Science Fiction and Fantasy Books

It was a very Interesting book. WE a ll loved it... We cant wait for the other verson to come out!

"The Prometheus Project: Trapped" by Douglas Richards lives up to its press release which had these among others:

* The California Department of Education added it to its list of "Recommended Literature for Math & Science.".
* National Geographic Kids senior editor Catherine Hughes wrote "Captured is a page-turner that kids -and their parents-will love reading".
* The Old Schoolhouse Magazine, a home schooling publication, wrote "unlike any book that I have ever read."

The last one captured my interest. As a home school Dad who helps with math and science anything that helps me out works for me!

This is a science fiction book. Sci-fi is a genre I grew up reading. My favorite was Issac Asimov, whose books were always based on factual science, and this is what I expect of my Sci-fi, a little learning with the fun. Trapped did not disappoint me!

The main characters are an older brother and younger sister whose parents are brilliant scientists working on a top-secret project exploring an alien underground city. The kids use their smarts to break into the city and with the help of the telepathic computer teacher in the city, saves their mother from a deadly accident.

I read the book in 2 days, splitting the reading at Chapter 14. The first half seemed rather slow. The only science was a using talcum powder to `see' the laser sensor beams trick, and then there were 2 word puzzles used to figure out the secret passwords, which I liked. However, the second half really packed it in!

The scientific method, gravity and falling objects, nano-technology, and problems of observation and hypothesis are just of few of the lessons the kids learned. Add to that courage and determination to solve these problems and you've got what makes this book special.

An added bonus was the dialogue. The adults didn't talk down to the kids, but they did talk at their level. The kids were respectful while arguing and standing up for what they wanted.

I highly recommend this book, and I look forward to reading the next!

The Resnick family has just moved to the most boring place on earth, Brewster, Pennsylvania. The kids, Ryan and Regan, can't figure out why their parents choose to take this job. Their parents had been offered plenty of great jobs all over the world and they'd always declined. Then, out of the blue, their parents suddenly tell them that they are moving to the middle of no where.

What Ryan and Regan don't know is that their parents are keeping a secret from them, an extremely large secret. There is no Proact, the company where the children's parents are supposed to work. Their parents actually work on a super secret project called Prometheus. The truth of this project is absolutely out of this world.

Trapped is a complete thrill ride. These kids use their brains and their creativity to get them into and out of the most amazing adventures. I enjoyed the story so much that I've already picked up a copy of the next book in this series.

After six weeks in Brewster, Pennsylvania, Ryan and Regan Resnick are looking for anything at all to help relieve their boredom. So, when they discover their scientist parents are working in a top-secret facility where something seems suspicious, they want to find out what's going on.

Getting in requires some logic and skill, but they soon find that getting out might pose a larger problem, as will saving their mother from certain death.

As they explore this fascinating location, they come across challenges that test their intellect and reasoning ability. Using the scientific method, they need to discover how to navigate this strange environment that occasionally turns hostile on them. And saving their mother will be the ultimate test.

This book held my interest from the moment I picked it up. Just like Ryan and Regan, I wanted to know what was happening in Prometheus Alpha, and I tried to solve the puzzle of how to get in right along with them.

The alien city was reminiscent of Harry Potter's Hogwarts, where anything could happen, and there were no limits to the places they could go or the things they could do. I would have loved for the kids to spend more time exploring, but under the circumstances, they had no time to waste.

The unique puzzle they needed to solve to save their mother made my head spin, but ultimately their logic was right on. It certainly will give kids something to think about.

This is a well-written and enjoyable science fiction adventure. I highly recommend it.

Reviewer: Alice Berger
Bergers Book Reviews

My kids haven't enjoyed a book this much since Harry Potter. They want to know when the sequel is coming out!

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

THE SEEMS: THE GLITCH IN SLEEP by John Hulme and Michael Wexler introduce us to Becker Drane, a seemingly average 12-year-old with a wholly unaverage job: he gets to fix the World. As one of the youngest Fixers in a parallel world known as The Seems, Becker is responsible for repairing everyday problems that go wrong in the World as you and I know it. Faulty rainstorms, bad dreams... If something goes wonky, you can bet there's a team in The Seems who's on it to make things right again.

Having worked his way up in the ranks, Becker finds himself on his first Mission as a Fixer --- and it's a doozy. A Glitch, one of the worst types of problems to crop up, runs rampant in the Department of Sleep, keeping the World from catching any shut-eye. Despite his junior status, Becker throws himself into the Mission and soon finds himself with more trouble than he bargained for. A rash decision leads to his suspension, forcing Becker to try to redeem himself and (hopefully) determine how (or even if) this recent run of problems is linked to The Tide, a shady organization dedicated to undoing everything The Seems attempts to uphold.

With an imagination hopped up on a dozen cans of Red Bull, Hulme and Wexler take no prisoners in creating Becker's unique world and its clockwork cousin, the realm of The Seems. Reminiscent of the works of Jonathan Stroud and Jasper Fforde, this book makes use of amusing footnotes, a jargon-laden glossary and a guide to the unique tools wielded by the Fixers in their day-to-day routine.

THE GLITCH IN SLEEP has the toughest job as the first book in the series: it needs to set up the world and make it believable and fun. The authors take that challenge and create an infinitely memorable environment that will set the stage for Becker's further adventures. Although most every dilemma gets resolved by book's end, we can only hope that future installments will add more dimension to the characters and provide details about the mysterious Tide.

For fans of adventure and imagination that barrel along at a breakneck pace, THE SEEMS: THE GLITCH IN SLEEP opens the door to the next book series you'll become addicted to.

--- Reviewed by Brian Farrey

THE SEEMS: THE GLITCH IN SLEEP by John Hulme and Michael Wexler introduce us to Becker Drane, a seemingly average 12-year-old with a wholly unaverage job: he gets to fix the World. As one of the youngest Fixers in a parallel world known as The Seems, Becker is responsible for repairing everyday problems that go wrong in the World as you and I know it. Faulty rainstorms, bad dreams... If something goes wonky, you can bet there's a team in The Seems who's on it to make things right again.

Having worked his way up in the ranks, Becker finds himself on his first Mission as a Fixer --- and it's a doozy. A Glitch, one of the worst types of problems to crop up, runs rampant in the Department of Sleep, keeping the World from catching any shut-eye. Despite his junior status, Becker throws himself into the Mission and soon finds himself with more trouble than he bargained for. A rash decision leads to his suspension, forcing Becker to try to redeem himself and (hopefully) determine how (or even if) this recent run of problems is linked to The Tide, a shady organization dedicated to undoing everything The Seems attempts to uphold.

With an imagination hopped up on a dozen cans of Red Bull, Hulme and Wexler take no prisoners in creating Becker's unique world and its clockwork cousin, the realm of The Seems. Reminiscent of the works of Jonathan Stroud and Jasper Fforde, this book makes use of amusing footnotes, a jargon-laden glossary and a guide to the unique tools wielded by the Fixers in their day-to-day routine.

THE GLITCH IN SLEEP has the toughest job as the first book in the series: it needs to set up the world and make it believable and fun. The authors take that challenge and create an infinitely memorable environment that will set the stage for Becker's further adventures. Although most every dilemma gets resolved by book's end, we can only hope that future installments will add more dimension to the characters and provide details about the mysterious Tide.

For fans of adventure and imagination that barrel along at a breakneck pace, THE SEEMS: THE GLITCH IN SLEEP opens the door to the next book series you'll become addicted to.

--- Reviewed by Brian Farrey

THE SEEMS: THE GLITCH IN SLEEP by John Hulme and Michael Wexler introduce us to Becker Drane, a seemingly average 12-year-old with a wholly unaverage job: he gets to fix the World. As one of the youngest Fixers in a parallel world known as The Seems, Becker is responsible for repairing everyday problems that go wrong in the World as you and I know it. Faulty rainstorms, bad dreams... If something goes wonky, you can bet there's a team in The Seems who's on it to make things right again.

Having worked his way up in the ranks, Becker finds himself on his first Mission as a Fixer --- and it's a doozy. A Glitch, one of the worst types of problems to crop up, runs rampant in the Department of Sleep, keeping the World from catching any shut-eye. Despite his junior status, Becker throws himself into the Mission and soon finds himself with more trouble than he bargained for. A rash decision leads to his suspension, forcing Becker to try to redeem himself and (hopefully) determine how (or even if) this recent run of problems is linked to The Tide, a shady organization dedicated to undoing everything The Seems attempts to uphold.

With an imagination hopped up on a dozen cans of Red Bull, Hulme and Wexler take no prisoners in creating Becker's unique world and its clockwork cousin, the realm of The Seems. Reminiscent of the works of Jonathan Stroud and Jasper Fforde, this book makes use of amusing footnotes, a jargon-laden glossary and a guide to the unique tools wielded by the Fixers in their day-to-day routine.

THE GLITCH IN SLEEP has the toughest job as the first book in the series: it needs to set up the world and make it believable and fun. The authors take that challenge and create an infinitely memorable environment that will set the stage for Becker's further adventures. Although most every dilemma gets resolved by book's end, we can only hope that future installments will add more dimension to the characters and provide details about the mysterious Tide.

For fans of adventure and imagination that barrel along at a breakneck pace, THE SEEMS: THE GLITCH IN SLEEP opens the door to the next book series you'll become addicted to.

--- Reviewed by Brian Farrey (Emohawk9000@gmail.com)

This book is funny, exciting, and tenderhearted. Becker Drane is a great hero and the wordplay and characterizations are terrific. Don't miss it.

THE SEEMS

As a grandparent thinking of books to fascinate the hearts and minds of grandchildren, "The Seems" is high on my list. Like Winnie-the-Pooh sixty or so years ago (I hate to admit it), this book has the capacity to feed the imagination of an entire generation of young people. And like Winnie the Pooh, behind the wondrous child's tale lies an adult perspective that is full of tender humor, irony, and an appealing philosophy of life.
Becker Drane is a twelve year old boy from Highland Park, New Jersey who, having applied for the "Best Job in the World," finds himself a "Fixer" in the "Seems," the invisible world behind our own that keeps things here on earth running according to the "Plan." When a Glitch occurs in the Department of Sleep, and no one on earth is getting the shut-eye they need, Becker gets the call to "Fix" the situation. In the highly competent company of senior Fixer Cassiopia Lake, an engaging and gutsy twenty-some year old girl, he sets out to save the world. The adventure is fast paced and taut enough to keep young readers on the edge of their chairs. Adults will love the sophisticated humor, word play, and above all the deeper human values which, for a reader like me, are the book's strongest selling point.

Tony Gaenslen

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.

I read this book when I was fifteen, and still think it's one of the greatest works of literature I've ever read. This is the store of Alan, and his blood brother Hal, as they struggle to fight against an evil king, find the women they love, and fulfill their destinies.

This novel has some great characterization, and Springer does a great job of portraying the complexities of life in Isle. I only wish they could reprint this series. This is one of her best books!

A must read for fantasy lover and for readers who enjoy complex characterization.

When I was in 7th or 8th grade I came across a book called The Silver Sun by Nancy Springer. I read the book multiple times and it wound up being one of my favorites of all time. I don't think there was one day through 7th and 8th grade that I wasn't carrying it around with me and engrossed in it in study hall.

The Silver Sun is a fantasy novel set in the land of Isle, ruled by the tyrannical King Iscovar. The main characters are Hal, the son of the king, and Alan, his half brother.

Throughout his childhood, Hal was hated by his father and physically tortured and kept in dungeons. He escaped and has a quest to take the throne from his father and rule the land peacefully.

At the beginning of the book, Hal finds Alan, who has been robbed and beaten in the forest. Hal nurses him back to health and they soon become blood brothers and partners in the quest to take the kingdom from the evil King, building alliances with local outlaws and building an army in order to do so.

The book is filled with, and basically built around, a whole mythology. In the land in which the book is set, there are many gods. Hal worships the god called "The One", which is, in his belief system, the true god. There is a lot of mythology built around The One- and elves, the original peaceful rulers of the earth, who are immortal until they marry or are killed. Elves are not univerally believed to exist, however within the mythology surrounding The One, elves were once believed to rule the earth until humans took over and corrupted it. The elves are peaceful beings and are believed to live in a land without corruption - a perfect world that they created when the humans took over the earth - that is sheltered from the evil of the human blight.

The One also has an appointed "messiah", who is referrred to as "The Very King". Throughout the book the prophecies surrounding the coming of "The Very King" and the return of the elves begin to come true and piece by piece you begin to realize that "The One" truly exists and The Very King is soon to appear, as the prophecies laid out in the "Book of Suns" are slowly fulfilled one by one.

The Silver Sun captivated me as a young 13 year old with the detailed world it created and the mythology of hope and peace that slowly builds throughout the book. It is truly my favorite book of all time. While it has been out of print for a while, I have actually bought second copies (used) through amazon in order to make sure I always had a copy that wasn't falling apart.

Apparently it is back in print, as I have found it again on Amazon (this is the only book that I actually periodically check Amazon for to see if copies are available). So I recommend that you grab it while there are still copies available. The world that Nancy Springer builds is very engaging and inspiring and her stories are just a pure joy to read.

There are four books in the "Book of Isle" series. The White Hart, The Silver Sun, The Sable Moon, and the Black Beast. The Silver Sun makes many references to the White Hart, as it is the story of the first "Very King" to come to the land before evil took over the land. The Sable Moon continues where the Silver Sun left off, which I cannot explain further without giving away the final pieces of the Silver Sun.

I really hope this write up does this book justice and gets people to read it. I know I have tried to get Kelsi to read it a bazillion times to no avail. She's not a big fantasy book reader.

I'll definitely keep trying to convince her to take one of my copies though.

This is without a doubt the best book ever written. Known by another name The Book Of Suns Nancy Springer is my favorite author and love everything she has written she is what made me want to become a writter myself.

This is perhaps one ot the best written fantasy novels of the decade. The storyline is superior, writing style is captivating, and the reader becomes a part of the manuscript.

Being a fantasy novel author, I fully appreciate the great efforts that Nancy Springer put into creating characters that the reader can relate to and understand. Her descriptive quality of writing is fantastic.

I highly recommend this book to readers of fantasy of all ages.

Dave

This book, which is among Ms Springer's earlier works, is a great read. Springer is a great storyteller, so while I was not surprised at the story's end, I didn't mind taking in the sights along the way.

I enjoyed Springer's references to the religious/cultural customs of past societies, without bogging the story down with largely unnecessary explanations. They simply add a backdrop which gives the story a richer and more believable flavor.

While it is now out of print, the paperback version can be inexpensively obtained from a number of used sources. Give it a try.

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.

Ian Hamilton has been the picture of propriety since his stepfather, Rom B'kah, named Ian his heir as King to the galaxy. Now, seven years later, Ian is fighting to keep Earth on good terms with the Vash. Wanting to pull out of the treaty that Earth signed seven years ago, Ian has set out to prove that it is best for the galaxy all around if they all stick together. With the return of Muffin, we are also introduced to a crew that will go straight to your heart. When Ian finds himself not able to keep a pilot, he hired 'Tee' whom he knows is running, but he doesn't know from what she's running.

Tee'ah Dar has fled her life as a Vash Princess. Never having the freedom to make her own choices, not even choosing the man she marries, Tee'ah is sick to death of her life as a pampered princess. The only thing she has ever done behind her family's back is learn how to fly, the one thing that she can't live without doing. When her father finds out, Tee'ah knows that she can't stay and keep suffocating under her father's rule, or her heart will slowly die. When she meets Ian, he seems a gift from God, or so she thought. What she didn't know was that he was the prince of the galaxy and if he knew who she was, he would return her before she could say 'Earthdweller'.

Tee'ah and Ian's story is truly heartwarming. All her life Tee'ah has been taught to put the needs of others above the needs of few. This once she has denied her heritage and fallen in love in the process. Ian has done everything he can to please Rom, and not end up like his father, who treats women as bad as he ever treated his mother. Ian has a rolemodel in Rom who he wants to be proud of him, but he doesn't think he could give up the love of his life.

Don't miss it!

Princess Tee'ah Dar was sick of enduring life in isolation as Vash Nadah tradition demanded. In a desperate bid for freedom, Tee'ah stole a starspeeder to begin a new life doing what she loved most, flying!

Ian Hamilton, an Earth dweller who was the heir to the Trade Federation and crown prince of the Vash empire, was deep undercover. He posed as Ian Stone, a trader of black market items. He was determined to bring the human people of Earth, the Vash people of Sienna, and all the people in the Federation together in peace! However, freak accidents and bad luck kept getting in the way. When his pilot died, Ian's crew was stranded on an awful world called Donavan's Blunder. Ian's critical mission would have failed right there, had a spunky pilot, Tee, not happened to appear. But neither Ian nor Tee told the other who they really were.

King Romlijhian, Tee's uncle, sent Gann Truelénne after the runaway princess. To do so, Gann had to hire Lara Ros, a master tracker. Gann and Lara clashed instantly, but are forced to work together if they were to succeed.

The galaxy would never be the same again!

***** In a word, "W-O-W!" And throw in a few "WOO-HOO's!" Why? Because Susan Grant has created an amazing universe with some very interesting characters to turn it upside-down! The story was well written and very believable. I could not help but cheer Tee's bravery. When the name "Susan Grant" is on the cover, readers best hold onto their seats because it's going to be one heck of a ride! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

This book by Susan is my second, after reading Contact and enjoying that one I quickly found this one and Star Princess. I really enjoyed this one, Ian and Tee'Dar were great for each other. I also greatly enjoyed the secondary characters like Muffin and Lara. The KettaCat was also great. I also hope that she contines this series,and hope that she finds a mate for Klark Che's brother. I'm still trying to get all the families down, but she's going to have to continue the series. I'm now reading Star Princess and enjoying that book as well. I highly recommend thses books they're great. Please Susan write more Star series books.

I love the time travel aspect. I wish Susan Grant had written more books like this. I read it all the way through. It has everything you could want -- adventure, time travel, sensuality -- great dialogue -- even humor!

Very good story, very entertaining... although I'd prefer more on what happened between Gann and Lara.

hero and heroine of this books play outstanding roles, wonderfully portrayed...scenes are nicely illustrated.

Good read.

This is a great book. I love the back story of our four heroes- Jezzil, Thia, Eregrad, Taris. Especially poignant is the relationship between Jezzil and Thia. The fantasy world building is good. The only problem is that there is no sequel in sight. This book was published in 2005. The authors blog has not been updated since 2006. The Eos website does not mention any upcoming books by this author. It looks like A.C.Crispin has fallen of the Earth! So beware.. great book but the series may be left unfinished.

I've been a Star Trek fan for years, that is how I dicovered A.C. Crispin's writing. I decided to check out some of her other books and I fell in love with this Storms of Destiny. I could not put it down. The characters are so well written, you feel what they feel. The twists and turns are well written. I just can't say enough. The book does keep you on the edge of your seat or where ever your reading it! I can't wait for the rest of this series!

Storms of Destiny was the first fantasy novel I've read in quite a while, and it grabbed me immediately. A first-rate fantasy requires that an author do several things simultaneously, and Ann Crispin does all of them well. One is to introduce a cast of distinct and interesting characters. The second is to create a believable new world. The third is to keep the story moving as the characters and the world come together. A fourth item that deserves special mention for military history buffs like myself is that Crispin has done a good job with armor, weapons, and tactics: the novel's major battle is a complex and compelling tale all by itself. Finally, she has written a good yarn that not only stands satisfyingly on its own but provides a nice set-up for the next book. Storms of Destiny is a winner.

This is the first book of A.C. Crispin's that I have read. I inhaled this book, and was unable to put it down. I am eagerly awaiting the next book in the series. It's a great fantasy read!

Storms of Destiny is a fantasy adventure from the word go. In retrospect I would say that it was a mix of Dragonlance and Planet of the Apes. A strange mix, you say? It won't seem quite as strange once you read the book.
"In a world at peril, five exiles must band together to stop a god.

Banished from their former lives, an unlikely group of comrades -- a warrior disgraced, a disillusioned priestess, a fiery revolutionary, a mysterious non-human healer, and an enslaved prince -- are drawn together in a desperate race to stop an invading army. But they soon discover the danger is infinitely greater, for their true enemy is none other than a malevolent, vengeful god who has destroyed many worlds..."

There are five primary characters (for the forces of good):
The Exiles of Boq'urain: Storms of Destiny is the first book in a trilogy about five adventurers who must defeat the demon Boq'urak. The story begins with the warrior-priest Jezzil infiltrating an enemy fortress. It goes horribly wrong and his comrades quickly find themselves outnumbered. His training tells him that he should fight to the death, but he wants to live. He flees for his life, instantly marking him as an outcast to the Pen Jav Dal

Thia is a 19-year-old novice priestess. A wrong turn in a forbidden tunnel, reveals the true nature of the god she worships; Boq'urak. She flees the temple, barely escaping with her life. She finds herself lost, not only in a world that she has never known existed outside the temple, but also in her spiritual direction. She had spent her life in the service of a monster and now has no one to pray to for help.

Khith is a generless, furred creature that lives in the jungles that surround the city of the ancients. He, er "it" is a sorcerer, healer and scholar. His thirst for knowledge about the ancients eventually gets him the boot from his community.

Prince Eregard is the youngest of the King's sons. The Crown Prince Salesin (his oldest brother) is an overpowering, greedy, manipulative tyrant and he isn't even the king yet. Even his own father (the King) fears him. In an effort to stop an uprising the King asks Eregard to sail to Katal to discover the source of the unrest (I bet you couldn't guess that Salesin's greed has a lot to do with it). On the long journey, the ship is captured by pirates (I love pirates) and Eregard is forced into slavery.

Talis Aloro hates men, plain and simple. She was savagely raped by her uncle and her father did nothing to set things right. She also happens to be the right hand...er, woman to the man who is plotting against Eregard's kingdom.

The story moves between the points of view of these characters, showing the reader the world through many different eyes.
There are a few places that seem to drag as she sets the stage, but they are few and far between. The first book of a trilogy always has the hardest duty; setting up the world and characters for the rest of the books to run with. She did a remarkable job of getting all of the pertinent information across without just spelling everything out for you. The story ends with several unanswered questions, setting us up to dive right into the next book the moment it is released.

Ann Crispin has wove an incredible story here. She fleshes out her characters to the point that they are almost tangible. Her battle scenes are brilliantly laid out; you can almost smell the blood on the battlefield. Swordplay, revolutionaries, magic, strange creatures (both good and bad), not one but two formidable enemies and an underlying moral about freedom (with it's many levels) and the cost of keeping it, this book has it all. If you enjoy fantasy at all, you will love this book. It was a fun read.


I can't wait to pick up the next one.

This is an excellent book. It is about a superhero. Dan Greenburg did a wonderful job. MAXimum Boy the superhero saves the day and reassures many by using his super powers. The main problem in the novel is that the villain looks exactly like MAXimum Boy. There is a lot of adventure, excitement, and superstition that takes place in this book. The ending, I will warn you, is much unexpected. I would recommend this book to a friend. I would also recommend the two books "A Trilogy of Poetry for the Mind, Body, and Soul" and "Aesop's Fables."

The title of my book is Maximum Boy Super Hero or Super Thief by Dan Greenberg. Max Silver touched some space rocks and got maximum powers. One day very weird things happened to Max. Is he being framed or not? Is Max the thief? I definitely recommend this book it starts fast and gets you going. There is also a Maximum Boy series, so read them all and you'll love them.

Emerson, NJ; fifth grade student

The title of my book is Maximum Boy Super hero or Super Thief by Dan Greenberg, Max Silver toughed some space rocks and got maximum powers. One day very weird things happened to Max. Is he being framed or not? Is Max the thief? I definitely recommend this book it starts fast and gets you going. There is also a series of Maximum Boy so read them all and love them.

(...)

I recommend Maximum Boy because it's funny and cool. Maximum Boy's mission is to stop the evil Maximum Boy. Maximum Boy's lawyer, Lester Boogerfinger is supposed to be a defense attorney, but he's really a patent attorney. This is so funny. It's a great book and kids will love it.

I recommend Maximum Boy because it's funny and cool. Maximum Boy's mission is to stop the evil Maximum Boy. Maximum Boy's lawyer, Lester Boogerfinger is supposed to be a defense attorney, but he's really a patent attorney. This is so funny. It's a great book and kids will love it.