Nicholas St. North and the Battle of the Nightmare King

By William Joyce

Before Santa was Santa, he was North, Nicholas St. North—a daredevil swordsman whose prowess with double scimitars was legendary. Like any swashbuckling young warrior, North seeks treasure and adventure, leading him to the fiercely guarded village of Santoff Claussen, said to be home to the greatest treasure in all the East, and to an even greater wizard, Ombric Shalazr. But when North arrives, legends of riches have given way to terror of epic proportions! North must decide whether to seek his fortune…or save the village.

When our rebellious hero gets sucked into the chaos (literally), the fight becomes very personal. The Nightmare King and his evil Fearlings are ruling the night, owning the shadows, and sending waves of fear through all of Santoff Clausen. For North, this is a battle worth fighting…and, he’s not alone. There are five other Guardians out there. He only has to find them in time.

This book was magic. It had that perfect tone of nostalgia, childhood, myth, and wonder. It was comforting and felt like I was being told a bedtime story by the author. It was soothing to read and full of hope as well as danger and adventure. North is a great character, someone who has spent his life as a warrior pirate, and finds that he is more than just a treasure-seeker once he discovers the amazing village of Santoff Clausen. He especially loves the children. Sound familiar? And so the story and legend begins in a small unique and magical town, threatened by a darkness and terrible evil. It’s got the classic hero’s journey and a wonderful tone full to the brim with good. I highly recommend this series. (It’s also where the Dreamworks movie “Rise of the Guardians” got it's inspiration. There is a clip of that amazing movie below!)

I give it a 4.5 out of 5

Unraveled

By Julie Daines

In the years since the fever that took both her family and her ability to walk, sixteen-year-old Bronwen has been relegated to the lonely status of cripple. But when a fortuitous encounter with a mysterious mountain witch reveals the magical possibility of regaining the use of her legs, Bronwen can’t help but envision the life she never had. Powerless to resist the promise of a second chance, Bronwen dons the enchanted but homely shoes the witch gives her and embarks on a journey that takes her from her small village in the countryside to the glittering court of the king—and from a lonely life of solitude to a life filled with attention from two very different young men. But when Bronwen’s desire to be accepted leads to compounding lies and a mountain of trouble, the power of true love is tested. Can Brownwen’s dream of being happy, whole, and loved ever be attained?

After looking at the cover for this book I was expecting some kind of twist on the Cinderella story, and that tinted my reading of the book, but in a good way. I felt like I was reading a fairy tale retelling but wasn’t quite sure which fairy tale. I liked this easy-to-read story and enjoyed the setting of Wales. Bronwen is a girl who gets the chance to see what her life could’ve been if circumstance and sickness hadn’t changed her fate. She is a cripple, and feels like she will never have the life she dreams of with a husband and family of her own one day. She knows that no man will want a crippled wife. So she sets about her daily chores trying to content herself with her home and the things she can still do. But when she is kind to a witch, she finds herself bequeathed a ratty pair of shoes that are much more than they seem. They give her healthy legs again, but at a cost. She sets out at the urging of her mother to present herself to the court. It is there that she learns how different life is for her now that others see her as ‘whole’. Throw in two different men who both care for her in different ways, and all the lies that she has told to keep her secret, Bronwen has found that life isn’t easy even when you’ve got two sturdy legs to stand on. This is a quick read that is more than just a romantic story, it’s a story about being honest and true to yourself and recognizing that strength is about more than being whole or broken.

I give it a 3.5 out of 5

Magnus Chase: The Sword of Summer

By Rick Riordan

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.

One day, he’s tracked down by an uncle he barely knows—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. Uncle Randolph tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.

The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.

When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.

Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die…

I cannot say how excited I was when I learned that Rick Riordan would be doing another series based on Norse mythology. Admittedly, I only had a basic knowledge of the Norse god family tree, but I was on tenterhooks wondering just who Magnus’s godly parent would be. After all, that’s part of the fun right? I was not disappointed in Riordan’s choice, in fact I was downright ecstatic! Not what I was expecting, but I’m excited to see where Magnus will go with that pedigree. (No spoilers I promise!) I also enjoyed the fact that Riordan tied this series into the Percy Jackson series with Annabeth being Magnus’s cousin. Nice.

If you enjoyed Percy Jackson, definitely give Magnus a go. You get a new look at the more well-known gods like Thor, Loki, and Odin, made popular by the Avengers and Thor movies. Which also get a pop culture mention that made me laugh. This book stays more true to the mythology and not the comic-ology that most people know. It’s a fun rollick around the nine realms, meeting different species like dwarves and elves. It was pretty awesome people. Just read this and try not to like it. Although, it may help to do a Wikipedia search of the basics of Norse mythology before you start. It makes it more fun to read when you have a working idea of the story behind the story.

I give it a solid 4 out of 5

The Tapestry book 4: The Maelstrom

By Henry Neff

The world is at the brink of ruin…or is it salvation? Astaroth has been weakened, and the demon Prusias is taking full advantage of the situation to create and empire of his own. His formidable armies are on the move, and Rowan is in their sights. Rowan must rely on Max McDaniels and David Menlo and hope that their combined powers can stop Prusias’s war machine before it’s too late. But even as perils loom, danger stalks their every move. Someone has marked Max for death and no one is above suspicion. Should the assassins succeed, Rowan’s fate may depend on little Mina whose abilities are prodigious but largely untested. And where is Astaroth? Has he fled this world or is he biding his time, awaiting his next opportunity?

Henry Neff created a pretty awesome world when he began The Tapestry series. It was compared to Harry Potter when it first appeared, and was one of the many ‘magical boarding school’ novels to come out after Harry Potter. What makes The Tapestry special, is that it’s a series you honestly can’t predict. It’s got mythological creatures, secret warrior guilds, gods and demons, and so many twists and turns that it makes me giddy to read them. I still don’t think I’ll ever get over the third book’s well scene. That’s all I’m saying. Creepy. As. Heck. But awesome!

Finally I was able to grab the audiobook and listen to The Maelstrom (book 4) as I commuted to work and back every day. I had forgotten how much I love this series. It also made it great that the narrator was really good. The goblin voices were spot on, as well as Prusias’s oily voice. One of the things that genuinely surprised and delighted me was how this world that was created by Neff fell to demons. The good guys didn’t win, they’ve been hanging on for dear life and fighting for it for nearly the whole series. Max and David have gone on a secret mission to discover what they can about a supposed weapon that the demon Prusias has commissioned to destroy Rowan before they go to war. It’s a break neck ride and more than once I was afraid for the lives of my favorite characters.

This story is involved, and the penultimate novel in the series, ending with a war for Rowan’s survival. It’s amazing and crazy good. My only criticism is that the 5^th and final book of the series is only available in e-book format! Gah! I want it now, but have to save my pennies to buy it on my kindle. It’s one of those stories that I want to finish, but am also afraid to finish because I don’t want it to be over. I’m stretching this out as long as I can stand!

I give it a 4.25 out of 5

The Blood of Olympus (#5)

By Rick Riordan

Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made no progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaia. Her giants have risen—all of them, and they’re stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood—the blood of Olympus—in order to wake. The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it might be able to stop a war between the two camps. The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea’s army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.

I FINALLY got through this one! I really enjoy Rick Riordan’s books, and waited until I was in the exact right mood to read this (I am a mood reader, and heaven help the book I read if I’m not in the mood for a romance/adventure/fantasy etc.). I have loved the relationships in this series and the character growth that happens with each of the main characters. I usually don’t like switching perspectives in books, and I do have my favorites, but this was great because I liked all of them. But, Leo was the one I was desperately rooting for. There’s something about a funny, loyal, and underdog-like guy that I can’t help but love. I read this book really looking for his happy ending. That’s all I’ll say! Oddly, I found that with the Percy Jackson series, I had a hard time remembering how it ended…and it’s kinda the same with this one. The books that Riordan writes are all about the adventure, the tension, the deadlines to the apocalypse. When you get there, when it’s crunch time, I start to lose interest a little. (Sorry Mr. Riordan! I’ll still read all your books!) That said, I’m happy to have read this series, and say that I liked it even more than the first series. Keep the mythology rolling Mr. Riordan, and I’ll keep coming back for more.

I give it a 3.75 out of 5

The Changeling Sea

By Patricia A. McKillip

Since the day her father’s fishing boat returned without him, Peri and her mother have mourned his loss. Her mother sinks into a deep depression and spends her days gazing out at the sea. Unable to control her anger and sadness any longer, Peri uses the small magic she knows to hex the sea. And suddenly into her drab life come the King’s sons—changelings with strange ties to the underwater kingdom—a young magician, and, finally, love.

The more I think about this book, the more I like it. This book had such a beautiful tone and grace to the telling, it was magic to read. It was simple, but the depths were amazing. I was entranced. I felt like I was swimming through the words; poetic, eerie, and captivating. Peri is such a strange protagonist, ragged and ordinary, estranged from her mother and longing for her lost father. Peri learns some magic and becomes enmeshed with the destiny of the sea itself, and finds her answers and works through her sadness by helping the princes of her kingdom. It’s a tale filled with longing, love, loss, and hope. I enjoyed it much more than I thought I would, even when I was in the middle of reading it. I sighed when I finished, relieved and a little lighter. It was therapeutic in a way, showing that destiny isn’t always fixed and that even the worst hurts can be healed.

I give it a 4.25 out of 5

Seeking Persephone

By Sarah M. Eden

When Persephone Lancaster receives a marriage proposal from the ill-tempered Duke of Kielder, she refuses—and then reconsiders. The obscene sum of money he’s offering Persephone would save her family from ruin. With her characteristic optimism, she travels to the far reaches of Northumberland to wed a greatly feared stranger. Lodged deep in a thick forest infested with wild dogs, the Duke’s castle is as cold and forbidding as the Duke himself, a man with terrible scars on his body and his soul. But the Duke’s steely determination to protect his heart at all costs is challenged by his growing attachment to his lovely and gentle bride. With caring persistence, Persephone attempts to pierce the Duke’s armor and reach the man beneath. Yet he cannot tolerate such exposure, and his repeated rejections take their toll. But when grave danger arises, the Duke realizes he must face the risk of revealing his true feelings or lose the woman he cannot live without.

I was a little surprised at how much I enjoyed this book, though in retrospect, I probably shouldn’t have been. It’s a very beauty and the beast-like retelling, though it can also said to be a retelling of the mythology surrounding Persephone and Hades. I really enjoyed that not-so-subtle nudge. It actually endeared this story to me even more. Persephone was a good character, not given to being pitying, but also finding her situation difficult, she was realistic and also innocent and exactly what Adam needed. Adam himself was a great “Beast” character, being scarred and having a decidedly terrible reputation that scares the wits out of almost everyone he meets. I loved the interplay and slow blossoming love between the two of them. The awkwardness displayed by Adam as he wishes to open himself to Persephone, but not knowing quite how, is one of the best parts of the novel. I highly recommend this novel as a clean book as well as a good romance.

I give it a 4.25 out of 5

The Flame of Olympus

By Kate O’Hearn

When Pegasus crashes onto a Manhattan roof during a terrible storm, thirteen-year-old Emily’s life changes forever. Suddenly allied with a winged horse she’d always thought was mythical, Emily is thrust into the center of a fierce battle between the Roman gods and a terrifying race of multiarmed stone warriors called the Nirads. Emily must team up with a thief named Paelen, the goddess Diana, and a mortal boy named Joel in order to return Pegasus to Olympus and rescue the gods from a certain death.

Along the way, Emily and her companions will fight monsters, run from a government agency that is prepared to dissect Pegasus, and even fly above the Manhattan skyline—all as part of a quest to save Olympus before the Olympic flame burns out.

This was a much better story than I initially thought it was going to be when I picked it up in the library. I thought it would be a little girl centered story about horses (I mean, what little girl didn’t love Pegasus?) and while it certainly was that, it was also a great story about Roman mythology. Yes, Roman, as all the incarnations are the Roman versions of the pantheon like Jupiter, Mars, and Diana instead of Zeus, Ares, and Artemis. Emily is a sort of place-holder character for young girls to insert themselves in the tale. She isn’t horribly flushed out as a distinct character, but young readers won’t know or care, as she is a good girl and has a heart of gold. Joel is a little more interesting as a boy obsessed with Pegasus with a rough home life. Paelen is actually my favorite and most interesting of the characters, the thief with all the luck and the reluctant hero. If you enjoyed Rick Riordan’s books then these are a safe bet for your kids. This is geared more toward girls and boys probably won’t enjoy it as much as Percy Jackson.

I give it a 3 out of 5 for average writing and plot.

The House of Hades

By Rick Riordan

At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through Gaea’s forces, and Percy and Annabeth can survive the House of Hades, then the Seven will be able to seal the Doors both sides and prevent the giants from raising Gaea. But, Leo wonders, if the Doors are sealed, how will Percy and Annabeth be able to escape? They have no choice. If the demigods don’t succeed, Gaea’s armies will never die. They have no time. In about a month, the Romans will march on Camp Half-Blood. The stakes are higher than ever in this adventure that dives into the depths of Tartarus.

Yay for Greek demigods! This is the penultimate installation of the Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan, and it is just as grand as the rest of the series. After loving the Percy Jackson novels, I didn’t think I would like another series even more, but this one takes the prize. I love all the characters, which is shocking because I usually dislike different perspectives (as I’ve stated many times) but this just plain works. The demigods are back and they’re into crunch-time. Gaia is rising, the Romans are marching, and the clock is ticking for Percy and Annabeth to meet the others at the Doors of Death. Follow Annabeth and Percy through Tartarus, meeting the monsters they put there, and some surprising allies. It’s a race to get to the doors, but it’s also a challenge to stay in one piece while running from the monsters that want revenge. The others up top-side are also racing to the Doors with the help of Nico diAngelo, who is shady (literally) to say the least. Leo is still tinkering and thinking of a certain girl on an island, Frank is still an awesome warrior teddy-bear with a stick for a lifeline, Hazel has some issues to work through, and Jason is trying to take the reins and lead them all to safety with the help and support of Piper. It’s difficult to review this without giving things away, so I’ll say just read it if you’ve started the series, it’s amazing and Riordan knows what he’s about.

Content warning: If it bothers you, there is a character that comes out as gay. I did appreciate how Riordan handled it with kindness and I thought it could be a teaching moment for parents and kids, whether you agree with it or not.

I give it a solid 4 out of 5 for awesomeness.

When the Stars Threw Down Their Spears

By Kersten Hamilton

Locked doors are opening, and magical creatures are tumbling through mysterious portals from Mag Mell, the world-between-worlds, into the streets of Chicago. Meanwhile, the romance between seventeen-year-old Teagan, who is part goblin, and the alluring bad boy Finn Mac Cumhaill is heating up….which is awkward, to say the least, considering he is bound by a family curse to fight goblins his entire life. Celtic mythology, adventure, and paranormal romance fuse in the electrifying finale of the Goblin Wars trilogy.

 

Sad day. I’ve been waiting for the end to this trilogy for a year now and after reading it, I was let down. I wanted to like it just as much as the first two, and I tried I really really tried, but I just don’t. It felt flat for me. It just seemed to randomly put new characters in and old characters acting out of character and people dying and just confusingness. There was enough to tie all the books together, but I got a little lost as to how certain aspects (which I will not spoil the book by relating) fit into the grand scheme of things. That and one of my favorite characters died and I really didn’t want that to happen…I swear the author could’ve saved them. It seemed a waste and I don’t know how it furthered the plot, but perhaps by that time I was already irritated enough to find it flawed. Oh well. Sad day.

 

I give it 3 out of 5-average. Sadly.

Odd and the Frost Giants

By Neil Gaiman

In this inventive, short, yet perfectly formed novel inspired by traditional Norse mythology, Neil Gaiman takes readers on a wild and magical trip to the land of giants and gods and back.

In a village in ancient Norway lives a boy named Odd, and he’s had some very bad luck: His father perished in a Viking expedition; a tree fell on and shattered his leg; the endless freezing winter is making villagers dangerously grumpy.
Out in the forest Odd encounters a bear, a fox, and an eagle—three creatures with a strange story to tell.
Now Odd is forced on a stranger journey than he had imagined—a journey to save Asgard, city of the gods, from the Frost Giants who have invaded it.
It’s going to take a very special kind of twelve-year-old boy to outwit the Frost Giants, restore peace to the city of gods, and end the long winter.
Someone cheerful and infuriating and clever…

Someone just like Odd.

 

The more I read from Neil Gaiman the more I like his style. This particular short story felt like it could be included in the old Norse mythologies and read much like those said stories. I love mythology and so of course loved this book. Odd was fantastic, relatable, and courageous.  It was fun to see the gods Odin, Thor, and Loki in such an interesting situation, and kids will enjoy this book and know these characters from the recent Avengers and Thor movies of past years. I think every kid would enjoy reading this; it’s short and has fantastic illustrations.  I hope to add it to my own library soon.

 

I give it a 4.25 out of 5

The Odyssey

By Gareth Hinds

 Homer’s classic comes to life in this full color graphic novel by Gareth Hinds.

So this graphic novel is a fun alternative for kids in getting them into the classical greek mythologies. I believe there is another one that is about Beowulf.  I do have some warnings though: it is a graphic novel. If you aren't familiar with them, most of them are like adult primetime, and sometimes a little more...revealing. There are naked men and women, not fully portrayed, but enough to make this girl pretty uncomfortable and itchy for her handy Sharpy to pen in some clothes. There is also a few scenes of gore that were fairly grimace-worthy, but it is a book about war and death and cyclopes and strange creatures. But when Polyphemus bites a dude's head off and the main color on the entire page is red...I get squeemish. So, while this is an alternative to get kids interested, I'd be mighty careful in letting them read it.

I give it a 3 out of 5 because of the graphic nature of this well, graphic novel. But that's sort of like giving demerits to Babe Ruth for hitting a homer...no pun intended.

Sweet Venom

By Tera Lynn Childs

 Grace just moved to San Francisco and is excited to start over at a new school. The change is full of fresh possibilities, but it’s also a tiny bit scary. It gets scarier when a minotaur walks in the door. And even more shocking when a girl who looks just like her shows up to fight the monster.

 Gretchen is tired of monsters pulling her out into the wee hours, especially on a school night, but what can she do? Sending the minotaur back to his bleak home is just another notch on her combat belt. She never expected to run into this girl who could be her double though.

 Greer has her life pretty well put together, thank you very much. But that all tilts sideways when two girls who look eerily like her appear on her doorstep and claim they’re triplets, supernatural descendents of some hideous creature from Greek myth, destined to spend their lives hunting monsters.

 These three teenage descendents of Medusa, the once-beautiful Gorgon maligned in myth, must reunite and embrace their fates in this unique paranormal world where monsters lurk in plain sight.

 

 

This is one of the books that I got for free on my Kindle Fire and decided it looked interesting. And that's about how my review will be: it was interesting. It wasn't really fantastic, but it was fun to read and had some imaginative takes on the mythology of medusa and her descendents. The biting was cool and a little gross, but I liked how the sisters were portrayed. They were all raised differently and apart, and each of them is very well developed and defined, with the small exception of Greer; she was really stereotypical for me and fake.  Grace and Gretchen were fun. Not hugely in depth, but believable and entertaining to meet and watch. If I find the next books in the library I'd probably pick them up and keep reading if I didn't have anything else fun at the moment.

 

3 out of 5 Average entertainment

Heroes of Olympus 3: The Mark of Athena

By Rick Riordan

 

In The Son of Neptune, Percy, Hazel, and Frank met in Camp Jupiter, the Roman equivalent of Camp Halfblood, and traveled to the land beyond the gods to complete a dangerous quest. The third book in the Heroes of Olympus series will unite them with Jason, Piper, and Leo. But they number only six—who will complete the Prophecy of Seven? The Greek and Roman demigods will have to cooperate in order to defeat the giants released by the Earth Mother, Gaea. Then they will have to sail together to the ancient land to find the Doors of Death. What exactly are the Doors of Death?


What isn't to like about Rick Riordan's books about greek mythology in our present day world?  This next book in the projected 5 book series was just as great as the first two- though I have an unexplainable love for the first book in this series, this book was awesome in its own right. It's all about how the kids are setting out to fufill the new great prophecy. Demigods vs. Gaea, ready go!  I gotta say, while I usually am not a fan of the multi-perspective story telling, it works for this series exceptionally well. I was a little disappointed not to hear much from Jason though. But I loved Annabeth and Percy...little warm fuzzy feelings and girl giggles at their cute love story. And the ending was the most epic wonderfulness and at the same time dreadfulness that he could've done for his fans that enjoy the romantic moments. Sigh. I'm pleased to be waiting for yet another installment. I would be happy to have one of Mr. Riordan's greek mythology spin-offs waiting for me to read every year for the rest of my life.  If you haven't read them, go start with Percy Jackson and the Lightning Theif, then on to Heroes of Olympus.

P.S. If you didn't already know, they are making another movie out of Sea of Monsters that comes out this summer and I pray that it is better than the first one...because honestly as far as books into movies goes, that one was on my most hated list along with the movie of Ella Enchanted. (shudders people...shudders)

I give it a 4 out of 5

My Boyfriend Merlin

By Priya Ardis

 

17 year-old Boston high-schooler Arriane, aka Ryan DuLac just found out the guy she’s been crushing on, hot biker Matt, is a little older than he was letting on. In fact, he is really Merlin—the Merlin, King Arthur’s Merlin, the greatest wizard who ever lived. Frozen in a cave for over fifteen hundred years, he’s woken for a purpose. But Ryan’s not impressed. Tired of being a relationship loser, she’d rather kick his legendary behind. Sure, the world has been crazy ever since the sword and the stone fell out of the sky like a meteor. But despite the gruesome gargoyles, a deadly new world of magic, and the guy driving her crazy, Ryan knows that family is everything. Will Merlin sacrifice hers to save the world? Will she be able to stop him?


Why do I do this to myself? I see a fun cover, a possibly entertaining idea, and I think 'it's probably garbage, but maybe it's not' and then proceed to read it. Now, this wasn't "garbage" but it was disappointing for me. I found myself comparing it to "Avalon High" by Meg Cabbot and that made it difficult to enjoy this spin-off arthurian tale. having loved Cabbot's version infinately more. It's all about finding the new wielder of Excalibur, and Ryan is in the middle of things when she finds out her adopted brother is a candidate to take the sword, and that might've been the only reason Matt aka Merlin dated her in the first place. She's pretty upset. What I really hate about these teen books lately is the whole otherworldly attraction that is described as fate or destiny instead of what it simply is: infatuation and a crush.  As far as writing goes, it's well crafted and the plot is diverse enough to hold the reader's attention and keep them reading into the wee-hours. I admit I was ticked at Ryan's fickleness toward Merlin, and I was uncomfortable at the making out and messing around-nothing graphic, but it was enough to make me try to loosen my invisible colar in discomfort.  It was a page-turner. Who knows, I'm half likely to pick up the next one if I can find it in a library somewhere...

I give it a 3 1/2 out of 5- Because it was really entertaining, and my beef was mostly personal taste. It really was pretty good. A little above average.

In the Forests of the Night

By Kersten Hamilton

 

The battle agains goblinkind continues…but which side will Teagan be on? Teagan, Finn, and Aiden have made it out of Mag Mell alive, but the Dark Man’s forces are hot on their heels. Back in Chicago, Tea’s goblin cousins show up at her school, sure she will come back to Mag Mell, as goblin blood is never passive once awoken. Soon she will belong to Fear Doirich and join them. In the meantime, they are happy to entertain themselves by trying to seduce, kidnap, or kill Tea’s family and friends. Tea knows she doesn’t have much time left, and she refuses to leave Finn or her family to be tortured and killed. A wild Stormrider, born to rule and reign, is growing stronger inside her. But as long as she can hold on, she’s still Teagan Wylltson, who plans to be a veterinarian and who heals the sick and hurting. The disease that’s destroying her—that’s destroying them all—has a name: Fear Doirich. And Teagan Wylltson is not going to let him win.



So the first book in this series (Tyger, Tyger) was good enough for me to pick this book up without hesitation when I found it in the library. This sequel was even better than the first book, and unlike many of the books that have similar paranormal/romantic themes, this book actually does a realistic take on relationships! I was so relived and happy! It wasn't this continuation of  "We just went through a fantastic journey together, and well I'm attracted to you, so I must be in love forever!" The way it was was perfect.
They both are very young (17-18) and they really do love each other in that degree of wanting to protect and be with each other, but they also get a reality check from Teagan's dad. (Loved him for it!) He basically has a talk with Finn and asks him questions about Teagan, which he can't answer- for instance, what her hopes and dreams for the future are. He can't answer them! Therefore, John Paul tells Finn to take it slow and get to know her and let her know him better. Only then could they find out if their beginnings of love were the stuff that life-long journeys are made of.  Thank you Ms. Hamilton!!!! You wrote a great preface to hopeful 'forever' sort of love story!  (Unlike another author I won't name...)
Aside from that lovely lovely aspect, this story is full of goblins, angels, and other fantastic creatures. It's a story about first love and finding and keeping true to yourself despite all obstacles. It's a great series, and I can say I really reccommend it to those of you who are fantasy and mythology fans. My one plea to Ms. Hamilton is: Help on the pronunciations! Galic is hard!

I'd give it a 4 1/4 out of 5 -- Just for the love story stuff. :) YAY!

Tyger Tyger

By Kersten Hamilton

Teagan Wylltson’s best friend, Abby, dreams that horrifying creatures—goblins, shapeshifters, and beings of unearthly beauty but terrible cruelty—are hunting Teagan. Abby is always coming up with crazy stuff, though, so Teagan isn’t worried. Until Finn Mac Cumhaill arrives, with his killer accent and a knee-weakening smile. Either he’s crazy or he’s been haunting Abby’s dreams, because he’s talking about goblins, too . . . and about being born to fight all goblin-kind. Finn knows a thing or two about fighting. Which is a very good thing, because this time, Abby’s right. The goblins are coming.


Sooo...goblins. I've only read one other series that even explored goblins in a light I enjoyed, and that was The Hollow Kingdom series by Clare Dunkle. This was really interesting and had a fun romance story and mystery in it. It's harder to review this book without giving way too many spoilers that would ruin it. Suffice it to say, this was an enjoyable read and I've already got my hands on book 2 and look forward to how Teagan deals with her newfound knowledge. Also it's a cool tribute to William Blake. :)

I give it a solid 3 1/2 out of 5  (Just because I was sincerely entertained)

Unearthly

By Cynthia Hand


In the beginning, there’s a boy standing in the trees…

Clara Gardner has recently learned that she’s part angel. Having angel blood run through her veins not only makes her smarter, stronger, and faster than humans (a word, she realizes, that no longer applies to her), but it means she has a purpose, something she was put on this earth to do. Figuring out what that is, though, isn’t easy.
Her visions of a raging forest fire and an alluring stranger lead her to a new school in a new town. When she meets Christian, who turns out to be the boy of her dreams (literally), everything seems to fall into place—and out of place at the same time. Because there’s another guy, Tucker, who appeals to Clara’s less angelic side.
As Clara tries to find her way in a world she no longer understands, she encounters unseen dangers and choices she never thought she’d have to make—between honesty and deceit, love and duty, good and evil. When the fire from her vision finally ignites, will Clara be ready to face her destiny?

 
I keep thinking if I look long enough I will find an awesome angel book. Sadly, though I was excited about this one, it didn't live up to my expectations. It was a bit strange, though I liked it much better than Halo, and had some incongruencies with my own personal beliefs...I guess that could be my problem. Clara was fine as a character, but I was put off by the whole new school, meet the hot guy, fall for him plot (thank you Twilight) and that irritated me. But I was very pleased with the way the love-story played out until the very end...then I was irritated again. Don't get me wrong, you peoples who are liking the books that are popular right now with this similar high-school paranormal love plot line will really like this one. I just like it when I find something that make me feel happy when I'm done. (Doesn't mean happy ending necessarily) This didn't do it. The writing was good, the story interesting enough for me to read it fairly fast, and the angel stuff was credible and not overdone or underdone. I just didn't care for it was all. Happens sometimes. 
 
3 out of 5 (average for me)

The Squire's Tale

By Gerald Morris


Growing up an orphan in an isolated cottage in the woods, young Terence never expected much adventure. But upon the arrival of Fawain, his life takes a surprising turn. Gawain is destined to become one of the most famous knights of the Round Table. Terence becomes Gawain’s squire and leaves his secluded life for one of adventure in King Arthur’s court. In no time Terence is plunged into the exciting world of kings, knights, wars, magic spells, dwarfs, damsels in distress, and enchanters. As he adjusts to his new life, he proves to be not only an able squire but also a keen observer of the absurdities around him. His duties take him on a quest with Gawain and on a journey of his own, to solve the mystery of his parentage. Filled with rapier-sharp wit, jousting jocularity, and chuckleheaded knights, this is King Arthur’s court as never before experienced.



So this book was one of those I kept thinking, "I should read that sometime," and I finally got to it after a few years. At first I was dissapointed because I was wanting something written a little more maturely, but after I got used to the writing style I was pretty entertained. It was great fun to go through all the adventures of Terence and Gawain. I'm a sucker for fairy tales and myths, and Arthur's knights are awesome. This book is a lot of fun and gives a bit of mystery as to Terence's parents and his background. Gawain is a fun character and I had quite a few chuckles at their troubles. All in all it was a cute story with loads of potential. I'll grab the next in the series eventually and see if the writing and characters improve with time. This is a great introduction to Arthurian times for kids.

3 out of 5 (Average)

The Red Pyramid

By Rick Riordan


Since his mother’s death six years ago, Carter Kane has been living out of a suitcase, traveling the globe with his father, the brilliant Egyptologist Dr. Julius Kane. But while Carter’s been homeschooled, his younger sister, Sadie has been living with their grandparents in London. Sadie has just what Carter wants—school friends and a chance at a “normal” life. But Carter has just what Sadie longs for—time with their father. After six years of living apart, the siblings have almost nothing in common. Until now.

On Christmas Eve, Sadie and Carter are reunited when their father brings them to the British Museaum, with a promise that he’s going to “make things right.” But all does not go according to plan: Carter and Sadie watch as Julius summons a mysterious figure, who quickly banishes their father and causes a fiery explosion.

Soon Carter and Sadie discover that the gods of Ancient Egypt are waking, and the worst of them—Set—has a frightening scheme. To save their father, they must embark on a dangerous journey—a quest that brings them ever lcoser to the truth about their family and its links to the House of Life, a secret order that has existed since the time of the pharaohs



This book took me forever to finish because I was reading it out loud. I didn't really like it as much as Percy Jackson or Heroes of Olympus, mostly because I don't know Egyptian mythology nearly as well. It was still doused with Riordan's trademark humor, which I greatly love and appreciate, and it was adventurous. I really liked the character of Anubis and also Horus. Sadie's crush on Anubis is pretty funny too. Riordan knows how to weave a tale that everyone will like: adventure, rescuing parents, a little romance for both Carter and Sadie, and magical powers. What's not to like? I guess the one thing that would help me out is to brush up on my Ancient Egyptian gods.

3 1/2 out of 5