tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-74553854236871582772024-03-21T17:53:34.629-07:00Would I Read It Again?Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.comBlogger18125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-31740545035425527842012-10-12T13:05:00.002-07:002012-10-12T13:13:31.953-07:00Artemis Fowl: Eoin Colfer<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Artemis Fowl is a very entertaining series for those who like a nice mixture of fantasy and science fiction, allthough it may not be for everyone (my wife). Artemis Fowl is a young genius in a family that skirts the law in their business dealings. His father goes missing and Artemis takes over business operations and the family's financial decisions without his mother being aware. In the first book, Artemis suspects the existance of another world...one of magic. Once Artemis discovers this world, he shows his ruthless roots and wreaks havoc among this fantastic mythical creatures who live there. But as the series progresses, Artemis shows a fundamental change of character. The boy genius starts to use his smarts for others and often finds himself involved in the saving of that same world he had previously sought to exploit. This series is fun, thrilling and full of mystery. Given that these books are a fast read, it makes it real easy just to give 'em a shot.</div>
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Would I Read It Again?: Probably</div>
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Grade: A-</div>
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Content: Mild violence, intense moments for younger readers.</div>
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Jeff's Recommended Age: 9+</div>
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Series Order: </div>
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Artemis Fowl</div>
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The Arctic Incident</div>
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The Eternity Code</div>
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The Opal Deception</div>
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The Lost Colony</div>
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The Time Paradox</div>
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The Atlantis Complex</div>
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The Last Guardian</div>
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Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-13493385064827828082010-08-10T20:42:00.000-07:002010-08-10T20:43:35.908-07:00Digital Fortress: Dan Brown<div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz-T9-QYS5yLCic1fla73HZ3_sHV0TPMlv58dRuJjWe0piCcAKxFJzIZ2hJvWvPYe4EPpNsd0A8OObhsHPfKE0yliwnbuyjgCCIcK23aTFeMJKKMojyqbhNW0xhyYSY23m6MZrXXapoY/s1600/Digital+Fortress.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" mx="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmz-T9-QYS5yLCic1fla73HZ3_sHV0TPMlv58dRuJjWe0piCcAKxFJzIZ2hJvWvPYe4EPpNsd0A8OObhsHPfKE0yliwnbuyjgCCIcK23aTFeMJKKMojyqbhNW0xhyYSY23m6MZrXXapoY/s200/Digital+Fortress.bmp" width="129" /></a></div><br />
Dan Brown is quickly becoming predictable. After reading my last post you might think me a little fickle. Yes, you can count on action, adventure, and twists. Unfortunately, you can also count on language and, if you've read enough of his books, you can begin to accurately predict who the bad guy is. However, it was a fairly entertaining story about how the Internet might be turned against the US government and the dangers that exist in placing too many eggs in same (internet) basket. Good for adults, but beware of some foul language.<br />
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Would I Read It Again?: Probably Not<br />
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Grade: C- (B+ Without the Foul Language)<br />
Content: Language, Adult Situations, Violence<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 21+Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-85622593776453694112010-04-17T12:54:00.000-07:002010-04-17T12:56:08.015-07:00Deception Point: Dan Brown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7IN96XrBCP2DNGvK2Yh4GaQXB3sYoaYvflrVH5uh-1eNX00VmPFJz2zt6_WjnxP0BPpMLnzqukBrPg0Y_smblPDWJs1sDTQVeMzPtEl4hPECB8ZkaHHeGXNcG-cGjIDBs8oK68AK6M8/s1600/deception-point.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhK7IN96XrBCP2DNGvK2Yh4GaQXB3sYoaYvflrVH5uh-1eNX00VmPFJz2zt6_WjnxP0BPpMLnzqukBrPg0Y_smblPDWJs1sDTQVeMzPtEl4hPECB8ZkaHHeGXNcG-cGjIDBs8oK68AK6M8/s200/deception-point.jpg" width="123" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
Dan Brown has flummoxed me again. It doesn't matter how 'off' or backwards I think, I can never guess who the bad guy is. As with his more popular novels (Angels and Demons, The Davinci Code, and The Lost Symbol), Brown leaves you on pins and needles until the final revelation. This particular story deals with the politics of Washington and the relationship between the varying governmental agencies. I can't say much more without spoiling the plot, but there is plenty of mystery, suspense, and action in this intriguing political thriller. There is, however, some offensive language that prevents me from recommending it.<br />
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Would I Read It Again?: Probably Not<br />
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Grade: C (A- Without the Foul Language)<br />
Content: Language, Adult Situations<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 18+Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-45806001552333507682010-04-10T20:08:00.000-07:002010-04-11T20:21:28.248-07:00Enchantment: Orson Scott Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnXy77yqEHpSSnTyML3DD1Gr6pl3vELH0YkqF64YOvI212-ATSH9P13hycKrpxR23TB771gmapPB4opboXCUe_zj1YwDlDJkIfvIzpXHYXbx5gGu5EPjYEoMObvSfXdZbTjFXTj7T568/s1600/enchantment.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHnXy77yqEHpSSnTyML3DD1Gr6pl3vELH0YkqF64YOvI212-ATSH9P13hycKrpxR23TB771gmapPB4opboXCUe_zj1YwDlDJkIfvIzpXHYXbx5gGu5EPjYEoMObvSfXdZbTjFXTj7T568/s200/enchantment.jpg" width="118" wt="true" /></a></div><br />
I am a huge fan of Card's Ender Saga and thought I'd give this one a chance. This book is Card's rendition of Sleeping Beauty which is intended, I believe, for adults. His tale merges the magic filled fairy-tale land with modern day and provides the reader with a fun, magical, and adventure filled story that entertains from cover to cover. The aspect of the book that I appreciated the most, having experienced another culture, was that this book was filled with many humorous and awkward moments that occur when a person enters a new culture. This combined with an entertaining plot make for a great read.<br />
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Would I Read It Again?: Possibly<br />
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Grade: B+<br />
Content: Fantasy Violence, Adult Situations<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 18+Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-89012354342502881012010-03-31T09:51:00.000-07:002010-03-31T12:25:27.067-07:00The Fourth Realm Trilogy: John Twelve Hawks<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJfuqHBs_c2bStgfQ8hw6uZr1Q0Uno_U3cUpOhpgs9kCXZYTAteBLwpF-64L0eI7_69njqWqjCLM9hSc85iYCN1AfvE-QhstKGTXKKfm0XEhnbMMQl-KWhGvmK5ltO8N2YrVgTwmaEIc/s1600/The+Traveler.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFJfuqHBs_c2bStgfQ8hw6uZr1Q0Uno_U3cUpOhpgs9kCXZYTAteBLwpF-64L0eI7_69njqWqjCLM9hSc85iYCN1AfvE-QhstKGTXKKfm0XEhnbMMQl-KWhGvmK5ltO8N2YrVgTwmaEIc/s320/The+Traveler.jpg" /></a><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrU9q-uJ8CovgRDqEm0teKUzCP8Vld1xiTGCvAQUxnOPDZJZyyNPBX_RF9ag5M9CZVohZN9FGt4QoZ36mbLHfLMoXdsh31kkOv9jhkjXymPo7VQtsEpNjxDqdlaFw3g_NA_XBnWsBKIdo/s320/The+Dark+River.jpg" /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxv3xTs2l5Cea6QV1v2pVEI2Nxeiq9myeoPNVV6D3pYmkOv6jQaoelg0uacv0vDb8jjl-aXXbME_TOKeinTLQrb7GwiKSYRX08HhNF-K8Pc2V0MFrQ9U2EJha30BDAB80AxwA-IfncPtE/s1600/The+Golden+City.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhxv3xTs2l5Cea6QV1v2pVEI2Nxeiq9myeoPNVV6D3pYmkOv6jQaoelg0uacv0vDb8jjl-aXXbME_TOKeinTLQrb7GwiKSYRX08HhNF-K8Pc2V0MFrQ9U2EJha30BDAB80AxwA-IfncPtE/s320/The+Golden+City.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I chose to read this trilogy purely based on the synopsis on the back cover. I was very disappointed. I was looking for an adventurous story chronicling the struggle between good and evil and was treated to a political statement. This series was written by a man who uses the pseudonym John Twelve Hawks. It is all about how the people of the world are giving in to fear and terror and are unknowingly giving up their personal freedoms and how so described 'prophets' known as the Travelers try to combat this movement by inspiring free thought and new ideas. The author does have many great insights and I do believe that this is a real issue. However, I feel he was far too extreme (he himself lives off the grid). The story is mildly interesting but there is far too much violence and gore and I guess I'm just not into books that have such an obvious political agenda, regardless if I agree with it or not.<br />
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Would I Read It Again?: Negative (That Means No)<br />
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Grade: C-<br />
Content: Violence and Gore<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 21+<br />
Series Order:<br />
The Traveler<br />
The Dark River<br />
The Golden CityJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-57217140123084866762010-02-23T22:00:00.000-08:002010-03-31T09:58:45.603-07:00Interworld: Neil Gaiman & Michael Reaves<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMrmXtY1rAqkOYL63di3dFumM2TuhREp0f4SeyEotk4RenDlhtLCNarNajdW4WHlZAQzL6-Qb8eGkX8lLnbV2-omFNk67SFI2gMBnMMFnDBCeuVwcuOzbChyphenhyphenmptNnCvkg0TgfIlLxZwA/s1600-h/interworld.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ct="true" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqMrmXtY1rAqkOYL63di3dFumM2TuhREp0f4SeyEotk4RenDlhtLCNarNajdW4WHlZAQzL6-Qb8eGkX8lLnbV2-omFNk67SFI2gMBnMMFnDBCeuVwcuOzbChyphenhyphenmptNnCvkg0TgfIlLxZwA/s200/interworld.jpg" width="131" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Neil Gaiman (Author of Stardust) co-authored this book and this was truly the only real reason that I read it. However, I'm glad I did. The authors write of Joey Harker, a young boy who discovers that he can 'walk' from one alternate reality to another. He discovers that there are many versions of himself from these parrallel realities and that they are fighting to keep the balance between the magic worlds and the technological worlds. There are those who wish to conquer the alternate worlds and subject them to their magical rule, while others are trying to conquer them in the name of technology. The 'alterverse' is most benefitted when the two are balanced, thus Joey joins the alternate versions of himself in the battle to maintain this balance. My only complaint is that the book leaves the reader hanging with no promise of a sequel. Otherwise, it was a fun read. My wife says that I'm too easy to please; she's probably right. I like most books that I read as long as they aren't offensive. Interworld is a book that is good for all ages. It can be fun and appealing in different ways to each age group.<br />
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Would I Read It Again?: Only if they write a sequel.<br />
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Grade: B+<br />
Content: Scary Sequences (For Younger Readers)<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 10+<br />
Sequels:<br />
None YetJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-8887202591454884992010-02-01T10:28:00.000-08:002010-03-31T09:59:01.052-07:00Call It Courage: Armstrong Sperry<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEico0_9DDYb4eabNxsFEvAZ3Z5TblE6h2ql9_o_NQqhSdS3yUXW5ho8erLT1WYeBaMZmtAsxFvbXpjgsf0Klfm46zMPShCk4yuXiXcu2fmCNXqaYrN9adX3xDX_KPEUVaIkto_NyNyZnFI/s1600-h/Call+it+Courage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" kt="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEico0_9DDYb4eabNxsFEvAZ3Z5TblE6h2ql9_o_NQqhSdS3yUXW5ho8erLT1WYeBaMZmtAsxFvbXpjgsf0Klfm46zMPShCk4yuXiXcu2fmCNXqaYrN9adX3xDX_KPEUVaIkto_NyNyZnFI/s200/Call+it+Courage.jpg" width="134" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This book is one of my childhood favorites. It is a Newberry Medal Award winner and a fantastic book for younger children. It shares the experiences of the island boy Mafatu. He is the only boy on the island that is afraid of the sea. His mother having drowned, Mafatu fears the sea and is relegated to the same tasks as the women of the island, mending fishing nets and such. This shames his father who also happens to be the leader of his people. Mafatu is ashamed and decides to prove his worth and conquer his fear. He leaves the island in a canoe accompanied by his dog, Uri, and another friend Kivi, an albatross. Mafatu learns and grows quickly as he battles hunger, thirst, sharks, octopi, and cannibals. A classic story of adventure and survival, Call It Courage will leave the reader very satisfied.<br />
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Would I Read It Again?: Yes<br />
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Grade: A<br />
Content: Scary Sequences (For Younger Readers)<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 9+<br />
Sequels:<br />
NoneJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-27371623732058975962010-01-16T19:43:00.000-08:002010-03-31T09:59:25.953-07:00Eldest: Christopher Paolini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div>For those readers who liked Eragon, they will have no problem enjoying this intriguing sequel. Paolini continues the story of Eragon and his dragon Saphira, as well as the story of Eragon's cousin Roran and the people of his home village of Carvahall. There is much that I could tell of the story if it wouldn't give away the plot of the whole inheritance cycle. Let's just say that Paolini's writing gets better with each book and that the plot in this book is every bit as good as in Eragon. Make sure that you have Brisingr (the third book) on hand after having read this one, because you won't be satisfied at the end. Although, without even a title being announced for the fourth and final book, Brisingr will only prolong the excruciating and inevitable wait to know how it all ends. Overall, Eldest is a very entertaining and engaging read.<br />
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Would I Read It Again?: Definitely<br />
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Grade: A<br />
Content: Fantasy Violence and Some Mild Gore<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 15+<br />
Series Order:<br />
Eragon<br />
<strong>Eldest</strong><br />
Brisingr<br />
Untitled (Coming Soon)Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-20360113779106312072010-01-08T14:34:00.000-08:002010-03-31T09:59:46.767-07:00The Dark Is Rising: Susan Cooper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCeq9WhERhxcCG9fnnjKZGX24NHGC1NSaSjXq3mDePd8s-0BzrsCyeAGejUO3XiMYG8ZE6XBh3AXtzq-7klNpYnlh-U9Z2m0HoeD9ZcSyq2hJP7HCf2VR_m7CcTmrorfHgT_PYWm0ies/s1600-h/51stjcrpipl-_ss500_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWCeq9WhERhxcCG9fnnjKZGX24NHGC1NSaSjXq3mDePd8s-0BzrsCyeAGejUO3XiMYG8ZE6XBh3AXtzq-7klNpYnlh-U9Z2m0HoeD9ZcSyq2hJP7HCf2VR_m7CcTmrorfHgT_PYWm0ies/s200/51stjcrpipl-_ss500_.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This series is a bit different from most. It is a bit like the Chronicles of Narnia in that the main characters shift from book to book. In book one of this series, we followed the first adventure of Simon, Jane, and Barny. In the second book, however, we are treated to the story of Will Stanton. This is the book upon which was based the movie The Seeker. Will Stanton is indeed the seeker of the six signs of The Light. Will learns that he is a member of an ancient race called the 'Old Ones'. Those of this race are the advocates of the world and have always sought to further the agenda of The Light. On his eleventh birthday, Will is thrust into the struggle between The Light and The Dark. As the last of the Old Ones, it is Will's responsibility to seek and collect the six signs of The Light. Obviously, The Dark does not want Will to find any of the signs as they realize that The Light would gain a tremendous advantage if they were to be found by the Seeker. Very clean book and an enjoyable read. Much more detailed, and much better, than the movie. A good book for younger readers who like adventure stories.<br />
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Would I Read It Again?: Likely<br />
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Grade: B+<br />
Content: Some Scary Sequences for Younger Readers<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 12+<br />
Series Order:<br />
Over Sea, Under Stone<br />
<strong>The Dark is Rising</strong><br />
Greenwitch<br />
The Grey King<br />
Silver on the TreeJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-61019837334831319552010-01-07T13:41:00.000-08:002010-03-31T10:00:07.248-07:00Skybreaker: Kenneth Oppel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzk4a-y-9y6ec0eUqBEnYV0rtB1PbYMfZ7ERPOWe2DdZbqVJ0XJpCE9N1nD0APc4HGexFUpcgnnioMkGZn8zNi50v2L-P3H8bR2xGYsD9Mph5p64bcfxV5eiEAdzU4FNn1FxPYSnYXkHI/s1600-h/Skybreaker02-726527.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzk4a-y-9y6ec0eUqBEnYV0rtB1PbYMfZ7ERPOWe2DdZbqVJ0XJpCE9N1nD0APc4HGexFUpcgnnioMkGZn8zNi50v2L-P3H8bR2xGYsD9Mph5p64bcfxV5eiEAdzU4FNn1FxPYSnYXkHI/s200/Skybreaker02-726527.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Matt and Kate are back to their usual adventures in this sequel to Airborn. During a near death experience, Matt sighted, and is therefore one of the few people who know the coordinates of, the lost airship Hyperion. Rumored to be carrying the treasure of an eccentric scientist, the rush to claim the salvage begins. Joined by others, Matt and Kate decide to go after Her themselves in a new class of airship capable of extreme altitudes. Of course there are other groups eager to catch the Hyperion and the race becomes very dangerous. This is a fairly intense book. It is a great adventure and has some violence and mildly scary sequences for younger readers. There are plenty of twists, and nothing works out the way one would assume. A very fun read.<br />
<br />
Would I Read It Again?: Definitely<br />
<br />
Grade: A<br />
Content: Some Violence<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 12+<br />
Series Order:<br />
Airborn<br />
<strong>Skybreaker</strong><br />
StarclimberJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-89837819087470933382009-12-30T14:02:00.000-08:002010-03-31T10:00:26.523-07:00The Da Vinci Code: Dan Brown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugQTZ4z_coLT76cNQwSD6-RCTqXHTeHYnuIBy-aYa6bloFGOgshDhseC4Vr1ummMtPjE_-VhMnGPfqPbLTP-hq13FN4h2EcA_ebmtp64MKFXB8SzhdxoDA1Kjjjge9nip5cuHdSnIrGE/s1600-h/DaVinciCode.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhugQTZ4z_coLT76cNQwSD6-RCTqXHTeHYnuIBy-aYa6bloFGOgshDhseC4Vr1ummMtPjE_-VhMnGPfqPbLTP-hq13FN4h2EcA_ebmtp64MKFXB8SzhdxoDA1Kjjjge9nip5cuHdSnIrGE/s200/DaVinciCode.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Robert Langdon is back in this suspense thriller. This time, he is in Paris giving a lecture when he is invited to help solve a murder that occured at the famed Louvre museum. Quickly the plot turns as Langdon finds himsel evading both the French Police and an assassin who is in the employ of a Catholic Bishop. With the help of Sophie Neveu and Langdon's old friend Sir Leigh Teabing, Langdon unravels the mystery of the Holy Grail using his expertise as a symbologist. But seeking the Grail does not come without danger. This is definitely a thrilling novel with plenty of action and suspense. But, as with most Dan Brown novels, they are intended for adults and this book contains some vivid descriptions of torture, murder and references to, as well as descriptions of, a sex rite.<br />
<br />
Would I Read It Again?: Maybe<br />
<br />
Grade B- (A without the offensive content)<br />
Content: Torture, Murder, Sex<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 18+<br />
Series Order:<br />
Angels and Demons<br />
<strong>The Da Vinci Code</strong><br />
<strong> </strong>The Lost SymbolJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-31526270556609026292009-12-30T10:11:00.000-08:002010-03-31T10:00:49.725-07:00Stardust: Neil Gaiman<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkMrKJZ1cXm2UTcMvb2mxar_oQVbfR6KA5sBL8HYUfzg-HxrNVZjDa8FgmAuuGYoU3Sc4zurLYUfN1YbyF-y96s-7Y285BZ3vPM4QHCMJjTkKVC4UWYNxu2SayqGNZlP5VN5N13mK8Ic/s1600-h/strdust.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzkMrKJZ1cXm2UTcMvb2mxar_oQVbfR6KA5sBL8HYUfzg-HxrNVZjDa8FgmAuuGYoU3Sc4zurLYUfN1YbyF-y96s-7Y285BZ3vPM4QHCMJjTkKVC4UWYNxu2SayqGNZlP5VN5N13mK8Ic/s200/strdust.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This was a book that I read after having watched the movie. Both my wife and I really enjoyed the movie. I found it very creative and very engaging. I wanted to watch it again immediately afterward. Stardust was intended, by the author, to be a fairy tale for adults. He writes of young Tristran Thorn's love for his beautiful Victoria. The only problem, is that Victoria does not love him back. This, however, does not dissuade Tristran and he secures a promise from Victoria that she will marry him if he returns with a falling star. This is where Tristran's adventure begins. He travels into a land full of witches, magic, and a brotherly feud for the throne of Stormhold. Along the way, he finds that his 'star' is not what he expected and, through the influence of many others, his views and priorities in life begin to change. Stardust is a fun magical book that would have been great had it not been for the fairly explicit sex scene near the beginning of the book. The movie did a great job skirting this part of the story. This scene renders this book pretty inappropriate for anyone like me who finds this type of content offensive.<br />
<br />
Would I Read It Again?: I think I'll Stick to the Movie<br />
<br />
Grade: B- (A Without the Sex Scene)<br />
Content: Explicit Sexual Content<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 18+<br />
Sequels:<br />
NoneJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-60509282167279854242009-12-29T09:56:00.000-08:002010-03-31T10:01:15.156-07:00Over Sea, Under Stone: Susan Cooper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqWe3mK5K3y1CqyumG6Kik5v4qWrt_p_4hbojBB1y00p0kJi913rxTDtgVyzViLxPSu6jpakgxcvs56xTdjvaf9U3-b2j-XkeSsry02dDtV710WyREpPr3RkliLr-akI8_48lK-bRVF0/s1600-h/12428626.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmqWe3mK5K3y1CqyumG6Kik5v4qWrt_p_4hbojBB1y00p0kJi913rxTDtgVyzViLxPSu6jpakgxcvs56xTdjvaf9U3-b2j-XkeSsry02dDtV710WyREpPr3RkliLr-akI8_48lK-bRVF0/s200/12428626.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>I first took interest in this book after having watched a movie called 'The Seeker'. I found the movie lacking in any detail and wondered if it was based on a book. It indeed was based on the second book of 'The Dark is Rising Sequence'. I decided to start the series with book one: Over Sea, Under Stone. I was not disappointed. The book is a fairly simple read on the surface and is fine for younger readers, however, older readers can enjoy the deeper connotations that exist in most books that tell of the struggle between light and dark. Cooper provides a new twist on the story of King Arthur that renders this story both magical and intense. This particular tale is of three siblings (Simon, Jane and Barny) who travels to a coastal village in England to stay with their Uncle Merry. There they find a very old map that allegedly leads to the Holy Grail. The Grail, being an object of power, is aggressively sought by agents of both The Light, and The Dark. In a whirlwind adventure, the reader is blown along as an observer to the race for The Grail. This is a very clean book, good for kids. Entertaining Story. Not quite on the level of, say the Chronicles of Narnia, but a very fun read nonetheless.<br />
<br />
Would I Read It Again?: Likely<br />
<br />
Grade B+<br />
Content: Scary Sequences for Younger Children<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 11+<br />
Sequels:<br />
The Dark is Rising<br />
Greenwitch<br />
The Grey King<br />
Silver on the TreeJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-63100125839024671182009-12-18T00:04:00.000-08:002010-03-31T10:01:59.695-07:00Eragon: Christopher Paolini<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCbHP3onz2c33A4Eixs4ZJluuNORA3-UicYCDA_SVHMTiG-6QkNojElu6w-uAlCeJB91Nt79U037I0OqbcYRxoOWIKRNeIUnGaGcyk935c7AxAu8ylA5oLETrw3q58h-flR8zId5dqGg/s1600-h/eragon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXCbHP3onz2c33A4Eixs4ZJluuNORA3-UicYCDA_SVHMTiG-6QkNojElu6w-uAlCeJB91Nt79U037I0OqbcYRxoOWIKRNeIUnGaGcyk935c7AxAu8ylA5oLETrw3q58h-flR8zId5dqGg/s200/eragon.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>How many people can say that they are a New York Times best selling author? And how many of those can say that they were a best selling author by the age of nineteen. This is exactly what Paolini accomplished when he wrote Eragon, book on of the Inheritance Cycle. Paolini grabs the reader immediately and rarely lets the reader take a breath, even though the book is not all action. Eragon discovers a stone in the Spine, one of the most feared forests in all of Alagaesia. It turns out that it was not a stone but a dragon egg from which Saphira hatches and who subsequently chooses Eragon as her rider. With the the tyrant king, Galbatorix, being the only other rider, Eragon becomes the symbol of hope for those who wish to overthrow the king. Paolini writes a gripping story of Eragon's adjustment to his new life as a rider, and his and Saphira's flight to join the rebellious Varden in hopes of returning peace and freedom to Alagaesia. As is fairly obvious to those who've read other books of this genre, Paolini does borrow quite a bit from other authors. One might also suspect, after reading Eragon, that Paolini is indeed a debutant author. However, those feelings quickly dissapear with each book in the Inheritance Cycle. Eragon is an extremely entertaining read and and well worth reading multiple times.<br />
<br />
Would I Read It Again?: Definitely<br />
<br />
Grade A-<br />
Content: Fantasy Violence<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 15+<br />
Sequels:<br />
Eldest<br />
Brisingr<br />
Untitled (Coming Soon)Jeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-92015947003182665102009-12-16T21:26:00.000-08:002010-03-31T10:02:41.647-07:00Angels and Demons: Dan Brown<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDV9TGpFCCh5coMU0k5VjJrJrFHmYgJ1Wa4l7_cx7oOkQiBRQqKDyWVyeCXJ8pTBSpqag0TkK14hmbz8K4tgPIAexTlU7hLeCk3Qls72vi6wHyC1Vzs87PEROJ_5BJspUuOT013LwDdj0/s1600-h/Angels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDV9TGpFCCh5coMU0k5VjJrJrFHmYgJ1Wa4l7_cx7oOkQiBRQqKDyWVyeCXJ8pTBSpqag0TkK14hmbz8K4tgPIAexTlU7hLeCk3Qls72vi6wHyC1Vzs87PEROJ_5BJspUuOT013LwDdj0/s200/Angels.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Dan Brown, as always, does a great job with this story. Brown introduces us to professor Robert Langdon, a professor who specializes in symbology. Langdon is contacted by the CEO of a company that takes pride in advancing technology, and is asked to render his expertise on thier behalf. Langdon is intrigued by the request, in particular by the reappearance of a symbol used anciently by the Illuminati, the ancient nemesis of the Catholic Church. Before long, Langdon is neck deep in a 24 hour thriller that parades him across the Vatican and Rome. For any who have read Dan Brown before, you will not be dissapointed as he shifts your suspicions from one character to another right to the very end. This book is not for those who have a problem with torture or murder. Take care as there is fairly graphic descriptions of both. This is the reason why I gave this book a lower grade. I believe that the grade of the book should not only rest with the story or quality of writing, but also rests with the answers of questions such as: 'is it a wholesome book?; 'how does it leave you feeling after having read it?'.<br />
<br />
Would I Read It Again?: Likely<br />
<br />
Grade: B+ (A Without the bad Content)<br />
Content: Violence, Murder, Torture, Some Malicious Sexual Intentions<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 18+<br />
Sequels:<br />
The DaVinci Code<br />
The Lost SymbolJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-22701760538784933292009-12-14T22:51:00.000-08:002010-03-31T10:03:09.589-07:00Airborn: Kenneth Oppel<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9nADhbagd-kevXXTK6TMLQf8uwYo0SsTMFXvPWlQ8D0H3jq_ePj4flHNfx2482ANKawrbZ0HhTR2m7NbXvZKerkJ_6kZcaX81_yLU5U2om9E1TPBNvtM24Zmhmkl7BYHYceeR3zVU_Y/s1600-h/Airborn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhC9nADhbagd-kevXXTK6TMLQf8uwYo0SsTMFXvPWlQ8D0H3jq_ePj4flHNfx2482ANKawrbZ0HhTR2m7NbXvZKerkJ_6kZcaX81_yLU5U2om9E1TPBNvtM24Zmhmkl7BYHYceeR3zVU_Y/s200/Airborn.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This is a book that I'd never heard of and simply checked it out from the library because I thought that the synopsis on the back cover was interesting. Oppel has created an alternate historical timeline that features the success of the Zeplin airships. Roy O'Bannon (Shanghai Knights) would have been a rich man if this were our world's true history. This is a story of Matt Cruse, the cabin boy aboard the Aurora. The Aurora is a Luxury Liner voyaging to Australia. One of the passengers, a strong-willed aristocrat, has an intriguing connection with Mr. Cruse's past that entertains the reader on a wild quest of discovery. With Pirate attacks, being shipwrecked on a deserted island, and a frustrating relationship that develops between Matt and Kate, this book has something of interest for all audiences. It is a fun, fast paced book and a quick read. Very captivating and hard to put down. Any who read this book will instantly wish that they'd checked out the second book in the series at the same time. Yes, it is that good.<br />
<br />
Would I Read It Again?: Definitely<br />
<br />
Grade: A<br />
Content: Some Violence (Pirates do kill people)<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 12 +<br />
Sequels:<br />
Skybreaker<br />
StarclimberJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-9725834265392171002009-12-13T16:00:00.000-08:002010-03-31T10:03:38.240-07:00The City of Ember: Jeanne DuPrau<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpTQyGG7fHZJdUxd9kEdc7_gEfhXFIUiTeyyf6528rUlqEv7xWVsm6cbWY_rGimuG2AzfmCjeYtVovAoDcZwIWcPr1TQTUUiBzgL804zWBZXjd-lfoMT5KP1Y7vOOB-dC9wIzs8aA1ts/s1600-h/The+City+of+Ember.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMpTQyGG7fHZJdUxd9kEdc7_gEfhXFIUiTeyyf6528rUlqEv7xWVsm6cbWY_rGimuG2AzfmCjeYtVovAoDcZwIWcPr1TQTUUiBzgL804zWBZXjd-lfoMT5KP1Y7vOOB-dC9wIzs8aA1ts/s200/The+City+of+Ember.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>This was a fun adventure type book. DuPrau tells the reader a story of a people that was forced literally underground by some disaster. There was a city built beneath the surface to accommodate those that would eventually repopulate the earth. Instructions on how to return to the surface were provided in a locked box that would automatically open at a time that would be safe for the people of Ember to return to the world above. After some years, the box was lost and forgotten. All-the-while, the people lived in ignorance of the existance of any life outside of Ember, until the box was found by Lina Mayfleet. With the city generator failing, Lina enlists the help of Doon Harrow to follow the old instructions. Racing to dodge corrupt politicians and the failing generator, Lina and Doon lead the reader on an exciting and adventurous attempt to find a way to out of Ember and back to the surface. Overall, it is a fun read. There were enought breaks in the story that it was easy for me to put it down. It is a clean book that would be perfect for parents to read with their children.<br />
<br />
Would I Read It Again?: Probably in a few years<br />
<br />
Grade: B<br />
Content: None of note<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 11 +<br />
Series Order:<br />
The Prophet of Yonwood<br />
<strong>The City of Ember</strong><br />
The People of Sparks<br />
The Diamond of DarkholdJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7455385423687158277.post-74761232920692149522009-12-13T14:11:00.000-08:002010-03-31T10:04:01.088-07:00Ender's Game: Orson Scott Card<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxAD5VxTGuBJUxiv3YDm1Q-B1g8474vejGl0yVUizhizIjeHNTRRA-qSwJO09Upzxjvnm4Z1sag15J-5CsxJVaT_6bagA9B_lPkLvlNrPOp9Rh-DoVXY6gEwsX4PO2yS0hKW0UHzsYW8/s1600-h/EG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ps="true" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHxAD5VxTGuBJUxiv3YDm1Q-B1g8474vejGl0yVUizhizIjeHNTRRA-qSwJO09Upzxjvnm4Z1sag15J-5CsxJVaT_6bagA9B_lPkLvlNrPOp9Rh-DoVXY6gEwsX4PO2yS0hKW0UHzsYW8/s200/EG.jpg" /></a></div><br />
As for many other guys that went through Jr. High, there were few books that held my interest from start to finish. Ender's game is a classic that I could not put down. It chronicles the military education of six year old Andrew 'Ender' Wiggin. The teachers at the Battle School are out to find the next commander for their interstellar fleet that will confront the possible 3rd invasion of the 'buggers'. Even though Ender is the youngest student in Battle School history, the teachers quickly recognize Ender's potential and are brutal in pushing him to the brink. This is an adventure that none could read and finish feeling 'let down'. Throughout the novel, Card has the reader constantly wondering how Ender will come out on top. This is officially one of my favorite books of all time. <br />
<br />
Would I Read It Again?: Many Times, and SOON!<br />
<br />
Grade: A+<br />
Content: Graphic Violence and minor language, (Accidental death due to students fighting)<br />
Jeff's Recommended Age: 13 +<br />
Sequels:<br />
A War of Gifts (Contemporary of Ender's Game)<br />
Ender in Exile<br />
Speaker For the Dead<br />
Xenocide<br />
Children of the MindJeffhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08730978420305633136noreply@blogger.com0