Inkheart

Author: Cornelia Funke
Plot Synopsis: When Meggie Folchart was very young, her father read aloud from Inkheart, a fantastic novel full of fairies and magical creatures. But, with his beautiful voice, her father lures from the pages the villain of the story: Capricorn. Now, years later, the story has returned again to her family. Can Meggie find the courage to defeat the evil now roaming her world?
Review: Okay, guys. I admit it. I don't think I've ever read a fantasy book I didn't absolutely love; or at least, I never post about them because that would be boring! Inkheart is fantastic. It's definitely up there on my list of favorites. The characters are gripping and just seem so real, even the ones supposedly from a different world entirely. This story will enchant you to the last page. (All right, one thing about this book that I tell everyone: get through the first 3-5 chapters. Yes, they are a tad dry. But after that, it gets so good I can hardly believe the beginning was boring at all!)

Airman

Author: Eoin Colfer (I just learned from a fan site that it's pronounced "Owen" :)
Plot Summary: Conor Broekhart, born in a hot air balloon, seems destined for greatness. But when he is framed for crimes he didn't commit, he is sent to the inhumane prison island of Little Saltee. While there, he realizes that the only way to escape is flight.
Review: I liked it. I won't say I liked it more or even as much as Artemis Fowl, but it was still worth reading. It was full of everything a good story needs: great characters, a hint of romance, and plenty of action. (Also, I pretty much want to marry Conor.) *Ahem* Anyway, try it. Tell me what you think. I'll give it a B+.

New Releases!!!

Nothing gets me quite as excited as the promise of another installment of a good series. Check out these!

Coming (Came) August 3rd: Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex

Coming August 24th: Mockingjay

So excited!!!

Half-Moon Investigations

Title: Half Moon Investigations
Author: Eoin Colfer
Plot Summary: Fletcher Moon is an unusual boy. His passion, unlike other twelve-year-olds, isn't food or sports - it's detective work. But when Fletcher is framed for crimes he didn't commit, he must turn to an unlikely ally and rely on his detective skills to prove his innocence.
Review: I loved this book! I'm already a big Eoin Colfer fan, and when Mom brought me this 50 cent library sale book, I devoured it. It's funny and exciting, and just an easy, good read. Definitely worth my [mom's] 50 cents - and much more!

Watership Down

Author: Richard Adams

Plot Summary: Brothers Hazel and Fiver lead a band of rabbits out of their native Sandleford warren after Fiver has mysterious premonitions of its imminent destruction. They encounter many dangers and obstacles and must fight for the right to establish their new warren on Watership Down.

Review: I was at first daunted by the task of reading this book. It is included in a list of classics we can read for my English class and I thought I would have to force myself to finish it. This was not the case. I absolutely loved this book! I could barely force myself to put it down. True, the detailed descriptions of landscape sometimes confused me, but I found that if I read through them slowly it helped me understand the overall storyline better.

I argued with my science teacher over whether or not this book was an allegory. He insisted it was, but in the introduction it specifically says that he did not mean it as one. However, the author also mentioned that the characters were often taken from people he knew in his life, so those people could be representations of something else. I don't know. But, this book was amazing and everyone who can should read it!

The Hunger Games

Author: Suzanne Collins

Plot Summary: Deep within District 12 of the country of Panem, Katniss Everdeen struggles to support her family with what little they have. But the presence of the annual Hunger Games looms over everyone's heads. The Hunger Games: a punishment the entire country receives for a rebellion instigated years ago. Each district must give two tributes to the Capitol to go and fight in the Games. The prize: fame, fortune, and a worry-free existence. The goal: be the one left alive. This is where young Katniss must face her worst fears to try and save herself from the grip of the Capitol's power...

Review: This book... Wow. I'm kind of speechless. This is the kind of book that has you hooked from the start. I seriously read in probably two days tops the first time I read it. It is action-packed, romantic, and all in all a fantastic read.

Note: If you enjoy The Hunger Games, be sure to check out the sequel, Catching Fire!

The Edge Chronicles: Beyond the Deepwoods

Author: Paul Stewart
Plot Synopsis: Twig has always been told he was one of the woodtrolls he was raised by, but in actuality he was abandoned at birth in the dark and forbidding Deepwoods. Upon learning he is not what he thought, he sets out to discover his true identity. However, Twig does the one thing woodtrolls never do: he strays from the path. Now, attempting to survive in the terrible woods, nothing is impossible.
REVIEW: Wow! Hold onto them hats 'n' glasses, folks! This book was a thrill ride if I ever saw (read) one. Filled with nonstop action, it's a great read. Periodically peppered with illustrations, the story comes to life while you read. One element I really enjoyed was experiencing the creative setting with completely original creatures. The one thing that kind of bothered me was that the real goal didn't come in sight until about the middle, so at times it seemed as if Twig was basically just wandering around aimlessly (which he kind of was sometimes). Complete with a touching end and interesting animals, this book is fantastic.