Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror Books - Page 5

Chosen (House of Night, Book 3)

P. C. Cast, Kristin Cast

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 57 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Editorial Review:

Dark forces are at work at the House of Night and fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird’s adventures at the school take a mysterious turn.  Those who appear to be friends are turning out to be enemies.  And oddly enough, sworn enemies are also turning into friends.  So begins the gripping third installment of this “highly addictive series” (Romantic Times), in which Zoey’s mettle will be tested like never before.  Her best friend, Stevie Rae, is undead and struggling to maintain a grip on her humanity. Zoey doesn’t have a clue how to help her, but she does know that anything she and Stevie Rae discover must be kept secret from everyone else at the House of Night, where trust has become a rare commodity.  Speaking of rare: Zoey finds herself in the very unexpected and rare position of having three boyfriends. Mix a little bloodlust into the equation and the situation has the potential to spell social disaster.  Just when it seems things couldn’t get any tougher, vampyres start turning up dead. Really dead. It looks like the People of Faith, and Zoey’s horrid step-father in particular, are tired of living side-by-side with vampyres.  But, as Zoey and her friends so often find out, how things appear rarely reflects the truth…

Shadow Kiss (Vampire Academy, Book 3)

Richelle Mead

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 29 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

It's 1:19AM--and I have to work in the morning. 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

...but even more, importantly, I had to finish this book, the latest installment in the Vampire Academy world.

Excellent. First word to last. As usual.

I'm already on the list to buy to buy the next one, as yet Untitled.

If you're not already hooked into this series, this author, by all means GO. Buy. Read. Definitely including this, the third book in the series, they'll all be well worth your time.

Skillful writing. Tight plotting. Excellent characterizations. Multi-layered motivations. The events in this book are carried forward by some really *good* writing of the very finest escapist-fiction variety. The usually so-obvious and solid line between good and bad takes a bit of a hit, too, here in the third Vampire Academy book.

This is a remarkable book in an extraordinary vampire fantasy series, a type of book which has, since the publication of LKH's 'Guilty Pleasures', become a _vastly_ overcrowded genre.

This book (and the series from whence it comes) adds another sparkling, sizzling book to the magic of the genre we call 'vampire fantasy' or 'vampire romance' or 'dark fantasy' or 'urban fantasy' or urban dark fantasy'. (Please insert whatever combination of adjectives you like best ['dark vampire romance urban magic blood bond fantasy'] in the appropriate place in the previous sentence.) Bottom line: This is a wonderful read, and the field needs more wildly imaginative and painstakingly perfectionist writers like Mead.

From the Mixed-up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 312 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A proper mystery! 5 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I think you have to be a kid or a kid at heart to properly understand the magic of this book. What kid did not dream of running away? Here is a girl, a very practical girl, who makes that dream come true. She and her younger brother create an elaborate plan to run away and hide in the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Remember, this was written before huge advancements in security. As they live an awesome life in a museum, they allow themselves to become part of a possible mystery.

This is an exciting and smartly-written book that manages to laugh at itself and his characters while still making you love everyone connected to this clever story.

Editorial Review:

When suburban Claudia Kincaid decides to run away, she knows she doesn't just want to run from somewhere she wants to run to somewhere--to a place that is comfortable, beautiful, and preferably elegant. She chooses the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. Knowing that her younger brother, Jamie, has money and thus can help her with the serious cash flow problem she invites him along.

Once settled into the museum, Claudia and Jamie, find themselves caught up in the mystery of an angel statue that the museum purchased at an auction for a bargain price of $250. The statue is possibly an early work of the Renaissance master Michelangelo, and therefore worth millions. Is it? Or isn't it? Claudia is determined to find out. This quest leads Claudia to Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler, the remarkable old woman who sold the statue and to some equally remarkable discoveries about herself.

The Magician: The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

Michael Scott

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 44 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Fantastic Sequel 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

The Magician does not disappoint as a continuation from the first book, The Alchemyst. Scott really does a remarkable job of blending history and mythology and magic all into one amazing adventure.

In this installment Sophie and Josh run into more trouble and adventure while both of their powers' grow stronger, while Nicolas and Pernelle grow weaker by the hour. I'm so looking foward to the third installment of this series!

Editorial Review:

After fleeing Ojai, Nicholas, Sophie, Josh, and Scatty emerge in Paris, the City of Lights. Home for Nicholas Flamel. Only this homecoming is anything but sweet. Perenell is still locked up back in Alcatraz and Paris is teeming with enemies. Nicollo Machiavelli, immortal author and celebrated art collector, is working for Dee. He’s after them, and time is running out for Nicholas and Perenell. For every day spent without the Book of Abraham the Mage, they age one year—their magic becoming weaker and their bodies more frail. For Flamel, the Prophesy is becoming more and more clear.

It’s time for Sophie to learn the second elemental magic: Fire Magic. And there’s only one man who can teach it to her: Flamel’s old student, the Comte de Saint-Germain—alchemist, magician, and rock star. Josh and Sophie Newman are the world’s only hope—if they don’t turn on each other first.

Betrayed (House of Night, Book 2)

P. C. Cast, Kristin Cast

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 45 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Great series!! 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

This book starts up immediately where "Marked" left off: Zoey is settling into life as a vampire fledgling, surrounded by her newfound friends at the House of Night. She has proven herself a worthwhile student in the goddess, Nyx's, eyes and has been marked with a unique design across her forehead - something that has never been done to anyone - vampire or fledgling. Not only does Zoey have to take the responsibility as the leader of the Dark Daughters - she has a blooming relationship with Erik Night evolving, an imprint with her ex-human boyfriend - not to mention teens around town are being killed which all signs point to the vampirs and the House of Night as the culprits. It's easy to get caught up in Zoey's world; I really enjoy this series and look forward to the others!

Editorial Review:

Fledgling vampyre Zoey Redbird has managed to settle in at the House of Night.  She’s come to terms with the vast powers the vampyre goddess, Nyx, has given her, and is getting a handle on being the new Leader of the Dark Daughters. Best of all, Zoey finally feels like she belongs--like she really fits in. She actually has a boyfriend…or two. Then the unthinkable happens: Human teenagers are being killed, and all the evidence points to the House of Night. While danger stalks the humans from Zoey’s old life, she begins to realize that the very powers that make her so unique might also threaten those she loves. Then, when she needs her new friends the most, death strikes the House of Night, and Zoey must find the courage to face a betrayal that could break her heart, her soul, and jeopardize the very fabric of her world.

Magic Tree House

Mary Pope Osborne

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 36 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

very good 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

my son really likes these books, the shipping was fast and easy. just click and read. no need to spend gas money when you can shop with ease at home.

kids choice 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Kids of all ages love these books,both boys and girls find this series of stories fun and enjoyable.

Great books for young readers! 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

My 7-year-old can't get enough of these Magic Tree House Books. He loves to read them and his reading improves with each book. I highly recommend these books to any parent or grandparent!

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

Books were in good quality and arrived in time expected. My kids love all the Magic Tree House books.

Magic Tree House, box 5 - 8 4 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

Thought it was a good product for our grandson, but he did not like it.

Editorial Review:

This Magic Tree House set including the following titles:

Night of the Ninjas (Magic Tree House, No. 5)
Afternoon on the Amazon (Magic Tree House, No. 6)
Sunset of the Sabertooth (Magic Tree House, No. 7)
Midnight on the Moon. (Magic Tree House, No. 8)

Inkspell (Inkheart)

Cornelia Funke

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 222 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.

Inkspell 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is the second book in the "Inkheart" series, and it's as good as the first! Bought this one for my neice, as well, and can't wait for the third book to come out!

Amazing 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

I loved Inkspell - Absolutely loved it. It was in the series of books that first inspired me to write. The plot was just entrancing... who else ever thought of being able to read yourself into a book? Certainly many people wished they could, but I don't know of anyone else who has written about it. Finding a series such as this is a rare blessing. I loved Ombra, the Wayless Woods, and even the Castle of Night and the villain. The characters... how can you describe them? They're just so memorable. I loved Dustfinger, Mo, Meggy, Farid, Fenoglio, etc all.

I can't decide whether I liked Inkspell or Inkheart better. Both had their strong points. And both were simply enchanting.

Editorial Review:

Although a year has passed, not a day goes by without Meggie thinking of INKHEART, the book whose characters became real. But for Dustfinger, the fire-eater brought into being from words, the need to return to the tale has become desperate. When he finds a crooked storyteller with the ability to read him back, Dustfinger leaves behind his young apprentice Farid and plunges into the medieval world of his past. Distraught, Farid goes in search of Meggie, and before long, both are caught inside the book, too. But the story is threatening to evolve in ways neither of them could ever have imagined.

Eclipse (Warriors: Power of Three, Book 4)

Erin Hunter

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 14 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

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

This is the best book in the POT so far. I liked the earlier three to,but this is the best.

Spoiler Alert!! One of the best parts is the big battle. Shadowclan and Thunderclan team up to fight Windclan and Riverclan invaders. The battle is almost four chapters long.

In the middle of the book a mysterious cat comes to warn the clans that a darkness is coming that Starclan cant stop. It is not clear if he is good or bad yet.

Ithink that Lionblaze will be evil . He now hates Heatherpaw and he has dreams of killing Heatherpaw. He is starting to remind me of Anakin.


And as for what that reviewer who gave Eclipse three stars said,I think the books are going to be getting better not worse. It is a cool new idea about Starclan losing power. That means that Jaypaw and the other two can fufil the prophecy that was predicted in Firestars Quest.

Editorial Review:

Firestar's three grandchildren have learned of the powerful prophecy that foretells their destinies, and the responsibility of deciding the Clans' future weighs heavily on the three apprentices. But each secretly yearns for power: Lionpaw dreams of being undefeatable in battle, while Hollypaw longs to be a great leader and Jaypaw knows only he can see the true past and future for them all. Their strengths are tested when ThunderClan is suddenly attacked—and all four Clans are thrown into a battle unlike any the cats have ever seen.

Then a dark shadow falls across the forest, and a mysterious stranger warns the Clans of more trouble to come. For the first time, it appears that StarClan does not hold the answers the cats need.

All of a sudden, the warrior code is being tested. A crisis of faith threatens to tear the four Clans apart and destroy what the cats have built their lives upon. . . .

The Diamond of Darkhold: The Fourth Book of Ember (Books of Ember)

Jeanne Duprau

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 15 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

Ember extinguished 4 out of 5 stars.
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This is the fourth in the "City of Ember" series. In book one, The City of Ember, the residents of Ember live underground in a post-apocalyptic world. They have a generator for electricity, indoor plumbing, stocks of canned food and they have never seen the outside world. When stocks start running out, they are led out of Ember by two children named Lina and Doon.

This takes us to book two, The People of Sparks, where the newly emerged Ember people try to fit in to the rustic lifestyle of a small village.

Book three, The Prophet of Yonwood is a prequel, telling of the events leading up to book one.

This book picks up after book two, with Lina, Doon and the people of Ember and Sparks facing a harsh winter and possible starvation. The earth simply cannot produce enough food to feed both communities, and supplies of other essentials are also running low. A traveling trader or "roamer" (read: scavenger) visits the village and Doon buys a portion of an old book that the roamer was using as kindling. The few remaining pages suggest that there is a legacy left for the people of Ember, for the time when it became necessary for them to abandon the underground city.

Lina and Doon decide to return to Ember to find the item mentioned in the book, and find more than they bargained for.

Knowledge of the first two books will be an asset while reading this one. (You can forget about the third book) The book moves along pretty well and will hold your interest until the final chapters. Sadly, a reasonably good story is diminished by an ending that seems to drift away to practically nothing.

Recommended for people who have read books one and two.


Rated: 3.5 stars




Amanda Richards, October 25, 2008

Editorial Review:

It’s been several months since Lina and Doon escaped the dying city of Ember and, along with the rest of their people, joined the town of Sparks. Now, struggling through the harsh winter aboveground, they find an unusual book. Torn up and missing most of its pages, it alludes to a mysterious device from before the Disaster, which they believe is still in Ember. Together, Lina and Doon must go back underground to retrieve what was lost and bring light to a dark world.

In the fourth Book of Ember, bestselling author Jeanne DuPrau juxtaposes yet another action-packed adventure with powerful themes about hope, learning, and the search for truth.

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

Rick Riordan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 266 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.