Friday, April 29, 2011
Something Wicked This Way Comes
Will Holloway and Jim Nightshade are two young boys living in a rural Illinois town. During the course of a weekend the town is visited by a mysterious circus that appears to have materialized out of the darkness. Cooger & Dark's Pandemonium Shadow Show turns out to be a very sinister threat to the boys and the town. Ray Bradbury does an incredible job bringing the small town to life and describing the care-free lives of these schoolboys. As the book progresses the boys must make tough choices and Bradbury vividly illustrates their transformations and the testing of their friendship as they embark on their own hero’s journeys. During their journey to save the town the boys fight literal and figurative creatures as well seek the wise guidance of Will’s father Charles. This quick read is a perfect book that analyzes the topics of redemption, heroism, conquering fear, and the cost of true friendship. - Andrew and Alex, class of 2011
American Gods by Neil Gaiman
From the opening chapter of the novel, American Gods, to the closing pages, Neil Gaiman keeps the reader walking the fine line between being uncomfortable and being entertained. The story of Shadow, a man recently released from jail and thrown into an adventure pitting gods against each other, is one of many clever references, allusions, and events. Anyone with even a very basic knowledge of world mythology will appreciate Gaiman’s ability to portray mythological gods living in a moder n day setting. Such characters as Odin, Anubis, Anansi, and Loki were given human forms to live with reduced power in today’s society. If it wasn’t for multiple disturbing scenes, this book would have been one of our favorites. As it is, the few questionable scenes obscured the otherwise enjoyable plotline. Overall, we would all recommend this book for its spontaneous, clever, and creative plot, despite some questionable subject matter. - Maria, Andy, Geoff, class of 2011
When one thinks of an American God, often what comes to mind are superheroes such as Superman or Captain America. However in Neil Gaiman’s fictional novel American Gods, the main character, Shadow Moon, is no hero, rather an ex-convict who can’t catch a break but has nothing to lose. He is recruited by the all father, Mr. Wednesday, to complete a series of dangerous tasks in order to keep the other deities alive. Shadow travels the United States, battling the rival group the “New Gods”, all while get ting kidnapped, caught in between Godly battles and fighting an internal struggle concerning which side of Gods to help. However, to high school readers, it may be difficult to relate to Shadow and his other worldly escapades. At some points in this novel, there are scenes of graphic adult nature, seemingly out of place and superfluous. Hence, this novel is confusing and complicated at various times, but the journey of Shadow finding himself makes the read worthwhile. Connor and Sam, class of 2011
When one thinks of an American God, often what comes to mind are superheroes such as Superman or Captain America. However in Neil Gaiman’s fictional novel American Gods, the main character, Shadow Moon, is no hero, rather an ex-convict who can’t catch a break but has nothing to lose. He is recruited by the all father, Mr. Wednesday, to complete a series of dangerous tasks in order to keep the other deities alive. Shadow travels the United States, battling the rival group the “New Gods”, all while get ting kidnapped, caught in between Godly battles and fighting an internal struggle concerning which side of Gods to help. However, to high school readers, it may be difficult to relate to Shadow and his other worldly escapades. At some points in this novel, there are scenes of graphic adult nature, seemingly out of place and superfluous. Hence, this novel is confusing and complicated at various times, but the journey of Shadow finding himself makes the read worthwhile. Connor and Sam, class of 2011
Percy Jackson and the Olympians: The Titan's Curse
Venturing into the next journey of Percy, Annabeth, and Grover two new demi-gods, Thalia, the daughter of Zeus returns, and the hunters of Artemis come into play in The Titan’s Curse. Traveling across the United States once more the gang is put up against all odds once more. The oracle says: “four shall go but two shall return, one shall die by a parent’s hand.” And yet they still go on. Demi-gods fall both to death and to the control of Kronus, the evil t itan lord rising against Olympus once more to seize control and bring about the fall of the western world. This book is great for young teen readers, you might be able to relate to the way the demigods feel, or maybe you just like action and an insane twist to the end of a story. Will you pick up the third book of this series and venture into the unknown dangers of the demi-gods once more? - Chris and Derek, class of 2011
Sea of Trolls by Nancy Farmer
While Norse mythology has fascinated people for thousands of years, Nancy Farmer’s book Sea Of Trolls bored us to death in two days. The book begins with Jack, a boy who is plucked from obscurity and ends up being captured by Vikings. Even though this plot sounded interesting, we soon found out that this 500 page book flowed less like a sea of trolls and more like a sea of molasses; starting out sweet, but ultimately becoming nothing more than a gooey mess. Although the novels references to mythological creatures were accurate, their involvement in the story seemed forced and reading about them made us care less about what happens to Jack and more interested in the gods themselves. Farmer attempted to use the Hero’s Journey but even this narrative suffers from the sugar coated curse of the sea of molasses, providing no depth to any of the characters. Avoid this book and the ensuing tooth ache you’ll receive. -Erik, Katie, and Greg, class of 2011
Graceling by Kristin Cashore
Graceling, written by Kristin Cashore, was a compelling novel filled with lust, adventure, danger, love, and death. Katsa, a young woman graced with the power of fighting, meets a young Lienid during a mission for her counsel. This Lienid is anything but ordinary, with his sparkling gold and silver eyes and the same Grace as her, they become good friends as they learn to grow in their Grace together. Together, they embark on a treacherous journey that will test not only their physical strength but also their mental ability and personal boundaries. This slow paced novel is an easy read for mature high school females but was predictable and prolonged. The ending contained many twists and much more action than the first 300 pages combined and left the reader hanging with anticipation as to what would happen next. Will these two star crossed lovers have their happy ending? Read to find out! -Jessica, Amanda, Sara, class of 2011
This story captures the attention of young adult audience by having thrilling plots that take place over vast different lands and has surprises popping up in every chapter. Katsa and Po, the main characters, have to overcome the obstacle of being a graceling which makes them stand out as having special talents. It’s a thrilling story of how people continue to find out more about themselves as they get older and finding their way in life. They go from living a set life of reputation to not kno wing what may come their way in the next few hours. As the characters progress on their journey they even find out different things about themselves that they thought was set in stone. This book is fit for young adults and older because of how adventurous and captivating this book is but may be inappropriate for younger kids because of deaths and an explicit scene. Overall this was a great and inspiring book. -Jessica and Grant, class of 2011
A hero’s journey worth reading, Graceling is a magnificent story about a young girl named Katsa and her mission to uncover the mysteries of her Grace. Katsa is a skilled fighter who joins other companions including Po and Princess Bitterblue. Her journey begins with the discovery of her grace which helps her in conquering the many obstacles that befall her. Through her adventures, she must figure out how to control her grace in fear of hurting others close to her. With Katsa’s companion Po, she overcame d arkness, injuries, and the numerous enemies that were thrown in her direction. This is an exciting story that had its ups and downs. At certain points in the plot it kept the reader on the edge on their seat. Graceling is a story that focusses on a lot of different emotions and is a definite recommendation for people who enjoy adventure and romance. -Zach, Tanner, Ryan, class of 2011
This story captures the attention of young adult audience by having thrilling plots that take place over vast different lands and has surprises popping up in every chapter. Katsa and Po, the main characters, have to overcome the obstacle of being a graceling which makes them stand out as having special talents. It’s a thrilling story of how people continue to find out more about themselves as they get older and finding their way in life. They go from living a set life of reputation to not kno wing what may come their way in the next few hours. As the characters progress on their journey they even find out different things about themselves that they thought was set in stone. This book is fit for young adults and older because of how adventurous and captivating this book is but may be inappropriate for younger kids because of deaths and an explicit scene. Overall this was a great and inspiring book. -Jessica and Grant, class of 2011
A hero’s journey worth reading, Graceling is a magnificent story about a young girl named Katsa and her mission to uncover the mysteries of her Grace. Katsa is a skilled fighter who joins other companions including Po and Princess Bitterblue. Her journey begins with the discovery of her grace which helps her in conquering the many obstacles that befall her. Through her adventures, she must figure out how to control her grace in fear of hurting others close to her. With Katsa’s companion Po, she overcame d arkness, injuries, and the numerous enemies that were thrown in her direction. This is an exciting story that had its ups and downs. At certain points in the plot it kept the reader on the edge on their seat. Graceling is a story that focusses on a lot of different emotions and is a definite recommendation for people who enjoy adventure and romance. -Zach, Tanner, Ryan, class of 2011
Radiant Darkness by Emily Whitman
This suspenseful novel will keep you on the edge of your seat wanting more. Radiant Darkness is about love, not a love story. Unfortunately for Persephone love is a confusing maze that is constantly changing. However, under the controlling eyes of her mother Demeter, love isn’t always possible. When Persephone meets a fiery mystery man, her mother becomes weary of the thought of her falling in love. This book was different then myths told in Greek and Roman cultures. It is a very touching and heartwarming story of conflict between a daughter and mother and of a girl growing up looking for love. We would recommend Radiant Darkness for others to read especially for teenage girls. Guaranteed once you pick up this book you won’t want to put it down. -Devin, Caitlyn, and Wesley, class of 2011
Friday, April 15, 2011
Pathfinder by Orson Scott Card
This author's older books have been super popular. Will this new series reach the same level of fame?
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