Twice a Spy, by Keith Thompson

Keith Thomson's Twice a Spy was about two ex-operatives, Charlie and Drummond Clark, who had to hide-out in Switzerland because of criminal charges that were made against them in the America's, and are trying to find a cure for Drummond's Alzheimer's disease. However, once their friend and Charlie's lover, Alice Rutherford, is kidnapped by a terrorist group, and they must get Drummond's memory back so that they can get the terrorist group what they want, a nuclear bomb. However, it is not easy task because the CIA are still hunting them down, and they have to find a way to either trick the terrorists to get Alice back, or get the nuclear bomb back once they make the trade off.

I personally liked Keith Thomson's Twice a Spy because it was suspenseful, action-packed, and had comedy at some parts. I enjoyed it most because it had two Ex-Spy's, Charlie and Drummond Clark who were being hunted by the CIA, and they pull off incredible feats. However, it is still realistic, like at one part they only get away because they happened to have scuba gear in the boat they were in. This book has a few funny jokes, such as how Drummond Alzheimer's causes him to 'be in the fog' for most the book, but at crucial moments he gets his stuff together and saves him and his son ("danger tended to jolt him into clarity"). Overall, I enjoyed this book, and would recommend it to anyone how has the time.

Reviewed by John, Grade 9.
Montrose Library

Sword of Shannara, by Terry Brooks

The Sword of Shannara by Terry Brooks, takes place a long time ago, when an ancient Evil had ruined the world and forced man to compete with the other races - Gnomes, Trolls, Dwarfs, and Elves. But the little Shea Ohmsford, a half-elfin boy living in Shady Vale, knew very little of this conflict. But one day came Allanon, the giant and powerful Druid, to tell the last true heir of Shannara that the supposedly dead warlock lord was plotting to destroy the world, and that the only thing that could destroy him was the legendary Sword of Shannara. The fate of the whole world hung on the shoulders of this heir, this heir, was Shea.

 I loved this book and every second of it kept me on the edge of my seat, wanting to know what would happen next. The book was so suspenseful, that I couldn't put the book down at the end of RFE, I had to finish that chapter. So I hope that each and every one of you that is reading this review will go to the library and check out a copy of this book to read and enjoy!

Reviewed by Kevin S., grade 9

Montrose Library

Savvy, by Ingrid Law

Savvy, by Ingrid Law, is a book that is centered around a family with myserious powers. They have the ability to control electricity, or water, or wind, and practically anything. Each family member has a different skill. However, the main character Mibs, has a unique ability. As long as there is a drawing of any living thing on a person, she can hear the person’s thoughts. On her mission to find her dad, she has many adventures.

I didn’t really enjoy this book too much because it was extremely unrealistic, and there was a bit of romance mixed in as a sort of side story that the reader could keep up with as the main story progressed. However, for those who enjoy fantastical stories, this book will be an interesting read. 

Reviewed by Jason P., grade 9

Montrose Library 

Incantation, by Alice Hoffman

Incantation, by  Alice Hoffman, is about a girl named Estrella who lived during the Spanish Inquisiton. She had been hidden from her true identity because her family believed she was not ready for the truth! Estrella was a Jew. Her whole family was Jewish! Not long after she had found out, the massacre started. Luckily, her grandfather was part of the high court of that particular city and was pardoned for some time. However, the government found out and both him and his family were condemned to death! Estrella escaped the death sentence with her grandmother, but saw everyone in her family die.

This book, left me angry, frustrated, and heartbroken throughout the story. It let me notice reality and how our world's past was so brutal! I just felt horrible when Estrella's family died because they were Jewish! This book filled me with so many different emotions which made it even more interesting! I recommend everyone to read Incantation! The book will leave you crying for both sadness and joy! It's a great read for the summer!

Reviewed by Jilly C., grade 9

Montrose Library

The Pearl, by John Steinbeck

What would you do if you had a large pearl worth millions? In The Pearl by John Steinbeck, a pearl divers child is bitten by a snake and the only doctor refuses to help as how poor he is. This suddenly changes when he starts looking for pearls. He finds the biggest pearl the world has ever seen, but turns selfish and keeps it for himself. However, many people want it, so badly, that they would kill for it. Watch as he struggles to keep his family safe from trackers, and from the pearls evil influence.

My opinion on this book is that it offers you the hardships that Mexican people faced back then when the Spanish people took over. If your looking for a novella that is classic, this book is just that. In the end, it was really sad and can make you think the endings really unfair. I won't tell you, but the only way you will find it is by reading it. 

Reviewed by Ray B., grade 9

Montrose Library

Click

Click, by ten outstanding authors, David Almond, Eoin Colfer, Roddy Doyle, Debora Ellis, Nick Hornby, Margo Lanagan, Gregory Maguire, Ruth Ozeki, Linda Sue Park, and Tim Wynne-Jones, came together to write one book. This is the story of nine people, Maggie, Annie, Jason, Lev, Vincent, Min, Jiro, Afela, and Margaret, that are all connected to the famous photojournalist George "Gee" Keane. He traveled the world taking pictures of people at work, at war, in sports, and at play. His two Grandchildren, Jason and Maggie, inherited from him an old camera, some pictures, seven shells, and many mysteries to solve.

I loved this book and the idea of ten authors writing the same book, each with their own chapter, and the stories of nine different people all somehow connected to Gee. I highly recommend this book to readers of all ages because of the cool idea of it and the hooking factor of the different people all connected with Gee. So I loved this book and I hope that you would take the time to read and enjoy this wonderful book the way I did.

Reviewed by Kevin S., Grade 9.
Montrose Library

Defending Jacob, by William Landay

There is a murder in a quiet town. the prime suspect is Andy's son, Jacob. Andy believes his son when he says he didn't kill the victim. Andy has to prove that his son is innocent.

I really like the book Defending Jacob, by William Landay, because you can never guess whats going to happen next. its fun to read at night because it always gives you a chilling feeling.

Reviewed by Eric Y., grade 9

Montrose Library