Title: Wishbone Mysteries 2: The Haunted Clubhouse
Author: Caroline Leavitt
What it's about: Joe Talbot wins a clubhouse in a raffle, and he and his friends are super excited about it. Along with Wishbone, Sam, and David, Joe invites two other kids to join his club, Bobby and his younger sister Henrietta. Their club starts out fine, but mysterious occurrences start happening, leading some of the club members to think there's a ghost causing trouble. Joe has to keep a clear head and figure out the rational explanation for the hauntings, with the help of Wishbone and his friends, of course.
What I thought: Not a bad book. It's not especially exciting, but it's entertaining. The mystery is nicely set up, though.
Overall: Good, but nothing special out of the Wishbone mysteries.
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
Monday, June 23, 2008
The Two Princesses of Bamarre
Title: The Two Princesses of Bamarre
Author: Gail Carson Levine
What it's about: So, there are these two princesses, right? Anyway, Meryl, the older sister, is very brave and outgoing, while Addie is shy and cowardly. When Meryl comes down with the Gray Death, though, Addie has to be the brave one and search for cure for the sister she's devoted to, overcoming her fears along the way.
What I thought: Addie's an interesting heroine. She's got some genuine character flaws, but at the same time she's not unlikable. The world of Bamarre is nicely developed, and the whole story has the nice feel of a fairy tale, a quest story, but it's also fresh since it's also not very obviously based off any particular story.
Overall: Fun, charming read, especially for fans of fairy tale re-tellings.
Author: Gail Carson Levine
What it's about: So, there are these two princesses, right? Anyway, Meryl, the older sister, is very brave and outgoing, while Addie is shy and cowardly. When Meryl comes down with the Gray Death, though, Addie has to be the brave one and search for cure for the sister she's devoted to, overcoming her fears along the way.
What I thought: Addie's an interesting heroine. She's got some genuine character flaws, but at the same time she's not unlikable. The world of Bamarre is nicely developed, and the whole story has the nice feel of a fairy tale, a quest story, but it's also fresh since it's also not very obviously based off any particular story.
Overall: Fun, charming read, especially for fans of fairy tale re-tellings.
Saturday, June 21, 2008
To Sniff A Thief
Title: Wishbone Mysteries #1: To Sniff A Thief
Author: A.D. Francis
What it's about: So, this book stars the characters from the Wishbone television series. Wishbone and Sam share the spotlight in this book. There's a cat burglar in Oakdale, and after Sam is accused of one theft, she applies herself to finding out who the thief really is. With inspiration from the book The Amateur Cracksman and some help from Wishbone and her friends, she manages to save the day.
What I thought: With these stories, it's usually not too hard to figure out who the culprit is. However, the story is told in a fun way, and your interest is held by figuring out how the crime gets pulled off and how Wishbone, Joe, Sam, and David figure it out. It's also interesting to learn more about other mystery books, since one of the characters is always reading a mystery that holds the clue to their own case. This book has that particularly well integrated, too.
Overall: A short but fun read, especially for fans of the Wishbone series.
Also, I gotta admit that you'll probably be seeing a fair amount of Wishbone reviews coming up, since I have fourteen books to read yet this month and only nine days to do so!
Author: A.D. Francis
What it's about: So, this book stars the characters from the Wishbone television series. Wishbone and Sam share the spotlight in this book. There's a cat burglar in Oakdale, and after Sam is accused of one theft, she applies herself to finding out who the thief really is. With inspiration from the book The Amateur Cracksman and some help from Wishbone and her friends, she manages to save the day.
What I thought: With these stories, it's usually not too hard to figure out who the culprit is. However, the story is told in a fun way, and your interest is held by figuring out how the crime gets pulled off and how Wishbone, Joe, Sam, and David figure it out. It's also interesting to learn more about other mystery books, since one of the characters is always reading a mystery that holds the clue to their own case. This book has that particularly well integrated, too.
Overall: A short but fun read, especially for fans of the Wishbone series.
Also, I gotta admit that you'll probably be seeing a fair amount of Wishbone reviews coming up, since I have fourteen books to read yet this month and only nine days to do so!
The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray
Title: The Haunting of Alaizabel Cray
Author: Chris Wooding
What it's about: Thaniel Fox is a wych hunter, someone who hunts the creatures known as wych kin which plague London. While on a hunt, he finds Alaizabel Cray, a pretty girl who appears under odd circumstances. It is revealed that she's possessed by a wych as part of a secret cult's efforts. Thaniel, Alaizabel, and their allies have to stop this cult from dooming London and the world.
What I thought: Really a good read. Alaizabel is a good character, strong-willed without being spunky and tomboyish. Thaniel is kind of a predictable hero, well-written for what he is, but not really bringing anything new to the table. The language of the story is great, though. You really get a vivid picture of the world. Also, the plot is awesome. I mean, who doesn't love dark magic, human sacrifices, and all that jazz?
Overall: Great read. Check it out if you like historical fantasy.
Author: Chris Wooding
What it's about: Thaniel Fox is a wych hunter, someone who hunts the creatures known as wych kin which plague London. While on a hunt, he finds Alaizabel Cray, a pretty girl who appears under odd circumstances. It is revealed that she's possessed by a wych as part of a secret cult's efforts. Thaniel, Alaizabel, and their allies have to stop this cult from dooming London and the world.
What I thought: Really a good read. Alaizabel is a good character, strong-willed without being spunky and tomboyish. Thaniel is kind of a predictable hero, well-written for what he is, but not really bringing anything new to the table. The language of the story is great, though. You really get a vivid picture of the world. Also, the plot is awesome. I mean, who doesn't love dark magic, human sacrifices, and all that jazz?
Overall: Great read. Check it out if you like historical fantasy.
Wednesday, June 18, 2008
Kiki Strike: The Empress's Tomb
Title: Kiki Strike: The Empress's Tomb
Author: Kirsten Miller
What it's about: So, Ananka and Kiki and the rest of the Irregulars are back for more adventures. So, Ananka's parents aren't too happy about how their daughter is slacking off from school, especially since they know nothing of her adventures and just think she's being a delinquent. So she's threatened with boarding school. Meanwhile, Oona has problems of her own, which stem from her father. There's also the giant squirrels that are committing robbery in the parks, a slavery ring, and a mystery involving ancient Chinese relics, including the excavated tomb of an empress. The Irregulars are having trouble trusting each other as secrets about in this book.
What I thought: Basically, more of the same awesome. A romance subplot, more dissent and distrust between the girls that needs to be overcome, plenty of Ananka's witty asides, and some really mysterious and gripping stuff. What's not to like? I'm just super excited for the next installment, especially considering the bombshell dropped in the last sentence. I mean, jeez, talk about cliffhangers!
Overall: Definitely a good read. Just make sure you pick up Shadow City first!
Author: Kirsten Miller
What it's about: So, Ananka and Kiki and the rest of the Irregulars are back for more adventures. So, Ananka's parents aren't too happy about how their daughter is slacking off from school, especially since they know nothing of her adventures and just think she's being a delinquent. So she's threatened with boarding school. Meanwhile, Oona has problems of her own, which stem from her father. There's also the giant squirrels that are committing robbery in the parks, a slavery ring, and a mystery involving ancient Chinese relics, including the excavated tomb of an empress. The Irregulars are having trouble trusting each other as secrets about in this book.
What I thought: Basically, more of the same awesome. A romance subplot, more dissent and distrust between the girls that needs to be overcome, plenty of Ananka's witty asides, and some really mysterious and gripping stuff. What's not to like? I'm just super excited for the next installment, especially considering the bombshell dropped in the last sentence. I mean, jeez, talk about cliffhangers!
Overall: Definitely a good read. Just make sure you pick up Shadow City first!
Tuesday, June 17, 2008
Princess Ben
Title: Princess Ben
Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock
What it's about: So Benevolence, or Ben, is a princess. Her parents die when she's fifteen, and she's suddenly heir to the throne, with her aunt Queen Sophia as regent. Sophia's ultra strict and kinda mean, yanking Ben from her sort of wild life to the proper life of court and royalty. Ben hates this. Because of her disobedience, she has to live in a tower room, and she discovers a secret room with instructions for learning magic. Ben applies herself to this, and with her skills, she eventually ends up bringing peace to her kingdom. (Yes, vague, I know, but I'm not going to spoil the whole thing, you know.)
What I thought: So, Ben is definitely not your typical princess character. For one thing, girl's pretty fat, no bones about it. She loves to eat. Come on, how many times do you read about fat princesses? Also, she's not perfect, and the romantic subplot comes into play rather late. Plus, the evil aunt character turns out to not be as evil as she's originally painted, and Ben grows to understand Sophia's point of view. This book bills itself as not a typical fairy tale, and that's completely true. Nonetheless, it has its charm, and it's good if you're tired of stories where you can predict the whole thing.
Overall: Surprisingly good. Follows its own path and ends up the better for it.
So, I just need to review Kiki Strike: The Empress's Tomb, and I'll be caught up. On one hand, caught up is good. On the other, I need to read a lot to make sure I'm on track!
Author: Catherine Gilbert Murdock
What it's about: So Benevolence, or Ben, is a princess. Her parents die when she's fifteen, and she's suddenly heir to the throne, with her aunt Queen Sophia as regent. Sophia's ultra strict and kinda mean, yanking Ben from her sort of wild life to the proper life of court and royalty. Ben hates this. Because of her disobedience, she has to live in a tower room, and she discovers a secret room with instructions for learning magic. Ben applies herself to this, and with her skills, she eventually ends up bringing peace to her kingdom. (Yes, vague, I know, but I'm not going to spoil the whole thing, you know.)
What I thought: So, Ben is definitely not your typical princess character. For one thing, girl's pretty fat, no bones about it. She loves to eat. Come on, how many times do you read about fat princesses? Also, she's not perfect, and the romantic subplot comes into play rather late. Plus, the evil aunt character turns out to not be as evil as she's originally painted, and Ben grows to understand Sophia's point of view. This book bills itself as not a typical fairy tale, and that's completely true. Nonetheless, it has its charm, and it's good if you're tired of stories where you can predict the whole thing.
Overall: Surprisingly good. Follows its own path and ends up the better for it.
So, I just need to review Kiki Strike: The Empress's Tomb, and I'll be caught up. On one hand, caught up is good. On the other, I need to read a lot to make sure I'm on track!
The Man with the Golden Torc
Title: The Man with the Golden Torc
Author: Simon R. Green
What it's about: Eddie Drood is a member of the powerful Drood family. The family keeps the world safe from evil supernatural creatures and whatnot. However, Eddie is suddenly on the run from his own family, as they've branded him a traitor. Now Eddie has to team up with a former enemy and discover the secret of his family.
What I thought: So, okay, Eddie's a good character, a likable narrator. And the writing for this is really pretty good. Nice pace for all the action. Major plus for the really interesting secret world of magic and the supernatural. The relationship between Eddie and Molly was really good. Took a turn for the cheesy at the end, but that wasn't even too bad, all things considered. I liked the mystery of the Drood family and their secrets, too.
Overall: Pretty good. I'm picking up the sequel.
Author: Simon R. Green
What it's about: Eddie Drood is a member of the powerful Drood family. The family keeps the world safe from evil supernatural creatures and whatnot. However, Eddie is suddenly on the run from his own family, as they've branded him a traitor. Now Eddie has to team up with a former enemy and discover the secret of his family.
What I thought: So, okay, Eddie's a good character, a likable narrator. And the writing for this is really pretty good. Nice pace for all the action. Major plus for the really interesting secret world of magic and the supernatural. The relationship between Eddie and Molly was really good. Took a turn for the cheesy at the end, but that wasn't even too bad, all things considered. I liked the mystery of the Drood family and their secrets, too.
Overall: Pretty good. I'm picking up the sequel.
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