Ender's Game by: Orson Scott Card

This older sci-fi story swept me off my feet. It tells the story of young Andrew (nicknamed Ender) Wiggin. He is taken off to battle school where he is trained to become a soldier so he can fight against buggers, aliens who keep attacking Earth. The story is incredible as it tells of Ender's struggles and how the commanders of battle school use psychotic mind tricks to make Ender a perfect soldier. I would rate this as 5 out of 5 stars.

Gifts by: Ursula K. Le Guin

This story, although you would most likely find this book in the fantasy section of your public library, is written like a realistic fiction. The story follows the characters Gry and Orrec who both find different ways of coping with their gifts, or a abnormal superpower. Gry, with the power of calling animals, doesn't want to use the gift to call animals to their deaths while hunting and Orrec fears his power of "unmaking" and where's a blindfold voluntarily. This story of fear and struggle is an excellent fantasy/sci-fi novel that I would rate 3.5 out of 5 stars.

Midnighters: Blue Noon by: Scott Westerfeld

The third and final book in the Midnighters series. This book concludes the series nicely by having a frantic and magical battle. Blue time is falling apart at the seems and the midnighters must join together to save the world from disaster. An amazing read.
I would rate this 5 out of 5 stars for its interesting twists and the way it completes the series in a full circle.

Midnighters: Touching Darkness by: Scott Westerfeld

An amazing science fiction story that follows the lives of the five midnighters explained in the first book. The hunt for Jessica Day is back on after they defeated the darklings in the previous book. This time, a strange mystery has taken place when Jonathan and Jessica learn that she has a human stalker. The race is on in a fast-paced, interesting plot.
I would rate this book 4 out of 5 stars, definitely a book for a sci-fi lover.

Tuesdays with Morrie by: Mitch Albom

One late night, I stumbled across this late night read. I was tired but was instantly awakened when I read this book. This follows the story of Mitch Albom and his old college professor who is dying from ALS. In this touching story, you learn about Morrie, a optimistic old man who faces death with a smile, and Mitch, a tnce great man whose life has fallen off track. In his final weeks Mitch joins Morrie in one final class, a class talking about the meaning of life, held between only Morrie and Mitch.
A great read! I would definitely rate this 5 out of 5 stars!!! A book for all readers, no matter the genre. A story that will touch your heart deeply in many ways...
(HINT: I cried!!!!)

Feathers by: Jacqueline Woodson

I read this book for my school's book club since we were reading books that won the Newberry Medal. I thought that is was pretty good with some confusing concepts. This is probably because most of the book is about religon but I don't know much about religon. It centers around a girl who is black and goes to an all black school in the 1970s. One day, a white boy is new in class. He claims that he is Jesus. The story revolves around the girl and how her thoughts and beliefs change when "Jesus" arrives.

I do not really care for this book but I would vote it for 3 out of 5 stars. People who like stories about religon and life would enjoy this book.

Kira-Kira by: Cynthia Kadohata

Honestly, I had low expectations for this book once I started it. Although everyone said that it was awesome and it won the Newberry Medal in 2005. I read it though for book club since I had read the other option, The Graveyard Book by: Neil Gaiman. Of course, Kira-Kira is a realistic fiction like most Newberry Medal winners and, as you can tell from my blog, I favor the unrealistic. I have got to admit, it deserves the Newberry Medal. This compelling novel truly isn't a plot-driven story but an emotion-driven story; it just follows the life of a Japanese-American family living in Georgia in the 1950s. You quickly become accustom to their different life-style.

I would DEFINITELY rate this book 5 out of 5 stars.
(I admit I cried at the end...)

Midnighters: The Secret Hour by: Scott Westerfeld

The mood is eerie as you learn the secrets of midnight in Midnighters: The Secret Hour. In the small town of Bixby, Oklahoma, time freezes at midnight for exactly one hour... except for four kids who are free to roam around the secret hour. Dark creatures stalk them from the corner but, strangely, never attack. Everything is going smoothly. Then Jessica Day moves to town. Everything is about to get bumpy.

A great start to an creepy and interesting series. I think it deserves 4 out of 5 stars. This book has "creepy" all over it...

Unwind by: Neil Shusterman

Unwind is a fast paced, futuristic, thriller about three kids running from being unwound, a frightening process in which you are harvested for your organs. Connor is a trouble maker, so bad that his parents don't want him. Risa is a ward of the state that isn't talented enough to be kept alive. Lev is a tithe, a child raised to be unwound. Their three destinies quickly entwine and the adventure begins.

Unwind is an amazing story of hope, bravery and love that I would give 5 out of 5 stars. I highly reccomend it, especially to fans of sci-fi.

Why I stopped reading the Artemis Fowl series

If you have been reading my blog, you would've have realized that I only read the first 3 Artemis Fowl books. I was reading the fourth and was about halfway through it when I realized that the plots were vaguely familiar. In each book, Artemis Fowl is faced with some impossible task that he always overcomes. In my case, I found the predictability quite drab so I decided "Why waste the time?" I know it is a very good series but it is just not my style although it is for many other people.

The Eternity Code by: Eoin Colfer

Series-- Artemis Fowl series #3

Rating-- 4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--Great story and more action.

Summary-- In this story, Artemis Fowl almost comprimises the fairy world when he has a part fairy and part human invention stolen from his grasp. He must once again team up with LEP to stop the two worlds from clashing.

The Arctic Incident by: Eoin Colfer

Series--Artemis Fowl #2

Rating--4 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--The story line is good but not too much conflict. They solve the problem too easily.

Summary--In this stunning sequel, the LEP and Artemis Fowl needs each other's help. The LEP is stunned the the goblins getting human technology while Artemis learns that his father is being held by the Russian Mafia.

Artemis Fowl by: Eoin Colfer

Series--Artemis Fowl series #1

Rating--4 stars out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--Great story line and fun twists and turns.

Summary--12 year old crime lord Artemis Fowl tries to restore his family name by capturing a fairy. Things go crazy when the fairy recon unit, LEPrecon, gets involved but will this genius kid be able to outsmart the fairies and get what he wants.

Catching Fire by: Suzanne Collins

Series--The Hunger Games #2

Rating--5 stars out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A great book that keeps the twists coming.

Summary--After winning the Hunger Games, Katniss and Peeta are on their victory tour and they learn that an uprising is growing because of their act of love in the Hunger Games which the districts think as defiance. Katniss and Peeta desperately try to stop the rebellions from growing but are they too late?

Watch the Skies by: James Patterson

Series--The Dangerous Days of Daniel X #2

Rating--4 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A fun book to read and interesting too.

Summary--Daniel X, teenage alien hunter, is going to fight off another alien. But will this electricity controlling alien be too much for Daniel to handle?

Breaking Dawn by: Stephenie Meyer

Series--Twilight Saga #4

Rating--4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--Best in series with the perfect balance between myth, action and love.

Summary--The final book in the saga is divided into three incredible parts: book one is from Bella's view on her honeymoon with Edward and she definitely gets a surprise; book two is from Jacob's view while Bella struggles and his life trembles until it is redefined; book three is once again from Bella's view and tells of her new life and a building war with the Volturi, a council of vampires who enforce the law.

Eclipse by: Stephenie Meyer

Series--The Twilight Saga #3

Rating--4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--This is the most balanced between romance and action and helps tie up loose ends.

Summary--After Edwards return, Bella begins to dawn on a decision: between Edward and Jacob, vampire and werewolf. Her life takes a turn for the worst when Seattle seems to be suffering from a rampage from an army of newborn vampires.

New Moon by: Stephenie Meyer

Series--Twilight Saga #2

Rating--4 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--Less romance and more monsters. More action keeps you on your toes.

Summary--After Edward leaves, Bella becomes better friends with Jacob Black who turns into a werewolf. Tension grows when Victoria returns and is watching Bella.

Twilight by: Stephenie Meyer

Series--Twilight Saga #1

Rating--3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--Romance fittingly sides with vampire action in this love story. (Has a great ending.)

Summary--When Isabella Swan moves to Forks, Washington, she meets Edward Cullen. Over a few weeks, she learns: one, that Edward's a vampire two, that she loves Edward and three, that Edward thirsted for her blood.

Troll Blood by: Katherine Langrish

Series--Troll series #3

Rating--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A satisfying, exciting (yet peaceful) ending to the series.

Summary--When a band of Vikings visit Peer and Hilde's town, they decide to go with. But on thier journeys to new lands, secrets unravel and things are not what they used to seem. Will Peer and Hilde ever return home?

Troll Mill by: Katherine Langrish

Series--Troll series #2

Rating--4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A great follow-up. Even funner than the first.

Summary--One day, Bjorn's wife, Kersten, rushes by and pushes her baby into Peer's arms before jumping into the sea. When Peer heads home with the baby he sees his uncle's old mill working again. What's going on with the mill and what happened to Kersten?

Troll Fell by: Katherine Langrish

Series--Troll series #1

Rating--4 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--The great climax and the realistic character make this a great beginning to the series.

Summary--When Peer's father dies he has to live with his evil uncles. When he discovers their evil plan to sell children to the trolls he must find a way to stop them before its too late.

Gregor and the Code of Claw by: Suzanne Collins

Series--The Underland Chronicles #5

Ratings--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--The best in the series.

Summary--In this book, Gregor and the Underlanders are faced with a cipher in order for humanity will die. The war in the Underland has begun.

Gregor and the Marks of Secret by: Suzanne Collins

Series--The Underland Chronicles #4

Rating--4 1/2 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A great mystery plot and a great follow-up.

Summary--While Gregor's mom recovers, the Bane runs away. Meanwhile, when Luxa, Gregor, Hazard and some others go to a mice colony to find it deserted, strange marks are found. These marks are found at many colonies and suspicions begin to rise. What's happening to the mice?

Gregor and the Curse of the Warmbloods by: Suzanne Collins

Series--The Underland Chronicles #3

Ratings--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--By far, its the most original story of all five books.

Summary--When a plague infests the Underland and Gregor's mom, Gregor sets out on a quest to find the cure. But if he can't find it fast enough, his mom will die along with all the Underland.

Gregor and the Prophecy of the Bane by: Suzanne Collins

Series--The Underland Chronicles #2

Ratings--4 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--This book makes a big impression on the series plot.

Summary--When the Underland kidnaps Boots to get Gregor back, he becomes part of a treacherous quest to find a white rat called the Bane. If he does not fulfill this prophecy, his life and the Underland will ever been the same.

Gregor the Overlander by: Suzanne Collins

Series--The Underland Chronicles #1

Rating--4 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A great series starter.

Summary--Gregor goes after his sister through the air vent and winds up in a crazy new world. The peace there is falling apart but Gregor can't leave since (according to a prophecy) has a monumental part in the Underland.

Wings by: Jason Lethcoe

Series--The Mysterious Mr. Spines # 1

Rating--4 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--Although quick and interesting, little action happens.

Summary--Edward has an itch he can't scratch and he thinks he can move objects with his mind. One day, he grows wings and a teacher tries to cut his wings off. Edward then is introduced to the world of Gaurdians and another realm. The story tells of his discoveries.

Sequels--Jason Lethcoe has already planned two more books. Next in the series is Flight. The next book is Song.

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X by: James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge

Series--The Dangerous Days of Daniel X #1

Rating--4 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A great book but its not your everyday read. You have to be in the mood to read alien fiction.

Summary--Daniel X is an alien hunter with incredible abilties and he's hunting down all the outlaw aliens on Earth. Now he's going after number 6. He'll have to use all his stregnth to beat him.

The Book Without Words by: Avi

Series--This book is not part of a series.

Ratings--3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--An intricate, surprising and magical plot.

Summary--In a small ancient town, an alchemist named Thorston lives trying to unravel the secrets of immortality. On the brink of immortality, he dies leaving his assistant Odo (a raven who can talk) and a slave girl Sybil without money. They must find the secrets to making gold and it all has to do with the book without words.

Beastly by: Alex Flinn

Series--This book is not part of a series.





Rating--4 out of 5 stars






Comments on my rating--A modern day Beauty and the Beast that makes you believe the characters.





Summary--When rich and popular (and he's a jerk) Kyle gets transformed into a beast, he has only two years to find true love. He doesn't thinks it's possible though. But if he doesn't find true love, he'll be a beast forever.

Movie--A movie featuring Mary-Kate Olson, Vannessa Hudgens, and Alex Pettyfer will be released to theatres on July 30, 2010.

The Beasties by: William Sleator

Series--This book is not part of a series.

Rating--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--Gleefully horror-filled.

Summary--When Doug and his family moves to the middle of the forest, he and his sister Colette stumble across a trapdoor in their backyard. But only dangers await them when they go down.

Savvy by: Ingrid Law

Series--(I don't know the official name) Savvy #1

Rating--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--Charming and funny to read.

Summary--The Beaumont family always get there "Savvy' on their 13th birthday. Mibs is about to turn 13 and when her Papa is in a terrible accident, she wishes for a savvy to save him. On her 13th birthday, she decides to try to set out to get to him.

Sequel--I heard that she's writing a sequel but I'm not sure.

Harry Houdini:Young Magician by: Kathryn Kilby Borland

Series--Childhood of Famous Americans

Rating--3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A story-like biography that is enjoyable to read.

Summary--This book tells the life-story of Harry Houdini, a famous magician who lived through many struggles but never gave up on his life long dream of being a magician.

Boy: Tales of Childhood by: Roald Dahl

Series--This book is not part of a series.

Rating--4 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--Funny and by far my favorite autobiography.

Summary--The story tells lots of small tales of wacky and crazy parts of Roald Dahl's childhood.

RuneWarriors by: James Jennewen and Tom Parker

Series--RuneWarriors Trilogy #1

Ratings--3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A good plot and a funny read.

*SUGGESTION*

If I would of written that book, I would've written in more details and would've included more dialogue.

Summary--When Dane's village is looted and the love of his life is kidnapped (along with the village shield) he and a crew of men set off to retrieve them in a mythological Viking past.

SEQUEL

"RuneWarriors: Sword of Doom" is being released on December 29, 2009.

The Hunger Games Trilogy

In my opinion, this rocking trilogy is off to a great start. There is tons of action and is by one of my favorite authors--Suzanne Collins--and is one of my favorite genres--science fiction. Luckily, the sequel to "The Hunger Games"--which has decided to be called "Catching Fire"--will be released on September 1, 2009. *Spoiler Alert (for "The Hunger Games")* From what I can tell, the book seems to resolve around the Capitol's anger for Peeta and Katniss tying at the end of "The Hunger Games."

Lions Gate picked up rights for the film but not much progress has been made.

The Hunger Games by: Suzanne Collins

Series--The Hunger Games Trilogy #1

Rating--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--This story is nothing if not action-packed.

Summary--Katniss is a teenage girl living with her family in the poorest district of Panem, in the remains of what used be the United States. Long ago the districts waged war on the Capitol and were defeated. As part of the surrender terms, each district agreed to send 1 boy and 1 girl to appear in an annual (and televised) event called, "The Hunger Games." The terrain, rules, and level of audience participation may change but 1 thing remains the same: kill or be killed. When Kat's sister is chosen by the lottery-like choosing, Kat goes in her place.

The Gemini Game by: Michael Scott

Series--This book is not part of a series.

Rating--3 1/2 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--An interesting glimpse at an action packed future.

Summary--In the future, Liz and BJ are twin gamemakers (and millionaires). But suddenly their game Night's Castle has been infected by a virus causing trouble with the police. They must set out into the city and re-enter the VR world of Night's Castle to find the virus before it's too late.

What's Planned for the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel series

Irish author Michael Scott has already released that he is planning "The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel" to be a six book series. The first three have been already released. Three more are planned to be. In 2010, (although an exact date hasn't been released) the fourth book called "The Necromancer" will be released. In 2011, the fifth book called "The Warlock" will be released. In 2012, the sixth book called "The Enchantress" will be released.

As for a movie, rights for "The Alchemyst" movie have been sold to New Line Cinema and Mark Burnett Productions. The script will be written by Eric Bress and will be produced by Mark Burnett.

The Sorceress by Michael Scott

Series--The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

Rating--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--If possible even better than the first.

Summary--In this book, Nicholas Flamel tries to get Gilgamesh the King to teach the twins water magic. Dr. John Dee is hot on pursuit wreaking havoc by awakening old allies and making new ones. Meanwhile, Perenelle Flamel tries to escape Alcatraz.

The Magician by: Michael Scott

Series--The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel

Rating--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--Even better than the first.

Summary--Sophie and Josh Newman, Nicholas Flamel, and Scathach have fleed to Paris in hopes of teaching Sophie fire magic and getting Josh awakened. But danger awaits them: Dr. John Dee is coming and Niccolo Machiavelli is prepared. But not only will they kill Scathach and Nicholas Flamel, they'll take the twins and the rest of the Codex to help the Dark Elders retake the world.

The Alchemyst by Michael Scott

Series--The Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flammel

Rating--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--An excellent tale of myth and fantasy.

Summary--One day when a strange man came to the bookshop where Josh Newman works, he and his twin sister Sophie get sucked into a world of magic and mayhem. They meet many mythological creatures and people and learn that they play an important roll in saving the world from a race of entities named the Dark Elders.

Upcoming in the Maximum Ride Series

In one of my favorite series, two incredible things are going on.

First of all, a new book called Fang: A Maximum Ride Novel. It is a follow-up (just like all the other books) to the previous book called Max: A Maximum Ride Novel. As from what I can figure, the story line seems to revolve around a trip to Africa where the flock catches the eye of another billionaire. Also, to prophecies come--one about the sky falling, and secondly Fang will be the first to die. The book will be released on March 15, 2010. Learn more at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fang:_A_Maximum_Ride_Novel.

Second of all, a movie for the series has been picked up by Catherine Hardwicke known for directing the movie "Twilight." The movie is planned to be released in 2010 sometime but it doesn't seem to likely since they're still casting. Learn more at http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0825283/.

Max by James Patterson

Series--Maximum Ride: A Maximum Ride Novel #1

Rating--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A quick read that keeps you on edge.

Summary--Millions of fish are dying and something is destroying ships. That's when the goverment unlists Maximum Ride and the flock to get to the bottom of this mess. Meanwhile, a criminal mastermind is tracking their every move. The action rises when Max's mom is kidnapped and is being held in an underground submarine. The tension rises as Max realizes she has feelings for Fang.

The Final Warning by James Patterson

Series--Maximum Ride: Protecters #1

Ratings--3 out of 5 stars

Comments on the rating--Slow to rise but strong till the end.

Summary--When Maximum Ride and the flock join a group of enviromentalists, they found an outlet to solve global warming. But subhuman billionaires keep getting in her way. Worse than that is she keeps being underestimated.

Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports by: James Patterson

Series--Maximum Ride: Fugitives #3

Ratings--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A strong fast-paced end.

Summary--In the third book, Maximum Ride must save the world from the evil company Itex and the Director. Itex is destroying all recobinant DNA life-forms and the Erasers were the first to go. Issues rise as Maximum Ride asks Ari, an Eraser who repeatededly tried to kill her, to join the flock causing the original flock to break apart. But will they rejoin before it's too late?

School's Out--Forever by: James Patterson

Series--Maximum Ride: Fugitives #2

Ratings--4 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--The twists will keep you gasping.

Summary--This book begins where the first book ended. Maximum Ride and her flock are still on the run from erasers after freeing other experiments. Maximum Ride and the flock finds a place to stay but they still don't know who to trust. Along with searching for there parents from jumbled information they have, they must always stay on their toes.

The Angel Experiment by: James Patterson

Series--Maximum Ride: The Fugitives #1


Rating--4 out of 5 stars


Comments on my rating--A true page turner.


Summary--Maximum Ride is not your average teenager. She was part of an experiment that caused her to be part bird. But she's not alone. She has five other bird-kids on her side. But when sweet innocent Angel, the youngest of the pack, is kidnapped by mutant wolf-people called Erasers, they must leave there secret mountain home to go to the horrible place where they were mutated. They must return to the School.

The Last Olympian by: Rick Riordan

Series--Percy Jackson and the Olympians #5

Rating--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--Exciting the whole way through with a cliff-hanger ending.

Summary--The demigods are prepared for war but Kronos's army is stronger than ever. While the Olympians hold the monster Typhon, Kronos approaches New York City where Mount Olympus stands unguarded. It's now up to Percy Jackson and an army of young demigods to protect the fate of the world.

The Battle of the Labyrinth by: Rick Rioran

Series--Percy Jackson and the Olympians #4

Rating--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A great story with an ending that leaves you hanging.

Summary--The war between Olympians and the Titans grows near. And as Camp Half-Blood becomes more vulnerable, Kronos's army prepares to invade its boundaries. As time runs out, Percy and his friends must enter the deadly Labyrinth--sprawling, trap-filled tunnels beneath the world. But will they come out?

The Titan's Curse by: Rick Riordan

Series--Percy Jackson and the Olympians #3

Rating--4 1/2 stars out of 5

Comments on my rating--A powerful book in the series.

Summary--When Grover discovers two new and powerful demigods, Annabeth, Percy, and Thailia race to his aid. They learn that the Titan lord, Kronos has set up a trap and they've fallen prey. This story is by far Percy's most dangerous challenge yet.

The Sea of Monsters by: Rick Riordan

Series--Percy Jackson and the Olympians #2

Ratings--4 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--A great follow-up.

Summary--The magical border that protects Camp Half-Blood has been poisoned. Unless a cure is found, the safety of demigods will be ruined. Percy finds out another new secret about his family that makes him rethink being Poseidon's son.

The Lightning Thief by: Rick Riordan

Series--Percy Jackson and the Olympians #1

Rating--5 out of 5 stars

Comments on my rating--An excellent start to an excellent series.

Summary--Mythical monsters and gods from Mount Olympus are beginning to follow seemingly average teenager Percy Jackson around. Percy gets sucked into a new perspective of our world when he finds that Greek gods (along with Greek monsters) exist. Worst of all, Zeus's master lightning bolt has been stolen and Percy's to blame. Percy and his newfound friends must find Zeus's lightning bolt within ten days to bring peace to Mount Olympus.