit by Nahoko Uehashi

Guardian of the Spirit by Nahoko Uehashi

Translated from Japanese, Moribito tells the adventures of Balsa, a woman warrior sworn to save eight lives, as she guards the Second Prince, Chagum. Several attempts have been made on the prince's life, and his mother fears that it is his father who wants him dead. Balsa takes Chagum away with her to the mountains in an attempt to hide him. On the way, she discovers that Chagum is the Moribito, the one who hosts the egg of the water spirit and must take the egg to the sea. Not only does Balsa need to protect him from assassins, she must also protect him from Rarunga, the giant spider-like creature that wants to eat the egg. If they fail, the land will face a terrible drought and famine.

What a fantastic story! Truly unique in the blend of Japanese folklore with an action/adventure story. At first the thought of Chagum being the host to the Water Spirt's egg seemed too gross, but the description in the story helped lower the ick factor. I can recommend this book for those looking for lots of action/battles. B- rating.

Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal, Vol. 1 by Kazuki Takahashi

Yu-Gi-Oh! Zexal, Vol. 1 by Kazuki Takahashi

Yuma Tsukumo is determined to be the champion dueler. Unfortunately, he's just awful at it. During one duel, he somehow summons Astral, a "ghost dueler" only he can see. Yuma and Astral team up to win several duels.

I didn't enjoy this manga at all. I just don't *get* the Yu-Gi-Oh card duels, so this made no sense to me. I'm sure for those who play the card game, this series will be fun to read. Otherwise, just skip it. C rating.

The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson

The Secret of Platform 13 by Eva Ibbotson

Nine years before, the last time the magical portal under Platform 13 was opened, the prince of the magical Island was taken to England by his three nurses. It was only supposed to be a short trip to get some fish and chips, but while they were there the prince was stolen by Mrs. Trottle. The entire magical Island had to wait nine years for the portal to open again to find the prince. The King and Queen assign the wizard, Cor, a fey named Gurkie, and Hans the giant, to go rescue the prince. A young hag named Odge is allowed to go as well after she begs the Queen. When the group finds the Trottles, they are shocked to see Raymond Trottle. He's nothing like what they expected of the prince -- he's an overweight, selfish, demanding, spoiled brat. Nevertheless, they were given the task to bring him back to the Island, so that's what they set out to do. Along the way, they meet a young boy, Ben, the grandson of Nanny Brown, who works for the Trottles. The group immediately take a liking to Ben and wish he could be the prince. With the help of Ben and some of the magical creatures still in England, the group designs and elaborate plan to kidnap Raymond and bring him back. Only now, Raymond is being protected by two bodyguards. Will they be successful and return with the prince to the Island before the portal closes?

I rather enjoyed The Secret of Platform 13. It's definitely more for the younger set of middle grades, for it's a sweet fantasy. Yes, it's predictable, but I really didn't care that I knew what was going to happen. I fell in love with the characters and couldn't wait to read more about them. From the description of the foul-smelling harpies to Odge's not-quite-a-hag-yet faults, the humor is over-the-top in a Roald Dahl way, without his meanness. I'd say fans of Dahl, Narnia, even Harry Potter will enjoy reading Ibbotson's The Secret of Platform 13. B rating.

Reading Last Week (Nov 26 - Dec 2)

Well, last week, I read three books that have been on my TBR list for quite some time. It's nice to be able to cross them off, even if I wasn't that impressed with most of them.

 

The Land of the Silver Apples

by Nancy Farmer

THE CHILDREN FROM THE SEA OF TROLLS BRAVE THEIR WORST NIGHTMARES -- UNDERGROUND.

Jack is amazed to have caused an earthquake. He is thirteen, after all, and only a bard-in-training. But his sister, Lucy, has been stolen by the Lady of the Lake; stolen a second time in her young life, as he learns to his terror. Caught between belief in the old gods and Christianity (790 AD, Britain), Jack calls upon his ash wood staff to subdue a passel of unruly monks, and, for his daring, ends up in a knucker hole. It is unforgettable -- for the boy and for readers -- as are the magical reappearance of the berserker Thorgil from a burial by moss; new characters Pega, a slave girl from Jack's village, and the eager-to-marry-her Bugaboo (a hobgoblin king); kelpies; yarthkins; and elves (not the enchanted sprites one would expect but the fallen angels of legend). Rarely does a sequel enlarge so brilliantly the world of the first story. Look for the conclusion in The Islands of the Blessed in 2009.

Having loved The Sea of Trolls, I was expecting a lot from this one. I guess I expected too much, for it didn't live up to my wishes. All the ingredients were there -- an epic quest with magical creatures like hobgoblins and elves -- but I don't think the story was well-developed. Too many times, I couldn't get a clear description of characters and settings in my mind, and I'm not sure if it was just overload or what. I found myself going back to reread a section to clear things up. This is a long book ( almost 500 pages), so one would have to be committed to keep with it. I'd only recommend to those wanting fantasies with an epic quest, and then only to those willing to muddle through such a long book. Rating = C.

 

The Ghost Road

 by Tony Abbott

Could the road to the afterlife be a two-way street? Derek can't claim to be a normal fourteen-year-old anymore. Not after what he discovered at the Red House. His role in the war against the dead is more pivotal --- and more terrifying --- than he could have imagined. And so it all comes down to this. The Rift between the worlds of the living and the dead has to be closed . . . forever. It seems like an impossible task. And it rests squarely on the shoulders of a slightly overweight, not especially brave kid named Derek Stone. If Derek is ever going to become a hero, now's the time.

I had to finish this series, just to see how things ended with Derek.What started as a promising horror series ended up predictable fare.I will say it's a quick read, but I honestly was to the point of not caring how it ended. I believe the intended audience (middle grades) will be more impressed with the story and probably find it scarier. This is one to show those that can't get enough horror in their reading diets, I suppose. I give it a C.

 

The Doll in the Garden

by Mary Downing Hahn

When Ashley discovers a turn-of-the-century doll it is just the first of several puzzling events that lead her through the hedge and into a twilight past where she meets Louise, an ailing child whose beloved doll has mysteriously disappeared.

This is my favorite book of the week. Several student have been after me for years to read some of Hahn's "ghost stories", so here's to them. A time-travel/ghost story about a lost doll and guilt over loss. It's one that's truly not scary, but is suspenseful. The conclusion is a happy one where all is resolved, but not in a let's-tie-up-all-loose-ends-in-one-paragraph way. I can definitely see why so many middle grades readers love Hahn. The Doll in the Garden was spooky and mysterious, but not frightening. A B book for me.

 

Last Week's Reading

Last week was the first week of the new school year, so my reading time has definitely been cut down. Even though I don't get to spend the whole day reading, I did manage to finish seven books. (Granted, that included my reading time over this holiday weekend.) I'm trying to read some of the newer books for the library, some advanced copies of books to be published later this year or early next year, and get to some older books that I've always wanted to read.

I'll start with one of my favorites of the week --
The Iron King by Julie Kagawa

Meghan Chase has a secret destiny; one she could never have imagined.

Something has always felt slightly off in Meghan's life, ever since her father disappeared before her eyes when she was six. She has never quite fit in at school or at home.

When a dark stranger begins watching her from afar, and her prankster best friend becomes strangely protective of her, Meghan senses that everything she's known is about to change.

But she could never have guessed the truth - that she is the daughter of a mythical faerie king and is a pawn in a deadly war. Now Meghan will learn just how far she'll go to save someone she cares about, to stop a mysterious evil no faerie creature dare face; and to find love with a young prince who might rather see her dead than let her touch his icy heart.

I've been hearing about this series for a while, but I hadn't read any of them until this past week. Wow! I was impressed with this one. This is one for those readers who love faeries. I totally got into the story of Meghan and her introduction to the faerie world of her father. It does contain a love triangle, but I wouldn't categorize this book as a romance. For me, it seemed more like a fantasy-adventure. I do like Kagawa's take on the faerie world and the "Iron King," but I can't believe it's another series that I'll have to finish to find out what happens. ::Sigh::  I gave it a 'B' -- not perfect, but lots of fun for the reader. 

One of the graphic novels I read this week was a cute one for younger readers -
Batula by Steven Seagle and illustrated by Marco Cinello

Livingston is a peaceful fruit bat whose life changes when he is bitten by a vampire and transformed into a vampire bat! As Batula - an avenging creature of the night - Livingston develops a taste for adventure and a need to prove that no matter what he looks like on the outside, he's still the same bat on the inside.

Told with beautiful, colored illustrations and a small amount of text, this graphic novel will be popular for younger readers. Those that love superheroes will especially love it. I gave it a 'C+' -- I just wanted a bit more to the story and not as simplistic. It'll be popular anyway.

The Vampire Diaries : The Awakening and The Struggle by L.J. Smith

Elena: the golden girl, the leader, the one who can have any boy she wants. 

Stefan: brooding and mysterious, he seems to be the only one who can resist Elena, even as he struggles to protect her from the horrors that haunt his past. 

Damon: sexy, dangerous, and driven by an urge for revenge against Stefan, the brother who betrayed him. Determined to have Elena, he'd kill to possess her. 

Collected here in one volume for the first time, volumes one and two of The Vampire Diaries, the tale of two vampire brothers and the beautiful girl torn between them.

I honestly didn't expect much when I started this, and that's about what I got. It's predictable, and frankly, boring at points. I'm *over* the vampire books and was just curious to find out if this series had anything to make it special. Not really. I thought it very average and bland, a 'C.'

Dark Matter, Volume 1 by Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie

A derelict ship floats in space, its troubled crew awakened from stasis with no memories of who they are or how they got on board. Their search for answers triggers the vessel's deadly security system: a relentless android bent on their destruction. Facing threats at every turn, they have to work together to survive a voyage charged with vengeance, redemption, betrayals, and hidden secrets best left unknown.

Science-fiction veterans Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie, best known for their work on television's Stargate franchise and the new Transporter: The Series, create a new and exciting universe!

* By Stargate series writers Joseph Mallozzi and Paul Mullie!

* Classic science fiction for fans of Aliens, Stargate, and 2001: A Space Odyssey.

I received this egalley from Dark Horse Comics via Netgalley and I'm glad I gave it a chance. It's a great story, and I love the mystery. I know it's a bit violent but for the world of comics, I'd say it's rather tame. C+ Rating.

This book has a fabulous cover, which is probably why it's popular. I doubt I'll need to sell it to patrons, the cover will do it.

Paranormalcy by Kiersten White

Weird as it is working for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, Evie’s always thought of herself as normal. Sure, her best friend is a mermaid, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she's falling for a shape-shifter, and she's the only person who can see through paranormals' glamours, but still. Normal.

Only now paranormals are dying, and Evie's dreams are filled with haunting voices and mysterious prophecies. She soon realizes that there may be a link between her abilities and the sudden rash of deaths. Not only that, but she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures.

Another book that had faeries in it this week! I had to consciously forget the faerie world of The Iron King once I realized it too featured faeries and a faerie prophecy. I probably shouldn't have read them so close together. Other than that... Super book. I really liked Evie and a world filled with paranormals. Silly humans -- we just blindly go about our business daily without realizing that we live and work with paranormals all around us. Ha! What a fun concept! For Evie to be a teen with the normal wants and desires while being this agent collecting vampires or werewolves was such a cool idea. I'm not sure how much boys will like this book, after all Evie spends a great deal of time obsessing over fashion, especially if it's the color pink, and a television teen drama. I really liked this one too, a 'B' read.

Notes from an Accidental Band Geek by Erin Dionne

Elsie Wyatt is a born French horn player, just like her father and her grandfather before her. In order to qualify for the prestigious summer music camp of her dreams, she must expand her musical horizons and join - gasp! - the marching band. There are no French horns in marching band (what the heck is a mellophone??), but there are some cute boys. And marching band is very different from orchestra: they march, they chant, they . . . cluck? Elsie is not so sure she'll survive, but the new friends she's making and the actual fun she's having will force her to question her dad's expectations and her own musical priorities.

I was sure hoping "Band Geek" was going to be as much fun as Dionne's The Total Tragedy of a Girl Named Hamlet, and I wasn't disappointed. I'll be honest here. I'm NOT musical, I wasn't in band in high school, I took piano lessons until third grade when my piano teacher told me I'd never really play, because my hands are small. (Yes they are. My 8-year-old nephew has larger hands than I.) It didn't really matter, because I could still relate to Elsie. The outsider with few friends who wants desperately to fit in. "Band Geek" is funny, it's inspiring, and yes, it's romantic. I sure hope that others have as much fun reading it as I did. A 'B+' rating.

And the last book I finished earlier today was another graphic novel -- 

Curses! Foiled Again by Jane Yolen, illustrated by Mike Cavallaro

Aliera Carstairs is back. This time she's got her cousin—and best friend—Caroline in tow, and the stakes are higher than ever. The realm of Seelie, the fairy kingdom of which Aliera is the hereditary defender, is under attack, and only Aliera and Caroline can set things right. Caroline, fragile and wheelchair-bound, may seem like more of a liability than an asset, but Aliera knows there's more to her quiet cousin than meets the eye. Curses! Foiled Again is Jane Yolen at her best, reunited with her partner in crime, the fabulously talented illustrator Mike Cavallaro.

This is the sequel to Foiled which won't be out until later this year. I received an egalley of it via Netgalley. I thoroughly enjoyed it and I can't wait for the book to be published to put it in the hands of my students. I think they will *love* it! The story is another exciting adventure, and the illustrations fit the story perfectly! Well done! A B+ rating.

A Small Town, A Rich Fantasy, and Traveling Through Time (or What I Read Last Week)

I've resisted doing "What I'm Reading" or "What I've Read" posts in the past, because I simply thought I should just do post on my responses after finishing a book. And those responses should be one post/one book. I've come to the realization that I simply don't have the time make the time to do a worthy response for EVERY book I read. Sometimes, I just don't know what to say. Other times, I just don't feel like writing a post. Suddenly, I realize I've read something like TEN books with no posts. Yikes! Even though it's not what I originally had in mind, I've decided it's better to post some general, multi-book posts than not at all. I still hope to write some thoughts on individual books as I'm able.

That said, since it's the start of a new week and a new month, here's some of what I read last week.


Three Times Lucky by Sheila Turnage.
Rising sixth grader Miss Moses LoBeau lives in the small town of Tupelo Landing, NC, where everyone's business is fair game and no secret is sacred. She washed ashore in a hurricane eleven years ago, and she's been making waves ever since. Although Mo hopes someday to find her "upstream mother," she's found a home with the Colonel--a cafe owner with a forgotten past of his own--and Miss Lana, the fabulous cafe hostess. She will protect those she loves with ever bit of her strong will and tough attitude. So when a lawman comes to town asking about a murder, Mo and her best friend, Dale Earnhardt Johnson III, set out to uncover the truth in hopes of saving the only family Mo has ever known.

Reminded me of Because of Winn-Dixie with the small-town, quirky characters and a strong sense of community family, but add in the mystery of Mo's background and a local murder. It's one of my favorites of the summer so far. I can't wait to see what my students think when school starts again. A rating.

Sabriel by Garth Nix.
Sent to a boarding school in Ancelstierre as a young child, Sabriel has had little experience with the random power of Free Magic or the Dead who refuse to stay dead in the Old Kingdom. But during her final semester, her father, the Abhorsen, goes missing, and Sabriel knows she must enter the Old Kingdom to find him. She soon finds companions in Mogget, a cat whose aloof manner barely conceals its malevolent spirit, and Touchstone, a young Charter Mage long imprisoned by magic, now free in body but still trapped by painful memories. As the three travel deep into the Old Kingdom, threats mount on all sides. And every step brings them closer to a battle that will pit them against the true forces of life and death--and bring Sabriel face-to-face with her own destiny.


Okay, this one has been on my To Be Read list for a super long time. I adore YA fantasy, and this one has been recommended to me numerous times. I could just kick myself for not reading it sooner, because it's absolutely a-mazing. Simply unforgettable. Nix creates a complex world in the Old Kingdom, but one that's so richly described I had no trouble visualizing and immersing myself there. I have already added Lirael to my lists and hope to get to it before school starts. A+ rating. This one is going on my "Keeper" shelf.

Time Between Us by Tamara Ireland Stone.
Anna and Bennett were never supposed to meet: she lives in 1995 Chicago and he lives in 2012 San Francisco. But Bennett's unique ability to travel through time and space brings him into Anna's life, and with him, a new world of adventure and possibility. As their relationship deepens, they face the reality that time might knock Bennett back where he belongs, even as a devastating crisis throws everything they believe into question. Against a ticking clock, Anna and Bennett are forced to ask themselves how far they can push the bounds of fate--and what consequences they can bear in order to stay together.


I received this ARC from NetGalley, as the book isn't scheduled for release until October. I think this time travel romance has something special to make it stand out, and I personally can't wait to get it into some of my teens' hands this fall. Although I am generally a fan of romances, I don't always care for the time travel ones. (Usually, it's travel to a completely different era where the traveler stands out as Not From There. Here, with the travel being only 17 years in the past, most of my concerns were erased.) I think what really resonates with the story is how Anna gets the strength, or maybe gains enough confidence, just by knowing Bennett to change her life. She's a better person for knowing Bennett. It's not a perfect story, by any means. I still had some questions at the end. Will we ever know Bennett's story completely? What happened back home with his sister? Argh! I don't like being left hanging.  That said, it won't keep me from recommending it to my students. B rating.


Now, back to some reading.

Dust Girl by Sarah Zettel (American Fairy #1)

Plenty of suspense and drama surrounded Callie, a teen from the Dust Bowl era in Kansas. When her mother disappears, Callie discovers that her father is a fairy prince and she is the heir to the fairy throne. Suddenly, she's thrust into the middle of a feud between the Midnight People and the Seelies, not knowing what is real and what is illusion. She teams up with Jack, a boy traveling the rails to California, in order to find both her parents and discover what is exactly the truth.

I really, really liked the first 3/4 of the book. I could most clearly visualize the Kansas of the Dust Bowl era, with the dried up fields, the dust storms, the despair of the people and even the subtle commentary on the racism common in this time. I was certainly intrigued with the mystery of Callie's heritage and where on Earth her parents had disappeared. That said, once Callie and Jack get to Kansas City, I was less than enamored, and I certainly found the ending less than satisfactory. I realize that this is the first of a trilogy, but I like to have a few things wrapped up. I don't like it when I have more questions than answers at the end of a book. Here, I just finished the last page with a huge question mark? Huh? That was it? We still don't know the least bit about Callie's parents -- we know what Callie suspects -- but we don't KNOW anything. And the last part with the train (No specifics here, so I don't give spoilers.) ... I know the purpose of that in giving Callie a choice with her future and let Jack have some closure, but it was just plain strange for me. Possibly this is a book that could be salvaged when the trilogy is complete. If the reader could immediately continue Callie's story, maybe the end of book one wouldn't be as weak as I now see it. That's something only time will tell. C+ rating.

P.S. I'd highly recommend putting the suggested playlist (located after the author's note at the end of the book) on while reading the story. It does wonders for putting you into the mood of the era!

Book Read: Zeus: King of the Gods by George O'Connor (Olympians #1)

I read O'Connor's Hera: The Goddess and her Glory earlier this school year and was impressed with both the storytelling and the illustrations. I knew I had to go back and read the others in this Olympians series.

Greek mythology can be confusing and strange to those that aren't familiar with it or only know what they've gleaned from Rick Riordan and his Percy Jackson books. O'Connor gives a great introduction to the creation of Earth and the birth of the Olympian gods. It was simplistic, but not overly simple. With the illustrations, the reader visualizes the immense size of the titans and the epic battle between Kronos and Zeus.

The illustrations are the star of this retelling--just perfect! Lots of color, even in the "dark" settings. I give it a B+.

Book Read: The Shadowing: Hunted by Adam Slater

Horror is probably my least favorite genre. I just don't enjoy reading the gruesome tales -- psychological thrillers, yes please, but not the blood and gore. So, I knew before I even started it that The Shadowing: Hunted would probably not be my favorite.

I think that fans of the horror genre will probably love this one. There's a creature that's attacking teens and gouging out their eyes and eating them. That one fact alone will probably have many wanting to read it. I think the explanation of the creature/demon isn't fully explained and maybe that's on purpose. I can tell there will be more books in the series and maybe the reader will learn more in later volumes. Oh well. I can probably chalk up my indifference in the fact that I'm not a fan. C rating.

Book Read: Calamity Jack by Shannon Hale, Nathan Hale, and Dean Hale

A sequel to Rapunzel's Revenge, Calamity Jack has Jack returning to his home time with Rapunzel by his side. Arriving in Shyport, Jack is dismayed to learn that the giant has broadened his control over the town and taken Jack's mother captive. Jack and Punzie, with the help of some new and old friends, determine to free the town, especially Jack's mother.

I loved this graphic novel almost as much as the first one. The lively, fun illustrations match an equally lively, fun story. To have Rapunzel be an equal partner with Jack is something I especially like. She's strong, smart, and brave, and not afraid to have others know it. Jack's insecurities about his past foibles and his feelings for Rapunzel make him a vulnerable, likable hero.

I'd recommend to those that enjoyed the first book, plus others that enjoy retold fairy tales. B+ rating.

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan (The Heroes of Olympus #2)

I have been dying to read The Son of Neptune ever since I finished The Lost Hero last year. It was pure torture to have to wait an entire year to find out what Percy was doing while he was "lost" in the first book of the spin-off series. When the story begins, Percy is being chased by two Gorgons wearing Bargain Mart smocks. He apparently has lost his memory and doesn't know how he ended up in California, nor why these monsters are attacking him. (Nor how he knows what they are and how to battle them.) He knows something weird is happening because these "ladies" won't stay dead. They keep coming back and attacking him. After battling them one more time, Percy notices a metal door on a hill guarded by two teens wearing Roman armor, purple t-shirts and jeans. Knowing this is where he should be, he heads their way. Percy is then introduced to the Roman version of Camp Half-Blood and is sent with two new friends on a quest of their own.

Little is seen or heard from many of our Camp Half-Blood favorites as this story really focuses on Percy and the Roman camp. We know they are out there looking for Percy, but it's only happening in the background. That's okay though. I was more than intrigued with the Roman way of life and this latest threat to the world as we know it.

All I can say is that Riordan has a magical touch with these stories. What is there to say about a book where the reader becomes so involved in the characters and story that when you close the book, your first thought is 500 pages is too short. I love the little touches of humor that are inserted into the story. Like, who can't help but laugh when Amazon.com is run by -- you guessed it -- Amazon warrior women? Or, how Thanatos has an iPad to sort his lists of souls and Skyping with Pluto?

Yes, I loved, loved this story and now I'll be waiting rather impatiently for book three. Ahem. Anyone know a way to speed up time? 'A' rating from me.

The Magic Thief (Magic Thief #1) by Sarah Prineas

When Conn attempts to pick the pocket of a wizard, he never imagined the changes that would occur in his life. The wizard, Nevery Flinglas, takes Conn as an apprentice. Thrust into the world of the wizards, Conn soon learns of a threat to the town's supply of magic and his own suspicions lead him into danger.

The first of a trilogy, The Magic Thief is a good fantasy/adventure for intermediate grade levels. With the main theme dealing with good vs. evil, the reader is only positive of one character's stand. Plenty suspenseful and action-packed, it will appeal to both boys and girls, regular readers of fantasy and those not as familiar with fantasy. I give it a B.

The Gathering (Darkness Rising #1) by Kelley Armstrong

Maya lives with her parents in the wildlife park just outside the small town of Salmon Creek, which is owned and operated by the St. Cloud Corporation. Maya thinks it's ideal that her dad is the park ranger, since she gets to live there in the park and be that much closer to nature. You see, she's always felt more alive when she's in nature and has a special connection to animals. When a new boy comes to town, she learns more about her paw print birthmark and a possible reason for her connections. Add to that Maya's best friend's drowning death, a mysterious person in town asking questions, several cougar encounters, and the threat of wildfire and you can tell that Maya has plenty to keep her busy.

Be aware that this is the first book in what I assume will be a series. Many questions are left unanswered and the story ends with a major cliff-hanger. That said, I enjoyed the story quite a bit. Maya wheedled her way under my skin, and wouldn't you know, I want to find out more about her. Even though some events in the story were predictable, I'm still curious to know what exactly is going on at Salmon Creek with the St. Cloud Corporation and how it relates to Maya's past. (I do have my suspicions!) Although it has a totally different vibe, I'd say any fan of Stiefvater's Shiver will find lots to like in The Gathering. B rating

The Dark City (Relic Master #1) by Catherine Fisher

The Dark City is the first in a four part continuing story centered around Galen and his apprentice, Raffi, and their search for mysterious relics that may contain the secret to saving their world. Being members of the Order, the group with ties to the ancients and outlawed by the ruling group, the Watch, the duo must constantly beware of being captured by the Watch, especially when their search leads them to the city of Tasceron, which is controlled by the Watch.

This is a balanced mix of fantasy and adventure, with a few suspense-filled twists added. Knowing that this was book one of a planned four-book series even before I started reading helped to keep me appeased when the story ended with a cliffhanger. I'm glad the books are being published in four consecutive months, so that I don't have to wait an interminable period before getting the next one to read. Believe me, you won't want to wait long, either.

I don't think this is as well written as Incarceron, or maybe I just know what to expect from Ms. Fisher. I haven't been as surprised with some of the twists as I might have been, nor do I think this story quite intrigued me as well. But, if one starts it knowing that it's not like Incarceron, maybe it won't be a disappointment. The Relic Master series will appeal to middle school level kids, especially ones looking for an adventure that continues over several books. I give it a solid B.

Matched by Ally Condie

I'm so impressed with the Dystopian stories being published nowadays for teens. What seemed to be a minor trend a few years back when *everything* seemed to be about vampires, has exploded into the mainstream and THEN current trend after the success of The Hunger Games trilogy. Everytime I pick up another book set in the future where all is not as perfect as it seems, I'm sure that this will be the one to disappoint me. Such was my frame of mind when I picked up Matched.

Cassia is excited and nervous to finally meet her match. She's eager to see who the Society has chosen as her perfect mate; and an excuse to eat such delicacies as cake and dress up in finery at the banquet isn't bad either. Cassia lives in a world where the Society makes all her decisions for her -- where she lives, what she wears, what she eats, where she works, even when she will die. Her life seems perfect, she's with her loving family, she's matched with someone she's been best friends with forever. What more could she want?

Seeing the flash of someone else when looking at information about her match, Cassia begins to question all that the Society has told her. Suddenly, everything isn't so perfect after all. What if the Society was wrong and they chose her wrong match? If they were wrong about this, what else could be wrong?

There's lots to love about this story. It doesn't take long for me to get sucked into Cassia's world and wonder along with her about her life. As she struggles to decide who is a better match, Xander or Ky, I feel her anguish. I so want her to make the right choices, but I too have no idea what the right choice should be.

Matched will appeal to a wide audience. Fans of SF, adventure stories, and romance will all find something to like here. It's easy to recognize that this will be the first in a series, the ending leaving many plot details hanging. My grade? An 'A!' I for one will be impatiently waiting for the next!

Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll

About two years ago, I set out to read or reread many of those books considered classics. As part of that goal, I selected Alice's Adventures in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll. Before now, I'd only read selections from the book, but never the entire story.


 I found the story charming, especially the poems/songs. Yes, it's silly and nonsensical, but that's part of the fun. I can just imagine someone creating a story such as this to entertain some children, adding in something sillier just to get a stronger reaction from your audience. (Think of the movie, "Bedtime Stories.")

Don't read this expecting to find something exactly like the Tim Burton film or the Disney animated film. Instead read it if only to know the inspiration of both films. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to those that want to read something that's silly and fun. It's a 'B' book for me.

A Kiss in Time by Alex Flinn

Ever since I read Beastly, I've wanted to read more from Alex Flinn. Especially another retold fairy tale. I got my chance with A Kiss in Time.

What if an American teen boy is in Belgium as part of a European tour his parents forced on him? What if he comes across an abandoned old castle when he slips away from the tour for a day? What if he happens to find a sleeping princess in that castle and awakens this princess who has been asleep for over 300 years? What if she now thinks he's her true love and that they should marry? What happens when she goes home to Miami with him?

This contemporary retelling of Sleeping Beauty answers these questions and more. It's funny, but with serious undertones. Talia's struggle to accept and adapt to all the changes brought about in 300 years add a humorous tone tot he story. While Jack's dysfunctional relationship with his family is only emphasized when Talia is added to the family dynamics. While the story is engaging, there are a few spots where I felt like it dragged a bit. But, fortunately they didn't last and it quickly picked up again.

A Kiss in Time doesn't quite match Beastly in my opinion, but it's still a great story. I'd recommend it for anyone who likes to read retold fairy tales. It's a 'B' book for me.

The Capture by Kathryn Lasky (Guardian's of Ga'Hoole #1)

After the movie was released last fall, I realized I needed to get some of the Guardian's of Ga'Hoole series for the library. I vaguely remember when the series was first released, and several students eagerly reading them, but they never seemed to fully get my attention. The visually stunning trailer I viewed at the movies last summer was enough to get my attention and I finally read the first book in the Guardians of Ga'Hoole series, The Capture.

Soren is a young owl who is taken from his home and brought to St. Aegolius. He's told that it's an orphanage, but he's suspicious of the true motives in bringing all of the young owls there. All these young owls are put into a program of re-education, where they are brainwashed into forgetting all about their past and learn to blindly follow the rules. Soren and his friend Gylfie secretly resist this and seek to discover the real purpose of St. Aegolius, placing their own lives in peril.

I was surprised with how this story starts. From the blurb on the back of the book, I expected it to start either with his capture or already capture. Instead, there are several chapters where we view Soren's life with his family. The reader gets a realistic view of an owl embedded within this fantasy-adventure. You learn about what an owl eats, how he learns things from his mother, and so forth. I think I was just impatient to get to the real action of the story, so it seemed to be a slow start. Once Soren is captured and the intrigue starts, the pace increases and I finished it in a flash.

Fans of animal fantasies will flock to this book, for it has everything they're looking for. A solid start to the series, I give it a B.