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Magic Books sorted by Average customer review: high to low .

Magic
Child of the Hunt
Published in Kindle Edition by Simon Pulse (2004-01-07)
Author: Christopher Golden
List price: $9.99
New price: $5.99

Average review score:

Child of the Hunt...excellent novel.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-04-13
An excellent written addition to the Buffy-verse for fans. Nancy Holder and Christopher Golden demonstrate their skills at making the written word come alive in this novel. In my opinion they are easily the two best authors of Buffy-verse novels. Their characterizations are fantastic, expanding on the characters as they were at an earlier point in the series, and even taking steps to add more depth. It really impressed me how the authors were able to write characters at a certain point in time, ignoring the known future of such characters.

The excellent Gatekeeper Trilogy follows Child of the Hunt. Included in the Trilogy is my all time favorite Buffy novel: Ghost Roads. The Trilogy is a must read for any fan of Buffy that would like to see some of the lost potential from early season three. The books give fans a great chance to experience a still canon but completely missed story arc. Great reading for people who enjoyed the series in its heyday and want to relive it a little.

Super Reader
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-01-30
Evil Renfaires and Erl Kings.


Or, the Wild Hunt is in town, and a visit to a Faire staffed by warlocks, wizards and monsters isn't as much fun as one run by your average SCA geeks.

King Richard, no use, Robin not too much more.

Erl King's son - ambivalent.

Buffy and the Scoobies have costumes to wreck and mothers to save - with a bit of an assist by Angel.


Jhaeman's Buffy Reviews
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-15
CHILD OF THE HUNT

Christopher Golden & Nancy Holder (1998)

RATING: 5/5 Stakes

SETTING: Season Three

TV CHARACTER APPEARANCES: Buffy, Joyce, Giles, Xander, Willow, Oz, Cordelia, Angel, Sheila Rosenberg, Xander's Dad, Xander's Mom, Ira Rosenberg, Cordelia's Dad

MAJOR ORIGINAL CHARACTERS: Connie DeMarco, Brian Anderson (runaways); Liz DeMarco, Jamie Anderson (runaways' parents); Erl King (villain); Lucy Hanover (ghostly Slayer); Roland (Erl King's son); "Robin Hood", "King Richard" (sorcerers)

BACK-OF-THE-BOOK SUMMARY: "Jousting contests, human chess matches, lords and ladies and beggars . . . a traveling Renaissance fair has come to Sunnydale. The fair may seem terminally uncool, but Buffy and her friends are charmed anyway. Especially by a sad-eyed boy named Roland, who serves as the court jester. Unfortunately, the people from the fair are not the only visitors in Sunnydale. Roaming the countryside are nasty little creatures with a taste for flesh: the dark faerie. They are minions of the Wild Hunt, servants of the evil Erl King. Buffy's challenge is to annihilate the king and his murderous horde. But the path to his destruction leads straight to Roland, who is not quite human . . . and destined to become the Slayer's mortal adversary."

REVIEW

Child of the Hunt was the first Pocket Books adult Buffy novel, following the early Archway series of "young adult" novels. The change in tone and length serves the novel well, as Child of the Hunt is able, like many early Buffy episodes, to discuss a real problem facing youth (in this case, runaway teens) through the context of a supernatural crisis.

The main villain of the story is the Erl King (also known as Hern the Hunter), a mythological entity who leads the Wild Hunt, a murderous pack of demons which kills some humans but sweeps up the lonely, the depressed, the suicidal, and others in the throes of misery to join the cause before moving on.

The theme of the novel is parents and their children, and we get to see, at least, briefly, scenes with each of the Scooby's parents--some of whom have never been portrayed on screen, like Willow's and Cordelia's fathers. Written and set near the beginning of Season Three, the story benefits and integrates Buffy's decision to run away from Sunnydale at the end of Season Two.

The authors (Golden & Holder) deliver their usual excellent characterization of the Buffy cast, but what makes this novel really stand-out is the portrayal of the supporting characters: the runaway teens and their parents. Unlike the supporting characters in most Buffy novels, these aren't generic victims or bystanders--they each have a real personality and a role to play in the story. In addition, the Erl King has some real weight as a villain with the incorporation of real-worth myth.

Not much more needs to be said. Child of the Hunt combines a real-world problem, an interesting fictional menace, and great writing. The result is an excellent novel, worth picking up at any used bookstore.

(c) 2008 Jeremy Patrick (jhaeman@hotmail.com)

Jhaeman's Buffy Reviews: [...]

big big buffy fan
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-04-01
does anybody else get why this book gets two diffrent covers? the one shown here (brown with xander, buffy and angel) and the one with buffy and a demon? their both about the fair.... so someone please explain.... AND is there any other buffy the vampire slayer books with altertive covers?
if you like "little things" the buffy book with spike of the cover, you must be a dark faerie fan so you'll love this book
p.s chistopher golded and nancy holder rock, buy anything with there names on
love ya D

The Slayer takes on the Erl King, Leader of the Wild Hunt
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2004-06-21
By now it is quite clear that Christopher Golden and Nancy Holder write the best "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" novels, both collectively ("The Gatekeeper Trilogy") and individually ("The Lost Slayer" and "The Book of Fours" respectively). This is not just because they are good writers but because they thoroughly understand both the characters and the mythos of the Slayer, which they prove in this early collaboration. Even though the stories are set in Sunnydale, Golden and Holder have a keen appreciation for the Old World-ness of the Slayer's world. This is not just a question of Giles coming from England, Angel from Ireland and Jenny from the land of the gypsies, but rather a recognition that when you are talking about ancient evil you have to skip across the ocean because that is where our sense of vampires, demons and things that go bump in the night originates. "Child of the Hunt" represents this sensibility quite nicely.

Buffy and her cohorts are enjoying a traveling Renaissance fair that has come to Sunnydale, but while they enjoy most of what they see they do not like the way the visitors treat Roland, their court jester. That is not the only significant development in town, for roaming the countryside are the minions of the Wild Hunt, in the service of the Erl King and with a taste for flesh. Of course there is a strange and terrible secret that links Roland to the eerie visitors. The Slayer wants to get involved, but Buffy must beware the awful curse, which dictates that no one can see the face of the leader of the Wild Hunt and live. Unless, that is, they join the hunt and take an oath to serve the Erl King.

This is not a story about the end of life as we know it, like a Buffy season finale or Golden and Holder's justly celebrated Gatekeeper Trilogy, but then that is not the point. This is a more intimate story, where Buffy is fighting to save Roland more so than she is to stop the Erl King. Consequently, there is a complexity here that she just do not find in your average Buffy the Vampire Slayer novel. This is a serious story, with less of the humorous lines and cultural allusions than you find in most Buffy novels (usually to excess, I must add), that captures the spirit of ancient, Old World evil that provides such a provocative counterpoint to the essentially Post-Modern Slayer (there's a dissertation topic if ever I heard one). Actually, all you need to know is that if you like "BtVS" then you should just read any of the original novels or guides that have either Golden and/or Holder's names on them. There is ample reason to believe they are genetically incapable of writing anything less than a great one.

Magic
Forests of Silence (Deltora Quest (Scholastic Sagebrush))
Published in Hardcover by San Val (2003-04)
Author: Emily Rodda
List price: $9.50
Used price: $1.99

Average review score:

Maybe good for a children's book; very boring for an adult.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-01-19
This is the first book in the Deltora Quest series by Emily Rodda. I think the series is 8 books in length but I am not certain. These books were about what I expected them to be. They say they are aimed at the 9-12 year old age and I think they are really much younger books than that.

These books were a super easy read. I read a lot of young adult books and I think these would be classified more as childrens' books; kind of beginner chapter books. They are written very simply. The writing is easy to read and the vocabulary used very basic.

I thought the the character conversations were very forced. They all sounded awkward, like the characters were reading from a bad script. I know the author is trying to keep vocab easy but especially the beginning of the book was hard to get through.

The story itself is also not that creative. It is a very classic evil lord takes over the realm and young boy must collect the seven magical gems to overcome him story. The characters are very stereotyped; I felt like I was reading a session of Dungeons and Dragons where the players weren't all that interesting or creative.

Despite the fact that I didn't enjoy the book that much, I think a younger kid might. This book would be a good starter chapter book and a good entry into the fantasy realm for a kid just starting out reading on their own. In many ways it reminded me of the choose your own adventure books I read as a kid; except you couldn't choose anything in this book.

There was some charm in this being such a classical type of fantasy adventure story. I just honestly think that they are many better fantasy books out their for both children and young adults. This is a good starter series nothing more. I don't think I will read any more of these. I will keep this book around for my son though and when he is older he can read it and see if he wants to continue with them.

The Quest for the Gems
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-04
If you like adventures, this is the book for you! Deltora Quest is an adventure, mystery, and fantasy book. It is about a 13 year old boy, Leif, that is trying to protect his home town, Del, that has been captured by a person who calls himself "The Shadow Lord." The Shadow Lord has taken the gems from a belt called "The Belt of Deltora." The belts gems each have powers of protecting the city. Each gem has a secret power for the person wearing it. The gems have been scattered all over the land in scary places! Leif has to find all the gems to protect the city.
If you want to find out what happens read it for your self. The reason I like it is because you never know what is going to happen next! Your prediction might be way different!

Wow!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-27
I spent years avoiding these books--I honestly prejudged them as another lousy boyish fantasy.

But though they are simple and written to kids, the book is great writing and great characterization that can be read in an hour, if you want.

The land is Deltora, a once-peaceful place where the weakening monarchy has finally been overthrown by a lord of darkness.

A young boy named Lief and his guardian Barda take on a quest to find the heir to the throne and save the land. It's an exciting introduction into a fabulous series covered in puzzles and imagination.

Deltora is a quest of wonder
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-04-27
DELTORA QUEST are a fantastic book series for juvenile readers, filled with action and magic and adventure. THE FORESTS OF SILENCE is anything but silent. It absolutely SCREAMS fine work and captivates readers on the first page. The Shadow Lord is a non-appearing villain in this book, much like the main villains in LORD OF THE RINGS and ERAGON & ELDEST, but Rodda makes up for it easily with Gorl the evil knight, the sinister Grey Guards and who could forget the absolutely wicked Prandine. This book is a true modern classic and will and should be remembered for years.

One of the best series ever!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-11-03
This is absolutely one of the best series. Sure they are short books. There are 15 books in all. The main story is Leif and his friends Barda and Jasmine have to go on a very important mission to save all of Deltora. I'm not going to give any of the plot away though!

Magic
Wise Child
Published in Hardcover by Knopf Books for Young Readers (1987-11-12)
Author: Monica Furlong
List price: $12.99
Used price: $0.88

Average review score:

beautiful and unique
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-03-17
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-

A Great Book
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-01-19
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.

Excellent, engaging novel
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2007-06-12
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.

What I like to call a "book"
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-13
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!!!!!

A wonderful, realistic, magical coming of age story of readers of all ages. Highly recommended
Helpful Votes: 3 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-18
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.

Magic
The Decision (Animorphs)
Published in Turtleback by Demco Media (1998-05)
Author: Katherine Applegate
List price:

Average review score:

.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-09-19
While I thought this was something of a filler novel, it was still fun for those who appreciate a space twist.

intersting...
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2003-06-25
In this book, the Animorphs and Ax morph misquitoes to get blood from a govermental official the Yeerks will try to infest so they can aquire him. They end up in Z-space and an Andalite ship picks them up. The ship is headed for Leera (remember book 15) and the pilot turns out to be a tratior! One of the officers kills the captain and self-distructs the ship, because it landed behind enemy lines. The Animorphs start disapering. Two have disapered by the time they reach the sea. The remaning Animorphs morph sharks and go into the ocean. Finally Ax and one remaning Animorphs are on a mission to destroy some Yeerk thing. Only Ax is left and he does it. What will happen next? Read the book to find out!

Reader Over 25
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2002-10-12
For a good synapsis of the actual story, I suggest you read the reviews before mine. They give an excellent overall idea of the story, so I don't want to repeat it in this review, as well.

As another outlook of someone way over the target audience, I've been reviewing the Animorphs for other adults who might be curious. This is another very well written and interesting story which introduces us to the earlier mentioned Leeran race which the Yeerks were attempting to make shark controllers for. Ax faces some very tough decisions in this particular story. Although the main theme is action packed alongside humor, we again have a story about a very lonely young boy who is growing up to fill the shoes (or hooves, as it were) of an older brother who was a legend, serve his people according to his beliefs, and yet where does that put him with the humans, who are almost a foster family? His loyalties are put to the ultimate test when he faces fellow Andalites, who are mortified to think humans have been given the morphing technology. The secret shame of the Andalites in unleashing the Yeerks on the galaxy because of a well-meaning Andalite has made the race very strict about offering anything to another race ever again. Ax was forced with the burden of accepting responsibility for giving the Animorphs their power to keep Elfangor's name cleared so his people can have a hero to look up to in a dark time of war in an earlier book. He has to face that again, this time to his own people, who he's wanted to see for a very long time. Ax also finds himself tail to tail with Visser Three once again, leaving the young cadet to wonder about fear, how to overcome it, and the real meaning of a coward. All of this is rolled into an exciting story about the Animorphs finding themselves swept up into a war between Yeerks and Leerans on a far distant planet due to a Z-Space fluke and a tiny morph. Ax's loyalties are questioned by himself, but also by the rest of the Animorphs. Is he one of them, or isn't he? What is he, really, Andalite or in his hearts, partially human? Ax is able to find his peace by the end of the story, and learns some very harsh realities about his own people, himself, and the world around him.

THE BEST BOOK IN THE WORLD!
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2000-05-22
Animorphs: The Decision By K.A. Applegate

Ax is an andalite stuck on earth because of the horrible Visser Three, a monstrous Yeerk that is the only one to control an andalite's body. Visser Three destroys the andalite dome ship and kills Ax's brother, Elfangor. Now Ax is left with the task of avenging his brother's death and helping his human friends to beat the Yeerks and save Earth. I think the story was excellent and really portrays being a newcomer to a new place.

Very, very interesting
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2000-04-04
In this book you will find a new twist on the Z Space Theory. Hint: Just keep in mind how small mosquitoes really are. If you're into aliens you'll love this book. Psychics can be a problem when you're trying to keep a secret. If you're an Animorphs fan you definately need this book.

Magic
Seven Songs Of Merlin
Published in School & Library Binding by San Val (2002-05)
Author: T. A. Barron
List price: $16.00
New price: $16.00
Used price: $7.49

Average review score:

The Seven Songs of Merlin
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-12-13
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 - Pure Genuis!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-11-08
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.

Fun Fantasy For All Ages
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-08-21
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.

THIS IS A GREAT BOOK!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-21
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 GREAT BOOK!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2006-04-21
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.

Magic
Magic Strikes
Published in Unknown Binding by Playaway (2009-09)
Author: Ilona Andrews
List price: $64.99
New price: $64.99

Average review score:

Great Book in a Great Series
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-06-26
I read Magic Bites a week ago and loved it, and then had to read the other 2 books right away. The third one is my favorite. In other series, sometimes the story starts to lose steam as you get to books 2 or 3, but not this one! Humor, love, wicked fights, and a believable heroine. Worth every penny!

Very, very good
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-06-22
I very much enjoyed the first two in this series. So when the third book came out I was excited to get it, I was not disappointed. Magic Strikes picks up were the second book leaves off and continues the wonderful story Ilona Andrews has created here.

Absolutely Loved It
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2009-06-27
Quickly and simply, I love the way they write. I have developed a relationship with the characters, laugh at the quips, and still think about the world when the book is finished. For merely printed words, I would say they have done their job well as writers. My only problem is they write too slow!

Magic Strikes
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2009-06-27
Best book so far in the series. I just finished Magic Strikes and the series keeps getting better. There is a lot going on in this book. Friends are hurt, kate investigates the ultimate preternatural fighting games. Kate's relationship with Curran developes further, Evil forces are out to get the shapeshifters. Kate is opening up more of her personal history and life.

I can't wait for the next book, reading this one you get a feel for what could come in the future and I wish the book was coming out now. It is hard to find a series you enjoy, finish the newest book and know there will be a wait for the next.

Hooked on Kate Daniels
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2009-06-30
I stubbled upon the first Kate Daniels book two months ago. It took a couple chapters for me to really get into the story, and once I did I loved it. The second book was even better. This third book was wonderful. I couldn't put it down, and finished it in two days. The imagery is excellant. The dialogue between characters, ecspecially Kate's attitude, is very realistic and amusing. I would highly reccommend the whole Kate Daniels series. And can't wait to see if another book comes out.

Magic
Amy Number Seven (Replica 1)
Published in Paperback by Skylark (1998-10-13)
Author: Marilyn Kaye
List price: $4.50
New price: $7.95
Used price: $0.01

Average review score:

How to make a grand daughter truly happy!!!!!!!!!!!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-04-17
This was a book that my Grand Daughter had searched for at length and could not find. To find it and all the others in the same series made for one very happy 10 year old. Thank you for a great shopping experience - I will be buying more in the same series so she will have the entire set.

I love it!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-01-28
I was introduced to this book when I was in maybe 5th or 6th grade and I loved it then. It was a great series that I could not wait to get my hands on the next volume. Yet somewhere in the scheme of growing up, I lost track of the book and then later forgot the title. However, I was never able to forget the story, the ideas and the characters from said book. It was a great part of my childhood memories and I am stoked that I was able to find it again. I am prepared to purchase the entire series because I honestly believe that this is something worth reading again and again no matter how old one is (and I being a college student still love these books).

Amy Number Seven
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-12-20
The book Amy Number Seven is a very good book.It is about a twelve-year-old girl who is a clone . She has perfect powers,and she is good in gymnastics,ice skating,running,and basketball without praticing. And someone is leaving notes in her mailbox.And anyway I would give this book 5 stars. you should read this book.

Amy Numder Seven; Replica 1
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 3 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-29
Do you like mistroys,and avenchers?Then you will love this book.When you start this serises you will not be able to put them down.After you finish the frist book you will not be able to wait to start the next book.
This book is about a gril named amy, who is aregular gril. Until werid things starts to happen. She trys to find out what is going on, but her mom isgetting to protive. So she gose looking for answers while her mom is out with her friend,Monica.

Finding the Answers by Kaitlyn Nielson
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2005-10-18
Amy is trying to find the answers to a twisted mystery in her life. I loved this book, it was probably the best, easy book, most adventurous book in the world. I've read the other books too and by far this is the best! Marilyn Kaye really knows how to write twisted and suspenseful children's mysteries. I would recommend this book to 10-12 year old girls who enjoy mysteries and adventure. If you like this one then you will definitely like the series. Amy is an all right gymnast that becomes perfect in one day. Amy is rocking teenager that any girl would like. I think everyone would like this if they read it. It might be able to teach mothers how to talk to their sprouting teens.

Magic
Pendragon Book Six: The Rivers of Zadaa
Published in Audio CD by Brilliance Audio on CD Unabridged Lib Ed (2009-05-12)
Author: D. J. MacHale
List price: $49.97
New price: $32.95
Used price: $33.24

Average review score:

This is the best Pendragon book yet!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-06-17
I don't really understand the review from the School Library Review. I am an elementary school teacher and began reading this series because it was so popular with some of my students. I really liked, "The Lost City of Faar," and "The Never War." I was, however, disppointed with the next two installments including, "The Reality Bug" and "Black Water." Because of that I wasn't sure exactly what to expect in the next few books in the series. Well, after school was out this summer, I began reading "The Rivers of Zadaa," and was immediately transfixed. This is easily the best book in the series, at least through the first six. The action never lets up and the story moves along a a very rapid pace. Contrary to other installments, there also isn't as much movement back and forth between Pendragon and Mark on Second Earth. Those transitions were sometimes very distracting in the earlier novels and made me sometimes lose my place in the story. In this novel, the transitions occur less frequently are fit better into the story. I also took extrmeme exception to the School Library Review which said the plot was as shallow as a cookie sheet. I thought the plot of the story was very original and at the same time very realistic. I'm glad I bought this book in hardcover because it will have a permanent place in my personal and classroom library.

It's just lovely.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-06-15
All I can say about this novel is that it is lovely. This novel, upon reflection, runs the gamut of emotions. It's a combination of sad, triumpant, scary, sad, happy, and romantic all rolled into one. The ending brings many new questions, as always, along with a few interesting possibilities for answers to previously asked questions, but still no perfect confirmation. And so we go...

Why?
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-01-25
This is a great book and part of an awesome series.
Read it.

But, why is it listed as by Victor Lee?

best book in the series
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-11-06
IT'S AWESOME! I SO TOTALLY RECOMEND THIS BOOK TO YOU! This is the best book in the series by far. the other ones are good to though.

Read this book!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-08-16
What can I say? I've read all the Pendragon books and I love them all. But this book is my favorite. I love Saangi's cocky attitude and Loor's jokes. To me there is no competition, this is my favorite book.

Magic
The Chronicles of Narnia: Never Has the Magic Been So Real (Radio Theatre) [Full Cast Drama]
Published in Audio CD by Tyndale Entertainment (2005-05-19)
Author:
List price: $29.97
New price: $18.10
Used price: $21.74

Average review score:

Not enough stars
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-07-01
This set is so precious to our family that I had to add my raves to the others. We've listened to it several times, mostly in the car, and it creates a rich tapestry of memories that we share together, as well as creating in my four children a love for beautiful writing, characterization, and stellar acting. (Aslan's voice does grow on you!)
A fabulous companion to the wonderful books. I've shed many tears as I've listened. One of the best purchases I've ever made.

Best Version of The Chronicles EVER
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-06-30
This series is by far the best adaptation of The Chronicles of Narnia, ever done. That includes the recent films. The actors that portray each character are spot-on in their interpretations - especially David Suchet, as Aslan. He has made his voice to sound like a LION, not a human, which is brilliant. He also nailed Aslan's character of being all-powerful, yet all-loving. My absolute favorite scene is in The Horse and His Boy, when Shasta is lost in the mountains, and Aslan comes to comfort him, revealing that He (Aslan) has been present in Shasta's life the whole time, without Shasta knowing it, and has orchestrated every event (even the painful ones!). The Christ-like message is so moving, I cannot hear it without weeping. I am confident you will enjoy every moment of this series.

Wonderfully done!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-05-26
This theatrical version of the Chronicles of Narnia brings the stories to life while stimulating the imagination. Listening to the stories as a family in the car then discussing them was great fun on a recent vacation. The miles seemed to fly by!

Enter the world of Narnia!
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-04-30
Chronicles of Narnia is a terrific set of CD entertainment! This is an exciting adventure for the entire family. Appropriate for my eight year old daughter-just enough suspence and drama, balanced with humor,intrigue, relatable Christian themes. The quality of the performance is remarkable. Focus on the Family really brings this adventure to life. It is better than seeing the movies and compliments the written form nicely. This is set of Chronicles is food for the imagination! Great for a long road trip with the family.
This is a good choice for families who do not allow Harry Potter series. Your children will be excited and enthusiastic about this adventure series.

Chronicles of Narnia Audio CD's
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2009-04-30
Got these for my 11 year old son. He listens to them everynight before he goes to bed and even on rainy days I have found him in his room listening to them. He loves the voices especially Aslan's. Plan on using them in the car on our next vacation trip so the rest of the family can enjoy them too. Would highly recommend.

Magic
Defenders of the Dead (Star Wars: Jedi Apprentice)
Published in School & Library Binding by Rebound by Sagebrush (2000-05)
Author: Jude Watson
List price: $13.25
Used price: $116.35

Average review score:

Best book in the series , so far.
Helpful Votes: 0 out of 0 total.
Review Date: 2008-06-23
Wow. Not your typical good guys come to a new planet, good guys save the planet, good guys leave the planet and everyone lives happily ever after. I just loved the ending ,wasn't expecting that!
Now I can't wait to start book no.6!

great for kids or SW fans
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2006-02-02
This entire series is a great children's series. Even though I'm an adult, I still love these books. Set before Episode I, they follow Obi-Wan Kenobi and Qui-Gon Jinn through their early years together as master and apprentice. If you like Obi-Wan, Qui-Gon, or the master/apprentice relationship in general, you'll love these books.

A amazing book even for adults
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-28
Obi-Wan is on Melida/Dan. A planet steeped with violence for as long as anyone can remeber.Jedi should not take sides Qui-gon tells Obi-Wan but he ends up taking sides with a group named the Young who are fighting against there parent to stop the war. Debate rages between Obi-wan and Qui-gon and ..... well you will see what heppens.It includes Obi-Wan getting kicked out of the Jedi Order and staying to help the Young read the next books to see if Qui-gon will except Obi-wan as his apprentice again. I [16] found this to be a great book when i was younger and still do! now that iv finished the NJO series the clone wars series and the Jedi Apprentice series i cant wait for a new one . You will love this book guarenteed.If you dont well i cant give you your money back..... but you would have to be insane not to like it.

Watson Rolls On
Helpful Votes: 1 out of 1 total.
Review Date: 2005-09-01
Another truly great story from Jude Watson. These books bridge the gap left vacant before Episode 1.
Jude watson has a great gift for fleshing out all the characters we've come to know on a much deeper level.
This particular series gives us the early adventures of Obi-Wan and Quinn -Jon and shows us the development of the two as the later indepent thinking Jedi they become.

Best Jedi Apprentice book
Helpful Votes: 2 out of 2 total.
Review Date: 2006-06-27
Qui-Gon and Obi-Wan go to Melida/Daan to rescue Tahl, the Jedi peacekeeper who went there. She was gravely wounded and captured by the Melida, and so Yoda dispatches more Jedi to rescue her.
Young Obi-Wan Kenobi is a Jedi apprentice, he's not supposed to become emotionally involved in a conflict. But when he meets Cerasi and Nield, the young and charismatic leaders of the Young on the planet of Melida/Daan, he is immediately swept up in their just cause. The Elders of the planet are nothing more than defenders of the dead, willing to sacrifice whole generations to get back at each other for past battles. No one remembers the original grievances, just that the Melida are evil or the Daan are evil, depending on who they are. The only ones striving for peace are the Young. They're proud to announce that they're everyone, both Melida and Daan children who want to rebuild their war-torn planet.
The Young help rescue Tahl, but they need the Jedi's help. Though forbidden to do so, Obi-Wan's heart tells him he must help the young save their planet.


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