Science Fiction and Fantasy Books

Of all the books I have read I have also found this one the best that I have ever read. I extremly enjoy Brianna's character. Even with all the tradgey that she goes through she finds the courage to stand up for her people and for herself. She hides her feelings and shows how storng she is and that she really doesn't need anyone or at least that is the way she acts. But unfortunately she really needs a strong man to set her free. All I have to say is that if you are thinking of buying this book, buy it, it is definatally worth it.

Quinn Taylor Evans is a wonderful author and she brings the story to life; you are there with them, you are part of them. If at all possible read each book in a row they will overlap into one another and you will travel back in time and you will not be sorry.

Brianna is introduced as a fragile creature and for all intents and purposes she is. But beneath that fragile exterior is a very strong woman. And fortunately she meets, in Tarek, a man who understands strength and her unique gifts. He falls in love with a glimpse of a woman he barely has time to speak to, and arranges things so he has to go all the way back to Scotland, supposedly on a mission for the king, but really to find Her. And find her he does, and claims her for his own.

This book is not a formulaic copy of the first. The characters are their own people with their own minds and their own destinies. I was very happy to finally meet Brianna and enjoyed watching her and Tarek get closer. It is yet another fabulous love story! I'm looking forward to the next sister's story.

Book 2 -Brianna of Scotland, second daughter of Merlin, is a changling who has powers to transform into the creatures of the forest. And only one man can set her free. The bastard son of a Byzantine aristocrat and a Norse sea Captain, Tarek al Sharif, he has come to Scotland to claim lands promised him by William the Conqueror. In order to claim Brianna he must chose between avenging the past and fighting for the future against the dark evil that want to claim the land.

Stunning and for all fans of Camelot!!

This is the second book in the Merlin's Legacy and it is a great addition to this series. This is the story about Merlin's daughter Brianna. She is the daughter of the Mist and she has a challange ahead of her that will change her life.

Tarek al Sharif is bastard born and does not have the memory of family and love but he is driven by the memory of a golden haired girl that helped him and saved his life. He has loved her from the first moment that he saw her and he plans on finding her again.

The path to true love is not a smooth one for these two characters. There is danger in the form of a person that wants control of Inverness and of course "the darkness" is always on the fringes looking in and waiting for the perfect time to cause trouble. Tarek must choose between the love for his changeling bride or avenging his past. The chemisty between the two main characters is great. They don't just fall into bed and thats the end. Their love grows and I feel that is why most people red romance. This book has it all mystical legends, and romance. This is a not to be missed story. It is well worth your effort and time to get a hold of a copy!

This is such a wonderful story its editing flaws (lots, but not fatal) can be brushed aside. The characters are mostly familiar if you ever took studies about the Mediterranean gods--Ares, etc.,--but the main character of Niala is new. She's amazing. A goddes who doesn't know that's what she is. The visuals of this book, and the dizzying plot, and the passions (both the steamy and non-steamy variety)will take your breath away.

If you like a terrific, exciting, sexy, emotional story, get this book!

IMMORTAL JOURNEY, the DEATH of INNOCENCE
I have not been a fan of Science fiction, Westerns or Mythological books. I am too much of a snob, to waste my time reading the likes of these books. I read Death of Innocence as a favor to a friend. Much to my surprise, I had to force myself to stop reading it. I enjoyed the book so much; I would only allow myself to read one chapter at a sitting. I read three other books; during the time it took me to finish this one. I knew it would come to an end, as I read each chapter, and then set the book aside, for a day or so before getting drawn back into web of enjoyment. It was a treat and agony to sit down and read only one chapter. I have but the final chapter to read, and have put it on hold for a week now. The book sitting
next to my recliner, tempting me to finish the final pages. I DO NOT WANT TO FINISH THE BOOK.
I know the book says Volume I, But when will Volume II, be out?

I can count the fiction authors I read on one hand. I'm adding Ruth Souther to the list of James Michener and Jean Auel. Souther's slant on Greek mythology makes for an exciting read. It makes me want to review my text books on Greek mythology so I can imagine where she'll take me next. After the cliffhanger of an ending, it's the only thing I can do while I wait for the next volume. I anxiously await the next page turner, although the first one kept me up way past my bedtime. I just couldn't put it down. Thanks for a great story Ruth.

Intricately woven tale, beautifully written. Ms. Souther's use of the language transports the reader with graphic description of mythical locales. Once started, it was hard to put down. A refreshing view of the constant need for balance in the world. Looking forward Volume 2.

This book is great. Not being a fan of fantasy, I approached it not expecting to ever feel compelled to write a review. I got hooked immediately. The characters are very real. Souther makes the reader care about them, and feel sympathetic about the dilemia that each of them finds himself/herself in. As it is fantasy, the reader has to accept some "truths", in order to enjoy the book. Not a problem. I got into the parallel god world that same way I did Harry Potter's broom. The author makes you a believer. The plot is interesting and intricate, but not confusing. Her descriptions are complete without being wordy. Buy the book, you won't regret it and then sit back and wait for her to write the next one.

This series just became one of my favorites!!The book moved and flowed like a movie. I hated to put this book down. I couldn't wait to turn the next page to see what was going to happen next. Rhuan and Ilona deserve each other (and who knew that she was what he was pretending to be???). I would definately recommend this book to family and friends.

I had read all of Jennifer Roberson's previous series, and enjoyed them. This latest world is wonderful. Her writing keeps you inside the world she had created, and her story keeps you wanting more!

It isn't often that I use this word, but I think it is appropriate to call this book delightful. If you liked the first book, you will love this one. It has the same mature but easy-to-follow writing style, only there is much more happening this time around. That makes sense, because the main characters have been meticulously described in the first book, and now the focus has shifted to plot development. Nevertheless, world-building continues to be portrayed in excruciating detail, and the deepwood is so real you could swear you're there.

The plot itself is very exciting and I seriously can't remember being bored with any passage for even a second. There are 2 main settings where the story is unfolding: the deepwood, and the karavan settlement in the "normal" world. There are also some events unfolding in Cardatha, the city overtaken by the Hecari and from where their warlord rules over Sancorra (we follow Brodhi during those events). The story ends with a plot twist and some unfinished business that allow for plenty of things to happen in the next book.

Realistic characters, detailed places, good plot, and a very likable writing style are at the heart of Karavans, and Deepwood does them all justice. Jennifer Roberson is both a talented and a hardworking author, and this book will attest to that. Highly recommended.

I really enjoyed Karavans - but I Loved Deepwood! I agree with Heather that the worst part is having to wait for the next installment!

I have been reading Ms. Roberson's Fantasy stories for about twenty years, and this book is my favorite of hers. But I have to admit, she's never written anything that I've read and haven't liked. If you haven't read Karavans, do so! If you enjoy it then you will HAVE to read this one! I highly recommend the series...

I gave the book 4 stars instead of three because while I still enjoyed the story and the last two pages made my evening, in all honesty the book is unsatisfying. Most of it feels just like a gigantic explanation of the Karavan world, that is useful but would be better explained through action than constant lecture. The amount of storyline progressed is limited and unfortunately Deepwood suffers the same timeline/distance inconsistencies as the first novel (I am of the firm opinion that as a reader I shouldn't be jarred out of reading because one character's week is the same as another's day).

Overall solid, but if you can wait until the third book is released, I'd recommend that.

"The Demon Plague" By Joreid McFate is a well written story with some unexpected twists that keep you turning pages till the end. I could not put it down! It was such a treat to find this book and I highly recommend it!

Reviewed by Sondra Fowler for Reader Views (5/06)

Salem Massachusetts 1692, Patience Gladstone stands before the town magistrate accused of witchcraft - Salem Massachusetts 1992, Crystal Patience Gladstone Donovan stands at her great-grandmother's funeral. "The Demon Plague" starts as a traditional tale of the Salem Witch Trials and ends quite another way. We follow the path of a crystal amulet bearing a star shaped flaw as it weaves its way through time. At the heart of this journey is a plot by a future race of people borne of a distant disaster. Crystal finds herself the heir of this amulet but no sooner than she gets it, the amulet is gone. Soon after Crystal finds the amulet missing, a charming teenager named Ba Tuti claiming to be the Moon to Crystals star. Ba Tuti reminds Crystal of a poem learned as a child:

Flesh that bears the ancient star,
Passed from womb to womb;
May crystal right
The demon blight,
While guarded by the moon.

The two begin a close friendship forged by trials and adventure. To say more would spoil the story for others.

The author weaves a fanciful tale - a mix of sci-fi, history and mystery. You grow to care for these women and join in their fight. McFate did a lovely job weaving one time into another. There was no jarring of the mind and the times and methods were believable.

There were twists and turns and you never knew what to expect around the next corner. It was an enjoyable and quick read that I had to fight to put down, finding that I missed the characters when it was over.

Salem, 1692.

At the Magistrate's House, a young red-headed woman named Patience Gladstone is in trial for witchcraft. Among the present is a mysterious tall blond stranger whose gaze seems keenly fixed on an amulet which rests on the table of evidence-an exceptional-looking crystal that holds the "blemish" of a perfectly five-pointed star within it... the same star which, to the people's horror, marks the skin of Patience Gladstone behind her ear.

The atmosphere of tension rises at the trial when another figure appears, at least seven feet tall and as broad as two men standing abreast, his face as hideous as that of a demon from hell. As the demon lunges himself against the tall blond stranger, panic spreads among the crowd, the sheriff raises his flintlock, and a thunderous explosion is heard.

Immediately after this scene the reader is transported to the old town cemetery, year 1992.

Crystal Donovan, a young journalist for the Salem Gazette, is at a turning point in her life. At her grandmother's burial, she is given a strange crystal amulet which she is told she must guard with her life. She is also urged to remember and recite an old poem her grandmother taught year years ago.

Crystal's mind is plagued with haunting, troubling questions. What does the poem mean? Why is the star on the amulet so similar to her own birthmark? Does her full name-Crystal Patience Gladstone Donovan, have something to do with it? What, in fact, is her mission, and why does it seem so imminent?

As Crystal searches for these answers, an exciting series of events follow-a horrible murder, running from demons, being transported back in time and then forward into the future. A different array of interesting characters-including Crystal's dog, an adorable Doberman who maintains his important role throughout the book-non-stop action and plot twists will keep readers turning those pages late into the night.

Witch hunters, demons, malfunctioning time machines, evil scientists and bloodthirsty creatures from the future... In the midst of so much adversity, will Crystal fulfil her destiny?

The Demon Plague combines horror, time travel and science fiction to create a thrilling ride that will leave demanding readers satisfied and even breathless. The author has interwoven the past, present and future beautifully. The characters are engaging and believable and the dialogue sparkles with genuineness. Scenes are kept short and the writing focuses on narrative and dialogue, keeping descriptions to a minimum to ad to the fast-pace, thrilling effect. Yet the author manages to create a fully imaginable world, one which is vividly visualised. For those who have always found the Salem's witch trials fascinating, this book certainly ads a new original twist to the story. An exciting, entertaining, well-worth read.

The Demon Plague - Review

"The Demon Plague by Joreid McFate is a fantastic paranormal suspense science-fiction novel, involving time-travel and mysticism. This 424 page book is also available in e-book format.

Due to the volume of books I review, most are donated to our local library when the assignment is complete. However, this is one book that I just cannot part with. I felt this comment is important to mention, because only .04% of the books I review find their way to my personal bookshelves.

This exciting tale begins when a demon plague sweeps over mankind, wrought when some scientists developed a technology that mastered time travel. There are factions who radically search for a way towards racial and genetic purity - while others strive to cure the plague and fight for basic human rights. Crystal Patience Gladstone Donovan is caught up in this war when, at her grandmother's deathbed, she is given a family heirloom and told that she is the `Star' and to await her `Moon'.

Soon she is involved in a journey into the past where she meets her ancestor Patience Gladstone Talbot, another `Star'. Crystal learns that her middle names are common throughout time as they are given to the gifted child who is known by a birthmark. Chase scenes, deceit, battles, flashing back and forth into the past and into the future are all stepping-stones for Crystal and her friends in their attempts to do the right thing.

This story line could be used as an excellent reminder of the dangers and grand possibilities advanced technology could reap. It was refreshing to experience realistic female hero characters in this novel. I was absolutely astounded when I read that not only is Joreid McFate actually two separate authors, but that despite many other collaborative projects they have never met and never spoken on the telephone!

Without hesitation, I recommend The Demon Plague with the highest of ratings."

ISBN#: 1554102235
Author: Joreid McFate
Publisher: Zumaya Otherworlds

~ Lillian Brummet - Book Reviewer - Co-author of the book Trash Talk, a guide for anyone concerned about his or her impact on the environment - Author of Towards Understanding, a collection of poetry. (http://www.sunshinecable.com/~drumit)

Demon Plague is the story of a special connection between two families. Though the bonding of these two families had been foretold many generations before, the action of this story begins in Salem during the witch trials of 1692. Patience Gladstone, an indentured servant to Reverend Parris, and Tituba, a slave to Reverend Parris, realize that they have a strange mystical connection. This connection between the two women and their respective families becomes solidified when Tituba gives Patience an ancient relic. This ancient relic along with special star and moon birthmarks is inherited through the female forever connecting the descendants of these two women as special sisters.

The story of this special family connection continues through to 1992. In 1992, Crystal Patience Gladstone Donovan, a reporter from Salem, attends her grandmother's funeral. However, this sad event turns strange when her grandmother's best friend Ubitta starts talking about prophecies, sisters, birthmarks, and special magical powers. Little does Crystal know that her life is going to become a whole lot stranger.

Demon Plague is an active science fiction that connects generations of characters seamlessly through time. That the story takes place in Salem, immediately reinforces in the reader's mind the well known political, social, and spiritual norms and conflicts at the time. The author then uses the present and the future to show the distinct differences and changes in these political, social, and spiritual norms and conflicts during later time periods. This creates a nice solid foundation for the story. Furthermore, the personality and character traits of each set of female characters match her specific time period while still illustrating specific inherited character and personality traits shared by the generations of sisters.

I've read and enjoyed Dave Duncan for many ears and have consistently enjoyed his books. This swordsman with a twist epic will be enjoyed by most fantasy fans.

Wallie Smith had been dying on his world when a Goddess spoke to him in a fevered dream, transferred his mind to the body of the greatest barbarian swordsman to ever live, gave him a great magical Sapphire Sword and sent him on a mission.
A few complications cropped up, first was an apprentice who could not fight his way out of wet paper bag, but had the instincts to become a great swordsman and killer. A sexy slave girl and her baby. Top it off with a senile old priest, with a twisted sense of humor.
The mission was simple, all he had to do was to lead this band of misfits and destroy the sorcerers and their Fire God. Yeah right.....To make matters worse, Wallie discovered that he'd already tried it once(as Shonsu)and been hopelessly defeated, which is why the Goddess chose Wallie to try again.
With Wallie's reputation in tatters, his apprentice apparently planning to betray and kill him, his love life was mess, and to make matters worse, to succeed was to condem this world to the leadership of the most violent, illiterate group of indviduals ever......His swordsmen! But this was what the Goddess wanted, and she wasn't taking no for an answer.

Let me start out with the fact that I've read this entire series at least 5 times. It is one of the most imaginatively entertaining series I have ever read. You just don't want to put these books down. The characters and engrossing and well developed. The plot moves quickly with well paced action and neither are over thought or cliche.

I can't rate this series high enough.

This is the best book of the series. Its utterly brilliant, never stopping action, highly original and lots of humour. And a very,very satisfying end. Its not your typical fantasy, but this series must stand on the top along with Tolkien and the Dragonlace Chronicles.

The Seventh Sword is an underread and underappreciated trilogy--a lot is going on under the surface of these three books, but the surface is such a readable story that it's accessible to anyone. The plot, as other reviewers have mentioned, is typical fantasy, but there are major, important differences which reveal themselves in this book and The Coming of Wisdom (2nd in the series). Every time I read these books, I'm swept up in the action, but I also see facets and symmetries I hadn't noticed before. This book, more than the first two, delves into the problems of idealism versus necessity, the proper use of power, what a person's identity really is (body, mind, beliefs, values, memories, reactions, desires?), faith and technology, how people grow and develop, and a lot more. The characters are unforgettable--anyone who's read these books will have an instant reaction to names like Katanji, Tomiyano, Thana, Tivanixi, or Jja.

Read these books, and read them again.

I first read this one about fifteen years ago and I was very impressed. There's always the risk when you revisit childhood favourites - you might find them utterly daft. Not this one! While the book is somewhat naive - it's a book for kids, after all - it was still quite charming.

After an apocalypse of sorts, group of people locked themselves in Arc One, trying to maintain knowledge through the dark ages. The society has become a rigid class society: lords on top, workers in the middle, slaves on the bottom with soldiers controlling them.

Main character Tomi is a son of a lord, part of the ruling elite. When he comes of age, he's given proper access to the information databases. Unfortunately there's a slave rebellion, which ends up with Tomi being tossed out of the Arc. What a strange world he finds outside!

It's a lovely, positive story. I'd recommend this to kids that are into science fiction without a doubt - and also to adults, looking for a quick and pleasant read. (Review based on the Finnish translation.)

I've re-read several times and I love reading evey word or punciation mark of it. The twists in the plot makes the classic sci-fi story oine an unbelievable read. It the kind of book that lingers in your head and mentailly forces me to write a sequal to "The Dream Catcher" and "Devil on my Back" with my mind; using he brillantly made characters in different situations with different characters. it's immense! I wish Monica Hughes could could develop a series of these Ark stories!

Gratefully Written by,

Caroline D.

Devil on my back- Simply outstanding!, June 22, 2005
A Kid's Review
I've re-read several times and I love reading every word or punciation mark of it. The twists in the plot make the classic sci-fi story line an unbelievable read. It the kind of book that lingers in your head and mentally forces me to write a sequel to "The Dream Catcher" and "Devil on my Back" with my mind; using her brilliantly made characters in different situations with different characters. It's immense! I wish Monica Hughes could develop a series of these Ark stories!

Gratefully Written by,

Caroline D.

this book was a really well written book. i am just starting to read her books and they are really interesting. i read the isis series and i recomend that to anyone who likes science fiction. i can't wait to read the seqiul to this book!

I haven't read this book before but i'm looking forward to reading it. The summary on the back is very incisive and informative. I'm in my first year of high school and i had to choose a book to write an essay on. I chose this book for it's good title and summary! I really hope i enjoy reading this book!

This is a fantastic module, apocalyptic in nature, this module stars the two great villains of Oerth: Vecna the all powerful lich god imprisoned within his Citadel Cavitius on the demiplane of dread, and the evil demigod Iuz the Old who seeks to destroy Vecna and gain his power. But what is this? Vecna has plans of his own which include challenging the Lady of Pain herself for ultimate supremecy over the multiverse. This module takes place on Oerth, the demiplane of dread, and Sigil though as stated the module is all you need to play.

The last book of 2nd edition...Your characters determine how it will all end. Adventure that begins in Greyhawk then takes you to Ravenloft and ends up in Sigil!! In Greyhawk, the adventurers find out that the god Iuz is starting trouble. Several small scirmishes and a wonderful story. In Ravenloft, the adventurers find themselves in a strange city, and they realizenot everything is as it seems!!! I wont ruin it, but I will add this: if Vecna breaks out, Ravenloft could be destroyed! In Sigil, your characters do battle with a god and if, if they survive...They might receive a blessing from the Lady herself. The creators of this module left enough room to play with as far as tweaking this or that, but over all, there is so much information about every little room, dungeon, NPC that even a new dungeon master would have no problems. I DM'd this module with four other players (Green Dragon Mage-constructed from the council of wyrms), a psionisist (Human male-uh, until he put on a girdle of feminity-haha), Minotaur warrior and a Paladine(Yes, the Paladine and Dragon got along very well, but that's what makes the role play). Any how, the charcters were all around 7the level and the game lasted 5 fridays, each friday lasting around 8 hrs!!! It was one of the funnest games I have DM'd since....Dragon Mountain!! Die Vecna, Die is an adventure not for the faint of heart...Oh, did I mention that half of the party died? I wont say who for fear of intimidating other players (Dark Smile)

Ah Yes! I've been intrigued by vecna ever since first reading about his infamous artifacts some 2 decades ago. and now TSR has kindly put out the ultimate Vecna adventure in a supermodule format similiar to the first edition: Temple of Elemental Evil, Desert of Desolation, etc... Within this adventure lies the ambition of two evil demigods seeking to attain full ascension to godhood by absorbing the powers of the other. Iuz the Old enters the demiplane of dread to destroy Vecna, yet unknowingly Iuz is but one pawn of many in a plan which Vecna initiated aeons ago. For Vecna not only plots to attain full godhood, but become the ultimate god by challenging the Lady of Pain herself, destroying the known multiverse, and then recreating it in his own image. There have been some questionables raised concerning this module ie..How can Vecna escape the demiplane of dread, or How can Vecna enter Sigil. Just note that the reasons are fully explained within the module if you read it. An excellant adventure, and no matter the final outcome--the worlds will never again be the same. This fantastic module is for levels 10-13. I give it 5 stars but I must warn you. This module is a killer! Players BEWARE.

One could make the defeat of Vecna the focus of 2 or 3 campaigns; the 3 adventures that star Vecna (Vecna Lives!, Vecna Reborn, and Die, Vecna, Die!)are certainly not for the faint of heart or low of level. Die, Vecna, Die! is an epic adventure that falls just a bit short due to the fact it seems a bit too pre-programmed, leading the adventurers by the nose at times. It does bring the story arc for Vecna closer to a conclusion, but relies too heavily on plot contrivances that negate some of what has come before in the other Vecna adventures, such as the revelation that the Sword of Kas that we've seen in Vecna Lives! is a replica, not the original, or that, oh, by the way, there IS a way for the Sword to defeat Vecna. This module also suffers in comparison to Vecna Lives!, which managed to evoke a truly terrifying atmosphere. However, this is a fine adventure well worth checking out.

As the final module for 2nd edition D&D, I think this is a classic. It's the first Greyhawk storyline I've run in over 10 years, but well worth it. I like to have a sense of continuity and cohesiveness in my campaigns, and although Ravenloft got a little play in my games I never really liked it. This module gives me the chance to essentially blow it away but maintain it's relevance to my ongoing campaign (now at to 19 years)!

The module also served as a nice sendoff to the realms of Greyhawk, Ravenloft, and Planescape, none of which will be officially supported by WotC once 3rd Edition D&D arrives. It's a killer of a module, one that will be difficult for DMs to handle and players to survive, but the ending is extrememly satisfying. I highly recommend this module!

Through the Rug
Through The Rug 2: Follow That Dog (Through the Rug)

I am a children's author who likes to read books by other children's authors. I really enjoyed "Don't Know Where, Don't Know When".

Hannah and Alex Diaz and Brandon Clark arrive in England during World War 2, with a mystery to solve. They are unprepared for the world of war torn England. They are faced with air raids, evacuations, and miserable foods that stink. The children also eat dry bread and cakes, and wear hand-me-down clothing that should have been discarded long ago. They are faced with strict rules of behavior and firm punishments.

Brandon, who is black, faces prejudice and is disliked by some who have never before encountered a person of his race.

Alex takes his new environment as a challenge and an adventure. Hannah often opens her mouth and says inappropriate things. Brandon is separated from his friends, not only by being in a different home, but a different time in history.

I recomend "Don't Know Where, Don't Know When", for children and adults. It would be a great book to read to an elementary class for 3rd through 6th graders. This book would also be a good read-together book for a family.

I am adding this book to my list of 'Adventures with Grandma'. Verity's grandmother, Hannah and Alex call Mrs. D, is a harsh disciplinarian and a strict woman, but she is very endearing. She takes Alex and Hannah into her home and under her wing. We later find that Mrs. D has a past and wasn't always sweet and innocent herself. Her personality, as a young woman, was much like that of Hannah Diaz.

Join in the adventure of Hannah, Alex and Brandon, as they travel into the past and bring back lessons they can use in the future.

My sister is 13 years old and she despises books. After much begging and pleading I finally convinced her to read Don't Know Where, Don't Know When. Here's what she had to say:
That was a really good book. I loved it. I read a lil bit every night. I like those kids in the book. I would so read it again.
Don't Know Where, Don't Know When is the first book my sister has read and actually ENJOYED!!

This brought back my son's love of reading again. We found it under 'Historical Fiction' which is a bit of a stretch. They do talk about history, but not as much as their adventure. I would like to see more history in subsequent novels. My son loved the characters, especially Alex!

Don't Know Where, Don't Know When is an amazingly engaging book written very well. A good friend of mine recommended me to read it and after I asked what it was like, she responded that it was a bit like Harry Potter only with history. Now that I've read it, I agree. No, there's no wands or boarding school, but there is the magic of time travel and of characters that take you to another place and time. As I read the book, I marveled at some of the things that the kids, Alex, Hannah, and Brandon, encountered and wondered to myself "could this actually be the way it was then?" I found that these things were true.
Annette Laing is a wonderful writer who grabs you with her style. I highly suggest this book for anyone at all.

Don't Know Where, Don't Know When is a story of many people and times. Hannah and Alex Dias, two young teens from California have just been transplanted from the home they have always known to another world, otherwise known as Snipesville, Georgia. With its private luxury communities in the middle of cotton fields and mall known far and wide as the Small, Snipesville is the last place on earth Hannah wants to be.
Brandon Clark, born and raised in Snipesville, has one ambition: to get out, to be one of the "Big Shots" who leave black Snipesville and make a name for themselves in the wider world. However, Brandon's future seems to stretch before him, planned by his parents, like the grim parades of death that leave the family funeral home.
When Hannah, Alex, and Brandon are drawn together by their mutual differences and isolation, unlikely events begin to unfurl. Brandon's discovery of a British World War II national registration identity card and the appearance of a mysterious woman known as The Professor lead the children on a time travel journey spanning two World Wars and nearly one hundred years. The only clue to the mystery: Find George Braithwaite.
Don't Know Where, Don't Know When is author Annette Laing's first foray into the world of children's literature. It is the promising if slightly raw beginning of a series that has the potential to be great. Those familiar with Maiya Williams time travel series (The Golden Hour, The Hour of the Cobra) will find good grounds for comparison. The differences? Laing's use of social and/or cultural history is easier and more accurate, and there is an absolute avoidance of declaring a moral (not that this excludes the reader from finding one (or more).
The Characters: Hannah is a nightmare. I have never met a child like her (and thank my lucky stars that is so), but I have it on good authority that children like her really do exist. She speaks to everyone, regardless of age or relationship, with snotty abandon, no fear of physical punishment, or even as far and I can see, grounding, blunting her sarcastic tongue. Even those of us not in favor of spanking children cheer when one indomitable British dame finally gives Hannah her just desserts. By the end of the book she is not noticeably changed in attitude, but decidedly challenged in outlook by late experiences.
Alex is largely a secondary character in this book, with no real chances for expression. There are, however, hints of future importance and even leadership to look forward to.
The story built around Brandon is very interesting. Both of the father figures in his life, real life and time travel, are named Gordon. The wives are imposing (and in Mrs. Gordon's case, downright nasty) and there is an idolized older brother figure who looms large but is never really seen. It is lovely to see the confidence and self possession Brandon gains with the Gordons's that he seems to lack with his own family. Speaking of the Gordons, the daughter Peggy is a wonderfully despicable and yet pathetic character, because you have to wonder if it is her own weakness of character, an acceptance of family prejudice, or the troubles she has had to endure that have so warped her opinions. Peggy plays an important, if secondary and sometimes unrecognizable role throughout the story.
The real jewel of this Story is Mrs. D, who I will leave you to discover for yourself. She is a lovely and lovingly portrayed example of all the strong, staunch, somewhat undemonstrative women who kept Britain going during the horrendous years of World War II.
Do yourself a favor: read this book and read it carefully. At times it is a bit difficult to work your way through the teenage angst, especially in the first two or three chapters. Children may not find any of this distracting. By the time you reach chapters five and six you won't care any longer; you will be too involved in the lives and worlds being lived on the pages before you.This book is appropriate for the ages specified and beyond. Paying close attention will reward the reader with clues and hints as to the future of the series. Enjoy.

Here we have the story of Wistala, the brood-sister to AuRon from the first in this series. Seeing the beginning of the story unfold from a different perspective, then branch off onto its own adventure was enlightening. This book is in Wistala's perspective, which is delightfully different than AuRon's perspective, due to the author's talented style. We see how she approaches her problems with cunning to avenge her family's loss.

I really enjoyed Wistala's perspective as a dragonelle (female dragoness if you will) as well as the humor in this book- a lighter approach than the other two in the series, but I think that works well for her personality.

I love the Age of Fire series- they are a look at dragons as I'd always hoped: dragons as their own entities, without making them big scaly mounts to 'dragonriders' or making them overly malevolent or benevolent- they just are. This is a no-frills realistic type of fantasy that is easy to believe in.

The book I have read is called Dragon Avenger by E. E. Knight it is a sequel in the age of fire collection. This is a very good book for a person how has a big imagination and can follow through with fantasy.
This book is about a beautiful green dragon named Wistala and how her life plays out. (From her mother, father and siblings being killed for there hides to when she meats a kind elf and then the most important part how she gets her revenge on there her families murders.)
My impression on this book is that it is a good book to pass away the hours and get lost in (that is if you like adventure.) this book would be great for kids of about 12 and up.

The book I have read is called Dragon Avenger by E. E. Knight it is a sequel in the age of fire collection. This is a very good book for a person how has a big imagination and can follow through with fantasy.
This book is about a beautiful green dragon named Wistala and how her life plays out. (From her mother, father and siblings being killed for there hides to when she meats a kind elf and then the most important part how she gets her revenge on there her families murders.)
My impression on this book is that it is a good book to pass away the hours and get lost in (that is if you like adventure.) this book would be great for kids of about 12 and up.

The last of a dying breed, this green dragonella must overcome her grief and terror to find others of her kind. Wistala's thirst for revenge touched a chord in my heart. I was thoroughly swallowed by her tale, just as I was by her brother's in the first book.

I grew to care deeply for other creatures in Wistella's life and some made me laugh out loud. The cat with a mind of her own, the wise and sarcastic buzzards and so many more.

If you dig a book full of passion, humor, tragedy and triumph....you'll dig this book.

Dragon Avenger by E.E. Knight is the second book in the Age of Fire cycle. It tells the tale of Wistala, the sister of Dragon Champion's Auron. The book starts in the same place as the first. With the hatching of the clutch in the cave. and for the first several chapters, it tells the same story, but through Wistala's viewpoint. This time when Wistala and Auron part, she believes he is the one who dies.

Wistala takes off to find her father who flew off to exact vengeance upon the Wheel of Fire Dwarves who betrayed them. She even manages to find him, near death from his rash attack, and spends some time trying to nurse him back to health. Being a coming of age story, of course the outcome of this reunion is bound to be temporary, and it is. Wistala is forced to flee and is nearly killed by the Dragonblade. Tala, though is rescued by a kindly elf named Rainfall. and she spends the majority of the book growing up in his company. Not a lot of avenging going on yet huh? just a lot of talking cats, and mules, Well the avenging does come. Events lead to Wistala getting the opportunity to take revenge on all who have wronged her, and her family, and she takes full advantage.

I liked the book, it was a light entertaining read for the most part. It felt more like a young adult novel than Champion did. Perhaps it was because of the different feel from the Dragonelles perspective. Perhaps it was where the first book had talking wolves, this one had cats, and horses, and mules, and buzzards. Perhaps I just didn't notice it in the first book. Anyway, Knight does a nice job of expanding his world. We see different areas than we did with Auron. We learn more about the history of the land. He also creates characters that you get attached too. I found myself saddened by the loss of certain characters. Its a worthy follow up to Dragon Champion. The next book in the series is slated to be about the little maimed Copper. I look forward to it.

7 out of 10

Ah, these dragons are keeping me from sleeping! I went to the bookstore, searched for a 'cool' cover to read, saw Dragon Champion with the handsome Grey, and started reading. I read through the night, fell in love with the handsome and daring chameleon Grey, and went right back in the am to the bookstore for Age of Fire 2, (which they didn't have, so I settled for skipping to 3 - and it turned out to not be a problem at all) I went home, told work I wasn't coming in, ordered Age of Fire 2 online, and tried not to cry through Copper's life in Age of Fire 3. It's hard to imagine a dragon as a poor little lonely baby, but that Copper is stuck in my head as the underdogdragon (something too many of us can relate to) - and I'm cheering for him to persevere as I wait for the rest of the series (can it come any sooner? - can I talk E.E. Knight into 'slipping' me a pre-release copy? I'll even take his rough draft notes - anything! Just finish this story for me so I can get some sleep!). Age of Fire 2 arrived quickly (worth paying the extra shipping to get it fast!) - and green Wistala didn't disappoint. Like most people, I'm rooting for the one that didn't stand a chance, the Outcast. I would love to jump into his world, polish his scales for him, find him some coins, and protect him from all those who have and will betray him. But I'll sit back for the story to unfold...these wild dragons are finally being represented in literature as they should be!

If you've been following this series (and you really should be if you like dragons at all), you probably know this book is the one about the Copper- the Outcast. From the first two books it was easy to place this dragon as the 'bad guy'. This book is from his perspective and I think it is an important perspective to take. Few things are black and white and this character that was so easy to cast off as a despised traitor in the first part of the series suddenly becomes a complex individual. We get to see how he struggles with his mistakes and essentially grows up in dragon society.

I love the Age of Fire series- they are a look at dragons as I'd always hoped: dragons as their own entities, without making them big scaly mounts to 'dragonriders' or making them overly malevolent or benevolent- they just are. This is a no-frills realistic type of fantasy that is easy to believe in.

I really enjoyed this latest story by Knight. It is always refreshing to read from a dragon's point of view. A very rewarding read.

A very well-written book. Unlike the previous two, the Copper is driven onwards by the longing of being with others and being loved. A very different point of view than the other two. I love the way how these three unlikely hatchlings, grow to become very strong and legendary dragons in the end. Also the way how Knight writes these characters develop and grow spontaneously with each other. This is one of the best series of books I have ever read.

Like so many great stories, E.E. Knight's Age of Fire series is about a family and what happens when that family is torn apart. Admittedly, this family has claws and wings and the ability to breathe fire, but the emotional core underneath resonates, even as the books oscillate between tragedy and playfulness, thoughtfulness and pulp action. If Ursula K. Le Guin and Edgar Rice Burroughs had collaborated on a series of dragon books, the result might have been something like Age of Fire.

Whereas other dragon books tend to either regurgitate fantasy clichés or use dragons as really neat horses, E.E. Knight's dragons are something else entirely. Anyone with an interest in the behaviors of birds, reptiles, or dinosaurs will find the instincts of Knight's dragons refreshing. They behave like top predators from the moment they hatch, and watching them evolve from ravenous beasts to thinking beasts is worth the price of admission.

Knight's plots speed along, as addictive and rich as really good coffee. I have trouble setting his books down. That he manages to confront troubling issues (racism, slavery, and genocide) within the format of a page-turner makes these books a stimulating read for both teenagers and adults.

This is one of the most under-rated fantasy series currently being published. Plus, the first three books (Champion, Avenger, Outcast) can actually be read in any order. Plus, it's like Rashomon with dragons. Do yourself a favor and buy them. They're a treat.