Young Adult Books

Bree O'Toole is a brave 13 year old girl who saves a 14 year old boy named Mikkel from drowning. After she is captured by two men, she discovers Mikkel is a Viking master. While a prisoner on the Viking ship, she prays God will protect her and guide her. Her life on the ship is not easy, but God does answer her prayers.
If you like adventures, you will love this book. If you are interested in Vikings, this book is perfect for you. If you like miracles, you must read this book. Raiders of the Sea is a great book for a family read aloud or for reading alone.

A great series!!! I love it! It is very interesting and exciting,but not scary. I would definitly recommend this book.

I knew that this book came from a Christian publisher, but was hoping that the faith of the characters would be an organic part of the narrative, rather than being inserted forcefully into the story. I was disappointed in that respect; sometimes the author laid it on a bit thick, especially with the "miracle" at the end of the book. I thought that it was the Christian belief that we love God just because God IS, and not for what God can do for us in the way of supernatural pyrotechnics. Does this give the young reader an accurate idea of what faith is? If we are in trouble and call on God for a miracle and it doesn't happen, what happens to our faith then?

I also didn't like the disrespectful way that the religious beliefs of the Vikings were treated. To boil religious diversity down to "My God is stronger than your God" is not a particularly helpful message to be putting out into a world that is still filled with religious conflict.

This is the first of the three "Viking Quest" series, which is continued in the "Raiders from the Sea" series. Bree is a young Irish girl who is captured during a Viking raid. Her brother is also captured, but effects an escape, thanks to his sister. The story begins with the first suspicion of a raid, and is concluded with the launch of Bree's escape from the Vikings.

Through the story, Bree battles her fear, anger, and resentment toward her young captor, constantly turning to the Lord for strength and courage. The Christianity did not seem at all forced or contrived, but flowed naturally, as it would in the life of a Christian.

I was pulled into the story, especially as I enjoy this time period. It was written for children, but adults will enjoy a nice quick read. The plot is not simplistic, and moved right along. It is Christian and clean, but not preachy.

I'm going to have to get the other books in the series! This book is followed by "The Mystery of the Silver Coins."

I'm thirteen...and I'm reading this series for the third time! It's a book that never gets old! You'll read it over and over again and never get tired of it! If you could give it a million stars...I would!
The way the book is written...is magical! You want to read it slowly to get every word, yet at the same time yourself reading it as fast as you can! It's got mystery and danger...but unlike most...it's so real! The best thing is that the characters always turn to God when they need help instead of panicking or thinking they can do it on their own!
I'm not gonna tell you what happens...cause you need to find out what happens for yourself! You'll find yourself totally rapped up and lost in the book without even realizing that hours that have gone by!
This is defiantly a must read! For everyone!

Very well done. We enjoyed listening to it. The narrator did an excellent job of making the story come alive.

The book Doesn't lack for action and it is a well written book. The one thing they could of done to make it better than it is. Was have men or a man do the male readings for the book. Miss Rose did a very good job with the female parts but was lacking when it came to the male parts in the book.

This one is, in my opinion, probably the weakest Sackett story so far. I admitt I am new to Louis Lamour (relatively). I have read 9 of his books so far and I enjoy them very much and continue to read more. The Sackett series are a special lot but I was not overly excited about this particular one. It is worth reading, I guess, like any other Louis Lamour, but I would put this one off because there are many more exciting ones than this.
Still a Lamour fan

Louis L'Amour writes like a girl, and when he's telling the story of 16-year-old Echo Sackett, that's an excellent thing to do. Echo leaves her mountain home in 1840 to claim an unexpected inheritance in the City of Philadelphia, and the story is principally about her efforts to outwit and outfight the criminals who want to make sure she doesn't get back to the mountains with what is rightfully hers.

Echo, every inch the lady, has spunk and smarts enough to go with the knife she calls her "Arkansas Toothpick." Being a Sackett, she also has a lively sense of her family history. As in most L'Amour books, the Sackett ethos -- help your kin at any cost -- is on full display here. I also enjoyed the book because it includes a free black man and a gallant city boy, not to mention serious villains. Their adventures, and reactions to them, are true to the time and place of which they're part.

It's also worth noting that the moral code that suffuses this book -- the idea that doing good deeds is like scattering bread on the water -- is L'Amour's version of what author Catherine Ryan Hyde would famously call "Pay it Forward" many years later.

In short, on the river or off of it, Echo Sackett is good company, and not just another pretty face. She reminds me of a family friend who ignored the unspoken navy blue dress code to interview for an elementary school teaching job wearing a lime-green skirt and matching Eisenhower jacket. You'll enjoy this story even if you haven't had the good fortune of knowing a young woman of such character.

Echo Sackett is one of the few women mentioned of the family. She is young, but she is a better shot than her brothers. Echo is also a strong female character who still aspires to be ladylike and not masculized.

But she still knows to "expect Higginses" when she finds she is due an inheritance and travels alone to retrieve it. Fortunately, being a woman is an advantage in a world of men who will underestimate her abilities.

I admire L'Amour for writing such a strong, young female character. Girls may become interested in reading westerns after their introduction to Echo Sackett.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

W. Hodson

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

reposted from http://thebookmuncher.blogspot.com

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

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

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

Reviewed by Helene Tompkins
For Book Reviews by Crystal

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

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

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

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

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

Rating: 8/10

As well as being a page turner filled with interesting characters and intrigue, this is a great story for teens who need to see that there are always consequences to the decisions they make. A friend used to say to his kids and mine, "You can make any decision you want, but you have no choice over the consequences." THE SHADOW OF THE BEAR reinforces that adage with a wonderful mix of mystery, danger, and romance. In my conversations with the author about this books' moral premise (see my book "The Moral Premise: Harnessing Virtue & Vice for Box Office Success") we came to an early determination that in "BEAR" sisters Blanche and Rose can be considered one character because they are nearly of one consciousness and goal, and that together their decisions (along with the decisions of the others in the book) center around this ONE THING, this moral premise, which describes naturally occurring causes and their consequences: "Foolishness and timidity lead to what is dark and dangerous, but courage and wisdom lead to what is light and life." For a book aimed at teen girls, this 61-year old male was absorbed in the storytelling of a great writer. Bravo!

With a snowstorm raging outside and her mother long overdue from work, Blanche anxiously awaits her mother's return. After all, this is New York City. Her sister Rose, on the other hand, is contentedly reciting poetry instead of studying her trigonometry.

Suddenly, a car door slams and a woman cries out. Blanche leaps to the window to see two dark shapes struggling in the swirling darkness. Is their mother okay? Out of the swirling darkness, enters Bear, changing their lives and home forever.

Who is this mysterious young man? Why does he have such an unusual name? Why is he out alone in the middle of a blizzard at night?

In this story of mystery, intrigue, and romance, Rose and Blanche, two teenage girls, strive to live their faith in modern day New York City. Faced with the typical problems of teenage life of wanting to be popular, follow the "in" crowd, and be accepted, the girls are faced with some tough choices.

How they deal with these situations is what sets them apart. In one particularly dramatic moment, Rose confronts Rob, a cocky, popular student, who all the girls pine after, and tells him in no uncertain terms what a "real" man is. In a world where immoral choices are considered the norm, this book is a refreshing treasure.

Unique and distinctively different, Rose and Blanche are real personalities. Blanche, who is shy and sensitive, wishes she was more like her younger sister Rose, who is more flamboyant and bold. However, it is Rose's curiosity, trusting nature, and desire to be popular that gets her into some rather serious tight spots. Fortunately, her spunk, creativity, and moral fiber, not to mention, God's Providence, get her out of them.

Hard to put down, my daughters read this story over and over again. This contemporary rendition of the Grimm's Fairy tale, includes true-to-life characters, who are real heroines, and a multi-level plot that is thick with mystery, intrigue, and healthy romance.

I think "The Shadow of the Bear" is a nice story. I didn't know the story of Snow White & Rose Red as sisters, so I didn't know what was going to happen.

I am a mid-20's Catholic youth minister and I enjoyed it. I would recommend it to my students as a quick read. It shows teenage girls living a life of faith modestly, and the two main characters have opposite personalities, so girls should relate to at least one of them.

I look forward to reading the sequel.

If you are looking for a wholesome and entertaining adventure book to give a girl who is starting to be interested in boys (I'm thinking ages 12 to 16) you don't want to miss this one. By a Catholic mother of (at last count) six children, The Shadow of the Bear is the first in what recently became a trilogy that continues with Black as Night and Waking Rose.

My 15 year old daughter tore through the first one in about a day, finished the second the next day, and asked how soon we could get the third, which we recently obtained. She has lent the first one to a friend, who also loved it and is asking for the others. Her twelve year old sister is now reading them, too.

I have finished the first two and, while they may never be studied in great literature classes, they were competently written and engaging. They were a little too heavy on descriptions of clothing, feelings, and relationships for this middle aged man, but I suspect that is part of their appeal to my daughters. The heros and heroines are virtuous, reverent, and chaste, and respect each other for it. They also all seem to be fans of G.K. Chesterton.

The books are based on Grimm's fairy tales, and I enjoyed seeing how the characters are translated to a modern setting. For example, the seven dwarves in the forest become seven friars in the south Bronx (who bear a suspicious resemblance to the Franciscan Friars of the Renewal founded by Father Benedict Groeschel). The fairy tale origin has a few minor drawbacks. For one thing, since the characters in those old fairy tales always seem to be getting betwitched and falling into a deep sleep, the people in the books fall into and emerge from perhaps one too many comas. I doubt that this will bother many young teens, though.

I wish there were more books like this. If you know of any, for girls or boys, please tell me about them.

Some books just fall into your hands, and instantly become treasures you want to share with all you know. This is one of those books. It is a modern retelling of the story from the Brothers Grimm, of Snow White and Rose Red. It is the story of two brothers and two sisters, all of whom have lost much in life and are not fully what they at first appear. The sisters have lost their father and had to move back into New York City. The brothers have lost their mother and have both been convicted of drug charges. Then one fateful night their fates become somehow intertwined.

The sisters are Blanch and Rose, two girls who grew up in the countryside, and who now reside in the city. They live with their mother and attend secondary school. The first of the brothers we meet is named Bear; he has dreadlocks, is big and tough, yet upon spending an evening with the Brier sisters and their mother he reveals different parts of his past. He has a passion for life, loves poetry and takes the girls on outings. But there is always a dark side to a Bear and this one is no different. He has secrets and his story and journey are still unfolding. The mystery revolves around a murdered priest, an abandoned church and the school the sisters are attending.

This story is wonderfully told. The author draws you in and keeps you captivated from first page to last. Each chapter begins with a quote from the original fairy tale, and foreshadows what is coming, yet in New York the mysteries and magic of a fairy tale are very different from the German countryside. Regina Doman is a true storyteller, not just an author. His skill with the pen makes you see the action as it is taking place, and you feel so drawn into the story that you feel like a character sitting on the sidelines waiting to see what will happen next.

This is the first book in a trilogy and I cannot wait to lay my hands on books two and three. This story was so captivating that it left me wanting more immediately. If you are looking for some great summer reading this term, give this book a try.

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

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

Great for ages 7/8 and up.

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

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

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

A research partnership trying to build a better spectrometer gets in over their heads. One partner went to the Yakuza for funding, and then brought in Lionel Luthor, neglecting a few details.

Lex is showing Clark around Metropolis, so we end up with a Luthor/Yakuza problem, and Clark needing to pull off a few bits and pieces of the superheroic type. Some of which take place at Ordway docks, and the Neo-Tokyo precinct.

Smallville fans will love this book, this book stays true to the characters and gives us more insight on the life of Lex Luthor.
The book is mainly focused around Clark and Lex getting into some trouble in Metropolis.

WHat's wrong with most TV Tie-in books is: characterizations get lost and twisted... plot is lost in a sea of .. how to put this *for a lack of a better phrase* senseless crap (characters have no motive or reason for what their doing, details brought up but not explained, etc.)

This book got everything right though. The characters retained their warmth and personalities from the show... the plot had many levels and good one-liners in there.

We get to see the strong friendship between the boys and how Lex knows Clark has secrets but doesn't trust him with them.
I was shaking my head at how Clark screwed up yet again with Lana... saving the world is noble and all, but *smacks Clark upside the head* if you keep ditching someone like that they won't stick around for long.

This book keeps you flipping the pages. It's hard to put down, the pace never slows or drags/gets boring. The twist on who "Agent Green" thought the alien was and the bit at the end when we learn where he's going after the hospital were hilarious (to me anyway).

Go out and pick up this book now! Definitely worth your hard-earned dollars :)

If you are a true Smallville fan like myself, you will really enjoy this book. The characters (especially Lex Luther)are authentic..they hold true to the television show.
The book is basically about Clark accompanying Lex to Metropolis only having to safe his life from an Asian gang. In addition, Clark finally has a date with Lana but like always, he ruins it BIG TIME. You really need to check out this book..it's more than worth the six dollars you paid for it.

for once an author has decided to show more of the character of lex luthor. lex has to go into metropolis for a few days and asks clark to come along. after some arguement his parents consent.(the only part of the book i really could not see them doing.) as lex tries to show clark a good time, they get involved in a bunch of trouble from japaneese mafia to secret agent who thinks he has found an alien in the mix. how that turns out is worth reading the book by itself. the author gives good insight into the characters of our 2 heroes and adds a few thoughts on the character of lex. it is a beautifully written book and definilty worth the money for smallville fans.

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

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

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

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

Extremely recommended to EVERYONE

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

I found out this book is still being sold by Amazon on their Canadian and U.K. websites (amazon.ca and amazon.co.uk). If you're in the U.S. you can order it from those sites, but the postage will be a little higher. There are lots of other Nick Butterworth books on those sites as well - some which you can't get on the U.S. site.

Great story rhythm. Pictures are charming, mixing the past with the familiar present items the children will recognize easily. Just the right mix of text and pictures. I read this to my son when he was 5 or 6 years old and when he could read, he read this by himself. Now I want to give my grandkids the chance to read and fall in love with this book, just like we did so many years ago. It is a classic!!

I bought The Lost Sheep and House Upon the Rock 15 years ago for my children. I have tried to find more of the books since I now have grandchildren. I was very excited to find The Stories that Jesus told. My grandson, 6, and I enjoy reading it every night when he comes for a visit. We love the humor and the illustrations! Please bring more of these books back. We want more.

Stories Jesus Told is a fantastic book with clever and humorous illustrations. It impacted me and my children through the stories and vivid illustrations. My kids just keep asking to hear the stories over and over again. That in itself speaks volumes. The stories gave me a deeper understanding of the spiritual principles Jesus taught in the scriptures.

I purchased several copies of this book years ago for my own children and to give as gifts. It is my godchild's favorite book to read at night. The familiar parables are given an amusing twist with illustrations which enhance the story line and strengthen the underlying lesson. I love this book for both the content and the illustrations and would love to see it reprinted.

The Stormholder, by Tricia Boone and Melissa Thomas:

Reviewed by C.S. Marks

Katie and Jack seem to be fairly typical eleven and thirteen year old kids; they play soccer, they argue with their parents about having to learn herb lore, and they tease and play and poke fun at one another. But there is one thing that separates them from most `ordinary' children: they are learning magic. It seems that Katie and Jack have a destiny awaiting them...one that leads them into the richly-imagined world of August in search of their missing parents.

August is peopled with strange and intriguing creatures, and it would be both difficult and undesirable to describe them here, as part of the joy of the book is in the discovery. Every page introduces a new and fascinating life-form (to my delight); it was as though I was opening up a new and exciting doorway with each successive chapter.

I would prefer to not reveal much of the story here, only to state that this is a tale of exploration and discovery, both of the new and magical world, and of Katie and Jack's abilities, history, and destiny. All is not as it has appeared, nor as they would have ever imagined.

This book is suitable for nearly any age reader...provided one enjoys tales of wizardry and magic. It flows well, and moves along at a smart pace. There is, at times, a distinctly Hogwarts ambiance, but not to the point of obscuring the book's own unique flavor. I enjoyed the exploration of wizardry in August, and found myself turning the pages to ask: `What's next?'

As to the actual execution of the book, I noted several points of interest. It was written by two authors, and at times I thought I could detect slight differences in style and word usage between them. The writing is generally solid and is an easy read. The use of words is colorful and rich.

The principal characters are interesting and well developed. One can tell that the authors understand young people; the dialogue and mannerisms of Katie, Jack, (and their friends, including my favorite character, Abby) is realistic and appropriate.

I believe that this book would be a welcome addition to the library of young people (as well as adults who enjoy YA fantasy), particularly if they are into magic (with a little bit of whimsy), wizardry (with a hefty dose of intrigue), and the enchantment that comes with a good, light-hearted story. Recommended.

I was hooked from the very first chapter. I bought a copy for my sister and told my friends about it. I believe that young people could easily get lost in the story and wish they were right there with the characters. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens to everyone. Keep up the good work.

If you've ever read a book about magic and liked it, this is the book for you. Not only does the magical atmosphere and simple wonder of this book draw every young and old reader inside it's pages, its original and exciting storyline holds them there. There's a character in there somewhere that everyone can relate to and they wide variety of magical-life can put a smile on anyone's face! Most people's minds will immediately go to Harry Potter if they hear about a book about magic, but don't be detered by that! This book is completely orignal and it's ideas are refreshingly new. Once I started reading, I couldn't put it down, and I only wish I could've given this reveiw sooner!

A great story for everyone, you'll like the way it hooks you in. The Stormholder is a book about two normal kids, or so it seems. The Stormholder is filled with many twists and surprises. the way the author shapes the story is remarkable! The way the book ends will want you to read the next book.

My friend said......Marie, I think you will like this book.
Well, my fingers stuck to it as though Raam were barring me from entering a forbidden portal! A hint of C. S. Lewis and a smidgen of J.K. Rowling. This is analogous, however, to comparing Liz and Linda based on the fact that they both have blue eyes. "The Stormholder", aside from the "hint" and the "smidgen", is a whimsical fantasy both unique and original.

From the onset, the story pulls one into a magical funnel. "The Stormholder" introduces the young reader to herbs, to astronomy via Andromeda, to inspiration via Maya Angelou and physics via Einstein.....at times succinctly, but significantly.....at other times constructively didactic. Youngsters will revel in the mystery of the Black Hole and ponder the existence of the Wormhole whilst conjuring up images of elves, giants and witches. This book is more than delightful reading, it is a true learning experience. There will be those who dash to the computer or to Mom and Dad for more details, and there will be those who simply continue reading. The latter, most assuredly, will retain those golden nuggets deeply imbedded in their gray matter only to recall them in later studies. "The Stormholder" is, quite simply, a gem.

Eagerly await a re-visit to Coffer Cove and August. Precipa Mundo !
CMHD (Color Me Hook-ed)