Science Fiction & Fantasy Books - Page 4

The City of Ember (Books of Ember)

Jeanne Duprau

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 415 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Good beginning for the series 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

"City of Ember" is the children's version of anti-utopian fantasy. The protagonists - twelve-year old girl and boy - live in the gloomy underground city Ember, where the knowledge of most technologies and even many day-to-day things are forgotten. So, Ember does not have computers, cars, any manufacturing, or even boats and matches. It still has the generator that supplies electricity, but nobody understands how it works. What will happen when generator fails? What will happen when food supplies, stored by previous generations, are exhausted?

Even though the premise of the plot has some loopholes, it was interesting enough to keep my daughter and myself reading the book, trying to find what happens next. My daughter liked the book more than me, since she was fascinated by the idea of under-ground city; she also liked the brave and reckless heroine well enough, to forgive her some really stupid acts. I personally was slightly disappointed by the slow action in some parts of the book.

Despite these shortcomings, "City of Ember" is a good read for kids who are interested in fantasy or sci-fi ("City of Ember" is closer to sci-fi, in any case), but are tired of dragons, wizards and magic schools. In our case, my daughter went to read the next books in the series.

Editorial Review:

NOW A MAJOR motion picture starring Bill Murray, Tim Robbins, Martin Landau, Saoirse Ronan, and Harry Treadaway! This tie-in edition of The City of Ember features a movie-art cover and an 8-page photo insert. Jeanne DuPrau’s instant classic tells the story of the great, underground city of Ember, designed as a last refuge for the human race. But when the storerooms run out of food and the lights begin to fail, it’s up to two teens, Lina and Doon, to decipher the fragments of an ancient parchment and find a way out of Ember.

The Lightning Thief (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 1)

Rick Riordan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 265 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Wonderfully Creative 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

12 year old Percy Jackson has always known he is different - he's been kicked out of several boarding schools, he's dyslexic, and he's never known who his father was. But he is about to find out just how different he is - characters from Greek mythology have entered his life and his best friend Grover is not who Percy thinks he is. Before he knows it, Percy is accused of stealing Zeus's master lightning bolt and has just ten days to find and return it. Percy and his friends Grover and Annabeth embark on a journey to find the lightening bolt that will change all of their lives.

"The Lightning Thief" is a wonderfully creative children's book by Rick Riordan. There are, perhaps inevitably, some similarities to the Harry Potter series - Percy has two close friends, a boy and a girl; he calls himself a half-blood; Annabeth has a baseball hat that makes her invisible when she wears it; only Percy can be the hero of the quest; and the trio even encounters a bunch of spiders. But Riordan is a talented enough writer to make readers forget the Potter comparisons and enjoy the series on its own merits. The concept of Percy battling Greek Gods and Goddesses is a unique one and Riordan does an excellent job of incorporating Greek mythology into the story. Children will no doubt want to know more about mythical characters such as Poseidon, Zeus, Chiron, Charon, Medusa, and more after reading the book. Percy's journey is indeed an epic one and readers will love reading about his dangerous journey across the country. The book is written in the first person from Percy's point of view and Riordan does an excellent job of capturing Percy's voice. The great thing about Percy's character is that while in many ways he is extraordinary because of who his father is and the adventures he has, he is also an ordinary 12 year old boy who struggles in school because of his dyslexia, who is a loyal friend but also gets into fights, and who loves his mother even if he doesn't always obey her. Children of all ages will identify with Percy on some level.

"The Lightning Thief" is the first in the five book "Percy Jackson and the Olympians" series, a series that looks like it will be a lot of fun.

Editorial Review:

Percy Jackson is a good kid, but he can’t seem to focus on his schoolwork or control his temper. And lately, being away at boarding school is only getting worse—Percy could have sworn his pre-algebra teacher turned into a monster and tried to kill him. When Percy’s mom finds out, she knows it’s time that he knew the truth about where he came from, and that he go to the one place he’ll be safe. She sends Percy to Camp Half-Blood, a summer camp for demigods (on Long Island), where he learns that the father he never knew is Poseidon, God of the Sea. Soon a mystery unfolds and together with his friends—one a satyr and the other the demigod daughter of Athena—Percy sets out on a quest across the United States to reach the gates of the Underworld (located in a recording studio in Hollywood) and prevent a catastrophic war between the gods.

Inkspell (Inkheart Trilogy)

Cornelia Funke

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 221 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Audio Edition: Brendon Frasier does a really bad job as narrator 1 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Listened to to Inkheart and loved the book...Redgrave does a fantastic job as the narrator. Unfortunately, Frasier does not!! Could not finish this one. Shame on the publishers for not contracting with Redgrave again.

Editorial Review:

Although a year has passed, not a day goes by without Meggie thinking of Inkheart, the book whose characters came to life - and changed her life forever.

But for Dustfinger, the fire-eater brought into being from words, the need to return to the original tale has become desperate. When he finds a crooked storyteller with the magical ability to read him back, Dustfinger leaves behind his young apprentice Farid and plunges into the medieval inkscape once more.

Distraught, Farid goes in search of Meggie, and before long both are caught inside the book, too. There they meet Inkheart's author, Fenoglio, now living within his own story. But the tale is much changed, and threatening to evolve in ways none of them would have ever imagined. Will Meggie, Farid, and Fenoglio manage to write the wrongs of a charmed world? Or is their story on the brink of a very bad ending?

Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Book 5, Deluxe Edition)

J. K. Rowling, Mary GrandPré

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5870 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent audio-book! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The audio book is truly excellent. I strongly recomend it, not only to youths. The CD is a full version of the book. It's performed by Jim Dale, who does an excellent job so that it's hard to believe that there's only one actor.

MK

Literature! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

My opinion is that J.K.Rowling is a Gifted author. I think it speaks volumes that the Harry Potter series of books and movies have captured children and adults of all ages all over the world. These books are literature, they are brilliantly written. Personally I don't think there could be enough books that make the point of acceptance, tollerance and standing up for one's own beliefs and values. I've read them all multiple times and will continue to do so.

Editorial Review:

This cloth-covered deluxe edition features full-color printed endpapers and a foil-stamped title on the spine, and comes complete with a full-color slipcase with matte lamination and foil-stamping. Best of all, the removable, suitable-for-framing book jacket is emblazoned with exclusive, original artwork (that's different than the regular edition) by illustrator Mary GrandPré--a one-of-a-kind keepsake that you won't find anywhere else.

Inheritance 3-Book Hardcover Boxed Set (Eragon, Eldest, Brisingr)

Christopher Paolini

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I'm on the third book now and cannot put it down. This is a trilogy that anyone who has enjoyed Lord of the Rings, or other authors such as Jordon, Brooks or Donaldson, will love. Strongly recommended!

Hooked on dragons 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I ordered the 3 volume boxed set on a whim.Not being familiar with the author or the story.Although I'm somewhat older than the intended audience
I am very impressed with Paolini's writting style and abilities.
The three volumes are fast moving,touching,and exciting.I have just added
Paolini to my list of authors that I will help make rich by having to buy
their latest works in hard cover because I will not be able to wait for the paper back edition to be released.

Love it - Good Read 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I originally bought it for my husband but he wouldn't put it down so I started to read the whole series myself out of curiousity.

You won't leave the couch! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

It's a wonderful trilogy of great and small battles with enemies both in- and outside ones self. A story filled with hope, fear, magic, perseverance, talent, strength and weakness.
These are books which condemn you to so spend every free moment on the coach or in bed untill you've read them all.

Editorial Review:

WITH THE HIGHLY anticipated publication of Book Three in the Inheritance cycle, the hardcover editions of all three books will be available in a handsome boxed set!

The Giver

Lois Lowry

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3088 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Awful, Disturbing, A Waste! 1 out of 5 stars.
2 of 6 people found this review helpful.

It was awful! I DO NOT recommend anyone read it. Maybe some people would like it, but not me. I kept reading it, hoping it would get good, but it just got worse. And the worst part about it was that at the end, I seriously felt like the book had somehow taken something from me. And I don't mean just my time. Now I'm just trying to get it out of my head. It had the potential to be really interesting, but I just don't think it quite got there. Someone said it was rushed at the end. I agree. It felt like the author just kind of gave up. I was hoping that the novel would redeem itself somehow, but no such luck. I would be horrified if my child were required to read this in school. I don't believe in censorship, but it shouldn't be required reading. The reading level may be for younger readers, but certainly not the topics discussed in the book. What were the Newbery people thinking?!

Editorial Review:

Jonas's world is perfect. Everything is under control. There is no war or fear of pain. There are no choices. Every person is assigned a role in the community. When Jonas turns 12 he is singled out to receive special training from The Giver. The Giver alone holds the memories of the true pain and pleasure of life. Now, it is time for Jonas to receive the truth. There is no turning back.

Fahrenheit 451

Ray Bradbury

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 1270 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Fahrenheit 451: A Novel 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Excellent Service! Book came promptly, even faster than I ever expected! I never thought this one would be available in hardcover.
Many thanks.

A thrilling combination of 50's pulp sci-fi and reflective commentary 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

By my count, this'll be the 1,218th review for this book on amazon, so what could I possibly say that the other 1,217 haven't?

But for those few who dare dig this deep to read: I loved the book. I've read numerous novels and thrillers for fun, and also dabbled in more serious, non-fiction as well (check my profile if you want), but this one book managed to bridge the two meta-genres. In Ray Bradbury's comments he mentions that he wrote the book on typewriters that charged a dime per hour in a university library, driven there by the distractions of two young daughters in his house; as a result (imho) the work comes fast and furious and makes no apologies for failing to artistically create a subtle and symbolic background.

The characters are few and the scenes sparse but it is a book that almost says as much in what is left out as what is included. It is also a book that fully describes (even immerses) the reader in this distopian future which only slowly comes to mirror our own. The commentary, like many of the characters, is never explicit, left to the reader to draw their own conclusions. Rather than the spoonfeeding of Animal Farm or even 1984, true motivations and causes are hidden and the reader's own perception of civilization can guide them.

Editorial Review:

Nowadays firemen start fires. Fireman Guy Montag loves to rush to a fire and watch books burn up. Then he met a seventeen-year old girl who told him of a past when people were not afraid, and a professor who told him of a future where people could think. And Guy Montag knew what he had to do....


From the Paperback edition.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Book 2)

J. K. Rowling

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2657 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Excellent 2nd book 5 out of 5 stars.
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I've just read this book for the 2nd time realizing how much I had forgotten. The movie follows this book closely but the book is always better. This book like the first starts off pulling you in the minute the Weasley's break him out. I enjoyed the suspense/mystery of this book as to who is the heir of Slyterin. Time doesn't feel rushed in the book as it did in the movie. I loved this book and read it quickly, a real page turner. I will read this book again. It's excellent for kids and adults.

Thrills, Chills, Ill Wills & The Wiz Kids' Sleuthing Skills 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

A wonderful sequel to "Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone". The first book introduced the reader to the world of wizardry. While Ms. Rowling's debut work was filled with wonderment, suspense and gee-whiz fun, the second installment is a little darker. It also answers a few questions which remained dangling at the end of The Sorcerer's Stone. In addition, colorful, new characters are introduced; some of the familiar characters are fleshed out more; and fresh mysteries pertaining to the whole Hogwarts' realm make this book an extremely entertaining read for all ages. Read the books in sequence and enjoy the ride. My guess is that Ms. Rowling's series still will be popular long after all of us are dead and buried.

Editorial Review:

In one of the most hotly anticipated sequels in memory, J.K. Rowling takes up where she left with Harry's second year at the Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Old friends and new torments abound, including a spirit named Moaning Myrtle who haunts the girl's bathroom, an outrageously conceited professor, Gilderoy Lockheart, and a mysterious force that turns Hogwarts students to stone.

Corduroy: Spanish Edition (Edicion Espanola/Paperback Book and Cassette)

Don Freeman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 101 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Classic 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is a good book about the adventures Corduroy goes on in order to find a button. He *doesn't* find a button, but that's all right - a little (African-American, if that's relevant) girl takes him home anyway. "I like you just the way you are!"

I do find that Corduroy's dialog is a little sappy, and it's somewhat weird to me that he can actually talk to Lisa, but it's still a good book.

The world's most adorable bear 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I actually have not read this book for years and was delighted when I found it again. For something so simple, it certainly packs a respectable adventure and plenty of heart. Corduroy is an adorable bear, and his department store is very nostolgic.

A Timeless Favorite 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

My children's favorite little bear along with a new character- a caterpillar by the name of Cyrano in Life's Little Lessons: An Inch-By-Inch Tale of Successhave left these two books shreded from use.Children will laugh at the adventures of these characters over and over again.

Editorial Review:

"A winning, completely childlike picture book in which a stuffed bear waiting hopefully in a toy department finds a home with a little black girl. Endearing, brightly colored pictures."--Booklist. Full-color illustrations.

Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Harry Potter)

J. K. Rowling

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 2601 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

One of the best! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I read this a long time ago and recently read it again. It is so good. I love the way that for once voldemort is not the center of this and I love the way you hear about the Marauders. I just have like, the perfect picture in my mind of them. This is one of my favorites in the whole series.

Pesky Prisoner, Potions Professor Plus Puzzling Ploys Plague Potter 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Good, solid storytelling. Ms. Rowling's third installment in the Harry Potter series continues to add interesting characters and create an even more appealing magical world for the reader to escape into. Each book has shown the gradual evolution of Harry from a neglected, abused child and mentored into a honorable young man. But the character-building journey is certainly a bumpy ride for young Potter. Moral messages and the complexities of the human condition abound as each new story has been introduced to the public. One of the underlying messages of the book is that most problems in life are not simply black and white, but more complicated. To convey this point in a fun, exciting manner is the sign of great writing. There's real heart to this series and deserves a wide readership.

Editorial Review:

During his third year at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, Harry Potter must confront the devious and dangerous wizard responsible for his parents' deaths.