bv Betsy Cornwell
Summary:
Nicolette has always been gifted mechanically, she inherited it from her mother. But when her mother dies, and her father remarries and then dies leaving her with a stepmother and stepsisters who turn her into their maid she has had to put her abilities aside. On her 16th birthday, she receives a letter showing her how to get into her mother's old workshop. Maybe, just maybe, she'll be able to use her skills to gain a patron who will help her finance her own shop. But first she has to make it to the ball.
Review:
A great twist on Cinderella. Nicolette is a strong independent character. I enjoyed the love story twist and that she ended up stronger than ever at the end-and didn't need a prince to fix her life! Great for younger readers and older. Give to fans of Gail Carson Levine.
Age Level: 7th Grade
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Showing posts with label Magic. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Magic. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 22, 2015
Friday, March 13, 2015
Wicked Thing
by Rhiannon Thomas
Summary:
You might think you know the story of Sleeping Beauty, but I bet you never thought of it from Aurora's perspective. Asleep for a hundred years, she's been awoken by 'true love's kiss,' and now is expected to marry him. While she was asleep her kingdom fell to pieces, and the new royal family expect her to conform to their ways and unite the kingdom. But Aurora is done doing what she's told, and is ready to step up and protect her people in her own way.
Review:
An imaginative take on a well known tale, I liked the new Aurora. Rather than meekly doing what she's told she stands up to those around her in her own way. She doesn't just submit or believe what she's told, though she does show a bit too much reliance on Finnegan after disbelieving everyone else. There is a lot of subplots going on in the book that could use more explanation. I thought the ending was a bit too quick, it seemed like there wasn't much segue-way between the novel and the ending, she just kind of decides and everything falls into place. Hopefully the sequel will remedy this!
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: 7th Grade
Summary:
You might think you know the story of Sleeping Beauty, but I bet you never thought of it from Aurora's perspective. Asleep for a hundred years, she's been awoken by 'true love's kiss,' and now is expected to marry him. While she was asleep her kingdom fell to pieces, and the new royal family expect her to conform to their ways and unite the kingdom. But Aurora is done doing what she's told, and is ready to step up and protect her people in her own way.
Review:
An imaginative take on a well known tale, I liked the new Aurora. Rather than meekly doing what she's told she stands up to those around her in her own way. She doesn't just submit or believe what she's told, though she does show a bit too much reliance on Finnegan after disbelieving everyone else. There is a lot of subplots going on in the book that could use more explanation. I thought the ending was a bit too quick, it seemed like there wasn't much segue-way between the novel and the ending, she just kind of decides and everything falls into place. Hopefully the sequel will remedy this!
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: 7th Grade
Monday, January 14, 2013
City of Bones (Mortal Instruments Series)
by Cassandra Clare
Summary:
When Clary went to Pandemonium that night, she expected to have a fun night out with her friend Simon. Instead, she sees two Shadowhunters destroy a demon. Not that she knows what a Shadowhunter is. When her mother is kidnapped by unknown forces, Clary finds herself thrust into a world she knows nothing about. A world where demons and vampires, werewolves and fairies exist. As do Shadowhunters, people who have sworn to keep humans safe from these creatures. With Simon at her side, and the incredibly handsome Shadowhunter Jace always there when she needs her, she's about to learn that nothing she grew up knowing about her family was true.
Review:
While I had a hard time liking the love story between Jace and Clary (the possibly brother/sister plot line is a bit hard to digest), overall the first book in the Mortal Instruments was well written and interesting. By the end of the book I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second. Clary is a pretty strong character who doesn't simply rely on the men in her life to do everything for her. In the romance department her character is fairly predictable (flipping back and forth between the 2 boys), but that's not the be all and end all to the story. Definitely a good book for teens who like paranormal romances.
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Series: City of Bones (Book 1), City of Ashes (Book 2), City of Glass (Book 3), City of Fallen Angels (Book 4), City of Lost Souls (Book 5), City of Heavenly Fire (Book 6, comes out April 2014)
Prequel (Infernal Devices Series): Clockwork Angel (Book 1), Clockwork Prince (Book 2), Clockwork Princess (Book 3, comes out March 2013)
Summary:
When Clary went to Pandemonium that night, she expected to have a fun night out with her friend Simon. Instead, she sees two Shadowhunters destroy a demon. Not that she knows what a Shadowhunter is. When her mother is kidnapped by unknown forces, Clary finds herself thrust into a world she knows nothing about. A world where demons and vampires, werewolves and fairies exist. As do Shadowhunters, people who have sworn to keep humans safe from these creatures. With Simon at her side, and the incredibly handsome Shadowhunter Jace always there when she needs her, she's about to learn that nothing she grew up knowing about her family was true.
Review:
While I had a hard time liking the love story between Jace and Clary (the possibly brother/sister plot line is a bit hard to digest), overall the first book in the Mortal Instruments was well written and interesting. By the end of the book I couldn't wait to get my hands on the second. Clary is a pretty strong character who doesn't simply rely on the men in her life to do everything for her. In the romance department her character is fairly predictable (flipping back and forth between the 2 boys), but that's not the be all and end all to the story. Definitely a good book for teens who like paranormal romances.
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Age Level: 9th Grade
Series: City of Bones (Book 1), City of Ashes (Book 2), City of Glass (Book 3), City of Fallen Angels (Book 4), City of Lost Souls (Book 5), City of Heavenly Fire (Book 6, comes out April 2014)
Prequel (Infernal Devices Series): Clockwork Angel (Book 1), Clockwork Prince (Book 2), Clockwork Princess (Book 3, comes out March 2013)
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
The Sigh
by Marjane Satrapi
Summary:
Rose's father is wonderful in every way. But when he returns from a trip without the present she asked for, she sighs a deep sigh. When a mysterious being called "The Sigh" is summoned by her sigh, he brings her the blue bean she had asked her father for. But his price is high, and Rose will have to live with the consequences.
Review:
The Sigh is an illustrated fairy tale for tweens. The story is very cute, and will appeal to tweens who like fairy tales. Rose falls in love and has to overcome a lot of adversity to find happiness, a storyline that many girls will like. The illustrations are fantastic and add to the story as well. It's a good book for younger tweens.
Genre: Fairy Tale
Age Level: 3rd Grade
Summary:
Rose's father is wonderful in every way. But when he returns from a trip without the present she asked for, she sighs a deep sigh. When a mysterious being called "The Sigh" is summoned by her sigh, he brings her the blue bean she had asked her father for. But his price is high, and Rose will have to live with the consequences.
Review:
The Sigh is an illustrated fairy tale for tweens. The story is very cute, and will appeal to tweens who like fairy tales. Rose falls in love and has to overcome a lot of adversity to find happiness, a storyline that many girls will like. The illustrations are fantastic and add to the story as well. It's a good book for younger tweens.
Genre: Fairy Tale
Age Level: 3rd Grade
Friday, November 16, 2012
Glimmer
by Phoebe Kitanidis
Summary:
What would you do if you woke up in bed with a stranger, not knowing how you got there, or even who you are? Would you run? Would you stay and try and find out? What if they didn't know how they got there either? Or what their name was? Where do you go from there? Elyse and Marshall woke up with no recollection of who they were, but when they are recognized around town, and brought back to their 'homes' they start to wonder about this place that they have supposedly grown up in. What they find will shatter the town to it's foundations, that is if they can survive it.
Review:
The book is a bit confusing, since as the reader you are trying to figure out everything just as the characters are. The entire town's population operates under a fog, which we find out is the result of a magician. I didn't realize the book was fantasy based when I picked it up, but it does a good job of talking about magic without seeming too far fetched, which will make it appealing to those who aren't very into fantasy fiction. Overall it's a good read; it keeps you interested as you try and figure out what's really going on with everyone you encounter in the book. Good for teens.
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
Summary:
What would you do if you woke up in bed with a stranger, not knowing how you got there, or even who you are? Would you run? Would you stay and try and find out? What if they didn't know how they got there either? Or what their name was? Where do you go from there? Elyse and Marshall woke up with no recollection of who they were, but when they are recognized around town, and brought back to their 'homes' they start to wonder about this place that they have supposedly grown up in. What they find will shatter the town to it's foundations, that is if they can survive it.
Review:
The book is a bit confusing, since as the reader you are trying to figure out everything just as the characters are. The entire town's population operates under a fog, which we find out is the result of a magician. I didn't realize the book was fantasy based when I picked it up, but it does a good job of talking about magic without seeming too far fetched, which will make it appealing to those who aren't very into fantasy fiction. Overall it's a good read; it keeps you interested as you try and figure out what's really going on with everyone you encounter in the book. Good for teens.
Genre: Fiction
Age Level: 8-9th Grade
Thursday, February 23, 2012
The Two Princesses of Bamarre
by Gail Carson Levine
Summary:
Meryl has always been the more adventurous sister. The one who is anxious for adventures, loves sword fighting, and above all is always there to protect her sister Addie from trouble of any sort. But when Meryl falls sick with the plague, it is up to Addie to find the cure that could save her sister. But can Addie, who has never even had to get rid of a spider, face ogres or dragons or worse? Will she succeed in saving her sister, or will she end up dead too?
Review:
Gail Carson Levine is well known for her entertaining and feel good princess stories, and The Two Princesses of Bamarre does not disappoint. The story is well written, though predictable, with characters which will draw in girl tweens with their determination to be better than they are. The book even has a love story in it, making it a great choice for any princess tale loving girl.
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Age: 6-7th Grade
Summary:
Meryl has always been the more adventurous sister. The one who is anxious for adventures, loves sword fighting, and above all is always there to protect her sister Addie from trouble of any sort. But when Meryl falls sick with the plague, it is up to Addie to find the cure that could save her sister. But can Addie, who has never even had to get rid of a spider, face ogres or dragons or worse? Will she succeed in saving her sister, or will she end up dead too?
Review:
Gail Carson Levine is well known for her entertaining and feel good princess stories, and The Two Princesses of Bamarre does not disappoint. The story is well written, though predictable, with characters which will draw in girl tweens with their determination to be better than they are. The book even has a love story in it, making it a great choice for any princess tale loving girl.
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Age: 6-7th Grade
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Princess of the Midnight Ball
by Jessica Day George
Summary:
There is a mystery in the palace in Westfalin. A mystery that no one has been able to solve. Though the twelve princesses are locked in their room every night, they manage to wear out their dancing slippers every third night without fail. Galen has served his country during it's long war, but now he has returned and is working in the palace gardens. As he meets and falls in love with the eldest princess, he realizes that he is the only one who might be able to discover the secret that the princesses keep. But will he be able to discover it before the princesses are ruined by the whispers of witchcraft and murder which surround them?
Review:
The Princess of the Midnight Ball is an entertaining retelling of the Grimm Brothers Twelve Princesses fairy tale. It is a quick read, but manages to be entertaining without being too silly, combines a love story with heroism, and pits good against evil. The book will be appealing to tweens of all ages who like a romantic but adventurous tale.
Genre: Fairy Tale
Age Level: 7th-8th Grade
Summary:
There is a mystery in the palace in Westfalin. A mystery that no one has been able to solve. Though the twelve princesses are locked in their room every night, they manage to wear out their dancing slippers every third night without fail. Galen has served his country during it's long war, but now he has returned and is working in the palace gardens. As he meets and falls in love with the eldest princess, he realizes that he is the only one who might be able to discover the secret that the princesses keep. But will he be able to discover it before the princesses are ruined by the whispers of witchcraft and murder which surround them?
Review:
The Princess of the Midnight Ball is an entertaining retelling of the Grimm Brothers Twelve Princesses fairy tale. It is a quick read, but manages to be entertaining without being too silly, combines a love story with heroism, and pits good against evil. The book will be appealing to tweens of all ages who like a romantic but adventurous tale.
Genre: Fairy Tale
Age Level: 7th-8th Grade
Thursday, January 19, 2012
A Kiss in Time
by Alex Flinn
Summary:
We've all heard the story about Sleeping Beauty, right? But maybe we haven't heard the real story. Maybe it is less of a fairy tale and more the real thing. Maybe the entire kingdom is still sleeping, waiting for the princess to get true love's kiss. At first Jack though he had stumbled upon some sort of weird theme park, one where everyone is sleeping, but when he can't resist kissing one girl, he comes to find out that maybe fairy tale's are more real than we think.
Review:
A Kiss in Time is a fluffy, fun fairy tale. The book takes a lot of leaps which are hard to identify with-beyond the typical fantasy stuff, like the fact that Jack knows where to get a fake passport and that the Princess has no problems adjusting to 21st century life. But overall the theme of the book is love, and it adequately addresses it. Definitely a great read for girls who liked Ella Enchanted or similar.
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Age Level: 7th-8th Grade
Summary:
We've all heard the story about Sleeping Beauty, right? But maybe we haven't heard the real story. Maybe it is less of a fairy tale and more the real thing. Maybe the entire kingdom is still sleeping, waiting for the princess to get true love's kiss. At first Jack though he had stumbled upon some sort of weird theme park, one where everyone is sleeping, but when he can't resist kissing one girl, he comes to find out that maybe fairy tale's are more real than we think.
Review:
A Kiss in Time is a fluffy, fun fairy tale. The book takes a lot of leaps which are hard to identify with-beyond the typical fantasy stuff, like the fact that Jack knows where to get a fake passport and that the Princess has no problems adjusting to 21st century life. But overall the theme of the book is love, and it adequately addresses it. Definitely a great read for girls who liked Ella Enchanted or similar.
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Age Level: 7th-8th Grade
Thursday, January 12, 2012
The Unwanteds
By Lisa McMann
Summary:
Alex and Aaron are twins. While they are alike physically, their personalities are different. Alex is the creative one, while Aaron is studious and a strict rule follower. Normally this wouldn't be much of a problem, but in Quill being creative is a death sentence. As they both turn 13 they are separated, with Aaron being deemed wanted in society, and Alex being deemed unwanted and thus sentenced to immediate death. But death isn't what is waiting for him. Instead he finds that creativity itself can be his salvation.
Review:
The Unwanteds is not just another dystopian novel. The book combines the depressive characteristics of this type of novel (a city full of neutral colors, no fun, and rigid societal roles) with fantasy (mixing in magic and pronouncing that creativity can overcome any obstacle). The book is well written and good for tweens of all ages, as it broaches topics like war but has little tangible violence.
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: 4th Grade
Summary:
Alex and Aaron are twins. While they are alike physically, their personalities are different. Alex is the creative one, while Aaron is studious and a strict rule follower. Normally this wouldn't be much of a problem, but in Quill being creative is a death sentence. As they both turn 13 they are separated, with Aaron being deemed wanted in society, and Alex being deemed unwanted and thus sentenced to immediate death. But death isn't what is waiting for him. Instead he finds that creativity itself can be his salvation.
Review:
The Unwanteds is not just another dystopian novel. The book combines the depressive characteristics of this type of novel (a city full of neutral colors, no fun, and rigid societal roles) with fantasy (mixing in magic and pronouncing that creativity can overcome any obstacle). The book is well written and good for tweens of all ages, as it broaches topics like war but has little tangible violence.
Genre: Fantasy
Age Level: 4th Grade
Monday, March 7, 2011
Wish
Wish
Author: Alexandra Bullen
Publisher: New York : Point, 2010.
Plot Description:
Olivia didn’t always feel so alone. But after her twin sister dies, and her parents move her across the country, she can’t seem to find her footing again. Until she goes to get one of her sister’s dresses fixed. And the seamstress gives her back not the dress she dropped off, but a new one entirely. A dress that gives her one wish. What she unwittingly ends up wishing for helps her realize not only what she’s been missing in her life, but helps her reshape what her family has become.
Review:
While definitely written for an older audience, Wish has a fairy tale aspect which appeals to older tweens. The book centers on a tragic loss, one which, as Olivia says, makes everyone feel both bad for her and happy that they have never had something so horrible happen to them. It’s a book which, while it talks about underage drinking and has several parties where this happens, really is focused on how one girl and her family survive a terrible tragedy. It’s about remembering to appreciate what you have, and how to adjust when things change.
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Reading level: 9th Grade
Similar Books: Unearthly, Twilight
Reader’s Advisory:
Personal thoughts- Touching
Subjects/themes- High School, Loss, Sisters, Family, Wishing, Magic
Character names/descriptions-
Olivia- shy girl who is still coping with the loss of her sister
Violet- Olivia’s twin who died, was the more outgoing of the two
Calla- the most popular girl at Olivia’s new school who befriends her
Soren- Calla’s ex-boyfriend, and Olivia’s new love interest
Mariposa- Seamstress who gives Olivia a magical dress
Annotation: What would you wish for if you could have anything?
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