Vampire Hunter D by Hideyuki Kikuchi

The year is 12,900 AD. Vampires known as the Nobility have had control of Earth and kept humans as slaves and walking meals. But when humans revolted and started killing off their masters, they also had to learn to live without most tech in a hostile world populated by the Nobility's creations. Those who have the strength and skill to fight these monsters are called Hunters, and their services come at a hefty price.

On the outskirts of a little village, a beautiful orphan farm girl has been attacked by a vampire who wants to turn her and marry her. Doris was strong enough to get away once with only a bite, but if she wants to live and protect her kid brother she is going to need help. She hires a Hunter by the name of D, who specializes in killing vampires. But even the greatest Hunter on the Frontier is going to have a hard time fighting the powerful Noble that Doris has made an enemy.

This book, and indeed the whole series, is simply genre-defying. It contains strong elements of Sci-Fi, Western and Horror with occasional dashes of Fantasy, Romance and Mystery/Thriller. It also may be the best escapist novel I have read, as the complex universe it is set in is almost impossible to leave behind and the characters will stay in your head for months.

The writing is spookily similar to 18th century horror/thriller classics such as Dracula and/or Carmilla. It is a bit overwritten and stilted at times, but fits the characters and setting nonetheless. The characters feel solid and realistic; even D, who constantly runs the risk of becoming a Gary Stu, but never quite crosses that line.

Fans of old-style vampire stories (hint: no sparkling and plenty of blood), old sci-fi or lovers of creatively-mixed-genre stories should take advantage of the fact that the FLLS has this frequently hard to find book.

5 Stars

Emme

The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan

In this book, two siblings find themselves trapped in a word of magic and trickery. They find that they are related to the Egyptian Gods and are in a trap set by an evil God. Will they survive? Read the book to find out.

5 Stars

Rory

Paradise Kiss: Vol. 2 by Ai Yazawa

Yukari is now definitely going to be a fashion model for Paradise Kiss. She is excited and happy, which surprises her. However, when her parents find out they forbid her to see any of her new friends. She tries to explain that it is the first time she has ever really cared about something, but it doesn't sway the adults. In a fit of anger, she runs away from home and decides to quit school. But where will a pretty teenage girl who has lived in a book-learning world go and what will she do with herself?

This book is interesting and hard to put down. Yazawa is a master of stories that explore characters discovering themselves as separate from social and parental expectations. The art is lovely, and the character design and costumes really stand out from crowds of cutesy little girls and bishie guys that populate most manga.

5 Stars

Emme

Queste by Angie Sage

Queste by Angie Sage was really an excellent book. I laughed for most of it, even parts most people wouldn't have found funny. I really thought the plot was wonderful and the underlying themes were startling when you had forgotten about them, but really clever. I loved the characters, and as the fourth book in the Septimus Heap series you really seem to know the characters. Again the plot was great and I wouldn't just suggest this to a friend, I'd make them read it.

5 Stars

Rosie

The Tarot Cafe: Vol. 3 by Sang-Sun Park

CAUTION! SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS!

This lovely manhwa (Korean comics) features three short stories about the supernatural. The first features a king who realizes that he has feelings for his slave boy. The second is about a man who has had a Welsh water spirit living in his home, and the final tale tells of a potentially fatal love triangle between two shape- shifting dragons and a human girl with strange powers.

The artwork is excellent and graceful, the stories are attention-grabbing and the writing is solid. There are also awesome character designs. What more could you want from a comic?

5 Stars

Emme

Snakehead by Anthony Horowitz

Alex Rider is 14 and a spy working for the british secret service. He encounters gun-wielding thugs, traitors - including his uncle, and heart-wrenching details of his deceased loved ones. Will he survive this dangerous mission? Find out, read the book .

5 Stars

Rory

Oh My Stars by Lorna Landvik

Violet has three remarkable talents: she can draw, she has an eye for design and she can sew amazing clothes from scraps and leftovers. She would love to become a fashion designer, but in her small, Depression-Era town the closest she can get is working in a thread factory. When she is in an accident and loses her dominant hand, her life seems over. She can do none of the few things that made her life bearable, so she decides to become the second person to throw themselves off the Golden Gate Bridge. She gets on a bus, but her bad luck seems to follow and she is stranded in another little town, where she meets a pair of musicians who just might give her a reason to live.

Although the beginning was a little trite, it quickly became an amazing book, one of the best I've read in a while. The writing is exceptionally smooth and beautiful, making for an almost effortless read. The characters felt real and solid, and their interactions genuine. The plot was quick-moving but not rushed. Violet is an inspirational heroine, while remaining far from perfect. The ending was a bit muddled, but the few slight flaws didn't detract significantly from the whole story.

5 Stars

Emme

The Good Dog by Avi

The Good Dog by Avi was an interesting but average book. The plot seemed well thought out, yet I thought it was frustrating that the dogs were misunderstood by the humans so often. Overall, it was a good story but the action itself took a while to get into. No romance was in the book and I enjoyed that aspect. The dogs were smart but at times overlooked things that could have happened. I probably would suggest this to a friend desperate for reading. Chop chop!

3 Stars

Rosie

Angel Sanctuary: Vol. 1 by Kaori Yuki

Setsuna is struggling with his life, his unreasonable temper and feelings for a girl who, although she is his blood sister, he rarely sees. He feels like he is a terrible person, but can't seem to change! It turns out that the problems may not all be his, as he is the reincarnation of an angel who defied God and was cast out. He is trapped in a battle of good and evil spanning lifetimes, but he can't tell which side he's suppose to be on.

The back of this book made it sound more like an examination of good and evil and the grey area most of us are in, however it is definitely a "battle of Good Vs. Evil" book. This is very typical of fantasy and an overly common plot. There really wasn't anything in the initial book that made it stand out. Even the art is very typical (might even go so far as to say unoriginal) for early 1990's manga. This style might be more eye-catching in today's market, as it is different then most newer manga.

2 Stars

Emme

Legend of Drizzt series by R. A. Salvatore

This book is about a dark elf society that lives underground. They have an army of 20,000 dark elf elites, and love to mindlessly slaughter every living being in their domain. Except for one. Drizzt is different. He hates kiling, and the elfves have found out. Will he survive?

5 Stars

Drizzt the dark elf has been found out, and has been sent out into exile in the evil underdark. Will he survive the terrors of the underdark, or will he succum to their evil wrath?

5 Stars

Drizzt is so terrified of the underdark, that he escapes to the surface. He is an expert fighter, but only kills out of neccessity. Will he survive or will the humans kill this different dark elf? Find out read the book.

5 Stars

Rory

Pet Shop of Horrors: Vol. 10 by Matsuri Akino

CAUTION! SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS!

This gripping, fast-moving conclusion to the popular horror/comedy series will make it impossible for readers to put the book down. One after another of the secrets that Count D has struggled to protect have been revealed to Officer Orcot, but whether what he finds out pushes him into full-blown hate or forgiveness is kept back until this dramatic (and action-packed) volume.

The artwork is stunning! Akino is at her best with these lush, complex scenes and the detail on each of the chapter pages will leaving you staring and wondering how such intricate work was done. The plot does a wonderful job wrapping up just enough to give the reader a slight sense of closure, while giving an opening for the imagination.

5 Stars

Emme

Fast Ships, Black Sails by Various Authors

Do you like pirate stories? If so, you should read this. Even if you don't care for traditional piratical tales this might be worth a try, as not all of these are typical novellas. You've might get space pirates, living creatures as ships, enchanted puppets as crew members, and magical powers, plus the traditional sea monsters, peg legs, scars, swords and pistols.

This collection was very entertaining and the general quality of writing was very high. Plots could have used a bit more work - many stories felt squashed or like I was only getting a fragment of a whole story. These short story collections are a great option as we get into the new school year, as each tale can be read quickly and then the book put aside until later when you have time for another adventure. They are also excellent for finding new authors to try.

4 Stars

Emme

The View From Saturday by E.L. Konigsburg

I thought The View From Saturday by E.L. Koningsburg was a very good book. I liked how the story changed from flashbacks, to present, and back to flashbacks. I also enjoyed the kind of abrupt way things were introduced. The book was interesting, but the way the children talked, with 'do not' instead of don't and 'I am' instead of I'm, seemed unreal. Without this, it would have been an excellent book. I liked the vagueness but knowing the construction of the plot. I would suggest this book to my friends.

4 Stars

Rosie

The Mother-Daughter Book Club by Heather Vogel Frederick

In this book, four girls that have NOTHING in common, join together in a mother-daughter book club. They become friends over the couse of "Litttle Women" and fight the mean girls. I liked this book a lot!

4 Stars

Lucy

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Santiago has had a reccurring dream about leaving his simple life as a shepherd and traveling to Egypt's pyramids, where he digs in a certain spot for treasure. A dream interpreter tells him to go and see what he finds, and what the treasure might be. It seems like a foolish dream, until the day he finds himself setting out on an adventure that will change his life and the way he thinks.

This story was amazing. The writing is simple and elegant, with a steady, slow-moving plot that will cause you to lose track of time as you are drawn into Santiago's adventures, wanderings and discoveries about himself. The story is very introverted and personal, fans of drama and action will need to look elsewhere. The characters, even the ones we barely know, feel so solid and realistic that it is hard to picture that they are mere figments of the author's imagination.

5 Stars

Emme

39 Clues: The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis

The Sword Thief by Peter Lerangis is the really well-written third book in the 39 clues series. I liked it but because it was so short, had romance, and was pretty unbelievable, but I also thought it was kind of wimpy. The action sort of made up for it but, this book was lower quality than the others in the series. I would maybe recommend it to my friends, but only if they had read the others in the series. Chop chop!

3 Stars

Rosie

Kiki Strike: Inside the Shadow City by Kirsten Miller

This book is fabulously written and has the most phenomenal, intricate plot, full of twists and turns. I also liked this book because in each chapter it has a little bit of spy survival skills that could come in handy. I highly recommend this book. It is one of my favorites!

5 Stars

Lena

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo

The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo was a pretty good book. I liked the way the book was split up for each of the characters and then the climax. I really had no idea how it was going to turn out until the end. I was confused by some of the character's actions but I really liked it. I felt super sympathetic for Mig, I felt glad for the princess, sorry for the rat, and happy for Despereaux. I would recommend this book for smaller children.

4 Stars

Rosie

Up And Running by Mark Patinkin

This true story is about a six year old boy who is diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, one of the fastest infectious killers known. The book describes his three week battle to live, his parent's anxiety, and his recovery.

I enjoyed this book a lot because it was very intense and the author described everything in great detail. I think that this is a wonderful book, and you should read it.

4 Stars

Jaeyoon

Physik by Angie Sage

Phyisk by Angie Sage was a great book. I love how the author used time as recurring theme in this book, it was enjoyably complicated. I especially liked some of the conflicts between queen Etheldredda and different characters (Hugo!) though I was frustrated no one attacked her. The book was especially funny to me, though most of my friends said it wasn't that funny. I think I have an odd sense of humor, yes? I liked how the story resolved itself, though I thought Marcellus Pye was a bit of a brat. I would recommend this to anyone.

4 Stars

Rosie

Interview With the Vampire by Anne Rice

Louis is a 200 year old vampire. He has lived many lives, known many people and other vampires, struggled with balancing his remaining human thoughts and tendencies with the necessities of vampiric life and seen history being made. Now he is going to share his story with the world.

I have to admit to being disappointed with this book. It is not that the plot or characters are poorly crafted, indeed, they are quite interesting. However I had a strong dislike for the writing in this book. It was extremely melodramatic and Rice clearly had an absurd love of wordy, overused, cliche terms and descriptions. When there were not enough ridiculous, but well known, terms already in the English language, she seemingly spliced them together, resulting in some completely foolish words when used as descriptions for vampires. (When Louis called himself a "supermortal" I groaned aloud and hit myself in the forehead with this book. Luckily it's not very large, so no harm was done.)

Having read Lestat, which is not a masterpiece but not bad either, I guess you can tell what an advantage 10 years of practice gives. I recommend those interested in Anne Rice's works skip this one and just start with Lestat. You don't need the torture.

2 Stars

Emme

39 Clues: One False Note by Gordon Korman

One False Note, the second book in the 39 clues series, by Gordon Korman was a very well-written book. Again I thought the characters were cracking jokes too often to be believable, but besides that, the plot was pretty well-built. I especially liked the fact that you couldn't always see what was going to happen; there were many unexpected twists and turns. The ideas were really great and I would suggest this book to my friends and anyone else who had read the first book.

4 Stars

Rosie

39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

I thought that The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan was a good first book to the 39 Clues series. I liked the way that the two kids, Amy and Dan, don't know they are a part of the world's most influential family until Grace's funeral. This kind of inspires the thought that really anyone could be a part of something powerful and not know it. I really liked this book. I thought that along with it being well-written, the characters were well-described. However, I thought the way the characters were literally always joking was a little hard to believe. I would recommend this book to my friends.

4 Stars

Rosie

Keeping it Real by Justina Robson

Keeping it Real is a book set not too far in the future, a future in which a particle collider has ripped open a hole in the universe, allowing access to several other planes of existence inhabited by a variety of fantasy staples such as elves, demon, and faeries. Lila Black is a cyborg built by the US government as a prototype after a disastrous diplomatic mission to the realm of the elves nearly killed her. She has been assigned to guard an elven rock star from assassins that persist in attempting to kill him. Little does she know that the plot to kill her charge is in fact a part of a greater plan by the leader of the elves to return separation to the planes.

4 Stars

Connor

The Count of Monte Cristo by Alexandre Dumas

Young Edmond Dantes is doing quite well for himself; he is likely getting a position as captain on a ship and is shortly going to marry his beloved and beautiful Mercedes. His life takes an alarming turn on his wedding day when he is arrested on false charges and thrown in jail. After spending 14 years locked in and nearly forgotten, he manages to escape. He swears vengeance on all of those who ruined his life. To accomplish this he will need money, power and a title.

This book was a fascinating read and most of the characters were memorable and interesting. The characters were complex and realistically flawed. It is very character driven and the goal of the novel seems to be to examine the human mind and morality in general. The pacing is steady and the plot, even. My only real issue with this book is that the writing was very stiff, slow and detailed (more so then many other novels of the period) and holds the reader up rather badly. This style of writing would be fine for a novel with more plot points to mentally chew over in the back of the mind, but it doesn't work as well for this one.

4 Stars

Emme

The History of Love by Nicole Krauss

The title sums it up beautifully. It's one of those books where multiple people's lives are gracefully intertwined. Although confusing at times the beauty lay in how their lives were connected. I found it to be a comforting and thought provoking read.

The one issue I had with the book was that it's hard to follow in the beginning because you're not suppose to know how it all fits together. However, the author executed this style well and things fell into place at the end.

5 Stars

Mia

Hellsing: Vol. 9 by Kohta Hirano

CAUTION! SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS!

After Alucard and Anderson's epic battle comes to a bloody end, readers receive indisputable proof of the demise of a beloved character and the simultaneous introduction of a confusing new bad guy. The Hellsing Agency is going to step up to a new level of violence if they want anyone to come out this mess alive - or undead in a few character's cases.

This book has the typical lack of plot, but bored readers who skip chunks of the dark, crowded pages may be missing something. There is some interesting verbal sparring going on in this volume and even some signs that Alucard may actually have a personality. Shocking, I know!

If you have fought your way through the difficult going of previous volumes and found your interest flagging, this might be the book to revive some of your interest.

4 Stars

Emme

Innumeracy by John Allen Paulos

This is a fascinating book about the consequences of mathematical illiteracy. What's great about it is that you need only basic math skills to understand the concepts shown in the book. It's really eye-opening to see how a lack of numerical competency can cause so many issues in society. One would never realize how math comes to play in assessing relative risk, stock market scams, and determining if someone is guilty or if it's just a coincidence that they fit the description. The book is not one long rant about how America is failing at math, but an astonishing view of how math impacts our daily lives. I would definitely recommend this book.

4 Stars

Mia

The First Part Last by Angela Johnson

Bobby was a classic city boy. He spent his time playing basketball, hanging with his friends, and trying not to get caught graffitiing. All that changes when his girlfriend Nia tells him that she's pregnant. Bobby is determined to do the right thing for his kid and his girl, but how does a 16 year old, who can't even figure out what to do with himself, figure out how to make those kinds of choices?

This short book is a very compelling read. It alternates between what happens after the baby, named Feather, is born and while Nia is pregnant. It doesn't come off preachy or as a morality tale of why teen pregnancy is evil. Bobby's no nonsense, "just the facts" attitude is conveyed well, but so is the fact that he really cares for his daughter and her mother.

4 Stars
 
Emme

Kitty Raises Hell by Carrie Vaughn

CAUTION! SPOILERS FOR PREVIOUS BOOKS IN THE SERIES!

After Kitty's and Ben's dramatic escape from a vampire-worshiping, werewolf-sacrificing cult based in Las Vegas, they go home hoping things will settle down. However the leader of the cult sets a fire demon on their trail, and now the unusual duo of radio host and lawyer must figure out how to stop it, preferably before Denver goes up in flames.

This series is not great literature, but it is very entertaining. I like the main characters, and there is good, steady character development in each book. The writing is smooth and an easy read, with a fast-moving plot.

4 Stars

Emme

Nancy Drew: Secret of The Old Clock by Carolyn Keene

I thought that The Secret of The Old Clock by Carolyn Keene was a pretty well-written book featuring the usual Nancy Drew "he said / she said"s. I like reading Nancy Drew books (with the exception of the new series) because it's kind of comforting to know that Nancy will always be the same age, though not always the same intelligence. I also kind of enjoy reading the somewhat stupid things Nancy does, or the thing Nancy ALWAYS does, but so far it's only mentioned in one book. I would recommend these books to pretty much anyone.

3 Stars

Rosie

Emmy and The Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell

In my opinion Emmy and The Incredible Shrinking Rat by Lynne Jonell was a very good book. I thought that the author incorporating rats in phrases and in the plot was a very ingenious and original idea. This comes into play for Ratoclepsy, rat-indulged sleep, for which the real term, Narcolepsy, is a condition also involving sleep. I thought it was not only clever and well-written, but the sentence on page 11 about the chocolate cake almost made me cry, showing that Lynne Jonell can make the reader feel emotion very well. I would suggest this book to pretty much anyone. Chop chop!

4 Stars

Rosie

The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

Reading this over, I am once again reminded what a funny, creative, and just generally good book this is. Beginning with the destruction of Earth, it goes on to document the interstellar travels of Arthur Dent, continuing over another four books. If you are planning on reading this book, be prepared to be confused and befuddled, and don't try to understand how things happen, because you can't, and will end up hurting your brain if you try. Just read, laugh, and enjoy.

5 Stars

Connor

Murkmere by Patricia Elliott

Murkmere is a book set in a fantasy world fairly similar to late medieval Europe with the one large exception being that everyone worships birds, which are said to be omens of the future. It draws ideas from the legends of selkies and other shape-changers that are the features of so many fantasy books. The book's main character is Agnes Cotter, a girl drawn from her village to be the companion to the ward of the master of Murkmere, an estate owned by a noble of the nation in which the book takes place. Agnes struggles throughout the book to gain and keep the master's ward's friendship, yet believes her to be a danger to herself because the ward does not worship the birds, a blasphemous offense worthy of high punishment in the theocracy in which the book is set. Overall, Murkmere was a fairly good book, worth reading, although there are better books out there to spend your time on.

3 Stars

Connor

Basara: Vol. 1 by Yumi Tamura

At the birth of Sarasa and her twin brother, Tatara, a prophecy was made that one of them was "the child of destiny" and would lead their oppressed people to freedom. Everyone has assumed it will be Tatara, so he has received training to be a warrior. But when their village is raided and Tatara killed, Sarasa takes his place by pretending it was she who was killed. Can a girl who was ignored much of her life lead an army?

The art in this manga is very simple and sparse, reflecting nicely the harsh, desert way of life these characters lead. It isn't particularly beautiful and is awkwardly drawn at times. This manga's strength isn't it's art, but it's fascinating and gripping story. The plot sucks you in and doesn't let go. It is fast moving and a definite page-turner. The panel layout isn't fancy looking but pushes the reader onwards smoothly and simply, meaning you don't ever stop and struggle to figure out what panel comes next.

4 Stars
 
Emme

100 Cupboards by N. D. Wilson

100 Cupboards by N. D. Wilson is an intriguing book full of excitement and adventure. The main characters, Henry and Henrietta, are quite a pair. I really enjoyed their different qualities together as cousins. I think the Cupboard plot was really original and I liked reading it on rainy days. It was a great book but I felt that it didn't quite live up to my expectations. Otherwise though it was great. I would recommend it to anybody of any age really. First time reading it eh? Good luck my man!

4 Stars

Rosie

The Magician by Michael Scott

A very good sequel to The Alchemyst, The Magician displays some of the same qualities, such as: Sophie's and Josh's relationship, Scatty's ninja like skills and the bad guy's crazy power. This plot has excitement, explosions and jealousy in pretty much a standard fight between good and evil. I really enjoyed the twist of the plot and Joan of Arc's entrance was played well. Overall, a great book. I would recommend it to any of my friends.

4 Stars

Rosie

The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

This book was the best of all the Percy Jackson books I've read so far because it is exciting and you want to read more and more until you get to the end. I read this book in 6 days because it was so page turning.

4 Stars

Lucy

Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke

Dragon Rider by Cornelia Funke is a book about a boy, a brownie and a dragon. I liked the plot a lot but thought the story was just the tiniest bit lacking - though I wasn't sure why. I enjoyed hearing about their adventures, but realized that in real life (if real life had mystical creatures) the characters struggles might have been greater. By reading most of her books I have concluded that Cornelia Funke is one of the best authors I have ever read and I would pretty much recommend her books to anyone.

4 Stars

Rosie

Spider-Man: Revenge of the Sinister Six by Adam-Troy Castro

Great book,this guy knows a ton about spider-man. The book draws you in and has a interesting plot.

5 Stars

Jairus

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke

The Thief Lord by Cornelia Funke is one of the best books I have ever read. The wide display of characters really made the book. I loved the trust and friendship and just when I thought the book would be over the story turned around another corner and the magical merry-go-round came into play. I liked the twists and turns of the story and I especially liked the way the children got rid of Barbossa at the end. I liked it a lot and would recommend it to anyone.

5 Stars

Rosie

Stuck in Neutral by Terry Trueman

To most of the world Shawn is practically dead. He has been paralyzed since he was an infant and is unable to move any part of his body, he can't even control his eye movements. For all anyone knows he is brain-dead and that is what most people believe. But trapped inside his own body is a smart, sarcastic and witty teenage boy who's life may be in danger. His father feels that his son is suffering and is contemplating ending his son's life.

This was an interesting look at the issue of euthanasia and what can or should be done for people who are not able to communicate their own wishes. The writing was solid and the characters were interesting. The plot is rather slow moving to start, but picks up speed. This book is slim and a very fast read. I recommend to anyone who is interested in a book from an unusual point of view.

5 Stars

Emme

Sheep by Valerie Hobbs

Sheep by Valerie Hobbs is a story written from the dog, Jack's point of view, about his life. The plot was well-written and I liked Jack's thoughts of life. Though it was a very short story, it held my attention from beginning to end. I thought the fact that Jack inserted himself into other's lives was very interesting, but almost predictable. I would recommend this to my friends as a short read.

4 Stars

Rosie

The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo

The Tiger Rising by Kate DiCamillo is a whimsical book about a boy and girl who find a tiger. The book isn't altogether heartwarming, but it had its moments. I actually enjoyed it quite well, but I thought a few points that were not resolved, should have been. However, the story was intriguing and I liked it very much. I would maybe recommend it as a very short read.

3 Stars

Rosie

Shakespeare's Spy by Gary Blackwood

Shakespeare's Spy by Gary Blackwood is a strange book about a boy who works for Shakespeare. Unluckily for me, only after I read it, I noticed it was the third in a series (I had thought it was a little out of context!). That is why reading this book was interesting after I had got into it, confusing for the most part, and disappointing at the end. The book wasn't altogether bad but not my sort of reading. For this reason I probably would not recommend this book.

3 Stars

Rosie

Icefire by Chris D'Lacey

Ice Fire by Chris D'Lacey is the sequel to The Fire Within. The Fire Within, is an unexpected book about squirrels, not dragons, as the cover advertises. Ice Fire however is very much the opposite. After the first story you would expect more squirrels, but instead its actually about dragons. I'm not complaining, both stories were very intriguing, but the lack of consistency confused me. I would recommend these books if someone asked me if they were any good, because they are definently worth reading.

3 Stars

Rosie

Shirley by Kaoru Mori

This manga is a collection of short stories set in Victorian England told from the point of view of maids, including the title character, Shirley. Each maid has a different view of the world and of her employers, giving this book a different feel then most Victorian stories which deal with the upper class.

Although this collection of stories feels rather fragmented at times, I highly enjoyed it. The stories are sweet and entertaining - nothing too serious. The art is simple and elegant, in keeping with the overall feel of the stories. The outfits are quite historically accurate, no corsets as outerwear or ridiculous things like that!

5 Stars
 
Emme

With a Wave of the Wand by Mark Jonathan Harris

With a Wave of the Wand by Mark Jonathan Harris was a really strange book. Especially since its about a family (with the mom and dad getting divorced), a crummy town, and an eccentric old man. It wasn't the most well-written book in the world, but it drew my attention for a while and I understood the plot. Though the book had some problems, it wasn't horrible and I would potentially recommend it to any kids learning to read as a chapter book.

2 Stars

Rosie

Ever by Gail Carson Levine

Ever by Gail Carson Levine was well-written for the type of book that it was. I understand how some people would have liked it. For me though the book was not good, it was written with a certain tone of "she did this", "he did that" which simply did not tell enough in the right voice. Also it was much too romantic and lovey-dovey. The plot was centered around a god, a human and true love. Really, I didn't like this book and would not recommend it to anyone.

1 Star

Rosie