Lord Loss, by Darren Shan

Lord Loss, by Darren Shan, is a particular book filled with action, horror, gore, and a little bit of chess. It's a story that contains demons, blood, guts, werewolves, and enjoyment with each page. Grubbs Grady is a boy that came home one day and found his family slaughtered by demons and a strange looking demon, with human-like qualities, except he has pale red skin, no nose, legs, or heart and he has blood dripping through cracks in his body, yea nothing special. Demons run after Grubbs and he escapes a very close death. But from then on, he gets sent to a mental hospital and is classified as a wreck. [Grubbs must outwit not only the mental health professionals determined to cure his delusion, but also the demonic forces only he can see.] Honestly, when I first read this I was trembling. From both excitement of the thrill of the book and fear of all the blood and gore. I was amused at the Demonata series and went off in search for the other books. This series is fascinating with all the action and puts you right in the battles. I would recommend this to all teens who crave blood and guts. The author, Darren Shan, is a genius in breathing this series. - Reviewed by Patrick, grade 9. .

Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson

Have you ever wanted to say something but never had a chance to speak out? The book Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson, is about a teenage girl named Melinda who is a total outcast and is about to enter high school knowing she called the police at a party during the summer. No one really knows what really happened to her that night. As the novel continues, the author gives hints to the reader to what really happened to her. She becomes very isolated with herself, family, and friends. Melinda expresses her feelings and emotions through art and as she progresses to become a better artist, will she decide to speak out about what happened the night of the party?

In my opinion, Speak is an amazing book filled with many obstacles that a typical teenager overcomes as a new high school student. It teaches a lesson to always speak out and get help whenever it is necessary. Speaking out helps one emotionally and physically through what they are going through. One doesn't want to end up being like Melinda - an outcast and isolated with everything. I think everyone should speak their heart out about anything. I recommend this book to anyone who has any problems speaking out and with self esteem. Speak might give perspective to those that relate to the same problems. Speak out!

- Reviewed by Thomas, grade 9.

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