R Books

Lifeguards in this book are never safe. This book is about a lifeguard club with teenagers who come every summer to the club house.One by one teenagers start to die.This one teenager,who thinks she's Lindsay,keeps finding her friends dead in parts of the club house.
I recommend this book to people of all ages who like stories.I think this book is to pruve to people that being a lifeguard is very hard.This book will wrap you in and never let you go.R.L. Stine has very good ideas for scary stories.His books are all different and interesting.

This Is one of my favorites i have a lot of favorites right now i am reading lights out and so far so good.

This Book is about lindsay who was a past life guard that shows up with a 2 year old i.d. card for lifguarding and cant remember why she has it instead of her new one, then mysteryious murders start to accurr and to life guards die. Some of the other charecters are danny cassie arnie may-ann spencer and another person whos name i cant remember. It is suspenceful and a very good fear street book!

this is one of the most suspenceful books I have ever read. I read the book all at once! this book is about lifegaurds who do work at a so called "haunted resort". one by one the lifgaurds start to die horrible deaths. one of the lifgaurs wants revenge on all the rest.the main character in this book is probably lindsay everthimg happens to her. there is also mouse he is the killer. mouse is the nickname of the killer lifgaurd.

The dead lifeguard is about a group of teens that sign up to be lifeguards for the summer. Everything is going fine at first until lifeguards start being killed.......


I read this book so many times because I liked it so much I bet you or your kid will to if you are into horror/spense books. R.L Stine did a great job.

I enjoyed reading the dead lifeguard. This is a very captivating book. It's alot like the normal horrors that you would see on television but it has a twist to it. I would recommed this book to people who like a good story of suspense and horror.
The Dead Lifeguard is about a group of strangers who spend the summer together lifeguarding at shady acres country club. One by one lifeguards disappear and no one can explain what's going on; but someone who knows is out to get revenge on the lifeguards... read the the book and find out what happens.

I remember the Berenstain bears fondly from my childhood. The books are entertaining with nice illustrations, bright colors and the always interesting...talking bears. They introduce life lessons without being overly preachy about. Our two year-old remembers the lessons and we use them regularly to remind him when he slips up. He is just figuring out how to lie ("mommy didn't give me vitamin yet"). He understands when we compare what he says to the book he knows so well. We've got a bunch of these books and we plan to get all of them!

This and all the Berenstain Bears books are excellent teaching tools for preschoolers. My four year old granddaughter asks for them to be read over and over.

The Berenstainbears has long been one of my favorite books to read to my children because they love it, and because it teaches them lessons about things they will actually deal with in real life. Also, very cute and lovable, the Berenstainbears is a great series for your child to read.

This was a great book. Sometimes you can tell your children something many times, and a book or children's show can suddenly make it click for them. Lots of good lessons here-- always tell the truth, lying breaks the trust between people, and lying makes things complicated and leads to more lies, i.e. When Brother & Sister are asked what happened for the second time, they can't exactly remember how the story went the first time they told it! Stan Berenstain had a wonderful talent for making a life lesson entertaining.

"It was a lazy sort of day in Bear Country. The air was sto still that the leaves on the big tree house where the Bear family lived were hardly rustling. Except in the beehive, where the bees were always busy, nothing much seemed to be happening. It was the sort of day that sometimes leads to mischief." -- From the book

Papa Bear was in his shop working on some furniture while Mama Bear was out shopping. Bored, Brother and Sister Bear debated what to do next. Should they go pick blackberries? Or maybe twist each other up on the swing to see who gets the dizziest?

Brother Bear clutched his soccer ball, and doesn't seem to want to do anything--and Sister Bear becomes irritated and impatient. "My goodness!...I think you must be in love with that soccer ball!"

Brother issues a challenge to Sister "I bet I can dribble this ball past you!" Then the siblings began to violate one of the house rules: don't play ball in the house!

Well, Mama's favorite vase gets broken--and she arrives shortly afterwards. Instead of owning up to the deed, Brother and Sister cook up a whopper of a lie. When the go to re-tell it to Papa, they didn't have their story straight, either.

Mama expresses her sadness...not so much that her favorite lamp is broken (although this is true, too), but because her cubs may not be telling the truth. The siblings quickly tell her the truth--and are surprised to her tell Gran on the phone that everything was fine in the tree house.

Confused, the cubs ask Mama about what appears to be a lie. Mama replies that "We've got two fine cubs who have just learned a very important lesson about telling the truth. And what could be finer than that?"

The Berenstain Bears and The Truth is one of the best books by authors Jand and Jan Berenstain. Absent of moralizing and harsh scolding (which sometimes crops up in the Berenstain Bear books), this wonderful tale shows children that there is consequences to lying--the most important being broken trust. This book also teaches forgiveness (if rather indirectly), as well as thinking about consequences BEFORE acting.

In short, an EXCELLENT book for teaching children the importance of telling the truth!

The Golden Milestone uncovers the most amazing facts about Italian and Italian-American accomplishments. It is a very unique book that covers just about every subject. Great stuff and fun to read. We also used the book's "Italy Travel Guide" that is included as a supplement for our trip to Italy this year. Read this book and pass it on. It is refreshing to read the positive things instead of stereo-types that the media usually servers up about Italian-Americans. Thank you Mr. Esposito for writing this book.

This thoroughly researched, masterfully written, and fascinating book is truly an encyclopedia of accomplishments from Roman times right up to the 21st century. The book lists countless fascinating facts from Roman, Renaissance, modern Italy, and Italian Americans. It also lists 19 Nobel Prize winners. A great review of somewhat forgotten information about Italian heritage, that is assembled and at your finger tips for reference. A refreshing change from the negative stereotypes offered by shows like "The Sopranos."
Read this book and give it as a gift.

This book is a great review of significant Italian and Italian-American accomplishments since the beginning of time! It is full of information that you may already know in the back of your mind, but the book clarifies it and recognizes the individuals instrumental in the contribution. The author inserts a little of his own humorous antidotes along the way. All in all it is a very interesting book. It would be good for students of any age to learn an overall view of the subject matter. Any reader should be both amazed and entertained!

There is no way to describe the amount of in-depth research on so many interesting subjects in this book. Well written, researched and organized. I got it as a birthday gift and couldn't put it down. It's mind-boggling how anyone could have done so much in-depth research. Amazing stuff that wont disappoint any reader interested in the origins of inventions, artifacts, conventions, foods and traditions, as well as biographies of many famous entertainers and sports personalities. For me, the book's chapters on architecture and American government alone make the book worth the price. Read it and share it. Something for everyone in your family to explore and discover.

Book Description (from Amazon's Editorial Reviews section)
This highly acclaimed and uniquely comprehensive book offers readers over 2500 years of Italian and Italian-American accomplishments. The book's 22 chapters cover every subject: art, architecture, music, fashion, science, law, culinary arts, economics, medicine, automobiles, the entertainment industry, sports, and much more. The author's ability to blend facts, with some humor and personal anecdotes makes this book a joy to read. The book covers the wonders of ancient Rome, Renaissance Italy, as well as modern contributions and Nobel Prize winners. The book is illustrated and contains an astonishing collection of inventions and accomplishments. For example, Italians invented the piano, violin, opera, ballet, battery, telescope, radio, and telephone in NYC years before Alexander Bell. Discover how Enrico Fermi ushered in the atomic age, and how Italian sculptors carved the Lincoln memorial in Washington D.C. Explore the chapter on Literature to uncover the origins of many famous fairy tales (Cinderella, Snow White, Pinocchio, etc.). In the chapter on American Government, the author quotes John F. Kennedy who wrote in his book, "A Nation of Immigrants" that the great American principle, "all men are created equal," originated with an Italian physician, Philip Maezzi, who was a personal friend and neighbor of Thomas Jefferson. Also, learn about many other distinguished personalities: NYC Mayors, the former Chairman & CEO of the New York Stock Exchange, the President of the European Union, and the Director of the European Space Agency. The Golden Milestone has thousands of notable entries and fascinating facts. Critics agree. It is a must for anyone's library.

This book also includes a unique `Italy Travel Guide' supplement that combines history and attractions for over twenty cities and locations in Italy. A great virtual tour!

Superbly researched, detailed, and precise. In 22 chapters the author proves his points. He sometimes got overly preachy, but with all the negative stereotyping of Italian-Americans by many in Hollywood and the media I can sympathize. It is one of the most organized books I've ever had the pleasure of reading. From the Roman Republic to the present, Italian contributions to Civilization are described. It also contains a unique travel supplement and some funny personal stories. Anyone who is a history buff should read it, every possible field is covered.

This award winning book presents practical, workable, life changing, concepts. These principles apply to parents who are teaching their children. They are relevant for the young person in high school or college. And for the adult on the threshold of a new stage of life: starting a family, a career move, or in retirement years. Whatever your age you will find the book applicable to your situation.

Parrish reveals secrets to success in the area of relationships, goal setting, and values. He then goes on to offer suggestions for a time line of adult life. He gives specific applications for marriage, family, others, finances, and healthy living. It is a book about making the best choices when wrestling with life's most important decisions.

Parrish quotes from the classic motivational authors. Among his favorites are Og Mandino, Napoleon Hill, Miguel Ruiz, Eckert Tolle, and James Allen. I especially enjoyed his "Lesson in a Nutshell" and "A Few Profound Thoughts" sections.

This is a book that you will want to read, reread, and internalize, and then take intelligent action steps into a successful future.

This book is easy to read, has great principals to guide anyone looking to learn some of life's most important lessons from a truly wonderful, successful and generous man. As a person who loves to read and learn from self help and self improvement books, I rate this one a 10.

I am not sure what planet the previous reviewer is from, (Planet Jealousy perhaps?) my guess is he has a personal issue. I suggest he give the book to someone who will appreciate it, which shouldn't be hard. My feeling is that it makes a great gift for someone getting started in life, so that they can take advantage of its lessons.

Read the rest of the reviews to see what everyone else feels about this book.

Here is another excellent life guide book you may enjoy!

Life's Greatest Lesson: 20 Things That Matter by Hal Urban
www.halurban.com

This is an Owner's Manual for a Happy and Successful Life!!!,

Its timeless message on character education should be read by every child, parent and teacher. It is sure to become a classic.

I have given away at least five copies to family and friends!

It was awarded Best Inspirational Book of the Year 2000 by Writer's Digest Magazine.

I have donated a few select books that have been added to my local Public Library. This is by far the best inspirational and motivational book I have read so far. It contains the wisdom of the ages and essential life truths.

A few of the books I have donated are: HOW TO SUCCEED IN LIFE: Ideas and Principles They Don't Teach in School by Ned Grossman, MASTER SUCCESS: Create a Life of Purpose, Passion, Peace and Prosperity by Bill FitzPatrick, a local author from Natick, MA, FREEDOM FROM FEAR: Learn How to Live Life to the Fullest by Mark Matteson, The story of one man's discovery of simple truths that lead to wealth, joy and peace of mind, and I DARE YOU By William H. Danforth.

I highly recommend Life's Greatest Lessons, as it teaches the wisdom of the ages. This book is so wonderful, that after I finished it, I went back and re-read it again. Periodically, I will reread certain chapters again. I am very select in what I choose to donate to the library. I am donating it to the library so it can benefit the most people possible. This book on character education is a topic not normally taught in schools. It is an "owner's manual for a happy and successful life." It describes in a simple easy to understand manner, common-sense life skills that can be applied immediately to enhance and enrich anyone's life.

Are you people serious? I'm reading the other reviews for this book in disbelief! This book is the equivalent of taking a dictionary of quotations, typing it up with some working in between. Seriously, it would be much faster to read the dictionary.

Don't waste your time.

Ever since Mr. Parrish and his staff "adopted" a 5th grade class at Hester elementary school, my daughter Pearl, one of those 5th graders, has had a white board with a list of goals in her room. As I'd walk in and out of her room, year after year, the list would morph--checkmarks would appear, items would disappear, and interesting new items would appear. This pattern was steadfast as the tide. I was so proud when Mr. Parrish asked Pearl to speak at one of his company's morning meetings. She talked about the "Better World" theory--an idea Mr. Parrish and his staff had shared with Pearl's class. Part of the concept is that one should not blame others for their predicaments, and they should take responsibility for improving their own lives. Just this one concept alone can be life-transforming. But in "If I'd Known Then What I Know Now," Mr. Parrish shares MANY tips that can help you better your life NOW. One irony of this book may be this: it is divided into lessons for different age groups (for example, 7 to 15, 16 to 25, 26 to 40 and so on). It could be hard to get your 17 year old to sit down and read the section of the book that pertains to them, because at that age, they might think they do not need any advice. Yet if they would be open to reading and internalizing the advice, their whole future could be happier!!! I thank Mr. Parrish for sharing goal setting tips with Pearl that have enabled her to chart her life's course. Pearl is only 19, and she's already been to Paris, Amsterdam, Venice, New York, Riverside, Omaha, and had her own TV show! I used to love reading positive-thinking books when I was young, and this book reminded me of those days when all seemed possible. I realized after reading his book that all is STILL possible. Since reading Mr. Parrish's book, I got reacquainted with long lost friends, I've improved at keeping commitments (I want my word to be my "bond"), and I'm reviving some goals I set aside a long time ago. Thanks, Mr. Parrish! -- Debbie Wible (11/17/3)

Outstanding book by a true professional. MSG Howe is the real deal and an outstanding authority in his field. Would recommend this for any law enforcement or military professional.

Very good book, well structured, pleasant to read. The examples are clear, and the theories easy to apply, even if you aren't L.E. or military.

This is the best book on military leadership and training I have ever read and I have read a few on this subject. All of my team leaders are reading it now after hearing nothing but great reviews from myself. I think all NCO's in the Army, reguardless of MOS, should read this book.

Short and sweet, this is one of the three best treatments of the subject that I have ever seen.

Well thought out, well laid out and well written by someone who fully understands training for and leadership in critical situations. The core concepts are clean and easy to follow and well illustrated by the stories,examples and quotations. The book transcends combat. These principles can be applied any dynamic condition where a critical outcome must be achieved.

Well done, MSG Howe.

I really enjoyed this book. I currently serving in the US ARMY in Iraq. My only wish is that we as soldiers could implement what is talked about in this book. I am sad to say that the author is right about how our society is screwed due to pussies as is our military. Anyways, Great book deffinetely recomend it to any and all combat soldiers.

As a former Outward Bound instructor who loves adventure, I found this book riveting. As a business coach I know that learning occurs when we are on the edge, in a little less familiar place. This story supplements the narratives about Shackleton because Perkins takes the story and applies it to leadership. Hence, it becomes contemporary. I liked some of his points so much that I referenced him in my book. I strongly encourage you to read this book. Doug Gray, PCC, author of [ASIN:0975884158 Passionate Action: 5 Steps to Extraordinary Success in Life and Work]]sionate Action.

Perkins uses Shackleton's Antarctic expedition of the early 1900's to identify ten leadership strategies. These stategies have proven useful for me in both military and civilian business settings. Perkins uses real-life examples form the Shackleton expedition in Part One to identify the strategies. In Part Two he uses recent (from when the book was written) business example to demonstrate how these strategies can be applied. This is an easy read and the stories of the Shackleton expedition helped keep my focus on the people that we lead while keeping the ultimate goal in sight. The title of this book applies whether you are leading at the edge of the world, the edge of survival, or at the edge of competition.
"Fortitudine Vincimus"!

This book is a "must read" for everyone aspiring to become a leader. The different life and death situations that Shackleton and his men faced, and how they overcame the obstacles in their way, is an example for all to follow.

The book is written masterfully, allowing the reader to reflect on how different leadership techniques were applied and how to apply the techniques to the situations particular to the reader.

Outstanding Work!

A fantastic text based on an epic journey. The history of Shackleton's ill-fated expedition is a sharp contrast to the modern view which epitomizes personal liberty as the highest virtue.

This book features vignettes from an expedition faced with nearly insurmountable odds that highlight the difficult choices faced by Shackleton and his men. In the face of adversity, they managed to endure, though not without cost. Perhaps the most moving part of the narrative is knowing that, after he and a few of his men made it (barely) to the safety of a remote whaling outpost, he insisted on mounting numerous rescue attempts for his other stranded crew-mates until they were successfully extracted.

I highly recommend this book to anyone, whether or not you are involved in business management. As a father, I found many of the examples and stories inspirational, and I have shared them with my children to teach them the virtues of perseverence and the responsibilities of leadership.

The author, Dennis N. T. Perkins, shows extraordinary insight in leadership with 10 clearly stated principles. Based in strong part on Shackelton's expedition, these 10 principles are not only clearly stated, but truly make a difference. It is obvious that Perkins understands leadership. The book is easy to read, but takes plenty of mental energy. This book should be read by any manager, and should be considered a classic.

But she liked it enough that when her original book got eaten by the dog, She had me get her another.

some articles were longer than need be. The book is big,heavy, and has waxy pages. I would have perferred a lighter smaller book. This is a high quality, keep in one place type book with many tips guys can use as well.

I bought these as gifts for all the girls in my office, They all loved the book and would talk about their favorite sections. This would be a grat hostess, gift, birthday, Christmas, etc. All around great book.

As a life coach I'm always looking for appropriate books to recommend to my clients--this is one of them. When this book first came out I bought several copies and gave them as gifts to friends. If you need inspiration, this book will help you make positive choices so you can live your best life. Pamela D. Blair, Author The Next Fifty Years: A Guide for Women at Mid-Life And Beyond

This book is a great compilation of Oprahs work. A nice addition to your table top books. I'm so pleased with this book and what a great price through Amazon! I bought several of these and gave as gifts for Christmas. Oprah and Amazon - a winning combination!

this book is awesome!
it's like looking into Alan Lee's Sketchbook as its name indicates.
the renderings are beautiful. any Tolkien fan will appreciate this as a wonderful companion to the books, as well as any one interested in fantasy art and drawing!

If you're looking for the film's information literally, this might not be what you want. But, if you're looking for a trip into the cretive process that brought Tolkiens masterpiece to life, you might like this one.
Alan Lee is a wonderful artist, his drawings are really impressive, and in this book he shows how he created his version of Tolkien's world, trying to be faithfull to the autor's ideas.
There's plenty of drawings and sketches from all parts of the story, and the text explains how and why they were developed to the movie's scenes.
I loved.

In the amazon review we can read: "the book contains 20 full-color plates", but this is a lie: The book contains only 7 full-color plates (2 of them in small size). The book is really beautifull, but it is not as amazon shows it.

Our son was "more than pleased" with this most unusual contributiion to his library. It was on his Wish List, and delighted to receive it for Christmas.

if you like pencil drawings then this is the book for you! uncountable number of awsome alan lee drawings. and he tells alot about many of the drawings.

This book is so great, that I can't even explain it! It is full of suspense and HORROR!!! I have read many more of this series and hope to someday have read them all! I would reccomend this book to anyone who loves reading and horror stories! HORROR!!!

Prom Queens are dying 1 by 1 and Lizzy is determined to find out. This book is highly recommended. If u don't believe me then check the other reviews.

There are five prom queen candidates for the Shadyside High senior prom. One of them gets kidnapped and then another one gets murdered. Lizzy McVay, one of the prom queen candidates, realizes someone wants all the prom queens dead. Now she must find the murderer before she's next to die.

All I can say is "wow." What a great book! There are so many suspects in this book that it's almost impossible to guess who it is. I could've sworn it was that guy but it was actually someone else. Trust me, you'll never be able to guess the murderer.

If you read this book, expect the murderer to be who you least suspect.

Lizzy is so excited because she is one of the Prom Queens. Then, the prom queens start dying. Stacy, a candidate was found in the Fear Street Woods by a hiker and was stabbed sixteen times. Rachel and Elana were murdered because they were going out with the killer's boyfriend. [Right, it's a girl]. Before Rachel died, Gideon[his boyfriend] dumped her. Rachel's parents were out for ice cream so the killer took the chance to kill her. Elana was murdered in school. She was at the auditiorium. In the end, Dawn[Lizzy's friend] almost died because of the killer but because of Lizzy, she lived.

Looking for a four star book that will keep you from sleeping.The Prom Queen will do just that. Shadyside High is having a prom. There has been five girls elected to be prom queen. They were all excited until sudden deaths of spome of the prom queens occured. Now none of the remaining girls are exicited. They're all taking precautions, Which girl will live long enought to be prom queen i cant say but the end is shoking.
This book has an uncalled for end and each chapter leaves you in suspense. "A spring night...soft moonlight....five beautiful Prom Queen canidates, dancing couples at the Shadyside High prom. These should be the ingredients for romance.But stir in one brutal murder then another and another and the recipe quikly turns to horror" This book is all horror and fright with a twisted ending. With everypage turn you'll widh you were in your room with all the lights on and you mommy holding you close. read this book and be glad you dont live on Fear Street.

I read this book several months ago. Well, I read all but the last 2 pages. It had me on edge nearly the entire time, and this sounds silly, as I'm a grown mother of two, but I was too scared to read the last two pages!

Great job, R.W.!

We killed the retarded boy. He took his own life, but we killed him just the same.

Thus begins The Takers, the first book in R.W. Ridley's YA Horror series The Oz Chronicles. This debut novel (published in 2005) is well paced, with a great quest/adventure and and several likable characters, including the main protagonist, Osmond (Oz) Griffin. The second in the series, Delon City, is now published and is definitely on my reading list.

Thirteen-year old Oz awakens from a fever induced slumber to find his world dramatically changed, his parents and most of the other people on his block "taken" and seemingly eaten by nightmarish monsters who appear and attack when their name is spoken. His quest begins when he is given responsibility for a baby named Nate, whose mother is taken, so he piles up his wagon, takes a sword from Nate's father's study, and proceeds to the big city. Here, the mystery of the Takers (who are they, where did they come from) begins to unfold, as Oz and his growing army of misfit survivors (including a sign-language speaking gorilla named Ajax who understands more about what is happening with the Takers than he can say) do battle with several of the monsters. A comic book written by the afore mentioned "retarded boy" holds the key to the mysteries and the quest involving Oz, baby Nate and the Takers.

I read The Takers straight through as the action and the quest continue unabated through the book. The ending comes quickly, but sets up the second in the series nicely, leaving some questions to be answered but solving many of the puzzles.

Horror and YA (with the notable exceptions of Potter and Eragon) are usually not my genres of choice, but I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it to fans of both genres.

I didn't read this book, but my 14 year old son loved it! That's saying sooo much, since he has never read ( and finished ) a book on his own before. He does not enjoying reading, as I do. He started this book one evening, after I made him, and he couldnt put it down. For the first time ever, I had to tell him to put a book down and go to bed! We have already ordered book 2, and he cant want for it to get here. Hopefully, this will start a joy of reading with him!

What its about:
13 year old Oz awakes from a fever in his parent's closet only to find that everyone is gone. He also is startled to discover that the reason people are missing is due to these strange creatures call the Takers. He knows that he has something to do with the Takers taking people b/c of a comic book a kid down the street wrote. He starts traveling to find an uncle and along the way he gathers some friends to help him battle the Takers. He learns that he has a mission to protect a baby who is a "storyteller." Oz and his gang struggle to save the baby and battle the Takers.

What is good about it:
This is a great story. It is pretty original and has some scary, funny and actions parts. Oz is a great hero. He isn't perfect but he is smart and brave. He has this charisma that attracts others and they follow him. B/c he is a child he is more willing to accept that there are these weird creatures out there, that a kid wrote about this in a comic book and that he should take advice from a gorilla (believe me it makes more sense in the book). It isn't a long book and is very easy to read in one sitting. In fact you might not be able to put it down.

What is bad about it:
Oz is a 13 year old and sometimes some of the things he does or says aren't very realistic of what a 13 year old might say. The ending also sort of surprises you but then you feel better about it knowing there is another book coming along.

Conclusion:
This is a very original book that I think adults and young adults will enjoy. I am looking forward to reading the next one. Enjoy!

I picked up The Takers upon the recommendation of a friend, and enjoyed it thoroughly. It is definitely targeted at a young-adult audience, and the term 'young' hasn't applied to me for a few decades, so I sometimes felt the story was rushed. On more than one occasion I felt myself wanting more. That said, I couldn't put the book down. It is a horror story, but is not overly scary or gory (again, good for YA) but it satisfies the horror fan with an extra helping of creepy.

The Takers is a gigantic toothy maw of literary fun that is sure to swallow the reader whole. It is full of action, likable characters, intrigue, and (of course) monsters. The plot jumps into high gear from the first page, and doesn't slow until the very end. As the first book of a series, it tells a good story that can stand on its own while at the same time luring the reader into book two (which I now have on order).

My complete review:

Characters: 5 stars. In a fast-paced adventure like this, it is easy to lose character development. Ridley manages to create a cast of interesting characters despite this challenge, including a Silverback Gorilla that speaks with sign language (a mechanism that I was skeptical of when first introduced, but it works).

Plot: 5 stars. The plot evolves well, with sufficient twists to keep the reader's interest peaked. The plot is more complex than many YA horror stories. For example, I found the plot of EPOCH to be relatively flat in comparison.

Pacing: 4 stars. I'm holding back one star here because I would have liked to see more of just about everything along the way: more detail in descriptions, more character interaction, etc. However, as mentioned above I am older than the intended audience by a fair bit. Also, the trade-off results in an exciting roller-coaster ride of a story, and that's not a bad thing.

Genre: 5 stars. While not overly gory or scary, The Takers is creepy, with many classic elements of horror: post-apocalyptic survival; mysterious disappearances; taboos; and lots of monsters. The monsters are described perfectly: just enough detail to inspire the reader's imagination to invent more. There is also a god diversity of monster-types to keep things interesting (and, again, creepy).

First Impression: The opening line "We killed the retarded boy" is brilliant.
Last Impression: This would make a great video game.

Overall Score: 5 stars.


Finally, The Takers is an independently published book, and as a self-published author myself (Cluck: Murder Most Fowl), I'm glad to see another independent author who takes writing seriously: the book is well structured, well written, and free of the typos and grammatical errors that sometimes appear in independent works.