The Age of the Ring (Lord of the Rings) Forum
Off Topic Section => Hobbies, Pastimes, Sports, & Leisure => Literature => Topic started by: Lissie on March 23, 2004, 10:14:14 PM
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Calling All Bookworms!
I'm pretty sure I am not the only person here who is addicted to Reading so I came up with a brilliant Idea!!!
This topic is for people to post Book Reviews. Each time you finish a book, you make a post on here, reviewing the book, giving it a rating and generally describing the book!
I DO NOT WANT THIS TOPIC SPAMMED UP! >:( I DO NOT WANT ONE LINE REVIEWS.
THIS IS THE SORT OF THING I WANT TO SEE OK GUYS AND GALS?
Title:
Author:
Genre: E.G Horror, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy
Short Description.
Rating: /10
Opinion
Hopefully I will ask a mod to make this topic Sticky so it doesn't get lost, but only if there is some up-take on this. I don't want to be the only one doing it!
So If you want to become a member of the Book Club, IM me and I will put your name on the list, and READ AWAY ;D Just don't forget to post your reviews!
Members List and book reviews
Lissie - Maid of Honour
The Belgariad
REMEMBER ME
An Offer from a Gentleman
The Star of the Sea
Ellie - A child called it
The Silence of the Lambs
Goldberry - Dead Famous
Gerald's Game
Pippy - Taggarung
Martin the Worrior
The Golden Wreck
The Legend Of Deathwalker
Chantal - Max Havelaar of de Koffieveilingen der Nederlandse Handelsmaatschappij
Legolasfan - Junk
Lucas
Martyn Pig
Coming back
Mirage- Mary, Bloody Mary
Kimmie - Noughts and Crosses
Bev123 - Involved
ZZ - Across the Nightingale Floor
Of Mice and Men
Samwise Gamgee - Ender's Game
Journey To The River Sea
Portrait Of A Killer; Jack The Ripper Case Closed
Maggot Pie
The Sterkarm Handshake
Bored of the Rings
Beyond the Hanging Wall
Be yourself
Amnesia
Voyage on the Great Titanic
A child called "it"
EmnHan - Stravaganza City of Masks
Niko - Interview with the Vampire
Cuthien - Eragon: Inheritance
A Midsummer Night's Faerie Tale
Holes
Abarat
Islime - The Age of Misrule trilogy - World's End, Darkest Hour, Always forever
Note - Guards,Guards
tig - A Tale of Two Cities
Thawyn - Elizabeth, The Struggle For The Throne
Castle in the Air.
The Queen's Gambit
Court Duel
Crown Duel
The Chronicles of Chrestomanci
So You Want To Be A Wizard
Lord Of The Flies
Mother Teresa
LOTR Freak - Lola Rose
The secret of platform 13
Bobble_Hat - Sabriel
Lirael
Abhorsen
Andonewhitetree - Northern Lights
Crime and Punishment
The Subtle Knife
Eostre Took - Tithe
Eleanor - Troy
Nienor - Scorpia
Knife Edge
FlareyGirl - Sabriel
The Darkweaver Legacy (The Forging of the Sword, Trail of the Huntress, First Sword, Chosen One)
Rosie_Brandybuck - The girl with a pearl earring
The girl in the red coat
ViggoAngel - Body of Evidence
Alaithlos - Witch Child
Josher the Hobbit - Drowned Ammet
Gwinoic alaithus - The Mallorean Series.
Doodle - Harry Potter & Prisnor Of Azkaban
Alora - Lord of the Flies
To Kill a Mocking bird
Sakura - Poison
Astaraél Gamgee - Eragon
Series of Unfortunate Events
Ella Enchanted
The Two Princesses of Bamarre
The City of Ember
Varda_vala - Macbeth
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Ok I shall start things Off with my first review!
Title: Maid of Honour, Part of the Elizabethan Season
Author: Paula Marshall
Genre: Romance/History
Description: Romantic Story set in the Court of Elizabeth I. Mistress Jermaine is given a place as a maid of Honour to the Queen, from her sister's fiance. However she runs into problems, when a murder happens. SOME MILDLY ADULT SCENES.
Rating: 8/10
Opinion: I loved it! I got really into it, and found it was really interesting learning about how the girls had to live when they were in court! However I thought the ending was a bit poor. It just kind of stopped. ???
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I finished this about 3 weeks ago but the book I only just finished was The Hobbit and I'm sure most people know the story and all that so I'll do the one I read before, is that ok?
Title: A Child Called It
Author: Dave Pelzer
Genre: E.G Horror, Mystery, Romance, Fantasy: A True story, very emotional (Don't think it really has a genre)
Short Description: It's the first part in a trilogy, this is from the age of 4 - 12 in his life. It's a true story about a young boy's life and all the things his mother did to him before he got "Rescued"
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: I really wanted to read this book for years but I only just managed to get hold of it, it is a really upsetting book and I cried more than once, it just surprised me how many bad things a mother did her own child, luckily it gets a little better towards the end after he's been rescued, and is a lot better in the second part which is called "The Lost Boy" I won't go into too much detail coz the book is very graphic and may upset some younger members of the forum.
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I read this book a while ago, butits the last one i read and at the moment i am trying to plough my way through the sil
Title: Dead Famous
Author: Ben Elton
Genre: Crime/mystery/humour
Short Description: It's about a reality TV show, kinda like big brother, but there is a murder on it, and it is basically a "who done it" with lots of other events.
Rating: 8/10
Opinion: It was good, and quite amusing, but it did drag in some places, however there is a good twist at the end!
Ellie, Dave Pelzer's collection of storys are so good. A Child called it is really quite traumatizing, the way he is treated! Fantastic book!
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(You gunna call me crazy now but weeeell :P I has read this book three times)
Title: Taggarung
Author: Brian Jaques
Genre: Fantasy
Short Description: Ok well Brian Jaques has written over like 11 of the redwall series. It like the animals of farthing wood and watership down relly. Anyways this story is about a baby stolen from Redwall abbey and is raised as an evil assasin thing. He killes his adopted father and runs away. He is the legendary Taggarung as he has the mark on his pa a skilled fighter so on..Anyways he leaves the clan after killing his father and goes off inserch of his real home
Rating: 8/10
Opinion: Ive read ALL of the Redwall books lol ahem I loves theeem they is so cool Oki It may be because I have an obsesion with animals but not the point it is a relly relly good book..
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(Thankyou all for posting and Joining!)
Ok I'm going to do a review of a series of books whoch I have read about 20 times Lol
Title: The Belgariad
Author: David Eddings
Genre: Fantasy
Short Description: This series follows the Life of a young boy, Garion, who grew up on a farm with his Aunt Pol. When Mister Wolf, the Old Story teller, turns up at the farm, with some rather disturbing news, it changes Garioins life completely as he battles to come to terms with Sorcery, Decit, and Love.
Rating: 9/10
Opinion: I absolutely love this series! David Eddings is such a fantastic Author. It is very easy to lose yourself in this fantasy world! And the storyline is fantastic! It lost one mark though, because there are 5 books in the series and you have to read all of them. However there is not one part of the series I would want to miss out so the 5 books are necessary! ;D
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I’ve finished this book a while ago, and it’s a Dutch book, but I now it has been translated in English, so maybe it can be usefull…
Title: Max Havelaar of de Koffieveilingen der Nederlandse Handelsmaatschappij
Autor: Multatuli, which is a pseudoniem (do you know that word?) for Eduard Douwes Dekkers
Genre: it’s a story that has actually happened (dunno how you call it)
Short description: the story is about a men called Droogstoppel who finds a package of scripts. He reads them, and decides to write a book about the trading of coffee in Indonesia, which in those days was colony of the Netherlands. This man went there, and he became a sort of leader in a certain area. In the end he was fired because he had done something, and I’m not exactly clear what is was. He has written this book to tell the world he had been a victim of injustice, and that he hadn’t done anything.
Rating: 1/10
Opinion: Men, this is a boring book. It’s all about politics, and so not interesting. It’s taken me about 4 months to finish it, though it counted only 300 pages…
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Here's a review of a really good book that i recommend and have read about 4 times!!
Title: Gerald's Game
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Thriller
Desc: It's about a woman and he husband who go away for the weekend, her husband handcuffs her to the bed, for fun, but starts getting carried away, so she ends up killing him, and she is stuck handcuffed to the bed, and it's all about how she starts imagining things and stuff.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: It's really good. It's quite freaky in some places aswell. Definately reccomend this one!
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(Sorry I am relly relly slow in reading my books)
Title: Martin the Worrior
Author: Brian Jaques
Genre: Fantasy
Desc: This is the first book in the Redwall series. Thought it is set in times after the last book was made (makes no sense I know but anyways) It goes back in time to the age of Martin who became the worrior of Redwall. Anyways it shows how he espaced slavery and escaped. This is long before the second book "Mossflwer" So Martin does not reach Redwall..
Rating: 8/10
Opinion: It is a good book but may not make sense to those who have not read Mossflower
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Title: Junk
Author: Melvin Burgess
Genre: Fiction
Short Description: Its about Tar who runs away from home and his girlfriend, Gemma, goes to live with him. They get into drugs and the book is about what happens to them and what they do to survive.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: I personally loved this book - I couldn't put it down!! I would recommend it to anyone!
Title: Lucas
Author: Kevin Brooks
Genre: Romance/ Slightly Mystery
Short Description: It's about Catlin and her whole life changes when she sees Lucas on the causeway. There is not alot known about Lucas and he quickly becomes an object of jealousy, prejudice and hatred. He does nothing wrong and Catlin stands by him.
Rating: 9/10
Opinion: I liked it - it was a very moving book about love and friendship.
Title: Martyn Pig
Author: Kevin Brooks
Genre: Mystery
Short Description: About Martyn Pig,who lives with his dad, and it's about his best friend Alex, she's his only friend. To save himself Martyn makes a decision with big consequences - and there is a twist at the end that you wouldn't have expected!
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: I loved it! It keeps you guessing all the way through!
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Title: Mary, Bloody Mary
Author: Carolyn Meyer
Genre: Historical fiction
Storyline: I think everyone knows Mary Tudor, "Bloody Mary", one of England's most famous and terrible queens, who gave her name to the drink "Bloody Mary". Most people only know about her from the terror she stirred up during her short reign, but few know what made her what she was. This is the story of Mary Tudor's early life, when her life turned upside down as her father abandoned her mother and changed her from "Princess Mary" to "Lady Mary", and defied the religion she was brought up to practice. Then she has to go through a series of painful experiences that changes her forever, and leaves in its wake a scarred, heartless, and ruthless princess.
Rate: 10/10
Comments: Very touching, and it totally changed my opinion of the world by suddenly understanding that there are always more than one side to every story.
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Title: Noughts and Crosses
Author: Malorie Blackman
Genre: Fiction, Family
Storyline:There is a World full of noughts and crosses. Noughts are white and Crosses are black. Crosses are in charge of everything and hate noughts. The noughts also hate the crosses and there are lots of nought terrorists. Sephy and Callum grew up together until the age of eight, when Callum's mother (Maggie) had a fight with Sephy's mother (Mrs Hadley). Sephy is a Cross and Callum is a nought, they aren't really allowed to be together but they sneak to see each other. They fall in love and soon...the bomb explodes... ;D
Rate: 10/10 this is my favourite book ever! :P
CommentsL This book is amazingly powerful and the outcome is sad, but happy at the same time. I loved the romance shared between Sephy and Callum, it touches your heart and almost brings you to tears! ;)
Thanks, kimmie xxx :)
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Title; Involved
Author: Kate O'Riordan
Genre: Romance - ish
Nice protestant girl falls in love with rough catholic guy in Ireland. Trouble starts when they go to stay with his family in Belfast. She sees that there's something mysterious with his brother and the rest of the family. When she finds out what it is .............
Rating: 8/10
This is a good read, maybe a bit superficial in that it touches on the troubles in Ireland without really going into them.. The minus point is that you can't see how the heroine can be so dumb that she doesn't twig until nearly the end, when it's staring her in the face, what the brother is up to.
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Title: Across the Nightingale Floor
Author: Lian Hearn
Genre: Fantasy
This story is set in Japan. It's about a young boy called Takeo and he is brought up in a remote mountain village and is among the Hidden. He doesn't know he possesses the supernatural skills of the Tribe. The boy's life is saved by a mysterious man called Lord Otori Shigeru and he takes Takeo on a journey.
Rating: 10 /10
Opinion: I thought this story was very interesting and I've enjoyed it very much- it was good that I couldn't stop reading it. It's based on a Japanese story which I thought was very interesting as I am interested in that sort of thing. It's for Young Adults so it isn't suitable for young children and I would recommend it to young adults though and especially if you are interested in this sort of thing. :)
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Title: Ender's Game
Author: Orson Scott Card
Genre: Fantasy
(Blurb ;D: ) When humanity is under threat from an alien race, Ender Wiggin, at the age of six, leaves his family on Earth to journey to the Belt. There he enters the Battle School, where his life is strictly disciplined by mind games and computer mockbattles fought in deadly earnest.
Instinct, compassion and genius make Ender unequalled. But while he trains, the invasion approaches fast. And Ender will be pushed to the limits of endurance, for his is a unique destiny...
Rating 10/10
Opinion:It's a very good book, with lots of twists and turns. Orson has a amazing imagination and if you like fantasy books, with battles, sadness and aliens, this is the perfect book for you!
Title: Journey To The River Sea
Author: Eva Ibbotson
Genre: History (kinda!)
(Blurb: ) The girls in Maia's class told her what to expect when she reached the Brazilian jungle. 'There are huge mosquitoes which bite you. You turn as yellow as a lemon and then you die.'
But Maia, an orphan, can't wait to start the long sea voyage. She is to begin a new life with relatives she has never met, a thousand miles up the Amazon river. And Maia's classmates could never, even in their wildest dreams, imagine the adventures that await her on the shores of the River Sea
Rating 8/10
Opinion: It start's off well, but then rattles on for abit.....Then abit of action, then rattling on abit more. But all in all, quite a good book. Very touching and heartwarming
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Title: The Sterkarm Handshake
Author: Susan Price
Genre: Fantasy/History (i think!)
(Blurb: ) They're ill to tame, the border men. May Christ preserve your soul!And bewae of shaking hands with a Sterkarm.
The treacherous border lands between England and Scotland have always been dangerous. The border men live by farming, theft and murder, the families woven together in a complex web of loyalties and blood. Now a 21st-century company has developed a Time Tube, which can take them back to this unpolluted, resource-rich 16th century, a new world ripe for plunder. FUP staff regard the natives as amusing savages, to be bought off with aspirins and trinkets, but the Sterkarms' fearsome reputation has not been lightly won. They'll gladly take the toys the Elves give them, but they have their own alliegances - and a handshake offered to a stranger means nothing...
Rating:10/10
Opinion: A excellent book!Action-packed and fascinating. If you like blood, sorrow, and treachery, this book is the perfect book for you. It's very enjoyable!
Title: Portrait Of A Killer; Jack The Ripper Case Closed
Author: Patricia Cornwell
Genre: History
(Part of the Blurb: ) With her knowledge of criminal investigation and her consummate skills as a bestselling writer, Patricia Cornwell has produced a book which is as compelling as it is quthentic - the definitive account of one of the world's most famous murder mysteries.
Rating: 9/10
Opinion: Kinda sick when you see the pictures of the dead woman, but really really informative!Gives amazing explanations..Jack The Ripper uncovered, everything you need to know about him!
Title: Maggot Pie
Author: Michael Lawrence
Genre: Comedy
(Blurb: ) Jiggy McCue is the unluckiest kid in town. He wants some good luck for a change. But instead of luck he gets a genie. A teenage genie who turns against him. Then the maggoty dreams start. Dreams which, with his luck and this genie, might just come true
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: Hilarious!The funniest book I have ever read in my life. A must read if you want to laugh your head off!
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Title: Stravaganza City of Masks
Author: Mary Hoffman
Genre: Fantasy/History
Summary Lucien is ill with cancer and is condemned to his bed. The next minute he is transported to Bellezza, a city inspired by Venice. There he finds out he is a 'stravagante' and can travel between worlds.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: This book is really amazing. It keeps you hooked from start to finish. I couldn't put it down. I loved it! But you definitley need a box of tissues for the end!
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Title: The Silence of the Lambs
Author: Thomas Harris
Genre: Could be classed as a thriller I suppose
Short Description: (Blurb) Evil canibalistic serial killer Hannibal Lecter is brought in to advise Clarice Sterling on the movemnets of a killer on the loose. Can this genius help trap the killer that knows beauty is only skin deep?
Rating: 5/10
Opinion: It was good, but I couldn't really get into it very well, I prefer the film a lot better to the book (Which is weird coz usually I prefer the book!) but I think that's coz I couldn't get into it very well.
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UNMISSABLE READ!
Title: Remember Me
Author: Lesley Pearse
Genre: Historic - I guess you could call it Romance too
Short Desc: Set in late 1700's, Mary Broad is convected of stealing, but instead of being hanged, she has been charged with a 7 year Transportation to the new Convict Coloney in Australia. But life there is nothing like it is expected to be. She has to come to terms with suffering, starvation and death.
Rating: 10/10!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Opinion: ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC! It's a really good story, and it is amazing to read about the suffering that these people went through. It is really sad, had me in tears about 6 times and I haven't completely finished. I DEFINATLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK TO EVERYONE!
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Umm, could I join? If so, here's my first review...
Title: Interview with the Vampire
Author: Anne Rice
Genre: Thriller/Fantasy
This book is about a vampire named Louis who explains his story to you directly. From the beginning of his resurrection as a vampire, right up to the present day in the book.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: I love this book. The first time I read it, I couldn't put it down. However, there are some unnessary parts in it...like the mindless Vampires in Europe. Apart from that, it really does have excellent description and is fairly easy to understand.
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Some good ones here.
Title: Eragon: Inheritance
Author: Christopher Paolini
Genre: Fantasy
This story is about a young farm boy who, while on a hunting trip, finds an egg apparently sent there by magic. What follows is a very cool medieval type story.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: Really good.
Title: A Midsummer Night's Faerie Tale
Author(s): Wendy Froud and Terri Windling.
Genre: Fantasy
This is almost like a children's storybook. The "illustrations" in it are amazing. The pictures are dolls that one of the authors made. The lady who made the dolls is also responsible for creating Jedi Master Yoda.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: Such a good story, and the main character, Sneezle, is so darn cute!
Title: Holes
Author: Louis Sachar
Genre: Humor (sort of)
I just finished this one today. Stanley Yelnats, a guy with really bad luck, is sent to Camp Green Lake, where he is forced to dig holes. But the Warden has a secrect.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: The book just pulls you in.
Title: Abarat
Author: Clive Barker
Genre: Fantasy
A girl named Candy is whisked away to the Abarat, a place where the 25 islands are each an hour of the day, except the 25th, which is where all time that has ever been is (or at least that was what it seemed to be).
Rating: 9/10
Opinion: Good book. The paintings in the book were done by the author, so the book is very colorful. Unfortunately, some of the situations in the story are rather dark, and the illustrations accompanying these parts are slightly nightmarish. But over all, it's a fun book.
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Title: The Age of Misrule trilogy - World's End, Darkest Hour, Always forever
Author: Mark Chadbourn
Genre: Fantasy
Description: Set in the present, the ancient celtic gods - the Tuatha De Danaan have returned from their banishment, along with the darker Formorii. Both races are set to return the earth to the Dark Ages, and humanity's last chance lies with five people united by the mythical Pendragon Spirit.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: This has got to be one of the best fanatsy sets I have read - the locations in the book are all real and totally researched - it said in one review that you could use the books as a guide around Britain! The stories definately struck a chord with me and I could barely put them down. The detail about the gods and myths is phenomenal and I would recommend these to anyone - just don't forget it's not real! ;D
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Title: Guards,Guards
Author: Terry Pratchett
Genre: Fantasy, I think...
Description: Set in the city of Ankh Morpok, the book follows the new recruits of he Ankh Morpok city watch.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: If you havent read any of Pratchetts stuff, read it. This is my favourite book of his, as it is so well written and planned.In all of his books he takes real life principles - such as fire insurane - and twists it round to fit his world in a way that is so unique. The books are laugh oout loud funny, and each and every time you read them there is always something new that you didnt see before.
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Title: The Golden Wreck
Author: Alexander Makree
Genre: Non-Fiction/Erm..History
Story: It;s just mainly the actuall story of how the Royal Charter sank. A few of the survivor's own stories...bit of information about the salvage so on...Mainly trying to find out what went wrong ect. How so little survived ;D
Rating: 8/10
Opinion: Personally enjoyed the book because it is about the place I was born, It's something I am trying to work on for a welsh report so that helped. It interesting to learn how the survivors survived as it were ;D
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Title: A Tale of Two Cities
Author: Charles Dickens
Genre: Historical Fiction, Drama
Short Description. Taking place Before and During the French Revolution, it shows what Vengence can do to people - and that they who seem the worst are not always so.
(Terrible summary :-[)
Rating: 8/10
Opinion
Well, it's Dickens, and therefore the plot is very twisty and you have to pay attention and look out for things, otherwise later on in the book things will pop up and you'll have no idea where they came from. In the end, it's worth it though. :)
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Title: Elizabeth, The Struggle For The Throne
Author: David Starkey
Genre: Historical Non-Fiction, Biography
Short description: I loved this book a lot, it really give you a great picture of just who Elizabeth was and how clever and smart she was. It tells of her early childhood and early adulthood on her way to becomming the Queen of England. It shows her experiences of adventrue and danger. Truly amazing!
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: Well, I pretty much explained my opinion in the short description didn't I? Ah well, I loved this book and I would recommend it to anyone who loves history.
Title: Castle in the Air.
Author: Dianna Wynne Jones
Genre: Fantasy
Short Description: I believe that it is set in Arabia. Abdullah is a young dreamer who loves to fantasize about his life to pass the hours of his boring existance as a lowly carpet merchant and lives a fairly peaceful life where nothing ever really get better or worse, until one day a misterious traveling man sells him a magical carpet and all of his dreams begin comming true.
Rating: 9.5/10
Opinion I liked this book. Dianna has a great sense of humor and is able to make one laugh and worried at the same time.
Title: The Queen's Gambit
Author: Deborah Chester
Genre: Fantasy, Thriller (I think)
Short Description: Pheresa is the King's niece and a possible heir to the throne. Innocent of court Politics Pheresa has many enemies who would like to get rid of her so that they can have a chance at the crown, including her mother. Pheresa educates herself in court politics and gains the right friends at the right time and eventually becomes Queen, but her kingdome is suddenly atacked and being pregnant she is told to flee by her husband and councilors leaving the unfaithful king-consort in charge. Eventually once she is sae in the country she learns of her husband's treatchery and mourns while her husband claims her crown and her kingdom and declares her and outlaw. Spured on by her personal body guard Pheresa fights for control once more... I shall stop here and let you read the book if you want. ;)
Rating: 9.5/10
Opinion: I enjoyed this book it was very entertaining. I would recomend it to anyone.
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Title:Lola Rose
Author:Jaqueline Wilson
Genre:Modern Fiction, Drama
Short description:A grl a boy and a mum are having problems with domestic violence and run away frm their husband who is doing it they get new names new homes and they live their life away being protected by their fat aunt
Rating:9/10
Opinion:It is a good book describing how hard it is fr people living with domestic violence and being poor is hard
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Title: Sabriel
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy (I think)
Description: Wow! I don't know where to start.... this is a book about two completely different places next to each other, separated by The Wall. One, Ancelstierre, is a modern country of technology. The other, the Old Kingdom, is a land of magic and mystery held together by the magic of the charter. But it has fallen into ruin over two hundred years, and now the Dead, brought back as spirit Shadow Hands or Dead Hands by evil necromancers, are slowly breaking the Charter under the command of their master, Kerrigor. Sabriel is an eighteen-year-old Charter Mage who is drawn into the corrupted world of the Old Kingdom when her Father goes missing, and soon she finds that the fate of both the Kingdom and Ancelstierre rests on her shoulders.....
9/10 - I loved it!
Title:Lirael
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy
Description: The incredible sequel to Sabriel. Lirael has never felt like a true daughter of the Clayr, the people who See the future, or many possible futures, in the ice of their Glacier home. With the help of Sameth, Royal prince of the old kingdom, she uncovers her past and her destiny.
9/10 - just as good as Sabriel, but longer.
Title: Abhorsen
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy
Description: Lirael and Sameth, with the help of Lirael's friend, the Disreputable Dog, must uncover the secret of the evil being dug up by Sameth's schoolfriend, Nick. To discover the secret of its binding, Lirael must look far into the past, to the Beginning of all things. To do this, she must journey far down the river of Death, through eight gates, and must look upon the beautiful starry sky of the Ninth, which calls with its beauty to all who attempt to resist it beyond their time.
10/10 - WOW!!! I finally found a book I love more than LOTR. A real tear-jerker. At 396 pages, it took me just under 24 hrs to finish (but I wasn't reading solidly) My only complaint was that I would have liked it to go on longer!
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Title: Crown Duel
Author: Sherwood Smith
Genre: Fantasy
Short description: Follow Meliara Astiar around the kingdom of Remalna as she fights the evil tyrant of a king, Gladran Merindar, for the injustices that he has inflicted on the people of Tlanth to which she is Countess, but not only for the people of Tlath did she fight but for the entire realm. Watch as she is captured by the enemy and suffers defeat after defeat while managing to escape all the while and survive far from home while the enemy scours the countryside for her.
Rating: 9.5/10
Opinion: I enjoyed this book, though it was a bit slow in the beginning, the characters were really easy to relate to and fun to envision. I found it very easy to participate with the story. I would recommend this to fantasy loving book worms everywhere.
Title: Court Duel
Author: Sherwood Smith
Genre: Fantasy
Short description: The civil war is over in Remalna and Meliara has retutned home to see to her people and castle, having become very rich from said war. She begun rebuilding Tlanth, along with restocking her family’s once renowned library a little at a time. When her brother who had made her his joint heir when their father died returns from court, where he had been since the defeat of the old king, with a lady in tow, not to mention that she loathes with her very life. Soon it becomes clear that she cannot escape the prospect of going to court with her brother and his fiancée, and when she arrives at court she learns an entirely new kind of warfare.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: I really, really enjoyed this volume with its example of court life and poor Meliara never knowing who to trust trying always to keep herself from looking a fool. Needless to say I was engrossed.
Title: The Chronicles of Chrestomanci
Author: Dianna Wynne Jones
Genre: Fantasy
Short description: Chrestomanci is an Enchanter with nine lives who is government official in charge of controlling the magic in the world, but also has access to many other worlds, and is sometime needed to help in different circumstances. As you read this book you will meet various people in alternate worlds as they go about their lives, have adventures and make use of the help of the great Chrestomanci.
Rating: 9/10
Opinion: I loved this book, full of magic danger and fun at every turn. Truly a work of art.
Title: So You Want To Be A Wizard
Author: Diane Duane
Short description: Nitta is as ordinary kid who lives in New York and is always getting beaten up by Joanne the resident bully. When one day while running from said bully she ran to her favorite place… the library where the librarian said that she would cover for her and send the baddies away. In the children’s section, her old haunt, where she also know s that 13 is just a bit to old for that section she begins to scan the career book that all start with the phrase: “ So you wanna be…” when one catches her hand that is called “So you wanna be a Wizard”. At first she thinks it is a joke… but she soon finds out otherwise.
Rating: 7.5/10
Opinion: I thought this was an okay book… more for a kid I know… I was curious about what they would say about being a wizard and pretty much found it accurate. But it became rather boring…
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I'll join, I don't have time to do much readin unfortunately but I'll start with a book I've just recently re-read. :)
Title: Northern Lights
Author: Philip Pullman
Genre: Fantasy
Short Description: Lyra Belacqua lives as a parentless-child at Jordan college, in Oxford, without much worry. But when her Uncle Asriel, an explorer, turns up, he brings worrying news from the north. Lyra, half curious and half drawn by fate soon becomes caught up in an adventure filled with armoured bears, witches, fights and death. The first book in the His Dark Material trilogy.
Rating: 8/10
Opinion: At first the book seems quite dull, and it does take a while to get into it. It seems an age before anything does happen. But by the end you're left waiting to get your hands on the next book and find out what's going to happen!
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Title: The secret of platform 13
Author:
Genre:Fantasy
Short description: 3 grls look after the prince and every 9 yrs a hole opens fr people to leave the Island they go and help people in and out lose the baby and a wizard a hag and a splodge go to find him
Rating: 7/10
Opinion:its a very fun and enjoyable book but in the middle u start to lose interest
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Title: An Offer from a Gentleman
Author: Julia Quinn
Genre: Historic Romance Novel
Short Desc: A cinderella story - With a bit more on the End! Being the parents not married Child of a nobleman, Sophie Beckett was always frowned upon. When her father married and died, she was left in the care of her Step-Mother, and made a servant. After attending a masquerade ball, Benedict Bridgerton is obsessed with her, but without so much as a name she leaves his life forever - or so she thinks. But this Ball will change her life forever
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: I loved this book! I got it this morning and had finished it by 4pm! It was absolutely amazing, but then again I love romance novels.
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Title: Tithe
Author: Holly Black
Genre: Fantasy
Short Desc: Kaye has grown up, her belief in the fey folk is all but forgotten. Her childhood days spent playing with Spike, Gristle and Lutie Loo are all but a memory. But now, to grabt the Solitary Fey 7 years of freedom, with no ties to the Seelie of Unseelie courts, Kaye must put her life on the line, suffer falling in love, losing Gristle, and most importantly of all, realising she is one of the Faeries.
Rating 10/10
Opinion: I bought this awhile ago at Stanstead Airport, and on my way back to Nottingham, I read it without blinking:P The characters are vividly real, the scenes are rich and believable, and more than once, you feel like crying, laughing or throwing the book across the room. I definately recommend this book who has a facination with Faeries or just fantasy in General:)
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Title:Troy
Author:Adele Geras
Genre: war, action, history
Short Description:A book which basically re-tells the story of the trojan war, the woden horse of troy etc. It tells the story mostly through the eyes of the people of troy, but it jumps around quite a bit
Rating: 8/10
Opinion I enjoyed the book, it made the story a lot easier to understand and gave some really good ideas of how the characters would be feeling. Go read!
please tell me if this is wrong, its my 1st try!
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I'll join as well... this looks like fun! :)
Title: Scorpia
Author:Anthony Horowitz
Genre: Spy/ action/ adventure
Short description: The fifth and last book in the "Alex Rider" series, after his Uncle dies in suspicious circumstances Alex finds himself blackmailed to take his place as a spy in the MI6, he's the perfect secret weapon- at 14 years old who could ever suspect him of being a spy?
The dying words of a Russian assassin, Yassen Gregovich, tells that his father was also a ruthless killer, murdered by the very people who have used him for nothing but their own purposes- the MI6. The answer to his father's history lies in the shadowy organisation of Scorpia- the name makes up their four main areas of activity- Sabotage, Corruption, Intelligence and Assassination. Soon he becomes entangled in the world of the organisation and finds himself questioning whether he should stay with the manipulating MI6 or join Scorpia and avenge his father’s death. In a series of exciting events he finds himself working, once again for MI6, realising that whoever or whatever his father was- that doesn't change who he is inside.[/color]
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: This book is both gripping and exciting, the author builds up suspense beautifully and you can truly empathize with the character and the loneliness he feels his forced life full of lies and deceit. Amazing amazing book a must read!
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I read Scorpia!!! It was fantastic!!! Anyway...
Title: Sabriel
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy/Magic
Short description: Sabriel is a girl who grew up safely in a boarding school in the modern country of Ancelstierre. However, she is aware that her roots lie in the Old Kingdom on the other side of the wall, along with her father, Charter Magic and the Dead. She is now thinking about moving on to University, until an unexpected messenger arrives from her father late one night. She then begins an epic journey across the Old Kingdom to face her destiny...
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: This book draws you in from the very first page and just gets better. It is slightly strange sometimes though, coz it combines the modern world and technology with history where people carry and fight with swords etc. A great read though, and there are two sequels I know of: Lirael and Abhorsen
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(Yay somebody has actually read Scorpia! Lol thanks Telcontar... I started a topic on it (on the second page I think now) and got like 2 replies... and one the replies was me again.. ::))
Title: Knife Edge
Author:Malorie Blackman
Genre: There's not really just one genre... romance maybe... :-\
Short description: The sequel of "Noughts and Crosses" (which was reviewd by Kimmie I think. :)) 18-year-old Sephy, a Cross and the daughter of the Deputy Prime Minister, has given birth to a daughter fathered by her lover, Callum, who was hanged for terrorism. She struggles to come to terms with having a mixed-race baby in a prejudiced world and to deal with Callum's death. His brother, Jude, who blames her for what happened, is determined to seek revenge.
When Jude murders a Cross woman who is in love with him - a scene told from his point of view and extraordinarily well done - Sephy provides him with an alibi in order to protect his mother. But Jude sees his chance to turn the tables on Sephy and the book ends with her pushed to the brink of disaster. Sephy and Jude are complex characters and the novel is both moving and thought-provoking.[/color]
Rating: 8/10
Opinion: This book is impossible to put down, and impossible to forget. :) The storyline however comes from about 4 different views (in 1st person) which in some cases works but more often I feel a 3rd person narrative would be better. :)
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Title: The girl with a pearl earring
Author: Tracy Chevalier
Genre: Historical
Short description: Griet lives in 17th century Delft, Holland and is send out to become a maid for the painter Vermeer. Nothing much happens in the book but gradually shes noticed by Vermeer and he wants her to model for a painting. He borrows his wife pearl earring for her to wear in the painting, however, if his wife finds out a maid is modelling with her earring, there will be hell to pay. Eventually Griet quits because shes getting married. She finds out later that Vermeer died and left the family in great debts.
Rating 10/10
Opinion: One of my very favourite books of all time. Read it before i heard there was going to be a movie. I love it mostly because its so other then all the other books ive read. Theres no escalation of violence or emotion, the book is just very lovely. :) There was little known about the painter Vermeer and im glad Tracey didnt over-fictionalise his life, its very possible that this in fact happened in real life. A real page turner, though nothing really happens in it. I reckomend you all to read this!
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Lissie... I just had a question... isn't it good though if we had two or three reviews of each book if they are all by different people, what if someone has a different idea about the book than the last person who reviewed it... Just a thought.
Title: Lord Of The Flies
Author: Willam Golding
Genre: I have no idea...
Short Description: I have no words to describe this book... except for thought provoking.
Rating: 8/10
Opinion: I did not enjoy this book, as well as it is written. I found it very disturbing. Not something I would read for entertainment or even twice.
Title: Mother Teresa
Author: I don't know. It doesn't say.
Genre: Biography
Short description: This book tells of a lot of the good things that Mother Teresa did for the world.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: I loved this book, it has made me want to read more about Mother Teresa. I love the way that she thanked God for everything, even if it was painful for her. Truly inspiring.
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Title: Star of the Sea
Author: Joseph O'Conner
Genre: Historic Fiction - Based on a real story I think.
Short Description: It tells the story of a ship - The Star of the Sea - That travels to America to escape famine in Ireland in 1840's. It tells the story of some of the passengers; Lord Merridith and his family - A man fighting against the predjudices of his Father, Mary Duane - Their Nanny, who has a colourful backgroun, Puis Mulvey - A cripple from Steerage Class.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: Extremely good! A very worth while read. Although it took me a bit to get into it, I really enjoyed it, being in tears at least four times, I think. A very good book!
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Title: Body of Evidence (CSI novel)
Author: Max Allan Collins
Genre: Crime Drama?
Short Description: Catherine and Nick find Child Pornography in a printer (YES I know that's inappropriate, but that's one of the cases! ;)) and set out to find whoever printed the pictures out, while Warrick, Sara, and Grissom find a Secretary's body found wrapped up in duct tape, and carpet is found on it.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: VERY VERY interesting! If these novels are at your local library or your local bookstore, you should check them out! All of them are interesting, but this one is probably the best one out of all of them! :D
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Title: Witch Child
Author: Celia Rees
Genre: Fantasy Fiction/also Historic Drama
Short Description: Mary Newbury is a 16 year old girl living in the 17th Century. She grew up with her grandmother, but was forced to flee England and sail to America as her grandmother was persecuted for being a witch. The Puritans she lives with in America, however are becoming suspicious and it isn't long before the finger of accusation is soon pointed again. It's written in diary form, through Mary's eyes, but there it isn't a book about witch craft, but loosely based on the witch trials in the 17th Century.
Rating: 8/10
Verdict: It's a very good book, you can get really engrossed in it, and it's very well written with a great ending. Some parts of it is quite repetitive, however, but overall a good read.
Hope that was ok for my first try!
:)
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Title: Drowned Ammet
Author: Diana Wynne Jones (TRULY THE BESTEST AUTHOR EVER!!! ;D ;D)
Genre: Fantasy fiction
Short Description: Mitt, the hero, is born as a person of no consequence in a little farmstead in the earldom of Holand. All his life, he has longed for the liberties of the free earldoms in the North, where the people are not persecuted by tyrannical ruling earls, like the despicable Earl Hadd. When Mitt and his mother are forced out of their home, and into the slums of the city, Mitt becomes embroiled in a plot to assasinate the despot ruler. he finds himself on the run, and forced to co-operate with the ruling class he despises so entirely. And then the gods start interfering with his fate...
Rating : 10/10
Verdict: This book is absoloutely brilliant and involving, the characters convincing, the writing humourful and full of life! You will find yourself captivated by the richness of the alternate world Diana Wynne Jones has constructed in her Dalemark Quartet series.
P.S----> This is book 2 of the series, the first is Cart and Cwidder, you should maybe read that one first, although i didn't! They're all paperbacks published by OUP
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Title: Bored of the Rings
Author: The Harvard Lampoon
Genre: Comedy
Short Description: Bored of the Rings tells of the adventure of Frito, his 'faithful' friend Spam, the wizard Goodgulf, Arrowroot the ranger, Legolam the elf, and Gimlet the dwarf as they take that ring to Fordor.
Rating: 6/10
Verdict: This book is funny at the beginning but got rather tedious after a while. I finished it, but it took more and more willpower to at the end!
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Title: Coming back
Author: shelia Mane... weird name
Genre:horror
Short description: some1 kills some1 that person haunts them until they go mad and confess they murdered him
Rating:8/10
Opinion: A great story but it rambled on in parts
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Title: Beyond the Hanging Wall
Author: Sara Douglass
Genre: / dventure
Short Description: Garth, son and apprentice of Joseph. ROyal physician at the court of King Cavor, has the gift of healing with his hands. He can also detect sickness, decay and evil merely by touch...
Now Garth senses a sinister, rotting evil at Court. It has something to do with the lost prince, Maximillian, feared dead for many years. But did the prince really die? Has Garth uncovered the true source of King Cavor's agonising, twisted pain?
Rating: 10/10
Verdict: Very good, if you like nd Adventure!Once started, cannot be put down. It has lots of twists and turns, some which you can never expect!A must read!
Title: Be yourself
Author: Michelle Magorian
Genre: I don't really know :(
Short Description: What would you rather, parents whose dreams are bigger than yours, or parents who have no dreams for you at all?
How would you cope in a small boat with eight angry people giving you a bellyfull of flack?
Who'd you prefer to have as a friend, an old wrinkly who's there for you or a couple of mates who make you feel small?
What's better, finding your courage in a risky situation or never ever taking a risk?
The only way to choose is to BE YOURSELF!
Rating: 7/10
Verdict: Lots of short stories that show you different people's look on life. But it always left you at a sort of cliffhanger, which I found rather annoying. If it explained further, I would've given it a higher rating!
Title: Voyage on the Great Titanic
Author: Ellen Emerson White
Genre: History
Short Description: Moday 15th April, 1912
It was after midnight and I could still hear people moving about in the passageway. Before I had time to go out and join them, there was a sharp knock on my door. I opened it to see Robert. His eyes looked urgent. "Good evening, Miss Brady," he said. "You need to put on something warm, and report to the Boat Deck with your life belt."
Miss Brady? When I heard that, I felt alarmed for the first time. "A routine drill," he said. "No need to fret." I knew he needed to get on with his duties, so I found a smile for him and nodded...
"You'll not want to take your time, Maragaret," he said in a very quiet voice.
It did not seem possible, but maybe this was not a drill
Rating: 10/10
Verdict: I've loved all the My Story books before and this was no exception. Simply amazing! It explained everything in great detail and showed the emotion so well!Wow!
Title: Amnesia
Author: Sinclair Smith
Genre: Horror
Short Description: Alicia wakes up in hospital... to find she's in the middle of a nightmare. Alicia has amnesia. She dosen't even recognize her own face in the mirror. How did she land in hospital? And why won't the doctors tell her anything?
Then Alicia's sister, Marta, arrives to take her home. Surely Marta will help her get her memory back?
But nothing fells right. Could Marta be hiding something from Alicia?Does Alicia's amnesia conceal a terrifying secret? Alicia is afraid to remember - but she could be dead if she dosen't...
Rating: 6/10
Verdict: I don't really like horrors, but I decided to just try it. It was ok, I guess. But if you like horrors, you'll probably love this. Very original story!
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Finally finished another book thats worth reviewing ;D!:
Title: The girl in the red coat (originally das madchen im roten mantel)
Author: Roma Ligocka
Genre: autobiography/psychological drama
Short Description: You might remember from the movie schindler's list that the only coloured bit was the girl in the red cout. She apparently did excist but didnt die like the movie would like you to believe. this book is written by the now 60 year-old woman who survived the Krakau-holocaust. She writes about the trauma experiences of her life during and after the war.
Rating : 10/10
Verdict: Aboslutely breathtaking. I finished this book in a week, it was hard for me to put it down and get on with my life! ;) It brings tears to your eyes when you start to understand what the jewish population in polen went through. Inevitable Roma gets a posttraumatic stress-disorder. The way this book is written, so very open, makes it a jewel amongst foreign literature.
Im currently reading Feist's magician, so itll probably take me a while before i post another review! ;)
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Title: Crime And Punishment
Author: Fyodor Dostoyevsky
Genre: Crime Drama
Short Description: Set in russia in the 1800's, Raskolnikov, a former student, murders an old woman money-lender and her sister. From the onset of the novel and during the reader follows Raskolnikov's dreams, thoughts, fears and guilt in an unbearable tension to find out what happens.
Rating: 9/10
Opinion: The book is hard to get into, it's a very realistic book, very much the other scale to fantasy novels. It's harsh realism and outlines the awful poverty and extent of the country in it's time. Although Raskolnikov is a murderer, I found myself likening to him and his motives because it's the only thing to do. Very easy to relate to the character, well worth the read.
:)
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Title: The Darkweaver Legacy (The Forging of the Sword, Trail of the Huntress, First Sword, Chosen One)
Author: Mark Robson
Genre: Fantasy
Short description: This series is set in a fantasy world that is very similar to medival times in England. It follows a boy called Calvyn and what happens to him when his safe, comfortable life is destroyd by Demarr's Rebels. An old man called Perdimonn takes hi in and begins to teach him the srt of the magician, but the pair are soon split. He ends up deciding to join a baron's army where he makes a lot of new friends and forges his own sword using the arts he has learned. The next three books continue his story.
Rating: 9/10
Verdict: This is a really good story and perfect for anyone who enjoys fantasy books. They are very easy to read and the plot is not hard to follow but not too simple either, so you don't get lost. On the whole, I think they are fantastic books!!! ;D
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Title: The Subtle Knife
Author: Philip Pullman
Genre: Fantasy
Short Description: Continued from 'Northern Lights', Lyra's journey continues as she journeys into a different World. In this World she meets a young boy named Will, also from a World different to the one they are in and different from Lyra's world also. Together they must flee the world of citagazze, filled with spectres that eat adult's and fulfill their journeys. Will is searching for his father, and Lyra becomes caught up in his fate. They seek out an object that will be of much use to their quest.
Rating: 9/10
Opinion: The book's a great read though in my opinion not as good as the first one. The adventure is thrilling and the story twists, but i think towards the end Pullman kills off too many people, so that you become desensitised when another one goes. However the characters are eay to relate too and the story is fun to follow.
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(i'm gonna cheat a little, but only because it's necessary... ;) :P)
Title: The Malloerean Series (five books in all!)
Author: David Eddings
Genre: Fantasy
Description: Carries on where the belgariad left off, goes through weddings, funereals, births and a long journey to save the universe with lots of humour, loss, personal moments and unexpected reunions, all in all i think it comes close to being my absoulute favourite set of books and i highly recommend them to any tolkien fan... ::) ;D
Rating: 11/10!! (in my opinion)
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(It's been ages since I've been here).
Title: Of Mice and Men
Author: John Steinbeck
Genre: American Classic ;)
Description: Two workers called George and Lennie work together. They worked in a place called Weed but had to leave after an incident and went to a place called Soledad. Rating: 9/10
Opinion: I enjoyed reading the book. It is such a beautiful story and it was really sad at the end. I watched the video as well and it was really beautiful. I really want to read this book again.
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Title: Harry Potter & Prisnor Of Azkaban.
Author: J K Rowling.
Genre: /
Description: In the Prisnor Of Azkaban, Harry Potter, who only found out 2 years previousley, that he was a wizard, and that his parents had not been in a car crash but subsiquently been murdered by Lord Voldermort. This is chapter 3 out of 7 and he finds out that the convicted "murderer" Sirius Black who Harry thought betrayed his parents, had not and was not a murderer. And that he was actually his godfather.
Rating: 10/10.
Opinion: I got into Harry Potter way before I did Lord Of The Rings. And find it extremely easy to get enthrawled and into the book more than any other. I love this book and all of the series so far. Imaginative and interesting J K Rowling has created a magical world for kids and grown ups alike to be lost in and want to be a witch or wizard themselves.
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NOTE: - A Discussion Topic.
I am thinking of starting a Discussion Topic for the Book Club - if I am allowed by our Lovely, Gorgeous, Generous Mod ::)
Do you think it is a good idea or not? IM me with your opinions
Lissie
The Book keeper[/size]
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Title: Lord of the Flies
Author: William Golding
Genre: Adventure/coming of age
Description: This is the story of a group on young boys who are stranded on a uninhabited island with no adults. They are faced with many dangers, including that fact that they may never me rescued. Throughout it all Ralph, the leader chosen by all in the beggining, stays true to his proper English upbringing.
Rating: 9.5/10
Opinion: This book is very disturbing, and morbid. It is not a child's book, though it may be about them. I think everyone should read this book who has ever been persecuted, left out, or has been a bully themselves.
Title: To Kill a Mockingbird
Author: Harper Lee
Genre: Coming of age
Description: This book is about a girl named Scout, growing up in Alabama.
Rating: 8/10
Opinion: This is a must read. You will refer back to it many times. It is the only book that Harper Lee wrote, because in many ways, it was her autobiography, with fictional characters.
I've read alot more...but those two are the most recent. ;)
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(Yesh Lissiekins tis a mazing Idea. Sowwy me hasnt posted in here sooner :o Me been a lazy devil :-*)
Title: The Legenf Of Deathwalker
Author: David Gemmel
Genre: Fantasy action thingy
Description: This book continues the tales of the axe weilder Druss the legend, and the poet Siben, When they imbark upon a journy to find the healing stone thingys for a dying warrior, Though they are caught up in a battle. ::)
Rating: 9/10
Opinion: Aww I relly liked this book. Though there are not enough bits of Sieben and Talisman in there books. They sound sexy ok ::) Anyways it is an amazing book. David Gemmel once again has out-done himself :)
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I don't have a book to review...just answering the thing about a discussion topic.
I don't see no harm in that. Go right ahead! ;D
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Title: Poison
Author: Chris Wooding
Genre: fantasy/ adventurey
Desc: The book is about a girl called Poison and her journey through her world and the world of the Faeries to find her baby sister who had been kidnapped
Rating: 9.5/10
Opinion: I loved this book! I'd never heard of the author before but the blurb made me want to read it. It's funny and yet quite sad because she encounters many different people and the ending is strange and it made me cry
::)
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Title: Eragon
Author: Christopher Paolini
Genre: action, adventure
Short Description. A young farm boy finds a blue polished stone only to find out it's a dragon egg! This egg hatches, leaving him in a lot of danger.......
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: The book Eragon by Christopher Paolini is a very intriging book! It is a must for all LOTR lovers!!!!!!
Title: Series of Unfortunate Events (There are 11 books so far)
Author: Lemony Snicket
Genre: Orphans/adventure
Short Description: The 3 Baudelaires learn that their parents are dead and everywhere they are adopted, an evil man (Count Olaf) always finds them and tries to think up of new ideas to get the famed Baudelaire Fortune.
Rating: 9.8/10
Opinion: These books from the Bad Beguining to the Grim Grotto are quite good! The author is fun and livens things up in the book. It sounds horible, but it really isn't! The author always puts the bright side on things. Really good! A must read!
Please use the Modify button if you wish to add more. Please do not double post - it's classed as spamming! - Jez
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(Btw you can go back and edit your posts so that you can put everything into one. Use the modify button at the top of your first post and you can delete the other one)
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Title: Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Genre: Fantasy
Short Description: A young girl (Ella) from birth is cursed by the gift Of Obedience. She tries to get rid of the curse.....
Rating: 9/10
Opinion: The story has a diguised Cinderella mood tucked into it. Very cute! A good book.
Title: The Two Princesses of Bamarre
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Genre: Fantasy
Short Description: two girls, quite the oposite, find themselves in a battle they never expected. One is fighting the Gray Death, and the other is fighting....well......dragons!
Rating: 9/10
Opinion: Good book. Even guys might find this one good!!!
Title: The City of Ember
Author: Jeanne DuPrau
Genre: Fantasy
Short Description: Lina and Doon are assigned jobs that they do not like/want, so they trade! When the city of Ember starts running out of power, Lina and Doon know they must find a new country to live in before the power goes out for good!
Rating: 8/10
Opinion: Intriging book! Intresting characters.
P.S. I am SO sorry I am posting so much! There are SO many good books I have read. And every time I make a post, I remember another I liked. I really am sorry! Ill stop.
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Title:Macbeth
Author:William Sheakspeare
Genre:a tragedy
Short Description. It is the shortest of Sheakspear's plays.It tells the story of a great general who was promised his hearts desire...but was he prepared to pay the price?.
Rating: 8/10
Opinion:The characters are very believable and the plot is interesting.It is better to see in theatre though. My favorite play by Sheakspeare.
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Title: A Child Called 'It'
Author: Dave Pelzer
Genre: Real Life
Short Description: As a child Dave Plezer was brutally beaten and starved by his emotionally unstable, alcoholic mother, a mother who played tortuous, unpredictable games that left one of her sons nearly dead. She no longer considered him a son, but a slave; no longer a boy, but an 'it'. His bed was an old army cot in the basement, his clothes were torn and smelly, and when he was allowed the luxury of food it was scraps from the dogs' bowl. The outside world knew nothing of the nightmare played out behind closed doors.
Dave dreamed of finding a family to love him and call him their son. It took years of struggle, deprivation and despair to find his dream and make something of himself in the world. A Child Called 'It' covers the early years of his life and is an affecting and inspirationaly memoir of one child's determenation to survive.
Rating: 10/10
Verdict: *Sob* :'( This is such a sad story, especially because it is completely true... I sobbed all the way through, I just couldn't believe a mother could do something like she did to her son... A must-read... Have tissues ready!
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Title: Stormrider
Author: David Gemmell
Genre: Sci-fi,action
Short Description: Eight hundred years after Connavar and Bane defeated the Stone (see SWORD IN THE STONE) freeing the Rigante, the clan needs a hero to end their current oppression. That champion appears to be Kaelin Ring, better known as Ravenheart, who becomes the leader of the still proud but slaved Rigante clan. He leads the demand for freedom from the Varlish and their Lord Moidart. Ravenheart takes his revolution to the north where Moidart's son Gaise Macon, the Stormrider, awaits the confrontation. As the war comes closer, the Knights of the Sacrifice obtain a skull said to contain the evil of the Orb. If true, an evil artifact owned by unconscionable individuals who slaughter innocents for fun will spin the war-wracked lands into deeper dismay and chaos. Then there is the anticipated impact of preadolescent Feargol who as the Ghost Walker might prove to be the ultimate savior or destroyer of all.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: Well GAISE! all I can say really ::)
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Members List and book reviews
Lissie - Maid of Honour
The Belgariad
REMEMBER ME
An Offer from a Gentleman
The Star of the Sea
Ellie - A child called it
The Silence of the Lambs
Goldberry - Dead Famous
Gerald's Game
Pippy - Taggarung
Martin the Worrior
The Golden Wreck
The Legend Of Deathwalker
Stormrider
Chantal - Max Havelaar of de Koffieveilingen der Nederlandse Handelsmaatschappij
Legolasfan - Junk
Lucas
Martyn Pig
Coming back
Mirage- Mary, Bloody Mary
Kimmie - Noughts and Crosses
Bev123 - Involved
ZZ - Across the Nightingale Floor
Of Mice and Men
Samwise Gamgee - Ender's Game
Journey To The River Sea
Portrait Of A Killer; Jack The Ripper Case Closed
Maggot Pie
The Sterkarm Handshake
Bored of the Rings
Beyond the Hanging Wall
Be yourself
Amnesia
Voyage on the Great Titanic
A child called "it"
EmnHan - Stravaganza City of Masks
Niko - Interview with the Vampire
Cuthien - Eragon: Inheritance
A Midsummer Night's Faerie Tale
Holes
Abarat
Islime - The Age of Misrule trilogy - World's End, Darkest Hour, Always forever
Note - Guards,Guards
tig - A Tale of Two Cities
Thawyn - Elizabeth, The Struggle For The Throne
Castle in the Air.
The Queen's Gambit
Court Duel
Crown Duel
The Chronicles of Chrestomanci
So You Want To Be A Wizard
Lord Of The Flies
Mother Teresa
LOTR Freak - Lola Rose
The secret of platform 13
Bobble_Hat - Sabriel
Lirael
Abhorsen
Andonewhitetree - Northern Lights
Crime and Punishment
The Subtle Knife
Eostre Took - Tithe
Eleanor - Troy
Nienor - Scorpia
Knife Edge
FlareyGirl - Sabriel
The Darkweaver Legacy (The Forging of the Sword, Trail of the Huntress, First Sword, Chosen One)
Rosie_Brandybuck - The girl with a pearl earring
The girl in the red coat
ViggoAngel - Body of Evidence
Alaithlos - Witch Child
Josher the Hobbit - Drowned Ammet
Gwinoic alaithus - The Mallorean Series.
Doodle - Harry Potter & Prisnor Of Azkaban
Alora - Lord of the Flies
To Kill a Mocking bird
Sakura - Poison
Astaraél Gamgee - Eragon
Series of Unfortunate Events
Ella Enchanted
The Two Princesses of Bamarre
The City of Ember
Varda_vala - Macbeth
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Title: Winter Warriors
Author: David Gemmell
Genre: Sci-fi,action,Fantasy
Short Description: Five very different men are brought together by circumstances in order to save a child that demons want to sacrifice in order to gain flesh in human world. The men have to travel through forests and mountains, defeating 10 monsters.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: Well I really liked it although I thought Gemmell could of improved a bit on Degorian's character bythe end he said very little and I would of much liked to see him and the queen get together :P
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Title: The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Timt
Author: Mark Hadden (I think!)
Genre: I'm not really sure....reality
Short Description: it's about a young boy who has a behaviour disorder (e.g. he doesn't like yello or brown and won't touch anything that colour, he hits people if they touch him, he's scared of new environments etc), a dog gets killed in the night and he tried to find out who it is and encovers other secrets along the way
Rating: 7/10
Opinion: it was a very gripping book and it was easy to read and pretty hard to put down...but it was written so 'matter-of-factly' and there was no sarcasm or humour in the book really, and sometimes i didn't really care for the style because sometimes it was just merely stating what happened.....but i did enjoy the book ;D
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Name:Harry Potter and the Order of Pheonix
Author: JK Rowling
Genre: Fantasy I guess
Short Description: Harry Potter is in his 5th year of Hogwarts and has to battle against Voldemort... again
RAting: 8/10
Opinion: Brilliant up until the end where I think JK got writers block ::)
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Title: The Oracle Betrayed.
Author:Catherine Fisher
Genre:Fantasy
Desciption:A girl named mirany has to stop one of the nine in taking over their country. She has to prove this by not having people thinking she's betraying them instead. This is punishable by death, so her, Seth, Alexos (the right person for the throne), and a fat man named Oblek have to save their entire country from destuction. Their in a bad drought, and the gods holding back the rain because of the plot against him by one of his faithful helpers.
(I can't descibe things very well :'(. I might of made it sound dumb, but it really spectacular)
Rating:10/10
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Title: The Snow Walker
Author: Catherine Fisher
Genre: Fantasy
Desciption: A girl named Jessa and a boy named Thorkil are sent to a place by an evil witch Gudrun. There sent to live with her son, who she fears because of a deep secret. She is trying to find a way to rule their city instead of a Jarl. She's also trying to kill Jessa and Thorkil.
Rating: 8/10
(it was pretty good but i didn't feel the need to read it alot like i do for books i like)
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Title: A Shadow On The Glass (First book in The View From The Mirror)
Author: Ian Irvine
Genre: Fantasy Adventure Epic
Description: A young lady named Karan has a special talent and is forced to steal an ancient relic called the Mirror of Aachan, around which, the story is based. Her and a chronicler of the histories team up as they are hunted across a warring world by a number of enemies, being chased for the mirror which contains an incredible power and secret which could bring an end to the world.
Rating: 9/10
Opinion: Right from the start, I was encaptured within the story. It has a complicated storyline, and needs the reader to have the ability to remember many different stroylines at the same time, and all of the characters whose lives intertwine at some stage. This didn't bother me in the slightest though, and just added to it's appeal. At the end comes a dramatic outcome, of which the next book, The Tower On The Rift takes over from. So, if you plan on reading this book, the following 3 are a must read also.
Title: The Tower On The Rift (Second book in The View From The Mirror)
Author: Ian Irvine
Genre: Fantasy Adventure Epic
Description: War still rages across the world, and the Mirror Of Aachan is still being chased after, but being carried by someone else (I'd better not say who). Karan is being searched out for her special talents, and there are some plans to face Rulke (an evil being from one of the three worlds).
Rating: 8.5/10
Opinion: Well, what can I say. Firstly, as it should, it carries on where the first book left off after a little recap, and then gets into the full flow of the storyline. This bit is great. The only bit that let it down slightly was the end. I know this is a HUGE part of the book, but I was prepared to accept the fact that it wouldn't have a proper outcome because it's only the second book out of four. What it did do well though was to build up an air of mystery surrounding some of the characters, one in particular. It hints to some power they had long ago, but now dare not go back to that life even though soon, it may come down to it for the survival of life.
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Title: The Girl who Loved Tom Gordon
Author: Stephen King
Genre: Thriller/Horror
Description: Trisha McFarland only veered off the main trail to get away from her bickering teenage brother and recently divorced mother. There's no chance of getting lost, right?
Except, in her panic to get back on the path, Trish takes a wrong turning and ends up in the tangled undergrowth of a forest far away from no-where. Deeper into the woods she goes, not just the midges and mosquitoes driving her half insane.
It's the hunger. For solace, she turns on her Walkman, listening to broadcasts of the Red Sox game, featuring the performances of her hero; Tom Gordon.
And when the reception begins to fade...Trisha imagines Tom is with her....
As darkness begins to fall, she gives up all hope of being found. Alive. And as she struggles for survival and a way out, she comes to the unpleasant realisation that she is not alone. There's something else in the woods- watching her every move.
Waiting. . .
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: I have read so many Stephen King novels, and some have been better than others, but The Girl who loved Tom Gordon takes the biscuit! It's more of a literary read than some of his other novels, more gripping in it's mind games and the mentalities of poor Trisha McFarland.
It's one of those books that while it does not begin in the very centre of action, it nevertheless grabs you by the throat and hauls you in from page one.
King writes Trisha's perspective very well indeed, a nine year old girl lost in the woods is not the easiest of characters to assemble.
The eerie night scenes make you pyschically shudder and goosebumps come up on your arms, putting you in Trish's place.
The climax is utterly brilliant, something you never would have predicted or even considered.
I recommend this to any Stephen King fan, or indeed, any fan of literature ;)
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Title: Shadows Fall
Author: Simon R. Green
Genre: Fantasy
Description: Shadows Fall does not appear on any map, but it does exist if you want it to be badly enough. It's the kind of place where anything can happen. Involving many stories including a murder mystery, a war between men and elves, and characters that come back from the dead, and even a walking scarecrow with the head of a pumpkin.
Rating: 8/10
Opinion: This book is VERY odd. So much happens, and the story and characters are crazy, but this made me want to explore it even more. If you're someone who enjoys an outlandish tale involving different races and creatures, then this is definately a must read, even though some parts can be a little slow at times. But then again, most books do have at least one of these such writers block moments.
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Title: The Beach
Author: Alex Garland
Genre: Travel Adventure/Fiction
Description: At a hotel in Bangkok, a fellow traveller slits his wrists leaving behind a map to "The Beach", Eden, found in a secret lagoon hidden from the sea, hidden from the outside world.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: This is the first book that I read by Alex Garland, but after reading this, I will definately look into his other works. At the start I wasn't sure of what to expect, although the idea of searching for paradise soon became really intrigueing and I found it difficult to put the book down. It follows the struggles of living secluded from the world, where the same moral principles sometimes need to be twisted. It's a marvellous piece of writing.
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Title: Can we be good without God?
Author: Paul Chamberlain
Genre: Ethics and philosophy
Short Description: This is a story about five people of different viewpoints (Atheism, Christianity, moral relativism, evolution, and secular humanism) and their discussions about if foundational moral principles exist and if so where do they come from.
Rating: 10/10
Opinion: This was a really meaty book and took me awhile to read because of its really deep discussions even though it is a relatively short book. It is really different from the other book reviews here and really different from the majority of books I read (sci-fi and fantasy). But I love deep thinking and this is a book that I highly recommend but only for those who like to be challenged in their reading material.
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Members List and book reviews
Lissie - Maid of Honour
The Belgariad
REMEMBER ME
An Offer from a Gentleman
The Star of the Sea
Ellie - A child called it
The Silence of the Lambs
Goldberry - Dead Famous
Gerald's Game
Pippy - Taggarung
Martin the Worrior
The Golden Wreck
The Legend Of Deathwalker
Stormrider
Winter Warriors
Chantal - Max Havelaar of de Koffieveilingen der Nederlandse Handelsmaatschappij
Legolasfan - Junk
Lucas
Martyn Pig
Coming back
Mirage- Mary, Bloody Mary
Kimmie - Noughts and Crosses
Bev123 - Involved
ZZ - Across the Nightingale Floor
Of Mice and Men
Samwise Gamgee - Ender's Game
Journey To The River Sea
Portrait Of A Killer; Jack The Ripper Case Closed
Maggot Pie
The Sterkarm Handshake
Bored of the Rings
Beyond the Hanging Wall
Be yourself
Amnesia
Voyage on the Great Titanic
A child called "it"
EmnHan - Stravaganza City of Masks
Niko - Interview with the Vampire
Cuthien - Eragon: Inheritance
A Midsummer Night's Faerie Tale
Holes
Abarat
Islime - The Age of Misrule trilogy - World's End, Darkest Hour, Always forever
Note - Guards,Guards
tig - A Tale of Two Cities
Thawyn - Elizabeth, The Struggle For The Throne
Castle in the Air.
The Queen's Gambit
Court Duel
Crown Duel
The Chronicles of Chrestomanci
So You Want To Be A Wizard
Lord Of The Flies
Mother Teresa
LOTR Freak - Lola Rose
The secret of platform 13
Bobble_Hat - Sabriel
Lirael
Abhorsen
Andonewhitetree - Northern Lights
Crime and Punishment
The Subtle Knife
Eostre Took - Tithe
Eleanor - Troy
Nienor - Scorpia
Knife Edge
FlareyGirl - Sabriel
The Darkweaver Legacy (The Forging of the Sword, Trail of the Huntress, First Sword, Chosen One)
Rosie_Brandybuck - The girl with a pearl earring
The girl in the red coat
ViggoAngel - Body of Evidence
Alaithlos - Witch Child
Josher the Hobbit - Drowned Ammet
Gwinoic alaithus - The Mallorean Series.
Doodle - Harry Potter & Prisnor Of Azkaban
Alora - Lord of the Flies
To Kill a Mocking bird
Sakura - Poison
Astaraél Gamgee - Eragon
Series of Unfortunate Events
Ella Enchanted
The Two Princesses of Bamarre
The City of Ember
Varda_vala - Macbeth
Cheese + Beef - The Curious Incident Of The Dog In The Night Time
Arenea - Harry Potter and the Order of Pheonix
Follower of Sadness - The Oracle Betrayed.
The Snow Walker
Gollum - A Shadow On The Glass
The Tower On The Rift
Shadows Fall
The Beach
White Riot - The Girl who Loved Tom Gordon
Vevien - Can we be good without God?
I am going to start a fresh topic for 2006, as the List be getting too Long Lol! I have a copy of all the reviews from this topic if you wish to have a look, just Im me!