Science Fiction and Fantasy Books

As a book of fantasy, MoonQuest will absolutely keep you glued to turning the pages to find out what happens next. However, Mark David Gerson steps beyond the fantastic as he weaves messages into the text that are very pertinent to life in our own world and to personal growth. Gerson's creative talent is very apparent in his ability to write stories within the main story, while still maintaining the smooth flow of plot and text. Also, his setting and scenic descriptions tap directly into the readers' imagination and quickly transports the reader to the land of the MoonQuest. Not only is this a great book for fans of the fantasy genre to read, but it is absolutely suitable and enjoyable for anyone, no matter the preference in genre.

Some thoughts from the book I enjoyed was the mixture of adventure, friendship and imagination. But in the end of the book it was more trust and courage. A lot of symbolism and colorful descriptions- loved the colored horses. I liked the fact that the four finally dreamed but their dreams were bad dreams. Yet they shared and by sharing they healed. It took you away to a land of magic and other times to reality. But the most important thing is to have song in your heart and stories( which is imagination) to live your life as the very reason for Prithi the creator meant for it to be. If no stories or songs than life is not a happy or meaningful one and darkness prevails.

Reviewed by Cathy Yanda for Reader Views (1/08)

Mark David Gerson is a craftsman with words and weaves a very fine tale of four unlikely friends as they come together on a MoonQuest, a journey that will end the domination of a cruel king. Toshar, orphaned at a young age and raised by his grandmother, is destined to be the Elderbard or storyteller of his people. As he dreams, things come to be and advice is given.

Gerson dispenses wonderful life advice, woven amid the prose of the story. In one of Toshar's dreams in which he speaks with his father, he asks his father to hold him. "His father shakes his head, "Not hand-to-hand as I did once, but heart to heart. Know that as you travel, wherever you travel, my heart holds yours. Draw courage from that, Toshar, and from the heart of all the bards and Elderbards who have ever lived and died in Q'ntana. We all watch you. We all stand with you...Be your strength, no mine, my son...Do what you must. Listen and know - not to my heart but to yours..."

As Toshar and his friends travel they encounter friends and foes alike, often having to determine which is which. They traverse unfamiliar lands and face many dangers. In the end, I'm certain that Toshar's father, and the other bards and Elderbards, would have been proud of Toshar. The best piece of wisdom Gerson imparts is given to Toshar near the end of the story when he is to be named Elderbard and is questioning this because he is so young to assume such an important role..."The number of years means nothing. It is how you have spent them that has value. It is what they have taught you, what they have earned you, that matters." This is true for all of us.

"The MoonQuest" is a book for people of all ages except for a brief sexually graphic part of the story that may limit it to older teens and above. Let's hope that Mark David Gerson brings us along on many more travels with Toshar and his friends.

First and foremost, a book should draw you in, from the moment you spy the cover, to and through the first page and all the rest that follow. This is a lot to ask in a busy world with myriad distractions. Good books, strong stories, tales worth telling, whether they begin "Once upon a time...." or not, seem to understand this and from the beginning to the end they speak from the heart and you cannot help but read on.

Like any good fantasy, any story for that matter, The MoonQuest introduces the reader to world that is familiar enough to resonate and different enough to pique us literary travelers to embark on the journey. Like any good story, any tale worth telling, The MoonQuest becomes not just Toshar's journey, or Fynda's, or any of the other characters that we come to care for, hope for, but ours as well. And as it seems with the most gifted of storytellers, whether it be bards or writers, it happens so seamlessly, so effortlessly, we are transformed and hardly know it.

The MoonQuest is a great read but more importantly, for me at least, it lingers long after. When you find yourself relating events in your life to the character in a book and coming to a deeper understanding, well that's literary magic. That's just what happened for me and what continues to happen. I don't write reviews. I tend to think, as E. M. Forster did, that books come to us when we're ready for them. I was definitely ready for The MoonQuest. I suspect you might be too.

I was enchanted by The Moonquest. I usually read books very quickly. This one was too delicious. I wanted to savor every morsel! The vivid imagery was beautiful and captivating. I enjoyed all of the wonderful twists and turns of the plot. I fell in love with the colorful characters and experienced the journey along with them. It was truly a delightful read! I didn't want the adventures to end!

Nemesis(Indigo, Book 1) is great! Once you get started you don't stop until you finish it, then you don't stop until get to read all the 7 remaining books of the Indigo saga!

The first in a series of seven, this book tells of a headstrong princess' rash action in the name of curiosity, and the consequences of that action. She no longer exists to her people, and must take on a new identity to begin her quest to right the great wrong that she has brought down onto the earth. She loses everyone and everything that she loves, and she must learn to face herself, as well as her fears.

This is a lovely book that is well-worth seeking out.

I found this at a used book store and picked it up because I thought it looked interesting. I asked the woman working at the counter if she anything about it. She told me it was a great book and that she had read the whole series; that it was a "women kick ...." book. It definetly is. This is one of the best books I have ever read. I read it in three days almost non-stop. You don't even have to be one those people who like the "women kick ...." fantasy books, or Xena, or anything like that. If you want a good read full battle, honor, and love, this is one of the best.

I read this book for the first time when it was released in 1989. It became one of my favorites and I read my way through the rest of the series. At the time that the book came out I was still in college and I identified very much with the character of Anghara. I understood that she had brought her problems on herself, but I still really sympathized with her anger and her passion and her sense of unfairness.

I recently ran across the book again and decided to give it another read. I still enjoyed it, but it is interesting as an older reader how my perception of the book has changed. I now find Anghara exasperating rather than sympathetic. I am amazed that she seems to get off as easily as she does after bringing doom on her lover and her family. I kept reading, but I was looking for some real repentence on her part and getting frustrated because I did not find it.

Cooper is and was a talented writer. The Indigo series was her third fantasy series outing (the first two were Blood Summer and the more famous Time-Master books). Nemesis is set in a semi-Celtic landscape and draws heavily on a variety of myth-based sources for its plot. Cooper does a good job of synthesizing myth in an original way so that it does not feel stale or like a retread of old ideas.

More modern readers will probably be frustrated by the relatively short book length-- I know that I felt like several episodes could have safely been packed into one book, even at the time that I first read them. This series should be a big hit with teenage readers (particularly teenage girls) and are recommended for any reader who enjoys this particular flavor of fantasy.

Anghara Kalingsdaughter is the princess of the southern isles. She is headstrong and has a great deal of curiosity for things that have an 'aura' of mystery. Although she lives perfectly happy with her family and fiancee, she sometimes roams near the 'tower of regrets' and can't help asking herself what lies within, although there are ancient stories that say that the tower is doomed. Anghara acts recklessly and opens the box whithin the tower, releasing seven demons. But she must pay for her error, and seek and destroy every demon, the very demons that destroyed everything she loved. And until she destroys every demon she will became immortal and loose her name, for she is nothing more but a weapon. It's very interesting to see the development of the character Indigo, from this first book to the others. She really changes her view on life.

I bought this set for my 7 year old daughter for Xmas and she just loved it. She read every single book. It was a great series to get my daughter excited about reading for pleasure. Easy too for a new reader.

If you daughter likes fairies and ponies, these are the books for her. My daughter who is 6 loves them and begs me to read another chapter everynight.

My daughter is 5 and just loved these books. She was very excited to know where the fairies would be found. I also enjoyed reading them with her.

My daughter and I stumbled up Ruby the Red Fairy, it was just such a good story, we had to get the whole collection to find out what happens at the end. My daughter is five years old and not only enjoys reading the story - because it is just challenging enough for her (and advanced reader), but also just loves the story. I am sure we will be reading all about the other fairies as well, the weather and gem fairies! Great stories!!!!

What can I say! This Rainbow Magic Books 1-7 Boxset was a gift from "Santa" for my 7 year old. It was great to see her reading them for most of Christmas Day. She loves this series and has created a puppet show, her own written story, and even paper drawings of the characters so she can include them with her WebKinzs. Highly recommended by dad!!

I was well pleased with the quick turnaround and the quality of the product when it arrived. It makes shopping a pleasure.

All of the Restorer books are very good.The characters are believeable even if not likeable at times. There is always a theme of trusting in God no matter what the circumstances and also of stepping into our destiny/call even though we are just ordinary people. These books have many layers of truth to expose and apply to daily life in the midst of exciting adventure fantasy fiction.

My husband and I read all the time and really enjoy the science fiction/fantasy genre. But it is hard to find well-written books that are uplifting AND exciting AND thought-provoking WITH well-drawn characters. Sharon Hinck's series has all these elements. The message in the books is in our hearts, and so we enjoyed reading all the more. Bravo to the author!!

Susan's son Jake might be the next Restorer, but right now he's in trouble. Cameron and Medea, Susan's enemies from Lyric have gotten through the portal and are in the wrong world. They force Mark to help them go home, but in spite of all he can do, they take Susan with them. Jake is determined to go after then and save his mother. But it's not the Lyric he expected. Things have changed, and danger is all around him.
This is book three in Sharon Hinck's Restorer series, and as usual, she takes the reader on a magical journey. Strong characters, and fantastical adventure keep the reader immersed in the story.

Another winner in the Sword of Lyric series by Sharon Hinck, The Restorer's Journey is an action-packed fantasy grounded in harsh reality. The narrative alternates between two main characters: Susan, the Restorer/soccer mom from the first book, (The Restorer) who becomes a prisoner of the Rhusicans while her son Jake, the new Restorer, tromps around trying to find both his bearings and his courage.

Jake struggles with his new role as the Restorer and tries to triage the multiple injuries of the land - plus rescue his missing mother. Not a stand-out leader initially, Jake is knocked around, beaten up, tied up and taken for a forced march, and more - but recovers from everything until he learns to follow the One's direction and truly be a leader for the people. After seasons of trial and suffering, the People of the Verses begin to restore order and return to their sacred roots.

In the meantime, Susan is kept a prisoner of the sadistic mind-reading Rhusicans. Through her experiences of deprivation and mental torture, Susan connects even deeper with the One. The strength and reality of Susan's relationship with the One unhinges the Rhusicans and literally rocks their world.

All in all, it's a riveting story. This is not a sweet bedtime book with a happy little moral at the end - it's not a standard fantasy novel in any way. It's a harsh spotlight revealing a couple of very real characters in deadly situations that don't play out easily. Both Jake and Susan suffer terrible things, yet each does so with an amazing attitude of gratitude to the One whom they serve. They continue to seek His face and direction regardless of their individual circumstances, whether they are running for their lives, or trapped and alone with no hope for relief or release. It's truly an astounding book to read. We all face trials and difficulties in our own lives. We may at times petition God to help us out of our troubles. But it's rare to choose to remain in the trial so that we might find God's will for us, for our lives. I know it's a struggle for me personally to be faithful and trusting when it seems like everything is crashing in around me. But it's good to be able to take comfort in a book that tells it like it is, and doesn't make light of life. Books like The Restorer's Journey are real sources of inspiration. It doesn't need to be non-fiction to be encouraging. And this book proves it.

Sharon Hinck has truly become one of my all-time favorite authors. She has shown time and again that she can tell an awesome story and make it hit home with depth, passion and conviction. Her books have an honored spot in our home library, and I hope that many will find her works as enjoyable as I have.

This is a captivating children's story that will make you looking forward to the next book of the series. I think it is smart on the part of the author to finish this Book 1 just after Kate follows Matt into Abadazad. This is exactly why the readers will wait for Book 2. My problem, however, is that the story was not long enough. I wish the book contained 280 pages, instead of 140. It would also make me feel that my money was well spend... Otherwise the book is great, nicely designed, with vibrant colors. Overall I rate it for 4.5 stars.

This book deserves more than five stars! Its compelling, exciting, intriguing etc. Loooooooooooooove it! I've never read such a fantastic novel! This is a book for all kids to enjoy. A classic and a masterpeice! Its appropriate for all ages. The plot is about a young girl, Kate, who finds herself in a enchanted land. You feel as if you're there yourself and experience the exciting events right with Kate. I highly recomend this fantastic novel.

This is an amazingly good book. The moment I picked it up I knew I was in for a treat. The charactors are fantastic and the plot is compelling and engrossing. The illistrations do wonders for the eye and once you star reading you can't stop. 5 stars!!!!!

Take the graphic novel format, add full color, and add more text to get a vivid enchanting diary/journal of magic, adventure, and a friendless child whose life changes. A journey to another world makes for vivid adventure.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

Cross Gen Comics was a noble failure. The publisher tried to expand Comics by publishing stories in as many far-thinking formats as possible. They also tried to create tales for all age groups and interests by pushing into as many genres as possible, eschewing for the most part the capes and tights superheroics that still dominate this dusk of the comic industry. Alas, the financial side of the equation did not match the creative and Cross Gen was in the end unsuccessful.

However, one of the last enterprises of the company was the launching of Abadazad. It lasted a mere 3 issues, but fortunately showed enough of it's promise (and generated good word-of-mouth) to be picked up by Disney.

Abadazad is clearly the Wizard of Oz for the generations that have grown up demanding more depth even for Children's entertainment.

Abadazad is a dynamite mix of prose, traditional illustrations and pure comics. The prose adds so much more to the story than could ever be portrayed in traditional panel comics and the comic pages add so much more illustrative depth than could otherwise be conveyed.

The story is strong. While it concerns a more or less standard quest of fantasy ( a young girl must travel to a strange and enchanted land to rescue her little brother), the main character's persona is so much richer (and just a little edgier) thanks to the circumstances of her rather difficult life and family relations perceeding the jump to pure fantasy.

And what a fantasy world she jumps into! With all the depth and colour of Oz or Narnia, but with just a slightly harder edge that should be acceptable to both parent and child. Mike Ploog brings the fantastic world of Abadazad to life and proves the axiom that a picture is worth a thousand words!

A wonderful start for a series that should be immensely enjoyed by anyone 8 or older (or even MUCH older).

I think that "Scorpion Shards" and the Star-Shards trilogy is the best ever. I began to read it in my 7th grade year since my 6th grade techer told me to read books by Shusterman because she thought that I might like it. Scorpion shards is just awesome..It has an incrdible plot and make you want to keep going and when u stop reading it.. u still think about it.. Just getting through half of Scorpion Shards I wanted to read the whole trilogy.

This is one of my all time favorite books. I like this book because, of all of the characters. The characters are very unique. Dillon is a crazy power hungry psycho who causes chaos where ever he goes. All the shards have powers that make them different from every day human.
The shards have powers of that can be used for good and if they desire evil. The shards are controlled by these parasites that make the story interesting. It keeps you interested by an enthralling story line that makes you have to read the next book. I like this book because the battle of good and evil and the chance that all the people in the worlds minds can be shattered if the goods shards don't stop the evil psycho in time.

...in Scorpion Shards. This books is amazingly diverse in areas of interest, and has such great detail that it is hard not to imagine yourself standing next to the characters seeing what Shusterman is describing. This book has little pieces of information from many different fields, such as astrology, astronomy, and even a little biology! I am writing this review within 15 minutes (give or take) of finishing this book, and I would storngly recommend this book to anybody. I know I intend to purcahse the second book as soon as possible, Thief of Souls

Shadow-black tentacles wrapped around the cradle of the telescope. A clouded face that swarmed with a million hideous insects descended upon the astronomer's desk and something with cold dark fur brushed past Tory, its breath sickly sweet.

Scorpion Shards by Neal Shusterman is an exciting novel in which six kids, each with a strange physical or emotional mutation, must discover how to get rid of their deformities. It is a powerful fantasy filled with darkness and suspense.

One interesting concept of the book is how a hunger for something can completely overpower a person. Each of the six teenagers has one, some worse than others. Dillon Cole, the most dangerous of the group, is driven by his "wrecking-hunger" to attempt to destroy all of civilization. Michael "Lips" Lipranski can usually control it, but once his almost unnatural hunger for girls went too far, leaving the unlucky girl without a soul after his kiss.

Another exciting part of the fantasy is its dark and chilling thrills. Like when the astronomer Dr. Bayless meets his untimely demise at the hands of the hungry monsters inside of each of the kids. Or when Dillon destroys an entire city block to feed his hunger. In the end, the six must all face their demons in a strange, lost world.

One last fascinating aspect of the novel is how a single thought can cause so much chaos. Dillon drives whole towns past the brink of insanity, after whispering a simple suggestion into a person's ear. He can alter the entire future of a victim, from possible millionaire to vagabond. Dillon has the uncanny ability to see patterns, whether it be of people's lives or tumbling boulders. He uses this skill to find a human "fuse", from which he can set off a whole chain of events.

Neal Shusterman's book, Scorpion Shards, is one of his greatest achievements. It is a gripping novel, with twists and turns until you reach the back cover.

W. Hodson

Dillon Cole is 15. He loves to destroy things, but not for fun. There's some invisable force inside him that "makes" him do it. So in order to feed this "wrecking hunger," the same power that makes people go insane when they touch him, he has to keep on destroying.

Deanna chang makes everyone afraid. Even herself. When she's around people, she feels claustrophobic. Houses couuld fall on her. Things could kill her. And people around her are so afraid.

Winston is growing shorter and paralyzing people, and Tory is a living bacteria. Not to mention Miachael, who makes women fall in love, and men want to kill. Or Lourdes, who doesn't eat, but gets fatter.

Who are these extremely screwed up kids? They are the Scorpion Shards. Six kids that have enough power to kill or hurt everyone around them. Except themselves.

So why are they like this? Not everyone has the power to strike fear into everyone else. Or see patterns in everything. Something is causing this, other than hormones.

Scorpion Shards tells this story about these six innocent kids, who have had the universe single them out. Their journey takes them through pain, worlds, and death. A wonderful book to read for anyone who likes to see teenagers and out-of-this-world problems.

Like most teenage girls, Roxy couldn't wait to turn sixteen, but finally
that Special Day arrived. The anticipation of dreaming with a glorious
imagination of beauty, combined with the burning desire to be the focus of attention for the popular boys, closed the door to wishful thinking,
while opening another door to reality. Throughout her teen years, Roxy
realized that her reputation of the band geek as she played Miss. Innocent were two marks against her big time in the notice me department,
and while your at it, don't forget to ask me out! She couldn't wait for
those gray clouds hanging over her head to be replaced by the golden sun
on her sweet sixteen. Suddenly, her dream comes true as she transforms
into a magnet, attracting every gorgeous guy in school. The same geek who
played in the band unnoticed, is now the beautiful, seductive woman that
guys can't keep their eyes off of. Pleasantly surprised, Roxy now has the
power to take full control of all the handsome, popular guys as she soaks
up the attention like a sponge. The magic exists in her flute, but comes
with two conditions. As the Teenage Siren, she must keep this a secret,
and reveal to no one that a few notes on her flute will put the guys in
a trance as they push-and-shove closer to her. The second rule which is
the toughest is that she's not allowed to fall in love. However, when
zach falls into the perfect picture of romance in a loving relationship,
Roxy now has a big decision to make, which could affect her life many
years down the road. Most young women at the age of sixteen would love
the Siren transformation, but we all know that it's impossible to prevent
the occurrence of love. After all, it's unconditional love that makes the
world go round, while living happily ever after. Isn't that the golden
dream many women crave for most of their lives? Who in their right mind
would trade it in for anything else, knowing it's priceless? However,
the crucial decision must be made, Siren or geek? That's an easy choice,
no one would give it up. But, to be forced to throw love in the garbage
can, without looking back, is the cause of an instant migraine. For the
icing on the cake, endless fear of guilt that could possibly haunt her
forever is a tough choice for anyone to make, especially at age sixteen.
Wendy Toliver kept the reader in suspense throughout the entire story,
filling the reader's mind with curiosity to the end. "The secret Life of
A Teenage Siren" is a delightful read for teens, and adults. Roxy comes
to life as the author's main character with a superb performance on the
same scale as "Harry potter" with one exception, Harry's magic wand is
Roxy's magnificent flute. This captivating novel was a blend of teenage
drama, mixed with humor, creating a Masterpiece similar to one of Meg
Cabot's finest. In a clever way, before the final curtain is drawn,
Wendy Toliver makes sure it's not closed completely, leaving behind
the possibility for a sequel. The reader walks away in pure content,
craving for the next episode of Roxy with Mr. Right, or is he Mr. Wrong?

Geraldine Ahearn A.I.O.M.
Author of 6 books
Author Geri Ahearn, INC

Roxy has been crushing on the popular Zach for years. But there is one problem- Roxy is a Bee-Gee, a Band Geek, and there's no way Zach would even look twice at her. But all of that changes when on Roxy's 16th birthday she is transformed into a beauty queen in 60 seconds flat. Apparently she is a Siren, and there are some rules to be followed. With this transformation comes everything she's ever wanted. But Roxy's soon to finding out that everything she's ever wanted isn't worth the sacrafices she has to make to have it.

I really enjoyed reading The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren. The story is cute and original, the emotions and the characters are real. Roxy acted as most girls would when presented with their dream, even if the actions weren't so desirable. You want to hate her in the beginning for the things she does but as the story goes on you realize that's not her at all. In the end she realizes the meaning of true friendship and the importance of not judging people. The book was entertaining, funny, and a quick read. Fans of the other Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies will find this to be enjoyable. Great job Wendy!

si·ren \s'rn\ n 1 : any of a group of female and partly human creatures in Greek mythology that lured mariners to destruction by their enchanting music 2 : a woman who makes bewitchingly beautiful music 3 : a temptingly beautiful woman

On Roxy's sixteenth birthday, she is somehow miraculously transformed from band geek to gorgeous seductress. Roxy's grandmother explains that this is because Roxy is a Siren, the definition of which is above. At first, Roxy is skeptical, but then she starts to get used to charming boys to get what she wants. With the aid of her flute, Roxy snags her hot crush, passes her driving test, and becomes a model, among other things. But there are two rules; Roxy can't tell anyone she's a Siren, and she can't fall in love either. If she breaks these rules, she loses her powers and the person she loves will die. Everything seems so simple at first - until Roxy starts falling in love.

The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren was a very fun and satisfying read. I really enjoyed how Wendy Toliver incorporated mythology into a funny modern story. The story was sweet yet predictable, but that didn't make me like it any less. Anyone who loves the other Simon Pulse Romantic Comedies will also love this enjoyable novel.

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com

This is your regular geek to chic story with a twist. Roxy gets more than what she bargained for on her sixteenth birthday. They always say sweet 16 is the birthday you will never forget, and in Roxy's case it is proven to be true, when she is transformed into a teenage hottie.

What will the guy she's been crushing on think of her after the transformation? Pick up your own copy to find out!

The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren by Wendy Toliver. This book is a must read for the summer, it's fast fun and fabulous. Thank you Wendy for reminding me what fun reading can be . Oh, if you ever find a spare Grandma Perkins send her my way . Defiantly worthy of 5 Hearts

Reviewed by Helene Tompkins
For Book Reviews by Crystal

I am just posting this for Helene, she wrote the review :)

I'm an avid reader of the entire Simon Pulse Ro-Com line, so I would've picked this book up anyway--but the gorgeous cover didn't hurt. And I wasn't disappointed with the story, either.

Roxy is surprised to find out, on her sixteenth birthday, that she's a siren. This means a ton of great stuff: beautiful looks, a charming personality (quite literally), and, above all, recognition from her classmates. No longer the ugly duckling, Roxy isn't very upset with the one limitation of being a siren: she can't fall in love. Well, that is, until she does...

Wendy Toliver's got a really nice voice in her writing, and it worked very well here. This was a fresh read. One of the things I loved the most about it were the passages from the book about sirens Roxy's grandmother gave her so she could better understand the history behind it all. I'm a sucker for all things mythical, and the story was well substantiated in that aspect.

All in all, this book's a keeper. The characters were likeable, the plot, while sometimes heading down clichés lanes, always finds a way to twist itself towards originality, and the whole feel of the story is pretty nice. The Secret Life of a Teenage Siren is great for a light, fun mood. I'd recommend it if you're looking for a beach read style of book.

Rating: 8/10

My husband gave me this book for Christmas last year, because months ago I had mentioned that it was one of my favorite childhood books and I was very chagrined that evidently I had not saved it. I read it again, about 47 years after my first reading, and loved it just as much, maybe even more.
Before I read it, for extra interest I tried to remember everything I could about it. It was amazing to me that I could remember so many little details, even some of the expressions that the children used.
I intend to read it to my grandchildren when the time comes.

This is by far my most favourite book from my childhood. Your child will fly away with the children and visit all the exotic times and places. I great jumping point for parents to explain history in more detail to their kids.

Great for ages 7/8 and up.

This book was my all time favorite children's book. My mother had it as a child and read it to me when I was around three. Once I learned to read I re-read it several times. I most recently read it again this summer and I can't wait to read it to my future children.

I read this book as a child,simply for the story. Now, as an adult, and a would-be educator (wannabe, really) I find myself coming back to the story of the children and their magic ship again and again. As I grew older, I read grander tales of more complicated magic... and greater historical scope... but every now and then, I would return to this story. It gives a different taste of magic... the Norse tradition is too little explored, at times; and a smattering of several interesting periods in history... Norman England, Egypt in the time of the great pharaohs.... even a visit to the Norse gods themselves. Age constraints notwithstanding... a good literature is good literature. Given the current resurgence in magic in children's literature... this deserves a reprint!!

This is a wonderful book, which I've read dozens of times, and it still moves me. I first read it 40 or more years ago, and when I found it again recently, I was just as enchanted by it, and now appreciate it on other levels. I still want to wander a tiny English seaside town and find my own magic ship.
I recommend it to anyone-children, teens, adults, seniors. It has something for everyone.

I read this book when I was fifteen, and still think it's one of the greatest works of literature I've ever read. This is the store of Alan, and his blood brother Hal, as they struggle to fight against an evil king, find the women they love, and fulfill their destinies.

This novel has some great characterization, and Springer does a great job of portraying the complexities of life in Isle. I only wish they could reprint this series. This is one of her best books!

A must read for fantasy lover and for readers who enjoy complex characterization.

When I was in 7th or 8th grade I came across a book called The Silver Sun by Nancy Springer. I read the book multiple times and it wound up being one of my favorites of all time. I don't think there was one day through 7th and 8th grade that I wasn't carrying it around with me and engrossed in it in study hall.

The Silver Sun is a fantasy novel set in the land of Isle, ruled by the tyrannical King Iscovar. The main characters are Hal, the son of the king, and Alan, his half brother.

Throughout his childhood, Hal was hated by his father and physically tortured and kept in dungeons. He escaped and has a quest to take the throne from his father and rule the land peacefully.

At the beginning of the book, Hal finds Alan, who has been robbed and beaten in the forest. Hal nurses him back to health and they soon become blood brothers and partners in the quest to take the kingdom from the evil King, building alliances with local outlaws and building an army in order to do so.

The book is filled with, and basically built around, a whole mythology. In the land in which the book is set, there are many gods. Hal worships the god called "The One", which is, in his belief system, the true god. There is a lot of mythology built around The One- and elves, the original peaceful rulers of the earth, who are immortal until they marry or are killed. Elves are not univerally believed to exist, however within the mythology surrounding The One, elves were once believed to rule the earth until humans took over and corrupted it. The elves are peaceful beings and are believed to live in a land without corruption - a perfect world that they created when the humans took over the earth - that is sheltered from the evil of the human blight.

The One also has an appointed "messiah", who is referrred to as "The Very King". Throughout the book the prophecies surrounding the coming of "The Very King" and the return of the elves begin to come true and piece by piece you begin to realize that "The One" truly exists and The Very King is soon to appear, as the prophecies laid out in the "Book of Suns" are slowly fulfilled one by one.

The Silver Sun captivated me as a young 13 year old with the detailed world it created and the mythology of hope and peace that slowly builds throughout the book. It is truly my favorite book of all time. While it has been out of print for a while, I have actually bought second copies (used) through amazon in order to make sure I always had a copy that wasn't falling apart.

Apparently it is back in print, as I have found it again on Amazon (this is the only book that I actually periodically check Amazon for to see if copies are available). So I recommend that you grab it while there are still copies available. The world that Nancy Springer builds is very engaging and inspiring and her stories are just a pure joy to read.

There are four books in the "Book of Isle" series. The White Hart, The Silver Sun, The Sable Moon, and the Black Beast. The Silver Sun makes many references to the White Hart, as it is the story of the first "Very King" to come to the land before evil took over the land. The Sable Moon continues where the Silver Sun left off, which I cannot explain further without giving away the final pieces of the Silver Sun.

I really hope this write up does this book justice and gets people to read it. I know I have tried to get Kelsi to read it a bazillion times to no avail. She's not a big fantasy book reader.

I'll definitely keep trying to convince her to take one of my copies though.

This is without a doubt the best book ever written. Known by another name The Book Of Suns Nancy Springer is my favorite author and love everything she has written she is what made me want to become a writter myself.

This is perhaps one ot the best written fantasy novels of the decade. The storyline is superior, writing style is captivating, and the reader becomes a part of the manuscript.

Being a fantasy novel author, I fully appreciate the great efforts that Nancy Springer put into creating characters that the reader can relate to and understand. Her descriptive quality of writing is fantastic.

I highly recommend this book to readers of fantasy of all ages.

Dave

This book, which is among Ms Springer's earlier works, is a great read. Springer is a great storyteller, so while I was not surprised at the story's end, I didn't mind taking in the sights along the way.

I enjoyed Springer's references to the religious/cultural customs of past societies, without bogging the story down with largely unnecessary explanations. They simply add a backdrop which gives the story a richer and more believable flavor.

While it is now out of print, the paperback version can be inexpensively obtained from a number of used sources. Give it a try.

This may very well be the best spidey story ever told, and that is very strange considering how low on the pole Kraven ranks among Spideys villains. However, Kraven becomes an empathetic character in this story, and watching his dissent into madness from panel to panel is a work of art. The story has a few moments that spidey fans will remember forever, and that's pretty impressive considering the characters history. Every Spiderman fan needs to have this in their collection, Nuff said.

the only thing to dissapoint me about this book was the 'hype'-if i can call it that.nearly all 5 stars (reviews here) means a damn good book,and i felt like maybe it was a bit less than amazing.that said i will read it again and never let it go.awesome cover art but inside it is still a 20 year old story (give or take)

Great read here! If you like Spider-Man, comics, or just a good read, make sure to pick up this story. It's got action, drama, emotion...so many things on so many levels. The dialog flows, the art is beautiful, and the story has real meaning to it. Be cautioned: The story is dark. The web-spinner lacks his usual wit and humor. He doesn't have time for it...he's fighting for his life! Hardboiled, gritty, and just plain good. Highly recommended.

This story is an absolute masterpiece, the art is superb and the story, well its just fantastic. It gives the reader a very interresting villain, whom you might be temped to cheer for. This story is about honour, revenge and having a second chance (spidey after getting out of the grave changes).

Extremely recommended to EVERYONE

This was a very entertaining read. The story was very good and the art was even better. It does a great job of putting you into the mind of Kraven. You really get both sides of the story which really makes you have to pick either Spidey's or Kraven's side. Great read.