Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3)

Book Description

When Silas Heap unSeals a forgotten room in the Palace, he releases the ghost of a Queen who lived five hundred years earlier. Queen Etheldredda is as awful in death as she was in life, and she's still up to no good. Her diabolical plan to give herself everlasting life requires Jenna's compliance, Septimus's disappearance, and the talents of her son, Marcellus Pye, a famous Alchemist and Physician. And if Queen Etheldredda's plot involves Jenna and Septimus, then it will surely involve Nicko, Alther Mella, Marcia Overstrand, Beetle, Stanley, Sarah, Silas, Spit Fyre, Aunt Zelda, and all of the other wacky, wonderful characters that made magyk and flyte so memorable.

With heart-stopping action and a dash of humor, Angie Sage continues the fantastical journey of Septimus Heap.

Customer Reviews:

Great series!.......2007-09-28

Get Magyk and Flyte (Books one and two) Then get this one! Fun and interesting series. Bought them for my daughter but I enjoyed them too.

Falling Flat........2007-09-24

NOTE: I did not like this book, so if you are a die-hard fan of Sage and the sieris i suggest hiding this review.

After captivating you with her last two books. Sage's attempt at a story is laughable.

The writing style that gripped her readers in Flyte and Magick does not appear in Physic. The people seemed to have lost their flames and senses of humors, Snorri and the Queen have no death to either of them. Each has a chapter devoted to them but they are loosely explained and the chapters tell nothing.

Worser still is the fact that most of the Heap family is not even int he book. lovable Silas Heap and Motherly Sarah heap are in the background, the book does not seem complete and the series looks unprofessional.

The plot is confusing and always makes you re read passages and wonder what is going on. The word choice is good but overly done, there is none of the simplicity that was so endearing about Magyk and Flyte.

The book is a real put downer. After Sage's steller novels you would expect something a little more high class and gripping. For fans of the siearies, I suggest pretending that this book did not exist. It si a dissaponment to her fans.

I sincerely hope that Sage recaptures the magyk in next novel.

Physik - A Great Read for Septimus Heap Lovers!.......2007-08-24

This was by far the best of the Septimus Heap series! If you have read Magyk and Flyte then you must read Physik! The plot is very in depth and exciting and new characters are introduced that you will come to love as much as Jenna and Septimus. What a wonderful book and hopefully there will be another in the series!

Keep Septimus Coming!.......2007-06-27

I am a school teacher and my students were all reading the Septimus Heap series of books. I decided to read them as well, and they are FANTASTIC! I was disappointed that Physik was the last of the series(so far), I want to keep reading about him!

Physik - Septimus Heap book 3.......2007-06-08

Angie Sage did a wonderful job continuing the Saptimus Heap story. A quick read, antertaining and very enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

A True Winner: Angie Sage Writes Great Fantasy Fiction
F A N T A S T I C ! ! ! !
Ok book
Don't be hoodwinked by the good reviews
Like J.K. Rowling... without the imagination or characters

Magyk (Septimus Heap, Book 1)
Angie Sage
Manufacturer: Katherine Tegen Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060577312
Release Date: 2005-03-15

Book Description

The seventh son of the seventh son, aptly named Septimus Heap, is stolen the night he is born by a midwife who pronounces him dead. That same night, the baby's father, Silas Heap, comes across a bundle in the snow containing a new born girl with violet eyes. The Heaps take this helpless newborn into their home, name her Jenna, and raise her as their own. But who is this myster ious baby girl, and what really happened to their beloved son Septimus?

The first book in this enthralling new series by Angie Sage leads readers on a fantastic journey filled with quirky characters and magykal charms, potions, and spells. magyk is an original story of lost and rediscovered identities, rich with humor and heart.

Customer Reviews:

A True Winner: Angie Sage Writes Great Fantasy Fiction.......2007-09-17

The entire series Magyk (Septimus Heap, Book 1), Flyte (Septimus Heap, Book 2), and Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3) by Angie Sage are fast-paced, non-stop fantasy adventures for middle aged readers. Book Four: Queste, will be released in the UK in April 2008. If you miss Harry Potter, you will not be disappointed with the discovery of Septimus Heap and the world of the Ramblings. I would even go so far as to say that Angie Sage is a better writer in terms of plot and pacing. The perfect gift for children ages 9 to 12 (or adults who still miss Harry) and love the world of magic and adventure. Happy reading!

F A N T A S T I C ! ! ! !.......2007-08-16

I liked the characters in the book and what happens
to them in their AMAZING adventure to help save the princess
from the ENEMY.

Ok book.......2007-08-14

Contrary to many of the reviewers, the book wasn't anything special and lacks the magic of Harry Potter. I was convinced by the reviews to buy this book even though I wasn't sure if I really wanted to buy it and readit. However , it is still a pageturner.I found the magic spells abd creatures to be cool. I doubt I will be buying any of the many sequels. This book is about the Heap family, whose adopted daughter is wanted dead along with them since she is the queen's daughter. The Supreme Custodian and his evil servants are hot on their trail.Towards the end of the book, we dicover who is and what has happened to Septimus Heap.

Don't be hoodwinked by the good reviews.......2007-07-06

I bought this book after being persuaded by the dozens of excellent reviews, even though I'd never seen it recommended anywhere else. Magyk is Angie Sage's first novel -- and it shows. If bad writing bothers you, even a little, stay very far away from this book. Even your average fantasy novel is miles ahead of this stuff.

My children (15, 12, 9 and 7) are sophisticated readers and they all had strong negative reactions to this awful book.

Sage is an appallingly poor tour guide. Her prose fails to flow, connections between characters are lacking, the plotting is full of holes, and character development is almost nonexistent.

There are so many great fantasy novels available for young readers, this book does not deserve your time.

Like J.K. Rowling... without the imagination or characters.......2007-06-23

Very two-dimensional. Sage's history of writing picture books is evident in both the writing style and character development. The plot elements are plagarized and don't really hang together well. The climax and denouement don't provide any satisfying drama or surprise. The book would work for poor middle school readers or good ones in the early grades, but I wouldn't recommend it for smart tweens.

Le Petit Prince (French Language Edition)

Average customer rating:

Great philosophy behind it
Amazing.
Magical journey...
Classic in any lanugage
A story for all ages

Le Petit Prince (French Language Edition)
Antoine de Saint-Exupéry
Manufacturer: Harvest Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0156013983

Book Description

In 2000 Harcourt proudly reissued Antoine de Saint-Exupéry's masterpiece, The Little Prince, in a sparkling new format. Newly translated by Pulitzer Prize-winning poet Richard Howard, this timeless classic was embraced by critics and readers across the country for its purity and beauty of expression. And Saint-Exupéry's beloved artwork was restored and remastered to present his work in its original and vibrant colors.

Now Harcourt is issuing uniform full-color foreign language editions. The restored artwork glows like never before. These affordable and beautiful editions are sure to delight an entire new generation of readers, students, children, and adults for whom Saint-Exupéry's story will open the door to a new understanding of life.

Customer Reviews:

Great philosophy behind it.......2007-09-28

I half-expected this book to be a children's book but it actually contained philosophical ideals people would often ask themselves in life. Highly recommended

Amazing........2007-08-08

I place this on a par, in it's own way, with Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet.

Deeply meaningful, cloaked in a tale of a child. I read part of it at my mother's funeral. Not that it is a sad story, per se. But there was not a dry eye in the house when I finished.

What it has to say on loving and on loss is absolutely worth more than this book costs and every minute you spend reading it.

Magical journey..........2007-06-13

My first book ever was The little prince. It was my dad's first present on the day I was born. Since then I have read it at least 20 times, and every time I read it it delivers a different message. I think this is a book that will be enjoyed by kids as well as adults. This french version is beautiful, and very similar to the one my dad gave me in spanish. Has the original drawings with nice colors. As someone stated this book can be interpreted in different ways and that's why it's so magical. I consider it one of the best short stories ever. A true masterpice.

Classic in any lanugage.......2007-03-12

I've read this book many times, sometimes in English, sometimes in French. I've read it for pleasure. I've studied it. I've taught it. I love it. The fox's secret is an important lesson for us all and one I appreciate being reminded of. I recommend this book to anyone, it's been translated into over 100 languages. (It's been translated more than any book besides the Bible I've heard.) I love sharing it with people which is why I will teach it as long as I'm teaching and I will read it aloud to my children when I have them.

A story for all ages.......2007-02-01

Although I believe that this book is for everyone young or old, I think that "grown ups" will appreciate it more than kids.

The book has passages that remind the adult of the innocent little kid within.

In a lot of ways, the wisdom in the story comes as somehow a reality check.

In depth the book is about life, relationships (the little prince and the rose), friendships (the little prince and the fox) and human caracteristics...

I have read this story so many times and every time I discover something "new". This book is a work of art!

If you speak French, I recommend the French language edition over the English one.

Average customer rating:

light and fluffy fantasy
Septimus Heap: Flyte the long lost art of Flying
Flyte
The continuing adventures of Septimus Heap
A fun read

Flyte (Septimus Heap, Book 2)
Angie Sage
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060577363
Release Date: 2007-03-27

Book Description

It's been a year since septimus heap discovered his real family and true calling to be a wizard. As Apprentice to Extra Ordinary Wizard Marcia Overstrand, he is learning the fine arts of Conjurations, Charms, and other Magyk, while Jenna is adapting to life as the Princess and enjoying the freedom of the Castle.

But there is something sinister at work. Marcia is constantly trailed by a menacing Darke Shadow, and Septimus's brother Simon seems bent on a revenge no one understands. Why is the Darke Magyk still lingering?

Bringing fantasy to new heights, Angie Sage continues the journey of Septimus Heap with her trademark humor and all of the clever details readers have come to love.

Customer Reviews:

light and fluffy fantasy.......2007-07-04

This is a very plot heavy and magic heavy book. That makes it perfect for those not necessarily wedded to long, dense books. It got a bit silly at times, but that's perfect for its intended audience. The thickness of the paper and the size and spacing of the type make it appear much longer than it is.

Septimus Heap: Flyte the long lost art of Flying.......2007-06-02

Flyte, the second book in the Septimus Heap series, is about an ancient lost art of Flying. Flyte is almost rediscovered by Darke Magyk. To add to that, little princess Jenna is kidnapped by one of her own family member. Septimus Heap goes out searching for Jenna and ends up putting Flyte together. He gets two ways to fly: Flyte and Beast.....

It is an intriguing well written book with its quick, witty cast of characters and infinite magical imaginary capabilities.Magyk (Septimus Heap, Book 1)Physik (Septimus Heap, Book 3)

Flyte.......2007-05-23

This is a wonderful book full of fun and adventure in which the Heaps are caught up in the stream of magic and the evil plot of evil wizard DomDaniel trying yet agian to become king and the Extra ordinary wizard. Along with some help from one of the Heaps (which one is it?), DomDaniel almost succeeds. Anyone who likes adventure and magic will like this story because of its amazing storyline and happy ending.

The continuing adventures of Septimus Heap.......2007-05-23

Okay so Septimus Heap is an apprentice to an extraordinary wizard, and he's back in this sequel to Magyk. As you might have guessed, DomDaniel was defeated but not destroyed, and he's more intent than ever on ruling the castle as the extraordinary wizard. To do this, DomDaniel must remove Jenna, the rightful heir to the throne.

The book finds Septimus Heap about a year after the events in the first book. He has slipped into his new life as an apprentice. The darkness still lingers as a menacing shadow follows Marcia the wizard everywhere. Meanwhile, Jenna also has adjusted to her new life as a princess. Life is good for both as they say but one day when the mysterious Simon Heap shows up he suddenly kidnapps Jenna. Septimus ends up going off on his own to resuce Jenna because no one believes him when he says Simon is now evil.

Over all, I enjoyed reading Flyte. Although the plotting meanders at times and the writing isn't as good as with Magyck, the book has many fun elements and is an interesting read. I'd recommend this highly to readers of Robert Stanek's Keeper Martin's Tales (The Kingdoms and the Elves, In the Service of Dragons, etc). The books are similarly well written and inventive. I'd also recommend to those who enjoy Artemis Fowl but are looking for more detail and more mature stories.

A fun read.......2007-05-17

I enjoyed reading Flyte, the sequel to Magyk in the Septimus Heap series of books. It has a lot of fun elements, and the plot held my attention well. Yes, there are some things in it that will make you think of Harry Potter here and there, but Angie Sage manages to keep those things few, and her world is not one to be confused with the world of the Harry Potter books.
In this book Septimus is coming into more acceptance with his family and finding his place in their lives and as Apprentice to the ExtraOrdinary Wizard. The plot moves quickly, and while there are a few moments of predictability, in general it kept me guessing. I look forward to reading the third installment soon.

Average customer rating:

read it before you buy it
Great For All Girls
The most AWESOME GIRL POWER fairy tale ever!!!
Corny, but cute
Princess Power!

The Paper Bag Princess (Classic Munsch)
Robert N. Munsch
Manufacturer: Annick Press
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0920236162

Amazon.com

Elizabeth, a beautiful princess, lives in a castle and wears fancy clothes. Just when she is about to marry Prince Ronald, a dragon smashes her castle, burns her clothes with his fiery breath, and prince-naps her dear Ronald. Undaunted and presumably unclad, she dons a large paper bag and sets off to find the dragon and her cherished prince. Once she's tracked down the rascally reptile, she flatters him into performing all sorts of dragonly stunts that eventually exhaust him, allowing her to rescue Prince Ronald. But what does Prince Not-So-Charming say when he sees her? "You smell like ashes, your hair is all tangled and you are wearing a dirty old paper bag. Come back when you are dressed like a real princess." (At least he has the courtesy not to mention that the princess's crown resembles a dying sea anemone.) In any case, let's just say that Princess Elizabeth and Prince Ronald do not, under any circumstances, live happily ever after. Canadian author Robert Munsch celebrates feisty females everywhere with this popular favorite, and Michael Martchenko's scratchy, comical, pen-and-ink drawings capture the tongue-in-cheek quality of this read-aloud crowd pleaser. (Ages 4 to 8) --Karin Snelson

Book Description

The Princess Elizabeth is slated to marry Prince Ronald when a dragon attacks the castle and kidnaps Ronald. In resourceful and humorous fashion, Elizabeth finds the dragon, outsmarts him, and rescues Ronald --- who is less than pleased at her un-princess-like appearance. Full color throughout.

Customer Reviews:

read it before you buy it.......2007-09-12

All the hype made it sound like a book filled the sort of things you would want your girls to take to heart- except that the story line is weak and the writing lacking...not worthy of our time....

Great For All Girls.......2007-05-26

Get this book for all little girls (and not so little girls). Our little princesses should not dream about marrying princes. This book is about a princess who saves the prince, only to realize that he's not good enough for her.

The most AWESOME GIRL POWER fairy tale ever!!!.......2007-05-19

I was introduced to this story by my daughter's kindergarten teacher many years ago, and it made me laugh!
Since then, I've read and recommended this story to countless Girl Scout leaders and parents...it's the ultimate "Have confidence in yourself" fairy tale, and every 5 year old girl should memorize it!!! No more damsels in distress waiting to be rescued!
Buy this book and pass it on to future generation!

Corny, but cute.......2007-05-14

My kids thought this book was rather silly, but they liked it, so...

Princess Power!.......2007-05-06

For all of you parents, guardians, and supportive "others" in a little girl's life, PLEASE beg, borrow, or buy this book for her! Every princess needs to know that they can be strong, and it's OK to say No.

Average customer rating:

Enjoyable read
A Lovely Princess Tale
Not Princess Fluff
One of the Most Magical Books I've Read
A good read, but not her best work

The Goose Girl
Shannon Hale
Manufacturer: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1582349908
Release Date: 2005-04-21

Book Description

A New York Public Library "100 Titles for Reading and Sharing"
A Texas Lone Star Reading List Book
A Josette Frank Award Winner
A Utah State Book Award Winner
A Utah Speculative Fiction Award Winner

Customer Reviews:

Enjoyable read.......2007-08-31

I read this book because I have three daughters and someone told me they would like it. Actually I really enjoyed it, so much so that I bought and read Enna Burning as well.

A Lovely Princess Tale.......2007-08-22

"The Goose Girl" may be looked at as two things. It is a tale about a princess, a retelling of an old Grimm tale (one that I have not yet encountered). It is also a sort of fantasy book including speech with animals and magic control.

And yet, "The Goose Girl" does not fall into the common, stereotypical traps set by these genres/types. It is a book that is remarkably enough not stale, with twists, excitements, and constant changes. It may be the simple story of a princess going through hardships to achieve her goal, but it has so much more than that. It has side characters that spice up the story, plot turns that make things different, and a comfortable pace. The magic and fantasy of the story do not control it, which means that lovers of reality will still be pleased by this story.

It's a well-written book with an interesting plotline and some very fun characters. But it has its flaws as well. "The Goose Girl" is an almost 400-paged book, and it certainly feels it at times. While there is an unobstructed flow, there are many points in the book where it grows tedious and begins to drag. This book could do with a good edit.

If you don't mind that it drags on a bit, it's really a great book. You don't have to love princesses or fantasy to enjoy this book. It's not that kind of a book. It's eloquent, enjoyable, and for any reader who can handle a bit of bulk. Enjoy.

Not Princess Fluff.......2007-07-15

Hale has a lovely writing style and the ability to create characters you can really rally behind. Ani's tranformation from shy and insignificant to regal was not done in a cliche way, and she remained true to her character (her slightly anxious character) all the way through. I enjoy introspective characters and Hale is excellent at creating them. Do not pass off Hale's work as "Princess Fluff" as all of her YA novels have a rich writing style, moral conflicts, and even a dose of uglyness (murders, battles, abandonment) that keeps her books feeling real, despite the magical elements.

One of the Most Magical Books I've Read.......2007-06-13

At first, I was skeptical of a book titled THE GOOSE GIRL, but I borrowed it from the library anyway. Little did I know that this magical debut would become one of my favorite books and Shannon Hale my favorite author.

To keep peace between two nations, Princess Anidori-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, first daughter and jewel of Kildenree (Ani for short) is sent to the kingdom of Bayern to marry the prince. On the way, she is betrayed by her lady-in-waiting and half of her guards. Alone, Ani finds her way to the capital of Bayern where she gets the job of watching the king's geese, all the while waiting for her chance to regain her name.

Though a fantasy, THE GOOSE GIRL seems realistic. There is magic, but a believeable sort. Ani, too, is a believable and likeable heroine, and the supporting characters are three dimensional as well.

THE GOOSE GIRL'S biggest fault is that it's slow-moving. Not boring, but it is long and the story could have been told in less pages, which might be a turn-off to some readers. The first part is especially slow. There is also some violence, though certainly not as much as the sequel ENNA BURNING. However, Shannon Hale's writing is absolutely beautiful. Wonderful metaphors and imagery and vivid word choices make this one of the best debut novels that I've read and certainly one of the most magical books.

This is a novel that I strongly recommend to all, especially those who love retellings of fairy tales. Though certainly not perfect, THE GOOSE GIRL is truly a lovely book that definitely does not disappoint.

A good read, but not her best work.......2007-06-09

Even if you didn't like the book, you must agree that it was well written. Shannon Hale does a marvelous job of story-telling. Some of it was predictable, but the characterization was fantastic and the world she creates easy to visualize. There is one thing I'll bring up for those concerned with content. One of the characters tells a story about women baring their breasts. It was an unnecessary addition to anotherwise perfectly clean story. All three of the books in this trilogy have things in them that really could have been left out and been much better books for it. I'd recommend "Princess Academy" before recommending this one.

Average customer rating:

Princess Academy
Shannon Hale
Manufacturer: Bloomsbury USA Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: B000NIJ46A
Release Date: 2005-06-16

Sir Cumference and the First Round Table: A Math Adventure

Average customer rating:

Geometry and Camelot
Led to instant recall of proper geometric terms
Sir Cumference and the First Round Table: A Math Adventure
Great Way Of Sneaking In Math!
Sir Cumference and the First Round Table

Sir Cumference and the First Round Table: A Math Adventure
Cindy Neuschwander
Manufacturer: Charlesbridge Publishing
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1570911525

Product Description

Sir Cumference, his wife, Lady Di of Ameter, and their son, Radius, use geometry and problem-solving techniques to help King Author. 32 pages. 8 1/2" x 9 1/2". Ages 5-10.

Customer Reviews:

Geometry and Camelot.......2007-08-10

This 32 page children's book tells how Sir Cumference, his wife the Lady Di of Ameter, and their son Radius solve the problems of the king's table. King Arthur and his knights needed to have a council, but there was a problem with the table around which they met. It began as too long; after that was fixed, the table had too few sides, and other tables produced more objections. Geo of Metry makes tables in several shapes before a round table solves all the problems. The illustrations are great, with medieval pageantry and geometric explanations. A few other characters from Camelot appear, such as Sir Lancelot and Sir Gawain.

This is a great book to introduce geometry to the young, making it fun and easy. Shapes and measurements are explained in the quest for the perfect council table for the king and his knights. When the round table is finally found to be the perfect shape, the king names certain measurements after Sir Cumference, Radius, and the Lady Di from Ameter. Very cute!

Led to instant recall of proper geometric terms.......2007-04-28

My kids (9 and 6) , who are homeschooled, loved this story and it resulted in them being able to instantly recall the proper names of geometric elements and classes (e.g., radius, circumference, obtuse, acute). This is probably due to the clever visual and contextual associations provided. We bought another book in the series right afterward with the same results. Plan to get them all.

Sir Cumference and the First Round Table: A Math Adventure.......2007-02-20

Very cute story and a nice way of using word play to describe geometric vocabulary. Great for an introduction to the concept and as a review for older children.

Great Way Of Sneaking In Math!.......2006-08-05

My daughter has always had a problem learning Math but reading this book (along with the others in this series) has helped her immensely! The books themselves are a bit young for her but the concepts in them (Pi, Geometry, etc) are explained in a way I think she needed.

I would recommend these to anyone who has a child with problems in math concepts.

Sir Cumference and the First Round Table.......2006-06-29

This little book appeared to be very clever and well illustrated, however the quality, colors and illustrations were not what I had expected.

Average customer rating:

A wonderful version on Snow White
Fairest: Snow White in Ayortha
Snow White told with adventure, grace and excitement!
Fantastic retelling
Another Homerun for Levine

Fairest
Gail Carson Levine
Manufacturer: HarperCollins
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060734086
Release Date: 2006-09-19

Book Description

In the kingdom of Ayortha, who is the fairest of them all? Certainly not Aza. She is thoroughly convinced that she is ugly. What she may lack in looks, though, she makes up for with a kind heart, and with something no one else has–a magical voice. Her vocal talents captivate all who hear them, and in Ontio Castle they attract the attention of a handsome prince – and a dangerous new queen. In this masterful novel filled with humour, adventure, romance, and song, Newbery Honor author Gail Carson Levine invites you to join Aza as she discovers how exquisite she truly is.

Ages 8 – 14

Customer Reviews:

A wonderful version on Snow White.......2007-09-17

I'm 30 years-old and loved this book. A wonderful version of Snow White complete with Levine's own personal style and touches. Levine writes so fluidly and gives so much humor to her heroines. I love how everything in her "make-believe world" still makes sense even though it isn't like our world. It's not hard to follow without Levine having to "talk down" to her readers. I loved that this book took place in the same world as Ella Enchanted!

Why only 4 stars? Although I really liked Aza and her character development, I was a bit disappointed in the development of the Prince. We never really got to know him. The relationship between Aza and the Prince never seemed to evolve, it just happened--Nothing like Ella and Prince Charmont. I just didn't fall in love with him, myself, like I did with Prince Charmont.

Other than that, I completely loved it. I've already lent it out to friends and family telling them, "you have to read this!"

Fairest: Snow White in Ayortha.......2007-08-06

I bought Fairest a while ago, but I didn't read it for a long time. Finally, with my friend's encouragement, I picked it up and began to dive into the Snow White re-telling.
This is unlike other fairy tale re-tellings, yet in a good way. It's not totally obvious until you get near the end of the story that this tale was made to resemble Snow White. This leaves a wonderful surprise that has you thinking, "I never saw it coming!" The Snow White puzzle just slowly pieces itself together, and you probably won't realize it until some of the final pieces are played.
Aza was never attractive. She was left behind in a hotel when she was a baby, and the owners graciously took her in despite her appearance. With paper-white skin, blood-red lips, and hair as black as a frying pan, Aza is certainly not the fairest of them all.
Yet...she can sing. Beautifully, as a matter of fact. She's simply spectacular! Aza also soon discovers the gift she has of "illusing" - throwing her voice across rooms so it seems that someone or something else is speaking. Despite her voice, though, Aza does not believe she has a real future ahead of her...that is (spoilers begin here), until the Duchess arrives. The Duchess befriends Aza after meeting her cat (the Duchess loves cats) and when the Duchess's companion fails to accompany her to the King and to-be Queen's wedding, it is Aza she asks to go.
This soon changes Aza's life. After discovering her gift of illusing, Queen Ivi "befriends" Aza and asks her to be her lady-in-waiting. But Aza soon discovers that Ivi wants to take advantage of her gift of illusing. Ivi cannot sing, so she makes Aza illuse to make it appear as if she is the one singing.
This and a developing relationship with the Prince, Ijori, complicates Aza's times in the castle. Still, despite all of what she has, Aza still wishes to be pretty. Soon, she finds her wish granted after her illusing fails during a Sing.
This and Aza's dangerous desire to be pretty fly the story into a suspenseful mode (spoilers end here), though I'm not going to give away any more spoilers. Anybody who likes Snow White should definitely read this book; it is one you won't be able to put down. Other fairy tale re-tellings pale in comparison to the bold story of Aza.
All in all, Fairest truly proves to be the "fairest of them all" in the world of these re-tellings. If you read this book, you won't regret it.

Snow White told with adventure, grace and excitement!.......2007-07-15

Gail Carson Levine's style shines through once again as she breathes life into the overtold predictable fairytale of Snow White. Very similar to Ella Enchanted, Fairest takes place in the same world and has (as is Levine's style) a very unconventional twist to a well known story. The characters of Fairest will capture your heart and make you want to read Ella Enchanted again. A fantastic story for children and teenagers alike. Even the adults will enjoy this well told tale.

Fantastic retelling.......2007-07-05

Despite the professional reviews written above, I think that their association with fairy tales may be a little out of touch. This book is not the classic retelling of Sleeping Beauty but that of Snow White. As any Disney Classic Movie connisseur or for that matter fan of fairy tales will know.

This novel is a beautiful retelling set in the kingdom of Ayortha, one kingdom over from the Kingdom ruled by the well know woman Ella of Frell from Ella Enchanted. This is an amazing novel, written in beautiful prose and described fantastically. It is an excellent follow up to Ella Enchanted, even if that heroine does not herself appear in the novel. I can only hope to enjoy more novels of this caliber from Gail Carson Levine and I must find more novels by this author to read. I could not put this novel down, I stayed up all night to finish it.

I sincerely hope that you take a chance on this novel and enjoy it as immensely as I have.

Another Homerun for Levine.......2007-06-30

This book was so captivating. From the first lines to the last, I was so overtaken by the creative storyline and personal (yet sometimes insecure, and therefore more human) characters. I was excited to see into the world of Ella Enchanted once again. Even though both girls (Aza and Ella) are from different kingdoms, Aza's sister is Ella's only friend from finishing school: Areida.

Although I didn't realize how many aspects of "Fairest" were mentioned in "Ella Enchanted" until I re-read the latter, I was so pleased to see how they were linked. Areida and Ella became friends at finishing school in the Kyrrian town of Jenn. Areida tells Ella of her parents, the inn where she and Aza live, and the "Sings" that are held monthly in her home province of Ayorthia. At the end of "Fairest", the author clues you in on the detail of Areida and Ella's friendship, in case you were wondering if the two Areidas were in fact the same person.

I am an accomplished singer at my school (I'm 16), and I was so happy to read a book that focused on it and talked about a land where singing was part of their culture. I even tried to illuse a couple of times, with no success obviously, since it's something only gnomes can do. <3

The Princess Diaries, Volume VIII: Princess on the Brink (Princess Diaries, Vol. 8)

Average customer rating:

At last! [spoiler alert]
upsetting
This volume is boring!
A Princess book with an actual conflict - too bad it goes unresolved...
As The Themes Get More Mature...Mia's Adulthood Seems To Delay Itself

The Princess Diaries, Volume VIII: Princess on the Brink (Princess Diaries, Vol. 8)
Meg Cabot
Manufacturer: HarperTeen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0060724560
Release Date: 2006-12-26

Book Description

At last, Mia is a junior. An upperclassperson. Free of her responsibilities as student body president. So why is it that everything is going so terribly wrong? What is she doing in Intro to Creative Writing? When she has made it through Algebra and Geometry, why must she be faced with Precalculus? And for the love of all that is Genovian, why has Lilly nominated her for school prez again? All this is nothing compared to the news Michael springs on her, however. On top of all the mathematical strife, her beloved boyfriend is leaving for Japan for a year. Precalc has nothing on preparing for the worst separation ever!

Turns out there is one way she might convince Michael to stay. But will she? Or won't she? No matter what, Mia seems headed for disaster.

Customer Reviews:

At last! [spoiler alert] .......2007-09-07

Okay, maybe I'm not the typical reader of this book, seeing that I have a child around Mia's age, but I am a high school librarian and I enjoy reading the books that I order for the students to read.

For seven books (and several novellas) we have listened to Mia blather on about Michael and school and Michael and her grandmother and Michael and ... well, you get the picture. With all of those adolescent hormones, she doesn't see that she needs to give Michael some space, as he is emotionally and intellectually several years ahead of her. She doesn't care to listen to the adult figures in her life (now THAT'S realistic!) on just about any serious matter, including this one.

Now she freaks out because she faces a year's separation (and despite what she believes, I am sure that her father would have flown her over at least once during that year) and plans to manipulate Michael with sex. (Not her finest plan. Can we all say "statutory rape"?) However, everything crashes around her feet when she discovers that Michael has a different viewpoint on intimacy. Not too surprising to adults, who realize that people reared with different cultural/religious beliefs are bound to have conflicts, some of which are un-work-out-able.

I remember someone telling me that her first husband was selected when infatuation was mistaken for love and the second (the one she stayed married to) was chosen when liking turned into love. We have seen J.P. from the very first book and he has gradually developed as a friend. It would be nice if this series developed to show that Mia chooses a relationship based upon a solid foundation, but I doubt that is Ms. Cabot's plan. Whatever she chooses, the next book can be an opportunity for Mia to mature without always wondering "what will Michael think about this?" My students (and I) eagerly await the next volume.

upsetting.......2007-08-04

i've loved the princess diaries series since book one. this book was very depressing. i'm just a hopeless romantic and this book spoiled everything.

This volume is boring!.......2007-07-09

I have been a fan of ALL the other Princess Diaries books. I have read many of them twice! This one was so boring! I should have listened to the negative reviews and passed on this one. Save your money and check this one out at the library if you must read it!

A Princess book with an actual conflict - too bad it goes unresolved..........2007-07-08

Finally, in the eighth book of a ten-book series, Mia Thermopolis again gets a honest-to-goodness conflict. It's been a long, long time. Mia's has dealt with plenty of anxieties, but most of them have been minor problems she's blown all out of proportion. Not since she learned she's a princess and had her whole future (and present) made over accordingly has she had to grapple with a real life-changing problem.

In Princess on the Brink Mia's boyfriend, Michael Moscovitz, tells her that he has the opportunity of a lifetime. He intends to go to Japan to produce a working model of the robotic arm he invented for a knife-free surgical procedure. Michael wants to prove - to the world and Mia's grandmother - that he's worthy of being a princess's intended. But that will require a long stay abroad. Mia panicks at the idea of being sans Michael for so long and comes up with the bright idea of tossing her virginity to him as an incentive to stay stateside.

The story takes place over a very short period, less than a week, from the time Michael tells Mia he's going to Japan to the time he actually leaves. During this period Mia also starts school so she's also worrying about her Chemisty and Pre-calculus classes and the pressure Lilly is again asserting on her to be in student government. She also has a creative writing teacher who fails to appreciate Mia's innate creativity and style (i.e., Mia's failure to follow assignment directions).

I LOVED this series when it first debuted, but the premise here is growing pretty thin. Mia's high-school worries and escapades simply cannot support the weight of so many books (8 so far and a number of shorter half-books). Her constant pop culture references, so cute and endearing at first, have also grown annoying. Or perhaps it's me - I've unplugged myself from cable and magazines and can't really relate to much of what Mia throws out there to explain her own worldview and perspective.

Also annoying is Mia's constant reference to her "Precious Gift" - that's her virginity to you and me. She gets this term from a True-Love-Waits-type book her friend Tina leant her. It's typical of Mia to over-romanticize anything, but she uses the term so frequently it deserves its own acronym - PG - if only to spare trees. Mia's willingness to set aside her previous sexual timeline in order to manipulate Michael tells a great deal about where she is in her personal development. What's best for Michael and the relationship in general is the last thing on her mind. This is typical teenage behavior, but Mia has never seemed so Machiavellian (albeit clumsily so) as she does here.

Many of the recurring characters are beginning to seem like cardboard cutouts of themselves marching around Mia. Lilly, in particular, seems less like a real person and more like a generic-but-cruel blowhard. Why Mia is still friends with her is beyond understanding. Of course, Mia is clueless as to the motivations of most of the people surrounding her. Watching both Kenny Showalter and J.P. zero in for the kill when they learn of Michael's departure is painful to read - Mia is so oblivious.

The book ends with everything about as unresolved as it can be. One of the series's underlying conflicts - how Mia will deal with the difference in maturity, particularly sexual maturity, between herself and Michael - finally comes to a head here, and Mia handles it in the most immature way possible, screwing up a number of her relationships in the process. Getting Michael out of the picture temporarily might have been a good idea a few books ago, but now it just seems ill-timed. The next book will no doubt be concerned with Mia's rebound, and then the last book with their reunion. That may be romantic in the final pages, but is Cabot going to shove two school years into two books? When it's taken 8 books to get to the beginning of Mia's junior year of high school? At this point, given Mia's shallow self-absorption, I think Michael would be within his rights to cut and run. And that's a painful thing for me to write about a series I once enjoyed so much.

As The Themes Get More Mature...Mia's Adulthood Seems To Delay Itself.......2007-06-26

Mia enters her junior year of high school ready for a fresh start without the chaos of her sophomore year, ready to take on life with everything settled down for once. Unfortunately, Mia's life can never be easy and Michael breaks her the heart-breaking news that he's going to Japan to develop a robotic surgical invention that may be able to save the lives of others.
From this point on, SPOILER WARNING, and also a warning that I'm about to give this book a scathing review. I love most of the Princess Diaries series-especially the first three books where it was perfectly normal for Mia to be having chaotic breakdowns and insecurities, but now that she's supposed to be a junior in high school this is getting a BIT old, and by a bit, I mean at some points in this book I wanted to throw it out of my bedroom window. To begin with, how does Mia not notice that JP is hitting on her? How? It's so obvious Meg Cabot could only have made it better by writing it in giant pink letters across every page. The major problem I had with this though, was Mia's incredible stupidity when it came to Michael.
This series started its downward slope, in my opinion, as soon as Michael wanted to have sex with Mia. It's so hard to remember that she's sixteen, and by that I mean that she acts like she's twelve. I agree with Mia's decision to not have sex, because if she's not ready she doesn't have to, and there are just oh-so-many things she is not ready for. Like the truth, for instance, when Michael tells Mia about how he didn't save his "Precious Gift" for her at all, that it was randomly given to Judith, Mia's arch enemy until Michael chose her in the earlier books. I can't say that in the same situation most girls would freak out and get angry, but BREAKING UP WITH HIM? Someone seems to have forgotten that her boyfriend is in college, that he's older than her, that he has more experience, and though for a minute it was disturbing that he didn't seem to think much of it, I remember Michael's attitude towards Mia in the previous books and know that Mia and him becoming intimate would be entirely different and meaningful.
Which is exactly why I am sick of this spoiled-brat little girl, who hasn't developed in the eight books published about her one bit. She moans and complains about her Creative Writing grades when I can't exactly see anything special about her writing at all, she forms a childish plan to keep her boyfriend from going to Japan to do what he really loves, and if I have to read the phrase "doing it" or "precious gift" from the mouth of this pathetic high school student one more time, my eyes will start bleeding.
The writing is still classic Princess Diaries, the rest of the characters keep to their personalities (although I wish Lilly's would change), but the drama is a little too out of control, and personally, I hope Mia and Michael remain broken up because there is a promising hope of JP in the future, although, having read enough books like this, I'm sad to have to say:
"Like that will ever happen."

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