Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Tempted, by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast
In Tempted by P.C. Cast and Kristen Cast Zoey is worried that her friendship with Stevie Rae will not last. Zoey knows that something is up with her and Stevie Rae will not tell her. While all of this is happening Zoey struggles with A-ya, the Cherokee maiden who was able to trap Kalona. Is Zoey being being pulled by the part of A-ya in her that calls to him? Meanwhile Stevie Rae is confused of how to tell Zoey or if she should even tell her about it? Will they be able to confide in each other or will they break apart?
I really enjoyed this book because it has all the drama a teenage girl may sometimes love. It is full of boy craziness, friendships at steak, and personal problems. I love the different kind of fantasy brought into this book. I would recommend this book to anyone around my age.
-Reviewed by Anonymous, Grade 9.
Labels:
Fantasy,
House of Night Series,
Kristen Cast,
P.C. Cast,
Romance,
Teen Book Reviews,
Tempted,
Vampires
Monday, September 27, 2010
The Andromeda Strain, by Michael Crichton
In The Andromeda Strain, by Michael Crichton, Earth is covered by uni-celled organisms that can survive, thrive, in different locations that no man could ever dream of. What about space? Can bacteria live in such extreme environment and what would happen if it landed in our home planet? Well, in a small town in Arizona called Piedmont, they found their answer: fifty-seven deaths and only two survivors, a baby and ancient old man. When a satellite carrying a new form of bacteria from space falls nearby Piedmont, almost everyone dies from a complete form of clood clotting or by insanity. The Wildfire Team is sent into motion, researching, experimenting, observing, and theorizing to try to stop this deadly organism.
I personally have never cared for the science-fiction genre (Star Wars and Star Trek seemed identical to me) but this was one story that had made me rethink my opinion. I often heard my friends talking about Michael Crichton's books and the horror if the books were to actually come true. I was intrigued and decided to read the first book I saw by Michael Crichton. It was The Andromeda Strain. I came to throughly enjoy this book and finished reading it in two days. Most of the chapter were filled with science and medical terms, and would always leave me confused and having to guess what whe characters were doing. Also, some of Crihton's cliff hangers seemed to be incorrect. For example, he would often say in an ominous tone that one of the scientists would make a foolish mistake, but in the next chapter it did not appear to be so. It added to my confusion. This book was packed of information about biology and I had learned more about bacteria here than I ever did in my fourteen years of life. At the end of the book, I wanted to learn more about biology because Crichton provides the knowledge in a way that will never leave the reader bored. I also believed that the format was interesting in that he had included files in their original forms adding to the whole secret-mission type of mood. The Andromeda Strain was a book far out of my usual style but it left me desiring more and more. I plan to read more of his books and just sit there and imagine what would happen to Earth if Michael Crichton 's stories were to all come true. I recommend this book to lovers of science-fiction and to people who are interested in science.
-Reviewed by Sophia, grade 9.
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Brisingr, by Christopher Paolini
Brisingr is the third book of the Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. In order to understand this book, you have to read the two books. The story begins with Eragon, Roran, and Saphira at the base of Helgrind, waiting for morning to attack the Ra'zac's lair, and find and rescue Katrina, Roran's fiancee. In the morning, the assault is on! Their group finds the secret entrance to the dwelling, and immediately they are attacked by the Ra'zac and their parents, Lethrblaka. Saphira takes on the two Lethrblaka, while Eragon and Roran attack the two Ra'zac. In the end, Eragon and Saphira prove to outmatch the Ra'zac and their parents, and kill them. Eragon fids Katrina's cell and leaves Roran to break it down.
Meanwhile, Eragon searches other cells and finds Sloan, the traitor of Carbahall. He is blind. Eragon decides not to kill him, and puts him to sleep. Then Katrina and Roran go back to Saphira with Eragon following them. After securing both people to Saphira, Eragon backs away and tells them he has to take care of something. Saphira leaves after much persuasion and aggravation. Then Eragon returns to Sloan and carries him out of Helgrind. Then he sets a spell on Sloan that will make him walk toward Ellesmera without being harmed. Then Eragon set off back to Surda and the Varden. After Saphir returned to the Varden, Arya set out to find Eragon and bring him back to the Varden. They return safely, but had to take care of a group of soldiers in order to return. By then, twelve elf spell caster had arrived to protect, aid, and defend Eragon as well as the Varden. A couple weeks later, Roran and Katrina decide to get married. Unfortunately, their wedding day was interrupted by Empire soldiers, Murtagh and Thorn. The Varden rushed to gather their weapons and armor. Eragon and Saphira flew up to confront Murtagh and Thorn. They fought and Eragon and Saphira were able to best them due to the help of the twelve elf spell castors. However, the Varden suffered heavy casualties from the three hundred soldiers. Galbatorix had laid spells on his soldiers so that they could not feel pain; so they could only die from a head blow, neck hit, or heart blow. Roran and Katrina still got married that day to help cheer the Varden up.
The next week, Nasuada gave Eragon the assignment to go to Twonjheim in her place to make sure Orik was made the next dwarf king (hrothgar was killed by Murtagh in Eldest). He made the journey with Garxhvog, the Kull leader of the Urgals that joined the Varden. Nasuada also assigned Roran to a regiment under Martland. His group's mission was to find enemy supply wagons and destroy them and kill any soldiers in their way. Martland's soldiers went on two missions like this. On the second mission, they faced the soldiers that didn't feel pain, but they still succeeded on their mission. However, Martland's hand got cut off during the attack. So Nasuada transferred Roran to another commander, Edric. Roran was given a small command over soldiers. Edric's regiment was supposed to find a small, evacuated village, and attack the oncoming soldiers. Edric told Roran to charge into the soldiers no matter what, but when Roran saw that the soldiers had crossbows, he halted his men. Then he put archers on the roof and rescued Edric and his remaining men. Edric took some men and went to aid Sand, the second in command, and told Roran to engage the soldiers with crossbows. Again, Roran disagreed and had the archers take them out. Then they charged. Roran took on and killed 193 soldiers by himself, using a spear and his hammer. But because he disobeyed orders again, Edric demoted him. When he got back to the Varden, Roran was whipped fifty lashes for disobeying a direct command from a superior, but he kept his rank.
Meanwhile, Eragon made it to Tronjheim safely and the dwarves were still debating who should be king. After a long meeting of the clan leaders (only clan leaders can be chosen as king. Orik became the leader of the Durgrimst Ingeitum clan), Eragon went walking down the tunnels under Tronjheim to escape from the debate environment. On the way back, he sensed that he and his guards were being followed. And indeed they were, fortunately Eragon and his guards managed to defend themselves and slay their attackers. Eragon and Orik found out that the attackers were from the clan Az Sweldn rak Anhuin. They called a meeting and Orik accused the clan chief Vermund for the attack. The Az Sweldn rak Anhuin clan was banned from existence until clan chief Vermund was replaced or died. Then the meeting decided to choose a king. Orik was elected. Then, Saphira flew to Tronjheim for the coronation, and made the Star Rose whole again, much to the pleasure of the dwarves. From Tronjheim, Eragon and Saphira flew to Ellesmera, where Eragon learned many new secrets. Find them out.
Personally, I liked this book. I think I was amazing. I couldn't stop reading it when I first got it. This book had a lot of surprises and twists. This book is for teens or people who like reading fiction or fantasy.
-Reviewed by K.C., grade 9.
The Ruins of Gorlan, by John Flanagan
The Ranger's Apprentice, by John Flanagan, starts its series off with book one: The Ruins of Gorlan. At the beginning of this book, orphans in a castle have to schoose their occupation, depending on their skill. Two of the Orphans, Will and Horace, both wanted to be warriors. However, Horace was big and muscular and Will was small. Horace became a warrior and Will was asked to become a ranger. A decision that will change Will's life forever. As Will is being trained in the ways of a ranger, a war brakes out and Will will play a major role in winning the war.
This is one of the best books I have read, and every time a new Ranger's Apprentice comes out, I find myself buying the book as fast as possible and finishing it even faster. At the same time I read this book, I had a big interest in these things: rangers, warriors, wizards, and I enjoyed reading this book. Each page was filled with adventure, and the further into the book I got, the harder it was to put the book down. With each book, I learn many things that I can relate to life. From this book I learned to be more sneaky. This book as well as the series, Ranger's Apprentice, will always be one of my favorites, and I recommend this book to anyone.
-Reviewed by Krassi, grade 9.
Monday, September 20, 2010
One Magical Sunday (But Winning Isn't Everything), by Phil Mickelson with Donald T. Phillips
One Magical Sunday, by Phil Mickelson with Donald T. Phillips, describes how Phil won the major tournament victory. Phil was destined to play golf at a very young age. He had a talent that would help him work his way through to become a champion golfer. With a supportive family, great coaches, and determination, Phil won the 2004 masters. Aside from his golf career, he is also a parent of three kids. He finds time to spend with his family and take a break away from golf.
The book titled, One Magical Sunday, is definitely a book for golfers and golf fans. It is a book with lots of good tips and information to help one's golf dream come true. The comments from Phil's family members and coaches help understand Phil's strong desire to become a professional golfer. I recommend this book to all golf players. For non golfers this can give you a head start when playing golf for fun.
-Reviewed by Rebecca, grade 9.
Thursday, September 16, 2010
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury
Fahrenheit 451, by Ray Bradbury, features a futuristic world where reading is illegal. Guy Montag is employed as a "fireman." Ironically, his job is to burn books. On his way home, he meets his new 17 year-old neighbor, Clarisse McClellan. They have an awkward talk and then Guy leaves. The next day, he goes to work and tries to pet the Mechanical Hound. It growls at him and threatens him. After a while, the alarm rings. They go to burn an old lady's house because of an illegal possession of books. When they push the lady aside, a book falls into Guy's hands. Thoughtlessly, he hides it under his shirt. The firemen had no choice but to burn the house with her in it. Guy feels guilt and shame. Later, he decides to make copies of the book also known as the Bible with the help of his professor, Fabor. After changing his mind, he goes to work and gives the book to the captain of the fire department. Then, once again the alarm rings. The destination was Guy Montag's own house. What will happen to Guy's house? What will happen to Guy Montag?
Fahrenheit 451 was a very exhilarating novel. I was very impressed of how brave Guy was for taking the book. I found it ridiculous that books were illegal. This book kept me wondering, "What will our future look like?"
-Reviewed by Michelle, grade 9.
Labels:
Classic,
Classics,
Dystopia,
Farenheit 451,
Ray Bradbury,
Science Fiction,
Teen Book Reviews
Vampire Mountain, by Darren Shan
Vampire Mountain, by Darren Shan, is the fourth book from the Cirque Du Freak series. Darren Shan, the vampire's assistant is leaving for the Vampire Mountain with his master, Mr. Crepsley. It is hard to get to the Vampire Mountain without having tough times, which means that it will be a cruel journey. As they have tough times going up to the mountain, Gavner Purl, Mr. Crepsley's friend and a vampire general met up with them along the way. Darren confronted many things, such as meeting the wolves and an insane bear. After few weeks, they reached the Vampire Mountain with exhaustion. As they rested in the rooms, the vampire council had a meeting. Mr. Crepsley presented Darren, and he was compelled to make a decision, which was to go on the Trials of Initiation, or to put Mr. Crepsley in shame.
The Cirque Du Freak series has once more amazed me. The detailed descriptions has fascinated me again. The first time I read this book, I was excited to get the next book right away. I recommend this book to all the horror fans out there. I'm positive that you will fall for the vivid imaginaton of the book.
-Reviewed by J.P., grade 9.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
City of Ashes,by Cassandra Clare
In the second book of The Mortal Instruments series, City of Ashes, by Cassandra Clare, Clary is lost and confused and wishing she could have her old life back. But now she knows she was a Shadowhunteer who has just found her amazing long-lost brother who will possible do anything to help their father, Valentine, who is crazy, evil. The battle for love and power is on in this completely different world that she grew up in. Now everything has changed for her mostly because now she can see all the Downworlders like the werewolves, vampires, and faeries and her mother is in a magical coma. Clary's best friend who she needs for support wants to be more that friends? And Valentine is running lose in New York City causing major chaos for everyone especially herself nd Jace, her brother. Can she help her mother, Jace, and still stop Valentine?
I really enjoyed this book because of all the drama and the magical amazement with uniqueness. I think anyone who enjoys reading about magical mysterious romances will extremely like this series. This book will make you feel like if you wish you were part of the book. I would give it five stars out of five. It can blow your mind away and get you caught up in all the dangerous fantasy.
-Reviewed by anonymous, grade 9.
Saturday, September 4, 2010
Lock and Key, by Sarah Dessen
In Lock and Key, by Sarah Dessen, Ruby lives in a complicated world where her mother is missing and the sister she has not seen in ten years has to take care of her. All of a sudden she has to move to a different school with different people and a possible different future than the one she had in mind. The only person who talks and listens to her is the popular boy, Nate, who is now her next door neighbor. He seems to get her even in the middle of all the madness in her life could it be that it is because he has something to runway from to?
This book can really be enjoyed by many people it will win your heart over and make you stop and appreciate things. I enjoyed it because like many other books it is a boy meets girl but with other things in the middle. I recommend it to girls like me in middle school ot high school. It will be fun to read and keep you guessing.
-Reviewed by anonymous, grade 9.
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