Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror Books - Page 3

The Mysterious Benedict Society

Trenton Lee Stewart

Amazon Price: $12.23 List Price: $17.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Little, Brown Young Readers Amazon Marketplace: 50 new & used starting at $5.49

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 107 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

thrilling book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is an exciting book. Readers will want to know what will happen to Reynie when he takes the test. Will he pass? A good book for ages 10 to adult.

Plenty of mental and physical adventure to please readers of all ages 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This book revolves around the trials and tribulations of four orphans who, after completing a serious of challenging and unorthodox tests, are tasked with a highly dangerous mission, with the fate of the world hanging in the balance. In order to prevail (supposing that they do indeed find themselves triumphant), they must face their greatest fears and learn to trust one another and come together as a team. Each child brings an important skill to the team (though the importance of some of these skills are not revealed until very late in the book), and it is only united that they can hope to be successful. There is plenty of action and adventure throughout the book, but for all the physical skirmishes, the book is also filled with puzzles, riddles, and mental strategizing. As such, I think it would appeal to a wide variety of children (because it is kid lit), but certainly adults as well. Strong core themes of friendship, family, bravery, truth, and intellectual freedom run throughout the novel, although the latter one might be a bit esoteric/advanced for most child readers; still, Stewart handles all of the issues in a fairly elegant way, and avoids being pedantic. I found the first part of the book where everything is shrouded in mystery stronger than the latter part of the novel, where things do lose steam a bit and the plot seems to meander.

Overall, I didn't exactly feel as though this book held the same magic of the Harry Potter books (no pun intended!) despite the comparisons, but I did enjoy it, and read it quickly (despite its length). The characters were all sympathetic, but not necessarily as well-developed or sympathetic as those in the Potter novels (for instance, Mr. Benedict, is a far cry from Albus Dumbledore). It was a solid first novel (it appears there will be a series), but everything added up to a very good, but not necessarily great, book. Perhaps subsequent books will allow for more meaningful development for all four characters. I won't be rushing out to read the next one (as I did with Chamber of Secrets, after finishing Philosopher's Stone), but I certainly intend to eventually read the next book and the next adventure.

Editorial Review:

Dozens of children respond to this peculiar ad in the newspaper and are then put through a series of mind-bending tests, which readers take along with them. Only four children-two boys and two girls-succeed. Their challenge: to go on a secret mission that only the most intelligent and inventive children could complete. To accomplish it they will have to go undercover at the Learning Institute for the Very Enlightened, where the only rule is that there are no rules. But what they'll find in the hidden underground tunnels of the school is more than your average school supplies. So, if you're gifted, creative, or happen to know Morse Code, they could probably use your help.

Harold and the Purple Crayon

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 154 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

The power of creative visualization 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I recommend this book. It portrays how all that we create in the world comes from our imagination, in which the possibilities are limitless.

After many years, Harold still draws in fans 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

A classic after many years, and deservedly so. Harold creates an adventure--plot, setting, and characters--armed with nothing but the purple crayon with which he draws it, page after page. Simple and enchanting, Harold and the Purple Crayon will be among the most requested in your child's library.

My three-year-old daughter is the third generation in our family to have enjoyed this imaginative book.

Editorial Review:

One evening Harold decided to go for a walk in the moonlight. But there wasn't any moon, and Harold needed a moon for a walk in the moonlight. Fortunately, he had brought his purple crayon. So he drew a moon. He also needed something to walk on. So he drew a path...

And thus begins one of the most imaginative and enchanting adventures in all of children's books. The creative concept behind this beloved story has intrigued children and kept them absorbed for generations, as page by page unfolds the dramatic and clever adventures of Harold and his purple crayon.

The Time Paradox (Artemis Fowl, Book 6)

Eoin Colfer

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 72 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

got it for a Christmas present 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Shhhh! this is a Christmas present for one of my kids. I am being really sneaky and wrapping so NO one will know. They would never guess that it is coming...

Others are Better 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The other Artemis Fowl books are much better. This one had a terrible story line and plot. Eoin Colfer could do much better

The Genius Artemis Fowl 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

After reading this book a few words come to mind: Witty, funny, and face-paced! Artemis Fowl just gets better and better!

The Greatest present 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I bought this book for my nephew on his request as a present for his birthday.
I do beleive he enjoyed it alot, finish reading it in a couple of days.

The Time Paradox 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I loved it! I was a bit confused at the end, Opal fakes Spelltropy so Artemis will steal from her? It was still an excellent instalment. Holly's line, "In another time.." Was probally my favorite quote in the book.

Editorial Review:

Artemis's mother has contracted a deadly disease--and the only cure lies in the brain fluid of  African lemurs. Unfortunately, Artemis himself was responsible for making the lemurs extinct five years ago. Now he must enlist the aid of his fairy friends to travel back in time and save the lemur. Not only that, but he must face his deadliest foe yet: his younger self.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Brian Selznick

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 202 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Fun, exciting story. Great for reluctant readers. 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is a unique reading experience. The story is exciting and moves along quickly, but what is unusual is that the illustrations actually tell part of the story. There are sections where there are 5-10 consecutive pages of illustrations without words carrying forward the story. It's different but entertaining. This gimmick would fall flat if the story weren't a good one, but it is. Very good.

My 8 year old loved it and couldn't stop talking about what was happening. I would say target ages would be 8-12. Teenagers might feel that a book with so many pictures is too young for them, but that's a shame because younger teenagers would probably enjoy it. With all the illustrations and exciting storyline, I believe it is a good choice if you are trying to coax a reluctant reader into trying something.

Editorial Review:

Orphan, clock keeper, and thief, Hugo lives in the walls of a busy Paris train station, where his survival depends on secrets and anonymity. But when his world suddenly interlocks with an eccentric, bookish girl and a bitter old man who runs a toy booth in the station, Hugo’s undercover life and his most precious secret are put in jeopardy. A cryptic drawing, a treasured notebook, a stolen key, a mechanical man, and a hidden message from Hugo’s dead father form the backbone of this intricate, tender, and spellbinding mystery.

The Tale of Despereaux Special Edition: Being the Story of a Mouse, a Princess, Some Soup and a Spool of Thread (Tale of Despereaux)

Kate Dicamillo

Amazon Price: $19.79 List Price: $29.99 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Candlewick Amazon Marketplace: 28 new & used starting at $18.76

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 375 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Love, Forgiveness, and Bravery 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

The Tale of Despereaux
This is a tale of forgiveness, when forgiveness is hard; love, through all the storms in life, and light through all the darkness.

Despereaux, a small mouse with large ears, wasn't interested in nibbling on the large books in the castle, along with his sister. Instead, he began reading wonderful stories about princesses, knights in shining armor and happily-ever-after. Lured by music, Despereaux found himself in the presence of the Princess Pea and the King. When he first spotted the Princess Pea, he knew he was in Love. His mother, father, brother and the entire mouse council turned against him, for proclaiming his love for the princess.

Despereaux was measured for a noose, of red thread and taken to the dungeon. Never has a mouse survived the dungeon; not with all the hungry rats waiting for a tasty treat.

Love, forgiveness, bravery and a good story may save the life of Despereaux, but who will save the princess? She has been lured into the dungeon by a young girl, Miggery Sow, who wants to be a princess and a rat named Roscuro, who longs to live in the light.

You and your family will enjoy the tale of Despaureax. Parts of this story may be scary for younger children. There is also the mistreatment of the young Miggery Sow.

Jill Ammon Vanderwood
Through the Rug
Through The Rug: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)
Stowaway: The San Francisco Adventures of Sara, the Pineapple Cat

Editorial Review:

The cherished Newbery Medal winner receives a stunning new treatment in a slipcased edition featuring 24 new full-color illustrations.

The story of Despereaux Tilling —- a mouse in love with music, stories, and a princess named Pea —- has enchanted children and adults around the globe. Now this instant classic by Kate DiCamillo, America’s beloved storyteller, takes on new life with the addition of twenty-four color illustrations by the incomparable Timothy Basil Ering, specially created for this collectible gift edition.

Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-6)

J.K. Rowling

Amazon Price: $35.87 List Price: $56.94 Usually ships in 24 hours By: Scholastic Inc. Amazon Marketplace: 18 new & used starting at $32.50

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 273 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Harry Potter Series 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I have read all of these books and they are wonderful. Amazing detail. My nephew who is 8 wants to read these so I bought this set for him to enjoy.

never received product 1 out of 5 stars.
0 of 4 people found this review helpful.

The price was certainly good but as of today I have still not received the product and as of today I have not had a response to mya email from either soveryunlucky on where my order is.

Completely entertained and satisfied 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The stories were rich and captivating and the books were in great condition, especially for such an outstanding price. I would highly recommend this paperback set if you are at all interested in this series.

Editorial Review:

Follow Harry from his first days at Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry, through his many adventures with Hermione and Ron, to his confrontations with rival Draco Malfoy and the dreaded Professor Snape. From a dangerous descent into the Chamber of Secrets to the Triwizard Tournament to the return of He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named, each adventure is more riveting and exhilarating than its predecessor, and now all six books are available together for the first time in an elegant paperback boxed set.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone: 10th Anniversary Edition (Harry Potter)

J.K. Rowling

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 5433 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Merry, Wary Harry and His Very Scary Adversary 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

It's obvious that Ms. Rowling put a great deal of thought into the structure of this book. Coming in very late to the whole Harry Potter phenomenon, I've come to understand why these books are so popular with kids and adults. The vocabulary isn't taxing to grownups (I'm 48 and an avid reader) as well as being a little bit challenging for the younger audience, which is a good thing. It also has plenty of colorful characters and enough twists and turns to keep the reader interested. This first installment in the seven-volume series lays an excellent foundation as well as leaving a few unanswered mysteries to keep me hooked. I enjoyed the first book and certainly intend on reading the next installment. It makes me feel like I'm a kid again.
(Also as a side note, if you haven't had the pleasure of hearing Jim Dale's narration, you are missing a real treat. The CD's are worth every penny. My two boys have read the books, but listened to the CDs over and over.)

Editorial Review:

New Jacket artwork by Mary GrandPre

Additional four-color frontispiece artwork from Mary GrandPre

Two pages of special content from J.K. Rowling

Full cloth case with gold stamping

 

28 million copies sold worldwide!

 

The wickedly funny debut novel from master storyteller J.K. Rowling tells the story of Harry Potter who, having endured 11 miserable years with his hideous aunt and uncle, is invited on his 11th birthday to attend Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry.  There he learns of his distinguished wizard pedigree—and his frightening destiny.

Marked (House of Night, Book 1)

P. C. Cast, Kristin Cast

Amazon Price: $8.95 List Price: $8.95 Usually ships in 24 hours By: St. Martin's Griffin Amazon Marketplace: 68 new & used starting at $4.80

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 140 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Sunk it's teeth into me.... 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I'm a 41 yr old woman, who cut her teeth on Anne Rice. Upon opening page one of this book at the bookstore, it grabbed me. I immediately liked Zoey and wanted to know more about her. The writing style was friendly and spoke comfortabley TO the reader. Reminded me of Richard Peck's writing style from some of his teen mystery novels (my favorite as a teen).

It's a light read yet draws you into a different world of Vampyres than the normal fare. Love the Night School concept as well.

I DO wish there was a picture of Zoey's forehead tattoo/Mark, though. It sounds so exotic!

So, I had to get this book and Twilight. Both are really good so far.

I'll update once I finish, but I'm sure I'll be getting the sequels to both books!

Editorial Review:

The House of Night series is set in a world very much like our own, except in 16-year-old Zoey Redbird's world, vampyres have always existed.  In this first book in the series, Zoey enters the House of Night, a school where, after having undergone the Change, she will train to become an adult vampire--that is, if she makes it through the Change.  Not all of those who are chosen do.  It’s tough to begin a new life, away from her parents and friends, and on top of that, Zoey finds she is no average fledgling.  She has been Marked as special by the vampyre Goddess, Nyx.  But she is not the only fledgling at the House of Night with special powers.  When she discovers that the leader of the Dark Daughters, the school's most elite club, is misusing her Goddess-given gifts, Zoey must look deep within herself for the courage to embrace her destiny--with a little help from her new vampyre friends.

Untamed (House of Night, Book 4)

P. C. Cast, Kristin Cast

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 41 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

Thirsting for more! 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful.

House of Night continues to capture my mind. I have already preordered the next book because this one left me thirsting for more!

great book 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This is an amazing series with twists and turns you never expect. I hope the seires keeps going!!

Editorial Review:

Life sucks when your friends are pissed at you. Just ask Zoey Redbird – she’s become an expert on suckiness. In one week she has gone from having three boyfriends to having none, and from having a close group of friends who trusted and supported her, to being an outcast. Speaking of friends, the only two Zoey has left are undead and unMarked. And Neferet has declared war on humans, which Zoey knows in her heart is wrong. But will anyone listen to her?  Zoey's adventures at vampyre finishing school take a wild and dangerous turn as loyalties are tested, shocking true intentions come to light, and an ancient evil is awakened in PC and Kristin Cast's spellbinding fourth House of Night novel. (Recommended for readers age 13 and older)

Ranger's Apprentice: The Sorcerer of the North (Ranger's Apprentice)

John Flanagan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 3.5 of 5

Don't read this until you've got book 6 as well 2 out of 5 stars.
8 of 10 people found this review helpful.

I've always enjoyed the "Ranger's Apprentice" series. While there isn't really anything new or inspired about them, they've proven popular with my students and quick, enjoyable reads.

The series centers around Will, a young Ranger, who is your typical hero in these sorts of stories: expert in woodsmanship, personal concealment, tracking, archery, being mistaken for a sorceror, that sort of thing. Naturally, he's an orphan, and naturally, "great things are expected of him in the years to come" which doesn't surpise us, given that he is "highly thought of, though of course he didn't know it."

I say this not to be disparaging, but with amusement. Will is exactly who we expect him to be. Simple and good.

But this latest installment into the series fails to impress me, and that for one simple reason: it isn't an installment into the series. The book doesn't end. It merely runs out of pages. The term "cliffhanger" seems inadequate to describe the final pages of this book.

I understand that this is a series, and that the overall story will be told over the corse of several books. Books in a series often end in cliffhangers. Flanagan has done this before - at then end of the series' second and third installments - but in this case it is far more jarring. Those books had a clear climax, the major conflict established in the early pages of the book were resolved. And while they certainly ended with a clear cliffhanger, the overall story had advanced. Not so, with "Sorceror of the North."

Again, I understand that this is a series, but in any series, each book should be able to stand on its own, even if greatly diminished. Each entry needs its own plot and conflict, even if subordinate to the overall story.

"Sorceror of the North" book lacks that internal plot. The story begins with a completely irrelevant visit to Will's fief. The area he is responcible for watching. But he has only enough time to unpack his bags and flirt once or twice with his maid's daughter before being whisked away to the north. His fief, his responcibilities, the girl -- never mentioned again. And there isn't a single thing that happens during this visit that is necessary to the story. You could start reading the book a third of the way in and not become the least bit confused.

Eventually, will is told to do that which probably should have just been his first assignment: he is told to act the part of a travelling minstrel, while seeking to determine the cause of a mysterious sickness that is afflicting the lord of a small but important fief in the north.

Once there, he finds things are not well as a power struggle is in place between Orman - the bookish and unliked son of the stricken lord - and Keren - the popular illegitimate cousin-soldier. Will must decide which of the two he must trust. Meanwhile, there's a pesky sorceror out in the haunted woods (favored lair of evildoers in these sorts of stories) that Will must find and deal with.

These are the conflicts that are introduced. All of them are compelling, interesting, and do well to draw you into the story.

And then the book simply stops.

Not a single conflict is resolved. Will no sooner discovers who the real enemy is and vows to defeat him "even if I have to tear down the castle stone by stone" than we turn the page only to find the rear flap of the dust jacket telling us how Flanagan grew up in Sydney and so on and so forth...

The book is well written, as is the series on the whole: if not truly inspired. I recommend the series as a light read for a rainy weekend. But as a stand alone, it fails to satisfy. There isn't anything here.

Hold off on buying this one until book six rolls around. You'll want to read the two of them together. Until then, there just isn't any point.

Editorial Review:

Time has passed since the apprentice and his master, Will and Halt, led the Araluens to victory against invaders, and Will is now a full-fledged Ranger with his own fief to look after. The fief seems sleepy— boring, even—until the king is poisoned. Joined by his friend Alyss, Will is thrown headfirst into an extraordinary adventure propelled by fears of sorcery, and must determine who is trustworthy to the king and who is trying to take his throne.

Will and Alyss must battle growing hysteria, traitors, and most of all, time. The king is fading, but when Alyss is taken hostage, Will is forced to make a desperate choice between loyalty to his mission and loyalty to his friend.

Adventure abounds in this absorbing installment of the New York Times bestselling series.