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!