Schools Books

"Fields of Fire" is the best novel of the Vietnam War, bar none. A few have run a very close second, but this one sets the standard for what a Vietnam novel should be. I'd place it in the Top 10 American novels of the second half of the 20th century.

The men who make up the unit in "FoF" are realistically depicted, and I'm sure they are based on men that the author led during his time there. The reader actually feels like a member of the unit, and he or she starts to empathize with, and even like, most of them. The combat scenes will have you on the edge of your seat, and you feel it when certain characters give their lives for their country and friends.

This has yet to be maode into a movie. I believe any movie based on "FoF" would be superior to "Platoon," and other Vietnam flix, and would make a great bookend with "We Were Soldiers."

I don't really know how to put the feel of this book into words. Its raw. Its real. There is no BS. On the back there is a review that says "This book is an anti-war book but..." but I did not get that feeling. Its just a book about war, with no bias in either direction. The book isnt based on actual people per se, but I'm sure everything in this book happened to thousands of young men in Nam. The ending of this book will make you hold back tears, I guarantee it.

This book is one of the best, if not the best book about Vietnam I have read.

This is an excellent book. Its very well written with a good story and interesting characters. I'm not a war afficienado but this was a really good read!

James Webb, now a US Senator, formerly Secretary of the Navy, and once upon a time, a Marine Lieutenant, has captured the essence of brotherhood, duty, hardship, and sacrifice that all former Marines can relate to so strongly. This book brought back so many of the long-buried ghosts of my own service 30 years ago, and then resurrected my pride in serving. Anyone with an interest in the Vietnam conflict from an infantryman's standpoint will find this book indispensable.

I am a pretty slow reader. As I read late at night before going to bed, I often only read a few pages before nodding off. It can take me a couple of weeks to finish a novel. However, I finished Fields of Fire over one weekend. I could not put it down. I found it compelling, interesting, and all-too-real. I felt like I knew the guys in the platoon. I felt their emotions, I laughed at their jokes, I wept at their losses. Better than any of the many Vietnam movies I have seen, this book painted a picture of what the life of a Marine was like during that terrible war. I hope that all Americans -- regardless of their feelings about Vietnam, Iraq, or war in general -- should read this book to gain insights that they could only otherwise get by actually being in combat.

I think this book is a good star wars book for 13 though 8.Qiun Gon Jim is having a stuind that wants to kill hem.But Obe One Kenobe is a stuind that Xanitos wants hem to be on the darkside. Later in the book there will be a light saber batlie that is asome.They will drive vicles be capture and met people they nafer seen before.Soon they will find a person and talk to Yoda.I hope you like this book.

Scot- Challengers


The Dark Rival is a thrilling story about young Obi-wan and master Qui-gon Jinn! Sent to the Jedi Academy for training in the Jedi arts. Now Obi-wan's training is completed and he must become Qui-gon's padawan learner before his birthday. Despite his actions on his way to Bandomeer Qui-gon still refuses to open up to him. Young Obi-wan's life changes when he meets Qui-gon's ex-apprentice Xanatos. Through out the story you find out about Qui-gon's past.

Even though it is a short book it's filled with action and adventure. In comparison to other star wars books this one really takes the cake.

I just loved this book! I don't know how anyone could NOT like this book! I can't wait to read the next book in the series: "The hidden past"!!! You just HAVE to read this book!!!

The Rising Force was written by Dave Wolverton. Now it's Watson time.

The story begins unhappily. After an unexpected adventure with Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn, who twelve-year-old Jedi student Obi-Wan Kenobi desperately wants to be his Master, Obi-Wan is sent to the planet Bandomeer, where he is to no longer be a Jedi student, and instead be a farmer. But the thing is, Qui-Gon is headed to Bandomeer, too, to meet his former Padawan apprentice, Xanatos. Suddenly, Obi-Wan and Qui-Gon are caught in Xanatos's evil grasp, which leads them to yet another adventure together. Obi-Wan also meets a new enemy named Guerra.... To paraphrase Guerra... not so! Guerra becomes Obi-Wan's good friend. He's my personal favorite character, Guerra. Plus, Obi-Wan is still trying to impress Qui-Gon so he'll take him as a Padawan learner.

After the Rising Force, I read this one excitedly, and it was no disappointment! I gotta say, the JA series may just be the best series I've ever read! Although all the aliens and sci-fi creatures are obviously fake, Watson makes it all believable. Why? Because this story has a whole lot of heart, and, I assume, an invisible magnet on the cover. I could not put it down! A great read, even if you're not a Star Wars fan.

This was one of the first Jedi Apprentice books i read and i loved it! In this book Qui-Gon actually starts to realize that he's kept Obi-Wan in the dark and that he should have explained more about his old apprentice Xanatos. Also there's this part where Qui-Gon is going to rescue Obi-Wan and starts to notice how much Obi-Wan deserves to be a jedi. this book is very emotional and gratifying, i wish Jude Watson would write more!

It is a fast paced and honest narrative of how s boy that age would feel, fear or hide.

Not much grabs my son's attention. This did. It is a good read and it is very animated. I can't wait to the remainder of the series comes out. The first book was good but this is just as good and keeps my son entertained and laughing. Reading is fun!

If you like funny comics, then read "Diary of a Wimpy Kid 2". It has all sorts of comics. There is a boy named Rodrick, who has a brother named Greg that gets himself into some funny situations. For instance, in the first chapter, Greg wraps himself in toilet paper so he does not have to go to swim class. Greg's mom has bought him swim trunks and he thinks everybody will laugh at him. Greg also had to go home with his brother Rodrick in his band's car. Rodrick would not let him sit in a seat, so he had to sit with the band equipment. I loved this book. It is really funny and it will make you laugh. You will not want to wait to read the next Wimpy Kid book.

My kids (boy 8, girl 11) were THRILLED when I surprised them with these books. I actually had three days of silence - in the car, at home, you name it! They read one book, traded and read the other. Too bad there wasn't more in this series.

Wow, what a read. This is the sequel to the 1st one, which I bought I for my 5-year old daughter, it turned out I liked it more than she did. So I bought this one for her again, but I 1st finished it in two days.

Whereas the novel I mentioned in my title left me feeling cold (not to mention the author was a small child when she writes about her experiences, which must be grainy), this powerful account is simply written, but also written well. It's deliciously descriptive and emotional. I felt like I did walk in Irene's shoes, for I saw everything through her eyes (true, it was written in first-person point-of-view), instead of like watching a movie.

By the way, I think this would make a great film, though I am not sure if there is an actress beautiful enough to play Irene (who really should be played by a young, unknown girl, age appropriate, not a trashy pop starlet, who would degrade).

Through it all (being raped by two Russian soldiers and left for dead, becoming a German officer's mistress to protect her Jewish friends, etc.), Irene maintains an innocence that is refreshing, and when she loses her first truelove before they have a chance to marry, it broke my heart.

I will say I have an even dimmer view of the Catholic Church than I did before (not Catholics in general, just some of the politics of the religion), because when Irene goes to a priest to confess being a German's lover to save the lives of her friends, he says, "They are Jews", and I could actually hear the inflection in his voice that said, "They're just Jews", like they weren't worth saving. This un-Christlike priest refuses to give her absolution, which, from a doctrinal standpoint I understand, but not from a spiritual standpoint. Yes, Irene was sinning, but she was not committing crimes against humanity, and I believe my God is a merciful and just God and that He understands for He can see Irene's soul.

This deeply religious, courageous woman has earned my respect and her chronicle is hardcover worthy.

My 14-year-old daughter read this book and insisted that I read it. When I finally agreed, I could not put the book down. The story is so well told that you can can truly understand the experience of a 17-year-old girl in the midst of the horrible events. A compelling book that everyone should read and discuss.

I often think of this woman in my day to day life. She serves as a testament to all mankind that we must put others first and fight for the just cause. What she went through herself is quite harrowing. I am happy that she has been honored with a tree planted in her name at Yad Vashem in Israel. An easy read and a book that you cannot put down. She is truly inspirational.

Unlike most characters featured in such books, Irene Opdyke had no vested interest in helping the Jews during the Nazi occupation of Poland. She began her work in small, timid steps, gradually growing more bold and forceful as she matured. The story is told in an entirely credible and sympathetic way, without forcing young readers to wade though long narratives of graphic atrocities. I found the afterward to be the most moving and memorable part of the entire book.

In my hands is a wonderfully written account of the difference "only one girl" can make. Irene Opdyke lived 7 years through the war and was subjected to many wrong doings herself, but she continued to put herself in mortal danger without thought to herself for the sake of saving the lives of a group of Jews.
A very important book in helping to teach the next generation of the horror of the second world war, but also in teaching us that one person can make a great deal of difference to the lives of others.

Rosewell high is any ordinary high school, but the only thing is that you don't know what's really happening.
There are 7 caracters theire names are Max, Liz, Maria, Alex, Michael, Kyle, Sherif Valenti, and Isabel.
Max, Liz, Maria, Isabel, Michael, sherif valenti are the main main caracters. Max always liked liz and when she was shoot in the stomach max healed her and she thought she was going to die and he told her to lie and she did and
after she went to his house and she asked him how and he told her he was an alien and she freaked out. So he thinks she hates him until later. Liz never liked him but wounce she found out she found this urge to just fall in love with him and do everything to save his life. Max, isabel, micheal, and maria are all aliens and hopes that liz dosent tell sherif valenti about theire discovery.I would really recommend this book to all ages.

This book is GREAT! Probaly the only book in the series that the TeleVision adaption kept completely - The outsider is a great piece of literature. Its cute, quick, daring, and intresting. ESPECIALLY if you keep reading the series, you'll notice how unique and great the customers are. A Definate Must-read. Esspecially for teens.

Although meant for young adult readers, this book is a worthy read by adult standards as well. As a lover of Roswell the WB series, I was at first elated to discover that they were rooted in this wonderful series by Melinda Metz. After I read the series, however, I became apalled at what a mess the show writers made of the situations and characters involved. It is unfortunate that they lost their vision of who their characters were meant to be. Luckily, Metz never does.

Wow! What a great read! I couldn't put it down. I wanted to read the book because I'm such a big fan of the TV show. It's soo much better!! The story is basically a modern Romeo and Juliet love story. Max is an alien from another planet who is in love with a human girl named Liz. When he saves her life, both their lives and everyone elses dramatically changes. This book focuses on Max and LIz's love story but there are also other interesting characters like the other 2 aliens, Micheal and Isabel, and Liz's 2 friends Alex and Maria who all have their own stories unfolding. The first book is by far my favorite out of the series, but you have to read them all. Just to warn some people: it is a story about ALIENS but it mostly centers on the characters relationships with each other. I would steer clear if your a BIg SF fan.

The pilot episode of Roswell was one of the better episodes of the series I've always thought, I got a copy of this book because it's the one the series is based on. While the writing style is probably aimed more at the teen market if you're older and liked the series this book won't be a bad item.
A few things are very different, Max is a blond and blue eyed senior, Liz is Liz Ortecho (whose dead older sister Rosa O'D on drugs)- instead of Parker, Michael Guerin is an A student (all three aliens are)and Isabel is the little sister- a junior in High School.
Liz's shooting is a little different than the series, Sheriff Valenti and son Kyle are meaner (and Valenti is a member of a secret government anti alien group). The incubation pods are mentioned, as is the cave, but in the book Michael came out of his pod days before the Evans (who shared a pod). A lot of things show similarity to the first season of Roswell, although not all were in the same episode- it seems obvious to me that the writers used this book as a sort of guide.
I don't know if I'll get the rest of the series but this one was a quick, fun little thing to read, and a lot more like what you saw on TV than most book to TV adaptations usually are.

I dislike the Animorphs and am reading through a few titles just because they're penny books that I have laying around and plan to throw away... so I was surprised to find myself really liking this one!

Jake's brother is a Yeerk Controller and, if there's anything good in that, it's got to be that Jake is able to get some information from him. That's how they figure out that the Yeerks have plans to take over the new hospital - now all they've got to do is stop them. When their plan goes wrong, Jake finds himself with a Yeerk in his head and his friends have to find a way to save him.

If every Animorphs story was as well told as this, I'd be a fan!

This one is one of my favorite animorph books so far.

All the Animorphs go and stumble into this portable yerk pool in the hospital. But Jake falls into the yerk pool, and a yerk crawls up his ear! Jake goes into like a coma while the yerk takes over him and get acustomed to his new headquarters ( get it? Head - quarters?). Jake acn't do anything and gets really frusterated. But meanwhile, Ax finds out that Jakes been infested. They have a plan, that involves starving the yerk of the kandrona waves. Will the yerk outsmart them? Will the yerk betray Jake and the rest of the animorphs? Or will the yerk fighting team eliminate the yerk? Find out by reading this excelant book!! Also, try to read the rest of the series, you won't regret it!

In this sixth installment of the popular sci-fi series, when Jake and the Animorphs discover a plot to create Controllers out of hospital paitents, including the govoner - who is planning to run for president in next year's election - they know the Yeerks have to be stopped. While attempting to keep the still-under-construction hospital from opening, Jake falls into a portable Yeerk pool and the unthinkable happens. Now that he's one of them, the Animorphs don't stand a chance against the might of the Yeerk empire and the deadly Visser Three - and neither does Earth. Can Jake defeat the Yeerk in his head before it's too late? 154 pages. A great series for reluctant readers!

In this book, Jake falls into a portable Yeerk pool and Tom's old Yeerk infests him. But will the other Animorphs and Ax find out in time and starve the Yeerk? or will Temarash 114 go to Visser Three and make Ax and the other Animorphs Controllers.

Jake and the other Animorphs discover that the Yeerks plan to invade plenty of humans against their will at the town's hospital. To make things worse, the Yeerks want to invade the state's governor who is planning to run for president! When the Animorphs take a trip to the town's hospital to do some invesitgating, they stumble onto a Yeerk pool...and Jake accidentaley falls into the Yeerk pool.

Now, Jake has a Yeerk in his head and there's nothing he can do about it. The Yeerk knows all his secrets (including the names of the Animorphs) and Jake isn't able to tell his friends anything. Fortunately, the others have figured out Jake's been invaded, and they have a plan to destroy the Yeerk. Unless the Yeerk figures out a way to destroy them all first...

THE CAPTURE is an excellent novel. The beginning started out as one of your average Animorphs books, but then the middle was where the things got intense. It really had me page-turning, and I could've sworn that it would be the end for Jake. The very ending of this book might make you a little sad, but it's something to expect in a book by K.A. Applegate. All in all, this is a very good book to keep you entertained for a while

I read this book as a child and wanted to share it with my grandchildren.

I loved this book when I was a junior high teen, and at 57 I find I love it still. I have chortled for 40+ years over the mental image of the Irish Wail (tied up in a cardboard box, sealed with a bit of wax)voraciously devouring cabbages and growing in size, volume, and, of course, degrees of harmony.

THIS BOOK IS AN A++++ WINNER. Buy it for your kids, and if you can pry it away from them, read it for your own pleasure. Your life will change--for the better--after you meet David and the Phoenix.

Hallelujah!!! This book was in desperate need of a reprint. I just bought it, again, and let my children read it. With the original artwork included, this is a must have. People say if you like Harry Potter, but that doesn't do the book justice. This is the Holy Grail here. You will laugh and cry and fear for the characters and fall in love with them too. And sadly, you won't want the book to end, but it will. When will we see David and the Phoenix again?

I was thrilled to see this wonderful classic reissued. It is the result of a master writer with a fertile imagination. the intrigue that results as David tries to save the Phoenix from the scientist makes it hard for one to put the book down. Love the ending. I would also recommend "Moonspins and Widdershins" for those who love fastasy.

Before there was Harry Potter, there was a boy named David. This book helped me through some very hard times in my childhood. I discovered this wonderful story when I was 10 years old and read my book club copy until it fell to pieces. As the years past, I never forgot this wonderful story. Over 40 years have gone by since I last joined David and his friend on their magical adventures. I am purchasing a new copy for myself and for my adult son. And, no, dear readers. This is a story for girls as well as boys. After all, we all love a grand tale that helps us forget our mundane lives.

In the book, The Pretender, by K.A. Applegate Tobias has a problem! He has morphed into a hawk, but he has gone past the time limit. Tobias' father, Alfanger, gave Tobias and his friends Rachel, Marco, Jake, and Cassie morphing powers to acquire animal's D.N.A, but he gave a strict warning not to stay in morph for more than two hours or they would be stuck in that morph forever. The Emillist (a queen hork bajir who helps all hork bajirs) gave him back his morphing powers. As soon as he was human he would forgot his entire life story. Next, he encountered a mysterious woman called Aria, who claimed to be a long lost cousin. When Axmilli-esgarrough-istill ( a.k.a Ax) and Tobias were spying on her, they found it to be a very bad situation. K. A. Applegate (a.k.a. Katherine Alice Applegate) has written over 100 books in the Animorph series. Her childhood included, loving nature, animals, and being a straight A student. Katherine was well-mannered and also very kind. My opinion is that this book is a ten star book because it's funny, adventurous, and is great for learning about animals and gets you to be more adventurous.

This book starts off simple about Tobias "The whole I'm a human stuck in hawk's body thing".But then he has problem with another hawk so their is not enough food for the both of them.Tobias goes to eat dead roadkill in front the school but then Rachel saw him do it and he's ashamed.Here where it's get intresting at Rachel's room at night she tells him some girl called Aria ask's Chapman where is Tobias saying she is his long lost cousin and she want's to give him a home.Then a lawyer want's to contact him about his real father's will.Also he has to choose does he want to live in a home and be human or be a hawk and live in a tree.Plus Rachel shows her true emotions and they do a Hork-bajir mission.

In this book a lawyer says he's discovered Tobias's father's last will and testement. Tobias finds out his father is Elfangor! There is also somebody that says that she is Tobias's cousin and she wants to adopt him. Read the book to find out what happens next!

I'm normaly not a big fan of Tobias books, but this is the exception, I recomened it to everyone. Tobias only lives because Visser 3 slips up big time. I was very suprised to find out who Tobias's dad is, and why he was on Earth, I would never have expected an Andalite Prince to run away and hid on Earth. But it dose, in my opinion at least, explain the way Tobias acts when he meets Elfangor, In "The Invasion"

Tobias Birthday is coming up and he's been called to an attorney's office to be read his fathers will...And a 'Long-lost' cousin supposedly just came back from Africa and she wants to adopt Tobias.Could it be true?Could Tobias really have a family?If he did,he would have to morph human,and stay that way. become a nothlit again...that would mean dropping out of the fight, No more Yeerks,Morphing,or Animorphs.....Well,he would still have Rachel,and they would BOTH be human.....But can he give up his new life as a hawk?Give up flying?Well,his Birthday is coming closer,and now Tobias is about to learn the Secrets of his past........................

I loved this book,espcially what Tobias learned about his father!When I read I just sat there and was like,Oh my Gosh!!!!!!Then I got the Andalite Cronicles and it kinda explained it.....Hmmmmmm,I wonder if Tobias will ever meet his Mother,Loren????????Anyway,This was definatly one of the best Animorph books,All the Tobias books are!They really show his feelings,and emotions,what its like to know that you will be trapped as a hawk forever,and now his feelings about Elfangor,how important he really was to him......I recomend this book,You'll probally be laughing,crying,and wondering right along with Tobias!!!!

Wise Child, a spoiled girl orphaned by the death of her grandmother and abandoned by her gorgeous and powerful witch mother, is taken in by the village witch and healer, Juniper. Wise Child quickly overcomes her fears and--despite the hard work--becomes Juniper's protégé. Wise Child is stuck between the pull of the easy life with her powerful mother and the love and satisfaction of life with Juniper. This simple and magical tale is powerful because of the beautiful prose and the well-drawn and fascinating characters. Wise Child's voice is clear and powerful. Grade: A-

Wise Child was one of my favorite books growing up. It is a simple, but powerful story that is really enjoyable for young adults and regular old adults. The characters are very unique and compelling. Monica Furlong has a great writing style that is enjoyable in itself.

Furlong's novel, set in medieval Scotland, is a hidden jewel, well-written and extremely descriptive. Wise Child's narration, though perhaps a little mature for her age, is believable and poignant, and the novel proceeds well from one event to the next. The author's portrayal of magic is unique and genuine, and historical details add credibility to the novel. I would definitely recommend this likable novel for all ages; 10/10.

There aren't any good books anymore; that's what I thought before Wise Child. This is my favorite book, it is so detailed that I could see the village and the white house in my mind.
The book starts off excellent; explaining what is going on.
It gets a tad slow at the very end, but I don't mind.
The cover is so beautiful as well; because you can see Junipers kindness right there.
Wise Child is great and I reccomend it for anyone!!!!!

One of my favorite books from my childhood and still a joy to reread, Wise Child is the story of one magical child's coming of age. Spoiled but abandoned at a young age, Wise Child is taken in my a woman named Juniper. Juniper lives apart from the small, poor Christian village that Wise Child comes from, and she is a fair but tough mentor, making Wise Child work hard and learn much. In her house on a hill, Juniper teaches Wise Child languages, math, and astronomy, how to grow, harvest, and use herbs, and how to heal the sick in the village below. Slowly, Juniper begins to initiate Wise Child into the way of a doran, a class of magical women who live in the rhythm of nature and use their magic to help those around them. Wise Child's powers blossom, but dark shadows hang over her peaceful life with Juniper: her beautiful, powerful, dangerous mother calls to her from afar, and the close-minded town threatens their safety up on the hill. The book is a magical story of the hard work of coming of age and the love and power than can result from it. Wise Child must find confidence in herself, faith in her future and her powers, and love for her others in order to grow, creating a life-affirming, strong, true message. Furlong's writing style is smooth, her characters are easy to identity with and to love, and the magic in her story is both realistic and exciting. I highly recommend this book to readers of all age groups, and I love coming back to it myself.

The best thing that a coming of age story can do is show us not only the trails and tribulations of adolescence but also the good things about it and the wonders that we reap from it. This book does exactly that. In Juniper's house, Wise Child works hard, learns to do things she doesn't necessarily want to do, and is tested, but her abilities and successes are also celebrated. Juniper is perhaps the idea parent-figure: she coaches, supports, loves, but also forces Wise Child to be strong and stand on her own two feet. As such, Wise Child's story is easy to identify with but also uplifting and promising--the reader comes away knowing that they are not alone in their difficulties, but also that there is something to be gained from it all. The balance between sacrifice and gain is perfect, making this a wonderful read for adolescents and the still-maturing of all age.

Not only is the basis of the story a strong one, the actual aspects of it, including characterization, writing style, and details such as the role of magic are all incredibly well done. Juniper is a mysterious, open-hearted, independent woman, a real role model and inspiring character. Wise Child is realistically selfish and doubtful, but also shows realistic growth and strength that the reader can imitate. Wise Child's POV is in character without being limited, aggravating, or immature, and the overall writing style is smooth, clean, and incredibly fluid and easy to read. The role of magic in the story is well thought out: Furlong makes it quite clear, through Juniper, that there are different realms of what it means to be "real," and her conception of magic manages to make sense in the visible world while still containing enough fantasy and originality to sweep the reader away. Truly this is a skillful book, perhaps the most skillful that Furlong as written. In holds up well when reread and works well for any audience.

I highly recommend Wise Child. To the adolescent, it is a story they can identify with and be inspired by; to those chronically out of adolescence, it is a way to look back and reassess our own journeys, and also a reminder than learning, maturity, and increasing strength is a never ending, never easy, entirely worthwhile journey. The book is a quick read, engrossing, and enjoyable. I'm happy to own it and return to reread it every year or two.

In this book, Merlin must return the dark hills to normal and restore all the land in Fincayra with the flowering harp. He is aided by his friend Rhia and Bumblewy, a pathetic jester. His longing for his mother soon takes priority over restoring the land. With the help of the wisest shell he is able to bring his mother from Earth to Fincayra. But she quickly catches the death curse and the only way to cure it is by traveling to the otherworld to retrieve the Elixir of Dagda. In order to do this he must find the souls of the seven songs of magic, travel through the otherworld well, fight a Cyclops named Balor, retrieve the Elixir and return it to his mother. With the help of his two companions, he will have to do this in one month before his mother dies.
This second book of the Merlin series was good. It was well written and interesting. The only thing I didn't like was how easily everything fit together, and how something always happened to break Merlin's way when he was looking for the souls of the songs. I think T.A. Barron did a great job of expressing the emotion of the characters. This book is filled with magic. I would recommend this for people of all ages.

The Seven Songs of Merlin is the second book in the Merlin series written by T.A. Barron. This is a story about a young boy who is discovering himself and what's within him. It is an adventure including mystical creatures, distant lands, and eccentric characters. This series of five books tells the adventures of a well- known wizard before he was famous. It is prologue to the stories King Arthur. The Merlin series is a great series and I do recommend it.
For you to understand some things I will explain about the Seven Songs book, you must know a little about the previous book. The first book starts out with Merlin waking up on a shoreline not knowing who or where he is. A woman takes him in and claims to be his mother, but he is not sure that she is. Merlin discovers he is not an ordinary boy and goes to the mystical land called Fincayra. On this island he finds out that the woman is his mother and discovers his fate. He has powers and is destined to become a greater wizard than his grandfather Tuatha. He goes on an exciting adventure and finds a new friend Rhia. When the first book ended it left me hanging and wanting more, and that is what led me to read this book, The Seven Songs of Merlin.
The book starts out with Merlin missing his mother and wanting her to be with him on Fincayra, so he finds a way to bring her to him. This way is to find the talking shell and tell it what he wants most. When he does this his mother arrives on the beach. When she arrives she is enticed by a cursed flower and the second she touches it she becomes extremely ill and weak. Merlin is filled with guilt and rage. Then he is told that the spirit Dagda has an elixir to cure the disease, but the only problem is Dagda is in the otherworld which is where all spirits live and Merlin is in Fincayra, the middle world. Fincayra is neither mortal or spirit; it is called the in- between place. Merlin is told he must follow the seven songs of wisdom left for him by his grandfather. He must get through all seven songs in time to save his mother. This journey will prepare him to face the giant vile ogre Balor guarding the entrance to the otherworld. Merlin finds these songs on the inside of an ancient tree and sets off on his quest. These tasks are not easy and they take him all over the land. He learns many things about magic as well as things about himself.
Will he make it to the otherworld in time, will the ogre, whose smallest glance can kill, be Merlin's end, or will he prevail and accomplish the task he set out for? Read this fantastic book to find out. I really enjoyed this book. It never had a dull moment and I just couldn't put it down. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good adventure or fantasy. The character development was great and it had an intriguing plot. Free time is not something to be wasted, so have a good experience by reading this book. Plus, when you're done reading this one, there are three more books left that are just as good, if not better, that you can read which also tell the story of an interesting adventure.
There are only a few drawbacks that I was able to come up with. The first one that came to my mind is that you have to read the first book to read the second one so you will understand the plot. So, if you want to read the third one you must read the first and second. Its not a drawback if you like to read, but if you're looking for a book that you can just sit and read without wondering what happened in the previous book or what is going to happen in the next book, then this is not the book for you. Another drawback is this book isn't very short and takes a while to read. It is around 300 pages. I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks, and have personally read 4 of the 5 books and consider them all to be well written and excellent books. Once more I would like to say I personally recommend this book and series to anyone, but mostly fantasy fans.


John F.

This is a wonderful sequel to the already great 1st book, the lost years of merlin.


After merlin topples stangmar, his father, he needs to "revive" the land with the flowering harp. however, he decides that he wants to bring his mother to Fincayra 1st. Using the wisest shell from the shore of speaking shells, he summons his mother to the island. when merlin's mother tries to smell a flower, a death shadow slides out and forces her to swallow it. A death shadow is Rhita Gawr's most painful way of killing someone.It gives the victim a month to live in which the victim will begin to suffer more and more pain. at the end of the month, he or she will die while enduring almost unbearable pain. Merlin finds out that to stop his mother from dying he must retrieve the elixer of Dagda. that means that he must journey to the otherworld to get it. However, the only way of getting to the Otherworld(apart from dying)and returning to the real world alive is to master the seven songs that Tuatha himself carved into Arbassa, Rhia home, a tree. After mastering all of the songs he must defeat/slay Rhita gawr's most fearsome servant, Balor, the one-eyed ogre. While merlin is quickly trying to get the elixer of Dagda, he discovers some thing abouut Rhia that leaves him in a great shock but only makes him triple his efforts to finds the elixer.

This is truly the best book that i have ever read and i think it deserves seven stars out of five. I hope you enjoy it as much as i do.
COMPLIMENTS TO YOU MR. BARRON!!!!!!

This is a wonderful sequel to the already great 1st book, the lost years of merlin.


After merlin topples stangmar, his father, he needs to "revive" the land with the flowering harp. however, he decides that he wants to bring his mother to Fincayra 1st. Using the wisest shell from the shore of speaking shells, he summons his mother to the island. when merlin's mother tries to smell a flower, a death shadow slides out and forces her to swallow it. A death shadow is Rhita Gawr's most painful way of killing someone.It gives the victim a month to live in which the victim will begin to suffer more and more pain. at the end of the month, he or she will die while enduring almost unbearable pain. Merlin finds out that to stop his mother from dying he must retrieve the elixer of Dagda. that means that he must journey to the otherworld to get it. However, the only way of getting to the Otherworld(apart from dying)and returning to the real world alive is to master the seven songs that Tuatha himself carved into Arbassa, Rhia home, a tree. After mastering all of the songs he must defeat/slay Rhita gawr's most fearsome servant, Balor, the one-eyed ogre. While merlin is quickly trying to get the elixer of Dagda, he discovers some thing abouut Rhia that leaves him in a great shock but only makes him triple his efforts to finds the elixer.

This is truly the best book that i have ever read and i think it deserves seven stars out of five. I hope you enjoy it as much as i do.

The second installment of the Lost Years of Merlin finds him fighting not only for his own life, but also the lives of 2 people close to him. He must solve the mysteries of the seven songs and come to understand their meanings before he can be of any use to those who desperately need him. The perils are many, the rewards are spectacular.

T.A. Barron writes another winner as he continues his saga of Merlin, before Camelot and King Arthur. The characters in this book are full of life and begin to feel like old friends as you read the story. There are appearances from past friends also and Barron makes certain they remain true to their character. These books are intended for a younger audience, but the story is so engaging and wonderful, readers of any age will find them hard to put down.

Join Merlin and company as they journey to exotic lands full of strange creatures, friend and foe. Cheer over their triumphs and feel saddened by their losses.

I highly recommend this series to all ages and interests. This is rich story telling at its best. It's also fun to discover where Merlin came from and how he became such a powerful wizard. The books are short and easy to read.