Since the beginning of the year there are some books I have read, enjoyed, and looked forward to their sequels. I'll also put in a brief excerpt of what each book is about from those who write what books are about :) I know most of those who read my blog are not in to fantasy reading but I read to relax, not to learn- it's like watching a movie for me. Anyway- here's the list, excerpts & my reviews of those books I can remember reading...
The Faerie Path by Frewin Jones
On the eve of Anita's sixteenth birthday, her date with her new boyfriend, Evan, is interrupted by an accident that lands them both in the hospital. After a series of dreamlike visions, she awakens in Faerie as Tania, the seventh daughter of King Oberon and Queen Titania, who has been missing for 500 years. Anita doesn't know what to think, and while she is trying to figure things out, she uncovers a plot that could destroy both worlds. The writing is occasionally awkward, and the book's setting and characters are typical fantasy fare. Even so, there's enough mystery, suspense, and romance to carry readers to the inevitable happy ending, and girls fond of magical princess stories won't be disappointed.
Krista Hutley Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.I enjoyed this book because it's a fun read. Not very difficult to fall into, and very difficult to put down if you allow yourself to care about the characters. I went right to the library for the second in the series.
The Faerie Path #2: The Lost Queen: Book Two of T... by Frewin Jones
Tania and Edric have entered the Mortal World (specifically London) in search of Tania's mother; Titania, Queen of the Faerie Realm. They are challenged with a series of obstacles to prevent them In their search. First off, news comes from the world of Faerie that the throne has been seized by the Sorcerer King, who has usurped the throne with the help of Gabriel Drake, Tania's erstwhile suitor, and her sister, Rathina, the woman who loves Drake. Secondly, the King has released the Gray Knights, a vicious and deadly band of assassins bent on killing Tania and anyone who could stand in the Sorcerer King's way. Third is almost more destructive and terrible, and that is Tania's mortal parents, who have forbade her from seeing Edric at all!
This book was a little more difficult for me to sit down and read cover to cover. At times the story is slow and predictable but I still enjoyed following characters I'd learned to care about from the first book.
The Faerie Path #3: The Seventh Daughter aka THE SORCERER KING: Book Th... by Frewin Jones
Tania has brought the long-lost Queen Titania back to Faerie from the Mortal World of modern London. But when they cross between the worlds, they find only devastation.
The Sorcerer King of Lyonesse—ancient enemy of the Faerie Court—has been released from his amber prison. As the wicked sorcerer regains his power, King Oberon, Tania's father, is imprisoned and the Faerie Court is being destroyed.
Tania and her true love, Edric, must travel the Realm to try to find and rescue King Oberon, who is their only hope for defeating the evil Sorcerer King. And Tania must prepare for battle . . . and to fight a war that she may not survive.
I'm not really sure why Frewin Jones decided to change the name of the third book but it can be confusing as to which is the third- which is why I placed both titles in my title :)
Either way- this book was much more interesting than the third but still not as intriguing as the first due to predictability. The author also leaves you wondering about some of the characters due to lack of development into the plot. I'd still recommend it as a read though just so you get the whole story. I haven't read the fourth book yet- it was supposed to be called Sorceress, now it is called The Immortal Realm. My local library doesn't have it so I've got to wait until I get home.
The Alchemyst: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel by Michael Scott (Paperback - Jun 24, 2008)
From Publishers WeeklyTwin 15-year-old siblings Sophie and Josh Newman take summer jobs in San Francisco across the street from one another: she at a coffee shop, he at a bookstore owned by Nick and Perry Fleming. In the vey first chapter, armed goons garbed in black with "dead-looking skin and... marble eyes" (actually Golems) storm the bookshop, take Perry hostage and swipe a rare Book (but not before Josh snatches its two most important pages). The stolen volume is the Codex, an ancient text of magical wisdom. Nick Fleming is really Nicholas Flamel, the 14th-century alchemist who could turn base metal into gold, and make a potion that ensures immortality. Sophie and Josh learn that they are mentioned in the Codex's prophecies: "The two that are one will come either to save or to destroy the world." Mayhem ensues, as Irish author Scott draws on a wide knowledge of world mythology to stage a battle between the Dark Elders and their hired gun—Dr. John Dee—against the forces of good, led by Flamel and the twins (Sophie's powers are "awakened" by the goddess Hekate, who'd been living in an elaborate treehouse north of San Francisco). Not only do they need the Codex back to stop Dee and company, but the immortality potion must be brewed afresh every month. Time is running out, literally, for the Flamels. Proceeding at a breakneck pace, and populated by the likes of werewolves and vampires, the novel ends on a precipice, presumably to be picked up in volume two. Ages 12-up.
(May)Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.I absolutely LOVED this book. I learned something about the history of mythology while I read it. I think those are the most enjoyable books for me to read- ones that I do actually learn something but that it's through a story I can fall into and care about just like a movie. That's entertainment to me. I have a difficult time reading the more textbook novels that suck you dry on character development and plot merely to portray specific events through factual detail- painful factual detail. It was very interesting for me to see characters that I am familiar with from different cultures interacting with each other. I would highly recommend this whole series. Although SOME parts were predictable- most of the book was full of twists, turns and unexpected events. This is a series I would purchase and read again-hardcover naturally!
The Magician (The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel) by Michael Scott
From School Library Journal Grade 6–9—Flamel and company return in this fast-paced follow-up to
The Alchemyst (Delacorte, 2007). The immortal human Nicholas Flamel; Scathach, the veggie vampire warrior; and the mortal twins of legend, Josh and Sophie, are still on the run from the malicious Dr. John Dee. Flamel retains two of the pages of the legendary Book of Abraham, and Dee will do anything to get them. After hopping a ley line to Paris, our heroes barely escape the machinations of Dee's partner in crime, Niccolò Machiavelli. While finding shelter with fellow immortals (Joan of Arc turns out to be a particularly helpful ally), Josh attempts to deal with the fact that his twin sister is now incredibly powerful. Having had her powers "awakened," Sophie's new abilities make him surprisingly jealous—a fact that Dee may find useful. Scott tapers down the sheer breadth of gods, goddesses, legends, and myths already introduced in his first novel, which is a bit of a relief. Even though the plot moves forward at breakneck speed, the author is careful not to lose sight of his characters' struggles or inner demons. Fans of the previous novel will certainly find much to love, root for, and fear in this successful second installment.—
Elizabeth Bird, New York Public LibraryCopyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.This book was interesting and page turning fun. I had to wait to read the third as it didn't come out for a few months after reading this book- such is life- always waiting for the next good book!
Amazon.com Review The third book in Michael Scott's "Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel" series,
The Sorceress, kicks the action up to a whole new level. Adding to the series' menagerie of immortal humans ("humani") and mythological beasts, the book picks up where
The Magician left off: the immortal Nicholas Flamel (of
The Alchemyst) and the twins, Sophie and Josh, have just arrived at St. Pancras international train station in London. Almost immediately, they're confronted with a demonic bounty hunter that immortal magician John Dee has sent their way. At the same time, Dee's occasional cohort, Niccolo Machiavelli, decides to focus his energy on Perenelle Flamel, the Alchemyst's wife, who has been imprisoned at Alcatraz since the beginning of the series. In this book, Perenelle gets a chance to show off her sorcery and resourcefulness, fighting and forging alliances with ghosts, beasts, and the occasional Elder to try and find a way out of her predicament and back to Flamel. Scott is as playful as ever, introducing new immortals--famous figures from history who (surprise!) are still alive. He also adds to the roster of fantastical beasts, which already includes such intriguing foes as Bastet, the Egyptian cat goddess, and the Morrigan, or Crow Goddess. Raising the stakes with each installment, Scott deftly manages multiple story lines and keeps everything moving pretty quickly, making this third book a real page-turner. More than just another piece in the puzzle of the whole series,
The Sorceress is an adventure in its own right, and will certainly leave series fans wanting more.
--Heidi Broadhead Again, love this book and could not WAIT for the third to come out. Now I am anxiously awaiting the next- ugh- I hate waiting.
Leven Thumps and the Eyes of the Want (Leven Thumps, Bk. 3) by Obert Skye and Ben Sowards
"FOLLOW ME AND HURRY," THE WANT URGED. "THE WORLD IS CHANGING AS WE SPEAK."
The war to unite "Foo and Reality is beginning! Humanity's only hope is Leven Thumps. Not only must Leven race across Foo to stop the whispered secret before the deadly truth is revealed, but he also must travel to the mysterious island of Lith. There abides the Want, the manic dream-master who can give Leven the gifts he needs against a foreboding army of rants and other Foo beings.
If you are willing and have the courage, you're invited to join the adventure in Book Three. Travel to Sycophant Run, survive the Waves of the Lime Sea, and discover a new gateway to Foo. But beware: the true threat to the dreams of mankind lurks beneath the soil.
An interesting book albeit disappointing the way the story turns at certain times-can't say much more without giving away the plot! The book itself was not a disappointment and rather a good read!
Leven Thumps and the Wrath of Ezra by Obert Skye and Ben Soward
Product DescriptionThe dreams of mankind are in grave danger. The Dearth, the true evil beneath the soil, rises above ground and gains the strength he needs to defeat Leven Thumps. Lev, now the Want, is also gaining strength and must discover his new power before the Dearth finds him.Meanwhile, Sycophant Run is on the brink of war, and the secret of the sycophants' vulnerability is more of a threat than ever -- can Clover and the sycophants protect the only gateway to Reality? And speaking of Reality, Terry and Addy are about to join forces with a onetime janitor and the angriest, most confused toothpick alive: Ezra. What kind of power is raging inside that sliver of wood?
I still maintain that the first book was the best but it's great getting to see what happens to the characters throughout the series.
Pillage by Obert Skye
When fifteen-year-old Beck Phillips travels by train to the secluded village of Kingsplot to live with his wealthy but estranged uncle, Beck discovers some dark family secrets. A buried basement, a forbidden wall, an old book of family history with odd references to... dragons? Beck's life is about to be changed forever in this suspenseful tale about the destructive nature of greed and the courage to make things right. Pillage is filled wtih Mr. Skye's signature humor as well as some very intense moments. including a surprising ending, that will keep readers young and old engrossed and entertained.
This book was a little more difficult to fall into at first and remained difficult to continue reading. The story was a bit slow but I still enjoyed it. I'd still say a good read & I might even read it again in a few years.
The Hound of Rowan: Book One of The Tapestry by Henry H. Neff
In a hidden alcove within Chicago's Art Institute, Max McDaniels discovers a faded tapestry. As he watches, the tapestry begins to glow; soon after, he receives an invitation to attend a private boarding school in New England. When he arrives at Rowan Academy, where young people with Potential are trained to fight an unnamed enemy, he and the other apprentices are housed in magically morphing rooms and assigned animal charges. Max is paired with the last lymrill in the world, a nocturnal creature with metallic quills. They train on the Course, where they experience different scenarios as they try to achieve a goal and move up levels as they progress. Meanwhile, apprentices and even some full-fledged agents are disappearing all over the world. This novel's sprawling, quirky boarding school has obvious parallels to Hogwarts, but Neff's storytelling boasts charms of its own, and U.S. readers may appreciate that this magical adventure, the first installment in the planned Tapestry series, takes place here rather than abroad. Tixier Herald, Diana
--This text refers to the Hardcover edition.This book was a little different from what I am used to reading but I enjoyed it enough to keep reading & seek out the following in the series. Delightful characters like Nick, Mum, Bob & Max keep you entertained while the story moves & twists in ways that are unexpected.
The Second Siege: Book Two of The Tapestry by Henry H. Neff
Fans of
The Hound of Rowan (Random, 2007) will love this sequel. Those who haven't read the first book will simply be puzzled. In their second year at Rowan Academy, Max McDaniels and his roommate David Menlo, a mystic, discover that they must live with the Witches to fulfill a pact made years before they were born. To keep them and the Book of Thoth safe from the demon Astaroth and in the hands of Rowan agents, they are "kidnapped" by an ally. While on the run, the Red Branch offers to activate Max to be its newest agent. Initially, Max demurs but after dodging danger in Europe, finding his mother in the land of the Sidh, discovering his real father's identity, and having several harrowing encounters with Astaroth, he embraces his identity as the reincarnation of Cuchulain and joins as a full-fledged agent.
The Second Siege is chock-full of magic, myth, and adventure, and has some fun and interesting characters and an intense, engaging plot. That said, without the background information from the first book, it will be hard for readers to follow.—
Lisa Prolman, Greenfield Public Library, MA UGH! The ending is SUPER frustrating & he needs to hurry it up and finish the next book so I can read it!!!!! Altogether an interesting book. This book goes along with Medieval beliefs about magic- which I found out from my trip to the Folger Library last week. You can tell the author has done some research.
Dark Whispers (Unicorn Chronicles) by Bruce Coville
Product DescriptionThis is a tale of two quests: Cara Diana Hunter's search for an ancient story that may unravel the secret of the long enmity between the unicorns and the delvers, and her father's journey to free Cara's mother from the Rainbow Prison. Cara's journey leads her through the strange underground world of the delvers to the court of the centaur king, while her father must travel from mysterious India to the depths of the Rainbow Prison itself. This multi-stranded story will intrigue and delight the legion of fans who have been clamoring for the next tale in this beloved series.
I only have one thing to say to Bruce Coville and it's not very nice but I'm going to say it anyway... If he can't find time to write the third book to the Unicorn Chronicles then he shouldn't be dragging the story out. FREAKING A DUDE!!!! The first book in this series came out when I was in ELEMENTARY school & I have hoped & wished & waited as long as I could & I FINALLY found the second book in the series in Middle school- and then NOTHING NADA! I've graduated college you miserable little whelp now get back to work and finish the freaking series so I know what happens!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!$#^%$&&^*&^&#%$#&@#%!!!!!!
Enough said- the book was obviously great if I'm that pissed that the series is still going and didn't conclude with the third. Now all I ask is that one book is finished each week so that fast readers such as myself can finally find out what happens to Cara, Beloved, Ian, and all of the other characters I have grown interested in.
Anyway- the last book I have read is Midnight Sun- yes I know I'm evil but I wish Stephanie Meyer would get over herself and just finish the books she was planning on writing.
Actually the last book I have read has been my own- I'm writing a book but it's taking me ages because I have been without a computer pretty much all summer and you have to been in the mood. It's worse than painting when you're not in the mood. Nothing comes and you stare & stare at a blank screen. Anyway- I came down here to the computer lab to write but there's some kind of party going on in the next room & it's quite annoying and loud. So this is what I've got instead.
