Glazed Murder

Title: Glazed Murder
Author: Jessica Beck
Rating: Four and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Suzanne Hart is the owner of Donut Hearts, a donut and coffee shop. She cashes her settlement from her divorce with Max, an out-of-work actor, to make her shop in April Springs, North Carolina. But things jump when a common customer, that's also a friend of Suzanne's, is literally dumped on the doorstep... DEAD!
Now Suzanne is a possible next-target, and she's determined to catch the killer before the killer catches her. She gets a mystery that's much more complicated than a donut...

Rockin' Review:
Oh WOW! The mystery starts on the first page... literally! Nice touch there.
Everything was very well done. The story was very good, though it didn't completely claw you in all the time. The mystery was pretty good, and you didn't even really guess who the real suspect was near the end, like the character did, though things made sense when explained. The characters were wonderful, even the characters that were on only for a few pages. And there were recipes at the end of most of the chapters (except for the very last chapter, but there's an index instead). Some of those recipes sounded tasty... and some of the time, they were recipes used in the chapter! Not all the time, but pretty cool.
This is a book for a rockin' read, especially if you want a super-right-away-mystery!

Cat On The Edge

Title: Cat On The Edge
Author: Shirley Rousseau
Rating: Three and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
The shock starts when the cat named Joe Gray discovers that he can understand the human language and speak it. But then he has the bad luck of witnessing a murder... and being seen witnessing it! Joe's on the run, and he soon meets Dulcie, a female cat who can also talk and has seen the murder.
Both for the sake of their owners and themselves, and a certain enchanted woman, the murderer has to be brought to justice, and only the cats can do it...

Rockin' Review:
It wasn't one or the other. I wouldn't suggest the book for mystery purposes. It was a backwards mystery, knowing the crook and figuring out motives, but it wasn't very well-done. I couldn't keep up with it all the time. And the story needs work. Sometimes, the characters knew stuff they shouldn't, and they didn't really explain. And we really never find out why the cats (and Kate) are like they are.
But this was a great book for an fantasy like Redwall, with human-minded animals. And it took place in the "real world", as well! It was good fantasy, though not the best mystery.
This is more of a book for fantasy lovers. It was only about average.

Wicked Weaves

Title: Wicked Weaves
Authors: Joyce and Jim Lavene
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
College student Jessie has been going to the Renaissance Faire during the summer for many years. And since she's studying for he Ph.D., it's also research. This year, she's apprenticed with Mary Shift, a basket weaver master.
But when murder strikes, and Mary the prime suspect, Jessie's going to be looking for the real killer...

Rockin' Review:
Not a good book. It was written pretty decently, but only at an average level. The characters were confusing (or at least their actions at times). The mystery wasn't the greatest either. The best part of the book was learning about Renaissance Faires. That was pretty awesome!
I personally wouldn't suggest this book. I'm so glad it wasn't my first cozy mystery...

Friendly Warning:
Oh, for all young adults and younger (if any) reading this blog, here's a friendly warning. This book has the highest sex level of any cozy I've ever read or heard of. There were never details, but the main character would wake up, and she and the main guy would have done it. So I suggest being used to and okay with James-Bond-Movie-level sex before reading this if you decided to read this.
For all adults reading this... you'll probably be fine, but you can make up your own minds about your comfort zone.

Sleight of Paw

Title: Sleight of Paw
Author: Sofie Kellie
Rating: Four and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Everyone's prepping for Winterfest in Mayville Heights. This includes the librarian Kathleen. But things start getting bad when Agatha Shepherd, an old woman that have seemed to affected everyone that Kathleen knows, is discovered dead. And it seems to be no accident.
When a dear friend is affected, Kathleen is going to have to call on the help of her two magical cats, Owen and Hercules, to solve the mystery and save her friend...

Rockin' Review:
This was a great book. It wasn't as good or gripping as the first one, but still a work of art. Mrs. Kellie has great potential. The story was well-done, with only a minor flaw or two. The small town was cool, and we meet some new friends, as well get to know the old friends better.
This is a rockin' book! Worth getting!

Sprinkle With Murder

Title: Sprinkle With Murder
Author: Jenn McKinlay
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Melanie Cooper is finally living out her dream as a cupcake baker with her friend Angie DeLaura. Their big order finally comes in: to cook a big batch of cupcakes for their friend Tate's wedding. Too bad that the bride-to-be, Christie, is a total meanie (and it's not just because she's getting married)!
But when Mel goes to talk to the bride about the cupcake flavors for the wedding, she discovers Christie dead! Mel becomes the prime suspect. She has to find out who really did it, before she ends up in jail, and/or her business goes out business...

Rockin' Review:
Technically, this is supposed to be a cozy mystery. But I'm not sure it's really worth the cozy part... but I'm new to the whole cozy theme, so don't depend on me there.
This book didn't get into the mystery part right away, but when it did, it did! The book was more heavy on the mystery, though it could do with a little work. We didn't really get to the clues until the end. But the main plot was stuck heavily with solving the mystery before everything crashed for Melanie.
It was well-written, and I highly enjoyed it. It didn't do as good a job as the Cats, but this first installment of the Cupcake Bakery Mystery series was still very good. I enjoyed it. It's a book worth getting, especially if you want something more dependent on the mystery!

Curiosity Thrilled The Cat

Title: Curiosity Thrilled The Cat
Author: Sofie Kelly
Rating: Five Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Kathleen is a librarian of Mayville Heights, Minnesota. She moved in only a couple of months ago. She is working on restoring the old library there.
But when she discovers a dead body, she becomes a major suspect in the murder. And to add to this stress, her two adopted cats, Owen and Hercules, are displaying unusual powers. They'll have to help her solve this mystery...
Before things get truly hairy for Kathleen!

Rockin' Review:
AWESOME! This was a totally terrific book! This first book of the Magical Cat Mysteries is definitely a keeper!
This was my first cozy mystery. And it was a wonderful choice! The only true trouble I had was keeping track of who was who (cozies tend to have big crowds all at once), but that was me. I don't do terrific with those (even for my favorite TV series The Transformers gave me trouble keeping track who's who!). But even I started learning who's who.
But the story was extremely well-written, and great! It had the mark of a wonderful book: it made you come back for even more! It wouldn't let you go. You hated it when life forced you to put this book down, and you would find yourself wanting to come back to it only a little bit later. It's like the magnet, and you're the metal.
And it didn't have the Of Blood And Honor problem, where the ending stunk. In fact, the ending had a fun little twist!
DEFINITELY get this book! It's totally rockin'!

The Iron Sceptre

Title: The Iron Sceptre
Author: John White
Rating: Three and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
When Mary joins her cousins in Winnipeg due to trouble at home, she didn't expect a trip to another world! Mary meets Gaal, and then heads to Anthropos! Shortly afterward, her cousins Wesley, Kurt, and Lisa head to this magical land themselves.
A witch named Mirmah is trying to take over Anthropos, and she needs King Kardia's scepre to do it. Kardia's fighting hard, but it is the four children who have to go and stop her...
But with Mary under the witch's rule, will Anthropos really be saved?

Rockin' Review:
Eh... not bad, but not terrific either. It was well-written, but the story was one of those iffy cases. They also forgot to really explain an important item (SPOILER): why did King Kardia's sceptre try to get away from him in the Enchanted Circles? I presume they thought they had explained it, but it made no sense to me.
And the ending wasn't terrific as well. It seemed a little... stretched. The problem was, the book was well-written, so it didn't really seemed stretched either. That's just confusing, and confusing a reader isn't a splendid idea.
And it was more of an relaxing read. You didn't get gripped all the time. On the positive side, the ending tried to nab you, and the action scenes did the same. But it could have been done better.
So this wasn't a bad book, but, so far, it's not the best of this series either.

The Wishsong of Shannara

Title: The Wishsong of Shannara
Author: Terry Brooks
Rating: Two and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
This time, it's Wil's children who gets hunted down by Allanon! The stakes are as high as ever... but this time, the target is much larger! With the magic of the wishsong, Wil's daughter Brin has to destroy the source of dark magic itself! When the evil Mord Wraiths come about for Allanon afterward, Brin's brother Jair is set off on an adventure of his own...
But there's much more to this adventure. With terrible prophecies, will Brin and Jair make it out at all alive... or as themselves?

Sizzilin' Summary:
I'll go as far to say that this book is worse than Elfstones! The story was well-written, which is why it got the half-guitar, but the story just wasn't enjoyable. Except for a few parts, it didn't catch you and keep you in. Even the ending wasn't great... only a few parts of the ending kept you in. Bad news is, the wishsong is supposed to stay during the most of the Shannara books, so you'll have to read this to keep reading Shannara.
I suggest looking up the wishsong on the Internet, or getting a friend to tell you if you're keeping with the Shannara series, because this is one book that I wouldn't suggest for reading!

Of Blood and Honor

Title: Of Blood and Honor
Author: Chris Metzen
Rating: Four and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
The paladin Tirion Fordring had believed that the Orcs were mindless, cruel savages. But an act of honor and compassion from an old orc changes all that. A series of events then happens that will change Tirion's life forever... will his scared honor survive?

Rockin' Review:
One good book to another! This book was wonderfully written. As I said before, good authors make their audiences feel things. This is what happened to me. But I believe I felt all the right feelings. I felt fear and horror when Tirion's world fell apart. I felt relief when he held his honor and did the right thing. This book kept me stuck, and when life forced me to put the book down, I didn't want to.
Some of you might ask, "Then why isn't this a five-guitar?" The answer, put simply, is that the ending could have been done a lot better. We never truly found out if Tirion had a happy ending. There was a slight hint, but that answer was never truly answered. That ending was what cost this book a half-guitar.
Despite that, this was an extremely good book. True, it was short, but who cares? This book was rockin', even with that ending problem. Get this book, especially when you want that extremely good little book!

Alanna: The First Adventure

Title: Alanna: The First Adventure
Author: Tamora Pierce
Rating: Five Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Twins Thom and Alanna of Trebond want to be different things: Thom, a magician, and Alanna, a knight. But their father has different plans. Second "But": Alanna has a plan! Alanna disguises herself as a boy, Alan, and the two twins switch places!
Alanna heads for the palace, but she's to learn that its not easy to become a knight. And she learns also that she must learn to use her magical Gift. And it isn't very easy to hide your gender either!
Very soon, a test is going to come along... will Alanna have what it takes to win and save her friend Prince Jonathan?

Rockin' Review:
This was a very rockin' book! It was well-written, and the story was enjoyable, even if it wasn't action-packed every minute. Get this book if you find it: it's totally rockin'!

The Tombs of Atuan

Title: The Tombs of Atuan
Author: Ursula K. Le Guin
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
When Tenar is young, she is picked the High Priestess of the Nameless Powers. She is taken from her home, and is renamed Arha, the Eaten One. She falls into power as she grows up, and becomes accustomed to her underground domain of darkness.
But when the wizard Sparrowhawk, AKA Ged, comes along, Arha/Tenar is going to learn of the evil of the Nameless Ones and more...

Rockin' Review:
I liked this one better than the first one. It was a good story, and very well-written. But I didn't care for how it ended. It was kind of sad and pitiful, and a little on the confusing side, just because I don't usually read endings like this. But I think it's very human. You know... it's how a person would really act under the circumstances.
I wouldn't say whether or not you should get this. If you want an Earthsea classic not like the first book, go ahead and get it! This was honestly not my favorite, and I probably won't read it again. But if you read the first one, and want a change in pace from the "history-book-like" reading, get this book! It's much more like a normal book you would find in the fiction sections.

The Invention of Hugo Cabret

Title: The Invention of Hugo Cabret
Author: Brian Selnick
Rating: Two and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Hugo Cabret is an orphan clock keeper who hides in the walls of a train station. He steals to survive, avoiding getting caught and sent somewhere else. He also steals from a toy booth to get machine parts for an automaton hidden in his quarters... an automaton his father had been working on fixing when he was killed! But when the toy booth's owner finally catches him, things begin to both unravel and click into place. Secrets are discovered... and there is more than meets the eye with the toy-booth owner.

Rockin' Review:
Pictures done in movie-like sequence: very well done.
Written story: okay. (how well the story was written; reason for half-guitar)
Bad?
The not-so-well-filled expectations.
During the whole book, I was expecting it to get sci-fi, or at least steampunk! But that was not how it happened. I even had an expectation for what the toy-booth owner really was, but it turned out totally different, and not in a really fulfilling way.
I would not suggest reading and/or getting this book.

Daniel X: Demons and Druids

Tile: Daniel X: Demons and Druids
Author: James Patterson
Rating: Five Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Now the Alien Hunter is in Jolly Ol' England, hunting number 2 on the List: Phosphorius Beta, an alien made of fire. But Daniel quickly finds out that Beta is too powerful for him to handle, and has been on Earth for a very long time.
The Alien Hunter's getting new powers, but will that be enough to fight a living inferno?

Rockin' Review:
This book was great! The story was very good, and the action kept you in. James Patterson did a very good job here.
Get this book; it's totally rockin'!

The Tower of Geburah

Title: The Tower of Geburah
Author: John White
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
This time, it's John's family's turn! When John's nephews and niece go into John's attic, they find four TVs that begin to act strangely. Too soon, they are transported to Anthropos. There, they have a major journey, and a major mission, to do! They must help the true king of Anthropos to regain his land. But they must first learn about Gaal... and they are only children...
And it doesn't help it's a evil magician on the throne now!

Rockin' Review:
Again, it was a well-written book, but it leaned toward a more relaxing read. It needed something extra... but don't ask me what! I have no idea! But the action parts were pretty good as well.
It was a good book, and I suggest picking it up.

Doomsday

Title: Doomsday
Author: Jack McKinney
Rating: Three and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
It has been two years since Dolza's attack, and the Earth is finally recovering, and the humans and the Zentraedi are getting along peacefully...
We all wish.
Some Zentraedi are getting upset with the peaceful life, and leaving, and not peacefully all the time. Rick Hunter and Lisa Hayes also have their own problems, mainly, their relationships. To make matters worse, Khyron's back, and he wants revenge! Now with an army, Khyron is getting ready...
Will the human race make it out this time?

Rockin' Review:
The problem here was the story. The book itself was well written, but I didn't overly enjoy the story. Now, part of it may be that I didn't care for the part of the TV series this book covered either, but this was not one I recommend for reading. If you want to, I'm not stopping you. But this was my least favorite of the Robotech books.

Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull

Title: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
Author: James Luceno
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
After a few decades, Indy's back! First he's kidnapped, and taken to Hanger 51, where he discovers that the Russian Spalko has a evil plan. It requires a certain crystal skull and a lost city. He soon meets Mutt, and discovers that some old friends are in trouble.
But there's secrets to be found out, and this new threat is unlike one Indy has ever faced before...

Rockin' Review:
Okay, this wasn't the greatest book. Some parts were five-guitar material (mainly action scenes), but most of the book was three-guitar. Now part of it may lie in the fact I started the youth novel without knowing it.
This book leaned more toward the boring side, but you're reading this from someone who seen and liked the movie. Not a great book to read after the movie.

The Last Guardian

Title: The Last Guardian
Author: Jeff Grubb
Rating: Five Stars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Khadgar, a young mage, is picked as the apprentice to the mysterious Medvih... the most powerful mage in all of Azeroth! But there are secrets all around, and lessons to be learned. But one of these secrets may endanger not only Khadgar, but all of Azeroth itself!

Rockin' Review:
This was an extremely well-written book. It leaned more toward a relaxing read, but there were still good doses of action, especially near the end. I enjoyed this book, and I suggest it!

Gaal the Conqueror

Title: Gaal the Conqueror
Author: John White
Rating: Four and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
John's back in Anthropos, as well as his new friend Eleanor. Eleanor runs away from home, and when John and his dad follow her, they find an entry into Anthropos! John follows Eleanor into Anthropos, and into a new adventure.
Things have changed. The "humans", the Regenskind, are under a spell. Only Gaal, the mysterious Son of the High Emperor, can break the spell, which keeps people under the control of the Circle of Nine. Shagah, servant of the Lord Lunacy, is also making a ton of trouble... especially now, since John the Sword Bearer is supposed to lock him up!
With tons of magic, how can John and Eleanor hope to serve Gaal... especially when he's supposed to die?!?

Rockin' Review:
No doubt about it now. This series is Christian! This book just proves it. I'm not giving spoilers, though. Sorry!
Again, more of a relaxing read. But this is the second of the Archives of the Anthropos series, and I seem to have this "thing" about reading a bunch of books of the same series in the row, so that may be it. But this was still a very good book.
If yah find it, get it!

The Sword Bearer

Title: The Sword Bearer
Author: John White
Rating: Four and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
On John's 13th birthday, he believes that he will finally learn the secret of the ring and locket that he's got... as well of his parents, who he never knew. But when he returns home from school, he finds his grandma dead! Then a terrible man comes along to take him.
What else does John do, but run away? But he is transported to the magical world of Anthropos, where he discovers that he is to be the Sword Bearer, and the slayer of the Goblin Prince. He also meets the mysterious and powerful seer Mab, and the Matmon, natives of the world.
But first he has a lot to learn about the mysterious Changer, who rules all things...

Rockin' Review:
Some of you might have picked this up at the last comment, but this book is definitely Christian. But don't let that bug yah! It's still an extremely rockin' book! The story was great! There were a few writing glitches (like, we sometimes knew stuff the character didn't), so that was why it lost a half-guitar. But, otherwise, it was a wonderful story.
Definitely get this book! It's totally rockin'!

Indiana Jones and the Dance of the Giants

Title: Indiana Jones and the Dance of the Giants
Author: Rob MacGregor
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Indy has landed a job at a college, and already a student's on his nerves. Her name is Deirdre Campbell, daughter of his boss!
Don't worry... this book doesn't all take place at college! It wouldn't be Indiana Jones! Indy joins Deirdre and her mom on a dig for a golden scroll... one that could prove the existence of Merlin!
But Indy and the Campbells aren't the only ones looking for the scroll! A power-hungry man is after the scroll as well, and is also concerned with Stonehenge...
And the Omphalos stone that Indy found at Delphi!

Rockin' Review:
This book was much better than its predecessor! Mr. MacGregor really managed to get up and going after the first book. Hey, sometimes folks need to take their first steps as well! But all's good now... it still didn't have the luster of the movie novels, but it's still a very good book to read.
So, if you see it, even if you just want to learn about Indy's past a bit, get this book!

Force of Arms

Title: Force of Arms
Author: Jack McKinney
Rating: Four and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
The first Robotech War is almost over. Now both Breetai's and Commander Gloval's forces are in trouble from the head Zentraedi, Dolza, and the Grand Fleet. And the UEDC still refuses to listen! The fate of humanity and many Zentreadi rests in this last battle...
Will anyone make it out alive?!?

Rockin' Review:
This was a very good book. It didn't hit the five-guitar because it wasn't as enjoyable as a five-guitar, but it was still very good. The point of view problem was nonexistent in this book.
Have you seen this Robotech book in an used bookstore? Then hope it's still there, because I say get it!

A Wizard of Earthsea

Title: A Wizard of Earthsea
Author: Ursula K. Guin
Rating: Three and a Half Guitars

Rockin' Review:
Ged may be a major hotshot in Earthsea now, but everyone has a back story. This book covers Ged's youth, where he learns of his power, and accidently releases a dangerous shadow. He has to come to terms with his fear and power, and stop the shadow before something dangerous happens. On the way, he has many adventures, but all comes to the shadow, made of something not of this world, but one of darkness...
Will Ged "Sparrowhawk" stop it?

Sizzilin' Summary:
My feelings on this one are complicated, but I'll do my best. It reads more like a history book, with some first-person scenes, so it's a different kind of read. I won't say it wasn't well written, because it was, but the story was a relaxing read, and not the greatest. The story wasn't bad, but it wasn't the greatest either. It was very good in some parts, not so great in others.
It was still very well-written, which is why it got the half-guitar. If you're into classics, get this book. But otherwise... I suggest reading the first chapter and making up your own mind. I'm honestly not sure what to say about this book.
Here's my best: it was well-written, but only an in-between story.

Lord of the Clans

Title: Lord of the Clans
Author: Christie Golden
Rating: Five Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Thrall the orc was found as a baby and raised by a cruel human master. He learned different ways of the humans as a slave. Then he learned the true cruelty of his master while he was a gladiator. With the help of one human friend, Taretha (or Tari for short), Thrall escapes so he can find his people.
The orcs are kept in interment camps during this time, and Thrall is disgusted. He eventually finds his clan, and becomes a shaman. But then he helps to lead a war, with his eyes on revenge and rebuilding his broken race.
All the while, he shall be discovering his destiny...

Rockin' Review:
This was a great book! The characterizations were great, and it was fun to learn the background story of Thrall, (SPOILER ALERT) Warchief of the Horde! (SPOILER ALERT END). The story was extremely well-written and enjoyable, and the characters seemed almost real. Mrs. Golden did a great job on this book.
Even if you're not interested in WOW folklore, this is a great book to pick up, even just for the story! It's totally rockin'!

Centaur Aisle

Title: Centaur Aisle
Author: Piers Anthony
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
When King Trent of Xanth goes to set a trading deal with a Mundania Kingdom, he leaves Dor to keep an eye on things for a week. And then two extra weeks pass... revealing that King Trent and the Queen must be in trouble! To make matters worse, there is a centaur Magician around too, with the possible political problem predictions because of this...
Along with his friends and the princess Irene, Dor goes off to find the Magician, and a way to rescue King Trent. Along the way, he will learn many things, as well as lessons in love.
But they learn that the only way to save King Trent and the Queen is to bring magic into Mundania, which is impossible!
Or is it...?

Rockin' Review:
Piers Anthony wrote a really good book. It was full of jokes, mainly puns, and yet had a good storyline and plenty of action. It leaned more toward the "relaxing" read. I enjoyed this book, and suggest it!

Battlehymn

Title: Battlehymn
Author: Jack McKinney
Rating: Three and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
The SDF-1 takes flight against orders in this one. Gloval is determined to get the citizens of Macross City back on Earth, even denying the United Earth Government! But a Zentraedi attack may change all that... and take out one of Rick's friends!
Then the SDF-1 is forced into space. Breetai makes a new plot, but is unaware of the rebellion within his own ranks. The three spies have returned, and other Zentraedi are more interested in the life of the "Micronians" (Earthlings). And the super-pilot Miriya is also planning deadly things for a certain Battleloid pilot... so much that she decided to on-ship as well!
Will everyone come out of this disaster alive?!?

Rockin' Review:
Apologies to everyone. This one was actually my fault. I just kept reading on Robotech books, and just got too much into "the flow" of the story, well... it started getting boring. It was still very good, and I still say read it, but I got too much into a flow. You'll be getting a different book for the next review.
Again, apologies to everyone.
If you find this book, still get it! That problem with not knowing whose eyes you're looking through got much better. It was a very-well written book, with a good story.

Homecoming

Title: Homecoming
Author: Jack McKinney
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
The SDF-1 is finally back at Earth. But the Zentraedi are making lots of trouble under the Zentraedi leaders Azonia and Khyron. And that's not the only trouble that Captain Goval is facing. The world government is forcing the SDF-1 back into space... and they're not letting the citizens of Macross City go free! This causes major trouble.
And personal problems are also on the rise. Minmei's cousin Kyle has come to the SDF-1, and it's causing Rick problems, especially since Kyle doesn't like the military! And Lisa is fighting some internal conflicts of her own, both in her love life, and about her father, who is in the world government. And then there are the Zentraedi attacks...
Even with these problems, will all the main characters make it through intact... or even ALIVE?!?

Rockin' Review:
Relax, folks! The reason that this book lost a guitar isn't the reason that I warned about in the last book's review. The reason that this book lost a guitar is because it's what I call a relaxing read. Now, to be fair, it may be because I've read a bunch of them in a row, and I'm getting used to their "flow". I'm not sure, but it's a possibility.
Now, don't let that mess up anything! It was still a very highly enjoyable book, and the author fixed up that problem I mentioned about in the last book's review. The main-character visage problem was actually a bit better than the first one... he at least told you who he was switching to! It was very helpful, and a good thing.
If you find this third book in the Robotech series... I'm sure you know by now. Get it! It's still a rockin' book... hey, even relaxing reads can be totally cool, and that's the case here!

Battle Cry

Title: Battle Cry
Author: Jack McKinney
Rating Four and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
In this second book in the Robotech series, the SDF-1 is trying to get back home to good old Earth. But the Zentraedi are on their trail, and are not giving up until they have captured the ship!
Rick Hunter is now part of the army. He works with his friend Roy Fokker and two new friends. While he is an expert pilot, he faces relationship trouble as the girl he loves, Lynn-Minmei, is going after a life of fame.
Two planets are the major battlegrounds before reaching within view of Earth, but the Zentreadi's newest partner--Khyron the Backstabber--is making things difficult, even for his fellow Zentreadi! Then something really unexpected happens to Rick and some of his friends, and his superior officer Lise Hayes.
Will they all survive this? Or will the Zentreadi kill them all?

Rockin' Review:
Again, an extremely good book. At the end was another one of those moments like in Ranger's Apprentice Book 2: The Burning Bridge. It leaves on a cliffhanger, so, once again, I was glad to have the next book on me. It was a good jump-up off for a series.
The problem from the last book grew in this one. We couldn't always tell who the main character of the section was. Especially near the end: there was one phrase that belonged to a different set of characters, but I thought that it belonged to the group that I was just reading about! It confused me. I hope this gets better, or there may be more than half-guitars dropping...
Negative note aside, I still highly suggest this book, especially if you are/have watched the Robotech anime series. It's rockin'!

Genesis

Title: Genesis
Author: Jack McKinney
Rating: Five Stars

Sizzilin' Summary:
The Earth was at war when it came... a space fortress warped out of nowhere. Immediately, all the world leaders came to a peace in order to study and rebuild the super dimensional fortress (dubbed the SDF-1), in order to defend the Earth someday from the aliens that would eventually follow.
Now, ten years later, they have! The alien Zentraedi have come to capture the SDF-1, and this warrior race doesn't care who gets in the way.
Rick Hunter is a young man, but expert pilot. He gets caught up in everything by accident, but also starts caring for the young girl Minmei. Roy Fokker is a military pilot, and a good friend of Rick's. Captain Henry J. Gloval is the head of the ship.
They are all about to learn... the war has just begun, and neither side is going to fall in without victory. But when a miscalculation makes the SDF-1 end up on the other side of the Solar System, and all of Macross City with it, can everyone pull through?
The ship is full of the mysterious technology called Robotech, but will it be enough?

Rockin' Review:
I loved the anime. In this case, it's a positive thing. The first book of the Robotech series was great! I highly enjoyed it. It was fun to "see" through the eyes of the characters, especially Lisa Hayes. Yes, I'm talking about "the old sourpuss" (to quote Rick Hunter). The only negative side to this is the fact that we could change the main character of the section in the same paragraph, and that got a little confusing sometimes. Not much, but a little bit.
But I really like this book. It was good, had action, yet you could relax in-between chapters (not recommended for all authors). But Mr. McKinny has done a great job.
If you find this older book in an used book store, get it! It's totally rockin'!

Day of the Dragon

Title: Day of the Dragon
Author: Richard A. Knaak
Rating: Three and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Trouble is rumbling in Azeroth. There's political trouble among some of the kingdoms. Stray tribes of orcs have a captured dragon.
For this last one, the mysterious mage Krasus sends the younger mage Rhonin to release the captured Dragonqueen. But the rest of the mage council, the Kirin Tor, thinks that Rhonin is on an observation mission! Rhonin is joined by an elf ranger, and a few others on his journey... but the trouble is about to brew higher.
Especially when the legendary and dangerous dragon DEATHWING comes back!

Rockin' Review:
This was only an okay book. The half-guitar came from the fact that it suddenly got better near the end.
This was supposed to be a Warcraft book, but it seemed like a modern World of Warcraft book! This is a great one for the lore, and it was fun to learn about the past of Azeroth. One of the main characters' last name was Windrunner, which is the last name of the Forsaken leader! The political parts weren't as good as the other parts.
This was an okay book, but good for finding out what had happened in the past of W.O.W.... or some of Deathwing's origin!

Castle Roogna

Title: Castle Roogna
Author: Piers Anthony
Rating: Five Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
This time, it's Bink and Chameleon's son's turn! Dor is to be the next King of Xanth, being the only one of Magician level magic to do so. But he has to prove his worth. His nursemaid, Millie, was once a ghost. Her lover is Jonathan. The problem? Jonathan is a zombie!
So King Trent sends Dor on a quest to get a certain elixir that can restore Jonathan to life... even though Dor's only twelve, and the elixir's in the past! Dor goes through a portal, and takes over the body of a warrior man. He meets the giant spider Jumper, who becomes Dor's best friend in this new time line world of Xanth. But there's a war, and a curse, in the air. Can Dor and Jumper not only find the elixir, but help to save a King in history? And can Dor learn something about growing up in order to someday be King?

Rockin' Review:
This was a very good book. It had more comedy than the other two, but it was inter-weaved with a very good story. The third book of the Xanth series is definitely an improvement of the famous series. It was also very neat to find out some of the secrets of the Xanth world.
I definitely suggest this book. It's rockin'!

The Awakening

Title: The Awakening
Author: Michael Carroll
Rating: Two Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
About ten years ago, the superhumans--both hero and villain--vanished. But now new heroes are beginning to awaken. Danny and Colin are two friends who have superhumans for parents, and are getting their powers. But a dangerous group is trying to get their hands on them. And there's an extremely dangerous prophecy about Danny...

Rockin' Review:
This is complicated. The first book of the Quantum Prophecy series was well-written, but it STUNK! It wasn't that it was a terribly written book, I just disliked the story. It made me scared sometimes... which is partly a good thing, since authors are supposed to make their audience feel... it was just the wrong feelings.
I didn't like this book. It's not one I suggest for reading.

Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

Title: Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade
Author: Rob MacGregor
Rating: Five Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
After a narrow success with a since-childhood quest, Indiana Jones receives a journal from his father. Then he learns that his father has gone missing while on a quest to find the Holy Grail. Indiana Jones goes after his father, but he will find betrayal, adventure, and danger... But will he learn the strength of belief soon enough to save his father's life?!?

Rockin' Review:
An extremely well-done book. I highly enjoyed this novelization of the movie. It takes a short time to get into it, but when you do... YOU GET INTO IT!!! It keeps you in your seat until you're done with the book. It's a totally rockin' book... I highly enjoyed it, and suggest it!

The Elfstones of Shannara

Title: The Elfstones of Shannara
Author: Terry Brooks
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzlin' Summary:
A new danger comes for the Four Lands... and this time it's ancient! The Demons have at long found a break from the Forbidding, an imprisonment keeping them bound to another world. The ancient magical tree that keeps the Forbidding up, is dying, and has to be reborn soon.
Allanon has returned... and just in the nick of time! But too close this time. There is only one Chosen left... one who can carry the tree's seed to the Bloodfire, the earth's blood, in order to save the world. And Shea's grandson, Wil, is now the owner of the Elfstones... the only defense against the Demons! Wil is made protector of the last Chosen, but he has problems with the Elfstones. Will he overcome everything to end the quest and save the world?
Even if he does, can he stand the price at the end?

Rockin' Review:
Once again, a well-written book. But it wasn't as enjoyable as the first book either. It was only in-between. But I'm once again impressed how Terry Brooks can keep track of the time in those books... I couldn't tell what was happening when half of the time!
So, another in-between. It wasn't great, but it wasn't terrible either! A good book to read when you have the time.

Pillage

Title: Pillage
Author: Obert Skye
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
When Beck Phillips's mom dies, he is sent to his extremely rich uncle in Kingsplot. Things don't seem so bad at first... but there are mysteries all around this small town. The main ones seem to be around his uncle's mansion... but his uncle can't explain, since he's locked himself in the attic and seems a little... out of sorts. Beck even has an odd power around plants! When a possible new danger arises, Beck may be the only one to stop an old enemy of the family's and his family's curse!

Rockin' Review:
This was an okay book. Mr. Skye did a good job expressing how the main character felt. He did a pretty good job writing it. But the action didn't really start until the end, when things started picking up.
Overall, it's a good book, but suggested for reading when you have time, or are taking a break from a series for a short time.

The Sword of Shannara

Title: The Sword of Shannara
Author: Terry Brooks
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
When a mysterious stranger comes to Shady Vale, the lives of Shea, a half-Elf, and Flick, his brother through adoption, are about to change suddenly! The stranger's name is Allanon, and he is more than he appears to be. He warns that Brona, the Warlock Lord, is hunting Shea, since he is the last in the line of Shannara. At first, the brothers don't believe him... until a Skull Bearer, servant of the Warlock Lord, comes into town!
The two brothers flee for their lives, and are soon stuck in a quest to save the world! Brona wants to take over the world, and the only thing that can stop him is the Sword of Shannara. And the only one that can use the Sword is Shea! With a gang of friends, both old and new, and his loyal brother, Shea heads out to get the Sword.
But will it be in time to save the Southland... and the entire WORLD?!?

Rockin' Review:
This was a really good book! I can see where this guy became famous... and this was his first book! I couldn't tell the time relations all the time, though... like if we were supposed to five days earlier than what we just read, when he switches from one party's eyes to another.
But I suggest this first book of the famous Shannara series. It's rockin'!

The Trouble With Max

Title: The Trouble With Max
Author: Patricia H. Rushford
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Jessie Miller is not only bald, but also has leukemia. Her lonely life ends when Max moves in. Max is a bit more adventurous than Jessie, but the two become fast friends. When Jessie finds out that Max's aunt and uncle (who Max lives with) abuses her and deals with drugs, Max makes her keep it a secret, though Max is trying to cut their supply to make her life better. How far will things go before justice and goodness prevails?

Rockin' Review:
This was an okay book. I think it did a good job of showing the views of two troubled kids with problems. But this is supposed to be the first of the "Max & Me Mysteries", and I don't think it was a very good mystery at all! There wasn't any searching for clues or anything! So the book's okay, but don't pick it up for a mystery read!

Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home

Title: Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home
Author: Vonda N. McIntrye
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Admiral Kirk and his crew head home to Earth to face the court about things they did. But a probe is messing up Earth... meaning life will end soon if things don't get better! The recovering Mr. Spock figures out that the only thing that will stop the probe is the song of the humpback whale... which went extinct over hundreds of years ago!
The only way to save the Earth is to get two humpback whales from the past... if they even survive the trip!

Rockin' Review:
Now, this is going to be coming from someone who loved the movie. While this book gave you more details about what was going on, it wasn't as good as the movie. I didn't hate it, but it definitely wasn't the best... or close to as much fun as the movie, which is my favorite Star Trek movie. At the best, if you don't have the movie around, this might be a book to read to remind you of what was in the movie.

Indiana Jones and the Peril at Delphi

Title: Indiana Jones and the Peril at Delphi
Author: Rob MacGregor
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Indiana Jones is in school, at a French college. He thinks he is in love with his archaeology teacher, Dorian Belecamus. Then Belecamus invites him to come with her on an expedition to Delphi, Greece. An earthquake has happened, and strange vapors are rising from the crevice. A bunch of the locals thinks it is the signal of the return of the Oracle of Delphi... and they think Dr. Belecamus is the Oracle!
This means danger for Indiana Jones. But there are other problems come from other sources. Indiana gets caught up in a scheme to take out Greece's king... forever! With danger all around, will Indiana and his friends make it out?

Rockin' Review:
This was an okay book. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't great. The writing was well done, but I didn't really enjoy reading this book. Like I said, I didn't hate the book, but it could have been better done.
It was fun to read about Indiana's past. I've only seen one movie (and read the movie novelization), but it was still fun to learn about the famous imaginary archaeologist's past.
This is only a book to read when you have time to... or want to learn more about Indiana Jones' past.

Garden of the Purple Dragon

Title: Garden of the Purple Dragon
Author: Carole Wilkinson
Rating: Five Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Time: Han Dynasty in China
Ping was once a young slave girl. But she became the Imperial Dragon Keeper, and good friends with the dragon Danzi.
Now, Ping and Danzi's son, Kai, live in continual danger. A necromancer wants Kai, as well as other people. When Ping and Kai are taken to Ming Yang Lodge, they are treated very well, and Ping believes she's safe.
But Ping is wondering about her family. And she and the baby dragon aren't safe within Ming Yang Lodge! The necromancer is around, and there are other enemies...
Will Ping and Kai survive this danger hidden in the shadows... or the Emperor's insane obsession with eternal life?

Rockin' Review:
Great book here! I didn't even know it was actually a part of a series at all! It is actually number 2 in the Dragon Keeper series. I can see where it's part of a series, but part of the reason I highly enjoy this book is that it can easily stand alone. Thumbs-up for Mrs. Wilkinson!
Plus, the story was extremely well written. It kept me in the book, and wanting more. I also enjoyed reading it. I highly suggest this book: it's totally rockin'!

Deep Wizardry

Title: Deep Wizardry
Author: Diane Duane
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
When Nita and Kit go to the beach for a vacation, they find another wizard that needs their help. They save her... and find out that the Lone Power is back! Well, sort of... the whole time-thing is confusing. Anyway, a certain ritual has to be done to save the Sea... and the entire world!
The problems? The other wizard, named S'ree, is a whale! The ritual has to be done with all sorts of whales... and a shark! The two humans have to transform into whales for this.
Their parents are getting worried. Nita's little sister is unraveling the secret. And, for Nita to fulfill the ritual, she needs to die and be eaten!
Secrets will be revealed. Powerful choices will be made. And someone will die.
But will it be enough, and in time, to stop the Lone Power once again?

Rockin' Review:
Okay, unlike the last book, this one didn't get better as time went by. It stayed 3-Guitar all the way. It was enjoyable, and I would still say to read it, but it doesn't have the glow of the first book.
Diane Duane didn't do the greatest of jobs explaining some things. The time-thing I mentioned above is one of them. I don't blame her as much here, though. I would have trouble explaining it too (I think I got it... more or less). Then there was Nita's final choice at the end. The author didn't do a good job explaining why Nita chose what she did. It doesn't really make such sense.
Book Number 2 in the Young Wizard series is a pretty good book, but was a bit of a drop compared to the last book. Still, read it when you have time.

The Source of Magic

Title: The Source of Magic
Author: Piers Anthony
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Bink's now a married man, and Chameleon is going to have a baby... and she's in her "smart" phase, meaning she's grumpy. When Bink's talent causes trouble, King Trent sends Bink to find the source of Xanth's magic. With Bink are Bink's friends, Chester the centaur (who's wife is also having a baby, which is a foal in the centaur's case), and Crombie the soldier (he's not having baby trouble, since he HATES women). Trent even turns Crombie into a griffin for this quest. The Good Magician Humfrey also joins them, though he knows something: the quest could possibly destroy the magic of Xanth!
But a hidden enemy hounds them during their quest. Bink's magic and the others' abilities help them to survive, but will they defeat this hidden enemy?
Even if their quest succeeds, will finding the source of magic really doom the land of Xanth?

Rockin' Review:
Interesting pattern here. I read a really rockin' book, then an only-average book. Up... then down. At least this wasn't a one-guitar! It helps me see why the Xanth series stayed around. This is book #2 in that series.
The book only really grabbed your attention at the end. You know... big showdown, the big choice, and trying to fix the new major problem. Big stuff at the end. But, while the the rest wasn't terrible, it wasn't the greatest. That's why this is a three-guitar book.
And then the very end had a problem. We see Bink have all sorts of problems with love and women, but him staying loyal to Chameleon. We see his growing desire to return to his wife, and his child. While we learn of the baby's birth and talent, we never saw the baby or Chameleon at the end! That's not fair! Mr. Anthony gets us all warmed up to re-see Bink's family, and wanting to see them ourselves, and never lets us see them! That was not a good move! It left a hanger, and I don't like that!
This is a book you only want to read if you have time.

The Experiment

Title: The Experiment
Author: Bill Myers
Rating: Five Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
In this second book of the Imager Chronicles, Denise uses the Bloodstone to go back to the world of Fayrah. But this time, she brings her friend Josh, who believes everything has an explanation, and won't take the idea of an all-powerful God easily. But Denise has problems with believing that the Imager does indeed love all.
After a major problem in the Center, the two meet the Weaver, who weaves the character of everyone God creates. Then they go to the land of Biiq, where solutions are to each of their problems. But when the Illusionist comes along to mess up the solution to Denise's problem, will everything still turn out all right?

Rockin' Review:
This was a really good book. There were answers to some questions Christian people might have. The answers were well-done, and well-answered. But they were answered in an unique, and thoughtful way. It's a short book, but the story was pretty well done. This and the first book of the Imager Chronicles is suggested, especially when you need a quicker read! They're rockin' little books!

Cherub, a division of M15--Mission 6: Man VS. Beast

Title: Cherub, a division of M15--Mission 6: Man VS. Beast
Author: Robert Muchamore
Rating: Three and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Most animal protection groups stay nonviolent. But a new animal liberation group called the Animal Freedom Militia are getting dangerous beyond belief. They believe if both animals and humans are equal, it's OK for one human to die for many animals.
A man named Ryan, who led an animal protection group that was nonviolent, agrees to work with the British government if he can help stop the AFM. Zara agrees to help, and takes our three heroes, the Cherub agents James, his younger sister Lauren, and a friend named Kyle. Their mission: to get into the AFM and take it down.
They meet new friends, but James and Kyle get into a different group: the Animal Freedom Army. But this group is just as bad and dangerous. Can the agents save a famous person before he is killed by these crazy AFA people?

Rockin' Review:
All around, this was a good book. The story was well done, and the characters were well done... though the gay guys Kyle and Tom did some freakin' out stuff. Yeesh!
But this book had less spy stuff I like, like stooping out rooms for stuff. There was one close, but we didn't "see" what happened. That was not a good call.
And there were stuff relating to animals that freaked me out. I'm hoping it'll be gone from memory soon. If the author wanted us to feel freaked out about animals, and how humans sometimes treat them, he did a good job. Though I have no intention of going vegetarian! The stuff that freaked me out is why it didn't get the half guitar that would have made it a four-guitar.
Anyway, this is a pretty good book. Read it if you have time, but read all the other books in the Cherub series. It had been a while, and I had to rack my memories some. And make sure you got a good gut... there is some scary stuff in here!

Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star

Title: Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star
Author: Brandon Mull
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
It all starts with trouble at home. A kobold goblin moves in to Kendra and Seth's home and enters the school. Then he causes trouble. A man named Errol helps them out, but then is found out to be a member of an evil organization named the Evening Star.
Their grandparents quickly get them to Fablehaven, the reserve for magical creatures. Because of her new powers, Kendra is a possible target of the Evening Star. At the moment, Fablehaven is the safest place. It is also the safest place for Stan, who was tricked into becoming a target for a demon... who wants to eat him!
With the rise of the Evening Star, Grandma and Grandpa Stan speed up their search for the artifact. They hired three specialists to help them, but problems arise when the demon Olloch the Glutton appears in the reserve... which he couldn't have, without the help of a spy!
To top it all off, in the end, a deadly secret is revealed... can you hold on?

Rockin' Review:
I liked this book. It was well-written, and kept me in it. It's the second in the Fablehaven series, and we see both new and old faces. But, this time, we meet Warren, who we only heard about in the last book. I found that very neat!
But the thing that I didn't like was the final secret. This is a bit of a spoiler alert, but I'll try to keep it as secret as possible. There was one character which the author makes us trust, even the main characters. Then Mr. Mull drops a bomb on us: this character was really a bad guy! Possibly the head of the bad guys! It was an interesting way of ending a book for a series, since it makes us wonder what's going to happen next, but I didn't enjoy it (I doubt the character who learned the secret enjoyed much either!).
I guess it was just overload. During the whole book, we are wondering, then finding out, who a spy was. Then another "spy" hops along! It's an interesting ending scheme, but not one I suggest for a book with a "spy among us" theme. Maybe this book would have made the five guitar if that wasn't in the way. Maybe.
Anyway, I enjoyed this book, and wondering what the next one is about, and if Number 3 is also rockin'!

The Book of Names

Title: The Book of Names
Author: D. Barkley Briggs
Rating: Two Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Hadyn and Ewan Barlow have moved to a new place with their twin brothers and Dad. Their mother died a year ago from cancer, and they're still feeling the hurt. But when a bunch of mysterious birds drop some mysterious scrolls at the boys' feet, Hadyn and Ewan soon find a runestone that's a portal, and are teleported to the world of Karac Tor... pretty unwillingly.
There, things get bad quickly. Nemesia, the evil witch, is stealing the souls of Karac Tor's teens, and their names from the Book of Names. She is after the duo.
Hadyn and Ewan soon get new friends, and discover that they have powers. But when Nemesia's Lost capture Hadyn, will the two deeply-connected brothers get together? Will Ewan get Hadyn in time to save his soul, his name? Even if they do, will they ever find a way home?

Rockin' Review:
I seriously didn't like this book!
I didn't enjoy the story, and there were problems riddled throughout the book. We didn't always know who was the main character of the chapter, and it changed often, and it was hard to keep up. And, many times through the story, I felt that the author was telling us stuff that the main character whose eyes we were looking through didn't know! That is not something you do if you're a good author! And the last chapter added extra stuff, and I felt that it felt rushed.
The only reason it got two guitars, and that I kept reading is exactly that: I kept reading. The author did some good writing in some parts, and he kept me interested. I'll honestly admit, I wanted to put the book down a couple times. But the author held my interest, and kept making me want to find out answers and what happens next. That is the only part that impresses me.
This is supposed to be the first book of the Karac Tor series. But I'm not planning on getting any more. This one was bad enough. This is not a rockin' book! Like, no way!!!

So You Want To Be A Wizard

Title: So You Want To Be A Wizard
Author: Diane Duane
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
When Nita Callahan runs into a library so she can hide from bullies, she finds something amazing: a book for teaching wizardry! She takes it home, and says the Oath. The next day, she finds out... she's now a wizard!
She soon meets Kit, another new wizard. When a spell goes wrong, the two end up meeting a white hole from another Dimension named Fred. The three become friends.
But things go wrong quickly. The three are trying to get Nita's space pen, but they end up going through a worldgate... to another dimension! But this world is dark and evil, led by the evil Lone Power, the Starsnuffer. Nita, Kit, and Fred have to find a special book called Book of Night with Moon, and get home. But even if they get home, can they stop the Starsnuffer from taking over their world? Will they even get out alive?

Rockin' Review:
This is a good book. I enjoyed it. The beginning was only a three-guitar start, so that's why the book is a four-guitar. But it got better. I even liked how the author cleaned up a loose end, which could have been easily thought was done, and forgotten. I see where the book bloomed into a series. I suggest this book.

Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow

Title: Hunter Brown and the Secret of the Shadow
Author: The Miller Brothers
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Hunter Brown is an average boy. But when one of his legendary pranks makes him and his friends targets for a bully, they end up in a dumpster! The man who saves them sends them on an errand, and they end up in possession of a mysterious book and key. But then the man and the bookstore where they got the book disappears! The trio of boys get in big trouble.
But Hunter now has both the book and key, and he soon finds out that its magic! He learns of the Author, and a bit about the curse of the world. He learns of the Shadow, evil parasite-like-spirits. He and his friend Stretch get teleported to the land of Solandria, where the Shadow rule.
Hunter is rescued by the Codebearers, a resistance to the Shadow, who follow the Author and His Code. But his best friend, Stretch, is nowhere to be found.
Soon, Hunter learns he is part of a prophecy. But what is his connection to the powerful Bloodstone? Will he trust the Author enough to follow Him to the end? And will he find Stretch?

Rockin' Review:
This was a very good book. I highly enjoyed it. It was well-written.
It was a Christian book, and a good one at that! It even dealt with issues some modern kids have today, and it presented them and the answers very well. The art was very good too, but the story was amazing and good.
The only problem started happening at the end. There were times we aren't exactly sure what's going on. We think something's happening, but find out that something else is. Maybe the authors got over-excited... I have no idea. Luckily, the problem cleared up quickly, so the climax and final battle was well-written.
It's a series, but I felt like this book was good enough standing by itself. It makes one wonder what's going to happen in the next book, and if it will still be good...
Overall, I enjoyed this book, and suggest it!

Ranger's Apprentice Book 3: The Icebound Land

Title: Ranger's Apprentice Book 3: The Icebound Land
Author: John Flanagan
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Will and Evanlyn were captured, and taken across the sea to the land of Skandia. There, they are forced to be slaves. But then Will is turned into a warmweed addict, losing all of his will, and mind. The concerned Skandian who captured the two teens immediately doesn't like this, and helps the two escape to a hunting cabin in the mountains. It is winter, so there is no chance of discovery. But now Evanlyn has to get Will back to normal, before spring, when there is a high possibly of them being discovered. But will Evanlyn get Will back to normal, or are they both doomed?
Meanwhile, Halt is extremely worried about his apprentice. Duties are keeping him from keeping his promise of rescue to Will... so he gets himself banished for a year! He is immediately banned from the Ranger Corps, too. He uses this so he can go and get Will. But he isn't going alone. Will's friend Horace is coming along too. But in the land of Gallica, Horace's natural skill with a sword becomes well-known, and they fall into the clutches of an evil warlord living in the land who wants to use Halt for his own cruel purposes. He takes them captive to his castle, and takes their weapons. Will they escape this cruel man at all?

Rockin' Review:
This book was a low point in this series. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't exactly lovable. During a lot of the book, Will is out because of the warmweed addiction. During those parts, we mainly see through Evanlyn's eyes. The parts of book with Halt and Horace were pretty good, and we get to know Halt better, which I think is nice.
The thing that Mr. Flanagan actually did right was make us feel how terrible Will's warmweed addiction was. It made me horrified. I know good authors make their characters suffer, which he did during Will's slave life before the warmweed, but I believe it got too far when he made Will an addict. It basically made him a side character for the rest of the book! This is not a good idea to do with your Main Character. Totally not cool! I think the parts with Halt and Horace made up for this a bit, but this was still only an average book, and definitely not my favorite in this series.

Ranger's Apprentice Book 2: The Burning Bridge

Title: Ranger's Apprentice Book 2: The Burning Bridge
Author: John Flanagan
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
War is on the horizon. The King sends a party to a nearby to get help from a neighboring kingdom. This party includes Will, Horace, and Gilan. But they soon discovered that most of their neighboring kingdom is deserted... Morgarath has taken the miners captive, and killed the rest, or driven them to a city that's now trapped. The squad also picks up a girl named Evanlyn.
But after Gilan goes ahead to tell the king, the teenage trio soon find out a secret: a bridge crossing a previously uncrossable canyon. This problem could win the war for Morgarath, so Will decides to burn the bridge.
But even if he does, there may be no escape from capture. Then more problems arise. Gilan finds out that Evanlyn is secretly the king's daughter! Morgarath plans a trap for the King's army. And then Horace faces the biggest challenge of his life...

Rockin' Review:
This one was written much like the first. I also really liked this one. Flanagan also does a better job telling us who's eyes we were looking through in each part of the book. Good job, Flanagan!
The book ends on a bad note, but it has a promise attached to it. That wasn't great... but almost perfect for a series! In fact, I was lucky I had the third book. It clawed my heart so much, and I so wanted to find out what happened to the main characters, I immediately started reading the next book. Though it would have been bad any other time, this time putting that bad note in was almost perfect! That was impressive.
I liked this book. It's rockin'!!! But I also suggest getting the next book before reading this one, so the yearning for finding out what happens doesn't overload your mind!

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

Title: Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
Author: Nahoko Uehashi
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Balsa is a female bodyguard. Despite her gender, she is an high-level fighter. She is on a quest to repay for eight lives that had been killed to protect her... that had been friends of her dead foster father/sensei. She also helps the little people.
But her new job has deadly turns. She is to guard the Second Prince Chagum. But it seems like Chagum is the Moribito, the Guardian of the Spirit. In him is the egg of the water spirit, Nyynga Ro Im. But, due to political reasons, the prince's own father is after him, as well as a second major power in the kingdom: the Star Readers! Luckily, Balsa has some old friends who are more than willing to help.
But things are only getting started. A monster, the egg eater called Rarunga, is after the egg in Chagum. Balsa and her friends have to guard Chagum until the midsummer solstice, or else the prince's homeland of New Yogo will be caught in a terrible drought!

Rockin' Review:
I really enjoyed this book. The action was good, and yet it had a deeper story within. The writer did a very good job with this book. I can see why it was turned into an TV show. I did feel like Uehashi could have done better with explaining the prince's feelings during his leaving. But, otherwise, I really enjoyed this book, and suggest it!

H.I.V.E.--The Higher Institute of Higher Education

Title: H.I.V.E.--The Higher Institute of Higher Education
Author: Mark Walden
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Otto Malpense is only a teen, but he has already done amazing things. He has taken over the orphanage that is his home, and put the Prime Minister in a bad position. He is also extremely smart for his age, seeming to almost absorb knowledge from books.
These talents are what gets him kidnapped, and taken to H.I.V.E., a school meant for raising super-villains! Soon, Otto and his new friend, Wing Fanchu, and two girls plan their escape from H.I.V.E., which is against the rules, and dubbed impossible.
But even if their escape attempt fails, a new threat arises the night of the escape attempt: a monster plant that will destroy H.I.V.E. unless stopped!

Rockin' Review:
This book was okay. The beginning was okay, but you have to get past the first few chapters. Then there was a crazy drop. We were all ready for the escape attempt, and then (SPOILER ALERT!) it fails! Just when we were all ready for it to succeed, and were prepped for it to succeed, KA-BLAM!!! That was not a wise move. (Spoiler Alert OVER). But then things get quickly better when the monster-plant attacks. That, at least was smart. Get things rollin' fast after a sudden sour note. Good call on Walden there.
Then the end isn't wasn't what we expected, either. But Walden made it understandable, and we end up still liking Otto for his final choice. I also like how we got to know the main characters... though we might have gotten to know Wing, Nigel, and the girls a little better. But, all in all, the main characters were pretty good.

Monster High

Title: Monster High
Author: Lisa Harrison
Rating: Four and a Half Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Frankie Stein is the granddaughter of the original Frankenstein. She is only 15 days old, but she has a teen's body, and has born into a world that hates and fears monsters. She quickly learns this, and of the world of monsters. But when she crushes on a boy from Merston High, things get complicated. Frankie wants the world to change... and a school dance with a "Monster Mash" theme seems the perfect place to start! But things are going to get nasty first... for both her and her monster friends!
Melody is the daughter of famous parents. But she has always felt like the outsider, since she doesn't look pretty, and she has asthma attacks. But after a plastic surgery, and moving to Salem, Oregon, things seem to get better. She even falls in love with her next-door neighbor, Jackson. But then she finds out a monster of a secret in Jackson's family... and Jackson himself!
To add to both girls' trouble, people are now looking out for monsters after a "Frankie sighting". Things are going to get nasty, and quick...

Rockin' Review:
This book was well-written. This book was about the stories of two girls, and they even met time to time, and finally joining together in the end. This was a very good book. I think the author did a good job explaining things, like feelings, and making us feel things. And two stories at once... phew! Nice job, Harrison!
This is obviously going into a series. The last part was exciting, and it obviously was just starting a series. In fact, I wanted the story to go on. I didn't feel completely "full", like I had all my questions answered. But it was a good way to kick off a series.
This book was also unique in the Monster High world. It wasn't like the current Monster High line at all! It took place in the real world. But the change was well written about, and it only made the book more enjoyable. The only major monster teen we don't see is Ghoulia Yelps, but we got to see all the others! In fact, Clawdeen and Cleo are friends in this one, instead of big-time rivals! Nice change!
I really enjoyed this book, and suggest it! It's totally rockin'!!!

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

Title: On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness
Author: Andrew Peterson
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Janner, Tink, and Leeli are the three Igiby children. They have lived most of their lives at a cottage on the edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness in Skree. The and the rest of the Skreeans are ruled over by the Nameless Evil (called Gnag), and the lizard-men, called the Fangs of Dang. All live in fear of the Black Carriage, which comes and takes people away, never again to be seen.
It all starts on one of the best day of the year, the Dragon Festival. The Igiby trio quickly gets in trouble with one of the Fangs of Dang. But their rescue by their mother opens a ton of questions, when she rescues them with a secret stash of jewelry. The Fangs had taken all other jewelry. But now with an angry Fang after them, and secrets behind certain doors in their hometown of Glipwood, the Igiby three are getting curious, in a bad way, and also into big trouble...
But the trouble thickens when higher powers of evil learn that the Igiby family have a connection to the Jewels of Anniera, which Gnag believes hold great powers.
With a secret in their family, things are only getting more complicated for Janner, Tink, and Leeli...

Rockin' Review:
Basically, it wasn't what I expected. Nor was it like any other fantasy I've read in some parts. It was only closer to the end did we learn about the Igiby's connection to the Jewels of Anniera. Other than that, it was about Janner growing older, and basically, life in the town of Glipwood, and how it's starting to crash for the Igibys. It's a little relaxing. It was well-written, and a nice change.
It's a nice combo of comedy and fantasy. There are a couple of jokes, more than you usually see in a fantasy (like "the Nameless Evil called Gnag" was one of my favorites).
I do think something's a little messed up here. In the end, we find out that the Main Character is the son of the King of Anniera, but his younger brother is the heir to the throne! Janner is supposed to protect his brother. Tink is also one of the more main characters in the book, though Janner usually takes the role of the Main Character. In most fantasies, the Main Character is usually next in line to the throne! This change felt too out of whack for me. Once in the while, there is the changing of main characters we look through in the chapter, but it didn't happen as often as in the Ranger's Apprentice, and it was better marked out in the wording of the text.
Other than the action scenes, it was more of a relaxing read. If you want a change in fantasy, but want it a little different, I suggest this book. I felt it was pretty well-written story (and a bit funny), and I enjoyed it.

Ranger's Apprentice Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan

Title: Ranger's Apprentice Book 1: The Ruins of Gorlan
Author: John Flanagan
Rating: Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Will was the only orphan who didn't know who his family was. He had dreams of being a knight, but his small size prevented him from doing that. But all hope seemed lost, he was elected to be an apprentice to the Ranger Halt.
The Rangers are a mysterious bunch who are the kingdom's intelligence service. Will has the natural abilities to be a Ranger. But will these abilities be enough to help him in the future?
For he has a rivalry with a student from Battleschool, where knights are trained. This rival also is having a problem with bullies within the Battleschool.
But the real trouble is coming from the Kalkara, beastly monsters who can freeze someone with terror when they are looked in the eyes. They are killing people for the evil Morgarath, who had failed to take over the kingdom years ago. But now Morgarath is coming back, and with an evil plan to take over the kingdom.
But then the Kalkara target Will's own master, increasing the problems for young Will.

Rockin' Review:
This was a very good book. I can see where this book blossomed into a series, and a famous one at that! The story was well-done, and I highly enjoyed it. The only trouble I had with the book was when it became confusing to who's eyes we were seeing through in the chapter. In other words, it became confusing who was the main character of the chapter once in a while. But that didn't stop me from enjoying the book! This is a book I suggest for reading.

Auralia's Colors

Title: Auralia's Colors
Author: Jeffrey Overstreet
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
No one knew who she was, or what she would mean when the Gatherers found her in a footprint by the river. All knew she was a mysterious child, with mysterious ways. She and the Gatherers lived outside House Abascar, a place where only the very honored could have colors. But Auralia could do amazing things with colors and objects. Those colors amazed many, as well as helped many.
But trouble is brewing inside House Abascar. The Housefolk are getting very upset that the king has taken their colors, and seems to be refusing to give them back. The prince Cal-raven seems to be on the side of the people, but even he is mysterious. Also, there is the threat of the beastmen. With so many dangers, can Auralia even hope to try and restore color to Abascar? Maybe with the help of the mysterious Keeper...

Rockin' Review:
This was one of those books where the story got better as time went by. It started out OK, but it had a great ending for a book starting off a series. It left me with unanswered questions, and a yearning for more. The last part of the book was great, but the rest of the book was so-so. Still, I'll be coming back... Just to find out the answers to the questions this book left me with! Overstreet did a great series ending, answering a few of our questions, but leaving us with a lot of questions still unanswered. My advice for this book: despite the OK start, hang with the book. It gets better as time goes on.

A Spell For Chameleon

Title: A Spell For Chameleon
Author: Piers Anthony
Rating: Three Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
This is the first book of the famous Xanth series.
Bink is a normal man... which is the problem. Everyone in the land of Xanth, as well as everything else, has magic, and those who don't by age 25 are exiled. Bink happens to be one of these unlucky folks. Before his 25th birthday, he travels to the Good Magician Humfrey's castle to see if he is really without magic, and if he isn't, what his magic is! He meets new friends and sees amazing things. And then Humfrey says he has magic!
But even then, even Humfrey can't tell what Bink's magic is. For some reason, it is hidden. But the King of Xanth doesn't believe this, and still exiles Bink!
But quickly, Bink is caught up with a plot of the Evil Magician Trent. He also meets the mysterious and amazing girl named Chameleon. But things will get dangerous quickly... even if they get past the wilderness of Xanth!

Rockin' Review:
This book was about average. It only really caught you in the final chapters, and a chapter here or there. I didn't hate it, or really love it. It's one of those books were I suggest reading it when you have time.
But I really enjoyed the characters. I believe Anthony has done a very good job molding them together. They are well-built, and even "felt" real, especially when compared to their backgrounds. They were good characters, and even their reactions to each other are pretty well done most of the times. Some of them could have been done better, but the characters are very well done.
Plus, something really cool: somewhere in the middle, one of the characters says the phrase that is the title of this book. I think that was very cool.

Ninth Grade Slays

Title:Ninth Grade Slays
Author:Heather Brewer
Rating:Four Guitars

Sizzilin' Summary:
Now the half-human Vlad has to go through high school! But while bullies are a problem, they aren't the big problem. A vampire slayer is after Vlad, and his uncle Otis is on the run from vampire law! Not to mention the fact that an old enemy is once again back, though it was believed he was killed! And there's a vampire thief on the loose, to boot... But not everything seems bad. Vlad enjoys a vacation to a vampire town in Russia with Otis, and meets an old friend of his dad's, as well gets vampire lessons. Plus, he finds a new friend in his best friend/drudge's cousin: Joss. But Vlad still has tons of trouble... especially when he learns of an old prophecy that relates to him!

Rockin' Review:
The second book of "The Chronicles of Vladimir Tod" series helps us see how the series is now really popular. It is a well-done book. Heather Brewer has done a good job doing what an author is supposed to do: make us have feelings that agree with the book. We feel surprised when the character is surprised, is hurt when he's hurt, and there was even a sad part where I almost cried! Brewer also did a good job hiding a secret of one of the major characters, giving me a shock as well as Vlad! But the story behind what this character knows and doesn't at times is confusing, even though it is "kind of" explained. All in all, I think this is a good book, and recommend it!