Young Adult Books

Though it is a favorite saying of the book's characters, "dark and empty" is only partially correct in describing this novel. It is indeed dark, but it is not empty by any means; on the contrary, it is filled with rich storylines, plots, counterplots, and enough action to keep things moving.

The amount of combat has decreased from the previous trilogy, but when it happens, it is far more intense than before. Instead of Slaadi, Erevis takes on fellow Shades and even his own God. There is a scene between Mask and Erevis that makes the entire book worthwhile (yet even without it, the book would still merit five stars).

The pacing drags slightly at times, but only because so much is happening that Paul S. Kemp must take time to explain it all. The descriptions are vivid and rich with detail. Even these slow moments are significant. They often involve the political machinations of Sembia, and the causes of the unrest that could very well lead to civil war. Unbeknownst to the mortal politicians of Sembia, unseen hands are guiding events in precisely that direction. A slew of new characters are introduced, and fleshed-out accordingly. One great thing about Kemp's writing is that he subtly helps the reader see things from everyone's point of view. At times, I found myself cheering on the drug-addicted servant of Shar, even though she was ruining the lives of many a good soul. It is this quality-- the lack of preaching and one-sided perspectives-- that really set all of the Erevis Cale novels apart from the typical WOTC fare.

Sex also plays a role in this new book. A number of reviewers have criticised Kemp for introducing Varra into the plot during the last trilogy, yet I think that she plays a key role in Cale's story. She helps keep him human. She represents the mortal hopes&dreams of Erevis Cale before he became a Shade. With Jak gone (though he does appear in this book, for a short while), she is the last bastion of his humanity. She is present in this novel, but most of the sexual encounters involve the main villainess. She, and the rest of Shar's Servants, bring a whole new dimesion to the story. Prince Rivalen and The Leaves of One Night, first seen in the novel 'Mistress of the Night' by Don Bassingthwaite and Dave Gross , show up in this book. I love the way that this series brings so many huge, realm-spanning events and characters into the fold, yet keeps the story personal, the motivations believable and human.

Numerous other characters from Cale's past show up as well. The entire Uskevren clan has a long-awaited reunion with 'Mister Cale'. Erevis' struggle to keep his Shade-self hidden makes this all the more interesting, as does his conflict with the still somewhat immature Tamlin.

The last twenty pages really bring the book together. They contain the most action, and some of the most important plot development, in the entire book. In his usual, infamous fashion, Kemp leaves us hanging three-fourths of the way through a monumentous event. Luckily, the second book in the series has already been released, or else I would be tearing my hair out in frustration. All in all, this series is transcendent for the Realms. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good story, and especially to those D&D players who prefer the plot of a campaign over the mindless hack-and-slash. This is truly a thinking man's series.

One final note- the events of this trilogy lead up to the 4th edition shift, for those of you who actually play D&D. This series, and the story therein, plays a significant role in the changes that take place during that one hundred year break between 3.5 to 4th edition; in fact, the spell-plague is a direct result. I shall say no more, to ensure that nothing is spoiled for anyone.

I have read quite a bit of fantasy in my day and I must say that out of all I've read Paul S Kemp's work is truly spectacular. He creates fascinating protagonists that are fleshed out and realistic. None of the things Erevis Cale does is without motivation and reason. The villains that Mr. Kemp created from the last book series defy description and the new villains are just as good. I can say without a doubt that Mr. Kemp creates fantastic characters of any variety.

Shadowbred is a great tale, filled with intrigue, action, Lies, redemption ,character development, and a bit of romance. The story takes a bit of time to focus on the protagonist, Erevis Cale but since this is the first book and the author needed to set the stage for the main plot the delay is acceptable. The book, like all the Erevis Cale books, ends in a horrible cliff hanger that kept me on the edge of my seat all year waiting for the next book. This book is a must have from a great author and I would recommend it to anybody.

Though some parts are a bit slow, I'm really enjoying this series of the Erevis Cale story... probably the best I've read thus far. Can't wait to start on Book 2!

I know alot of you who follow R.A.Salvatore are probably thinking to yourselves that if I have read any of the novels by the master of fine fantasy fiction himself, then there is no way I could possibly be serious about the title of this review. Well I am as serious as a heart attack. While reading this novel and the rest of the novels involving Erevis Cale I did, if for only the time it took me to finish said novels, totally forget about the Transitions series that Mr. Salvatore is currently working on. This review, however, isn't about the novels involving Drizzt, so lets get on topic.

Mr. Kemp knows how to create a powerful, evolving main character and surround him with a supporting cast that greatly improve the flow of the story, and do a great job of keeping you interested. Erevis Cale is that character. Although each of the characters in the story are powerful in their own way, Mr. Kemp makes them extremely easily to identify with and become attached to due to their individual character flaws. Whether it is Erevis' attempts at coming to grips with his newfound power, or Drasek Riven's craving for more of it, you will feel as if you have been reading about them for years.

These books are hard to put down. Many authors use different chapters to jump between different settings/events in the storyline, which normally makes it easy to find a stopping point. This is not the case with this series/author. Every chapter ends with something that makes you want to keep reading to find out just how it affects the story in the next chapter.

I picked up this book to give me something else to read while I wait for the next book in the "Transitions" series to come out, and I ended up reading the whole Erevis Cale collection. Now along with Mr. Salvatore and Mr. Knaak, I am adding Mr. Kemp to my list of favorite fantasy fiction authors. Pick this book up and I think you will be as surprised and hooked as I am.

This is yet another in a great series from Paul Kemp. I've been reading his work for years and can compare it to others in the WOTC stable, such as RA Salvatore and others. I really enjoy his style of writing, and he has a way of really portraying the dark side of the Erevis Cale saga. I find that when I read his workm I fly through the books very fast. They're real page turners.

I first read this book many years ago when I was a young girl and I adored it. The story is very captivating and most of the time I could barely put the book down. A couple of years ago I lost the book and have always had it in the back of my mind that I wanted to read it again. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes mystery stories.

I really liked this book, because it had alot of adventure!It also was very hard to guess what was going to happen next. I thought it was really great that Alyssa got over her fears that quickly.

I thought the best part of the book was when Alyssa finally had to talk in order to save her grandfather's life. And then she kept have flashbacks of when she was on her father's boat. I also liked the part where Alyssa and Dylan finally bond together, ever since before their parents death.

The character were amazing. Alyssa was one that had been through so much, and was mute, but she over came it. I also liked Ty because he became friend with Alyssa even though she was mute. I thought that the climax was really interesting because I would have never thought that Alyssa would of gotten over her muteness, especially to save her grandfather.

This is an excellent novel. I don't usually real teenage type novels anymore but from a surface judgement I can see how wonderfully Sherry Garland writes. The text reads like flowing water, so appropriate for the hurricane and sea themes she explores. It's also a rather unique story about a 13 year old girl who was struck mute after the fateful day her father was lost at sea. I would highly recommend this novel.

Silent Storm is about a mute girl who is 13 who lives with her grandfather after her parents died in a hurricane. It tells about the struggles she has with trying to communicate with other people and the challenges she has in life. At the end she has to remember what happened to her mother and father so she can begin to speak again to save her grandfather's life as he has given up hope. It was a very heart warming story just like Sherry Garland's other books. I give it two thumbs way up.

This is the fisrt time that I read this book and is't a very good book, I m on the last chapter and so far I love it. Sherry Garland did a great job on this book! I love the way she had Alyssa not talking and her plot!

I loved this book when I read it about 30 years ago, and now I'm looking all over for a copy for my son.

I loved this book so much I named my Staffordshire Bull Terrier "Sinbad" after it. It's filled with mystery, adventure, humor and fun. People of all ages will enjoy it! My copy stays in my safe!

I loved this book as a child and I look for it at every used book store I come across. It got lost somewhere in between moves. I want to share it with my kids and grandkids (...). Reprint this book please... I'd buy several copies just for my family alone.

Kin Platt did not write down to young readers. This is a very intelligently written mystery. The reader will definitely pick up all kinds of knowledge in reading it. It is a great adventure. As a young teen in the '70s I really loved "The Blue Man" by Kinn Platt, and was really happy to find two more books about Steve, the very smart and brave hero. I can't believe this awesome book is out of print. If you have a chance to read it, do so, regardless of your age. You'll love it!

Forget free love, Vietnam, the peace movement, campus unrest, and inner-city strife -- we kids weren't paying attention to any of that. The 1960s were an ideal decade for children, perhaps the last truly innocent era. Kids were encouraged to learn, to wonder, to imagine, to dream. It was a big world, full of limitless horizons. This book captures all of that expansive optimism in the relationship between a boy and his bulldog. When I was 12 years old I couldn't put it down. Will "Sinbad and Me" make sense to kids today? I certainly hope so! And I hope this novel is back in print by the time my five-month-old boy learns to read.

I was first introduced to The Tripods when I saw the first two books adapted for PBS television in the early 1980's. It was a great series of half hour shows, but PBS could not get enough funding for the third book. Occassionally I am nostaglic for the old PBS series. I liked the trilogy which I read later in a couple of sittings. It's an interesting series of adventures against tyranny. A discriminating sci fi fan will find this collection unique and well done.

I do not think there are three juvenile novels that I enjoy nearly as much as these three. The White Mountains, The City of Gold and Lead and The Pool of Fire are absolutely perfect examples of Juvenile fiction. The books teach moral lessons as well as tell a rip roaring good tale.

Without giving to much plot away this tale is covers a not too distant future when Aliens who roam the Earth in giant Tripods rule the land. Every person who reaches puberty is capped and there mind is controlled or at least molded by the Tripods.

These three books follow a group of runaways and rebels who have never been capped and who desperately want to free Earth and its inhabitants. This band of rebels must find a way to defeat the Aliens without knowing who they are, what there weaknesses are or any worthwhile knowledge. On top of this the `rebels' have to defeat these space age aliens with technology at roughly 19th century levels.

These books are even more remarkable as they were written in the late 60's. I first read these books as a cartoon serial in `Boys Life' in the early 80's. I enjoyed the tale back then and still enjoy the stories now. I highly recommend all these books for kids and or there parents. Read and enjoy.

I still remember the moment when I first read the book "Tripod" in earlier 80's. Back then I was a 10-year-old boy living in central China spending most of time doing boys' nonsense, some classmates gave me this book, it immediately hooked me in and made me a life-long devoted sci-fi fan.

The book I read was a Chinese cartoon book translated/adapted from Tripod, and was renamed as "Will's Adventure". As a teenage boy, I was fascinate by the Will's adventurour story and their rebellion against evil aliens. The courage and friendship are heart-warming; the rivalty among peers fits well into the mentality of young boys; the determination to uncover truth from appearance is great concept.

Later when I grew up and began reading "Elegant universe", I constantly think of this book which leads me into domain of science, I want to read it again. However since I didn't know the English name of this book, I couldn't find it. Luckily, I found someone mentioned "Tripod" in the review for "Dark Materials", and I got hold this book again.

It is a still great joy to read the original version of the book I loved when I was young. Unfortunately a fatal mistake author made prevented me from giving higher rate for this book -- that author took a racism view against other races.

In the end of the trilogy, when all men gathered to discuss the fate of human being after Tripod, author mentioned certain group as "little yellow men". I suppose author referred that to the people from East Asia, probably from China.

This is unfortunate. Ironically, when author clearly wanted mankind to unite after disaster, he used a racism altitude toward other races -- obviously author forgot that it is this kind of discrimination prevent human being from uniting and fighting against tripod when they first invaded.

I guess author can kiss his dream of mankind unity good-bye for being a racist.

I still like this book, though. But I can't give this book anything above 3 stars.

Most people have not even heard of John Christopher....I enjoyed John Christopher's books as a young adult and I still enjoy them today. The "Tripod Trilogy" is full of timeless action for male and female alike. I highly recommend this and other books for young adults by the author who also writes adult science fiction.

I first encountered the Tripods through the TV series in my teens. I became thoroughly addicted to it, and had to read the books.

John Christopher portrays a future in which human society has been reduced to a medieval level, and is under the complete domination of three-legged, 70-foot tall machines - the Tripods, who keep humans docile by fitting them with "Caps" - devices implanted in the brain during adolescence which rob the victim of his/her power of independent investigation of truth. Thus - culture never develops further, and none of the adults ever question the existence of the Tripods. As the story progresses, it is revealed that the Tripods are controlled by a race of three-legged, three-eyes aliens - The Masters - from their three super-technological domed cities.

The story centres around a small number of boys who flee before they are Capped to a community of rebel "Free Men". The main character, who tells the story in the first person, is partially motivated by the fact that the girl he loves has been taken by the Tripods into their city for her beauty.

"The White Mountains" tells the story of how the boys flee their home in England to the rebel community in the French Alps - "The City of Gold and Lead" reveals the super-technological Tripod city when two of the boys enter it in disguise, and "The Pool of Fire" tells of the final overthrow of the Tripods.

The story is very simplistic and childlike, but it greatly influenced my way of looking at life when I was younger.

Nothing mattered anymore, my grades went down, i didn't care about life, i wanted to die. so i attempted suicide, my wrist is scarred and mutated, everyone said i was insane. then i heard from the family circle magazine about this book, and i swear this has helped me, and i'm so glad that not everyone thinks depressed teens are insane or stupid. and i'm glad there are people like lisa hurka covington that are talking to teens how valuable life is, and helping them sort out their problems.

This book combines compassion and empowerment with accurate information.

The author, a cousin of singer Curt Cobain, wrote this book to help make sense of her cousin's suicide. It is readable, knowledgeable and thorough. It helps adolescents understand what they might be feeling when they are depressed. It discusses how to interrupt the downward spiral and find a way out. The book covers both social and biological aspects of depression.

I felt that the author had a good intuitive grasp for how an adolescent might feel when he was in the depths of a depression. She reflects back the sense of isolation and hopelessness so that a depressed person feels understood. She provides information on how to get help when you don't feel that anyone out there is trustworthy.

She empowers teens by providing good information about the causes of depression and well as the treatments. For those who want more detailed information, she provides a resource list. I especially liked her section on how to stay healthy once you have recovered from the initial depression.

I have recommended this book to several teens. They felt that it made sense and was helpful

This tome is organized extremely well; one can start at the beginning or jump directly into any chapter. The background information is helpful and lucid for parents and the stories from the teens themselves tells it like it is but at the same time gives hope and tells of "the light at the end of the tunnel" for depressed teens, that things do get better. Highly recommended!

In When Nothing Matters Anymore, Bev Cobain offers a teen-friendly reference guide to adolescent depression, complete with self-help suggestions, counseling resources, and case studies of teens who sought help for their illness and now lead "normal" adolescent lives. Cobain is a credentialed author: a certified registered nurse, a mental health professional, and a recipient of the National Mental Health Association's Green Ribbon Award for efforts on behalf of teen depression awareness; however, the book reads like Cliff's Notes of a more comprehensive text - as if Cobain simply compiled the bullet-point lists, sidebars, and quick-reference statistics from an American Psychiatric Association web listing for teen depression. When Nothing Matters Anymore relies little on Cobain's personal observations and extensive experience, and too much on peppy, inspirational messages from its case study teens.

The book is structured in two parts: What's Wrong? and Getting Help and Staying Well. What's Wrong? is primarily diagnostic, providing a checklist for the reader to determine whether he or she is depressed, explaining the varieties and causes of depression, and outlining the correlations between depression and chronic illness, sexual abuse, sexual identity, drug use and addiction, eating disorders, and "perceived differences" from peers. Getting Help and Staying Well highlights treatment options, suggests ways to seek help from family or trusted adults, and lists self-help activities for readers undergoing treatment. Both sections include "Survival Tips" that a health professional might suggest to any teen: Get Exercise, Have Fun, Eat Good Food, etc. There are some practical suggestions, like journaling and creating mood charts, and there is a chapter dedicated to the important topic of teen suicide, but the book as a whole rarely digs below the surface of the illness and underestimates its audience's desire (and perhaps ability?) to understand depression more fully.

One aspect of the book that seems borderline inappropriate is Cobain's ad nauseam referencing of her cousin Kurt, the popular lead singer of grunge band Nirvana, whose suicide shocked the MTV youth culture in 1994. Perhaps this approach is an effective way of securing "street cred" amongst teen readers, but this hook feels opportunistic at times, particularly in "A Letter to Kurt Cobain," a three-page, sappy, metaphor-heavy eulogy in which Cobain rues that Kurt's handlers wouldn't give her the access that could have prevented his suicide. I understand the intent is to show the readers that she cared for someone they cared about and saw the beauty of his music and the tragedy of his death as they did, but to a non-teen reader, it rings hollow. Had Cobain been close with Kurt, a reader might not bawk at this inclusion, but she mentions that she did not know Kurt "personally," a fact that makes the multiple, casual mentions feel like name-dropping.

For the last year or so I had a few questions for myself. Why am I here? Whats my pourpose in life? Cant I just be dead? Dang do I wish I could give my life for some one else. This is really good book for any teen...

Not only is the author a good writer, it has a lot of good examples of other peoples life situations so you can auctly say "wow someone can really relate to my struggle".
Anyways, again its a good book and if you have any questions about it my hotmail address is [...]

Lauren Baratz-Logsted writes a week-by-week young adult novel that chronicles the journey of a high school senior's pregnancy: from her decision to keep the baby to the obstacles she must overcome as she faces impending single motherhood.

After a few too many one night, high school senior, Angel Hansen, experiences her first time with a guy she hardly knows after her crush hooks up with someone else. Ironically, after he drops her off, he tosses Angel his phone number and sarcastically says, "Call me if you're pregnant". Two months later she makes the phone call. From difficult decisions to the consequences the decision presents to her family and friends, Angel's Choice is a brutally honest depiction of a teenage pregnancy.

A recommended read for both mothers and daughters. The dialogue is real, the voice is real, and the obstacles are real. For a frank peek into an expecting teen's world, without a pro-life or pro-choice hidden message, read Angel's Choice.

ANGEL'S CHOICE begins in typical teenage fashion. A girl, a boy, a party and a very bad decision. Angel Hansen is a senior in high school and her plans for the future included graduating, going to Yale, and becoming a novelist. She's always been the smart girl. But at the end-of-summer party, she has a lapse in judgement that will change her reputation and affect the rest of her life. With all options available to her, what choice will Angel make?

ANGEL'S CHOICE takes an honest look at teenage pregnancy and the decisions that go along with such a difficult situation. Taking a walk in Angel's shoes is not easy. But it is heartwarming and emotional and realistic.

Lauren Baratz-Logsted tackles a difficult topic without judgement. ANGEL'S CHOICE is heart-warming and sincere and a must read for any teenage girl.

Angel's Choice was the best book I've read in a long time! I'm so glad that Lauren has written this book. My best friend is currently pregnant at 16 and it really helped me to understand her pregnancy better. It even helped me of what I thought of myself and my future goals. I think that every teenager should read this book. My favorite character was Angel because she was a very strong person to keep her baby even though she got accepted in to the college of her dreams and her family had very high expectations of her. I read Angel's Choice in 2 days. I just couldn't put it down!
- Courtney Jelonek

Couldn't put this book down. I read it over the weekend. really well written and believable. I've read all of Lauren's books and I think this is her best. I really cared about Angel and wanted to know what her decision would be. Great job Lauren.

To me, the most important factor in any book is the characters and their voices. This book, judging by how much I love it, really delivered.

Angel Hansen finds herself pregnant in the middle of senior year, and while everyone else is worried about getting into college, their SATs, usual high school stuff, she's got much bigger things to worry about. Does she ever complain about it? No. Does she ever let herself wallow in self-pity? Again, no. She is, throughout the book, met with many conflicts that she does not wiggle herself out of--she combats them full-on. By no means is her pregnancy easy. Being a pregnant teen in today's society means you're constantly the object of judgment, ostracism and alienation. It takes its toll on a person. But, again, does Angel cower away? You guessed it--she doesn't.

The choice she makes has strong repercussions in very important relationships in her life--with her best friend, Karin, her parents, her aunt, and Danny, a guy from school who is more than a friend but less than a boyfriend. This is what makes this novel so, so authentic. Nothing comes without a certain weight.

And of course, Angel is a truly identifiable character. Sometimes while I read this book, in the many times I have read it, I was struck by how many introspective passages sounded like my own thoughts and my own reasoning. She's got her weaknesses, her fears, her imperfections, all of which perfectly shape an admirable heroine.

All in all, this book's got it all: superb writing, characters you can relate to, authenticity, and one great main character.

9/10!

Lauren Baratz-Logsted writes a week-by-week young adult novel that chronicles the journey of a high school senior's pregnancy: from her decision to keep the baby to the obstacles she must overcome as she faces impending single motherhood.

After a few too many one night, high school senior, Angel Hansen, experiences her first time with a guy she hardly knows after her crush hooks up with someone else. Ironically, after he drops her off, he tosses Angel his phone number and sarcastically says, "Call me if you're pregnant". Two months later she makes the phone call. From difficult decisions to the consequences the decision presents to her family and friends, Angel's Choice is a brutally honest depiction of a teenage pregnancy.

A recommended read for both mothers and daughters. The dialogue is real, the voice is real, and the obstacles are real. For a frank peek into an expecting teen's world, without a pro-life or pro-choice hidden message, read Angel's Choice.

ANGEL'S CHOICE begins in typical teenage fashion. A girl, a boy, a party and a very bad decision. Angel Hansen is a senior in high school and her plans for the future included graduating, going to Yale, and becoming a novelist. She's always been the smart girl. But at the end-of-summer party, she has a lapse in judgement that will change her reputation and affect the rest of her life. With all options available to her, what choice will Angel make?

ANGEL'S CHOICE takes an honest look at teenage pregnancy and the decisions that go along with such a difficult situation. Taking a walk in Angel's shoes is not easy. But it is heartwarming and emotional and realistic.

Lauren Baratz-Logsted tackles a difficult topic without judgement. ANGEL'S CHOICE is heart-warming and sincere and a must read for any teenage girl.

Angel's Choice was the best book I've read in a long time! I'm so glad that Lauren has written this book. My best friend is currently pregnant at 16 and it really helped me to understand her pregnancy better. It even helped me of what I thought of myself and my future goals. I think that every teenager should read this book. My favorite character was Angel because she was a very strong person to keep her baby even though she got accepted in to the college of her dreams and her family had very high expectations of her. I read Angel's Choice in 2 days. I just couldn't put it down!
- Courtney Jelonek

Couldn't put this book down. I read it over the weekend. really well written and believable. I've read all of Lauren's books and I think this is her best. I really cared about Angel and wanted to know what her decision would be. Great job Lauren.

To me, the most important factor in any book is the characters and their voices. This book, judging by how much I love it, really delivered.

Angel Hansen finds herself pregnant in the middle of senior year, and while everyone else is worried about getting into college, their SATs, usual high school stuff, she's got much bigger things to worry about. Does she ever complain about it? No. Does she ever let herself wallow in self-pity? Again, no. She is, throughout the book, met with many conflicts that she does not wiggle herself out of--she combats them full-on. By no means is her pregnancy easy. Being a pregnant teen in today's society means you're constantly the object of judgment, ostracism and alienation. It takes its toll on a person. But, again, does Angel cower away? You guessed it--she doesn't.

The choice she makes has strong repercussions in very important relationships in her life--with her best friend, Karin, her parents, her aunt, and Danny, a guy from school who is more than a friend but less than a boyfriend. This is what makes this novel so, so authentic. Nothing comes without a certain weight.

And of course, Angel is a truly identifiable character. Sometimes while I read this book, in the many times I have read it, I was struck by how many introspective passages sounded like my own thoughts and my own reasoning. She's got her weaknesses, her fears, her imperfections, all of which perfectly shape an admirable heroine.

All in all, this book's got it all: superb writing, characters you can relate to, authenticity, and one great main character.

9/10!

The book was great and all but (sigh) why does it always talk about Kara more? And i didnt like when she was able to go to avalon what about Adriannne or Emily? they deserve it more!! Anyway it was about them defeating the sorceress( Kara and Adrianne), (Emily) and destoring blackfire, healing the mistwolves and healing Aldenmore. I hope the next 6 book in the new series waan't talk about Kara more like she is not goood of a character.

This is one of my favorite books but it broke my heart. this author has a special gift of making a character in a book dear to you but she took away
one of those charecters later she will return this charecter but the feeling for the charecter will never quite be the same.

KEEP THIS IN MIND,

avalon heartbreak

This was definatly my favorite Avalon book. It is so exciting and full of adventure. Sure, Kara was mentioned alot, but I thought it was so cool anyway. After a firemental comes for Adrianne, Kara, and Emily, they have to go to Aldenmor to stop the Dark Sorceress. It was full of surprises right to the end when they find the mistwolves. This was a thrilling adventure all the way through, even though one of my favorite characters Stormbringer, makes a painful sacrifice...

The fight for Aldenmor is finally drawing to a close. Join Emily, Adriane, Kara, and their magical animal friends as they jump through portals and rescue the mistwolf pack from the Dark Sorceress. Adriane and Stormbringer, her bonded Mistwolf, find Dreamer, an orphaned pup who is a gifted magic tracker. Storm disappears while holding the pack in mist form and Adriane grows depressed in the long run. Kara and Lyra, a winged leopard, find AvAlon and restore Aldenmor to its original beauty. Emily, in the mean time, is with Ozzie, an elf trapped in a ferret's body, in an elf village where Black Fire has poisoned the villagers and their livestock. Emily heals them and advances in her magic skills. This is an awesome book that teenage magic lovers would enjoy.

AvAlon: Trial by Fire is part of an amazing series by Rachel Roberts. Adriane and Stormbringer, the main characters, are my favorites. I hated the Dark Sorceress though. This book has made me a magic fan for good. I loved Trial by Fire.

I must say it wasn't the best in the series and it wasn't the worst, it was perfect. I am a BIG fan of the avalon series so right away when it was out I so bought it. Anyways now with the story which is basically what we are supposed to type about, Emily, Adriane, and Kara now finally have to destroy black fire... and all have a major part to fufill(i may have spelled it wrong!lol) the prophcey and compelets their destiny. First of all Adrianne has to deal with the dark sorceress with Lyra as Storm turns into mist to save all the mistwolves from these crystals stored with Blackfire! She totally saves the day but... there was a huge price to pay for that. Kara well we find out more about her and she gets once again in this spellsinging spell and is in the sorceress cluthes. Basically the sorceress captures Kara to make her open these portals with fairy map given to her by firemental, to get the unicorn. But eventually the unicorn rescues her and she sadly goes to Avalon which is UNFAIR they all had should, not to mention gets her unicorn jewel!!! Well the magor thing, Emily has to destory blackfire, break the crysatls that contain the mistwolves and most of all heal the mistwolves with blackfire but has help with Zach and later the mages. Well I shouldn't really say they ALL complete their destiny since in book 4 heart of avalon Emily compeletes anpther of her destiny as well so she has to heal avalon later. It was an excellent ending and ALL AVALON FANS SHOULD READ IT NOW!!!!!!!

CDB! (Stories to Go!)

I was very excited to find this book for my grandbaby. We had great fun with it when her aunts were small. Who would have thought back then that William Stieg invented 'text speak'. I even stumped my youngest daughter with NQ!

I ordered this since my sister received it and thought it was a great book. Unfortunately, this copy does not come with the answers. Look for the hard cover version, that has the answers in the back.

This book is as intriguing and entertaining was it was 25+ years ago when I read it to my children. As an educator, I discovered this book to be a source of entertainment and challenge to my children as well as a wonderful tool to help my students as they struggle with reading skills. I recently purchased it again for my grandchildren since my copy was misplaced over the years...and they love it as their mother when she was their age.
Buy it and use...it will help dust off the gray matter and delay alzehemier. :)

smart! adorable! unexpected! (the book, not my kids...)
This book really has us rolling in laughter. My sons (ages 4 and 6) and I have been playing with an electronic toy: push a letter and the thing says the letter's name. We had been using it to make word sounds -- pressing U R A Q T for "you are a cutie" and so forth. When I saw this book I just had to get it. It is amazingly clever -- and to think it was written in 1968. It's fresh, not at all dated. My sons are very good readers for their respective ages, but it is definitely appropriate for them. I had to explain a phrase or two (they didn't know the word "ecstacy" when they saw X-T-C) but otherwise it was totally on their level. I still crack up reading it, and I've read it at least ten times. The watercolor illustrations are perfect. Stieg conveys a lot of emotion and expression with just a few brush strokes. When a boy sees someone with a lollipop and tells him "I N-V U," you can see the envy.
I won't mind if my kids want to read this one again and again. I M N X-T-C 2!

This book helped me learn to read when i was 3 years old. As long as you know the alphabet you can read this book, which makes it perfect for children who are learning to read.