Lionboy

Stars:******

When Charlie Ashanti comes home to an empty house he knows that something is wrong. When Rafi, the coolest kid (teenish person) in his city tries to kidnap him, he knows that something is seriously wrong. Little does he know that the Corporacy  an evil business, has kidnaped his parents for their asthma cure. However, he knows that nothing can stop him as he does everything in his power to save them, from running away with the circus to stowing away on a train. Can he save his parents in time? Or will they become mindless workers of the Corporacy? Read the trilogy to find out!

I really love this series! Everything about it, from the Sci-fi elements to the characters are amazing! This book really has a real-world feel, with just enough mystery to keep you reading. I also enjoy the main character. You can't help but fall in love with courageous, catspeaking Charlie. He is so fun and interesting and exciting and independent. This is also a must-read for anybody who is really into cats. (0r lions, or tigers, or leopards, or.... well, read it and you will see what I mean.) 

Gregor The Overlander

Stars: ******

When Gregor falls through an air vent behind his apartment's dryer, he dosen't expect to find a world underneath his own. Nonetheless, this is what he finds. The new world he discovers is worn-torn and full of danger, though, and he wonders if he will ever find his way back. Now this land is expecting him to fulfill the Prophecy of gray as well as rescue his father and save his little sister. Can he do it? Or will Regalia tumble under the might of the rats? Read the series to find out!  

I personally love this series. The whole tie-in to Alice in Wonder land with the hole and everything, cracks me up. I also love the whole world-under-a-world concept. The culture is alien, yet hauntingly familiar. I also love all the giant animals and the beautiful architecture. This series is all about transformations and human nature and is, quite frankly, amazing.

Are You "Normal?"

Stars: *****

Think you're "normal?" then venture through this book of fun. Every page is full of great, colorful pictures and hilarious jokes along with interesting facts and statistics. Are you "normal?" Or maybe you just want to know what other kids think. Either way, this book is for you. Want to see how "normal" you really are? Then take the "normalcy" quiz and get you're rating on the weird-o-meter at the end of each chapter. But don't take my word for it. Read the book for yourself!

This is a really fun, frolicking non-fiction read. I really enjoyed the jokes and the art. The normalcy quiz was really fun and (I think) surprisingly accurate. Anyhow, this is a must-read for anyone who wants the opinion of kids.

Princess Academy: Palace of stone

Stars: ******

When the time comes for Miri, the little girl of the mountains, to travel down to Danland's capital for the wedding of her best friend, Britta, she is excited. But, the capital is more than it seems. Soon after arrival at the Queen's Academy, she discovers a nest of rebels. Torn between the rebels futuristic ideas and her own loyalty to Britta and the rest of the royal family, between love of Peder and her new rebel crush, she will face more than ever before. Can she choose the right path before times up? Can she learn to live in two worlds? Or will she lose what precious little she has? Read the series to find out!

The thing that I enjoy most about this book is the fact that Shannon Hale was able to create a book that only builds upon the original. The characters are still fresh and interesting and the plot keeps up a pace that is hard to resist. Full of twists and turns and new characters that you will never forget, this book is a perfect read for anyone who loved the original book, as well as anyone who enjoys a good realistic fantasy.

Hero

Stars:*****

When Zach Harriman's father dies in a plane crash Zach is determined to find out who caused the plane to crash. When he visits the crash site he finds out more than he bargained for about both his father and himself. Now he knows he must fight the Bads. But who or what exactly are the Bads? Where will they strike next? And how can Zach fight them? Read the book to find out!

This book is very much about finding your own identity and uncovering your true potential. Although Mike Lupica usually writes about sports, this is still an excellent book. Overflowing with mystery, enemies, friends, betrayal and trust, this book is truly captivating, with a new surprise around every corner.

Pillage

Stars:*****

When Beck Phillips' mother dies, he goes to live with his crazy, filthy rich uncle. Even that isn't very bad compared to the wandering lights he sees and his bizarre new power over plants. It seems strange, until he finds a mysterious conservatory in the woods. What he discovers will shake his beliefs and perception to the core. Will he be able to help his uncle? Will he learn to use his new abilities? Will he save the town before it's too late? Read the book to find out!

The characters in this book are so lifelike and believable that it makes you almost able to believe the story. The way this book unfolds is amazingly well paced and interesting. The way the characters interact is true to reality and keeps this book and the characters real.

   

Flyte

Stars:******

Once again, DomDaniel is threatening the Heaps. But this time he's got an agent on the inside of the Heap family, and time is running out. None will believe that a Heap is a traitor and they can't seem to stop him. Will they face the facts, or will darkness prevail?  Can they keep DomDaniel from being the ExtraOrdinary Wizard? Can the stop the spy from within? Read the series to find out.

In this stunning sequel to Magyk, Flyte will keep readers on their toes as the narrative weaves through family betrayal, acceptance, and becoming who you are meant to be. The story line is brillant and the characters are jumping off the pages in this brillant book full of twists that will keep you wondering.

Magyk

Stars: ******

The seventh son of a seventh son, named Septimus Heap dies at birth and is replaced a baby sister his father finds in the snow. Soon Jenna, as they name her, has taken the place of Septimus for her siblings.  But soon with the death of the Queen, The Heaps are plunged into chaos as the try to stop darkness for conquering the kingdom. Can they stop DomDaniel, the evil tyrant? Can they find out what happened to Septimus? Read the series to find out.

What I love about the series is the magic. All the spells are unique and the legends are amazing.  Angie Sage has really created a world of magic and mystery with this book. 

Framed

Stars: *****

Dylan is the only boy left in his entire town. One by one, all the other boys move away until he is the only one left. The only boy in the entire town of Manod, highest rainfall in the UK, lowest crime rate. Until some very mysterious men move into the abandoned quarry above the town. Suddenly Dylan's world is changed forever as new friendships, and old mysteries are dug up and shaken to their roots as he discovers the power of art. Can he bring his father home again? Can he save his home before it's too late? Read the book to find out.

What I love about this book is it's characters. Each individual person has a past and a personality that gave me some big shocks as the book develops. The author, Frank Boyce, really brings the small town and all of it's people to life. This is a must-read for anyone who loves art and the old masters.

The Land of Elyon

Rating:*****

When Alexa, the twelve-year old daughter of the mayor of Lathbury, discovers the way outside of the walls she has always been looking for, nothing will ever be the same again. As she journey's through the Dark Hills and the lands beyond she finds friendship, love and magic. But will she be alble to save the Jocastas? Will she bring down the terrible Abaddon? Or will darkness rule the land of Elyon? Read the series to find out!

What I love about this series is the curiosity of Alexa. I also love the animals and her interactions with them the animal voices are portrayed well, and really help you to picture the animal. I also love the people, because they are so realistic, even in the midst of all the adventures. Alexa is also portrayed very well as she grows from book to book. 

Entwined

Rating: *****

Ever heard of the fairytale of the twelve dancing princess? Well then get ready for Entwined, a spinoff of that exact fairytale. The book by Lynda La Plante surprised me at it's similarity to books by Gail Carson Levine, but it was good nonetheless. 

Azalea, the oldest of twelve princesses, finally has it all. Suitors, fancy balls, fancy ball gowns. There is only one problem. Sad and heartbroken at the loss of her mother, her stiff-necked father denies Azalea and her sisters the right to dance and wear bright colors. As they begin to venture through the halls of the palace, they come upon a place wear they can dance and be happy away from their father. But as time goes on Azalea begins to realize that they are in danger. But is it too late to seek her father's aid? And will they become entwined? Read the book to find out!  

What I love about this book is the story before the story. It creates a story before the brother's Grimm fairytale, and gives you an inside look on the emotions of the princesses'. It also explores a different point of view than the traditional fairytale. I also love how realistic and human the father-daughter relationship is as it moves throughout the story. After all sometimes the realtionships beteween parents and their offspring are too mushy or too hard, but this one is a story of human nature and family ties. 

The Seems

Rating: *****

The idea behind the Seems is of two dependent worlds. The Seems is an almost magical world that is responsible for everything from keep the other side of your pillow cool to sending shipments of Big Ideas to "the world."

Becker is offered the chance of a lifetime. He, a normal citizen of the world has the opportunity to be a much lauded and mysterious Fixer, whose job it is to keep the other departments from breaking down. 

Join Becker on the journey of a lifetime as he frantically searches for a way to crush the Tide, a mysterious society bent on taking over the Seems in order to rewrite the world as we know it. Who can he trust? Who is on his side? And are all his friends his enemies? Read the series to find out!

Update 6/20/2012: I forgot to put the author!  It's Michael Wexler, John Hulme
(It's usually at the library under Wexler.) 

The Inheritance Cycle

Rating: ******

It seems only right to start this blog with a review of my favorite series of all time--The Inheritance Cycle. The first book was started by Christopher Paolini when he was only fifteen. Now, we have a full series known as the Inheritance Cycle. The style he uses is not new or unique, but, the way he gives each character a life and personality of their own amazes me every time.

The Inheritance Cycle is the story of one boy's journey from farmer to legend, from prey to hunter, from captivity to freedom. It is the beginning of his life and his legend. As you journey through the moving pages you will find wisdom and wit, mystery and humor. Just what does the Varden stand for? Who or what are the Razac? And will Eragon bring peace and hope to all, or death and destruction?  Read the series to find out!