Fiction Books

This incredibly rousing conclusion left me breathless! I started reading this series because my library carries the books on Playaway and it was recommended to me by a librarian as "an entertaining, well-written fantasy story for all ages." I also learned the book was highly recommended by Voya and is something of a pop phenom as it is also mentioned in "Complete Idiots Guide to Elves and Fairies" and "Ancient Art of Fairy Magick".

I listened to the first two books and the audio was so wonderful I decided to buy the entire series. Like the audio, the books are of exceptional quality with its dozens of full-page illustrations and illustrated end notes.

In this fourth book, Robert Stanek doesn't hold anything back. He continues to deliver an incredible story about an imperiled world and those whose destinies are tied to the fate of the world. The story begins with Vilmos in the bizarre underworld. Meanwhile Adrina tries to make her father and her people understand the true meaning of the elves return after their long absence. Emel has his own adventures as he journeys back to the south.

Like the others in the series, this book continues to take the reader to magical destinations spread all across the magical fantasy universe Robert Stanek has created as the backdrop for the stories. I'm amazed at how much the world itself seems like a character and it too becomes a favorite like the characters themslves.

Robert Stanek is an incredibly gifted writer with a true talent for writing believable characters and bringing new worlds to life. He gives enough details to see everything that's going on but not so much to slow the story. The dialogue continues to be excellent as well and it's one of the reasons the story works so well in audio.

I highly recommend The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales) but don't miss the others. You need to start with The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales) and continue to The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales) and The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 3) (Keeper Martin's Tales) to understand the story.

This is the best book I have ever before read, everything you would want in a book is right here it is so good at painting a mental picture in your head it will have you yelling out loud throughout this entire book if I could give it more than 5 stars I would I say INFINITE STARS FOR THE KINGDOMS!!!!

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV
ISBN: 15754550658
Magical ---- Literally!

I became intrigued by the phenomena of Ruin Mist awhile back, and this review is a long time readers perspective. In many respects, I'm probably the last person who would enjoy this book. I'm a cynic by nature, and my reading habits lean more toward more mature series and more literary works. Or at least I should say it used to before I discovered this wonderful series and learned how fun fun reads like this one could be.

As someone who grew up reading C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, I had a soft spot for a good fantasy tale when I was younger, and tended to read fantasy from time to time. This series however, has made a new fantasy lover out of me. Why?

Robert Stanek has created a delightful world of magic and mystery, with a compelling cast of characters you'll come to love (or hate) almost instantly. He captures the imagination with spare prose that draws his readers in. The concept of a elves and such isn't exactly new, but the ideas of parallel worlds of magic, alternating histories, elves and men as enemies, magic as evil, and more were breathes of fresh air.

There are times early in the series when it is obvious that this is the author's first major work of fiction. His other previous work (as an international bestselling nonfiction author) however, helps him writes tight prose, a balanced amount of detail with a story well-paced and well-plotted.

Overall, this is a very impressive series. Each character in the story as unique and real as their intertwining storylines. Plus, I like to think that some of the wonder and enjoyment I felt reading the pages of the early books came from the sense that the author was also experiencing this world and its characters for the first time while writing them.

The world of Ruin Mist has multiple levels of reality called UnderEarth, MiddleEarth, and OverEarth. UnderEarth is a place without sun, moon or stars. It has bloodred skies and is a dark place where many strange creatures dwell. MiddleEarth is the place of the kingdoms and reaches. It is where men and elves live. OverEarth is place of the skies. It exists above the clouds of the kingdoms and reaches.

The three main storylines provide glimpses into different parts of the world. Vilmos Tabborrath is an unassuming village boy who doesn't want to follow his father's path. He has a dark gift of magic and as magic is considered evil this puts him and his family in grave danger. He tries to hide his gift but one day it slips out when he is surprised by a bear and this is the beginning of the end of his life as a simple village boy.

Vilmos is intriguing becuase he is different from his peer group and mistreated by those around him. He recounts a story of getting beat up by an older boy and the harsh treatment by his father. Children often feel isolated and mistreated, as do adults, therefore most people can relate to this situation.

Adrina Alder is the youngest child of a king. She remains heartbroken over the death of her mother some years ago and longs for change. Her wish for change comes with dark visitors in the night but is not in any way what she hoped it would be.

Adrina is intriguing because she is someon just about anyone can identify with. She feels sad and alone in the world. She's bitter about not being able to do what she wants and longs for adventure. Children often feel sad and lonely, as do adults, therefore most people can relate to this situation too.

Brother Seth of the Red is an elven warrior and sworn queen's protector. He is old in human terms yet at the same time childlike in his ways as he is young for an elf. He doesn't understand what is happening or why he was chosen by Queen Elf to undertake a dangerous journey. His journey takes him to the land of men at a time when men and elves are the bitterest of enemies.

Seth is intruiging because he is so powerful yet so flawed. He is a trained fighting machine. It is all he's known and it is why he knows so little of anything else. He also has the urges of adolescence and finds his first love though he doesn't understand his feelings as he's been isolated from ordinary elves and the lives they live.

Other aspects of the writing itself are:
* The books are unique and readable.
* He takes time to set up the characters, plot, and scenes. He takes care in introducing Vilmos, Seth, and Adrina because of their hardships we know why they act the way they do when they leave their homes.
* He does not talk down to his audience of young adults.
* The same story elements that appeal to a child, appeal to an adult.
* His characters grow, change, and make decisions based on their own motives.
* Life is not simple. People get sick, people die.
* Good and evil exist, as they do in reality, and they have many guises.
* It is easy to read. The text flows naturally, even with strange words and unusual names.
* His creativity and descriptions bring life to the story. He creates mystery and keeps you wanting to know more.

For me, the real test of a book's strength is whether or not I want to read it again. Most books get read once and traded in. I've already read this series three times and have upgraded to the special editions as they've been published. And the best part is that the series gets progressively better with each new volume. As good as book 1 is, book 2 is even better, so if book 3, and book 4 is a real treat.

Younger readers certainly don't need me to point out something they already know, but hopefully this review will help persuade some like me who still cling to the notion that a children's book can't possibly be enjoyable to us adults. Stanek created a marvelous story that has captured readers from all age groups. His writing has been compared to JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling and CS Lewis. He deserves all the success he's achieved. I can't wait to see what he writes next.



Max H.

This was a great book! It made me feel like I was experiencing the adventure. I liked the excitement and action. I was hooked on this book from the start. I can hardly wait for it to be made into a movie!

I loved this book!! I could really imagine what was going on! It was full of adventure and magic!

This would rank up there as one of the best books I have read. I would say that Stanek ranks up there with some of the best authors including: Jk Rowling, Jrr Tolkien, RA Salvatore, and Brian Jacques just to name a few of my favorites.

If you like Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter, you will LOVE this book! A 5 star winner!

I have no qaulms about admitting that I am a hopeless romantic. I'm also the type of person that likes pretty landscapes, good old fashioned values, and all the light and love inbetween. These books really hit the spot, and the first few of this collection are divine.

The story begins with two unlucky partners who wed for convenience: a pregnant widow and a widower trying to raise a daughter on his own. They're out in the plains struggling to survive, so why not get married for the security?

But alas, in comes the romance and this little family grows closer and closer.

The series continues as the family grows, with a variety of well-rounded characters and plots that get at that slightly dramatic spot I can't help but love.

They're quietly written with beautiful, simple descriptions and lots of reference to God, faith, and spirituality.

My only real complaint about the book is that the author chose to provide the characters with an unintelligent sounding dialect, making them sound like the Beverly Hillbillies. Perhaps the writer, as a Canadian, felt that it would add to the rural sense of the location, but I feel that it detracted from the characters. The movie portrayed Marty as a very well read woman and both Marty and Clark were portrayed in a more intelligent light. I also feel that the God/Christian theme of the book was heavy handed, and was handled better in the movie version. Although the book is good in it's own way, it is very different from the movie.

I thought that the books where wonderful!!! I loved them, great story line, and plot. Love it!!!

I've loved the Hallmark Movies and now am reading the books. The print size makes them easy reading and who would not enjoy a Janette Oake story. Amazon pricing also makes them a excellent value.

these books are so wonderful, and makes you feel like you are in the book itself.

I am a clinical psychologist, and I found Sara's Children well worth reading for the personalized insight it provides about the Holocaust. Although this book is poignant and heartrending, it remains well written without going over the top. The five Garfinkel siblings endured far beyond what human beings seem capable of bearing. Out of the war's destruction and nearly complete genocide, this family emerged without bitterness, without anger. That they managed not only to survive but also to rebuild their lives is a triumph of the human spirit.

A touching sad story of brave persecuted peoples caught in the political times and war. It is a story of faith and strength that has a happy ending of freedom with their escape and survival. It is a story that would be a great movie. The message is what happens to all families and groups caught in war and political up heavals still going on today. Ms. Hagstrom has caught and told us of the mood, the times, and emotional moment of the times. History is to be remembered in this book, to avoid being repeated. John Elwell

"Sara's Children" is a compelling story about five siblings who survived the Holocaust. Yet, their immediate family was not untouched: both parents and two other siblings were murdered by the regime.

I read this book after having re-read Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning." I followed it by reading "Night" by Elie Weisel. "Sara's Children" tells a story as shocking to the conscience as any narrative.

I can think of any book that portrays in such historical understanding and journalistic flair of what life has been like for these five holocaust survivors siblings.
Sara's Children is not only a compelling biography, it is a revealing personal story about a family caught up in the events for which no one could have prepared them.

I can think of any book that portrays in such historical understanding and journalistic flair of what life has been like for these five holocaust survivors siblings.
Sara's Children is not only a compelling biography, it is a revealing personal story about a family caught up in the events for which no one could have prepared them.

This is truly a "chick-book" and I love it! My favorite book of all time! Be sure and read "Star", the sequel to Butterfly.

I read this book a few years back and lost it. But now that I found it again its still exciting and more intresting than before

I should start off by mentioning that I'm a fantasy and science fiction sort of person. With few exceptions (such as To Kill a Mockingbird), not much else gets my attention, and Butterfly was not a novel I would have picked for myself. However, my wife being dyslexic, asked me to read it to her. That was about 6 years ago, and about halfway through, we got disorganized and I never finished. But it was on my mind ever since: how did that novel end? I ran across it on Amazon, and ordered a copy for, as I thought, my wife. However, it turned out that she already finished it on her own. Alas! But not a problem, I really wanted to get to that ending on my own. It's one of those books hard to put down.

Butterfly is a revenge story, yes, but it's placed in a radical feminist context. Danny is the principle antagonist, but he is only epresentative of an overallpatriarchal system that is hostile and subjegating toward women. The theme arises over and over, involving, to varying degrees, nearly every female character in the book. Also woven throughout the pages are the radical feminist themes of sexual segregation and sexual liberation, presented in what I consider the proper manner of denouncing the patriarchal system without denouncing individual men. The fates of the individual women reflect just as individually on how a male-dominated society has impacted them. Also interesting is the concept of power, how Danny sees it as coming from control and the Beverly, the protagonist, exceeds him by acquiring it through cooperation.

The characters seem real in both motive and reaction. There are two elements of a plot that I adore: interweaving several subplots so that they come together seamlessly at the end, and sudden twists and turns. This novel has both. It is compelling and absorbing.

** POSSIBLE SPOILER **

The ending is resolved completely and deeply satisfying.

My wife, though she did finish it years ago, plans to read it again. I don't blame her. I surely will someday myself. This is one of those books that stand out.

There is so much more packed into this book than the cover or the back synopsis infer. I found this to be a book about human relationships, humanity, society and inspiration. I have no idea why it seems to be classified as a romance. I loved this book and found so much inside all the pages that would be very worthwhile insight into human psyche and would be a great read for men as well as women. It is so much more than a fluff book, beach read or guilty pleasure.
I can't remember where I heard about this book, but it was just recently and can't imagine why I just heard about it since it was originally published some time ago. I absolutely loved it this book and can't wait to read Stars and Private Entrance. I wasn't able to find any of these three at any used book stores but of course found them here on Amazon. This one was worth every penny, is a keeper and will stand the test of time. I honestly don't know what "tag" this would fall into. Maybe I hadn't noticed it before since it doesn't easily go into a category, IMHO.

This book is something that I have read over and over again. I first read it well over 10 years ago. I came across it again at a garage sale not too long ago and re-read it. It was just as good, I have since passed it along to all of my girlfriends who all loved it as well. Do not hesitate to get this. Just make sure you pass it along!

This book is about a girl (miaka)with an strict mother. She runs away to a library and is sucked into a magical book. She meets a male hero named xong giu-sui (Tamahome) She turns out to be the priestess of a mysterious land, and loves Tamahome as her hero. He, on the other hand, is destined to protect her, and loves her like a little sister. But when a mysterious and mean woman comes to the palace to help miaka with a royal quest, she falls for the emporer. The whole story is romantic, yet strange. :S It's not that great, but I read it twice.

-Mangafreak

Fushigi Yuugi is a wonderful series. I have read the entire manga series and love it. Miaka and Tamahome are a great couple. They have a wonderful love story. Miaka and Tamahome's story is wonderful, romantic and touching. This series is very touching with lots of romance, wonderful characters, wonderful couples and a wonderful story. Miaka and Tamahome have lots of romantic kisses and lots of romantic scenes. This volume is one of the best volumes and has some of my favorite Miaka and Tamahome scenes. This volume is wonderful, romantic and touching and a great volume.

This book was very romantic and entertaining! I really liked the action parts, since there was usually a lot of romance mixed in with them. I do think that some parts were unnessecary and simply used to add some inappropriate content to the book. Being that I love romance, this was one of the best Japanese comics I've ever read! For me to truly enjoy romance manga (and I know I've said this before) the main boy has to be someone that I would like if I was a manga character. Tamahome reminded me of Darien from "Sailor Moon", risking his life to save the main girl! It was those parts that I enjoyed most.

Overall, if you love romance and Japanese comics, I recommend this to you! It is very absorbing and enjoyable! But keep in mind that there IS unnessecary content such as Tamahome walking in on Miaka when she's shirtless.

I got it for christmas and boy is it good! I like it just as much as Ceres! It's beautifully drawn, like anything by Yu Watase it's full of romance too-God I Love it.

Some friends at school recomended this manga, so i got it out from the library. I loved it!!! :) Once I started, I could'nt put it down. I read until I finished it, and then went straight to the library to get out the next book. About a month later, and I still love it (although I'm pacing myself now). In fact, its growing on me, I'm seriously considering buying the whole manga series (and thats saying somthing: I'm a picky buyer), and can't wait to get a hold of the anime.

However, there are few things to consider before you buy. Later in the series, the plot gets fairly serious, including family and friends turning on each other, murder, rape, and the like. I've found that almost any manga not geared towards 10-year-olds involves at least a slight bit of nudity etc, and Fushigi Yugi is no exeption. If that is something you can't stand to see, don't buy. But don't worry: Yu Watase does not dwell on this overly, it does not get too involved, and most are just romantic "awwwww! too cute!" situations.

By far the best part of this series (besides BEAUTIFUL illistrations) is the characters. Miaka and Tamahome, the main characters, can somtimes get boring or too predictable and their romantic moments can be drawn on too long. But the other characters more than make up for this, especialy (my personal favorites) Nuriko (who is absolutly HILARIOUS), Tasuki, Chichiri, and Mitsukake.

Fushigi Yugi has just the right amount of drama, romance, and comedy. The plot is great, the art is beautiful, the characters are amazing. What can I say? I'm addicted, and you will be too.

And if you already are addicted, I recomend Inuyasha, by Romiko Takahashi.

Great book and cassette -the title isn't clear in the title (but the product details says paperback/cas) that this ISBN 0809182491 come with the cassette. ISBN:0809117541 is just the paperback.

I'm not good with words, but I'm going to try LOL. This book is so simple, but powerful, a story that will never leave you and one we can all identify with. I find it so hopeful and inspiring, a great read when one "is down". Its not a religious book, but definitely has spiritual themes to it IMO. I read this book in High School and am middle aged now and still adore it, one of my favorites. I read it to my 7 and 5 yo girls and they love it too :)

I received a copy of this beautiful book from my best friend in 1975 as I flew off to join the service. All these years later, I still have my copy and have given out innumerable others to my teenage at-risk students, clients and other people I have encountered. It is a heartwarming tale filled with a huge amount of hope for the future. I especially like to present it to students who have just gone through a devastating relationship breakup, reminding them that it is all part of the process which is preparing them to meet their future life partner.

I purchased this book for seven very special young girls who graduated high school and are heading off to college in the fall. The book is a children's story for all ages and gives an excellent message about life in that it encourages one to seek self established goals and achieve them while still maintaining a degree of intergity and self worth.

I was introduced to this book in a class provided by the company I work for. The class was entitled "Thinking Outside the Box". This class has been attended by executives and managers at large corporations the world over. I'm sure no one in the class expected the last activity to be reading "Hope for the Flowers" aloud. Although this is a "children's" book, it can be appreciated at many levels. I'm sure children will find it very entertaining and moving. However, the specific message relevant to adults is that "following the crowd" in the corporate world can be an empty pursuit, and that we all need to recognize the possibility of reaching for higher goals. The story is engaging, with two charming caterpillars as the main characters, and the beautiful illustrations of them and their exploits are very imaginative. We should all aspire to be butterflies!

Like C. S. Lewis's Narnia this is one story everyone should read at least once in their life. If you are looking for a good read or listen, I don't see how you can go wrong with this one. I started reading this series because my library carries the books on Playaway and it was recommended to me by a librarian as "an entertaining, well-written fantasy story for all ages." I also learned the book was highly recommended by Voya and is something of a pop phenom as it is also mentioned in "Complete Idiots Guide to Elves and Fairies" and "Ancient Art of Fairy Magick".

I listened to the first two books and the audio was so wonderful I decided to buy the entire series. Like the audio, the books are of exceptional quality with its dozens of full-page illustrations and illustrated end notes.

This third book continues the adventures of Vilmos, Adrina, Emel and Seth. In this book, Adrina returns home to Imtal after a long time away. She has a heavy burden and is having a difficult time dealing with what happened. Vilmos and Xith leave the south and begin a new journey that takes them to the mouth of the world and places beyond. Emel journeys north to Imtal with the garrison and worries about what's to come. The turmoil has shattered ancient alliances and the ancient evil is growing stronger.

This is the only series I've ever read where I had so many favorite characters. Robert Stanek is an incredibly gifted writer with a true talent for writing believable characters and bringing new worlds to life. He gives enough details to see everything that's going on but not so much to slow the story. The dialogue continues to be excellent as well and it's one of the reasons the story works so well in audio.

I highly recommend The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 3) (Keeper Martin's Tales) but don't miss The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales). You need to start with the first one to understand the story. I also recommend The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales) and The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales).

Another amazingly written book by Robert Stanek. He is, in my opinion, the best writer. His writing gives you so much detail, you just keep coming back for more. The main characters in the story are Adrina, Vilmos, Seth, Emel and Xith. In this book, they are dealing with shock from the recent battles and the shattering of a long peace. Adrina makes a big decision about her future. Emel returns thinking he has failed. Vilmos continues his wizard training with Xith. The details in the book make you use your imagination. Each book keeps you on the edge of your seat, wanting more and more. It's great for all ages!

I started reading The Kingdoms books since me brothers were reading them too. Adrina and Vilmos are my favorites. In my mind I see Adrina and Vilmos growing up like I imagined and they are very good friends to have on rainy days. I like these books but than all the Harry Potter books put together times 100. I like this one best as it is the one where Vilmos meets Edward the troant and its got the Dragon King!!! I love everything about the king's mate game and how edward is half troll and half giatn.

This book was amazing. I was so involede in it that when I went to school all I could think of was Vilmos, Emel, Seth and Adrina. When I went to sleep I had dreams about them. This book is far better than Harry Potter , a real page turner. I reccomend this book to all.

My 14 yr. old son is a huge fan of the Kingdoms books and I must admit I am too. Robert Stanek is indeed America's Tolkien, a gifted story-teller with a knack for creating believable worlds and fully-realized characters. Many of the characters become like old friends and even the minor characters truly are interesting and real. The story itself is detailed and rich but Stanek doesn't allow the action to slow, keeping everything moving at a solid pace.

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #3 continues where the first two left off. The kingdomers begin to pick up the pieces of their lives after the battles at Quashan and Alderan broke the uneasy peace between the kingdoms. A new force continues to emerge from the shadows even as the evil king and the shapeshifting queen are being dealt with.

Very highly recommended and you'll want to have all four books on hand.

I found this collection at the local book discount store. This was the first novel I've by this author and I liked that it contained all 3 novels in the series in one book. I purchased because I thought it sounded very intriguing with the angel facet of the story. I couldn't have been more wrong. I did not realize that this was a high school romance novel. The romance was non-existent to me. It's one of those "they kept passing in the hallways at school, he would watch her, she would watch him, should we go out, yes let's go out, I think we're in love" type of story. The love between Tristan and Ivy was very shallow; there was none of the depth of an adult relationship. As an adult, this is what I look for in a romance. Being the age the characters were, I just found the `love' between them unbelievable.

In the first novel, Ivy believes in angels because she believed she was saved by one when she was a child. Then along comes Tristan's death, after which she no longer believes in them and resents them for not saving Tristan. By the end of the 2nd novel/beginning of the 3rd, after another `accident' she starts to believe in them again, and can eventually communicate with Tristan (who became her guardian angel after dying).The guardian angel aspect of the story should have been developed more, perhaps an explanation of how someone is selected to become an angel, what is the darkness, etc. More explanation/development of this angle could have saved the romance portion of the novel. As it is, the only reason I finished the novel was because I was more intrigued by the mystery involving who was trying to kill Ivy (and because I have a habit of finishing every novel no matter what). The author keeps throwing little bits out here and there that kept me interested in trying to figure the mystery out, which I did figure out before reaching the end. How Ivy was saved at the end was a bit too unrealistic.

To summarize, I'd recommend this for a teenager or highschooler, depending on their level of reading or sophistication (I wouldn't have read this at 16). An adult should prepare to be very disappointed.

First off i wanna say this was the best love story i have ever read. Although it is a tear jerker it is an incredible read. once u start it u wont want to put it down. If you loved the movie Ghost with demi moore and patrick swayze then u will love this book. It has the same plot line as the movie with only younger characters; Characters in high school. It teaches many lessons in life as well as lessons in love. It'll make u cry every time you read it but u will not regret it. READ IT!!!!

Two things you need to know before reading my review: 1) I love books more than anything living, breathing, and thinking in this world. However, I only like books that are a) written well, and b) have content worth my while. 2) Books only make me cry if I really love them. The characters, the plot, everything. It has to really get me into it. Ok, now we may begin.

I bawled my eyes out during the first book.
I bawled my eyes out during the second book.
I bawled my eyes out during the third book.
I still love all three.

These are the most amazing books I have ever read. They go on my top ten list (there's about a hundred books on my top ten list, just so you are aware of that fact). They are wonderful romance novels, but that's not all there is to them (though it is the most important part!). There is action in them too, and suspense. I highly recommend these. And don't let the title fool you, they aren't religious novels. Read them unless you absolutely MUST have a ridiculously happy ending. And I suggest having access to all three at the same time, because each book ends with a MAJOR cliffhanger. It's really more like one book with three parts :).

Enjoy!

Kissed by an angel was the PERFECT BOOK. I don't think I've ever read such an amzing book. It kept me entertained for so long, but at the same time it taught me important life lessons- live life with no regrets, mean it when you say I love you, and so much more. Elizabeth Chandler is so amazing- reading this book was like watching a movie. It put clear pictures in my head and kept me anxious to read more. I couldn't read this book before bed, if I did I know I'd stay up all night reading it. I wish all books were as good as this one- I just want to read it over and over and over! I'M TELLING YOU. BUY THIS BOOK. READ IT. BE HAPPY.

This book was great. Rarely do I cry while reading books, but during this book, or books, I cried my heart out. Once I picked it up I couldn't put it down. There was drama, some comedy, and the best of all Romance. It also had myster and such, it was like all my favortie genre's in one. If you are thinking of buying it, do so. I recomend this book if you enjoy sad romance. The plot is wonderful. It keeps you reading 'till the end, and it is one of the books that you will want to read over and over. I have read it up to three times already, and that means something, 'cause I won't read a book again unless it is really good.

I stumbled across a nearly-complete set of the "Night World" books at the local paperback-trade-exchange a few weeks after having received positive recommendations from another vampire reader.

Poppy, a sixteen-year-old peppy redhead, is given the death sentence of cancer in the beginning of the novel; her only alternative to a painful death is, in fact, undeath at the fangs of her best friend and crush, James Radmussen. But consequences must follow their desperation, and our quick-decisioned pair is no exception.

"Secret Vampire" has an ethereal quality to it that's somewhat unusual, especially in young adult literature; the only book with similar overtones that I can think of off the top of my head would be the mega-bestseller Twilight, albeit "Vampire" is of a much more abbreviated length.

Smith hits the nail (or stake, as you prefer) on the head with this novel, an excellent pick for younger readers who haven't yet progressed to the full-out selection of heated paranormal romance. But "Vampire" is enjoyable for anyone.

The characters are sympathetic if a bit unexplored -- but that comes with the terrain of short novelettes. It's certainly no slight to James or Poppy -- I just want to learn more about them, as well as James' nefarious cousin, the enigmatic Ash.

Entertaining with a dark taste of romantic flair; a good read.

8.0/10

This was a really great book. It really touches you when James wants to save Poppy. Poppy is dying of Pancreatic Cancer when her best friend James says he can save her by turning her into a vampire. Everyone should definetly read it. It isn't my favourite book in the series but it is a good start. I really like the way L.J.Smith brings out the characters feelings. It makes you feel what the characters are feeling and leaves you quite emotional.It is such a good book it makes you start to think there is a real night world. My Friend and I love the series and want more books out. I recommend this book to people who like vampire,romance,horror and emotional books. It is da best! L.J.Smith is totally cool!

If you get the chance to read this book do it. I read the entire Night World Series when I was in the 6th grade, 7 years ago, (with the exception of The Chosen because it was out of print so early on) and loved every one of them. A few days ago I saw my copy of this book lying around and thought hhmm...I should read this. I'm 18 years old now and I still loved it as much, if not more, as I did when I was 11. I've decided to read the enitre series all over again, which means I'm rebuying a few of them. Even if you're not really into Vampires you will love it, it has romance and a great story behind it.

L. J. Smith's fantasy/horror series "The Night World" deals with the existence of a secret society of witches, vampires and shape shifters, and how they interact with the inhabitants of the human world. Although humans have long since gained superiority in the world over the "Night World" minority, the supernatural creatures treat humans with distain and prejudice, often calling them "vermin" and plotting ways in which to regain power over the world.

As such, it is fine for Night World inhabitants to deal with humans in whichever way they please as long as 1. Humans never find out about the Night World and 2. They are never fallen in love with. As the introductory page in every books proclaims: "These are stories about what happens when the rules get broken."

The summer holidays are beginning, and teenager Poppy North is looking forward to hanging out with her twin brother Philip and best friend James Rasmussen. Then disaster strikes - she collapses, is rushed to hospital and diagnosed with cancer. The prognosis is terminal and the cure doesn't exist... and she doesn't have much time left.

Her family are devastated but James is in a frenzy - because he thinks he knows of a way to save her. Unbeknownst to Poppy all this time, James is a vampire and knows that a sure-fire way of saving her is to turn her into a vampire like him. There are several problems however: her family for one thing, and the underlying Night World laws that strictly forbid such involvement in human lives. Poppy would not only have to hide from her own family, but the Night World as well - and does James really want to give her a life of such isolation?

But when Poppy finds out, she makes the decision: she wants to live and she and Phillip prepare for her death and resurrection. The bulk of the storyline is concerned with this detailed process of becoming a vampire which is described in technical rather than mystical tones, told from the three conspirators point of view: James, Phillip and Poppy. The third act is devoted to Poppy's new life as a vampire and her displacement within the world - discovering James has endangered himself for her sake, she decides to take off on her own...but can she manage her new life as a vampire and the new dangers it possesses?

"Secret Vampire" is an entertaining enough read, but certainly not the best of the "Night World" series. Poppy is not L. J. Smith's strongest heroine (at some points she's extremely annoying) and the story itself often goes off onto several tangents with poor reasoning and illogical decisions from many of the characters. And of course, the forced happy-ending is a little hard to swallow - it would have been more poignant if everything wasn't tied up in a neat little bow.

It is not quite the strong beginning that it should have been for the first book in the series, but still a promising one, with a lot of potential for later books. The general premise of a Night World is an intriguing one (especially for the pre-teen audience that they are intended for) and the books get infinitely better as the series goes on. Right from the very beginning Smith introduces minor characters that are later used as protagonists in later installations; namely Ash Redfern and Thea and Blaise Harman. Poppy and James themselves turn up again in "Soulmate" as part of a Circle Daybreak meeting.

Sadly, the "Night World" series has never been completed, as the last book "Strange Fate" has not yet been published - something that may make you reluctant to begin this series. However, although the major story-arc is never completed, each book does stand on its own as a separate story and make good "holiday reads" (books that don't require too many brain cells and are easily entertaining).

Poppy North is a typical sixteen-year old--she gets through school by being smarter than her teachers; likes to irritate her straight-laced twin brother, Phil; listens to New Age and techno music; has a secret crush on her best friend, James; and wakes up on the first morning of summer vacation before her senior year of high-school with nothing more paramount on her mind than what she can do with an entire summer spent with James.

Until the pain in her abdomen, which has steadily been increasing, working its way around to her back, keeping her awake at night, and causing her to lose weight, sends her to the doctor. Who then sends her to the hospital for tests. Where doctors then inform her that she has pancreatic cancer--the kind that will kill you within three weeks to three months.

Poppy, of course, isn't ready to die. Watching the reaction of her family--twin brother Phil, her mother, and step-father Cliff--only brings the truth closer to home. Poppy is going to die, there's nothing anyone can do about it, and it's going to be painful.

Except there is someone who can do something about it. James Rasmussen, her best friend from El Camino High School, her secret crush, a boy who now tells her something impossible--he's a lamia, a boy who was born a vampire, a member of the Night World, and he can change Poppy into a vampire to avoid certain death.

Of course Poppy doesn't believe him at first, but then what choice does she have? There's always been something different about James, and now she knows exactly what the difference is. So she agrees to become a vampire, knowing she'll have to leave her family behind, but knowing it's the only way to avoid certain death.

What follows is a fast-moving, interesting story about Poppy's immersion into becoming a vampire, the toll it takes on her brother, Phil, who finds out what they're doing, and the danger it puts James in. Because there are only two rules of the Night World: Never let the humans know it exists, and never fall in love with one of them. James has broken both of those rules.

What a great start to the Night World series! Towards the end of the book we meet some other interesting characters, which I'm guessing will play major roles in future books, so I can't wait to get started on the next read.

"I think I shall be a great poetess or a distinguished novelist."
That is Emily Starr talking, the young blossoming writer, that will touch your heart, with her creative and interesting, ways and ideas.

Within just the first chapter of the book, you'll already be intrigued by Emily's charm, and her topsy-turvy imagination. All through the story, Emily meets new people and friends. Some will help her on her way to becoming a writer, "a painter that uses words". Others will shoot her dreams down, as if they were nothing but mere dust. Just watch her take on all the distressing incidents that she overcomes with an intellect beyond her years.

She's always on a new enchanting romp, that'll keep you guessing. From giving up her beloved cat, to clashing with Miss Brownell (her unjust schoolteacher), to unraveling an age-old puzzle with her whimsical mind, you'll stay right by Emily's side the whole time.

Here's a small excerpt that I especially enjoyed:
"But there is a destiny which shapes the ends of young misses who are born with the itch for writing tingling in their baby fingertips, and in the fullness of time this destiny gave to Emily the desire of her heart---gave it to her, too, on the very day when she most needed it."

Personally, I have to state that this book is very inspirational for anyone endeavoring a priceless dream. I have read the entire set of the "Anne of Green Gables" books (that are written by the same author), but in my opinion, "Emily of New Moon" is much more enthralling! It is at the top of my list of my favorite books.

It is difficult for me to write an objective review about this beloved classic. Emily is like a childhood friend to me. Created by the author of Anne of Green Gables, she is a more complex character than Anne - introspective, determined, and deeply sensitive to life's joys and shadows. Her love for writing, or her need to write, defines her; indeed, much of the story is told through her writing. And yet this first book of the Emily trilogy is mostly lighthearted, though not without its passages of intense experience. Emily is orphaned in the beginning of the book, and moves to the farm of New Moon to live with two estranged aunts and one uncle, their brother. She thrives and flourishes in the beautifully prosaic, quaint world of New Moon and Blair Water on Prince Edward Island. Though she is a private and secretive person, she gives lavishly of herself in her closest friendships.

Montgomery's writing is at times indulgently over-descriptive, but not without vividity, wryness, feeling, and rich character development. Perhaps the most eloquent aspect of Emily of New Moon is its flavorful honesty about life both light and dark. Emily is a complex character, full of both faults and virtues, neither of which are expressed simplistically. The reader's sympathies are always with her. Montgomery's indirect insights into the writing life are also very valuable. Emily has writing in her blood, sees it as something intrinsically personal and sacred but wants to share it, does it with abandon yet later throws it away, and yearns to climb the ladder of fame. In this sense, I feel more kinship with her than with her more popular sister Anne Shirley.

Emily Starr is a daughter of a faith-confused father that her mother's family has shunned for his poverty. Her mother, Juliet Murray, died when she was five, and then when she is older, her father dies of consumption, leaving her an orphan.

Her mother's family takes her in, and teaches her all their traditions and strict codes of honor and pride.

Emily makes new friends, grows, and even has a few love intrests, despite her young age.

The only problem I had with this book was her father way of thinking of God. He says everyone has their own God, and that Emily shouldn't worship their housekeeper's God.

That is very untrute. Every one has their own PERSEPTION of God.

Get it right L.M. :)

Sheltered by her loving father, 10-year-old Emily Byrd Starr has never minded her isolated life. What child notices poverty and a lack of playmates when her intelligence and imagination make each day special and exciting?

Then one terrible day, Emily finds herself an orphan. A mass of never-before-met aunts and uncles descend upon Emily, criticizing and making plain the fact that whoever takes the child is only doing so out of their sense of duty.

Still reeling from the loss of her father, Emily must also leave her beloved little home and pets for New Moon, her mother's childhood home, where unmarried aunts Elizabeth and Laura currently reside. It is with stern matriarch Elizabeth, gentle, loving Laura and "simple-minded" Cousin Jimmy that Emily must now learn to form a family.

Despite the hardships, Emily's new life is quickly filled with many joys, as she makes friends at the village school and develops her interest for writing. Emily also experiences -- at the most unexpected moments -- "the flash," her word for the brief startling glimpses of other-worldliness, which has the power to change both her life and the lives of others around her.

Ask most people what they associate with L.M. Montgomery, and they'll likely say Anne of Green Gables. Yet despite the fame of Montgomery's "other orphan," the Emily books are quite possibly even more memorable and beautifully written. Like Anne, Emily is thrust into an unfamiliar world, where she must make the best of circumstances; but unlike Anne, Emily is possessed of a strangely adult maturity even at the tender age of ten, a glimpse of darkness which will accompany her through the years. This streak makes readers both more concerned for her well-being and perhaps more able to relate, as she is not nearly as happy-go-lucky and childlike as Anne in her early years.

If you enjoy this book, be sure to read "Emily Climbs" and "Emily's Quest," which follow the girl through her years at high school, through romantic relationships and her writing career as a young woman.

It's a shame that most people like either Anne or Emily; I've avoided the whole question by loving them both. The Emily books give a picture of a girl with lights and darks, reacting naturally (and therefore not always cheerfully) to the events of her life. She is far from perfect, but as L.M. Montgomery says about her, you may like her, you may hate her, but you'll never forget her.

If what you love about Anne is the sparkling, bubbly world she creates around herself, then you probably won't like Emily. But if you like L.M. Montgomery and would like to see her go a different route, the Emily trilogy is a great read!!