Andy Smithson: Blast of the Dragon’s Fury by L.R.W. Lee
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I would have liked to have my middle graders read this one too so they could also tell me if they like it – but I got it as a PDF and they don’t have eReaders.
So, the author contacted me and asked that I review the book. I’m always happy to read something new and to support other authors – so I agreed.
I like to read middle grade stories (see today’s review of Candy Shop War), but I’m not necessarily a good judge of whether the book would be good for the intended audience.
I liked the story and the anachronisms (they are purposeful).
The main character, Andy, was likable and believable.
This is the first book in a series and the way the author ended this one makes sense and offers a bit of closure as well. But, the overall quest is still a long way from being completed.
I think that middle-grade readers will enjoy this story.
Ruins by Orson Scott Card
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve been waiting to read this second book in the series for what seems like forever – and I was not disappointed.
The first book was all about Rigg learning to use his path finder abilities and getting through the Wall.
This book was about Rigg and his friends learning more about their history and the future of their world. It was about learning to trust themselves and their decisions.
The Arcade Catastrophe by Brandon Mull
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I like how the ante was upped for this sequel.
From candy that does “magic” in the first book to ink here.
And Brandon didn’t take the easy way out with resolving conflicts. They really had to work to overcome all the problems.
Eventide by Tracy Hickman
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I’ve been really busy, so it took me a while to get into this book. But, once I got to page 80, I read the remaining 260 pages in a single sitting! I just had to know what would happen.
This was a fun, amusing read of several stories that all raveled together into a story mainly about a boy who likes a girl and his attempts to “win her heart”.
Setting: The story is set in the town of Eventide and the stories all revolve around that town. The town is near the kingdom seat and so there are some heroes and other interesting characters who we get to know. There are some lovely descriptions of the Pantheon church and the wishing well that helped to enliven my image of the town.
Plot: There are several plots going on here. The overarching plot is that a Dragon’s Bard has come to town to learn the town’s stories so he can take them back to the dragon so that the dragon won’t kill him and everyone else. This sets up the format of the book and the need for the Bard to be everywhere. Then there is the plot of the boy, Jarod, wanting to gain the love of a girl, with the Bard “guiding” Jarod in all sorts of crazy “adventures” to do so. There is the plot of the broken wishes of the wishing well and its effect on the townspeople. And there is a small plot about the town clergyman and his trial of faith. So, lots and lots going on. And yet, I never really felt confused – even when I took so long to get through the first 80 pages.
Characters: The characters are all interesting and unique. There are centaurs and dwarves and gnomes and elves and fairies and humans and well-women (the caretakers of the wishing well and its magic). Jarod is a great character to come to know. And I really liked Father Patrice and I felt for him and his struggles. The Bard is silly and pretentious – and perfect for his job. Caprice is charming and sweet. And Bennis is my hero. There is someone for everyone to relate to in this book.
Conflict: At the end of the first part of the book and throughout the remainder, the conflicts start to make more sense and they became more real for me. Some would say that the beginning was slow and hard to get through (and they may be partially correct), but I needed all that in order to be dragged through the remainder of the book – I had to care about the characters and their problems.
Text: The writing is beautiful and funny. What more can I ask for?
The Kill Order by James Dashner
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
Interesting beginning to the whole story.
I loved it.
Triathlon Swimming Made Easy: The Total Immersion Way for Anyone to Master Open-Water Swimming by Terry Laughlin
My rating: 4 of 5 stars
This was an interesting book and it helped me to improve my form.
While I don’t feel that this method is what works best for me, I do like much of what he has to say.
As I focus on “swimming downhill” and “rotating through the water” I find that I am faster, using less energy, and much more refreshed after a swim.
I am also more confident in my ability to get through the swim portion of my 1/2 Ironman.
Chasing the Prophecy by Brandon Mull
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
This was a great conclusion to the series.
I can hardly wait to see what Brandon creates next.
The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading the first book in the next series (The Heroes of Olympus), I saw this one on one of my kid’s book shelves and grabbed it!
It was a fun read. I enjoyed getting to know Percy personally and to learn some of the stuff that was background info for the second series.
The Magician’s Last Words by Julie Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
After reading the first book, I had to read this one too 🙂
In this one, the quest for the hidden books continues, with Hap and Tara little bit wiser and warier.
And they meet an awesome kid named Confucian who can do amazing things with origami!
Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I remember trying to find this book a year ago but didn’t have much luck with it (I was going off what I remembered the title was).
In any case, when I had a chance to buy it (and the sequel) from Julie at a convention, I made sure to do so.
It has been worth the wait.
The characters and situations were fun and interesting to read about.
It is a YA book, but I think adults would like it too.
Of course, I’m a little biased because I love magic and wish I would have written this story 🙂
Setting: The story starts in an American small town, but quickly moves into various places throughout the universe when Hap and Tara get abducted by aliens. They get to go to some interesting (and dangerous) places and meet interesting (and dangerous) people.
Characters: Hap is a fun, albeit slightly immature, boy. But he is basically a good kid and so is a great protagonist. Tara is a good foil for him and in keeping him from too much trouble. The rest of the main characters have some interesting relationships, but I grew to love each of them in turn because of their care for Hap and Tara. And an alien mob boss – who wouldn’t love that?
Conflict: There is the general conflict of wanting to get home, but then the overall conflict of needing to save earth and the universe drives the story forward.
Plot: Hap and Tara are trying to get home while still trying to save the universe from the Dark Ones by finding a hidden book (of power) before the Dark Ones do.
Text: Fun and easy reading. The graphics also help to bring the characters to life.
