Literature Young Adult Fiction » P-R http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com YA Readers Reviewing Books. Thu, 29 Jul 2010 09:18:25 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.0 Review: The Red Pyramid by Rick Riordan http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-red-pyramid-by-rick-riordan/ http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/review-the-red-pyramid-by-rick-riordan/#comments Sun, 25 Jul 2010 09:27:55 +0000 First Mate Keira http://www.literatureyoungadultfiction.com/?p=1138

by First Mate Keira

Title: The Red Pyramid (Kane Chronicles, Book 1)
Author: Rick Riordan
Format: Kindle ebook
Page Count: 528 pages (Hardcover version)
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: When Carter and Sadie’s father, Dr. Julius Kane, accidentally destroys the Rosetta Stone and sets five Egyptian gods loose their whole life changes as secrets begin to unravel. They almost immediately come into magical powers and have to run from forces of evil. Together they have to learn how to cope, rescue their father, and save the world all with just the help from their uncle, Sadie’s cat, and a few other misfits.

Why I started this book:

I have read the Percy Jackson series by Riordan and was interested in seeing what he did next.

Likes:

  • Riordan combined both worlds – Kane Chronicles and Percy Jackson with a few vague references that tickled me pink. One mention was by Uncle Amos referred to the gods on the other side of Manhattan (he was looking at the Empire State Building when he said it.) The second was by Thoth and referred to Hermes.
  • The multicultural aspect: the interracial parents and the siblings looking different from each other with Carter being dark like their father and Sadie being light like their mother. Riordan’s definition of fairness and equality was highlighted by several Kindle users both in its original location and when he echoed it later in the novel.
  • The Egyptian god setup was as carefully explained by Riordan as the Greek gods in Percy Jackson. He goes over the two different sets, how they combine, and explained inconsistencies using a well thought out bit of imagination. They are Set, Osiris, Isis, Horus, and Nephthys to name the big five.
  • I liked the form of long distance travel – how Egyptian and Egyptian style monuments were turned into places of power and portals.
  • Anubis is hot!

Dislikes:

  • Carter was not as strong a hero as I am used to for a protagonist. It was odd for me to read again and again proof that his younger sister was stronger.
  • Sadie is far, far, far too young for Anubis. Twelve and boy crazy? I guess if he’s Justin Bieber.
  • Sadie and Carter’s grandparents. Ugh.

Buy: The Red Pyramid (The Kane Chronicles, Book 1)The Red Pyramid (Kindle Version)

Rating: 4 Treasure Chests

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by Cook Cutlery, guest reviewer

Title: Eragon
Author: Christopher Paolini
Format: Papberback
Page Count: 497
Reading Grade Level: 7th-9th Grade

Summary: A normal farm boy was hunting in the forest and when he saw a huge flash of blue light. An invesitagtion led to a big sapphire stone which he brought home. But it wasn't a big sapphire gem at all. It was actually a dragon egg. When it hatched for him, Eragon became the last of the Dragon Riders. Many thought the Dragon Riders had been killed off and thought the eggs were gone and that the Age of the Dragons would never rise again. But word of a new Dragon Rider spread fast and soon the existence of Eragon and his dragon, Sapphira, had reached Galbatorix and the Elves, Varden, and the Dwarves. Now Eragon is in a race to stay alive and keep his dragon safe. He has only two choices to succeed and one is unacceptable. He won't serve Galbatorix so he must find the Varden.

Why I started this book:

I started Eragon because it was lying around. I bought it a few years back and hadn't gotten around to it before now. Plus, I had seen the movie and like it. So I thought why not?

Likes:

  • What I liked about this book was that it had a lot of action. Once you settled in to read, the world sucked you in from one thrilling chase to the next harrowing adventure. It was really hard to put the book down when you got to a really good part.
  • I really liked Sapphira a lot because she had a lot of wisdom when she spoke to him even though she was younger than him in physical years she was still wiser and older in her mind.

Dislikes:

  • I didn’t like that the author had a ton of made up words in the story even though it had a dictionary in the back of the book saying what they meant. It was very tedious looking back to see what they meant all the time.
  • I didn’t like the fact that Brom died. I thought he was a very good character and served as a really good mentor.

Differences between the book and the movie:

  • In the movie we don't know why Sapphira got her name. Eragon bestows it on her after he went to talk to Brom and got the history of the name from him.
  • In the movie it doesn’t tell how Eragon came to Palancar Valley. But when his mother was pregnant with him she was very poor and went to her brother Garrow (Eragon’s Uncle) asking if he would help her until the baby was born and then take care of it after it was born. Once she gave birth to Eragon a while later she left him with Garrow and never returned.

Buy: Eragon (Inheritance, Book 1)

Rating: I give this book 4 out of 5 treasure chests.

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by Cook Cutlery, guest reviewer

Title: Maximum Ride: Schools out Forever (Book 2)
Author: James Patterson
Format: Paperback
Pages: 412
Grade Reading Level: 7th - 12th Grade

Summary: Maximum Ride and her 3 brothers and 2 sisters were taken as babies and were experimented on and are far from normal humans. They were all turned into avian-hybrids which mean that they have wings and are able to fly. The kids have been on the run ever since they escaped the School (the place where they were experimented on.) Sooner or later Erasers (people who turn into wolves) will find them and attack them forcing them to stay on the move. When a kind woman offers them sanctuary at a new school the kids agree to attend... all seems to be well but conspiracies abound everywhere.

The Characters:

  • Maximum is the older of her sisters.
  • Her younger sisters are Nudge and Angel. Nudge is the middle sister and Angel is the youngest sisters.
  • Fang is the oldest brother, followed by Iggy.
  • Iggy is blind because the white coats (scientists) tried to give him better night vision but messed up so he lost his vision permanently.
  • Then Gasman (Gazzy) is the youngest of the 3 brothers.  None of them are really related to each other except Angel and Gazzy, and they are actually brother and sister.

Likes:

  • It had a ton of action in it. Max was trying to keep everyone safe. There was a lot of busting out of places. For instance, when the kids get into a fight with the Erasers, Fang gets badly injured. Then when they land on the beach to see what had happened Max couldn’t believe how hurt he really was.
  • All of the kids personalities. They're very vivid and entertaining.
  • I really like that all the kids care about each other even though they're not really family. They have such a strong bond with one another.

Dislikes:

  • The head-hopping bugs me. I don't like how the book jumps from talking about one person to another without much transition.
  • Some parts of the book got very confusing because you couldn’t tell who did what or said what and required a second or third reading to understand what happened.

Buy: School's Out - Forever (Maximum Ride, Book 2)

Rating: 4 Treasure Chests

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by Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
Author: J.K. Rowling
Format: Hard Back
# of pages: 652
Grade Reading Level:5.9; 4-8 grade

Summary: The toughest year for Harry so far begins by being hex and humiliated by his long time rival  Draco Malfoy. Of three things Harry Potter is most certain. First, Draco Malfoy was a Death Eater. Second, Draco Malfoy was up to something bad. And third, that he was in love with him. No, wait that would be Ginny Weasley! Now if only everyone would believe him. Not even Dumbledore, who was training Harry seemed to believe him. So what should he do? Spy of course and mix brilliant potions under the new Potions instructor's tutelage!

Why I Started the Book:

I'm almost done rereading all the Harry Potter books! Harry Potter and the Deathly Hollows here I come!

Likes:

  • I loved when Dobby and Kreacher were fighting over Harry and I wished that it was in the movie.
  • I liked the Defense Against the Dark Arts classes and also wished they showed some classes in the movie. It was Snape's dream job and when he gets it, it's not even showed in the movie!
  • Dumbledore taught Harry more about Lord Voldemort through memories which was important, but I wished they took place all in one night and not scattered throughout the book. That way the follow up lessons could be on dueling!
  • I liked how Harry tricked Ron with the Felix Felicis potion. It shows just how much attitude can change things vs. what magic can do.
  • The Half-Blood Prince's potion book.  It makes me curious why he didn't later have a book published on potions.

Dislikes:

  • Dumbledore dying. He's one of the most important characters in the story! However Harry can't defeat Lord Voldemort by holding onto Dumbledore robes. I'm sad to see him go but I understand why.
  • Harry knew that Draco Malfoy was a Death Eater  all along, but nobody believed him. Not even Dumbledore or Hermione!
  • Dumbledore didn't technically teach Harry how to defeat Lord Voldemort. He gave clues but he didn't do as much as I thought he should have done.

Buy: Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince (Paperback), Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7), Harry Potter 1- 7 Audio Book Collection

Book Rating: I give this book 4 treasure chests!
tc4


Originally posted 2009-12-17 03:34:18.

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by Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: Harry Potter and the Order of Phoenix
Author: J.K. Rowling
Format: Hard Back
# of pages 870
Grade Reading Level: 5.9; 4-8 grade

Summary: If Harry Potter expected Lord Voldemort to make a sudden and frightening reappearance to the wizarding world, he would be dead wrong. No, Lord Voldemort plans are must more sinister  than that! With the wizarding world thinking that he is crazy and Dumbledore is a fool, no preparations are being made to stop Voldemort and no help will come until it is far too late. Dreams are not the only thing stalking Harry at Hogwarts this year--Madam Umbridge, the new Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher and ministry plant, is far meaner and more dangerous even if she wears pink and love fluffy kittens.

Why I Started the Book:

I read this book because I'm continuing my rereading of all the Harry Potter books and movies. Can't wait to restart Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince!

Likes:

  • Luna Lovegood. She is an independent and quirky character. I love how everyone thinks she's weird and she doesn't care. I wish I could be more like her!
  • The secret organization known as the Order of the Phoenix. I thought it was a clever and great group of witches and wizards. If you got to fight evil nobody else will do.
  • The Sorting Hat song when it said that the four houses and their petty bickering should be set aside, that it was imperative to unite Hogwarts on the inside or it would crumple from within like a stack of cards. You got to be able to trust your friends and contemporaries or you'll be paranoid like Mad-Eye Moody.
  • Dumbledore's Army in the Room of Requirement. I really enjoyed reading their secret meetings. What a great club! I think that Harry could be a good Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher if becoming an Auror doesn't work out for him.
  • Harry's Occlumency with Snape. It gave me sick pleasure. I love to see these guys at one another's throats.
  • The fight between Voldemort, Dumbledore and Harry was cool and interesting at the Ministry in the Atrium. Good thing that fountain got destroyed now they can commission a better one.

Dislikes:

  • Umbridge is that character you love to hate. As you can see you don't need to have a Dark Mark on your arm to be deluded, crazy, and evil.
  • Kreacher, I thought that he was obnoxious.
  • Sirius dying. Why does he have to die? He was Harry's only family! I really loved him. R.I.P. Padfoot.
  • Marietta. She was the person that told Umbridge about Dumbledore's Army. How rude! Nobody likes a snitch.
  • Percy Weasley. He was all goody-goody and a teacher's pet minister toady. Where's the family loyalty? Tell me that.

Buy: Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix (Paperback), Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7), Harry Potter 1- 7 Audio Book Collection

Book Rating: I give this book 4 treasure chests!
tc4


Originally posted 2009-12-15 03:48:11.

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by Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Author: J.K. Rowling
Format: Hardback
# of pages: 734
Grade Reading Level: 5.9; Ages 8+

Summary: Something old is returning to Hogwarts this year, and with it two new populations of students from foreign wizarding schools. In a contest to see who the brightest witch or wizard of the age is, Harry unexpectedly drafted. Make no mistake though, this is not an honor. This disaster will shun him in the eyes of his schoolmates. Only a few will believe that someone or something is out to get him.

Why I Started the Book:

It's the next in the series.

Likes:

  • The Triwizard Tournament is a set of 3 challenges designed to put 3 students from 3 different schools to the test. A 4th contestant throws everybody off, but without Harry competing it wouldn't be nearly as fun.
  • (Evil) Mad-Eye Moody was a really good teacher. The idea of teachers and their students is a persistent one in the Potter series. Loved Harry being put under the Imperius curse and learning to overcome it. This will be very useful!
  • I think the 3 challenges in the book are really fun. Our wizards (and witch) must face off against a dragon, a bunch of merpeople, and a perplexing maze.

Dislikes:

  • I didn't like the Blast-Ended Skrewts (part manticore and fire-crab). I mean we're talking about Hagrid here, sure last year was tough on him with Buckbeak, but the man has raised dragons, saved hippogriffs, and reared three headed dogs. Was that really the best J.K. Rowling could come up with?
  • Ron was such a mean friend for a good portion of this book. Too jealous to see beyond his nose that his best friend was scared and didn't want the supposed fame.

Last Minute Thoughts: This is one of my favorite books and once I pick it up I can't put it down!

Buy: Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire (Paperback), Harry Potter Paperback Box Set (Books 1-7), Harry Potter 1- 7 Audio Book Collection

Book Rating: I give this book 5 treasure chests!
tc5

Originally posted 2009-12-08 03:03:35.

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By Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
Author: J.K. Rowling
Format: Hardback
# of pages: 435
Grade Reading Level: 5.9; Ages 11+

Summary: School hasn't even started and there's and escapee from a high security wizarding prison out to kill Harry Potter. He has been warned not to be looking for Sirius Black by Arthur Weasley, but as Harry said to Arthur, “Why would I go looking for someone I know wants to kill me?” At school the Ministry of Magic has put a guard in place made up entirely of Dementors. The Dementors are only suppose to be in charge of the wizard prison, but Cornelius Fudge seems to think their presence will inspire confidence in the populace. Though how we do not know as Sirius Black has escaped the guards once already! Harry's life is in danger in more ways than one this year.

Why I Started the Book:

I read this book because I'm continuing to reread the Harry Potter series.

Likes:

  • I liked it when Malfoy got his “just desserts” for insulting Buckbeak the hippogriff.
  • Rowling came up with a really fun artifact-- the time turner. I especially enjoyed its use and the turn of events at the end of the story. I thought Dumbledore's omniscient handling of the predicament to save Buckbeak and Sirius Black was excellent.
  • The Marauders Map was awesome! I liked how it showed where everyone was and where they were going. Now if only it showed the difference between a person in Animagus form and the normal human form.
  • The Dementors were scary, but awesome, and I loved reading the parts where they were mentioned.
  • Remus Lupin is a fantastic character! He was helpful, knowledgeable, and patient. The best Defense Against the Dark Arts teach to date in the books!

Dislikes:

  • I greatly disliked Draco Malfoy and his father. Yes, they're characters to love to hate, but it really is unfair what they can get away with because they're Malfoys. For instance when they got Hadgrid in trouble after his first Care of Magical Creature lesson. It clearly wasn't his fault.
  • I didn't like Hermoine deceiving and depriving Harry of his new Firebolt. She could have handled her concerns better instead of going above Harry to a teacher.

Last Minute Thoughts: This book is where the series takes off and fleshes out.

Buy: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban (Paperback), Harry Potter Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-7), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Audio Book), Harry Potter 1- 7 Audio Book Collection

Book Rating: I give this book 5 treasure chests for cleverness, creativity, and creepy creatures!
tc5


Originally posted 2009-12-02 03:34:31.

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by Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Author: J.K. Rowling
Format: Hardcover
# of pages: 341
Grade Reading Level: 4-8 Grade

Summary: It is Harry Potter's second year at Hogwarts of Witchcraft and Wizardry. Dark omens are rising even before he sets foot on the school train. A little House Elf warns Harry to stay away from school as dark and dangerous things are about to be unleashed. Ignoring the warning Harry returns. There he finds a new Defense Against the Dark Arts' teacher, old rivalries, creepy messages and even creepier voices that nobody can hear. Trouble it seems has come to Hogwarts.

Why I Started the Book:

I started this book because I am rereading the series to find clues about what happens in Deathly Hallows.

Likes:

  • I always thought it was cool that Harry was a Parselmouth and could speak to snakes. We knew from Sorcerer's Stone that he could but it wasn't until this book that we, like Harry understood just how bad that is. However if you look at Harry's interactions with snakes you can tell that the ability is not necessarily evil, it's just another language one can speak.
  • The actual Chamber of Secrets is very fun and clever. What do you think the other founders would have stored in a secret chamber if they had had one?
  • I LOVED when Professor Snape trumped Professor Lockhart during the wizard duel--he deserved it! I also enjoyed when Professor Lockhart tried using Ron's wand against him and Harry only to lose his memory. I think it was an improvement!

Dislikes:

  • I didn't like Gilderoy Lockhart. Most of the time he was oblivious and wanted to be in front of the camera.
  • The chapter about Aragog freaked me out! I'm not a very big fan of spiders, just like Ron. I am so glad I wasn't in that forest!
  • I wasn't a fan of the Death Day party for Nearly Headless Nick because it didn't seem to further the plot and the idea of the smell of moldy food filling the room overwhelms me through the pages.

Buy: Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets (Paperback), Harry Potter Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-7), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Audio Book), Harry Potter 1- 7 Audio Book Collection

Book Rating: I give this book 3.5 treasure chest.
tc35


Originally posted 2009-11-30 03:00:13.

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by Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: Dork Diaries
Author: Rachel Renee Russell
Format: Hardcover
Page Count: 282
Grade Reading Level: Ages 9-12

Summary: Nikki is living a not so perfect life. She has to avoid her embarrassing family and the annoying mean girls at school. She also wants her crush to know that she exists and for not everyone to think of her as a dork. Surviving middle school isn't just a walk in a park for Nikki. Can she survive without dying of embarrassment, win the guy of her dreams, and become popular?

Why I Started the Book:

I got this book when I was at Books-A-Million and browsing through books. When I came across Dork Diaries I read the back and it reminded me on the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series so I thought that I would give it a try and I'm glad I did!

Likes:

  • This book (and the Diary of a Wimpy Kid series) was enjoyable for me to read because I could relate to them. They're both in middle school, aren't very popular, and have problems in and out of school. (Just like any other middle school student.) So it was fun to read.
  • I liked reading this book as a diary. I thought it was funny in inside of the book it says: This Diary Belongs to: Nikki J. Maxwell (No Snooping Allowed!!) It made me feel so sneaky!
  • This book was written exactly how a middle school girl would write. It's very good in that respect. You will find phrases like: OMG!, I was like JUST GREAT!, etc.
  • I liked the character Brandon. He was so sweet and didn't care what anyone thought, said, or who he hung out with. I especially liked when everything was going wrong for Nikki (she woke up late, had to rush to school, and her art project had been crushed under he dad's van) and with perfect timing Brandon comes out with an umbrella to come and comfort her.
  • I enjoyed all the illustrations. They were hilarious. They just pulled the book together. I especially liked the drawing of Brianna (Nikki's little sister) admiring Mackenzie's room.

Dislikes:

  • The ending was all so sudden. Mackenzie went from devil mean to best friends with Nikki (not really best friends but close) I just don't think that something could happen that fast and I wish the author told us how Mackenzie changed her mind and what she was thinking. It would have made more sense and I would have bought it more easily with an explanation.

Last minute thoughts: I really enjoyed this book and plan to pick up the sequels.

Buy: Dork Diaries: Tales from a Not-So-Fabulous Life

Book Rating: I give book 4.5 Treasure Chests!

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by Captain Lyaf Yarr

Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone
Author: J.K. Rowling
Format: Paperback
Pages: 309
Grade Reading Level: 5.3, Ages 9+

Summary: An 11 year old boy, living with his Aunt and Uncle in Surrey,England, finds out that he is a wizard. Not only is he a wizard but he is labeled as The Boy-Who-Lived for defeating the Dark Lord Voldemort when he was a baby. Unaccustomed to magic, fame, and fortune, young Harry Potter must find his way in a whole new world. His first adventure is getting to school and making friends, but as dark stirrings begin to take shape a whole new adventure begins.

Why I Started the Book:

I read this book a long time ago, seen the movies, and felt like revisiting it. I plan to see if I can find hints of what happens in book seven in each story of the series as I believe Rowling left clues all along the way.

Likes:

  • Hogwarts is the most amazing place in fantasy. It has moving staircases, secret passages and rooms, talking portraits, extensive and beautiful grounds, not to mention quidditch! I want to go to school there and take classes learning magic. I can't believe any kid there would not do homework! I think Errol (the Weasley owl) must have been the one charged to deliver my Hogwarts letter because I am fairly certain I am a (pirate) witch.
  • Harry's scar, which is distinctive, is a wicked cool feature that everyone recognizes. It is the mark of the killing curse, the one he survived as a baby that made him famous. It also is a signal for Harry at times that something is not quite right. This is because Voldemort is nearby!
  • Hagrid is a wonderful character. He is Harry's first real friend and buys Harry a pet owl named Hedwig. Hagrid is taller than most wizards and works for Dumbledore at the school under the title Keeper of Keys and Grounds. Hagrid has a love of all things beastly from three headed dogs to dragons and back again.
  • Hermione's clever solving of the potion bottle riddle Snape put in as his challenge in guarding the Sorcerer's Stone at the end of the book. I am so mad that scene isn't in the movie!
  • Fred and George. They are my ultimate favorite characters and I want them as my brothers!

Dislikes:

  • Draco's pathetic trick of a midnight duel. What a cowardly thing to do -- just like the snake he is!
  • The drinking of unicorn blood. It serves it's purpose to point out that Lord Voldemort is evil, but it's pretty disturbing thing to think about.

Buy: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Hardcover), Harry Potter Paperback Boxed Set (Books 1-7), Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone (Audio Book), Harry Potter 1- 7 Audio Book Collection

Rating: I give this book 4.5 treasure chests!
tc45

Originally posted 2009-11-16 03:28:28.

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