Twilight (Twilight, Book 1)

Average customer rating:

Twilight analysis
This book is for Preteens.
Wonderfully written
Enthralled!!
A M A Z I N G

Twilight (Twilight, Book 1)
Stephenie Meyer
Manufacturer: Little, Brown Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0316160172

As Shakespeare knew, love burns high when thwarted by obstacles. In Twilight, an exquisite fantasy by Stephenie Meyer, readers discover a pair of lovers who are supremely star-crossed. Bella adores beautiful Edward, and he returns her love. But Edward is having a hard time controlling the blood lust she arouses in him, because--he's a vampire. At any moment, the intensity of their passion could drive him to kill her, and he agonizes over the danger. But, Bella would rather be dead than part from Edward, so she risks her life to stay near him, and the novel burns with the erotic tension of their dangerous and necessarily chaste relationship.

Meyer has achieved quite a feat by making this scenario completely human and believable. She begins with a familiar YA premise (the new kid in school), and lulls us into thinking this will be just another realistic young adult novel. Bella has come to the small town of Forks on the gloomy Olympic Peninsula to be with her father. At school, she wonders about a group of five remarkably beautiful teens, who sit together in the cafeteria but never eat. As she grows to know, and then love, Edward, she learns their secret. They are all rescued vampires, part of a family headed by saintly Carlisle, who has inspired them to renounce human prey. For Edward's sake they welcome Bella, but when a roving group of tracker vampires fixates on her, the family is drawn into a desperate pursuit to protect the fragile human in their midst. The precision and delicacy of Meyer's writing lifts this wonderful novel beyond the limitations of the horror genre to a place among the best of YA fiction. (Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell

10 Second Interview: A Few Words with Stephenie Meyer

Q: Were you a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Angel? What are you watching now that those shows are off the air?
A: I have never seen an entire episode of Buffy or Angel. While I was writing Twilight, I let my older sister read along chapter by chapter. She's a huge Buffy fan and she kept trying to get me to watch, but I was afraid it would mess up my vision of the vampire world so I never did.

I don't have a ton of time for TV, and my kids get rowdy when I have on "mommy shows," but I do have a secret fondness for reality shows (the good ones, at least in my opinion). I always TiVo Survivor, The Amazing Race, and America's Next Top Model.

Q: What inspired you to write Twilight? Is this the beginning of a series? Why write for teens?
A: Twilight was inspired by a very vivid dream, which is fairly faithfully transcribed as chapter thirteen of the book. There are sequels on the way--I'm hard at work editing book two (tentatively titled New Moon) right now, and book three is waiting in line for its turn.
I didn't mean to write for teens--I didn't mean to write for anyone but myself, so I had an audience of one twenty-nine year old (and later one thirty-one year old when my sister started reading). I think the reason that I ended up with a book for teens is because high school is such a compelling time period--it gives you some of your worst scars and some of your most exhilarating memories. It's a fascinating place: old enough to feel truly adult, old enough to make decisions that affect the rest of your life, old enough to fall in love, yet, at the same time too young (in most cases) to be free to make a lot of those decisions without someone else's approval. There's a lot of scope for a novel in that.

Q: What is your favorite vampire story? Fave vampire movie?
A: I guess my favorite vampire story would be The Vampire Lestat, by Anne Rice, simply because it's one of the only ones I've ever read. I keep meaning to pick up Bram Stoker's Dracula, because I get asked this question so often and I should probably start with the classics, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Again, I'm afraid to read other vampire books now, for fear of finding things either too similar, or too different from my own vampire world.

Ack! I can't even answer the movie question. I can't remember ever seeing a single vampire movie, outside of clips from Bela Lugosi movies on TV. I don't like true horror movies--my favorite scary movies are all Hitchcock's.

Q: What other young adult authors do you read?
A: My favorite young adult author is L.M. Montgomery I also enjoy J.K. Rowling (but who doesn't?), and Ann Brashares. As a teen, I skipped straight to adult books (lots of sci-fi and Jane Austen), so I'm rediscovering the world of teen literature now.

Stephenie Meyer's List of Books You Should Read

Anne of Green Gables
Romeo and Juliet
Dragonflight
To Kill a Mockingbird
The Princess Bride

See more recommendations from Stephenie Meyer

Amazon.com's Significant Seven
Stephenie Meyer graciously agreed to answer the questions we like to ask every author: the Amazon.com Significant Seven.

Q: What book has had the most significant impact on your life?
A: The book with the most significant impact on my life is The Book of Mormon. The book with the most significant impact on my life as a writer is probably Speaker for the Dead, by Orson Scott Card, with Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier coming in as a close second.

Q: You are stranded on a desert island with only one book, one CD, and one DVD--what are they?
A: The CD is easy: Absolution by Muse, hands down. It's harder to give myself just one movie, but the one I watch most frequently is Sense and Sensibility--the one with the screenplay by Emma Thompson. One book is impossible. I'd have to have Pride and Prejudice, but I couldn't live without something by Orson Scott Card and a nice, thick Maeve Binchy, too.

Q: What is the worst lie you've ever told?
A: My lies are all very, very boring: "No, you really look great in hot pink!" "My children only watch one hour of TV a day." "I didn't eat the last Swiss Cake Roll--it must have been one of the kids." That's the best I've got.

Q: Describe the perfect writing environment.
A: It's late at night and the house is silent, but I'm still (miraculously) full of energy. I have my headphones in and I'm listened to a mix of Muse, Coldplay, Travis, My Chemical Romance, and The All-American Rejects. Beside me is a fabulous, and yet mysteriously low in calorie, cheesecake....

Q: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?
A: I'd like it to say that I really tried at the important things. I was never perfect at any of them, but I honestly tried to be a great mom, a loving wife, a good daughter, and a true friend. Under that, I'd want a list of my favorite Simpsons quotes.

Q: Who is the one person living or dead that you would like to have dinner with?
A: I'd love to have a chance to talk to Orson Scott Card--I have a million questions for him. Mostly things like, "How do you come up with this stuff?!" But, if he wasn't available, I'd settle for Matthew Bellamy (lead singer of Muse).

Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?
A: I'd want something offensive, rather than defensive. Like shooting fireballs from my hands. That way, you're really open to going either way--hero or villain. I like to have choices.

Book Description

"Softly he brushed my cheek, then held my face between his marble hands. 'Be very still,' he whispered, as if I wasn't already frozen. Slowly, never moving his eyes from mine, he leaned toward me. Then abruptly, but very gently, he rested his cold cheek against the hollow at the base of my throat." As Shakespeare knew, love burns high when thwarted by obstacles. In Twilight, an exquisite fantasy by Stephenie Meyer, readers discover a pair of lovers who are supremely star-crossed. Bella adores beautiful Edward, and he returns her love. But Edward is having a hard time controlling the blood lust she arouses in him, because--he's a vampire. At any moment, the intensity of their passion could drive him to kill her, and he agonizes over the danger. But, Bella would rather be dead than part from Edward, so she risks her life to stay near him, and the novel burns with the erotic tension of their dangerous and necessarily chaste relationship.Meyer has achieved quite a feat by making this scenario completely human and believable. She begins with a familiar YA premise (the new kid in school), and lulls us into thinking this will be just another realistic young adult novel. Bella has come to the small town of Forks on the gloomy Olympic Peninsula to be with her father. At school, she wonders about a group of five remarkably beautiful teens, who sit together in the cafeteria but never eat. As she grows to know, and then love, Edward, she learns their secret. They are all rescued vampires, part of a family headed by saintly Carlisle, who has inspired them to renounce human prey. For Edward's sake they welcome Bella, but when a roving group of tracker vampires fixates on her, the family is drawn into a desperate pursuit to protect the fragile human in their midst.The precision and delicacy of Meyer's writing lifts this wonderful novel beyond the limitations of the horror genre to a place among the best of YA fiction.(Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell 10 Second Interview: A Few Words with Stephenie Meyer Q: Were you a fan of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? Angel? What are you watching now that those shows are off the air? A: I have never seen an entire episode of Buffy or Angel. While I was writing Twilight, I let my older sister read along chapter by chapter. She's a huge Buffy fan and she kept trying to get me to watch, but I was afraid it would mess up my vision of the vampire world so I never did. I don't have a ton of time for TV, and my kids get rowdy when I have on "mommy shows," but I do have a secret fondness for reality shows (the good ones, at least in my opinion). I always TiVo Survivor, The Amazing Race, and America's Next Top Model. Q: What inspired you to write Twilight? Is this the beginning of a series? Why write for teens? A: Twilight was inspired by a very vivid dream, which is fairly faithfully transcribed as chapter thirteen of the book. There are sequels on the way--I'm hard at work editing book two (tentatively titled New Moon) right now, and book three is waiting in line for its turn. I didn't mean to write for teens--I didn't mean to write for anyone but myself, so I had an audience of one twenty-nine year old (and later one thirty-one year old when my sister started reading). I think the reason that I ended up with a book for teens is because high school is such a compelling time period--it gives you some of your worst scars and some of your most exhilarating memories. It's a fascinating place: old enough to feel truly adult, old enough to make decisions that affect the rest of your life, old enough to fall in love, yet, at the same time too young (in most cases) to be free to make a lot of those decisions without someone else's approval. There's a lot of scope for a novel in that. Q: What is your favorite vampire story? Fave vampire movie? A: I guess my favorite vampire story would be The Vampire Lestat, by Anne Rice, simply because it's one of the only ones I've ever read. I keep meaning to pick up Bram Stoker's Dracula, because I get asked this question so often and I should probably start with the classics, but I haven't gotten around to it yet. Again, I'm afraid to read other vampire books now, for fear of finding things either too similar, or too different from my own vampire world. Ack! I can't even answer the movie question. I can't remember ever seeing a single vampire movie, outside of clips from Bela Lugosi movies on TV. I don't like true horror movies--my favorite scary movies are all Hitchcock's. Q: What other young adult authors do you read? A: My favorite young adult author is L.M. Montgomery I also enjoyJ.K. Rowling (but who doesn't?), and Ann Brashares. As a teen, I skipped straight to adult books (lots of sci-fi and Jane Austen), so I'm rediscovering the world of teen literature now. Stephenie Meyer's List of Books You Should Read Anne of Green GablesRomeo and JulietDragonflightTo Kill a Mockingbird The Princess BrideSee more recommendations from Stephenie Meyer Amazon.com's Significant SevenStephenie Meyer graciously agreed to answer the questions we like to ask every author: the Amazon.com Significant Seven. Q: What book has had the most significant impact on your life?A: The book with the most significant impact on my life is The Book of Mormon. The book with the most significant impact on my life as a writer is probably Speaker for the Dead, by Orson Scott Card, with Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier coming in as a close second.Q: You are stranded on a desert island with only one book, one CD, and one DVD--what are they?A: The CD is easy: Absolution by Muse, hands down. It's harder to give myself just one movie, but the one I watch most frequently is Sense and Sensibility--the one with the screenplay by Emma Thompson. One book is impossible. I'd have to have Pride and Prejudice, but I couldn't live without something by Orson Scott Card and a nice, thick Maeve Binchy, too.Q: What is the worst lie you've ever told?A: My lies are all very, very boring: "No, you really look great in hot pink!" "My children only watch one hour of TV a day." "I didn't eat the last Swiss Cake Roll--it must have been one of the kids." That's the best I've got.Q: Describe the perfect writing environment.A: It's late at night and the house is silent, but I'm still (miraculously) full of energy. I have my headphones in and I'm listened to a mix of Muse, Coldplay, Travis, My Chemical Romance, and The All-American Rejects. Beside me is a fabulous, and yet mysteriously low in calorie, cheesecake....Q: If you could write your own epitaph, what would it say?A: I'd like it to say that I really tried at the important things.I was never perfect at any of them, but I honestly tried to be a great mom, a loving wife, a good daughter, and a true friend. Under that, I'd want a list of my favorite Simpsons quotes.Q: Who is the one person living or dead that you would like to have dinner with?A: I'd love to have a chance to talk to Orson Scott Card--I have a million questions for him. Mostly things like, "How do you come up with this stuff?!" But, if he wasn't available, I'd settle for Matthew Bellamy (lead singer of Muse).Q: If you could have one superpower, what would it be?A: I'd want something offensive, rather than defensive. Like shooting fireballs from my hands. That way, you're really open to going either way--hero or villain. I like to have choices.

Customer Reviews:

Twilight analysis.......2007-10-05

BY SARAH LAMBERT

"Slowly, slowly, my thoughts started to break through that brick wall of pain. To plan. For I had no choices now but one: to go to the mirrored room and die". Have you ever loved someone so much that you would go through anything just to be with them, even if it is fatal? Well, in the book Twilight by Stephenie Meyer, Bella Swan loves Edward Cullen just that much.
Twilight is my absolute favorite mystery love story of the main character, Bella Swan, and her move to Forks, Washington, to visit her dad. While she is there, the unthinkable happens- she falls in love with the mysterious Edward Cullen, but the only thing about Edward is, he is not just some ordinary guy at Forks High School- he's not even human. He can't go out in the sunlight, and he drinks human blood- you can put the pieces together.
One thing I love about this book is the description. Stephenie Meyer's description of the settings and people is so accurate that when you're reading the book, it's as if your are really there, seeing and experiencing everything as if it was right in front of you.
I would say the theme of this book is that love is the most important thing over everything else. Bella definitely demonstrated that this was true in the book. She didn't let that fact of Edward being a vampire get in the way of her love for him.
This book is amazing. After reading it, I can understand why people love it so much. It is very clear on description, it is easy to read and understand, and I can actually relate to the high school atmosphere in the book. I would recommend this book to mainly high school girls, because I don't think many boys would like a love story. This is a really interesting book, and if you're a lover of mystery love stories that you have a hard time putting down, then this is the book for you.

This book is for Preteens........2007-10-05

This book is for PreTeens. I did not realize that before I started reading. I read halfway through the book, and was bored to death. They talked more about high school chemistry class than vampires. The characters were made of cardboard. I finally gave up on it. If you have a preteen girl at home, she will love it, and the story is very PG so you do not have to worry about the content.

Wonderfully written.......2007-10-05

I read the first, second and third in the Twilight series within a week. I read so much, my eyesight weakened. The way the story is told is addictive--I could not put it down. I recommend buying all three at once and saving yourself extra time and money. Happy reading!

Enthralled!!.......2007-10-05

Stephanie Meyer has deffinitely got my attention with her book Twighlight. The book was originally recommended by my 13 year old, and to be honest, I didn't expect to enjoy it. Vampires, blood and gore are not typically my idea of a joyful read. To my surprise, however, I am in love with these characters that Ms. Meyer presents so perfectly. I find myself more and more drawn to a vampire who wishes he wasn't, and a human who finds herself a little on the outside of normal. If you haven't read this book, find a copy now! And while you're at it, buy the sequel. You won't want to have to wait long to continue the story!!

A M A Z I N G.......2007-10-04

Twilight was a surprising book that made me fall in love with it immediately. Bella, a clumsy 17 year old girl moves to live with her father in Forks, Washington where it rains most of the year. She quickly makes new friends including the gorgeous Edward Cullen. It starts out as a love story but quickly turns into a fantasy novel when the Cullens have to hide Bella to keep her safe from vampires who are trying to kill her. I love this book so much I have read it over and over again. If you like vampire stories this may not be for you. This book is not about vampires, really. It is a love story with a fantasy twist and it is Amazing.

Average customer rating:

Really good!!!
Uglyville or Realityville?
An engaging and thought-provoking book about a "utopian" society
Pretty is as Pretty does.
really like this book

Uglies (Uglies Trilogy, Book 1)
Scott Westerfeld
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0689865384

Amazon.com

Playing on every teen's passionate desire to look as good as everybody else, Scott Westerfeld (Midnighters) projects a future world in which a compulsory operation at sixteen wipes out physical differences and makes everyone pretty by conforming to an ideal standard of beauty. The "New Pretties" are then free to play and party, while the younger "Uglies" look on enviously and spend the time before their own transformations in plotting mischievous tricks against their elders. Tally Youngblood is one of the most daring of the Uglies, and her imaginative tricks have gotten her in trouble with the menacing department of Special Circumstances. She has yearned to be pretty, but since her best friend Shay ran away to the rumored rebel settlement of recalcitrant Uglies called The Smoke, Tally has been troubled. The authorities give her an impossible choice: either she follows Shay's cryptic directions to The Smoke with the purpose of betraying the rebels, or she will never be allowed to become pretty. Hoping to rescue Shay, Tally sets off on the dangerous journey as a spy. But after finally reaching The Smoke she has a change of heart when her new lover David reveals to her the sinister secret behind becoming pretty. The fast-moving story is enlivened by many action sequences in the style of videogames, using intriguing inventions like hoverboards that use the rider's skateboard skills to skim through the air, and bungee jackets that make wild downward plunges survivable -- and fun. Behind all the commotion is the disturbing vision of our own society -- the Rusties -- visible only in rusting ruins after a virus destroyed all petroleum. Teens will be entranced, and the cliffhanger ending will leave them gasping for the sequel. (Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell

Book Description

Everybody gets to be supermodel gorgeous. What could be wrong with that?

Tally is about to turn sixteen, and she can't wait. Not for her license -- for turning pretty. In Tally's world, your sixteenth birthday brings an operation that turns you from a repellent ugly into a stunningly attractive pretty and catapults you into a high-tech paradise where your only job is to have a really great time. In just a few weeks Tally will be there.

But Tally's new friend Shay isn't sure she wants to be pretty. She'd rather risk life on the outside. When Shay runs away, Tally learns about a whole new side of the pretty world -- and it isn't very pretty. The authorities offer Tally the worst choice she can imagine: find her friend and turn her in, or never turn pretty at all. The choice Tally makes changes her world forever.

Customer Reviews:

Really good!!!.......2007-09-22

I loved this book! I liked the futuristic aspect of it: my favourite part was when Tally and Shay were looking at some 300 year old magazines and saying stuff like "But they're all ugly!" and "Since they didn't have the operation back then, they weren't ashamed of being ugly".
A real must-read (i suggest it for girls, although some boy might like it i guess)!

Uglyville or Realityville?.......2007-09-13

This book may have been a little easier read than most of the other books I read, but it was an overall good book. The story follows the journey of a young girl named Tally who is about to turn sixteen and turn pretty. Instead of getting the anticipated surgery on her birthday, she is faced with the decision to go after her runaway friend Shay and give up the position of The Smoke or never be pretty. She ventures off to find The Smoke and lives there with her friend Shay as well as other new friends. The book follows the struggles she feels with betraying her friends and what she really wants.
The events are easy to follow, but Scott Westerfield fills the book with symbolism. Though the world Tally lives in does not sound too much like the one you and I live in, it symbolizes the ideals in our society.
This book was a fun, easy read and the symbolism was a great addition to the story to make readers think.

An engaging and thought-provoking book about a "utopian" society.......2007-09-11

As a 28-year-old, I didn't expect to find this book as enthralling as it was - the title lacks subtlety, and I figured that a book meant for teens might not be complex enough to truly draw me in and make me think. Not so! This is one of the most enjoyable reads I have had all year.

Tally is an "ugly", a person under 16 in this society where people are turned "pretty" on their 16th birthday. Uglies, AKA adolescents, live separately from their parents in this world, existing in a loosely-controlled boarding school where they are relatively free to break out at nights and explore on their hoverboards.

When Tally's best friend Peris becomes a pretty, Tally is hurt that she doesn't hear a word from him, and takes up a friendship with Shay, a rebellious young woman who questions whether she even wants to be pretty, a subversive and rare quality. When Shay decides to escape to "The Smoke", the deeply hidden rebel community where nobody turns pretty, Tally is forced by her government into deciding whether she wants to betray her new best friend and the community, or whether she wants to live her entire life stuck inside pretty town, but forever ugly and forever shunned.

What happens next is the real story.

This was a fast-paced, thought-provoking book that was a pleasure to read. I couldn't wait to get home each day to dive back in, and halfway through I knew I had to order the other two in the trilogy so that I wouldn't have to wait after finishing this first one.

Give this a try.

Pretty is as Pretty does........2007-09-07

This a review for the audio book version of "Uglies" performed by Carine Montbertrand.

This is geared towards young adults, but believe me it's a book for any age. Scott Westerfeld is one of the few male authors out there who can successfully tell a story through young girl's eyes and get it right. This book is about a world divided into two parts, just as humanity is, ugly and pretty. Up until your 16th birthday you are considered an Ugly, you go to ugly schools, live in ugly dorms, reside in ugly city all the while dreaming of that one day when you will become pretty and get to live the good life in pretty town. Young girls and boys are told they are ugly by their parents and the government, they think they are too fat or skinny; they have big noses and squinty eyes. All they have to look forward too is that day when they turn sweet sixteen and get to shed their Ugly skins to be "normal" and pretty. The Pretties live in gorgeous buildings, throw parties all day; they seemingly have no worries and are always happy.

I know it seems just too literal, okay young people think they are ugly and when they "grow up" they will be able to do whatever they want, and pretty people always seem happier. It goes beyond that. Tally Youngblood is our heroine, her best friend Paris has been turned and she cannot wait to join him. She meets Shay and thus begins a quick friendship. Shay soon shows Tally another world, taking her to the "rusting ruins" on their hover boards (yes I said hover boards you back to the future freaks!) The ruins, are what is left of the "rusties" which you figure out are basically us, but so far gone and abandoned now its all being taken back into the earth, rusting. That world, the Uglies are told, had wars and famine and everyone was unhappy, so the scientist "cured" all that by mandating the surgery and therefore "saving" society.

Shay doesn't believe this is right, and tells Tally of another society, a secret one called the "Smokies" and she is joining them before turning 16. Tally is shocked! How could Shay WANT to stay ugly forever? Shay leaves, but not before asking Tally to go with her, but Tally doesn't want to be an ugly anymore...she wants to be happy so she stays, Shay does give her a map just in case she changes her mind. The government on the other hand connects Tally to the Smokies and blackmails her into finding Shay, if she doesn't she will stay Ugly forever.

I won't give everything away, but I will say that the rest involves Tally finding out who she truly is, and what she is capable of. You get to find out what the Pretties actually are, and why, and what exactly lies outside of Ugly and Pretty town. You also get to hear about the "Specials" which are Pretties but with deadly skills.

I cannot recommend this book enough, it's a quick read, its not Kierkegaard but its pretty darn fascinating nevertheless. The reader of this audiobook does an excellent job! I cannot wait to read the second in the series "Pretties".

really like this book.......2007-08-27

I bought this book for summer reading for my high school daughter. I read it too. It was quite an interesting futuristic story. Not at all what I thought. Could be what our future holds with all the plastic surgery going on. I could not wait to read the next one.

The Dead Girls' Dance (The Morganville Vampires, Book 2)

Average customer rating:

NOT MUCH OF A DANCE
Couldn't put it down
5 stars
Much better then Glass Houses
4.5 stars. Leaves a lot of threads dangling.

The Dead Girls' Dance (The Morganville Vampires, Book 2)
Rachel Caine
Manufacturer: Signet
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0451220897

Book Description

Claire has her share of challenges. Like being a genius in a school that favors beauty over brains; homicidal girls in her dorm, and finding out that her college town is overrun with the living dead. On the up side, she has a new boyfriend with a vampire-hunting dad. But when a local fraternity throws the Dead Girls' Dance, hell is really going to break loose.

Customer Reviews:

NOT MUCH OF A DANCE.......2007-10-05

I did enjoy reading it; however it did not live up to the 1st book. The character development is interesting though. Feels like it's slightly unfinished. Not a stand alone book-read book 1 first.

Couldn't put it down.......2007-06-15

I was lucky enough to pick this up just days after I'd read Glass Houses and had cooled off from facing the unwelcome cliffhanger that topped off what was otherwise a terrific book. As the other reviewers say, this picks up moments later and the action is non-stop until the end -- where we get another cliffhanger, though not QUITE as traumatic. I mean, this one you have to think about for the full scope of the potential trauma to set in.

The characters are getting more dimensional and interesting and the worldbuilding shows how intricate it is, hiding so many mysteries that we want to investigate. I don't usually like vampire novels, but this series has lots of original ideas in it -- and its characters carry them to even higher levels. The cliffhangers are frustrating, but I'm currently writing a series that has its own set so I guess I should welcome this as setting a precedent. Be assured that the basic plot of the book is complete within it; you won't be dissatisfied.

You'll also get some really good scares. Have fun reading it! (And Rachel Caine: WRITE FASTER!!!)

5 stars.......2007-06-12

Picking up right where Glass Houses ended, the story of Claire, Shane, Michael, and Eve not only continues, but turns up the volume and intensity. A cold war, cold as only vampires could make it, has been declared now that Shane's father and his vampire hunters have arrived. When one of the "leading citizens" among the undead is killed, Shane is implicated and his life forfeit unless his three friends can do something to stop it. Even those who claim to know he is innocent refuse to help, and so, Claire and Eve are forced to take desperate risks to save him. None of them could have foreseen the terrible prices that will have to be paid for the sake of love.

***** Book one in this series left me emotionally spent, in a good way. The intensity is cubed in this latest entry. It was hard to put this down for even the slightest break and, forget what happens to the kid with the scar and glasses, I want to know what happens next in Morganville. If you love to read about characters with whom you can get deeply involved, Rachel Caine is so far a one hundred percent sure bet to satisfy that need. I love her Weather Warden stories, and her vampires are even better. *****

Amanda Killgore

Much better then Glass Houses.......2007-06-06

I just recently finished this book and I definitely enjoyed it a lot more then Glass Houses. I sped through GH and didn't take it all in and on a second reading I was kind of disappointed (I would rate it 3 stars). But Dead Girls' Dance is a LOT better.

The story isn't as crazy this time around, all the introduction of the characters and the town is over and done with so you can now concentrate on the story itself which is turning out to be interesting.

I felt Glass Houses was a bit rushed, like Rachel tried to fit in too much stuff into the book. This one is much more even. The story is non-stop as it usually is in all of Rachel's book, but it doesn't feel rushed or overdone.

This book is short, but it squeezes a lot in - deaths, vampires, a crazy party and even a bit of romance. I'm glad Claire and Shane got together even though he still thinks Claire is a little bit too young for him.

When I finished Glass Houses I wasn't so enthused to read Dead Girls' Dance as I didn't enjoy the 1st book but I'm glad I read it now as it's a LOT better.

This book ain't no Weather Warden book (Rachel's other series, one of the best book series ever written), but it's still loads of good fun and a great quick read. I'm looking forward to the 3rd book, released in October. 4 stars.

4.5 stars. Leaves a lot of threads dangling........2007-05-22

Claire Danvers is a genius. She thinks studying and learning are fun. Since she is only sixteen, her parents will not allow her to attend college far away. They want to be able to drive up anytime they believe Claire needs them. Therefore, Claire attends Texas Prairie University (TPU). Due to problems with the previous dorm's popular girl, Monica Morrell, trying to kill her, Claire lives off campus at Glass House with three other house mates.

Claire is only now getting used to knowing that vampires rule the town and the local humans are pledged to certain vampires as life-long servants and blood donors. Anyone without a bracelet showing that he has Protection is nothing more than meat if he roams the streets after dark. It is a little more tolerable, thanks to her roommates. Eve has become Claire's best friend. Shane has become Claire's boyfriend. David is still strange, even though Claire now understands why David is never seen during the day. No, David is not a vampire, but that would be a blessing compared to what he is now.

Now a fraternity is throwing its annual Dead Girls' Dance. Amazingly, Claire and Eve have been invited. They have no idea WHY they were issued the invitation though. Since Claire is so young, she would have declined, except that Shane's father, along with a gang of bikers, are on a vendetta to kill all vampires. If humans get in the way, that's just too bad.

***** This book picks up EXACTLY where the first left off. If you have not read book one (Glass Houses), then you will find yourself lost a few times. Thankfully, this time the story does not end in the middle of something horrible, like a murder. It does, however, leave many threads dangling. I am still confused on when Claire's two days dead line got extended by her parents. Did the author forget about it? Loop hole? Who knows? Hopefully, the dead line will be explained in the third novel (Midnight Alley), due for release October 2007. Teens and Young Adults will not be the only ones to be enthralled by this series. If you like vampires, this is for you! *****

Reviewed by Detra Fitch of Huntress Reviews.

Average customer rating:

The Goose Girl
Enjoyable read
A Lovely Princess Tale
Not Princess Fluff
One of the Most Magical Books I've Read

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:

The Goose Girl.......2007-10-05

The Goose Girl is an inspiring book. It is a journey for both the character and the reader, who experience change in their own lives. Never before have words so easy and enjoyable to read, strike me. That have uplifted me, and left me wanting more.

In the beginning, Ani is not confident about herself, and the position that she is asked to fulfill, like almost anyone. As she faces her future with the prince of a neighboring country, is betrayed by those she thought she could trust, and having to make an entirely new life out of something that did not seem possible, the reader is enticed into the companionship between Ani and her new friends, the suspense and loveliness of the blending of experiences. The life changes of the "Prima Dona" to a servant is not an easy task, for anyone. Whether you are going from junior high/middle school to high school, or raising your own children and trying to cope with the new challenges of being a parent. Everyone wishes that they could have the opportunity to hear the whisperings on the wind, listen to animals and have a bond tighter then humans do with each other.

This book for me was revealing, relaxing, enjoyable, and invigorating. It is not everyday that you are able to be pulled into a book that grabs you by the shoulders, and makes a mystery, suspense, love and comedy into an enjoyable book for any and all ages.
I've met Shannon Hale, and she is an amazing author. She is so "intone" with herself; as a woman, wife, friend, daughter, mother, etc. She is aware of the need for good, wholesome literature that makes you want to run through the fields and experience and view life as you've never seen before.

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.

Average customer rating:

Love those wee free men!
Pratchett at his worst....
Is this really for kids?
JUST what I wanted!
Not Pratchett's best story, but full of Pratchett's heart

A Hat Full of Sky
Terry Pratchett
Manufacturer: HarperTeen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0060586621
Release Date: 2005-06-14

Book Description

Something is coming after Tiffany ...

Tiffany Aching is ready to begin her apprenticeship in magic. She expects spells and magic -- not chores and ill-tempered nanny goats! Surely there must be more to witchcraft than this!

What Tiffany doesn't know is that an insidious, disembodied creature is pursuing her. This time, neither Mistress Weatherwax (the greatest witch in the world) nor the fierce, six-inch-high Wee Free Men can protect her. In the end, it will take all of Tiffany's inner strength to save herself ... if it can be done at all.

A Story of Discworld

Customer Reviews:

Love those wee free men!.......2007-09-26

This is a great children's book as well as for adults. I love the wee free men as only Pratchett can describe them. The "sharkies" and "big job" are personal favorites. This book has been read several times in my household and we actually gave a copy to our nephew for his birthday one year. He liked it so much he has asked for more titles by Pratchett.

Pratchett at his worst...........2007-09-23

...would still be better than Rowling at her best. The 'Editorial Reviewer' that created this comparison is just covering him (her) self with ridicule. Pratchett was creating masterpieces when Rowling was still in kindergarten. For that matter, in many ways, she still is.

Is this really for kids?.......2007-07-05

I found this book to be immensely entertaining. Despite relatively clean jokes, this doesn't really seem all that different from the rest of the Discworld series, in terms of reading difficulty. However, I imagine I might say otherwise, were I still in elementary school.

JUST what I wanted!.......2007-05-07

It took me a little to find the right cover, but it was just what I wanted, and came in good time!

Not Pratchett's best story, but full of Pratchett's heart.......2007-03-18

As an avid Terry Pratchett reader, I believe there are two kinds of his book: good and great. A Hat Full of Sky is of the good variety, as it stands on its own. However, I believe it's a great chapter in the larger work of the Discworld series. He has something very important to say here about responsibility, about relationships within the community, and about deep morality . . . I think that Pratchett's sympathies lie deeply with his witches, and watching this witch grow up is his lesson to us . . . I laughed and cried, and went away for the better.

(And ignore the Harry Potter comparisons. While I think Rowling is a fine author, Pratchett is the better storyteller, in the old, old sense of the term. His stories crackle with the energy of seeing all the parts of ourselves leaping back at us.)

Average customer rating:

Cute Story
I Love Kids Literature But This Book Was Not My Taste
Definitely not what it appears
Great read!
A wonderful story

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

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ASIN: 1582349932
Release Date: 2005-06-16

Book Description

Miri lives on a mountain where, for generations, her ancestors have quarried stone and lived a simple life. Then word comes that the king's priests have divined her small village the home of the future princess. In a year's time, the prince himself will come and choose his bride from among the girls of the village. The king's ministers set up an academy on the mountain, and every teenage girl must attend and learn how to become a princess.

Miri soon finds herself confronted with a harsh academy mistress, bitter competition among the girls, and her own conflicting desires to be chosen and win the heart of her childhood best friend. But when bandits seek out the academy to kidnap the future princess, Miri must rally the girls together and use a power unique to the mountain dwellers to save herself and her classmates.

Customer Reviews:

Cute Story.......2007-09-22

I picked this up at a book fair and thought it was a cute story.

I Love Kids Literature But This Book Was Not My Taste.......2007-09-13

I bought the book on the suggestion of other reviews but I was disapointed.
I read the book and it seemed to have a slow start, there was a large assortment of characters though I felt they were not very well developed.
I really don't suggest this tale. I am intereste dint he authors other ork but I will get it from the libray and not waste money purchasing them.

Definitely not what it appears.......2007-09-02

I liked this book far more than I ever intended to. I'm a huge fan of "Goose Girl", but a book with this kind of title? Why don't you just shoot me in the head? But eventually I found myself purchasing what turned out to be a literal diamond in the rough (you see, there's this whole mountain quarry thing going on in the novel).

Wow, was I impressed! Rather than a bunch of silly girls wanting to be princesses, Ms. Hale creates a realistic society of some mountain peasants simply trying to survive in their own little niche of the kingdom. Our heroine is Miri, a small girl that can't wait to join the rest of her village in the quarry. But she is not allowed.

To shake things up, the prince of the kingdom supposedly is destined to select a bride from their mountain. So all the elligible girls are gathered together for training.

And we all know what happens when we put a bunch of teenage girls together. Tensions run high as jealousy seeps in. All the girls have their different reasons for being at the school, for wanting to be princess. All of them, wonderfully enough, are fantastic reasons.

It seems as though our little Miri will fall behind. But she proves herself victorious as she grows and learns and realizes she is not the useless little thing she believes she is.

It's sweet, powerful, and inspirational, definitely worth its Newberry Honor.

Great read!.......2007-07-26

This is such a cute book. Perfect for girls 12-15. Fun to read and nothing offensive.

A wonderful story.......2007-07-13

This book was my introduction to Shannon Hale's writing. The characters are well-developed, the landscapes and locations are described vividly, and the ending is very satisfying. The world Shannon Hale has created for these characters is also very unusual and interesting, and her development of the mining town and its culture contributes greatly to the fullness of the story.

I found some of the scenes in the Academy schoolroom to be reminiscent of Frances Hodgson Burnett's A Little Princess (another of my all-time favorite books) -- the way that Miri interacted with her classmates reminded me a litle of Sara Crewe (defying a bully, protecting a younger classmate, etc.). The rest of the stories are very different from each other, however. Perhaps the schoolroom scenes are similar because they are both girls' boarding schools, and some behaviors in that setting can be expected (such as competition for being the best in the class, and clique formation).

Overall, I thought this book told a great story, with memorable characters and an exciting conclusion. It is a great way to introduce yourself to Shannon Hale's other books.

Average customer rating:

So Funny!
Is this book really for kids?
You Can't Go Wrong With Pratchett
Ridiculously funny
Discworld lite, for kids

The Wee Free Men
Terry Pratchett
Manufacturer: HarperTeen
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 0060012382
Release Date: 2004-05-25

Amazon.com

Nine-year-old Tiffany Aching needs magic--fast! Her sticky little brother Wentworth has been spirited away by the evil Queen of faerie, and it's up to her to get him back safely. Having already decided to grow up to be a witch, now all Tiffany has to do is find her power. But she quickly learns that it's not all black cats and broomsticks. According to her witchy mentor Miss Tick, "Witches don't use magic unless they really have to...We do other things. A witch pays attention to everything that's going on...A witch uses her head...A witch always has a piece of string!" Luckily, besides her trusty string, Tiffany's also got the Nac Mac Feegles, or the Wee Free Men on her side. Small, blue, and heavily tattooed, the Feegles love nothing more than a good fight except maybe a drop of strong drink! Tiffany, heavily armed with an iron skillet, the feisty Feegles, and a talking toad on loan from Miss Tick, is a formidable adversary. But the Queen has a few tricks of her own, most of them deadly. Tiffany and the Feegles might get more than they bargained for on the flip side of Faerie! Prolific fantasy author Terry Pratchett has served up another delicious helping of his famed Discworld fare. The not-quite-teen set will delight in the Feegles' spicy, irreverent dialogue and Tiffany's salty determination. Novices to Pratchett's prose will find much to like here, and quickly go back to devour the rest of his Discworld offerings. Scrumptiously recommended. (Ages 10 to 14) --Jennifer Hubert

Book Description

A nightmarish danger threatens from the other side of reality . . .

Armed with only a frying pan and her common sense, young witch-to-be Tiffany Aching must defend her home against the monsters of Fairyland. Luckily she has some very unusual help: the local Nac Mac Feegle—aka the Wee Free Men—a clan of fierce, sheep-stealing, sword-wielding, six-inch-high blue men.

Together they must face headless horsemen, ferocious grimhounds, terrifying dreams come true, and ultimately the sinister Queen of the Elves herself. . . .

A Story of Discworld

Customer Reviews:

So Funny!.......2007-07-20

I love this book! It's so very Terry Pratchett. I have it as an audio book and sometimes I wonder if I can drive properly listening to it!

Is this book really for kids?.......2007-07-05

You Can't Go Wrong With Pratchett.......2007-06-27

I am a latecomer to the Discworld having just discovered Terry's body of work less than a year ago. Since then, I've knocked out about 20 of this series of books, and I have a friend who waits right behind me ready to snatch up each book I finish.

While "The Wee Free Men" is one of the most recent additions to Mr. Pratchett's witch-focused Discworld story line, it nevertheless delivers the same wit, laughs, and plot twists of its predecessors. Of course, it does it with a slight twist with the introduction of the Nac Mac Feegle pictsie clan. I kept turning the pages looking forward to their next set of dialogue and antics. I would love to party with these guys!

Give this volume a shot and you won't be disappointed. It's a quick and hysterical romp across the Chalk.

Ridiculously funny.......2007-06-27

If you want laugh-out-loud entertainment, this is the book for you! My favorite among Terry Pratchett's characters has always been Rincewind, but Rob Anybody is now close to becoming his rival. I second the motion of one other reviewer's comment--Tiffany Aching is the hero of this book, but it's the Wee Free Men who pull it off.

Discworld lite, for kids.......2007-05-31

Pre-teen near-witch teams up with drinkin', fightin', stealin', swearin' blue men. Oh, and they're six inches tall and live in a hive society. Together, they have to defeat an evil nightmare-controlling creature from another dimension.

There's some of the Pratchett humour, a little of the Discworld mythos, in this first-of-a-trilogy. It has little overlap with the other novels except in the witch department.

The book is riotously fun to read aloud, if ye kin doo the Pictsie voices wit' a proper Scots/Pict accent. (And if not, watch "Trainspotting" to practice...) Crivens!

Average customer rating:

A beautiful story. Well worth your time!
Enchanting
Magical Forest Adventures - Bookwyrm Chrysalis Review
Good, but could be better
Another amazing novel by Juliet Marillier

Wildwood Dancing
Juliet Marillier
Manufacturer: Knopf Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0375833641
Release Date: 2007-01-23

Book Description

High in the Transylvanian woods, at the castle Piscul Draculi, live five daughters and their doting father. It's an idyllic life for Jena, the second eldest, who spends her time exploring the mysterious forest with her constant companion, a most unusual frog. But best by far is the castle's hidden portal, known only to the sisters. Every Full Moon, they alone can pass through it into the enchanted world of the Other Kingdom. There they dance through the night with the fey creatures of this magical realm.

But their peace is shattered when Father falls ill and must go to the southern parts to recover, for that is when cousin Cezar arrives. Though he's there to help the girls survive the brutal winter, Jena suspects he has darker motives in store. Meanwhile, Jena's sister has fallen in love with a dangerous creature of the Other Kingdom--an impossible union it's up to Jena to stop.

When Cezar's grip of power begins to tighten, at stake is everything Jena loves: her home, her family, and the Other Kingdom she has come to cherish. To save her world, Jena will be tested in ways she can't imagine--tests of trust, strength, and true love.

Customer Reviews:

A beautiful story. Well worth your time!.......2007-08-26

This was such a wonderful book. It really drew me into their world. I am very picky about my books and i like this one!

I like the style of this book. Its easy to read and exciting. I didnt like some of her other series- but I like this one!

I would recomend it to anyone!

Enchanting.......2007-08-20

"Wildwood Dancing" is the tale of five sisters who live with their father in a Transylvanian castle situated amidst an ancient forest. The forest shelters the inhabitants of the Other Kingdom, who wield an equal share of respect and fear from the folk that live in the area. As small children, the sisters discovered a portal in their bedroom that leads to the Other Kingdom, and since then they have been making monthly visits to participate in the Full Moon festivities.

The story is narrated by Jena, the second eldest, who takes many of the family responsibilities upon herself. Her constant companion is a frog named Gogu, who she found at a young age and who she is able to communicate with. When their father falls ill and is forced to spend the winter elsewhere, Jena resolves to handle the business and family in his absence. But she faces continual challenges: one in the form of their cousin Cezar, who steadily gains more control over their home and business; and the second being the arrival of the mysterious Night People, one of whom captures the heart of her older sister, Tati.

This was a thoroughly enchanting read! Marillier has once again taken well-known fairy tale elements and worked them into a unique and captivating tale of love, loss, acceptance, trust, and change. Despite the multitude of characters and the first-person perspective, readers got a firm impression of the diversity and depth of many of the central characters' thoughts and feelings. The setting for the story was elaborative; the writing was flowing and lyrical. Despite the straightforwardness of the plot, I did find myself surprised by a couple of twists here and there.

There are only a few points I could nitpick about. One being that the Tati/Sorrow and Jena/Cezar angles were very reminiscent of Niamh/Ciaran and Liadan/Eammon from "Son of the Shadows". Seeing as how Marillier is a very skilled and creative author, I read through most of the book expecting some type of twist to make it different from "Shadwos", but none came, and that was a little disappointing. Also, as much as I adored the many characterizations, a few of the sisters did start to get annoying towards the end. Luckily that was quickly rectified, but it seemed to mar the otherwise excellent climax. But again, these are minor points, and I only mention them because I tend to hold Juliet Marillier to a higher standard than most other authors I've read.

Overall, this was an imaginative, engrossing, beautiful read! I highly recommend it not only for young adults, but more mature readers as well.

Magical Forest Adventures - Bookwyrm Chrysalis Review.......2007-08-12

Set in the heart of Transylvania, where folklore is central to village life, Juliet Marillier takes us back to the time before Dracula, weaving a captivating romantic fairytale. A stunning mixture of old legends and familiar tales, the reader will enjoy the new interpretations and learn a bit about Transylvanian culture along the way.

Jena and her four sisters live in Piscul Dracului - Devil's Peak - the Transylvanian castle which borders on an ancient forest and the lake, Tãul Ielelor. Every new moon for the last nine years, they - along with Jena's best friend, the talking frog, Gogu - have shared a secret dual life. Every month, they travel through a portal in their room to the Other Kingdom, the land where the fairy folk rule over the woods around Piscul Dracului. There they partake in the nighttime dance with fairies, dwarves, and other magical creatures. Now things are changing for the sisters, as their father takes ill and must leave to spend the winter in a better climate, and the two oldest girls - Jena and Tati - begin their transition to adulthood, while still attempting to retain their ties to the Other Kingdom. As the Night People (think vampires, but with more ambiguous intentions) come to join the new moon festivities, Jena must fight with her own prejudices, shaped all her life by village folklore. Reminded that nothing is what it seems in the Other Kingdom and to trust her instincts, she still protests against Tati's new love, due to his connection with the Night People.

Fighting to keep control of her own life, and to hold her sisters together as their dual lives begin to overlap, Jena is a strong young woman, portrayed realistically in her pre-industrial society. Throughout the course of the book, she is challenged to rethink the truths that she clings to and learn to overcome her insecurities.

Readers are fully drawn into the world of the book, from the intricate cover art, to the chapter layouts within. The cover itself is a work of splendid art, and I often found myself just staring at it, each image gaining more impact as the plot deepened.

Magic, mystery, fairytales, and romance, this book has everything I look for in a good read. Ideally aimed at teenaged girls, any lover of fantasy should also enjoy this well-crafted tale, woven with enough twists and turns to keep you reading all night. Those interested in the history of Transylvania will also enjoy the book, as Marillier depicts a riveting backdrop, using the already magical land of Transylvania as a perfect setting for this book. Looking back to the tales before Dracula, the setting and detail alone will captivate readers.

Good, but could be better.......2007-07-10

Wildwood dancing is an interesting enhancement of an old fairy tale. Once a month, five sisters travel through a magical door and into the "Other Kingdom," where they meet elves, dwarves, and the sinister Night People. Pursued by their cousin, who wants to destroy the Other Kingdom, Wildwood Dancing is an interesting read.

The writing skill of this book might be too hard for younger readers, as well as the fact that there is some violence and other slightly disturbing contents. At four hundred pages, it is a little daunting, but worth reading. The story teaches the values of love, honesty, and above all, trust.

I rated this book three stars because, although I really enjoyed the book, at times it travelled slowly and had trouble keeping my attention. I also found it to be quite predictable, in the usual way fairy tales are.

Another amazing novel by Juliet Marillier.......2007-06-06

After flying through the world of Sevenwaters, I decided to look into Marillier's other books. This is book has so much of what I love in it - flawed heroes and heroines, endings that tie into the beginning through unexpected turns, a wide spectrum of magic and fantasy, a few love stories that twine through the large story, and of course, elements of familiar fairy tales used in a thrilling and entertaining way

Any fan of Juliet Marillier, fairy tales retold by any author, the fantasy genre, and good literature in general should pick this up at once.

Average customer rating:

Ozorne's making trouble!
Dinos bent on Destruction
A good book in a good series
Emperor Mage (Immortals)
A Darkness Unravels

Emperor Mage (Immortals)
Tamora Pierce
Manufacturer: Simon Pulse
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Mass Market Paperback

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ASIN: 1416903372

Book Description

Sent to Carthak as part of the Tortallan peace delegation, Daine finds herself in the middle of a sticky political situation. She doesn't like the Carthaki practice of keeping slaves, but it's not her place to say anything -- she's just there to heal the emperor's birds. It's extremely frustrating! What's more, her power has grown in a mysterious way.

As the peace talks stall, Daine puzzles over Carthak's two-faced Emperor Ozorne. How can he be so caring with his birds and so cruel to his people? Daine is sure he's planning something. Daine must fight the powerful Emperor Mage, knowing that the safety and peace of the realm depend on stopping Ozorne's power-hungry schemes.

Customer Reviews:

Ozorne's making trouble!.......2007-03-31

Daine and her teacher Numair Salamin are sent to Carthak as part of the peace legion. But although Ozorne says that he didn't attack Tortall Daine can tell that he's up to something. She can feel it.

In this book Daine is captured by...sorry I won't tell you. Numair tries to save her and...another thing I won't say. Ozorne is growing powerful and Daine see's her power growing in strange ways. Are these powers good or bad?

While Daine is here she meets Kaddar the prince of Carthak and maybe, just maybe they can do something to stop the war and to defeat Ozorne...

Please read this book. I'm sure you'll enjoy it. It has magic, fantasy, action, adventure and a touch of romance.

Dinos bent on Destruction.......2007-02-20

Ever wished you could trash an empiral palace using dinosaurs? Then this book is for you! Animal lovers unite to take out the bad guy.

A good book in a good series.......2007-01-05

I have read this book many times in the past years. Finally being able to own it is great! It has a good storyline and well-thought-out characters. I've loved these books since I was a kid and I hope others read them as well!

Emperor Mage (Immortals).......2007-01-03

I purchased the Immortals series for my granddaughter, who is 12 years old. She read all the books within a period of a week and has subsequently found other titles by Tamora Pierce in her township library. She has developed into quite a Tamora Pierce fan.

A Darkness Unravels.......2006-01-04

Daine and a group of Tortall ambassadors go to Cathak in an attempt to make peace with the Emperor. Daine soon makes friends with the crown prince. However, when she is given a strange power and even stranger things begin to unroll, Daine is swept into it all.
Wonderful book, I couldn't put it down. Pierce carried me through a thrilling place. If you love fantasy, adventure and animals, like me, then you absolutely will love this book. However, this book should be read by young adults and adults. If you're not one of these then the book maybe a little bit too hard for you to follow. But Pierce gives such detail that it feels like you're really inside the book. It is a perfect squeal to Wild Magic and Wolf Speaker.

Average customer rating:

Anxious For the Third Book, Yet Hate To See the Trilogy End...
An incredible novel, a must-read for all fans of fiction and magic!
rebel angels
Great YA read
Review for Rebel Angels

Rebel Angels
Libba Bray
Manufacturer: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

Bedtime & Dreaming | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books

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ASIN: 0385730292
Release Date: 2005-08-23

Amazon.com

In this sequel to the Victorian fantasy A Great and Terrible Beauty, Gemma continues to pursue her role as the one destined to bind the magic of the Realms and restore it to the Order--a mysterious group who have been overthrown by a rebellion. Gemma, Felicity and Ann, (her girlfriends at Spence Academy for Young Ladies), use magical power to transport themselves on visits from their corseted world to the visionary country of the Realms, with its strange beauty and menace. There they search for the lost Temple, the key to Gemma's mission, and comfort Pippa, their friend who has been left behind in the Realms. After these visits they bring back magical power for a short time to use in their own world. Meanwhile, Gemma is torn between her attraction to the exotic Kartik, the messenger from the opposing forces of the Rakshana, and the handsome but clueless Simon, a young man of good family who is courting her. The complicated plot thickens when Gemma discovers a woman in Bedlam madhouse who knows where to find the Temple; Ann shows signs of being enamored of Gemma's loutish brother Tom, and their father's addiction to laudanum lands him in an opium den. A large part of the enjoyment of this unusual fantasy comes from the Victorian milieu and its restrictive rules about the behavior of proper young ladies, as contrasted with the unimaginable possibilities of the Realms, where Gemma has power to confront gorgons and ghosts and the responsibility to save a world. (Ages 12 and up) --Patty Campbell

Book Description

Ah, Christmas! Gemma Doyle is looking forward to a holiday from Spence Academy, spending time with her friends in the city, attending ritzy balls, and on a somber note, tending to her ailing father. As she prepares to ring in the New Year, 1896, a handsome young man, Lord Denby, has set his sights on Gemma, or so it seems. Yet amidst the distractions of London, Gemma’s visions intensify–visions of three girls dressed in white, to whom something horrific has happened, something only the realms can explain. . . .
The lure is strong, and before long, Gemma, Felicity, and Ann are turning flowers into butterflies in the enchanted world of the realms that Gemma alone can bring them to. To the girls’ great joy, their beloved Pippa is there as well, eager to complete their circle of friendship.
But all is not well in the realms–or out. The mysterious Kartik has reappeared, telling Gemma she must find the Temple and bind the magic, else great disaster will befall her. Gemma’s willing to do his intrusive bidding, despite the dangers it brings, for it means she will meet up with her mother’s greatest friend–and now her foe, Circe. Until Circe is destroyed, Gemma cannot live out her destiny. But finding Circe proves a most perilous task.

Customer Reviews:

Anxious For the Third Book, Yet Hate To See the Trilogy End..........2007-09-11

I am (by far) no longer a teenager, and I don't usually read YA books (just never really thought about it before). Further, I don't usually even read Fantasy--except that I have read the first 4 Harry Potter books, of course, because, at the time my son was reading them and he insisted that I read them too. And I admit that I thoroughly enjoyed them! HOWEVER, I must say that I absolutely enjoyed the first book of this trilogy, "Great and Terrible Beauty" even MORE!!! I then ran right out and bought the sequel, "Rebel Angels", and loved it just as much!! I have already told my husband and kids that I want the third book of the trilogy (The Sweet Far Thing) for Christmas (even though it's release date is set for AFTER Christmas--I simply suggested to them to pre-order it for me and make that my gift). I can't wait!

HERE'S SOME ANTICIPATED NEWS FOR FANS OF THIS TRILOGY: I just found out that the movie adaptation of "Great and Terrible Beauty" is in production (Mel Gibson productions), and is set for release sometime in 2008!!!

Unfortunately, as much as I hate to be a pessimist, I rather wonder if the movie could hold up to the book. In most cases, it seems that whenever books are made into movies, it's always lacking and often a disappointment. The book is always better, and I worry that such will be case here. One's own imagination is always better than the movie, and each of us visualize the books in our own unique ways. I guess we'll just have to wait and see if it can work on the big screen...

An incredible novel, a must-read for all fans of fiction and magic!.......2007-09-09

Libba Bray's novel Rebel Angels was a stunning sequel to her first book, A Great and Terrible Beauty. It was filled with suspense and mystery; once I set down to read it, it wouldn't let me go until the last page. Even at the end, it left me hungering for the next book, The Sweet Far Thing, which releases in December 2007.
The story begins with a prologue from the point of view of Kartik, a gypsy member of a group of questionable motives called the Rakshana and a love interest of the protagonist, Gemma. It is interesting insight on a character whose thoughts we didn't get to see in A Great and Terrible Beauty, and the reader gains clarity and insight into the Rakshana's inner workings. However, when chapter 1 comes, the focus is back on Gemma and her friends, now on Christmas holiday from their boarding school. Haunted by strange dreams, Gemma investigates and unlocks secrets about her mother, about her enemies, and about the strange dreamlike realms her friends and she travel to. The book switches between views of the realms and their real lives, where typical teenage problems occur such as romantic relationships, prejudice and its effects, and substance abuse.
In conclusion, I highly recommend Rebel Angels. Libba Bray transports the reader into Victorian times, an all girls boarding school, and mystical realms without losing a bit of credibility along the way. Her characters are believable, reacting to the situations in different but equally realistic ways. They are not perfect, all possessing unique flaws that make them more interesting to read about, but they are not so flawed that they cause the reader to dislike them. It is a thoroughly enthralling novel, and I suggest everyone who has read A Great and Terrible Beauty read the sequel.

rebel angels.......2007-09-08

"Rebel Angels" strongly continues the saga of Gemma Doyle, begun in "A Great & Terrible Beauty." In Bray's second installment, Gemma's friendships are tested, & the magic of the realms is given more shape. As in the first installment, "Rebel Angels" deals with social attitudes in the Victorian period, which is a great plus. The characters of Ann & Felicity are the main players in the social commentaries, & they end "Rebel Angels" with greater depth than before. Felicity, in particular, turns into a more sympathetic character.

In the way of magic, Gemma's task becomes more defined, something I greatly appreciated after feeling that the magic was too vague in "A Great & Terrible Beauty." This time, the story was truly suspenseful, & the ending was a great shocker. I'll surely buy "The Sweet Far Thing" in hardback.

Great YA read.......2007-07-16

Thought this one started a little slow but really picked up towards the end. I am looking forward to the sequel.

Review for Rebel Angels.......2007-07-14

Between a Great and Terrible Beauty and Rebel Angels, I'd have to say Rebel Angels so far is my favorite out of this series. Our favorite characters are brought back from the last novel and are just as wonderful and well developed as ever.
This novel is full of mystery and wonder and it certainly keeps you on the edge of your seat until the very end! The imagery and romance in this novel is also wonderful, and it definitely pulls you into another place and time.
I absolutely love this novel and I hope you all enjoy just as much as I have.

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