Science Fiction and Fantasy Books

Like so many reviewers here, this book was a wonderful part of my childhood. Such a rich and inventive tale, and it captures a different tone, time, and place that will infuse your spirit.
As an adult, I searched for this book at antiquarian shows. My mother had given my copy away in a cleaning spree and I was heartbroken and always searching for a copy. Finally, I found one. You don't want to know how much I paid for it. But I'm thrilled to see that there is such a huge following and appreciation for this book. It's wonderful.

This book was read to me in the second grade (that would be about 1964) by my all-time favorite teacher. I haven't seen it or heard of it since. A few years ago, the title just popped into my head and a search yeilded republication.

It is amazing after all those LONG years, the things a seven-year-old retained from being read to.

This is a treasure that needs to be handed down to the next generation.

A can't-miss journey, either back to childhood or ahead to new territory.

The Magical Land of Noom is the only book I have ever read to my children and grandchildren that fascinated ALL of them without fail. Building one's own flying machine and going to the moon appears to strike a universal five year old chord!!

Forty-five years ago they didn't know a lot about dyzlexia and other learning disabilties and my little first-grader brother really had problems learning to read. He even got held back in first grade which made him sad and he actually started to hate reading and books in general. The teachers and our parents treated him like he was dumb and school was turning in to a nightmare for him. Then in second grade he had an angel for a teacher. She was patient and she loved her students and she read THIS special story book to them. My little brother came home every night and at the dinner table he would tell us all about the adventures from the magical land of Noom which is "moon" spelled backward. His eyes sparkled and his speech became animated. He couldn't wait to get to school the next day to hear more. He did so much better that year and he kept trying with books because of that kind teacher and this enchanting story book. Johnny Gruelle, who created Raggedy Ann and Andy, knew how to reach children with his light-hearted, funny adventures and his utterly charming illustrations. Please share this magical book with children you love. I bought a brand new copy for my "little" brother even though he's all grown up now and tons more successful than I, the "genious" of the family.

Forty-five years ago they didn't know a lot about dyzlexia and other learning disabilties and my little first-grader brother really had problems learning to read. He even got held back in first grade which made him sad and he actually started to hate reading and books in general. The teachers and our parents treated him like he was dumb and school was turning in to a nightmare for him. Then in second grade he had an angel for a teacher. She was patient and she loved her students and she read THIS special story book to them. My little brother came home every night and at the dinner table he would tell us all about the adventures from the magical land of Noom which is "moon" spelled backward. His eyes sparkled and his speech became animated. He couldn't wait to get to school the next day to hear more. He did so much better that year and he kept trying with books because of that kind teacher and this enchanting story book. Johnny Gruelle, who created Raggedy Ann and Andy, knew how to reach children with his light-hearted, funny adventures and his utterly charming illustrations. Please share this magical book with children you love. I bought a brand new copy for my "little" brother even though he's all grown up now and tons more successful than I am, and I'm the "genious" of the family.

As an American child of about 10, I acquired a battered copy of this book along with a bunch of children's books from a family friend whose children had outgrown them. As other reviewers suggest, I was mystified by much of the book (the poet Pope?) but I still found it a great adventure story and loved the illustrations. It didn't hurt that I resembled Maria myself (a bookish tomboy with glasses--thank God for LASIK). I have re-read the book with pleasure on a number of occasions and now understand the references, but I wouldn't hesitate to give this book to an intelligent American child today. Perhaps it would prompt him or her to learn more about British history and literature. I'm glad to see it has been reprinted.

As kids, both my brother and I considered this one of our favorite books - and we did a LOT of reading. I can't tell you how many times I read it. Our copy was lost at some point, so I am thrilled that it is back in print so I can now read it to my own children. My kids are 3 and 6, so still a bit young for this book, but I'll probably buy a copy now for my own pleasure, and another for my brother.
I have always loved books that lead you to another book, and I just had to read "Gulliver's Travels" after reading this one. As a kid, much of it went over my head, but I still enjoyed it. Now that I think about it, I should re-read that one too...

Although one of White's lesser-known works, to my mind it's easily one of his best (Anne Fine regards it as her favourite children's book). The concept of Lilliputians living in an English landscape garden is superb, and White develops his theme in wonderfully enticing ways - and always with his typical 'feel' for character and setting. There's so much to enjoy in this tale - still a classic after 60 years.

I read Mistress Masham's Repose when I was 11 years old, and re-read it now as a Grandparent. It is magical, yet plausible that a little girl could enter such a fantasy world. Both my Granddaughter and my Greatniece will receive a copy for their birthdays with a note telling them why this book has not lost its charm through the years.

After finishing university T. H. White worked as a teacher in the Stowe School which occupies a gigantic former Baroque stately home: here he conceived of the idea of Malplaquet, modeled after the greatest of all British country homes, Blenheim Palace, where the Dukes of Marlborough have lived and where Winston Churchill was born and raised. Malplaquet, an imaginary dilapidated repository of all its nation's history (we find out the Princes in the Tower were executed in its medieval dungeon, which also contains the ax which beheaded Charles I), would make a wonderful setting for any book, but rather than use it for a Gothic (the obvious choice), here White had the inspiration to make it the setting for a children's fantasy. White's mansion is not only the home of the little girl Maria who has inherited the estate (and not much else) and her warders--some cruel, some kind--but also a group of Lilliputians brought over from their island home during the time of Swift, whom Maria encounters one day. Maria's encounter with the Lilliputians becomes for her a means for learning about the nature of tyranny--both that exercised over herself by her guardian the Vicar Mr. Hater and her governess Miss Brown, but also that she herself can hardly keep herself from exercising over the Lilliputian community hidden on her estate.

This is a children's book that, to be honest, will best be appreciated by adults. White imagined his readers not only familiar with GULLIVER'S TRAVELS but also with some of the history of seventeenth and eighteenth-century England: American children particularly today would be confused as to who Mistresses Masham and Morley were, or what Malplaquet is named after, or even who Gulliver was. And their patience might well be tried by White's love of Wodehousean "types": the bluff Lord Lieutenant with an obsession with horses and hounds, and Maria's mentor the absent-minded and esoteric antiquarian the Professor . But adults (and even older children) should love this book, and its well-structured narrative is a real pleasure.

At first? Reluctant. Next? Intrigued. By the second page? Thoroughly engaged. Sue has brought the urban mythos of vampires and werewolves to the spiritual plane. She causes her readers to delve into tragedy while hoping for redemption. Bravo! I eagerly await the promised sequel.

"Never Ceese" is the tale of a vampire and a werewolf who seek what we all seek deep down in our souls...redemption. Both were cursed unwillingly, and both have fought all their VERY long lives to never pass on that curse to another, but to cling to their beliefs that were ingrained in them as children.

Ceese finds herself lured to the castle of Penelope and Richard against her will, not certain what she will find once she arrives there. Richard isn't fond of visitors of any kind, and especially not visitors of Ceese's nature.

But Penelope persuades them both to accept one another and that they can help the other break the curse that binds them, thus giving them the ability to choose their own final destiny.

I know it sounds so far fetched that two of the most unimaginable creatures and most make-believe beings could have such strong desire for the things of God...but believe me, IT WORKS! And it makes the lure of God's redemption all the more powerful to see it played out in a work such as "Never Ceese".

This book will stretch your imagination to its farthest reaches, and almost make you believe...but not quite, because believing in something Sue writes so well is just, well, not something I find myself wanting to do!!

I'm giving "Never Ceese" five out of five bookmarks, with a tiny cross as a charm...because that is where our destiny changes, no matter who we are or where we're from. It all starts and ends at Calvary.

Happy Reading!

Deena

Sue Dent has done the unthinkable. She's pushed the boundaries of Christian fiction, circling the camp with a small publisher, howling for someone to take notice. And it's working.

"Never Ceese" is a blend of traditional vampire themes and modern smart-mouthed characters. Ceese is a werewolf on her way to a British castle, where she will rendezvous with Richard the vampire. Ceese is in a constant struggle with "the wolf" inside, while Richard is trying to maintain a modicum of control over his fang-toothed desires. This unlikely pair, united by an old woman named Penny, discover they have mutual childhood links. As they travel to meet a young college-age researcher, their pasts come to light. Romance flits about in unexpected places. And a self-seeking professor angles to take their immortality for himself.

The standbys are in play--garlic, crucifixes, wolfsbane, etc--but Dent adds a few of her own elements to this classic battle between the old ways and new. There are few surprises, but the story moves at a quick pace, leavened with humorous dialogue and clever insights. Dent's characters struggle with their cursed sinful natures, seeking release--if such a thing is possible.

In the end, all is resolved--if not a bit suddenly on some levels--and possibilities are left open for the sequel, "Forever Richard." I guess I know what book to add to my Christmas list. With Dent circling the camp, someone's bound to wake up to this genre's possibilities.

Richard has been cursed so long he can't even remember his life before he became a vampire. He spends his days with his long time friend, Penny, in his luxurious castle in Britain. Richard's world is forever changed when a young werewolf named Ceese arrives at his door claiming to be old friends with Penny. Ceese has also carried her curse for ages and she wants nothing more to be rid of it once and for all. Richard has long ago given up hope of ever being free from his curse and Ceese must convince him to hope again. Now vampire and werewolf must work together to discover a cure for the immortal curse that binds them both.

Sue Dent has done what few have dared to try, mixing elements of vampire and werewolf lore with themes of faith and spirituality. The result is an intriguing and exciting piece of fiction that is obsessively readable and entertaining on every level. Richard and Ceese are cleverly crafted characters who face insurmountable odds in their quest for redemption. Dent adds to the richness of the story by giving equal balance to both werewolf and vampire mythology. Many of these elements were familiar to me, with a few surprises that only added to the mystique of each character. The incorporation of faith is never forced and fits seamlessly into the storyline, making the messages of sacrifice and redemption that much more powerful in the end.

Never Ceese was a pleasant surprise to me and if it wasn't for Eric Wilson's Amazon review, I never would have picked it up. It's a shame that major CBA publishers aren't willing to pursue more "outside the box" fiction like Never Ceese. I'm glad to know there are publishers out there (like Writers' Cafe Press) who are willing to give these types of stories the recognition they deserve. I can't wait to sink my teeth into the sequel, Forever Richard.

I just finished reading Sue Dent's tale of Never Ceese. I think the other reviews have already covered just about everything that can be revealed without giving too much away, so I will have to be satisfied in saying I thoroughly enjoyed the book. Normally, I am not one to read about vampires and werewolves; not my cup of tea. Other people, however, gave rave reviews that had me very curious. I was suspicious, but Ms. Dent has successfully blended the creatures of horror stories with sound Biblical principles. It teaches about faith and love without being preachy. Much of the subject matter is dead serious (forgive the pun), but Ms. Dent has included plenty of comic relief. Really, I love her offbeat sense of humor. I read it rather quickly since I couldn't put it down for long.

Pixie Tricks: Sprite's Secret First Scholastic Printing pp.72 $3.99
Tracy West ISBN:0-439-17218-7


A frog stole violet Briggs' marble. But when Violet follows the frog into a tree, a strange figure pops up out of a hole. She notices that it is not a human. It's too small to be a human. It is actually a pixie named Sprite. But sprite has a huge problem. Fourteen pixies looking just like him, have escaped from the otherworld (pixie world) and they are causing all sorts of trouble. Everything is in Violet's hands now. It is all up to Sprite (the pixie tricker) and Violet (8 year old girl) to catch these bad troublemakers. Will Sprite and Violet find a way to trick every pixie into going back home, where they belong? But most important, will they trick Pix into going back? Pix all day just wants to play games, he even gets little kids to play on the playground with him. All by just saying a spell and tapping the kids on the head. Will Pix ever realize that he is not the only one that could win his game?

This book is one of the best books I read. It is full of all these different characters, of fantasy characters so it will be easier to imagine. I like this book a lot because it is just interesting by how all the ways they capture the pixies. Even though I am older I still ready this book.

I really recommend this book to people who like pixies or even fantasy. Boy or girl, it doesn't matter who reads this. It just matters if they enjoy it! Since it is such a good book, it should be in libraries for more kids to read and enjoy!!

My seven year old daughter went crazy for these books. They were the first books that she ever wanted to read on her own, and she didn't just read them, she devoured them. Thank you Tracey West for writing these books. They kick started my daughter's love of reading.

My 6 year old is an avid reader, and together we have been reading Magic Treehouse and Nancy Drew Notebooks for the past year, but she has NEVER reacted as strongly to a book series as she has this one. Once we read the first one, we had to order the rest right away, and blazed through them in about 3 days. After I finished reading them to her, she insisted on reading them to herself right away. Now, weeks later she still talks about them, writes about them in school, and reads them at bedtime. Her favorite game is to invent her own Pixie Tricks adventures. Thank you Tracey West, for a series that resonates with children long after the book is closed. (And please, continue their adventures for us!)

I bought the entire set of 8 books for all of my granddaughters, they all loved them and the older girls are reading them for the second time.

In researching children's books for my own writing projects, I came across this book in my church library. While waiting for church to begin one Sunday I began reading it.

I love to read children's books ... and to write them ... so was delighted with this one. If the rest of the series is as good as this first book, PIXIE TRICKS will be a real winner.

This is an easy read for the young crowd, and the Sunday School teacher said the kids just adore the pixies. They play games where they pretend to be pixies and use their imaginations to think of more tricks for these fun-loving characters to perform.

I highly recommend this book.

Ms. Brackford is so creative and imaginative, her book captivated both of my children. It is so rare to have the added bonus of amazing illustations in books for older grade school kids. We cannot wait for the next book!

The debut children's book by author and illustrator Ami Blackford, Quest for the Dragon Stone is a children's book ideal for young readers who are ready for more involved fare than simple picturebooks, but who also enjoy vibrant and colorful illustrations throughout their stories. Ruth and David have become involved in The Society of Magebeologists - those dedicated to the study of magical beasts - and are tending to a beautiful but terribly sick Phoenix Dragon. The gorgeous, orange feathered-and-scaled creature belongs to a race of dragons that never truly dies; instead they combust into ash, and renew themselves from an egg within the ashes. Ruth and David witness the dragon's combustion and take it upon themselves to deliver the egg to a good hatchery. A mysterious message leads them deeper into the society, which is their strongest connection to their excavationist father gone missing. Quest for the Dragon Stone is hopefully a stepping stone to more wondrous and fantastic adventures by Ami Blackford, and is especially recommended for young dragon lovers.

I bought two of these books last Christmas for my niece and nephew. They LOVED the book. I read it along with them and enjoyed it myself. The illustrations are simply amazing. Ami Blackford creates intrigue and suspense that keeps you wanting more. I'm going to buy the second book "Quest for the Elfin and Elixir" for them this year. Keep them coming!!

Quest for the Dragon Stone was a pleasure to read. You will be captured by the story line and illustrations right from the first page. I cannot wait to find out what will happen to the Duncan children and what the father is up to? Ms. Blackford, your talent is incredible and I look forward for the series to continue. Please do not leave us hanging too much longer.A quick read, great price, I highly recommend it for both adults and children. A must for the holidays!

This book is so wonderful. I recommended this book to all my friends. Your illistrations and writing inspire me to read more. The illustration I liked the most was page 12. Ruth and David work well together to find the Dragon Stone. I can hardly wait to see what happens next.

Picking up where The Restorer left off, Susan and Mark travel back to Lyric to find their missing son who stumbled upon the gateway. Jake soon meets up with Kieran, the new Restorer, and learns about the strange new world. But Kieran is more than reluctant to be the new Restorer. He has struggled with his faith in the One for years. How can he fulfill his duty, when wrestles with his own convictions?

Told from a back-and-forth first person narrative between Kieran and Susan, it's a successful storytelling device. Until further in the story, when Susan and Kieran are traveling together, it becomes slightly confusing trying to remember which one is speaking. But this novel was even more exciting and powerful than the first. Kieran's struggles are realistic and moving. And I was definitely glad that this book focused more on him, as I could tell from the first installment that Kieran was an interesting character.

A powerful blend of Christian faith and fantasy, Hinck has created a fantastic world of swashbuckling heroes and political intrigue. The characters have depth and there always seems to be another story to be told. The adventures continue in Book 3, The Restorer's Journey, available now.

I loved this book!!This is my favorite of the Restorer series so far. I loved how the new Restorer ran from God until He finally came to the place of surrender. I think it truly refelcts God's uneneding and undying pursuit of each person and shows how God knows how to relate to each of us in a manner that is uniques to us. The transformation from fully rejecting to fully accepting and finally stepping into God's plan was well presented. I felt every emotion along with the characters...maybe because I've been there.

If you love adventure and traveling to other worlds, this book is for you. The adventure began in book one, The Restorer, and continues with even more excitement and surprises in book two. You haven't read book one? I highly recommend it. But you can also read this one now if you'd prefer.
Sharon Hinck created a parallel world of nations and wars and faith. Susan and Mark's son escaped through the portal into the world of Lyric while they were there. Upon returning to our world, they discover their son's absence and once again travel to Lyric in search of their son. Within Lyric they find assassins, political intrigue, and hatred. But they don't find their son, Jake.
Kieran, the rebel of Lyric, was thrust into the role of Restorer after Susan's duties ended. He doesn't want the role, but has no choice. Running from his appointment he meets Jake, a lost young man, and a king of a dark culture seeking answers. Will Kieran allow the One to guide him and have his all so that peace may be restored? And will Jake find understanding between truth and lies and return to his family?
Sharon appropriately named this country Lyric, for the world truly reads like a ballad, a lovely ballad. Sit down to read this book and travel somewhere else. Along the way, find the strength of faith and love and the healing of forgiveness. This book is a must read.

When we last left Mark and Susan Mitchell they had just left the world of the People of the Verses to return home via the portal in their attic. They are shocked when they discover that their son, Jake, has found the portal and journeyed back to the world they have left behind. Now they are forced to return to try and find Jake before their enemies discover him.

Meanwhile, the new restorer, Kieran, struggles with the new role that has been thrust upon him. He knows that the One always sends a Restorer for His people during times of great need, but never did he think it would be him. Reluctantly embracing his new calling, Kieran sets out on his own journey and soon crosses paths with Jake and vows to safely return him to his parents. Along the way the One leads Kieran on a different path; one that will challenge his faith and bring him face to face with his deepest struggles.

Sharon Hinck continues to surprise me with this delightful series. Just when I think I have it all figured out, the story moves in a whole new direction that is much more enjoyable than anything I have anticipated. When I first heard about this series I have to admit that I mistakenly wrote it off as re-packaged Christian chick lit. Nothing wrong with chick lit...just not my thing. Boy was I wrong! So far both volumes have been action-packed and full of intrigue and suspense. The spiritual themes are strong throughout and are never presented in a forceful or preachy manner. Never fear...there is also just the right amount of romance that actually adds to the richness of the plot.

This story actually outshines the first and is incredibly addictive. This time around we get the story from the alternating first person perspectives of Kieran and Susan. This makes the story that much more fun and really shows off what a talented writer Hinck is. Kieran's struggle in particular is fascinating and relevant and it will resonate with anyone that has ever gone through a faith crisis. In the end we are satisfactorily left with some sense of closure plus a perfect little cliffhanger to set up the next installment.

If you are looking for some great speculative fiction with Christian themes then look no further. My only hope is that Sharon Hinck will continue to write more fantasy. I can't wait for number three!

After I finished The Restorer, I couldn't wait to read The Restorer's Son. These books are some of the best storytelling I've had the pleasure to read all year. Sharon Hinck cleverly uses a beautiful yet flawed fantasy world to reveal God's presence in the smallest details. The parallels in these stories and our own fallen world are very thought provoking. I loved journeying with these characters and can't wait to read the third book, The Restorer's Journey. I highly recommend this series to young and old alike.

Aidan's summer is over and it's time for him to start a new school year in a new school, where he meets head strong Antoinette. After he finds out that she is having weird dreams. Aidan realizes that Antoinette is being called to the Realm and tells her how to get there.
This begins Antoinette's journey but before she leaves Aidan's asked her that is she saw his friend's glimpes, the people of the Realm, to try to get him to follow the ture King.
This request poses a problem for to fufill it Antoinette will have to disobey directs orders.
This book shows how one mistake can harm many people. It is also a book that is hard to put down after you start reading it even if its your fifth time through.

The adventure continues in Rise of the Wyrm Lord. It is not often you find an author that can take you into the book, into the story and make you feel as one with the characters. That is just what Wayne Thomas Batson does. In Rise of the Wyrm Lord, as with TDW, you are taken away with the characters on the adventures to Alleble. However this time it is not Aidan, but his friend Antoinette that is fighting the battle. They must get to Robby before it is too late. Paragor has filled his head with lies and deceit. The battles they are fighting are eternal battles, they are fighting for life itself, in both realms. Another page turner by Mr. Batson.

Rise of the Wyrm Lord takes you on another adventure through the lands of Alleble, but this time from the point of view of young Antoinette, Gwenne's human counterpart. Just as before, King Eliam has a special mission that involves a seventh member, that being Antoinette. Readers will enjoy following Antoinette through her adventures and battles, and will rejoice with her as she leads a young glimpse to the love of her One True King! Beautiful! I can't wait to read The Final Storm!!

Very interesting and very fast reading. Couldn't wait to get through the second book and now I'm trying to slowly read the third. Not working so well :)

"The door was tall, hewn form gray stone and engraved intricately with castles, unicorns, warriors, and a long and winding road that led to two mountains. The sun rose between those peaks, and Antoinettes's heart rejoiced.
Seeing the silver ring, she reached down and pulled. Light, fiercer and startlingly pure, shone forth from behind the door. Antionette shielded her eyes with one arm and walked through The Door Within."
Aidan Thomas is a proud follower of King Elium. After his first trip to the other realm, Aidan was worried because he had a vision of his best friend, Robby Pierson. Each person in this world had his or hers glimpse twin. Robby's glimpse was following King Elium's enemy and traitor, Paragor.
Robby Pierson was Aidan's friend from Maine. Robby was very athletic, handsome, and cool. For some reason he wanted to be Aidan's friend. Aidan had to move from Maine to Colorado to take care his grandfather, Grampin, and had to leave Robby behind. After Aidan's vision, Aidan tried to call and email Robby, but he never responded. When Aidan finally contacted Robby, Robby acted strange and troubled. Aidan didn't know how to save Robby from the evil and from the lies of Paragory.
When the summer ended, Aidan met a girl named Antoinette Reed. She was an intelligent, artistic girl who was also a follower of King Elium. Antoinette discovered she was to be sent on a mission by King Elium to go to the other realm. Aidan told Antoinette about Robby and handed her a picture of him to try to find Robby's glimpse. Once in the Realm, Antionette had to abandon King Elium's mission in order to find Robby's glimpse. Robby's glimpse was a powerful Lord of Paragory. She needed to persuade him to turn against evil. Will she be captured, and did she make a big mistake by abandoning King Elium?
This Fantasy fiction book teaches you that even when you turn your back on God and do what you want to do rather than what God wants, He will still be with you forever. King Elium didn't abandon Antoinette even when she abandoned Him, just like God wont leave us. Wayne Thomas Batson adds suspense to the story by not telling you what will happen to Antoinette on her journey to find Robby's glimpse and also adds action to the story by the battles Antoinette faces while on her mission. I would recommend this book to all Christians who love fantasy about knights and dragons and also to people who like war and battles. Anyone who read the book "The Door Within" would love this book. I am exited to read the final book that conclude sthis trilogy, "The Final Storm."

I bought 5 of them to give away as Christmas presents!

Amazing and whimsical illustrations take you and Sam Katz all over the world. This book will delight kids and parents alike. Great gift -- be a hero and get one for every kid and cool cat on your list!!!

Frank Radice was my boss on the East Coast and had sent me a poster Charles Fazzino had illustrated for the Daytime Emmy's in Los Angeles. I loved his artwork and Frank told me to check out the book which I then promptly bought. I really loved the story, especially since I personally know Sami Katz and the pop-up illustrations are amazing. I just recently gave the book as a gift to the daughter of good friends for her birthday.

This pop=up book, beautifully illustrted by Carles Fazzino, is very charming. Using works of art, it tells the stry of a cat named Sam Katz who travels through the house in which he lives. The illustrations, by the well known artist Charles Fazzino, really make this book the charmer that it is. I certainly woild recommend the book to any one who loves cats, art and clean fun.

This book has become her absolute favorite! I have read it to her countless times! Very cute story and bright beautiful illustrations! This a wonderful book to add to your little ones collection! We would love to see another book about Sam Katz adventures!!

Book Review
Shadow Club
By: Neal Shusterman

Jared and Cheryl always were second best, always living in someone else's shadow. Jared came in second at the races he was in and Cheryl's cousin would always upstage her. No one likes to lose especially all the time. Always being kicked into the dirt. They were sick of it so they decided to fight back. They gathered all the second-best people and went to their old hide out in the forest and formed a club, the Shadow Club was formed. At first it was just about pulling harmless pranks on their enemies and thinking of ways to hurt them but it went to far. Is someone trying to frame them? What will happen to the Shadow Club?
Shadow Club is a thrilling story that both boys and girls will love an maybe some adults. I wish it didn't have to end. It's filled with action, humor, suspense, and lots of mysteries. I recommend this book to any one who likes to get sucked into their book and forget about the world around them. Its so detailed that it feels like your really there in the story. It will have your eyes glued to it until the last pages have turned.

-Megan C.

Jared, a ninth-grader, is so sick of always being the second-best runner on his team. No matter how hard he pushes himself, he is always beaten by Austin. To make things worse, Austin loves to rub it in when he beats Jared.

Jared's best friend Cheryl knows how he feels. Her cousin Rebecca, who is a year younger than her, is a better singer than Cheryl and she seems to be constantly rubbing Cheryl's face in that fact. Jared and Cheryl are both fed up.

When they feel they can't take it anymore, Jared and Cheryl decide to start a secret club to vent their feelings--The Shadow Club. They invite Cheryl's little brother Randall, who is the number two swimmer on his team. They invite the second best trumpeter, the second prettiest girl in the class, the second best basketball player, and the second best student to join.

All of the members of the club get together and at first aren't sure what to do besides say bad things about those who are beating them all of the time. Then they decide that more needs to be done. Jared comes up with the idea of playing practical jokes on those students they detest. He thinks if no one knows about the club and no one plays a joke on his or her own enemy, all of the club members will escape being suspected of playing the jokes. So it starts.

Green slime shows up in a trumpet before a big solo. The best student's pet tarantula is put in the hood of the best runner's sweatshirt. The best swimmer has his toenails painted bright red while he's asleep.

The members of the Shadow Club are thrilled with their accomplishments. But then things start getting out of control. Jokes are being played that no one seems to know about, and they are getting meaner and more destructive by the day. Could someone be trying to frame the members of the club?

I thought this book captured the attitude of many junior high school students--it highlighted the feelings of competition and the petty nastiness that occurs in students of this age. I thought Jared should have been able to see when things were getting out of control, though, and should have been able to stop the club before anything bad happened.

There are the winners, the people who are first all the time, never losing. Then there are the second bests, almost coming in first. That is what the book 'The Shadow Club' is all about, beating the best.

Jared Mercer is the second best runner, second best to Austin Pace. This Austin teases him everyday, until one day, it's too much. That was the start of the Shadow Club.

Jared and Cheryl, best friends, decide on five other people to be in their club. Randall is the second best swimmer, Jason, the second best trumpet player, Abbie, second most popular girl, Karin "O.P." Han, second smartest, and Darren, the second best basketball player. They play small, seemingly harmless pranks - painting the swimmer's toenails, giving out pages of the most popular girl's diary - but then someone listens in on a meeting, Tyson McGaw. Tyson is a foster child with no friends. Then when someone starts to frame hime, things go spiralling out of control Tyson is all to blame. But are things really how they seem?

Shusterman is a great writer. You can really relate to the book which has a ton of detail. It keeps you on the edge and so does the following book, 'The Shadow Club Rising'.

~AD

The Shadow Club
By: Neal Shusterman

Review done by: A Mid-Prairie Teen Student

You would have no idea what you would be expecting if you got a book titled The Shadow Club, I sure didn't. The Shadow Club is a great book having middle school to high schooled aged students making mistakes and seeing the consequences in the end.
Jared, a middle school aged kid, is the main kid in this story. He is the second best runner in his school and hates being second best. He absolutely hates Eric, the best runner in school, and would do absolutely anything he could to be better than Eric. This is where the trouble started.
Jared's friend Cheryl, the second best singer, wanted to start a club called the Shadow Club. This means for people to come to this club if they're second best in something. Like second best singer, second smartest person in school, and even second prettiest girl in school. All these second best kids formed this club and got themselves into trouble without even knowing it.
This is quite a story and it is written by Neal Shusterman a fantastic author. He is an American author of books for young readers, and also a screenwriter. He has won and award called the Boston Globe-Horn Book Award for The Schwa Was Here, and he was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York. He now lives in Orange County, California with his four children. So as you have seen he has a busy life but he has certainly used some of his time to write great books.
This is an amazing book but I'm not going to tell you what happened in the end. Once you read it, it will shock you incredibly as you will see. I will tell you though that it teaches great things like making friends, the trouble you can get yourself into with just starting little things, and how much hate can really hurt someone else's life.
I dare you to read this book even if you think you're the best person in your school. Just go and read this book so that you can see the secrets some second best people may be thinking right now.

I have been reading the Shadow Club to my 7th graders for more than 10 years. The humor, especially in the character of Ralphy Sherman, keeps the class listening. The suspense builds to the point that I have students begging me not to stop reading. Many students tried to buy the book because they just couldn't wait for me to finish reading. I was happy for a few years that it was out of print, so they couldn't find it to read ahead of me.
There are many lessons that apply directly to children of middle school age, and my favorite is looking at how the students laughed at Tyson McGaw at the beginning, but feel for him at the end of the book. Hopefully they will look closer at individuals and not make fun of them because they are different.
I have never had a student who didn't like this book and it is the only one that I have read that when I finish, the students applaud.

When someone tries to blow up Jack Knight, and in the process gets some of his family, he will slowly come to the realisation that he has some growing up to do.

He kicks against this for some time, but his father, a couple of local cops, Opal City herself, and the need to do something about The Shade and The Mist start to move him in the right direction.

Starman, written by James Robinson,with art by Tony Harris, Peter Snejbjerg and others, details the exploits of Jack Knight, the son of the aging 1940's Starman, as he struggles with the family business, his personal business and Knight's Past, his, um, business business. It's got science, mystery, romance, cowboys, pirates, and some of the most pure heroism that was presented in the grim and shallow world of 1990's comics. This is one of those great series, Sandman-style, which is loved by comic and non-comic readers alike. This is where I first saw the pencils of Ex Machina artist Tony Harris. I had such a man crush on this creative team, when I met them at a convention in 1996 I giggled Japanese schoolgirl style and averted my eyes. I palpitate at the thought! James Robinson complimented me on my shirt, which I had cleaned especially for the occasion. This is the comic that made me love DC comics, made me embrace my inner collector, and kept me returning to the comic store.

I have to admit I like the new Starman alot. But I donthtink everyone would.

Great stories, great art, coloring...I have all the 7-8 volumes in the tpb format. The character is written very well. The Sandman stories are especially good, as well as JSA related and even the filler stories with Starman's brother, and Opal City's historical characters. Bank robbers, pirates, aliens, poets, fantasy, sci fi, tattoos, etc...what more could one want?! Also the substitute/guest artists are as good as the regular artist.

However I am a little dissappointed that DC never mentions any ratings for their books similar to Marvel. The new Starman Series by James Robinson is NOT FOR KIDS. Although not overly gratuitous visually, there are bedroom scenes, with semi-nudity(no full frontal), drug use(only one issue), as well as homosexual characters(which is not overly emphasized or distracting to the comic. only noticed this rare&few times. no sex, just words of "love forever")but it may offend some people, and confuse or harm children's moral upbringing. As an adult, they dont get in the way of the main characters virtuous and heroic qualities but they may cause some people who are offended by that kind of thing to miss the overall well-crafted story plots. For others it may cause them to imitate those scenes. I dont like them in a comic book. Personally the parts of the story that show those scenes really dont add that to the plots very much. But I dont believe the writer was trying to shock anyone, just make society more comfortable with this type of relatonship. I would have rather those ideas/characters remained out of the books, or "faded to black" (as one homosexual scene was). I still give the books the highest marks for overall artisitic presentation.

Starman has since departed from the superheroe scene(i think?) but this run of stories has many many great moments in the modern super hero context. Just be careful if you are scensitive to the "adult" situations. They show this Starman superhero and related friends, associates, as very human persons, equiped with fallen human nature, and have to go through their own personal, yet in some cases, universal, spiritual and vocational superhero trials and tribulations. These trials are moral & emotional, that many people can relate to on a down-to-earth level. I tend to think of these stories as kind of modern greek mythological hero/fable stuff anyway. But just because greek stories have all the sex and stuff doesnt mean I like to read, or see, in contemporary novels. I pretty much find it insteresting how Robison included the adult situations, but ignore it overall. However, there is more to emotional maturity then sexual relationships, or positions. At least Robinson provides enough character depth & developement to overshadow these unnecessary plot developments. That is where his writing talent really impresses in dealing not with physical strength, but virtuous strength, in terms of acquiring courage, and in some cases, emotional & spiritual growth. Interpersonal relationships between family and friends also play a strong part in the stories as well.

But if you are senstitive to the adult themes maybe the original Starman Archives is your style. There are moments where Harris's & Robinson's modern Starman stories really are the best I have ever read. All though there is alot of art deco, art nouveau, and film noir symbolism throughout their work that allows their style to be respectful of the past. Some of Harris's visual treats could make terrific posters. The inker is especially sensitive to his style. The modern Starman handles the adult themes well in many instances, but they couldve been done even better. If you look at film noir, alot happened that you didnt need to see to help create drama. I am afraid Robinson couldve been more graphic, but he also couldve been less so. For instance issues about adultery(not shown in this particular issue) had wonderful, morally and spiritually uplifting conclusions, with effects that run throughout the Starman series, but he didnot have to show the adulterous act to make us know it happened. For me the resolution was marvelously handled, that it overshadowed what was "shown", however many people might have missed the great ending because of being "shown" too much. "One does not have to see the sin, to learn from it." However, I must restate, Robinson didnt necessarily cross the line of decency, but got right up close to it...even dance over it...to close for me, but still accomplished a great piece of story telling.

No offense meant by my comments, just some thoughtfulness that I think DC should include in its packaging, or on its website. Right now one would think Starman is just like any other comic for kids, when SOME issues, NOT ALL, are more like R rated, G, or even PG.

I hope DC puts out the remaing issues. I believe about 20 more need to be released in tpb.

Yankstar

James Robinson shows his brilliance in crafting vivdly fleshed out characters in his highly entertaining revision of the superhero genre in the 'Starman,' series. This first volume opens up in typical anti-hero fashion with a mortal character reluctantly thrust into the role of superhero and his subsequent struggle to assume such a larger then life identity. While the story and plotting in vol. 1 is decent and perfectly serviceable, the strength of this series is ultimately found in the wonderful character development that takes shape through dozens of chapters. Jack Knight, the hero of this tale, comes across as an everyman with a fascination for kitsch collectibles and pop culture while constantly struggling to find comfort from his transformation to super-being. Good heady stuff without taking itself too seriously.

Almost everyone in comics got the wrong message from "Watchmen" and "The Dark Knight Returns." Rather than learning that superhero comics could be about more than adolescent fantasies they simply embraced the violence of those books and created comics that catered to a darker set of adolescent fantasies than the old Superman or Spiderman comics did. Comics didn't grow up; they just went from being geeks to juvenile delinquents.
I say almost everyone because there are a few notable exceptions where people have written superhero comics for grown ups, or to use Neil Gaiman's words comics that are "about something" (about something other than muscles, spandex, and maiming and killing "evil doers" that is). Kurt Busiek of course, and strangely enough Alan Moore himself are the examples everyone knows about. Unfortunately, James Robinson's work often falls between the cracks, and that is a shame, because "Starman" is a comic that is truly about something.

Aptly enough a good bit of what the comic is about is growing up. Early in the series Knight mocks things like family, duty, and honor, but Jack coming to embrace those things as well as responsibility is the heart of the whole series. Spiderman and Superman are great metaphors for adolescence, "Starman" is a story about coming out of a prolonged adolescence. Jack Knight isn't an obsessed Rorschach or Batman driven by internal demons in a near psychotic quest for vengeance. Rather, he's a self-centered hipster who gets in the superhero racket out of duty, family oligations, and loyalty to his beloved home town.
But really I make it sound all stodgy and positively 19th century Prussian, and it isn't. As well as being about something the series is a lot of fun. Robinson clearly loves all those old guys in tights and all the baggage that goes with them, but in his hands it really isn't baggage. You get explosions, evil plots, crime waves, superhero team ups, and everything you expect in comics, but you get meaning too. On top of that Robinson has a knack for creating characters and enough attention to detail to bring them to life. The O'Dares could have degenerated to Irish-cop stereotypes, the Shade a mere metropolitan killer, or Knight a hipster with superpowers, but none of them did. They all seem like living breathing people, and that's not something you can say for characters on a good many acclaimed television shows.
"Starman" was one of the best comics of the 90's and the best place to start is at the beginning.