Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic Books - Page 2

The Graveyard Book

Neil Gaiman

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 46 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

big wind-up, no finish 1 out of 5 stars.
3 of 11 people found this review helpful.

Perhaps the rave reviews here are because this book actually makes sense as part of some larger series by this author. If you aren't familiar with the complete Gaiman, tho', you might find this book hugely disappointing. It starts really well, with a small boy escaping his family's murder and being taken in by ghosts in a graveyard, but you'll never get any real answers. Why were his parents killed? (It has to do with an unexplained prophecy, and you never find out why this kid, or who made the prophecy, or why it matters.) He's run afoul of a secret society, but who they really are, or why we should care, or what they do when they're not threatening this kid, is never explained either. Most of the action at the end is unexplained, off-screen deus ex machina involving some group called the Honour Guard (nope, you guessed it-- you won't find out who they are or why they care either). Is it supposed to be a prequel? Is it supposed to make sense? Or is it a colossal rip-off and a total waste of time? The ghost scenes were good, but for a book with ghosts that actually makes sense and has an ending, you might try Alive in Necropolis... this is just the author making $$ for nothing, I thought.

Editorial Review:

Nobody Owens, known to his friends as Bod, is a normal boy.

He would be completely normal if he didn't live in a sprawling graveyard, being raised and educated by ghosts, with a solitary guardian who belongs to neither the world of the living nor of the dead.

There are dangers and adventures in the graveyard for a boy-an ancient Indigo Man beneath the hill, a gateway to a desert leading to an abandoned city of ghouls, the strange and terrible menace of the Sleer.

But if Bod leaves the graveyard, then he will come under attack from the man Jack—who has already killed Bod's family. . . .

Beloved master storyteller Neil Gaiman returns with a luminous new novel for the audience that embraced his New York Times bestselling modern classic coraline. Magical, terrifying, and filled with breathtaking adventures, the graveyard book is sure to enthrall readers of all ages.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7)

J. K. Rowling

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 3243 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

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

"Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows" is the seventh and last book in the Harry Potter series. J. K. Rowling successfully brings all the threads together for a satisfying resolution. I enjoyed this book tremendously.

Please do not get side-tracked by the critics who seem to get a kick out of pretending that it should have been extremely simple to write a better series of stories. J. K. Rowling did a magnificent job. The last writer to achieve a similar level of ability did so over 50 years ago. In fact, the excitement surrounding the Harry Potter phenomenon resurected many other works in the fantasy gendre. The reader should focus is the question: Does this book, in front of me, catch my interest and entertain my imagination? For each book in the Harry Potter series, my own answer has been, "Yes!"

Is there anything else I should say about this book? Well, there is an area where the book seems to drag a bit. But, after a few re-readings of the book, I have no idea how the problem can be cured or if there is a real need to cure it. Also, there are two or three places where something good happens, apparently, without a decent explanation. My view is that many things happen in real life that stretch the bounds of the possible. So, why is that not possible in this story? I will, simply, remind you that, before Dumbledore's death, a great number of things and forces were set in motion. Also, in Harry's magical world, magical things are not exactly nor completely inanimate. I suggest that some of the fortunate happenings in this book are a result of magical things and forces focusing on a resolution of this battle between good and evil.

Finally, victory comes with a steep price tag. Friends lose their lives. Much ruin and harm occurs. But, the future no longer has a dark cloud hanging over it.

Personally, I would rather sit back and enjoy this superb book than to get side-tracked with small quibbles.

I recommend this book.

Editorial Review:

The Deluxe Edition includes an exclusive insert featuring near-scale reproductions of Mary GrandPré's interior art, as well as never-before-seen full-color frontispiece art on special paper. The custom-designed slipcase is foil-stamped and contains a full-cloth case book that has been blind-stamped on front and back cover with foil stamping on the spine.  The book includes full-color endpapers featuring the jacket art from the trade edition and a wraparound jacket featuring art created especially for this edition by Mary GrandPré.

Where the Wild Things Are

Maurice Sendak

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 366 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

Forgiveness without remorse 4 out of 5 stars.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

Briefly, the story revolves around Max, a young boy who behaves naughtily and is sent to bed without supper. In his room, he is transported to another world "where the wild things are" where he is made king of the wild things. After having his fill of leading the wild things, he returns to his room to find his supper left on his dresser.

This story strikes an interesting balance between the real world of Max and his family and Max's dream world "where the wild things are". Whereas in the former world his actions are seen as naughty and are decried, the dream world provides Max not only with the ability to act in the way he wants but also to have those actions sanctioned and praised by those around him.

Beyond that, even, is the amount of control Max can exert in each world. The real world limits him and he is almost totally at the mercy of his parents who send him to his room. In the wild world, even before he becomes king of the wild things, he is able to control the other wild things and his power is unlimited. An interesting question to ask is whether Max would be as naughty as he is if he believed himself to have more power in the real world.

The conclusion of the story seems to come mostly as the author stumbles over himself to wrap up the story. It is unclear why the angry parents would reward Max's behavior or why they would negate the punishment meted out at the beginning of the story. I found the warm supper waiting for Max upon his return from the wild world to be somewhat out of place. I understand, perhaps, that even bad kids are loved and that may be the moral being taught here, but it is strange that Max just receives the food out of the blue with no remorse on his part.

The book is a fun story and holds the attention of my 3 year old. He loves when I improvise the roaring and gnashing. Throwing in a little Troggs "Wild Thing" during the rumpus makes story time a little bit more fun too. I don't think the strange lesson at the end ruins the story, and I'm not sure that the target audience of this book would be able to figure it out in the first place. 4 stars for a fun book that holds kids' attentions.

Editorial Review:

In the forty years since Max first cried "Let the wild rumpus start," Maurice Sendak's classic picture book has become one of the most highly acclaimed and best-loved children's books of all time. Now, in celebration of this special anniversary, introduce a new generation to Max's imaginative journey to where the wild things are.

Winner, 1964 Caldecott Medal
Notable Children's Books of 1940–1970 (ALA)
1981 Boston Globe–Horn Book Award for Illustration
1963, 1982 Fanfare Honor List (The Horn Book)
Best Illustrated Children's Books of 1963, 1982 (NYT)
A Reading Rainbow Selection
1964 Lewis Carroll Shelf Award
Children's Books of 1981 (Library of Congress)
1981 Children's Books (NY Public Library)
100 Books for Reading and Sharing 1988 (NY Public Library)

The Battle of the Labyrinth (Percy Jackson and the Olympians, Book 4)

Rick Riordan

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 87 Average rating: 5.0 of 5

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

This book i soooo gooo it keeps you on the edge i would reccoment this to every one

Will Blow You Off Your Feet 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

This is, by far, one of the best books that I've read all year. I've been a fan of Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians series ever since I picked up The Lightning Thief a few months ago, and the series hasn't let me down yet. I would even say that this book is the best one in the series so far. It had me constantly flipping pages to see what new and exciting adventures my favorite demigod hero got himself mixed up in.

This time, Riordan builds on the myth of the labyrinth and the minotaur for his story. Hero-in-training Percy must traverse the many perils of the ancient and mysterious labyrinth with his demigod friends and recent mortal friend, Rachel Elizabeth Dare to protect Camp Half-Blood. There is absolutely no lack of action in this book. The characters are constantly getting in and out of trouble while plot moves forward and thickens.

This book really made me feel like a kid again. I got so caught up in Percy's adventures that I felt the same excitement that he did as he explored this rich, modern version of Greek mythology. The story would be a little bit difficult to understand if you haven't read the previous books, but it's a treat for those who have. Riordan effortlessly weaves together previous characters andplot lines into something new while throwing in an occasional reminder of how his world works.

I thought Battle was a great novel of adventure and helped me escape from the world for a little. Even if you are older than the series' target audience, it's worth picking up. If not for the action, than for the modern humor that Riordan infuses into something ancient and traditional. Highly recommended!

Editorial Review:

As an incoming freshman, Percy isn't expecting his high school orientation to be any fun.  But when a mysterious mortal acquaintance appears, followed by demon cheerleaders, things quickly move from bad to worse.

In this fourth installment of the blockbuster series, time is running out as war between the Olympians and the evil Titan lord Kronos draws near. Even the safe haven of Camp Half Blood grows more vulnerable by the minute as Kronos's army prepares to invade its once impenetrable borders. To stop them, Percy and his demigod friends will set out on a quest through the Labyrinth-a sprawling underground world with stunning surprises at every turn. Full of humor and heart-pounding action, this fourth book promises to be their most thrilling adventure yet.

Harry Potter Schoolbooks Box Set: From the Library of Hogwarts: Fantastic Beasts and Where To Find Them, Quidditch Through The Ages

J.K. Rowling

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 460 Average rating: 4.5 of 5

A special peek into the world of Harry Potter. 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

These books are a unique gift from the ever creative mind of J. K. Rowling. For the avid Harry Potter enthusiast, these book give you a new perspective on the Harry Potter world. For the Harry Potter fan, the books are well written and fun to read. In addition, I loved the hand written notes from Harry and Ron. Very funny and lots of fun.

hp school books 3 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

although some parts were interesting, there were parts that seemed boring and repetitive of what was written in the 7 hp books. although these books are a great extention for the harry potter library and there are fun little writings in the beasts one, they do get a little boring at times.

My son (10 y/o) can't get enough Harry Potter 5 out of 5 stars.
0 of 0 people found this review helpful.

My son finished these books in about 2 days. I wish they had been longer, as I can't seem to find books that he likes as well as Harry Potter.

Editorial Review:

When first released to Muggles in March 2001, Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them and Quidditch Through the Ages further enlightened Harry Potter fans about the dangers and delights of the wizarding world. Now these two charming works of non-fiction are available in hardcover -- in a special keepsake slipcase edition!

Warriors: Power of Three #5: Long Shadows (Warriors: Power of Three)

Erin Hunter

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Customer Reviews:
Total reviews: 8 Average rating: 4.0 of 5

exciting middle school fantasy 5 out of 5 stars.
2 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Since the solar eclipse occurred shaking many of the cat clans because the pale yellow eyed Sol, belonging to no one, predicted it. ShadowClan Leader Blackstar consulting with his Deputy Russetfur and his Medicine Cat Littlecloud announces to his loyal followers they will no long adhere to the ancient warrior code of the StarClan, but instead pledge their allegiance to Sol. His pronouncement has shocked his clan and stunned ThunderClan, WindClan and RiverClan. The Ancients led by Furled Bracken and his Sharpclaws are also taken aback.

ThunderClan apprentice Jaypaw is not convinced that tossing the code of StarClan for the enigmatic nomadic Sol is the right thing for the communities; he seeks the truth in the long forgotten ancient past. ThunderClan warrior Lionblaze wants out of his destiny as it is killing him even when he sleeps, but the litter-mate sibling code will not allow him to betray his two comrades. The third destined one Thunderclan warrior Hollyleaf fears that Blackstar's ruling is the beginning of the end as the StarClan warrior code has been the underlying ethical base of the clans forever and that will crumble under a Sol cult. However, as each of the threesome struggle with the radical change, the LONG SHADOWS of death by murder stalks ThunderClan.

The latest Powers of Three Warriors book is an exciting middle school fantasy. The story line rotates perspective between the three youthful heroes as the understanding they have gained in THE SIGHT and DARK RIVER is abruptly unraveling. Each is confused by what is happening to the code that they are pledged to follow as their previous experiences may turn out to have been for naught as obsolete adventures. As they go on their separate journeys to find the truth, all three subplots are well written and exciting, but also contain the trademark impending doom which seems inevitable. Once again the Power of Three is a winner with a great twist on the coming of age theme.

Harriet Klausner

Editorial Review:

The Clans are in turmoil. ShadowClan has turned its back on StarClan and pledged to follow the dark predictions of Sol, the strange cat who foretold the solar eclipse. But not all the cats have lost faith in their warrior ancestors. . . .

Jaypaw is convinced that StarClan still holds an important place in the warrior code, and his search for answers leads him far back into the past, farther back than even StarClan can remember. Lionblaze, tortured by violent dreams and bloody visions, wishes he had never been prophesied to be one of the three but to turn his back on his littermates would be the ultimate betrayal. And Hollyleaf is terrified that once the Clans lose their faith, the warrior code will fall apart. She's willing to fight tooth and nail to preserve it—whatever the cost.

And when murder stalks into the heart of ThunderClan, the cats realize that the darkest shadows don't always lie outside the territory.

The Mysterious Benedict Society

Trenton Lee Stewart

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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 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

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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.