Friday, September 25, 2009

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?

Sunday, September 20, 2009

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....

Sunday, September 6, 2009

Palace of Mirrors


Title: Palace of Mirrors
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.

Thursday, September 3, 2009

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.