Bloody Jack

Title: Bloody Jack: Being an Account of the Curious Adventures of Mary "Jacky" Faber, Ship's Boy

Author: L. A. Meyer

Pages: 278

Days took to Read: 3

Cover Rating: 3/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Plot Rating: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

I LOVE this book. I have already reviewed it on this site once, but I do not think I did it full justice. I read it this second time because in my book club we are to read the squeal to it, and I wanted to refresh myself (anyway)... I love the plot, with the whole, "I am really a girl pretending to be a boy" kind of thing.... (Side note: Is in not funny that a girl can pretend to be a boy without to much "I CANT BELIEVE THAT!!!!" Going on, and without it being perverted in anyway.. (back then anyway) yet a boy could not have dressed as a girl without being thought a total pervert.... hehe I find it funny, and I think the guys probably could not have dealt with being a woman... hehe... well anyway..) I also loved the nautical theme of this book, even if it was not a pirate book. I really liked it... and I recommend it!!!!

Plot:

Jacky Faber is used to fighting for survival. For an orphan on the streets of eighteenth-century London, every day starts with begging and ends with an empty stomach. But now luck is finally on Jacky's side-- a departing warship is taking on ships boys, and Jacky jumps at the chance to pursue pirates and riches beyond imagination.

There's only one problem: Jacky is a girl. And she will have to use every bit of her spirit, wit, and courage to keep the crew from discovering her secret. This could be the adventure of her life--- If only she doesn't get caught....

Pirates!

Title: Pirates!

Author: Celia Rees

Pages: 380

Days took to read: 5 days

Cover Rating: 5/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Plot Rating: 5/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

I deeply love this book!!! This is my second time reading it... And I love it just as much the second time. I originally read this about a year ago, and loved it immediately. I think the true test of weather a book is really great is when you read it a second time. The second time you are not as caught up in all the hype, because you know what is going to happen, so it is not nearly as exciting. This book was still AMAZING!!! I loved the depth of the characters and I really loved the plot. It kept you reading. I deeply recommend this to anyone who likes a good adventure novel!!!

Plot

Nancy Kington, daughter of a rich merchant, suddenly orphaned when her father dies, is sent to live on her family's plantation in Jamaica. Disgusted by the treatment of the slaves and her brother's willingness to marry her off, she and one of the slaves, Minerva, run away and join a band of pirates. For both girls the pirate life is their only chance for freedom in a society where both are treated like property, rather than individuals. Together they go in search of adventure, love, and a new life that breaks all restrictions of gender, race, and position. Told through Nancy's writings, their adventures will appeal to readers across the spectrum and around the world.

The Princess Bride

Title: The Princess Bride: S. Morgensterns's classic tale of true love and high adventure

Author: S. Morgenstern (Abridged by William Goldman)

Pages: 317 (without Buttercup's Baby") 399 (with Buttercup's Baby)

Time took to Read: 3 days

Cover Rating: 5/5

Character Rating: 5/5

Plot Rating: 5/5

Overall Rating: 5/5

(2009 rating)

I don't know how to stress how much I love this book.... It is defiantly my favorite work of Fiction ever... The characters are timeless and perfect.... in the way that they all of major flaws.... The book is defiantly not a happy go lucky book. That I can say. If you read my quote from the book in the post bellow, it basically is the theme of the book. Life is not fair. If you watched the movie, and are thinking "Everything seamed to go just great for them, what are you talking about?" My simple answer is READ THE BOOK!!!!! It is wonderful, even though the characters are flawed, which makes it even more perfect... All in all, it is wonderful sublime and just perfect....

Plot:

(the back of the book only gives this much information, so if you want more, just go to my second post on this blog, for a full summary.)

Westley, the handsome farm boy who risks death (and much worse) for the woman he loves; Inigo, the Spanish swordsman who lives only to avenge his father's death; Fezzik, the gentlest giant ever to have uprooted a tree with his bare hands; Vizzini, the evil Sicilian, whith a mind so keen he's foiled by his own perfect logic; Prince Humperdinck, the eviler ruler of Florin, who has an equally insatiable thirst for war and the beauteous Buttercup; Count Rugen, teh evilest man of all, who thrives on the excruciationg pain of others; Miracle Max, the King's ex-Miracle Man, who can raise the dead (kind of); and of course, Buttercup . . . the princess bride, the most perfect beautiful woman in the history of the world!

Quote: The Princess Bride

Title: The Princess Bride

I really liked this quote. Even before I knew that the movie was a book, I fell in love with this quote. Though in the book, someone entirely different says it. It still has the same effect though. LOVE IT!!!! Tell me what you think!

pg. 144

"Life is pain... Anybody that says different is selling something."

My Yearly Tradition

Every year I read my favorite book, "The Princess Bride: S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure (The 'Good Parts' Version). I grew up watching the movie, and I just found out that it was a book, a few years ago. Ever since I turned the first page, it became my all time favorite book. I can't believe that I have not read it yet this year, and since it is getting late in the year, I figure that I should read it soon.... So I just wanted to let you dear followers know that I will be reading this soon. Unfortunately, I have recently let someone borrow my book from me, so I will have to read the one copy found at my local library. Oh well.... (I need to get a second copy so that I have one to lend, and one for myself...hehe) Well that is all for today dear reader....

Lain

(p.s. I always loved this map.)

A Brief History of Montmaray

Title: A Brief History of Montmaray

Author: Michelle Cooper

Pages: 294

Time Took to Read: 5 days

Cover Rating: 5/5

Character Rating: 3/5

Plot Rating: 3/5

Overall rating: 3.5/5

I really liked this book. It had a great story line. The characters were very believable, and I enjoyed learning more about them each, as the book went on. I also liked the plot... Any plot that takes place in a castle is AMAZING!!!! hehehe... Though I am more prone to like a more medieval time period, or at least 1800's, but this book was good, I liked the whole 1930's time period... I just had to keep reminding myself that it took place during this time. All in all, it is a good book, a little on the slow side, but good. I recommend it to anyone who does not mind reading just to read.... To someone who just loves books in general.

Plot:

I need to write down what has just happened. I need to set down the truth. If I write lies or if I write nothing at all, this journal is worthless. I must do this, in case anything happens.

All right. This is what happened tonight, every single terrible thing that I can remember . . .

Sophie FitzOsborne lives in a crumbling castle in the tiny island kingdom of Montmaray, along with her tomboy younger sister Henry, her beautiful, intellectual cousin Veronica, and Veronica's father, the completely mad King John.
When Sophie receives a leather-bound journal for her sixteenth birthday, she decides to write about her day-to-day life on the island. But it is 1936 and the world is in turmoil. Does the arrival of two strangers threaten everything that Sophie holds dear?

The Musician's Daughter

Title: The Musician's Daughter

Author: Susanne Dunlap

Pages: 317

Days took to Read: 2 days

Cover Rating: 4/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Plot Rating: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

I really liked this book. I thought that it was very artfully written, with a good mix of drama and suspense. I really liked the characters, and I thought she did a great job at making them come alive. I loved the plot, and just the genre was amazing. I recommend it to anyone who likes a mystery in historical terms.

Plot:

Amid the glamour of Prince Nicholas Esterhazy's court in 18th-century Vienna, murder is afoot. Or so fifteen-year-old Theresa Maria is convinced when her musician father turns up dead on Christmas Eve, his valuable violin missing, and the only clue to his death a strange gold pendant around his neck. Then her father's mentor, the acclaimed composer Franz Joseph Haydn, helps her through a difficult time by making her his copyist and giving her insight into her father's secret life. It's there that Theresa begins to uncover a trail of blackmail and extortion, even as she discovers honor, and the possibility of a first, tentative love. Thrumming with the weeping strains of violins, as well as danger and deception, this is an engrossing tale of murder, romance, and music that readers will find hard to forget.

Saving Juliet

Title: Saving Juliet

Author: Suzanne Selfors

Pages: 241

Time Took to Read: 2 days

Cover Rating: 3/5

Character Rating: 3/5

Plot Rating: 4/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

I really liked this book. I thought it was a very original take on part of the story of Romeo and Juliet. I liked that it was not simply a retelling of the story, as some of the books I have read were, but the characters did live threw the story in a cretin way. I really liked it, and thought it very original. I might even read the original Romeo and Juliet!!! It would be interesting to see how they compare. All in all a good book. i do recommend it.

Plot:

(I thought the inside cover description gave to much away, so if you are going to read this book, please don't research it. Just read the plot from the following.)

"Quiet! You must listen to the prince," a man scolded. The crowd stilled and a voice burst forth from somewhere ahead. I couldn't see the speaker but he spoke familiar words.

"three rimes now, the Capulets and Montagues have fought in our streets, spilling their own blood as well as the blood of innocent bystanders. I will stand for no more. If either house disrupts the peace again, the punishment shall be death! That is the word of your prince."

The Capulets and the Montagues? Okay, this was getting stranger by the minute.

I didn't know if I should burst into tears or start giggling hysterically, so I did both. I stood there like a crazy person, in my mud-spattered dress. This was just like the opening of the play, when the price makes his proclamation. Just like the play that I was trying to escape. How could this be happening??

Crossing Stones

Title: Crossing Stones

Author: Helen Frost

Pages: 178

Time Took to Read: 3 days

Cover Rating: 5/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Plot Rating: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

I loved this book!!! It was a wonderfully, yet very uniquely written bo0k. The whole book was written in different kinds of poetry form. It was beautifully written, though I do not recommend it to people who don't like poems. What I liked about these is that they were beautiful and short, yet they were very easy to understand, and gave you so much more information than normal words of that length ever could. All in all I loved the characters and the plot and HIGHLY recommend this book!!!

Plot:

Eighteen-year-old Muriel Jorgensen lives on one side of Crabapple Creek. Her family’s closest friends, the Normans, live on the other. For as long as Muriel can remember, the families’ lives have been intertwined, connected by the crossing stones that span the water. But now that Frank Norman—who Muriel is just beginning to think might be more than a friend—has enlisted to fight in World War I and her brother, Ollie, has lied about his age to join him, the future is uncertain. As Muriel tends to things at home with the help of Frank’s sister, Emma, she becomes more and more fascinated by the women’s suffrage movement, but she is surrounded by people who advise her to keep her opinions to herself. How can she find a way to care for those she loves while still remaining true to who she is?

Written in beautifully structured verse, Crossing Stones captures nine months in the lives of two resilient families struggling to stay together and cross carefully, stone by stone, into a changing world.

Homeless Bird

Title: Homeless Bird

Author: Gloria Whelan

Pages: 212

Time Read: 5 days

Cover Rating: 1/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Plot Rating: 4/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

I read this book a few weeks ago, but never got to put a review for it. I enjoyed this book immensely. I love how it drew you in with a simple story line, yet got more complex as things went along. I also liked that it had both sorrow and happiness within it. It was very realistic in what would happen in real life, and I liked it immensely. A good nice, easy read. I recommend it to all.

Plot:

(I did not know much about the book going into it, and I liked it best that way, so I will only tell you a few basic things you need to know.)

This story takes place in India and starts off with a girl of 13 years, who is about to get married. (yes that is all I am going to tell. If you want to know more, read the book!!)

Whatever Happened To Janie?

Title: Whatever Happened to Janie?

Author: Caroline B. Cooney

Pages: 217

Time took to read: 3 days

Cover Rating: 2/5

Character Rating: 3/5

Plot Rating: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3/5

I thought this book was good, but it was not my favorite book ever. It was a good companion to the previous novel in the Janie series, The Face on the Milk Carton. I thought she did a good job in developing the plot, and keeping it in line with the other novel. It really surprised me in some ways, and I think it was a really good book. I liked that I did not agree with all the decision made in the book, I was happy with it none the less. All in all, I recommend it, especially if you read the first book in the series.

Plot:

How could it possibly be true? But it is true. As Janie Johnson glanced at the face of the ordinary little girl on the milk carton, she was overcome with shock. She recognized that little girl, it was she...

With the mystery of her kidnapping now unraveled, Janie's story continues, and the nightmare is not over. No one can bring back or relive the twelve years gone by. The Spring family wants justice, but who is really to blame? The Johnson's know that they must abide by the decisions made, but it's difficult to figure out what's best for everyone.

Janie Johnson or Jennie Spring? Who is she? Certainly there's enough love for everyone, but how can the two separate families live happily ever after?

Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet

Title: Koyal Dark, Mango Sweet

Author: Kashmira Sheth

Pages: 243

Time took to read: 4 days

Cover Rating: 4/5

Plot Rating: 3/5

Character Rating: 3/5

Plot Rating: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3/5

I liked this book, but I must admit, I had higher hopes for it. I really like to read about different cultures, especially the Indian culture. So I really liked the setting. The plot was pretty good. I also really liked the main character Jeeta. So what's not to like???? I did not like the open ending. It really never had a conclusion, which I don't mind sometimes, but I did not like it in this book. I did like however how the author made you at first not like the mother, and then she kind of grew on you.... All in all, I liked it, but it was not my favorite. I do recommend it, just not as highly as I do some.

Plot:

Jeeta's family is caught up in the whirlwind of arranging marriages for her two older sisters, but the drama and excitement leave Jeeta cold. She knows that tradition demands the parade of suitors, the marriage negotiations, the elaborate displays, the expensive wedding parties - but where is the love and romance that the movies promise? She dreads her turn on the matrimonial circuit, especially since Mummy is always complaining about how difficult it will be to find Jeeta a good husband, with her dark skin and sharp tongue. As Jeeta spends more time with her new friend from school, Sarina, and her educated, liberal parents, she begins to question her tradition-bound family's expectations. And when she falls in love with Sarina's cousin Neel, Jeeta realizes that she must strike a balance between independence and duty and follow her own path.

A Kiss in Time

Title: A Kiss in Time

Author: Alex Flinn

Pages: 371

Time took to read: 2 days (this is a new feature!)

Cover Rating: 3/5

Character Rating: 3/5

Plot Rating: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

I thought this book was good, and I guess you could tell by the new feature "Time took to read". I think this is a good book, and liked the new retelling of Sleeping Beauty. I never really was that found of this particular fairytale, but liked this rendition of it. I mainly read this book because I liked the last book by her (Beastly) and always like to see different renditions of the same story. Now that I have read two of her books, I can now say that I really do like this author, and will try to find another of her books to read. All in all I liked this book also, and I recommend it.

Plot:

(these are two different description and I liked them both, so I thought I would list both of them.)

"What is that?" She points to the numbers on teh shirt.

"The Year. Old Navy puts the year on all their flag T-shirts. It's sort of a racket, I guess-you have to buy a new one every year."

"That... is .... the.... year? She looks sort of sick. Her face is suddenly almost the same color green as her eyes. She begins to shake. "Oh my... oh, no." She crumples back onto the floor, as she was when I first saw her. "It cannot be true. It cannot."

I kneel beside her. "What's the matter now? I thought you were fine."

She looks at me, then starts screaming. "Fine? Fine? I have been asleep nearly three hundred years!"

(here is the second. I thought this one funny.)

Talia fell under a spell....

Jack broke the curse.

I was told to beware the accursed spindle, but it was so enchanting, so hypnotic.....

I was looking for a little adventure the day I ditched my tour group. But finding a comatose town, with a hot-looking chick asleep in it, was so not what I had in mind.

I awakened in the same place but in another time- to a stranger's soft kiss.

I couldn't help kissing her. Sometimes you just have to kiss someone. I didn't know this would happen.

Now I am in dire trouble becuase my father, the iking says I have brought ruin upon out country. I have no choice but to run away with this commoner!

Now I'm stuck with a bratty princess and a trunk full of her jewls... The good news: My parents will freak!

Beastly

Title: Beastly

Author: Alix Flinn

Pages: 304

Cover Rating: 3/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Plot Rating: 3/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

I really enjoyed this book, but could not give it that high of ratings because of the magic contained in it. I am not a big fan of magic...so... but anyway, I thought it was a good book. It was a retelling of Beauty and the Beast, with a slight twist, it is in modern times, to be exact, in NYC. I really like the story line, I mean, what is not to like???? It was about finding true love, and not caring what that person looked like. Which I think is very important, because I believe that if you are going to fall in love, it should not be about their looks. Well anyway, I really liked the book, and recommend it to people who like fairytales, or just good books.

Plot:

I am a beast.

A beast. Not quite wolf or bear, gorilla or dog but a horrible new creature who walks upright—a creature with fangs and claws and hair springing from every pore. I am a monster.

You think I'm talking fairy tales? No way. The place is New York City. The time is now. It's no deformity, no disease. And I'll stay this way forever—ruined—unless I can break the spell.

Yes, the spell, the one the witch in my English class cast on me. Why did she turn me into a beast who hides by day and prowls by night? I'll tell you. I'll tell you how I used to be Kyle Kingsbury, the guy you wished you were, with money, perfect looks, and the perfect life. And then, I'll tell you how I became perfectly . . . beastly.

The Scarlet Pimpernel

Title: The Scarlet Pimpernel

Author: Baroness Orczy

Pages: 299

Cover Rating: 4/5

Character Rating: 5/5

Plot Rating: 5/5

Overall Rating: 5/5

I had to read this book for school and I ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT!!!! It was AMAZING!!!! I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book. It is a very good book. It takes place in the time of Reign of Terror, that occurred in France. I loved the plot because it had so many twists and turns, that left you wanting more, and wondering. I many a time had a smile on my face because of the cunning of the elusive Scarlet Pimpernel. It was a great book, and I thought that the characters were depicted very realistically, because it showed their mistakes along with their accomplishments. It also showed their weaknesses. All in all this was a FABULOUS book, and I recommend it to everyone who enjoys historical fiction that involves true love, and much action.

Plot:

In 1792, during the French Revolution's Reign of Terror, an English aristocrat known to be an ineffectual fop is actually a master of disguises who, with a small band of dedicated friends, undertakes dangerous missions to save members of the French nobility from the guillotine. (this is a very brief summary, I did not want to give anything away.)

The Face on the Milk Carton

Title: The Face on the Milk Carton

Author: Caroline B. Cooney

Pages: 184

Cover Rating: 3/5

Plot Rating: 3/5

Character Rating: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3/5

I have to say that I did like this book. I just not as fond of it as I expected to be... It was a good book none the less, and liked the characters, and thought that they were very realistic. The story line was a very good one, I thought that it really took some twists, and I was glad for that. It was a definite cliff hanger at the end, and you can count on me reading the next book in the series soon. All in all it was a good book.

Plot:

No one ever really paid close attention to the faces of the missing children on the milk cartons. But as Janie Johnson glanced at the face of the ordinary little girl with her hair in tight pigtails, wearing a dress with a narrow white collar—a three-year-old who had been kidnapped twelve years before from a shopping mall in New Jersey—she felt overcome with shock. She recognized that little girl—it was she. How could it possibly be true?

Janie can't believe that her loving parents kidnapped her, but as she begins to piece things together, nothing makes sense. Something is terribly wrong. Are Mr. and Mrs. Johnson really Janie's parents? And if not, who is Janie Johnson, and what really happened?

The Kite Runner???

You might be wondering why the book I 'm reading changed, but yet no review. Well I had to return The Kite Runner to the library because someone else had it on hold, so I was not able to renew it unfortunately. I was on page 202, and will check it out as SOON as possible. I am deeply enjoying the book and would love to finish it. Till latter,

Lain

Ship of Fire

Title: Ship of Fire

Author: Michael Cadnum

Pages: 197

Cover Rating: 3/5

Plot Rating: 3/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Overall Rating: 3/5

This book had the same problem as the last book I read, it took about 70 or so pages to actually get into the story. I don't mind that, if the book is long, but again, when the book is less than 200 pages, it is unacceptable. I really liked the the main character, I thought he was a strong character, and would have liked to get to know him more. The plot was not my favorite though, which surprised me. I normally like the "sea going adventures", but this one did not impress me greatly. All in all, not my favorite in the least.

Plot:

When young apprentice surgeon Thomas Spyre has a chance to sail with the legendary sea-figher Sir Francis Drake, he knows it is the beginning of a great adventure- but the voyage turns out to be much more. Thrown into the salty hubbub of shipboard life, Thomas must use his sword as well as his medical skills, and he finds a dashing and enigmatic friend in the controversial Admiral Drake. Is Drake the hero of legend, or is he little more than a glorified pirate, looting and unsuspecting enemy to fill Queen Elizabeth's coffers?

Turnabout

Title: Turnabout

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Pages: 223

Cover Rating: 1/5

Plot Rating: 3/5

Character Rating: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3/5

This book was good, but not my favorite. I think that the storyline was interesting, but I thought that the introduction took way to long. I am fine with long books, but when the book is not that long, and the introduction takes about half of the book, in my opinion, it is to long. I thought that the characters were decently made, but I don't feel like I really got to know them well throughout the book. All in all it was just okay.

Plot:

In the year 2000 Melly and Anny Beth were old and ready to die. But when offered the chance to be young again by participating in a top-secret experiment called Project Turnabout, they agreed. They received injections that made them grow younger, and it seemed like a miracle. But when the injections that were supposed to stop the unaging process turned out to be deadly, Melly and Anny Beth decided to run for their lives.

Now it is 2085. Melly and Anny Beth are teenagers. They have no idea what will happen once they are babies again, but they do know they will soon be too young to take care of themselves. They need to find someone to help them before time runs out, once and for all....

Palace of Mirrors

Title: Palace of Mirrors

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Pages: 304

Cover Rating: 1/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Plot Rating: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4/5

Another good book. I have been doing well lately!!!!! Anyway, this book was quite good. It was by the same author of Just Ella and it kind of continued her story, in a small way. I really liked it, and thought the story line had a good twist to it... I was not expecting it, and am always glad when I don't expect things. I thought the main characters to be very strong, and good.... All in all a very good book.. I once again recommend it!!

Plot:

Cecilia knows that she is not just another peasant girl; she is actually the true princess, in hiding until the evil forces that killed her parents are vanquished. A commoner named Desmia is on the throne as a decoy.

As she gets older, Cecilia finds it harder to study statesmanship and palace protocol secretly at night and then pretend that she has nothing on her mind other than scrubbing the gruel stains out of her best apron by day.

Cecilia knows that it is time to take charge. Along with her best friend, Harper, she flees to the capital city, determined to reclaim her throne and face the danger head on.

When Harper and Cecilia reach the famed Palace of Mirrors, they discover complications: Princess Desmia believes an entirely different version of the story.

The Diamond of Dury Lane (A Cat Royal Adventure)

Title: The Diamond of Drury Lane
Author: Julia Golding
Pages: 419
Cover Rating: 4/5

Character Rating: 5/5

Plot Rating: 4/5

Over all Rating: 4/5

I am inclined to say that I liked this book exceedingly well. At first, I must admit, I thought of maybe putting it down, and reading it later, or never. But I wanted to give the book a chance, since all books deserve at least a 2 chapter trial. Anyway, but the end of the first Act, I was completely hooked. In fact I read most of the book (about 300 pages) within one day. I thought the characters enchanting, but not perfect. They were very believable, and sincere. I think they were the highlight of the book. The plot was also very good, and kept you wanting to read more. All in all, it was a big hit in my opinion, and I highly recommend it.

Plot:

Cat is a streetwise orphan living in the Drury Lane Theatre in 1790s London. Her budding friendships with violin prodigy Pedro, a former slave; two teenage members of the aristocracy; and the theatre's mysterious new prompter are put to the test when she agrees to help safeguard the hidden treasure of the title. Golding's fast paced story abounds with atmosphere and adventure as Cat struggles to prevent the vicious leader of one of Covent Garden's street gangs from finding the diamond.

The Transall Saga

Title: The Transall Saga

Author: Gary Paulsen

Pages: 248

Cover Rating: 3/5

Character Rating: 5/5

Plot Rating: 4/5

Overall Rating:4/5

I have to say that I am not normally a big sci-fi fan when it comes to reading books. But lately I have been really enjoying sci-fi. The other day I even bought two Star Trek books!!!! I am surprising my self daily. hehehe. Anyway, I really liked this book. I thought that it was done phenomenally. The characters were AMAZING!!! He did not really have to tell about them much for you to understand them. You found out more by their actions, which I greatly enjoyed. I thought that Gary Paulsn did a WONDERFUL job, once again. I HIGHLY recommend this book to his fans, and to fans of sci-fi.

Plot:

Mark Harrison thinks he's just going mountain climbing, but as he hikes he is struck by a mysterious beam of light that transports him to what appears to be a different world. In this world is a jungle that he has to learn to survive in, dangerous animals he must defend himself from, and eventually when he meets people he must learn about their culture and adapt there.

(I did copy and paste that paragraph about the plot, but did not do the whole thing because I think it gave away to much of the story line, so sorry for the short plot description. Oh, and if you are interested in this book, PLEASE do not read any other descriptions of the book, It is best to be read when you don't know all the details, so NO READING THE STORIES DESCRIPTION!!! (this means you Bostan!!! I think you will really like this book.)

Just Ella

Title: Just Ella

Author: Margaret Peterson Haddix

Pages: 192

Cover Rating: 3/5

Character Rating: 3/5

Story Rating: 4/5

Overall Rating: 3.5/5

I really did like this book. And once again I read a book on Cinderella, but it was a very abstract take on it. It showed what it was like after Ella was whisked away to the castle. I liked that, but must confess that I did not mean to read another Cinderella book, but it just happened that I did. I thought it was good, and liked the characters. I also liked that it was not the conventional story telling of Cinderella. Funny enough, this is the same author that wrote "Double Identity", which did not get very good reviews from me, but I do like this one, and recommend it.

Plot:

In Just Ella, Margaret Peterson Haddix puts a spin on the traditional tale of the glass slippers. In her version, Ella (sans "Cinder") finds her own way to the ball (there was no fairy godmother, despite the rumors) and wins the heart of the prince. But now she is finding that life at the palace as Prince Charming's betrothed is not as great as she thought it was going to be. In fact, it's downright boring for a self-reliant and active girl to do needlework all day or listen to instructions on court etiquette from the strict and cold Madame Bisset. Worst of all, Ella is beginning to suspect that Charming's beautiful blue eyes and golden hair are attached to a head with nothing in it. Her young tutor Jed, however, talks with her about serious things that really matter. Ella finally gets up the courage to announce to Charming that she doesn't want to go through with the wedding, but when she finds herself locked in the dungeon she realizes it's not that easy to walk away from a politically arranged marriage. In the end, as in all good fairy tales, our heroine and hero do manage to live happily ever after--but with a twist.

Tiger, Tiger

Title: Tiger, Tiger

Author: Lynne Reid Banks

Pages: 194

Cover Rating: 4/5

Character Rating: 4/5

Plot Rating: 5/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it wonderful in it's story line, and very well thought out. I will definitely look up more of the author's books. I thought that it was enchanting, and had very good characters. It was a good read, and I liked it alot, but I was not that happy with the ending. I highly recommend it.

Plot:

Two tiger cub brothers are torn from the jungle and taken to Rome. The stronger cub is trained as a killer at the Coliseum. Emperor Caesar makes a gift of the smaller cub to his beautiful daughter, Aurelia. She adores her cub, Boots. Julius, a young animal keeper, teaches Aurelia how to earn Boots’s trust. Boots is pampered while his brother, known as Brute, lives in the cold and darkness, let out only to kill. Caesar trusts Julius to watch Aurelia and her prized pet. But when a prank backfires, Boots temporarily escapes and Julius must pay with his life. Thousands watch as Julius is sent unarmed into the arena to face the killer Brute.

Bound

Title: Bound

Author: Donna Jo Napoli

Pages: 184

Cover Rating: 5/5

Charater Rating: 3/5

Plot Rating: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3/5

I really liked this book, and thought it was good. It was, in my opinion a very good, but different retelling of the story Cinderella. I have to admit, I am a Donna Jo Napoli fan, and thought she did a very good job with this book. She followed closely to the Cinderella story line, but yet made it her own, in that you forgot at certain points that it was in fact a Cinderella Story. I liked the way she weaved the story, though once again, it had a little to much of ancient Chinese religion in it. But other than that, I really liked this book, and would recommend it.

Plot:

"Xing Xing is a small child who is coping with the recent death of her kind-hearted potter father. Her mother died years ago from illness, which forced her to live with the stepmother her Father had married with her Half-Sister Wing-Pei.
The "Family" lives off selling what remains from Xing Xing's Father's collection of unsold pottery, Xing Xing fears she may be sold into slavery once the supply runs out as her step mother as threatened her with. Step Mother's increasing vainity is shown early on by her obsession with Wing-pei undergoing the painful procedure of "feet binding".
Feet Binding is a painful procedure where all the bones of a womans foot are shattered via blunt-force trauma and re-arranged as to appear smaller and more "beautiful". Xing Xing's Father was greatly against such a horrific procedure, but now against his wishes his daughter Wing-pei is put through it.
Xing Xing finds solace and seculsion from the torments of Stepmother who forces her into servitude and border-line slave work through practicing chinese writing "Caligraphy" as well as reading and seeing "Mother Fish". Mother Fish is her pet of sorts who seems to be a reincarnation of her late mother.
The book depeicts Xing Xings' struggles as well as an adventure she must go on for the sake of Wing-Pei. Xing Xing begins to learn the ways of the world and through her own cunning and intellect learn a way out of her horrible prediciment."

Climbing the Stairs

Title: Climbing the Stairs

Author: Padma Venkatraman

Pages: 256

Cover Rating: 5/5

Character Rating: 5/5

Plot Rating: 5/5

Overall Rating: 5/5

I have been meaning to write about this book. I read it a long time ago, but I thought it was very good. As you can see from my ratings, it is one of my favorites. I thought that the characters were very well thought out. I liked them especially because at times they gave you reason to hate them for their decisions, yet you still loved them. All in all, I DEEPLYrecommend this book, especially to those who like to gain an understanding to other cultures. (I think you would like this book Bostan.)

Plot:

Fifteen-year-old Vidya dreams of going to college, an unusual proposition for a girl living in British-occupied India during World War II. When tragedy strikes, Vidya and her brother Kitta are forced to move into a traditional household with her grandfather and her extended family, where men live separately upstairs and the women who live below are meant to be married, not educated.

Breaking the rules, Vidya finds refuge in her grandfather’s second-floor library. There she meets Raman, a young man also living in the house. Surprisingly, he treats her like an equal and encourages her intellectual curiosity. But soon it’s clear Raman wants more than just friendship, and when Kitta makes a shocking choice the family cannot condone, Vidya’s life becomes a whirlwind of personal and political complications. Will she be strong enough to survive the storm?

With the lush settings and heady emotions that mark the best Indian literature, Padma Venkatraman’s debut novel is an epic story of love and loss set against a unique moment in history. Readers of all ages will find deep empathy with Vidya as she battles between ideas and emotions while struggling to pursue her dreams.

The Ramsay Scallop

Title: The Ramsay Scallop

Author: Frances Temple

Pages: 310

Cover Rating: 3/5

Charater Rating: 5/5

Plot Rating: 4/5

Overall Rating: 4.5/5

I have to say that I really LOVED this book. And it did make it into my favorites. (Which is hard to do) I immensely loved all of the characters and how human they were. They were very relateable, and yet very strong. I think the most changed character in the book was Elenor(Nora), she changed from an uncertain child, into a strong womanly figure. Thomas also changed greatly, I think mostly in his opinion of Elenor. He also became more forgiving of himself and others. All in all I GREATLY LOVED this Book, and recommend it to all who have a love for historical fiction.

Plot:

14-year-old Elenor of Ramsay's fiance, Thomas of Thornham, returns from the Crusades. The couple, uncertain of their roles in life and their feelings about each other, are reluctant to wed. Wise Father Gregory sends them on a pilgrimage to Spain; this not only buys them time but forces them to become better acquainted. Their journey is full of unexpected adventures, joys, and hardships. They see new sights, make new friends, and learn new things. By book's end, both are at peace with themselves and gracefully accept their lot.

Red Sea

Title: Red Sea

Author: Diane Tullson

Pages: 169

Character Rating: 2/5

Cover Rating:4/5

Plot Rating: 3/5

Overall Rating: 2.5/5

At first I was not a very big fan of this book. I thought that the main character, Lib, was a complete and total brat, and needed a SERIOUS attitude adjustment. But as the trials increased, she became a better person. Which I was VERY glad of. All in all it was not a total disappointment, but it did not in the end hold up to my expectations. Some of her past, was a little disturbing, and I wish they had not brought it up. So over all, I do not recommend this book. If you read it, that is fine, but I defiantly am not going to tell you that you need to go and buy this book. (sorry to all of those people out there that this was there favorite book.)

Plot:

Fourteen-year-old Libby didn't want to go on a year long sailing adventure with her mother and her stepfather, Duncan, and she isn't about to let them forget it. Traveling through the Red Sea, Libby causes them to be late and make a dangerous crossing alone. When modern-day pirates attack, Duncan is killed and Libby's mother is left seriously injured and unconscious. Libby is left alone on a crippled boat to find safety and help for her mother. Libby must call on all her strength and face some hard truths about herself if she is to survive and reach land.

Where the Lilies Bloom

Title: Where the Lilies Bloom

Author: Vera and Bill Cleaver

Cover: 3/5

Charaters: 4/5

Plot: 3/5

Overall Rating: 3/5

Pages:210

This was a very quick read for me, but I thought it was pretty good. I thought that Mary Call was a very strong main character. I also thought that Romey was very mature for his 10 years of age, but he also was realistic because he did show his age in some of his actions. I thought he was very well thought out, and I admit, I did like the book. It was a little short for my taste, but all in all was a good short read.

Plot:

Mary Call has true Appalachian grit. When her dying father makes her promise to keep her brother and sisters together forever on the mountain and take no help from strangers, she is determined to keep her word. No matter what.

At first Mary Call is sure she can run the family just fine on her own. Romey and Ima Dean help her gather herbs to sell in town, using the riches of the mountains to keep the family clothed and fed. But winter sets in all too quickly. As food runs low, and the tiny house begins to cave in under the weight of the snow, Mary Call leans that the land where the lilies bloom is also a cruel and unforgiving land that demands a price for her stubborn pride.

Robin Hood

Title: Robin Hood

Author: Edith Heal

Pages: 626

Overall Rating: 4/5

Cover: 5/5

Characters: 5/5

Plot: 4/5

The only reason why I have not given this book a 5/5 in everything was because of it's involvement with the Holy Virgin, which I did not exactly appreciate, but if that was not in it I would without even thinking given it a 6/5. I liked it immensely and thought it was wonderful. The characters were amazing in every way. I was totally in love with the way Ms. Heal depicted Robin Hood. I have heard a lot of different versions of Robin Hood, and I have never so far found one that I have liked as much. I also liked all of his Merry Men. They were all lovable and loyal to the fullest extent. All in all I thought it all amazingly well done. I DEA PLY recommend this book to all lovers of adventure, that have a bit of wit and humor. I loved it...

Plot:

England is divided. The King is gone. And to top that all of the kings dim witted brother is trying to take over why he is away. Who could but help the nation at such a distressing time? None other than a seemingly lowly Saxon, by the name of Robin Hood. How is he going to help? By his wit and humorous Jokes on Rich and unsuspecting Normans. He steals from the rich and gives to the poor. All the while trying to help to unite England. In his quest there is to be found much laughter and yet sadness. Will he succeed in his quest?

Bloody Jack

Rating: 5/5

This book really surprised me. I was very impressed and happy with how much I liked it.  It was a great book and I highly recommend it! I can't wait to read the sequel and such. It is a definite must read!

Lain

A Time for Dancing

By: Wills Hurwin

Pages:257

This book was a definite cry-your-eyes-out book. It was REALLY sad, and VERY realistic. It had some not so good words in it, but was still very good. It is a book I think most best friends should read, because we some times take these things for granted, friends, good health, the ability to choose things for ones self. All in all I really liked it. Not one of my favorites, but still very good. It really shows how valuable life is. 

Plot: 

To make it short and sweet, it is about the best of friends. They do everything together, and have been doing so since they were nine. Everything is going great, until one of them gets sick, very sick. 

CAUTION: Do not read if you do not like crying books! (I still recommend it though, and I am not a big crying book fan.)

Lain~

Double Identity

Story: 3/5

Charitors: 2/5

Over all: 2.5/5

This book was a very quick read,

and took me about 2 days. It was

about a 12 year old girl named

Bethany who has always got what

she has wanted. If she asked her

parents for something, of coarse s

he would get it. Her parents were

lways around. When she was invited

to sleep overs, they would always come

up with a reason why shecould not go.

So why, a few weeks before her 13th birthday,

does her parents drop her off at

her Aunt's house, who she has never

even herd of? And why has her

mom been crying so much lately?

I thought it was a decent book, but defiantly

not my favorite. It was crossed between

sifi and present day. I would not recomend

this book if you have ANYOTHER books you

were thinking of reading, but if you have NOTHING

to read, than go ahead and read it, because it is not

THAT bad.

Lain