-
The Merchant of Death (Pendragon #1) by D.J. MacHale
I find it only fitting that my return to book reviewing begins with the series that started it all. About ten years ago, in the midst of my early teendom, I stumbled upon this little gem of a novel by D.J. MacHale. The Merchant of Death became the catalyst for my interest in YA fiction and kindled…
-
Rivers of Fire (Atherton #2) by Patrick Carman
Rivers of Fire is the second installment of the Atherton Trilogy, and a truly gripping continuation of the events witnessed in the first book. Patrick Carman is an excellent storyteller, and his prowess has never fallen short—least of all now. If you are new to the series, or new to any of Carman’s work for…
-
The House of Power (Atherton #1) by Patrick Carman
The House of Power is the first installment of the Atherton trilogy; written and imagineered by Patrick Carman. This first installment details the many dangerous and revolutionary events on the mysterious land of Atherton. The plot itself is fairly simple and decent, being a fantasy written with an adolescent audience in mind. A likable protagonist…
-
The Eye of the World (The Wheel of Time #1) by Robert Jordan
The Eye of the World has proven to be an in-depth, well thought, and breathtaking read. Robert Jordan has imagined a truly vivid world, where events seems to fly by at breakneck speed. Something about this book, maybe its tangibility, or the soul encased in its writing, will keep readers enthralled. As mentioned, this fantasy’s…
-
Ptolemy’s Gate (Bartimaeus Trilogy #3) by Jonathan Stroud
The last book in a series always manages to woo me a bit. I may just be a sucker for profound endings, but I don’t know. Ptolemy’s Gate sure had this same effect on me. I found myself reading wantonly, like I used to do when I was little. The words flew by my eyes…
-
The Golem’s Eye (Bartimaeus Trilogy #2) by Jonathan Stroud
The Golem’s Eye is a fantastic sequel to its predecessor; The Amulet of Samarkand. It could very well comprise the heart of the Bartimaeus Trilogy. The fast-paced turn of events invokes the childhood glee I used to experience during all my reading endeavors. I enjoyed the return the protagonist—the sharp-tongued djinni that everyone should now…
-
The Amulet of Samarkand (Bartimaeus Trilogy #1) by Jonathan Stroud
The Amulet of Samarkand is a quick, witty, and fast-paced fantasy. It is the first of the Bartimaeus trilogy, and in my opinion quite an eye-opener. I enjoyed this novel greatly, the wide palette of characters was quite striking. I particular enjoyed the thoughts of the lead character, a sarcastic and often narcissistic djinni. They…
-
Inheritance (Inheritance Cycle #4) by Christopher Paolini
Reading the Inheritance Cycle has been a journey like no other. Truly a phenomenal and capturing series, it has forever established a spot in my heart. I will never lose the memories of thoughts I garnered from my first time reading it. Inheritance, the final chapter of the series, was a bittersweet conclusion. Truly one…
-
Stargazer (The Land of Elyon #4) by Patrick Carman
Stargazer is the fourth and final installment of The Land of Elyon series. It concludes the story of Alexa Daley as she struggles to triumph over the forces of evil while finding her true destiny. There are particular reasons why this novel should be commended as an excellent read. It combines unique and strong characters…
-
Into the Mist (Land of Elyon) by Patrick Carman
Into the Mist by Patrick Carman Publisher: Scholastic PressRelease Date: 2007Synopsis Source: Back of the book Rating:Characters- 20/20Plot- 20/20Writing- 20/20Originality- 19/20Recommendation- 20/20Overall- 99/100 or A+ Synopsis- Before the walls went up. . . before the battle between Abaddon and Elyon. . . before Alexa Daley was born. . . there were two young brothers, Thomaas…
-
The Tenth City (Land of Elyon #3) by Patrick Carman
The Tenth City by Patrick Carman Publisher: Scholastic PressRelease Date: 2006Synopsis Source: Amazon Rating:Characters- 19/20Plot- 19/20Originality- 19/20Writing- 20/20Recommendation- 20/20Overall- 97/100 or A Synopsis: This is it; the final battle. On one side is the evil Victor Grindall and his horrific leader, the imprisoned Abaddon. On the other side is a girl named Alexa, who holds…
-
Beyond the Valley of Thorns (Land of Elyon #2) by Patrick Carman
Beyond the Valley of Thorns by Patrick Carman Publisher: Scholastic PressRelease Date: 2005Synopsis Source: Amazon Rating:Characters- 18/20Plot- 20/20Originality- 19/20Writing- 19/20Recommendation- 19/20Overall- 95/100 or A Synopsis: The second dazzling installment in Patrick Carman’s masterful Land of Elyon trilogy Alexa thought her troubles were over when she defeated the man who had threatened to bring down Bridewell…
