The Son Of Neptune by Rick Riordan

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH; First Edition edition (October 4, 2011)
Buy The Book: Amazon

Percy is confused. When he awoke after his long sleep, he didn’t know much more than his name. His brain-fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight. Somehow Percy managed to make it to the camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he had to continually kill monsters that, annoyingly, would not stay dead. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn’t do a very good job of it. When the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her “gift” for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn’t say no. Now, because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk.

This book is about Percy Jackson. He lost his memory because Juno, aka Hera, has taken it and sent him to a Roman camp called Camp Jupiter. Juno sent him to try to bring the Greek camp, Camp Half-Blood, and the Roman camp, Camp Jupiter, together. Rome and Greece have a rivalry. There are giants that are the sons of Gia the Goddess of the earth and they are trying to beat the gods.

 I really liked this book and I hope the next one comes out soon. I recommend this book to people who like the gods and action. You should read Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The reader on the audiobook is good after you get used to him.

Witch And Wizard: The Gift: By James Patterson

Mass Market Paperback: 352 pages
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing; Reprint edition (March 1, 2012)
The Authors Website: James Patterson
Buy The Book: Amazon

When they were imprisoned by the new, brutal government, Whit and Whisty were barely able to escape with their lives. Discovering a hidden community of children like themselves--hunted by the state and with varying degrees of special talents--they have taken refuge underground. But the New Order is rapidly pushing in on them from all sides, and the pressure to stop the regime is mounting.


One day, as they rush to save another group of kids who are about to be captured by police, Whit and Whisty discover not only their own faces plastered to buildings on wanted posters, but also their parents'. When the hunting party sent out after the siblings always seems to be one step ahead of them, they begin to fear that it is controlled by a very, very powerful force. They are in much more danger than they feared...

I enjoyed reading this book. The writing was good with just a few errors. But maybe that  was because it was advanced readers copy *strokes imaginary beard*. Ahh well..... But back to earth. I enjoy James Patterson's books because they are kick-butt teens. Yes this is another teen book I read but I'm still not on the teens gang. Back to earth again.  OKAY.  I think that kick-butt books are the best BECAUSE they aren't afraid to stick up for the ones they love, and what is right.  Even though earth is crumbling around them they never lose hope, because hope is all they have left. I think that if I had the gift like Whisty I'd freakin KICK THE N.O.'S BIG HAIRY BUTTS!!! No mercy required. lol... ahh back to earth for the hundredth time!! Sorry precious. lol. So Why doesn't Whisty have the same urge I do? I have no idea.... SO I think my favorite character is.... No one!! At first I thought that I would like Whisty best because she has the gift, you know, but then she went all soft and now that's a no no.  I don't like Whit because he's more soft than Whisty.  I HATE Brian Swan,  and the rest of the lot is barley in the book!!  So yeah...... So I am really hoping that I get my hands on the next one so that I can see if Whisty makes up for her softyness (I don't think that's a word...) and Whit.

If you like James Patterson's books look at the reviews Of Maximum Ride
Maximum Ride 5: Reagans
Maximum Ride 1 Manga: Faith
Maximum Ride 7:  Reagan
Maximum Ride 3-4: Anna
Maximum Ride 1: Reagan

Note To Parents

Whit in the book cusses at Brian.... 

Whit also kiss's one of the resistance.

There is also gruesome things like hand being delivered for torture for Whisty.

Winterling By Sara Prineas

Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins and Harper Audio (January 3, 2012)

Narrated by Erin Moon
Buy The Book: Hardcover | Audible

With her boundless curiosity and wild spirit, Fer has always felt that she doesn’t belong. Not when the forest is calling to her, when the rush of wind through branches feels more real than school or the quiet farms near her house. Then she saves an injured creature—he looks like a boy, but he’s really something else. He knows who Fer truly is, and invites her through the Way, a passage to a strange, dangerous land.

Fer feels an instant attachment to this realm, where magic is real and oaths forge bonds stronger than iron. But a powerful huntress named the MÓr rules here, and Fer can sense that the land is perilously out of balance. Fer must unlock the secrets about the parents she never knew and claim her true place before the worlds on both sides of the Way descend into endless winter.

I listened to half the book on audio but the other half I actually read. I'll talk about the audio first. The reader, Erin Moon, was really good, she really sounded like a little girl when she did Fer's voice, and she sounded like an old lady when she did Grand-Janes's voice. So the audio was easy to go through, and fun to listen to. I think I like it best when she did Rooks voice because it was rough like it was supposed to be and deep like a boys is.  Listen to a sample here!

Now I'll talk about the book. The book had no errors as far as I know which was a relief! And it had no bad language or romance, but a little violence. I enjoyed the reading part almost as much as the listening part! Almost. I think it it was slower for me reading than listening. It took me like a week to read this book though, if that counts for anything.  I didn't realize that the author of this book, Sara Prineas, also is the author of The Magic Thief series! (See my review of the Magic Thief HERE) So as I also enjoyed her writing in the Magic Thief I enjoyed the writing here, it was really excellent. The names were very creative, cute, and I liked them all. I think my favorite character is Rook, the mischievous puck boy who can shift into a horse and a dog. He's funny (at least I think so....:)) , and I imagine him cute. But that's just me lol. I think my second favorite character is Fer, cause she's brave always, never scared (which is just plain weird but admirable). I also liked Fer's horse. Can't say his name here! I'm giving too much away already lol. I think if you like books for brave girls, fantasy, and hunting, this is the book for you!!!

Warriors Of The Black Shroud By Peter Howe

Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Hardcover: 272 pages
Paperback: 266 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (January 31, 2012)
Buy The Book: Amazon

The night is here, but the dark is coming. . . .

Deep in the underworld lies the kingdom of Nebula. Although it is always everlasting night there, Nebula is never dark because all of its people, buildings, and creatures glow with an inner light source protected by the Lightkeepers. But true darkness—the kind that is malicious and blinding—lurks just beyond the kingdom’s gates.

There, the deadly Warriors of the Black Shroud are on the move, destroying and engulfing every outpost with their relentless evil and black despair. And this time, they have a weapon deadlier than anyone has ever encountered before.

Only a Chosen One, someone with the mark of the king, can help save Nebula from destruction. Astonishingly, that Chosen One is discovered in the Outerworld far above Nebula. But he is the unlikeliest of heroes, living in a dark of his own making. Can he accept who he is and lead the forces of the Light against the Warriors of the Black Shroud?

This book is about a boy named Walker. He's a ordinary 11-year-old with a star shaped birth mark on his cheek. Then when a boy named Eddie shows up saying it's the mark of the chosen one everything changes. Eddie brings Walker to his home, Nebula, It is a whole new world filled with monsters, nightmares, and peace in some citys. But Nebula has a problem. The King of the city knows that the warriors of the black shroud are rising, but his kingdom disagrees. The King is getting old and he has no heir. They have always followed the chosen one, the one with the star shaped birth mark on their cheek. They also want Walker to be their King once the current King dies.

Walker- The main person in this book, the chosen one. Eddie- The prince, his past is a mystery. His real name is Prince Edward Frankie- The new girl in town. Fussingham- Not much in the book, he writes the book of the kingdom. Jevon- A light keeper, a knight King Leukos- the king, The chosen one Lumina- The oldest Light Keeper Black Count- The Top evil guy Astrodor- the page

I loved It! It was very creative and fun to read! It had a lot of action, and jokes. I think my favorite character is Eddie. He's funny and he's really cool.

ENJOY BIG ME!! (But I don't thing thats the actual size..... AND I GOT MY HAIR CUT SO IT"S REALLY SHORT NOW!!!)

Witch & Wizard By James Patterson: Graphic Novel

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Yen Press (September 20, 2011)
Language: English
Buy The Book: Amazon

Imagine waking up to find that the world around you - life as you know it - has changed in an instant. That's what happens to Whit Allgood and his sister, Wisty. They thought that they were just a couple of normal teenagers, until their rude awakening at the hands of a dozen armed police! Charged with being a wizard and a witch, accused of having incredible powers they never dreamed possible, the siblings find themselves the targets of an upstart political regime, The New Order, which has swept the country and vowed to wipe "their kind" from existence. Now Whit and Wisty must fight for both their freedom and their lives as they unlock the powers burning inside of them!

This is about ordinary teenage kids named Whit and Wisty. At least they where until the new order was made. They are captured and put into a trail with no lawyer and no chance to talk. They are accused of being a witch and a wizard. Then they find out it is true. As they discover new powers they uncover new things about the world and what it holds. They are imprisoned at a children's hospital that has been turned into a evil prison. They are forced through tests that always threaten their lives with no way of escaping.

I really loved it!! It was action-packed and magical, which I really love. I think my favorite character was Wisty. In the comics she was always making funny faces and doing funny things.

Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 7 hours and 51 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harper Audio
Audible.com Release Date: September 27, 2011
Ready by:  Kirby Heyborne
Buy the book:  Audible | Hardcover

Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now it's up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," Breadcrumbs is a story of the struggle to hold on, and the things we leave behind.

Book Review: The Weaver by Kai Strand

Hardcover: 94 pages
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing, Inc (December 10, 2010)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1616331216
ISBN-13: 978-1616331214
Buy the book: Amazon
Visit the site: kaistrand.com
In a town of word weavers, Mary suffers through her third year of Novice Word Weaving. Mary thinks her troubles are over when she meets a gnome-elf who grants her a wish. But instead of weaving a better story, she's weaving strange yarn charms to accompany her still pathetic tales. Suggested age for readers: 9-12

This book was a really good book, I liked the way Kai wrote it. It was really cool how she made little story's throughout the book! I like the storyline, it is a short novel, but I thought it was really interesting! The Weaver is a really cute, fun book, I think that it is a boy/girl novel and the age for the book is 9-12. I liked it and I would read it again. I mean, I think you would like it, if you liked elves and magical creatures! The book was very well written and enjoyable. READ IT.

Happy Reading! =)

Anna Banana

Book Review: Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull

Reading level: Young Adult

Paperback: 464 pages

Publisher: Aladdin (April 22, 2008)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 1416957707

ISBN-13: 978-1416957706

Buy the book: Amazon

At the end of the school year, Kendra and her brother Seth find themselves racing back to Fablehaven, a refuge for mythical and magical creatures. Grandpa Sorenson, the caretaker, invites three specialists -- a potion master, a magical relics collector, and a mystical creature trapper -- to help protect the property from the Society of the Evening Star, an ancient organization determined to infiltrate the preserve and steal a hidden artifact of great power. Time is running out. The Evening Star is storming the gates. If the artifact falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the downfall of other preserves and possibly the world. Will Kendra learn to use her fairy gifts in time? Will Seth stay out of trouble?

My Review

As this series continues, my sheer awe and incredulity increases. These books are just plain awesome.

This book picks up nearly a year after the end of book one. So, although there's a pretty big span of time covered, the characters retain their previous awesomeness of the first book. Brandon Mull really does a great job writing his characters in a way that makes you never want to stop reading about them. Every time I come close to finishing a Fablehaven book, I wish I could somehow add another hundred or so pages. And maybe another hundred or so pages to that.

Although there is sort of a new villain is introduced into each new Fablehaven book, there is always that one same goal present that is partially introduced in the first book: defeating the Society of the Evening Star. Though, this one goal doesn't really come into play until the second book. This is where the real genius of the plot really starts. This is when the books get incredibly interesting. I'm not saying that the first installment wasn't great, but this second book is where Mull's master plan is introduced, and where you get really hooked.

This is a very recommended series for any lovers of fantasy-type fiction. I first came across this series when I heard one of my friends compare it to Harry Potter; I couldn't not read it. These really are amazing books.

The Familiars: The Secret Of The Crown By Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (September 6, 2011)

Buy the Book:  Amazon

When human magic disappears suddenly from Vastia, it falls on the familiars, Aldwyn the telekinetic cat, Skylar the know-it-all blue, jay, and Gilbert the gullible tree frog--to find the Crown of the Snow Leopard, an ancient relic that can reverse the curse. They learn that the only way to do this is by following in the purple paw prints of Aldwyn's father, who'd gone missing while searching for the Crown years earlier. This magical spirit trail extends into the Beyond, where our heroes encounter new enemies and danger, while Aldwyn learns about his mysterious past.

Book Review: Dragon in Chains by Daniel Fox

Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 399 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books(2009)
Language: English
ISBN-978-0-345-50305-3
Buy the Book: Amazon

Deposed by a vicious usurper, a young emperor with his court to the small island of Taishu. There, with a dwindling army, a manipulative mother, and a resentful  population and his only friend is a local fishergirl as he prepares for his last stand.

In the mountains of Taishu, a young miner finds a huge piece of jade, the mineral whose ingestion can gift the emperor with superhuman powers. Setting to deliver the embattled emperor, Yu finds himself changing into something forbidden.

Meanwhile, a great dragon lies beneath the strait that seperates Taishu and the mainland, bound by chains.When monks are killed by a willful pirate captain, a maimed slave assumes the terrible burden of keeping the dragon subdued.

I really liked this book because it has action, adventure, some comedy, fiction, and plot twists. I felt like Yu is telling the story while being in it himself. I don’t think there's a sequel, but this book makes good for it. When I finished the book, I was so happy that it ended, because I’m new to reading (but non started reading will like it better). I was sad because it was a really good book I couldn't put it away until bedtime. If you want a new book to read think about reading this book.

~ BEN

Aphrodite the Diva (Goddess Girls) by Suzanne Williams and Joan Holub

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Paperback: 220 pages
Publisher: Aladdin; Original edition (August 9, 2011)
Buy the Book:  Amazon

In book 6, after a teeny misunderstanding in class, Aphrodite is failing Hero-ology. To raise her grade, she concocts a brilliant plan--an extra-credit project for matchmaking mortals. This brings her face-to-face with fierce competition--an Egyptian goddessgirl named Isis. Now the race is on to see which of them can matchmake Pygmalion--the most annoying boy ever! Will Aphrodite wind up making a passing grade after all? Or will she end up proving she's a diva with more beauty than brains?

These classic myths from the Greek pantheon are given a modern twist that contemporary tweens can relate to, from dealing with bullies like Medusa to a first crush on an unlikely boy. Goddess Girls follows four goddesses-in-training - Athena, Persephone, Aphrodite, and Artemis - as they navigate the ins and outs of divine social life at Mount Olympus Academy, where the most priviledged gods and goddesses of the Greek pantheon hone their mythical skills.

Maximum Ride By James Patterson

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 224 pages
Publisher: Yen Press (April 26, 2011)
Buy the Book:  Amazon

Despite their initial hesitation, living with Anne has softened the Flock, so Max is keenly aware that it's time to leave. With Thanksgiving so near, though, all of them want to stay, at least until they've had their first ever Thanksgiving turkey! But danger is on the horizon as Jeb's plan advances, and while the Flock's new school seems normal and safe, secrets are hidden beneath its prestigious facade...

I LOVE THIS BOOK! It's the best book in the world!! I think it was well written and I LOVED the characters but my favorite's had to be Max and Iggy. Because I think they really loved each other! ♥ :) There were some minor cuss words in the book but that's really it, and they hold hands, but that's it.... You really need to read this book! It's my favorite book!  

Archenemy by Frank Beddor

Reading level: Young Adult
Hardcover: 370 pages
Publisher: Dial (October 15, 2009)
Buy the Book:  Amazon

Title and Author

Archenemy Frank Beddor

Plot Summary

So in this book Alyss is fighting with her duty and her love to Dodge. She also has suspicions of the suite family the Diamonds, and the Arch, the king of Borderland, has a weapon that will destroy Wonderland AND a bit of Borderland. And to top it all off Redd is back from earth.

Plot High Point

To me it is in the end!!!!!!!!!!!AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH I LOVE THE END!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Setting

There is a LOT let's just leave it at that.

Personal Opinion

I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Favorite character: Dodge Anders 2nd favorite character: Alyss Heart Favorite Creature: Jaborwoky Favorite place: Heart Place Main character: Alyss Heart Main place: Um not sure I know I am just 10 but....I LOVED IT!!! I loved how Alyss is getting over Leopold and is with Dodge again!!!! I was SO freaked when she was about to marry Leopold. I REALLY didn't want Alyss to marry him! If she had i would have contacted Frank and told him to redo that and Dodge save her WAY before Leopold asked her! So thats why I was hanging on every word when Dodge and Alyss's romance came into the page and when that happens my heart is normally going SO fast!! So I love when this book has romance and action! But it is sad sometimes....BUT I STILL LOVE IT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Maximum Ride: The Angel Experiment By James Patterson

Reading level: Young Adult
Paperback: 464 pages
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (April 1, 2007)
Audio CD

Publisher: Hachette Audio; Abridged edition (April 11, 2005)

Buy the book:  Audio, Paperback

In James Patterson's blockbuster series, fourteen-year-old Maximum Ride, better known as Max, knows what it's like to soar above the world. She and all the members of the "flock"--Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman and Angel--are just like ordinary kids--only they have wings and can fly. It may seem like a dream come true to some, but their lives can morph into a living nightmare at any time...like when Angel, the youngest member of the flock, is kidnapped and taken back to the "School" where she and the others were experimented on by a crew of wack jobs. Her friends brave a journey to blazing hot Death Valley, CA, to save Angel, but soon enough, they find themselves in yet another nightmare--this one involving fighting off the half-human, half-wolf "Erasers" in New York City. Whether in the treetops of Central Park or in the bowels of the Manhattan subway system, Max and her adopted family take the ride of their lives. Along the way Max discovers from her old friend and father-figure Jeb--now her betrayed and greatest enemy--that her purpose is save the world--but can she?

In this book Max and the flock, Fang, Iggy, Nudge, Gasman, and Angel, are living in peace until one day Erasers, people who can change from human to a wolf, attach their home and force them to leave and go on the run.

I LOVED THIS BOOK!!!!!!!! I LOVED IT cause it's so adventurous!  My favorite people are Max, Angel, and Fang! I like Max because she was strong and cool! Then I like Fang because he is so like emo and stuff! I like Angel because she is cute and she can read minds! I LOVE this book it's so violent and stuff!!!!!!!

The reader was REALLY good. She had like awesome voices for everyone!  The audio that we listened to also had music and some sound effects.  Not too much, but it was different than others I've listened to.

The Ghost Next Door By R.L Stien

Paperback: 144 pages
Publisher: Scholastic (September 1, 2003)
Reading level: Ages 9-12
Buy the Book:  Amazon

When an odd new boy moves in next door, Hannah's neighborhood starts to get more and more eerie, and she suspects that the pale boy must be a ghost. 

I thought it was good but mostly sad. It was sad because I felt like what was happening to her was actually happening to me. At least that is how it made me feel. It was good in the writing and how much she seems like a real person! 

My favorite character is the main character Hanna. My second favorite person is Danny, the boy Hanna suspects is a ghost. I liked this book so I recommend it to people who like fiction and kind of scary stories, and people who like real-life stories, because this one seemed real. Thanks have a great day bye!

Septimus Heap, Book Six: Darke Review and Giveaway

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 656 pages
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books (June 7, 2011)
Website:  Darke
Buy the Book:  Amazon
First Book:  Magyk

If you haven't read any of the Septimus Heap books, check out our review of the first book, Magyk, here.

In the sixth book of the Magykal series, Alther Mella has been Banished, a Darke Domaine engulfs the Castle, and a Darke dragon is on the loose. Septimus Heap must use all of his skills to save the Castle and the Wizard Tower from destruction: He must enter the Darke. But he cannot do this alone. With the help of Jenna, Alther Mella, Marcellus Pye, and Septimus's estranged brother, Simon Heap, Septimus and Marcia Overstrand battle the spreading Darkenesse. Will Septimus succeed in protecting his Magykal world?

Septimus and Jenna are back in another captivating novel by Angie Sage.  What will happen now that DomDaniel is gone. What will happen to the two-faced ring. Will Septimus and Jenna forgive Simon for what he did. What will happen during Septimus’s Darke Week? Find out soon!

Darke captures your attention for hours on end and you will not want to put it down. I can guarantee it.

Olivia

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GIVEAWAY!

Thanks to HarperCollins Childrens, we have FOUR copies of Darke to give away to followers of this blog!!

Rules:

• International.
• Ends 6/21.
• Must be 13 years or older, or have a parent's permission.
• Fill out the form.
• Leave a comment if you want!

WINNERS: http://readingtween.blogspot.com/2011/06/winners-of-darke-septimus-heap-book-6.html