Young Adult Books

Any edition of this masterpiece is a must-have for any teacher, parent, or human being connected with reading in any way, shape, or form. Mr. Trelease presents a convincing argument for the importance (and joy!) of reading aloud, with plenty of case-studies and touching stories to give an emotional and logical edge.

Trelease says that reading aloud is something that should continue beyond the early childhood years of bedtime reading; just because a child can read on his own does not mean reading aloud is a bad thing--quite the opposite! Reading aloud is a pleasurable activity for people of any age. After all, who does not love to hear a good story? Reading aloud also shares a correlation with improved individual reading skills and overall intelligence. Maybe we can't prove anything, but there are absolutely no down-sides to reading.

This book extends the read-aloud concept to all aspects of learning, from childhood to special education.

Another bonus is a list of recommended read-aloud books.

This is a well-researched and very convincing book that is written with a sparkling syntax. Heck, it's just as fun and fascinating to read as anything else. Definitely a keeper.

This book is a must have for every parent, grandparent, teacher, administrator out there! I went to a seminar in our area that was based on this book and immediately ordered it. I read this wonderful guide and talked my school into having the speakers come to our school district for a Family Night to spread the word about this book!

The parents and teachers who attended our school's program loved the presentation and we gave out copies of the book. Sometimes we know we should do something (like drink 8 glasses of water a day and exercise 30 minutes/5 days a week) but how many people do it until someone, something really drives the message home? Everyone knows or should know that as parents we are supposed to read to our children. It's common sense right? But how many people actually do it regularly and at what point do parents stop reading TO their children? It isn't surprising that most parents QUIT reading aloud to their children as soon as they themselves can read. This book shows the benefits of continuing to read to our children as they mature into teenagers. It does a great job in showing how much children who are read aloud to throughout the grades benefit and how the children who are left behind are usually the children who never were taught how to appreciate the art and pleasure of reading.

It is frightening to me as a parent that alot of parents leave it up to our schools to do it all. We as parents need to take up the responsiblity of helping our children succeed by arming them with the best tool known to education--- READING! If parents can't help their own small brood at home how on earth can they expect a teacher to succeed with a classroom of 20 children?

My family started a Read Aloud program in our home the very evening I attended the seminar and we have gained so much. Not only does it help our son learn but it gives us family time that we will always remember fondly as we grow older.

I recommend this book most definately! ENJOY!

I always carry this book in my minivan so that I'm never without it in the event of an impromptu stop at a bookstore or a library. And I always give it as a gift at baby showers (along with some board books recommended by Jim Trelease as well). Clothes get outgrown, toys break, but books are gifts that just keep on giving --- especially this one. My three sons and I have been introduced to authors and illustrators we would never have even heard of if it wasn't for good ole J.T. Highly recommended; you won't be sorry!

What a wonderful book!!! And what a fantastic resource!! I am so glad I found this while my children are still babies. Their father is grateful as well since this book has inspired him to take an active part in reading aloud to them.

I do wonder if I read the same book as some others!?!? Trelease isn't against phonics. (He says over and over that he's not suggesting we do away with worksheets entirely.) Nor does he push whole language instruction. He simply suggests that the traditional methods of piling worksheets in front of children be balanced out with reading aloud and sustained silent reading. Perhaps some people will find that a scary or threatening proposition. In that case... BEWARE! I for one find it quite refreshing though I don't agree with every one of his social positions. Even if I'm wrong about his positions on phonics, I'd still recommend this book. Regardless of how you choose to teach your child to read, reading out loud to them is STILL a wonderful, vital, bonding thing to do. Kudos to the author for driving that point home.

I have been reading to my babies since the day they were born and I plan to continue through the grades. I thank Jim Trelease for an inspiring and wonderful book.

I read to my kids and I read for pleasure (a lot!)but this book rocked my world. Someone loaned an older copy to me and I thought "Why do I need this? I already read to my kids." I did need it and every parent and teacher needs it too. This book does far more than telling you to read to your kids. It shows you how to do it the right way and it shows you what reading can do for everyone, the very poor, the prison population, special needs children, etc. I have never been so moved by a book. I am not sure how or where but I feel a calling to start or participate in a read-aloud program. This is an excellent book for parents and teachers. I plan to give it again and again.

u know this is by far the most exciting bookk i've read till now in the nacy drew and hardy boys super myteries. but i do think that nancy should leave ned and frank shuld leave calie cuz nancy and frank r so much alike and they r truly made 4 each other so caroline keene plz if u get upon this review do consider this cuz most of us wanty nancy/frank relationship and they shuld just 4get callie and ned.

I think that Nancy and Frank should dump their boyfriends and girlfriends and stay together. I mean they are obviosly perfect for each other. The best parts are when they almost kiss. But when they kiss, that was good too!!! This is the best book ever!!!

I think Nacy and Frank should get together, they would make the perfect couple. I loved the part where they kissed, but the best parts are where they almost kiss. I hope someone will sell me there copy, because I love this book!!!!!!

I think that Nacy & Frank should get together, They would make the perfect couple. The best part is when they almost kiss. even though I love it when they kiss!!!!!!

i loved this book a lot. BEsides the nancy and frank aspect, there was a lot of action, bombs, knives, terrorsits etc..of course the nancy frank thing convinced me to buy the book, but i enjoyed the mystery a lot too. I also likes how nancy is portrayed in this book, not like in Operation titanic or royal revenge, she is very clever. also Unlke all other super mysteries, Frank's thoughts and feelings are portrayed deeper than all other characthers. And there are some funnny things and comments going on between the brothers.

this story was somewhat reminiscent of the alanna series, what with the cross dressing to fulfill a dream. i'm not all that well versed in arabian culture, but from what i know of it this story seemed to be a valid representation. Buran is one of seven daughters, and of course in a patriarchal society this is not the best of luck as your daughters can't work or (in this case) even go out into public. She was her father's favourite and as there were no sons, her father taught her to read and write and play chess, basically educated her, and spent time with her in place of the son he never had. when buran's father gets sick he realizes that his family will be in trouble if anything happens to him, and as a result he allows buran to go out into the world, as a man, to try to better their family's fortune. she's a clever and courageous heroine. she comes up against several obstacles and approaches them with her strength of will and sharp wit.
the story was set up well and the characters were discussed in sufficient detail, or enough so that a reader of the target age wouldn't be left wondering anything. it was well written.

This book is flat out exhilarating. The suspense is so high that it keeps your eyes glued to the book from the first page all the way to the last. The plot is rock solid and I would recommend this book to anyone.

This book (based on an ancient tale) is amazing. While it is on a reading level for younger children, as a 21 year old I feel that a lot of the themes are better understood by those who are a little older. Still, unlike others who have posted before me I don't believe that anything in the books is inappropriate for younger readers. You've got to accept the material in context. This book was wonderful because it has a wonderful revenge plot, a love story, and overall theme of female empowerment. It also gives a look into a completely different culture. If you enjoy The Count of Monte Cristo (this book shows someone getting even in much fewer than 1400 pages), Pride and Prejudice, or the legend of Mulan I PROMISE you will enjoy this book. I picked it up in new condition at a thrift store and couldn't put it down once I started reading. :) I was so glad to discover it, as I'm in a reading slump because I'm caught up with all my favorite authors and definitely searching for something new!

My favorite quick read of the year! A very entertaining, romantic story.

Some of the observations about business are still true today. Venture capitalists are still looking for that unique product that will make a fortune.

There was one page I could have done without: at the point in the plot when the main character decides she's tired of pretending to be a man and is ready to be a woman, the authors got a little carried away, even risqué for children's literature, in describing the main character viewing her feminine body. I understand what they were trying to achieve, but we "got it" with a lot less ink.

I loved the "lesson" at the end of the book: you can't always just sit and wait for blessings to "fall into your lap". Sometimes you have to be willing to seek, to risk, and to work for them. Catherine Marshall encouraged the same kind of action in her book Adventures in Prayer, in the chapter entitled, "The Prayer That Helps Your Dreams Come True."

Buran is the fourth of seven daughters, living with her parents in Baghdad. She has no brothers, which is unfortunate for her parents. In the days of this story and in the place she lives, girls are not permitted to work for a living and only end up costing their parents more money, as they need to be fed and housed and clothed. Girls also need wedding dowries if they are to be married to the right sorts of men. Buran has always been her father's favorite and although she is a girl, he taught her to read and write and to play chess, and he talks to her seriously about his business affairs.

Buran's uncle is a very rich man, who has seven sons. He enjoys bragging about them to his poor brother, and describes how they will go abroad to different cities, where they will become businessmen who will bring great weath and honor to him. Buran is upset because her father is upset, but she seems to have few options to help him. When her father is suddenly struck ill, though, Buran chooses a desperate solution. She convinces her parents to allow her to disguise herself as a man and go to a distant city to set up a business.

Soon Buran's business is thriving and she is very wealthy, sending home money to her family. She has even become friends with the prince of the city in which she works, and in the evenings she often walks and talks with him, covering much distance and all possible subjects of conversation. But the prince grows suspicious and then discovers her secret. She must leave the city and go home where she will be safe. She can't stop dreaming of her prince, though.

I liked that this story was about a girl who refuses to let anyone tell her she can't achieve what she wants. I liked her relationship with her father, and I especially liked the way she was able to take revenge on her cousins and her uncle. Although this story was very empowering in one way, though, it still ended with the ultimate goal being winning over the prince.

Anyone who loves Sci-fi and fantasy, or who just loves a good heartwarming, interesting read will love this collection of stories. Zenna Henderson is a masterful writer who portrays a group of very human-like aliens who are marooned on earth after the destruction of their world. They are good people, far more civilized than us, and perhaps a bit naieve. The problem is, they have some abilities that we don't, and that makes them targets for fear. This collection includes all Henderson's People stories from all her various anthologies and even some stories never seen before. All of them are guarenteed to make you smile, make you think, and even to make you cry. Absolutely marvelous!

One of the BEST ever. Is it science fiction? Is it fantasy?? It does not matter...it is wonderful. I hope that her writings are Never lost in the back cupboards of libraries.

Discovering Zenna Henderson's books in the 1960's was one of the most enlightening experiences I've ever had. A gentle and beautiful way to expose the neophyte to the wonders of otherworldly truths

Zenna Henderson's sci-fi classic short stories concerning the aliens she dubs "The People" are collected in this volume. They follow a general story line that is interesting, if it does seem something of a variation on the "Superman" and his origins theme. That being said, it's a powerful, emotional work that I enjoyed as a moody teenager and enjoyed yet again as a middle-aged man. It gives a sense of connection to those who feel they're alone in the world; at least, it did so to me when I was a boy, and many of those feelings came rushing back when I read Zenna Henderson's stories once more. A thoroughly enjoyable read, though not highly technical in its sci-fi elements.

I try real hard to dislike Zenna Henderson's stories about The People. I'm drawn to the gritter, more hard-wired brand of science fiction, and these stories about the oh-so-wonderful People are just so darned sweet. Plus there's Henderson's writing...these stories read like she crocheted them while sitting in a rocking chair in front of a warm fire.
But somehow, I just CAN'T dislike them. Henderson's stories of advanced aliens trying to survive among the knuckle-draggers of 19th and 20th century Earth, their struggle to remain true to their high ideals without betrying themselves, are immediately engrossing. And Henderson's plotting can grab you from the first sentence and pull you right along, never letting go. Her portrayal of the rural west is digital-clear.
I highly recommend Henderson's People...five stars. Her afterword to the book, an explantion of how The People came to be written, is a hoot, and worth the price of admission. I also recommend reading the time-line at the end of the book...it will save you some confusion in placing the stories in time and place.

No one said marriage is easy. The one between Eugenides, the spy/thief of Eddis and his sworn enemy the queen of Attolia seemed doomed from the start, a marriage of political convenience, imposed on Attolia by their rival kingdom. For how could the thief possibly love the queen responsible for the loss of his hand?

But Eugenides is anything but predictable and has married the queen for love, even if by doing so he must leave his beloved Eddis behind.

As the third book in this excellent series starts, Eugenides is stranded in the Attolian palace. Ridiculed by the Attolian courtesans, despised by the Queen guards and his own attendants, he endures their daily pranks, pretending to be a guileless idiot while weaving a web of intrigue to gain his queen's heart and bring his enemies to their knees. If only he lives long enough.

Cleverly plotted and beautiful written, the story moves at a fast pace to a satisfying conclusion that answers many questions while posing new ones,

Is the Queen pregnant as her fainting may suggest?
Where is Sophos, the heir of Sounis? Would he marry the Queen of Eddis?
Would the political situation in a not distant future set Eugenides against his cousin, the queen of Eddis?

The only thing I know for sure is that I'm impatiently waiting for the King's return.

As I read The Thief, the first in this delicious series, page by page I fell deeper and deeper under the spell of Eugenides. That's exactly what I want to happen when I read a book and the Thief of Eddis books drew me in powerfully. So much that I felt emotional pain as I neared the end, so hard was it to say goodbye to this hero. Thus my review title.

Just as each page gets better and better, so does each book get better and makes you wish you knew someone like Eugenides. Though the first book was an intriguing and amusing introduction to the charming, crafty thief, the next two books show us a more fragile, yet more powerful Eugenides. We get to see the stuff he's really made of, which we've already had glimpses of. Suspense, twists, political intrigue, love...wow! It's all here! The only problem with the story is that it ends.

Eugenides is the most romantic character of all time. Please write more, Megan Whelan Turner.

This is an incredible book. Told mostly from the point of view of a soldier assigned to the new king of Attolia, you get to experience firsthand how most of the country sees the Thief of Eddis. Megan Turner once again leads readers through a fascinating tale of hidden identities and intent as Gen rises from his role as a "puppet king" where the queen pulls the strings to a king of kings in charge of his own destiny and actions. A truly wonderful read.

Words fail me. I absolutely love this book. And Megan Whalen Turner's other books. I have never read another book like this, and I have read a multitude of books. Let's see, where to begin.
First off, this is the third book in the Queen's Thief series. I hesitate to call it a series because even though the books do fit in perfectly with each other, it isn't a series in the traditional sense of the word. The Thief is the first book, The Queen of Attolia picks up about a year after that, I believe, and The King of Attolia picks up basically where The QoA left off. The King of Attolia can be read as a stand-alone novel, but of course it is better to read them in order.
The King of Attolia reads like great historical/political fiction, without being too heavy. The writing in these books is simply gorgeous, and the dialogue is clever and inspired. There are scenes that make me laugh, some that make me cry, and some that make me talk out loud to the characters (which, I have to say, was rather embarassing, seeing as I was in public). I would sell my soul to be able to write like Ms. Turner. She is a writing godess. And the characters, oh the characters. Eugenides in my absolute favorite fictional person ever. I want to be him. Or marry him. But he's already married. (curses!) And the queen. Somehow I am able to pity her, be slightly afraid of her, and be in awe of her, all at the same time.
So, that being said, you should read these books. All of them. if you read nothing else this year, read these. And please, Ms. Turner, another book soon!

I enjoyed the vivid portrayals of the four family members -- mother, father, sister and Luna, the male-to-female transgender teenager. Luna is impatient and exercises poor judgment, just as one would expect of a teenage transgender individual. Luna's younger sister is actually the central character, as she finds herself conflicted, caught in the middle and consumed by Luna's needs, all of which is tough on a shy teenager trying to make her own way through school and relationships. The reader pulls for her every step of the way. Although the book's crisis scene is somewhat predictable, it is still entertaining as it impacts the well-characterized family members. There is even a twist or two at the end to make for a very satisfying read and a sense of completeness, even though Luna's life in many ways is just beginning.

Regan's brother, Liam, is one person by day and another by night. Literally. During the day, he is Liam but during the night, his inner-self comes out in the form of Luna, a girl. She spends the night in her sister's bed room, trying on wigs and clothes.

Regan is the only one who knows about Liam's true identity and she isn't exactly sure how to deal with it. Besides dealing with Liam, she struggles with normal teen problems - boys, grades, and her job.

When I picked up this book, I wasn't sure what to expect. For my local book club, we had to read a book about accepting people and another one of the girls suggested this book to me. I have absolutely no problem with the gay/lesbian/bisexual/transgender issue but I wasn't sure if I could handle reading about it in detail, especially not knowing what to expect. However, since I respect Julie Anne Peters as an author (Far From Xanadu is brilliant), I decided to give it a try. I wasn't let down.

This book is great and you should definitely read it as long as transgender doesn't bother you. It doesn't go into too much detail, but explains the struggles of Regan dealing with her older brother whom is truly a girl inside. The characters are believable, the dialogue is great, and the plot is amazing. It's definitely a book you won't want to put down once you start. I read it in less than five hours with a few breaks. Even if you aren't sure you'll like it, give this book a chance!

Gender-identity crisis is a rarely discussed topic within the many forms of literature. It tends to be a touchy subject due to existing prejudice against transsexuals. However, Julie Anne Peters does an outstanding job with addressing this subject in her young adult novel "Luna". The difficulties of the transsexual character are addressed, along with hardships later experienced by family and friends.

"Luna" is the story of Liam O'Neill, a high school senior hiding a huge secret from his family and friends, besides his younger sister Regan. This secret of his is that he is truly a girl trapped in a male body. The tale of this troubled teen is narrated through Regan, the only person that Liam confides in. Liam only reveals the true girl inside him at night by using Regan's makeup along with wigs and women's clothing, and he goes by the name of Luna. However, the ends that Regan goes to in order to keep Luna a secret ultimately dominates her life as well. Basically, Liam's life is Regan's life as well. Regan's narration allows readers to understand the difficulties that come along with having a transsexual sibling, which includes her constant inner conflicts about whether Liam/Luna is a burden or a blessing. Peters uses a variety of techniques to describe Liam and Regan's lives, including childhood flashbacks that demonstrate early indications of Liam's gender issues.

Not only will readers enjoy the uniqueness of the storyline and the characters, but they will gain a better understanding of the obstacles that transsexuals face each day while trying to express the way they truly are. This book also teaches people to accept everyone for who they are because displaying the real you to the world is one of the hardest things to do. I enjoyed this book because it addresses a subject that is not often discussed, and there was never really a dull moment in the story. Something was always happening with one of the characters, and Regan always had something she was contemplating. Therefore, I would recommend this book to basically anyone, but especially those with an open mind.

- Written by Paige O'Brien

Mes not much of a book person. mes had copys buts was lost durings a moves. glad mes coud get a new copys. mes was toweds abouts this book by a friends. mes counds nots puts the books downs mes wub its.

This is a compassionate look at a family which includes a transgender (MTF) teenage 'son.' The first person view-point character isn't transgender, but is his supportive sister, for whom the burden of her brother's secret has become almost unbearable. The author has done her research well, and manages to make the story about as upbeat as is possible while remaining true to the difficult reality of the trans teen. Luna is fortunate, as a 'computer genius' she has the resources to make it on her own, without descending into a world of drugs and prostitution if rejected by her family. Strongly felt, sincere, with understanding and compassion even for those characters who can't wrap their mind around the reality of transgender, this is a story that should be read by anyone interested in trans people and their families.

For somebody interested in art, a book with many pictures is easy to read and enjoy.

The convenience of the pocket edition is incredible and the quality of the images and analysis is excellent.

The Story of Art is a classic introduction to the history of fine art. The sweeping scope is matched only by the driven narrative that will fascinate the neophyte and the well versed. This book is THE introductory text for any study of art.

As his title indicates, in The Story of Art Gombrich presents the whole of western art history as a chronological narrative -- from prehistoric times on up to his own times -- clearly setting out everything from ancient sculpture to Renaissance painting to modern architecture.This book can change the way you look art.Intellectually and physically pure delight.

Having already been exposed to art history and criticism, I felt at times that this book was overly simplistic. (It was originally written for "young people" after all...) What was harder for me to appreciate were the frequent passages in which Gombrich gives vent to his own personal opinions (gushing on about Rubens for instance.) He makes a token effort to be objective but his Eurocentric bias toward the superiority of Classically-inspired Renaissance art is clear.

However, as an introduction to Art History and Art Appreciation, you could do a lot worse. Gombrich is easy to read, he states himself clearly, he presents the history of art (in Europe) as a steady evolution of ideas, rather than a compartmentalized series of Eras & Styles as so many academic textbooks do. He selected illustrations that most effectively elucidate his point. Useful as his book is, it would be a mistake to treat him as a final authority on the subject. _The Story of Art_ is merely an INTRODUCTION to art. Once Dr. Gombrich has opened the door for you, you should leave him behind and continue your explorations on your own, or at least with a different guide. Form your own opinions; that's part of the experience of art.

About the Pocket Edition specifically: The text is in the front (printed on very thin "Bible" paper) and the illustrations are in the back. Phaidon has provided two built-in ribbon bookmarks so you can keep your place in both sections. It's an interesting solution for making the book smaller. I can vouch for the fact that it's easy to carry around, since I took it with me on two trips while reading it, but the arrangement does have its drawbacks. Having to flip back & forth to look at the pictures as they are referred to in the text, and having to hold two places simultaneously while reading means that you have to use both hands. I like to read while I eat (yeah, I'm one of THOSE people) but found it was impossible with this edition. If portability and price are your top concerns, then this is the edition to get. Otherwise, shell out the extra $$ for the full-sized version.

Never mind the fact this book has a gorgeous cover, 30-odd five star reviews, and a blurb from Chris Crutcher, a YA big-name. I picked Thirteen Reasons Why up solely because of its clever premise and wasn't disappointed. This is by far one of the most unique, innovative books I've read in a long, long time.

Clay Jensen comes home from school to find an anonymous box addressed to him. Curious, he opens it up and finds seven tapes with numbers written on them. So he sits down and pops tape 1, side A inside an old stereo. What he doesn't expect to hear is the voice of Hannah Baker, a girl he had a crush on who killed herself two weeks before, come out of the speakers. She's there to take him on a tour of her life and reveal the thirteen reasons she killed herself--one of which he's responsible for.

Quite a heavy novel, this one is. We're taken into an extensive account of little things we do, vanilla sins we commit, on a daily basis and how they impact the big picture. It forces you to think, grill yourself about all the times you've acted a certain way and wonder how the person took it. Sitting there, analyzing every gritty, itty-bitty detail about the past along with Clay was a huge wake up call--to me and, I suspect, to anyone who reads this.

I really, really liked this. The characters leap off the page with their development, the writing fits the mood perfectly, the voice is great, and the overall premise is just so interesting. Not once does Jay Asher get preachy or interfere. I think he handled this particular topic so very, very tastefully, and I honestly, unequivocably recommend this novel to any living, breathing being.

*Due to its big cast and many important details, I would suggest keeping a notebook nearby to jot down each characters and their role in Hannah's death.

Rating: 9/10

If you're interested in seeing a Q&A session with Jay Asher or an interview with him, both are posted on my blog. Look at the archives for May 2008.

This book really shows the whole thought process of a girls suicide and how it relates to those who she knew. It is an exellent novel that I highly recommend

If you haven't read this book, read it!!! It's wonderful and has some great twists in it. It is one of the best books i've read in a long time. it's a MUST read!!!!

This is a brilliantly well-written and plotted story. I couldn't put it down. (I decided to preview it first, as my 13-yr-old was interested in reading it.) WARNING FOR PARENTS OF YOUNGER KIDS: Contains graphic sexual situations. Just be aware. Apart from that, the book has a solid message about teen cliques, isolation, gossip, and its consequences. I would make it required reading for mature teenagers.

I found this a captivating book and even considered choosing it for a adult book club.
One might think the subject would be too depressing but I found this book one I could still identify with being a adult working in a grade school.
So student or adult a must read for all.

I'm assuming that if you are reading a review for volume 13 of this series, you've already read volumes 1-12 and so a) know how great the series is and b) don't need any particularly good reason to read the next volume rather than skip straight on to volume 14. That said, I'll stick to an important and helpful matter: this is the North American English edition from Viz. Despite the cover art shown on the product page, which is from the Japanese edition, this is actually the English translation. Enjoy.

The series is still strong. If you have gotten this far you'll buy this manga.

I was turned onto this series just by it's beautiful artwork. The syle is truely unique and angelic...no wounder it's about angels.

The story starts off as a young teenage boy soon finds out that he is in love with is sister! As if that could be strange wait till you here this. The boy, Setsuna, is the re-incarnation of one of the most powerful angel's in history; and now people all over heaven and hell want him.

What will it take to convince Setsuna, that he is greatly needed by humanity...

I hope you thought this useful...

Hypnotic~

This book is mainly focused around Setsuna Mudo and his forbidden love with his little sister Sara. Things get complicated almost immediatly (as it has a plot, a subplot and lots of extras), angels, evils, monsters, evil cd-roms that kill you and craziness insue.

Basically Setsuna is the reincarnation of the Organic Fallen angel Alexial, who has three wings, incredible power and a physchotic twin brother, Rosiel who she 'failed' to kill in the great battle. His best friend is Kira, who seems to be guiding Setsuna, and has been following Alexial through her multiple rebirths. Sara, Setsuna's sister and lover seems like just a normal girl, but is she? Many other seemingly 'background' characters come into role and the whole story starts rolling.

The drawing is so beautiful, I've been turned into a complete Kaori Yuki worshipper. I own her artbook and have read lots of her other works (I recommend Godchild). The characters are so gorgeous, you'll fall in love with them.

The plot is very very twisted and intricate. You have to read the volumes in order, otherwise it will make no sense. I have reread the first few volumes many times to understand (the first volume especially, as the first few pages don't focus on Setsuna) I first read this when I was about 12, so it was desperatly confusing, but it gets easier to read as thigns start falling into place. It's one of those things where all of a sudden a lightbulb lights up and you totally understand everything that happened.

It's such a great manga, it's so gorgeous and has a gorgeous story to go a long with it, what more could you want?

Book:

Setsuna is a confused teenager, that girls would die to have, he is somewhat of a player but he only loves one person...his sister Sara. He knows that it isn't right and so he tries to avoid her but in the proccess he gets mixed up with a bunch of demons that say he is the reincarnation of a really powerful angel.

Does Sara love him...

You find out...

-----
My Opinion:

I enjoyed this book in fact I love the series and the art work. I find it funny and at the same time it has that element of seriousness...now I'm not one to encourege insestious relationships but this book didn't bother me to much about it...

I hope you will enjoy it as much as I did.

I would have to say that so far, this is my favorite book out of the Everworld series (I still have 8 more to go). April, Jalil, David and Christopher have escaped Loki only to be in a never ending forest with not much to eat or drink. They finally come to what looks like a town and the smell of baking bread drives them closer to it. They find that it is more a prison than a town. Mostly everyone in town in male and terrified of "she". Who is this she and why is everyone so scared of her?

I loved this book because of its extreme intesity. It made you excited and anxious to see what happens next. It is unpredictable and builds up tension while you read. I would reccomend this book for anyone between the ages of 12-and up.

WOAH, this book is the best book that you will ever read (unless the other books that you read are in the Everworld series). In this book you will be the character Jalil and will go through many different journeys and will encounter many different foes. Many people who you will think who and what they are, but really aren't. Overall this book will blow your mind with the amazing descriptions of friends and enemies. I hope that you will enjoy reading this book!!! :-)

Jalil, David, April, and Christopher have landed in one of the worst places yet. They are fed and well taken care, Until they find out about a cave that could take them home. But instead they have entered the realm of Hel. Loki's half dead daughter. She can get all mens attention (Mortal, Immortal, and Gods). She has a beauty to her that no one can resist. David, Christopher and Jalil do not have a will of their own. When Hel is about toss them to her snake, Jalil comes upon Senna. This reunion was not good at all. Better yet, all of them are about to fall to Hel's giant snake that is miles long! W.T.E

A Review by Jonathan

The group Jalil, April, David, and Christopher are still searching for the witch Senna. They stumble upon a village of men. The need for food and rest drove them to an inn. They cannot leave this village unless a dredded "She" of which people speak, lets them. They learn of Loki's daughter Hel, and that she plans to torture them for the end of eternity. If they can't escape her clutches, they will certainly die.

I liked the feel of the environment of this book. It envelopes and immerses the reader. It creates an atmosphere that helps the reader along. It also creates a sense of emotion such as fear. Another point of liking is that it is very easy to get into. The book has a clean, crisp plot that is easily readable, yet enjoyable. One more point of interest is the problems that the characters face. This adds to the intensity of the book. I like the fact that most of their problems are god related. This makes it interesting because they also have to survive. They don't know what will happen to them in the real world if they die in Everworld. Sometimes the concept of their consciousness traveling between universes can be confusing, but I get it. This is a semi- easy book.

I recommend this book to people that take a liking to thrills and adventure. Also, there is a lot of action in this book. I think this book is excellent, I think the same about the entire series. This is a semi-easy book to read.