Science Fiction and Fantasy Books

Sakura, the Clow Card girl, is back! She's not capturing the Clow Cards again... She's got to find out who else is making mysterious situations! Her magic is weaker than somebody else's. Who is this person and why is he(or she) doing this? Sakura's gotta find out, and get stronger than this person. One day, she defeats the magic with the firey card, but the card changed. Then, she figures out she makes this card and names it a Sakura Card. Now, she's got to change all of the cards too! Double trouble! Can she do it when she has to go to school and with her sixth sense brother lurking around?

Sakura and her friends are back in the first book of the follow-up series to Cardcaptor Sakura. Sakura has passed the trial by Yue the Judge and rightfully become Master of the Clow Cards. But when a new force shows itself, Sakura's magic isn't strong enough to defeat it. Can she somehow find a strength in herself to overcome?

I was so happy to find this book and to revisit my favorite Cardcaptor characters once again. Full of the same wonderful story, art, and characters as the first series, this book is sure to please any manga-lover. Find out what happens next!

Master of the Clow is the sequel to the original 6-part Cardcaptor Sakura manga. Sakura has collected all of the cards and has even beaten and subjugated the other guardian, Yue, to prove that she was worthy of being the "Master of the Clow". Perhaps, after that, Sakura believed that she would be able to go back to a normal life. But in a vision in the last volume of the first series, Clow Reed, who is believed to be dead, appeared to her and told her that he "might cause her some trouble". Now, what this means is anyone's guess. But soon after some unnatural occurences begin to happen and Sakura steps in to stop them, she finds her card magic is useless! Sakura is going to have to step it up a notch to face this new threat. And do two mysterious transfer students have a hand in this magical test?

I don't know if I'm going to like this second series. I enjoyed Cardcaptor Sakura a lot and got in her corner as Sakura had to overcome trial after trial to prove her power of spirit. But I think it's a little cruel to have to start all over again from scratch. To me, it's already been done. The formula of discovering new powers to lick new enemies just doesn't sound promising the second time around. Don't get me wrong, this book wasn't bad, it just seemed to be a repeat of something I've already read. I'll go one more volume to see if it has any surprises.

SF : THIS REVIEW IS RATED SPOILER-FREE

After watching the CCS anime up to the part when she faces Yue in the final test, I was agast (sp??) that my beloved Sakura had ended. But, much to my glee, I discovered a WHOLE NEW ARC OF CCS!!! Bigger, bolder and far, far better than the first arc, sakura faces a whole new posse of villains (or ARE they?) out to get her, the plot becomes even thicker than before, and relationships begin to develop. This is the bigger cliffhanger EVER -- the plot out-does LOTR, Harry Potter, Sailor Moon...in fact, ANY OTHER BOOK I'VE EVER READ!!! it is simply incredible. I am told the next books are even better. Don't know how that one works..............

Hiya! I'm an otaku-girl living in the U.K, where it's DAMN difficult to get manga! I wish I lived in the U.S,waaah! But anyway, I get all my essentials imported, so it's not too bad! Enough about me, let's talk about Cardcaptor Sakura! I didn't actually buy the manga, I reserved it from the library! Infact as I'm writing this, it's only been the second day since then! I LOVED it! I recommend it to everyone who loves art from CLAMP, and the previous series of Cardcaptor Sakura! The art is just BEAUTIFUL, the story is great and you'll just want to read it all over again once you've finished! Here are some of my favourite scenes:
1. When Li blushes when Sakura says she can't wait for the day he'll come back to visit from HongKong.
2.When Eriol and Li have an encounter over him holding Sakura's hand.
3. The way Li blushes when he sees Sakura.
4. The teddy-bear scene.
5. Rika giving the bear to Mr. Terada.
6. Li thinking of giving a bear to Sakura."Return your love......"

Well that's all, hope I didn't spoil too much! By all means buy this book, 'kay!

While this is a children's book, I have given the small 5" x 5" version to countless friends and family as a greeting card when they were faced with terminal illnesses. My Mother and I shared this book in her final days as a joyful vision of the wonder that lay beyond. I always have a small supply on hand to share with those who need to be reminded.

This book made me cry with happiness every time I read it to our daughter. The meaning of life in a children's book. Who would have expected that!

This was my oldest son's favorite bedtime story over 25 years ago. He had a vivid imagination, and I would delight in seeing his eyes light up as I would read the story to him. I attempted to repair the cover of our copy with clear contact paper, as it started to fall apart long before he was ready to give it up. It is in my stack of books to pass on to his children someday. This would be a wonderful gift for anyone, and after reading some of the other reviews, perhaps I should dig it out and re-read it myself from a different perspective.

This book was a gift to me about ten years ago. It has brought a calming feeling to me when I would come home from work. I have given this book to my staff and other managers where I work. You see I work in an assisted living facility. I am one of the staff that the residents come to when they are frustrated, confused, worried or in need of a sounding board, for comfort, or just a friend. I am the on who is there with the family when their loved one passes. Some days I come home wiped out and drained. Caretakers of Wonder is that little book that gives me a big lift.

This book was given to our family by friends when my father in law passed away. My children were young and would ask "Where did Grandpa Go?" What a great way to explain to children in a way that they could understand. My kids are grown, the book has been shared with everyone of their friends, including my daughters third grade class. When we see butterflies we say, "That's Grandpa", when we see the stars at night we find grandpa. It has allowed him to live on in everything we see and do. My grown kids are all proud owners of their own copies. I wish they'd reprint, I'd love to have a supply to pass on to others for this same reason. Thank you Eden Cooper. OUR favorite book.

This book introduced me to the concept that the afterlife will be what you imagine it to be.
I'll never forget one character's trek across a hell where maggot-filled raindrops fall and Hitler crawls around as a little worm.
The preacher of the fundamentalist church was creepy carrying around that mummified hand in his shirt pocket-especially when it would move.
Then there was the scientist that had a fetish for torturing cats, and who performed death experiments on animals. Loved the passage when the toad was drifting away to meet his golden toad goddess!

I read this book back in 1988 when I was 13, and all this stuff has stuck with me. This book really challenged my Southern Baptist upbringing (understatment), and Steiber really lead me to consider what really happens after death. I would consider this book to have a theme about the contrast between organized religion and more pagan/"earthy" beliefs.

Finally, I absolutely LOVED the leader of the Wiccans-Constance and the leather garters passed down from preistess to preistess from ancient times.

Strieber wrote this book in his pre-Communion days and includes a note that the fairy characters (with slight stature and large eyes) seen in the book may be a subconscious expression of his memories of the grays.

I highly recommend this book for the sheer imaginative qualities that Streiber used.

I loved this book. I've read it 3 times. I don't have enough words to describe the passion this story evokes in me. Full of magick of the rawest kind, and just enough danger to keep your blood pumping. When I read this book I long to live at Constance Colliers witch village. Oh, if only there was such a place!! This is a great work of art.

Despite the cheesy cover art, Whitley Streiber put together a pleasant little read in his pre-Communion days. He has the usual trouble male authors frequently have when trying to write about the intimate thoughts and feelings of a woman, but otherwise it is good enough. I did, however, keep thinking of questions he had left unanswered after I finished the book. Naughty Whitley.

Well as I am No great writer, I'll make this short and shiny. The imagery in this book was amazing, throughout the book I felt as if I were part of the Covenstead, as if I was there to see all that was occuring,I gained feelings for Amanda Walker, Robin and also a slight pang of sympathy for Constance. The book created a wall of unexplainable atmosphere for me . In a short conclusion I reccommend this book to any one with an intrest in witchcraft, or alternative communities. I am dying to read more from Strieber.

This is a great book to read, if you can find a copy. It has elements of paganism, fantasy & horror. A young woman's experiences in a small community, clashes between a pagan compound and a local christain group.

The wild hunt bit in this book is great! Wonderful fantasy book for pagan readers!

What a great book! One of the few books that I have ever read and literally not been able to put down. Think it took all of about three hours to read this for me I was so enthralled. The entire series is good, but Torment is a shining example of how a rough sketched story can be turned into a true literary gem by a talented writer.

Great, captivating tale.

That's not saying much considering I don't read a lot, but this book is awesome. The parts with Llawan and Laquatus are kinda boring but they don't ruin it by any means. I didn't really like the ending, but overall the book was 5/5 for me. This is one of the few magic storylines I've actually given a crap about. (The other being weatherlight.)

Even though the Odyssey cycle has been gone for over 2 years, you should definately still pick this book up.

This is my 2nd favorite book I have ever read in my life. This is the 3rd Magic book that I read, and after this I was captivated by the MTG novels, I have now read over 10 of them in only 4 weeks, and these are great books, Torment is my favorite so far. From beginning to end, it is AWESOME. There are a few boring parts when it follow Empress Llawan, but they are all worth it because they lead up to make a valuable point. I reccommend this book to anyone who enjoys fiction, such as Harry Potter or MTG, it also reminds me of LOTR a little bit.

This is a great book from beggining to end! After I read this book, I got really hooked on to magic after I read this book.

This was a superb read. It is, by far, the best of the three Odyssey block books.

In a nutshell, the first half or so covers the same timespan as Odyssey, just from Chainer's point of view. While Kamahl is off chasing the Mirari, Chainer is developing his magical skills and is rapidly ascending the ranks as the Cabal's best dementist. With the aid of the Mirari (he is the only person so far who has been able to control it), he seems virtually unstoppable. The view into the Cabal's dark intentions is quite entertaining, as we learn more and more about the mysterious Calchexas, the Cabal Patriarch. The book ends in a big climax and leaves readers with an excellent starting point for Judgment.

This book earns a well-deserved 5 stars.

I'm 18 years old. My Uncle Keith bought my sister, now 20, and I the Cinnamon Bear when I was 11 years old.

I love this show and anticipate listening to it every year. This year, I convinced my boyfriend to listen along with me. It took a lot of nagging and begging, but he agreed to. Now I have to hide it from him to keep him from binging and listening to all of them early!

I'm the Cinnamon Bear
With the Shoe-button eyes
And I'm looking for someone
To take by surprise

I go growling and prowling
Each night after dark
But the folks say my growl's
Just a cinnamon bark...

So begins the enchanting world of puns and humor and fantasy and some superior caliber voice work which is the Cinnamon Bear. Who wouldn't want to meet candy pirates and gentle giants? And guess who the children meet at the end?...somebody very important in the world of Christmas, if you get my drift.

I also grew up in SW Portland in the 60s, listening to the Cinnamon Bear every Christmas on KEX. I treasure this as one of my favorite holiday memories. I used to sit on the floor and color pictures to go along with the fantastic stories. How wonderful that Smithsonian has now remastered this and re-released it!

Now my young kids can't wait to go to bed and turn off the lights so I'll play the Cinnamon Bear for them. What more incentive do you need? The 15 minute episodes are just right for getting the kiddies to settle. There is something fun about the live "feel" to the shows.

I would buy a CD version if I could find it, but this cassette holds up very well.

I first heard the adventures of The Cinnamon Bear and twins, Judy and Jimmy on the radio back in the l940's and remember the excitment I felt in anticipation of each days episode where they were in search of the silver star. The magical happenings, and many unforgetable Maybeland characters make this a cherished childrens story.

Shortly after Thanksgiving I share the story with my grandchildren, playing one episode each day (over the phone) and in addition to the silver stars they have each found in their Christmas stockings, I am sure they have a happy memory of a special story.

Wow! What a joy to know they are still selling these tapes! My sister and I grew up in a household where we played the Cinnamon Bear every year. My sister had a baby last year, and my father really wanted to start playing the tapes for the new grandbaby this year. Unfortunately, the tapes must have gotten lost in the last house move. I know my father will be thrilled to get the tapes this year as an early Christmas gift! Let the Christmas tradition continue!

This is our family favorite we even listen to it in the summer! I am 33 yrs old and my father MADE me listen to this on KEX radio when I was little. I just could not stand to hear it then it made me miserable. My things have changed. I bought this gift set for my dad for his birthday because he always said he missed it during the holidays because it has been discontinued. I have a 5 year old daughter who we introducted this to last Christmas. Her being more intellectual than myself just loves it! My husband cannot stand the music. The sound effects crack me up but my daughter just thinks it is the living end. We are planning on getting a reproduction old time radio with a tape player and I cannot wait to hear this on the old time radio. If you dont like this radio show at first it will grow on you. Start it out after Thanksgiving and listen to one everynight. It will get you in the spirit. I wish they had a Cinnamon stuffed bear I could buy my daughter. I like it because you have to use your imagination and things are not just presented to you like on the TV. I highly recommend it especially for people over 55 and little kids!

This series focusses on three Wiccan girls trying to make it through normal life while all the while using and running into magic. This series was particularly special to me as I am a young Wiccan myself and to see a book like this that shows Wicca in such a lighthearted and acceptable manner is simply wonderful.

I was glad to see an extra-large book to tie up the loose ends in this series in a great finale. It lessened the blow of this possibly being the end of the series.

The whole series is well written, character driven, mostly realistic, and well worth reading.

'"And so it ends."'

Now, I'm not usually one to waste my time soaking up the end of a series, but "Initiation" by Isobel Bird was one exception. I have to admit, this was one dramatic and overall astounding conclusion to "Circle of Three," and I would reccomend it to anyone. Whilst Cooper and Jane are busy with their 'Bitter Pills' plans, Kate and Annie are undergoing thier final initiation as witches. Cooper, who didn't make the initiation class, seems to be wasting away her sorrow in her hard-rock guitar; but Kate and Annie are more interested in which coven they will join and what the right choice is. Little does the circle of three know, their choices will soon merge into one as the conclusion of the fifteen-book series comes to an end. And as it draws near, Annie fears that the circle of three she, Kate and Cooper had formed is really going to break up after all. But the end is full of surprises, like Cooper's decision to become initiated and the forming of a brand new coven. Like I say, this is truly the beginning of the end. I hope to see more books by Ms. Bird, but if not, I'm glad I read the Circle of Three. This is truly excellent for all young Wiccans who need a good read, a good laugh, and time to enjoy themselves.

1st of all i would just like to say i am NOT 1, i am 14, there was just a problem with the regular review form. Lol. But anyway, this last book was a great finale for The Circle Of Three series. I can't believe it's over. It may not be, but there's usually a title for the upcoming book and even a passage, but it was not there. Basically, Kate, Annie, and Cooper have to deal with their Initiation...Kate will have to decide between her life in wicca, or being in Wicca for an old flame...Annie must choose the right coven also, but the upcoming wedding and her new sisters will show her what's the real path, one which will let her find her way....Cooper was not offered initiation in The Challenge Box, but finds renewed faith, but it may be broken once more... Each witch-to-be will together face a shocking revelation, including facing rejection...but the question is for all of you who haven't read the book yet, will they find the light to their destined paths? This may be confusing, but once you read Initiation, you'll understand. This was a great read, which i recommend to all who have read the others in the series. Buy it soon!

I must say, this entire series has been surprisingly informative and interesting (there are even a couple of ideas that I'm interested in adapting for public rituals). I'm a 29 years old practitioner or Wicca (I've been studying for 12 years), and although these books are aimed at teenagers, I've read them all, and so have many of my friends (ages 22 to 35).

As the series evolves, we see the personal growth and studies of three teenage friends as they struggle with adolescence and with their increasing interest in the pagan religion which is Wicca. This series presents their experiences as members of a study group organised by an eclectic coven (a year and a day of studies, possibly leading to initiation) and as members of their own "circle of 3", how their friendships and personal goals develop with time, how they become stronger, more mature individuals, how their families and friends react to their interest in this path, etc. The books are informative in the ways of eclectic Wicca, if I had children I'd feel completely comfortable in letting them read them, there is no gratuitous sex or violence or any such thing. Very well done, highly recommended!

I don't know what age this book was written for but let me say I am well over 40. I ordered this book because of its cover and knew nothing about the author or the story. When it arrived I noticed it was the second in a series so I ordered the first book (Ratha's Creature)and put this one aside. I have been hooked for several years on the Warrior serices by Erin Hunter, and this is equal to it with a lot less neames to remember. It is just a great story that keeps you turning the pages until you are finished. I have the next two books already and have pre-ordered the fifth one. I just hope the author keeps them coming like the Warrior series.

I read this book when I was a kid, but had almost forgotten it. When I saw it was going to be re-released I was very excited. It's a great book for all ages.

"Ratha's Creature" is a marvelous piece of genre writing. It certainly was wonderful to find that author Clare Bell keeps the saga flowing so smoothly with the follow-up publication of "Clan Ground." I find CG to be as engrossing, exciting, and as well-written as the original. I couldn't wait to crack the 3rd book in 'Tne Named' series after reading "Clan Ground."

Clan Ground is the second book in Clare Bell's Named series. It is a fantastic sequel to Ratha's Creature. At the time this series was written, I had never read anything of its like. Since then, I've noticed some other series in the Young Adult section that seem to have the same sort of premise, but Clare Bell did if first and she did it best!

I highly recommend this series, as it tops my list of best Young Adult books ever written. Luckily for potential new readers, they are now back in print!

'Clan Ground' is the second book in a series by author Clare Bell, coming after 'Ratha's Creature'. The clan has now settled back into life under Ratha's rule as clan leader and all looks well. And then a stranger from the outside wishes to join the clan. 'Clan Ground' is very difficult to put down once you've started reading! The plot, the setting and the characters are all wonderfully detailed and unique and the emotion draws you right in. Very highly suggested!

If there was going to be a Charmed movie, this is the story they should use.

I guess I'm just a huge fan no matter what, because I love ALL the Charmed books, and own them all! Each one has a great and unique story, I'm addicted to collecting AND reading them!

I watch the show every day, sometimes twice a day, every episode, haven't missed one yet, and don't plan on it, ever. I would love to get all the books on the series, especially shadow of the sphinx. That sounds so good. I give the series books 5 stars, cause its the best show on tv except for wwe raw and smackdown.

This book circles around the 3 new strangers who are close to each of the sisters, and each time they meet, something strange happens. Piper's emotions are unruly, Paige seems to be exhausted for nothing and Phoebe has short-term memory loss, and all 3 of their powers are getting weaker and weaker. Just like that. And the more times the sisters meet these "strangers", their sudden-weaknesses seem to be worsening (both magical and non-magical). At last, they discover that there is something sinister going on, and they have to pit against these strangers to defeat them AND get their powers back, as all the Ks (strangers) want in revenge, to what happened to their ancestors nearly 3000 years ago. Dark Vengeance indeed.

Find out what happens to this awesome story penned by Diana G. Gallagher. Definitely worth your money and your time to read it. Happy reading!!

this is my favourite charmed book!!! this is mainly because it gives each of the sisters an equal part bringing them all together at the end to kick but. although there are parts in this book that mirror the crimson spell this book has more levels plus a good twist at the end plus the charmed ones get a few good one liner jokes in. although the bad guys are pretty see through the ending is pretty solid.

overall this is a great book even if your not a mjor charmed fan and if you are it's better

I must say, for being a children's book, this series has got me hooked! Ms. Watson has definitely done it again. Her story draws the ready in so deep you won't be able to put it down. In this book we get to rescue a lost Jedi Master on the planet of Ilum. Here you get a first person's view of the kind of "trials" a Jedi apprentice experiences. The imagery used is very stunning and could be "felt" at times. I enjoyed this story so much. You won't be disappointed!

Dark Warnings
Last of the Jedi #2
-by Jude Watson

The Story
Obi-Wan Kenobi and Ferus Olin have just reunited after the Great Jedi Purge. Ferus Olin, a former Jedi apprentice, is trying to return to the Jedi path. Obi-Wan Kenobi wishes to return to his exile on Tatooine as soon as possible. Trever, a stow-away aboard their ship, wants to stay with them but gets annoyed when they offer him a way to leave.

There is a deep rift between Obi-Wan and Ferus. Ferus wants Obi-Wan to be truthful and to stay with him, but Obi-Wan knows he has to go back to Tatooine. Obi-Wan witholds the knowledge of Luke's and Leia's births from Ferus, which makes Ferus angry.

On their quest, they meet new friends, Raina and Toma, and find an unknown and unmapped asteroid. There is where Ferus plans to make a base for surviving Jedi. Obi-Wan and Ferus discover from their new friends that a Jedi is in the Caves of Ilum, a place where the Jedi construct their own lightsabres. Ferus and Trever rush off to find this Jedi, Garen Muln, leaving Raina and Toma to take care of the asteroid base.

Meanwhile, Obi-Wan goes - to Ferus's great disliking - to stop the investigation of Malorum, an inquisitor of the evil and powerful empire. He wants Luke's and Leia's births to remain secret. He ends up killing one inquisitor, which hopefully makes his secret more safe.

While constructing his own lightsabre, Ferus finds Garen Muln and narrowly escapes with him and Trever. Reunited with Obi-Wan again, they bring the fragile and malnourished Garen to the asteroid. Raina makes a makeshift hospital to help Garen recover.

Obi-Wan leaves Ferus back to his exile on Tatooine. An angry Ferus leaves only with Trever to go in search of another Jedi who is rumored to be held as a prisoner on Coruscant. Obi-Wan now on Tatooine is mentally ready for the training his old master promised to give him.

Recommendations
I'd recommend this book to anyone, young or old. Make sure you read the first Last of the Jedi book intially, so you can find the sequel thrilling and exciting. I gave it four stars because at times Obi-Wan's thoughts were very boring;however, make sure you put this on your list of books to read.

I read The Last of the Jedi #2 : Dark Warning.

Obi-Wan Kenobi is a former Jedi Master of the old Republic. He is secretive and doesn't use his lightsaber unless completely neccessary. Aslo, he doesn't like to endanger himself too much.

Ferus Olin is a former Jedi Apprentice. He would do whatever it takes to bring down the empire. His Force connection is a little weak because he hasn't used it in a while.

In the book, Obi-Wan and Ferus learn that another Jedi is still a live- Garen Muln. Garen is hiding in the caves of Illum where Jedi go to face their greatest fears and to get the crystals for their lightsabers. Meanwhile, Imperial Inquisitors are searching Palis Massa, where Padme gave birth to Luke and Leia! So, Ferus goes to Illum to get Garen and lightsasber crystals, and Obi-Wan goes to Palis Massa to stall the search. Ferus battles gundarks, his fears, and a fleet of Stormmtroopers to get Garen and the crystals. While stalling, The Inquisitor finds Obi-wan found out and the Inquisitor gets killed running away.

The setting of the book is Illum and Palis Massa. The time is after Episode 3.

The theme is bravery.

I liked it because it was very climactic.

This book and its prequel are great. I am 40 and life long sci-fi reader and this was a very enjoyable series. They have the same reading level as The hobbit but just short and compact. To make these true adult books you would just combine two or three into one volume. I am addicted I have ordered the rest in the series and cannot wait to read more. They should make them into movies.

This book is about Obi-Wan and Ferus.But Ferus has to go to the caves of Illum and concer his fears to get a lightsaber and crystals. Meanwhile Impirial Inquisitors to search Palis Massa were Luke and Leia were born. Ferus also has to battle stormtroopers and weird creachers. Obi-Wan goes to Palis Massa to delay the search.

I highly recommend this book and all the "Dragon and the George" sequels. It was a wonderful series, written by an amazing SciFi/Fantasy author!

a great book and the second in this amazing series.

a must for Fantasy readers everywhere.

This book is very exciting and does a good job how life was probably like in the middle ages, but it also has alot of suspence and action, and alot of times when you can't help to wonder how Jim(aka the Dragon Knight) can get out of his situation. It also has the interesing twist of comedy that makes you laugh every once and a while. This was a very good book but, I still like The Dragon and the George, better then this one, but they are both pretty simular. Never the less, this is a great book and I recomend it

This incredible book takes the best characteristics of a fantasy book and mixes them with a very particular way of seing every-day life during the Middle Ages. The author narrates the story with the fine humour that we see in all his work, capturing the reader with the crazy situations in which Jim and Brian are involved and trying to show us how beautiful and horrible can a life surrounded by magic and by unusual things can be. An excellent book full of magic, fantasy and optimism that any reader will enjoy a great deal!!!

This is another good book in the dragon series. If you liked the first you will surely like this one. The one disappointment I had with this book was that it leads you to believe there is much magic involved with the plot. However, in the final grudge there is really no magic but more strategy and war than any magic battle. The final ending does bring you back up to speed with an unsusspected surprise. Once again the mid-evil thriiler will grab you in the end and bring you back to the next book in the series.