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The Luck Uglies

Written by Paul Durham
Illustrated by Pétur Antonsson
HarperCollins Children’s Books      4/29/2014
978-0-06-227150-1
390 pages                    Age 8—13
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“Rye O’Chanter has seen a lot of strange things happen in Village Drowning: children are chased through the streets. Families are fined for breaking laws that don’t even exist. Girls aren’t allowed to read anymore, and certain books—books that hold secrets about Drowning’s past—have been outlawed altogether.

“Now a terrifying encounter has eleven-year-old Rye convinced that the monstrous, supposedly extinct Bog Noblins have returned. Before the monsters disappeared, there was only one way to defeat them—the Luck Uglies. But the Luck Uglies have long since been exiled, and there’s nobody left who can protect the village.

“As Rye dives into Downing’s treacherous maze of streets, rules, and lies, she begins to question everything she’s been told about the village’s legend of outlaws and beasts . . . and what she’ll discover is that it may take a villain to save them from the monsters.” [book jacket]

Review
The protagonist—in a story filled with creative, well-developed, essential characters—is eleven-year-old Rye O’Chanter. Rye and younger sister, Lottie, live with their mother, Abby, and Nightshade Fur Bottom O’Chanter (nickname: Shady), the family pet, on Mud Puddle Lane. Muddle Puddle Lane runs close to the salty Bog, which lies near Beyond the Shale (a forest few would dare enter). Rye’s best friend, Quinn Quartermast, and his widowed, blacksmith father, also live on Mud Puddle Lane.

At the opposite edge of town, again beyond the protective village walls, is the River Drowning and, on its coast, The Shambles, an area so lawless, corrupt, and dangerous that even the Earl, his soldiers, and his constable (Boil “the enforcer”), are afraid of its inhabitants and frequently inebriated guests. Rye’s other best friend, Folly Flood, lives here, in The Dead Fish Inn, with her parents and nine older brothers (the toughest men/boys in Village Drowning—toughest of the tough being the conjoined twins).

Now here’s an oxymoron to make this story exciting and relatable. These three kids are good kids.

They listen to their parents—except when they sneak out, use Abby O’Chanter’s (no longer) secret room, or travel by rooftop.

Each obeys the Laws of Longchance—except when running from soldiers, Quinn teaches Rye how to read, or, together, they read a precious (and stolen), banned book.

And, the kids stay put, when told not to stray—so many examples.

Rye O’Chanter

Last week I mentioned that there was one more middle grade novel that was a WOW! The Luck Uglies is that wow novel. The story cannot be put down. It’s as if the pages turn on their own, keeping you captive, though a willing captive. Rye, Folly, and Quinn are a terrific threesome. They are smart. They are heroes. They are flawed. Rye’s father, Harmless, plays a major role in the magical-action-adventure story, (he is High Chieftain of the Luck Uglies), but not without Rye close by. Rye has her friends, no matter the danger. The Luck Uglies is one of those rare books whose story and characters stick with you long after the back cover closes.

I love the names of people and places. Each—possibly only in my mind—is somehow appropriate. The Village Drowning is always drowning in the Laws of Longchance, fearful of a Bog Noblin or Luck Ugly return, or literally in the River Drowning.  Earl Longchance has a long chance in deed of ever coming out of this story smelling like a rose.

The O’Chanter family live by a code called House Rules.

House Rule #2:
“He may run and he may hide, but Shady must never go outside.”

This refers to Shady, the family pet. It was imperative that Shady not go outside unless with someone. Why? You will love the answer.

This refers to Shady, the family pet. It was imperative that Shady not go outside unless with someone. Why?   You will love the answer. Another animal, a monkey named Shortstraw, is in the habit of reaching for what it wants. Shortstraw wants Mona Monster,  Lottie’s pink hobgoblin doll. Lottie and Mona are inseparable, so when Shortstick makes a move for Mona, Lottie is right there ready to save her.  Swearing occurs on occasion, especially from the smallest mouth in the house. Little Lottie breaks up the intense action with her comedic action words—nothing for parents to fret.

The biggest problem in Village Drowning is Earl Morningwig Longchance. When his father was still alive and ruling, monsters called Bog Noblins were terrifying the village and the village soldiers could not defeat them. The father made a pact—in blood—with the only group capable of defeating the Bog Noblins. This group, a secret society many called criminals, villains, and outlaws (mainly because they were) defeated the Bog Noblins, but not before the father died, passing his authority on to his son, Morningwig. Not a single Bog Noblin has been seen or has terrorized Village Drowning since, yet Earl Morningwig Longchance promptly ignored the blood pact, branded the group outlaws, and banished them from Village Drowning. That group is the infamous Luck Uglies, now disbanded throughout the shale and beyond.

The narcissistic Earl also decreed the Laws of Longchance—keeping villagers poor and the Earl rich. He is an oppressive ruler (women and girls may not learn to read or write, among other things), and the father of one spoilt daughter and one blind, banished, son. Truth be told, Earl Longchance is nothing more than a bully who remains in the safety of Constable Boil’s shadow.

The gigantic, hairy monster Bog Noblins were said to eat inattentive villagers, especially the delicious children, and then make necklaces strung with the feet of their feast. The villagers, believe Bog Noblins are now extinct—are they?—and nothing more than a joke to the secure villagers.

“What has bad breath, one eye, and likes to eat children?
“A Bog Noblin with a stick in its eye.” 

Can you guess what happens next? Yep, a malnourished baby Bog Noblin (Leatherleaf), returns to the village. Rye encounters it first, but escapes unharmed. She also finally meets her father, Harmless, the High . . . the once High Chieftain of the Luck Uglies. Earl Longchance puts the entire village in extreme danger when he captures Leatherneck, to pretentiously show-off his ability to protect the people. When Leatherleaf’s family—three, larger than Leatherleaf, Bog Noblins, with attitudes—demand their kin be returned, Longchance refuses. What happens next is much too exciting to explain. My fingers could not type fast enough to keep up with my thoughts.

The Luck Uglies is about family and community working together. The line between right and wrong blurs, which might concern parents, but this mirrors real life. No one is all good or all bad. I loved all the intense action, the unexpected surprises, the exciting twists I didn’t see coming, and the end that never completely arrives.

Durham is an awesome writer who knows how to spin an intriguing tale with intelligent humor and characters so believable the reader will immediately relate to them. The world he has built is at once believable and fantastical. Is there anything to complain about The Luck Uglies? I have not found anything. Maybe in Book #2: Fork-Tongue Charmers, but I am not expecting anything to ruin this delicious, not-to-be missed trilogy.

I did mention that The Luck Uglies is a series? Thank your lucky stars. The Luck Uglies series is the one, and only series* that kids who enjoy action and adventure, monsters and mayhem, plus a little bit of magic, should devour this year and every year, until the trilogy unfortunately ends.

THE LUCK UGLIES. Text copyright © 2014 by Paul Durham. Illustrations copyright © 2014 by Pétur Antonsson. Reproduced by permission of the publisher, HarperCollins Children’s Books, New York, NY.

Purchase The Luck Uglies at Amazon—Book Depository—iTunes—HarperCollins C. B.

Learn more about The Luck Uglies HERE.
Meet the author, Paul Durham, at his website:  http://pauldurhambooks.tumblr.com/

Cybils Interview with author Paul Durham click HERE.

Meet the illustrator, Pétur Antonsson, at his website:  http://paacart.tumblr.com/
Author Paul Durham Interviews Pétur Antonsson click PART#1   PART#2    PART#3

Find more middle grade novels at te HarperCollins Children’s Books website:  http://www.harpercollins.com/

HarperCollins Children’s Books is a division of HarperCollins Publishers.

*The Guardian Herd Series by Jennifer Lynn Alvarez

AWARDS
Booklist’s Top 10 First Novels for Youth for 2014

BOOK #2

The Luck Uglies #2: Fork-Tongue Charmers

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Review word count = 950 (Oops! Honest, I did cut . . . and cut . . .)

Copyright © 2015 by Sue Morris/Kid Lit Reviews. 

ftc

This was made for the brilliant STEW magazine recently.

Talia Aikens-Nuñez wanted to be a meteorologist, a politician and a lawyer. She never thought she would be a writer. It was the birth of her daughter that caused her to start writing. Raising a bilingual child inspired Talia to write multicultural children’s books. Talia’s family loves nature so much that she and her husband vowed that they will always try to live close to water. She, her husband, daughter and newborn son live on a river in Connecticut.

When did you first get bit by the writing bug?

After the birth of my daughter, I started writing books for kids. I wanted to write fun and imaginative books for kids that featured multicultural characters.

Why did you decide to write stories for children?

I wanted my kids to be able to see and read books featuring multicultural characters that did not focus on race or ethnicity.

Do you believe it is harder to write books for a younger audience?

No. I love to try to think like an 8-12 year old. My favorite part of writing for the age group is trying to capture their imagination and fun-loving nature.

Can you tell us what your latest book is all about?

OMG… Am I A Witch?! is the enchanting story of a little girl who discovers her magical powers after turning her annoying older brother into a dog using a spell found on the Internet.

A classic story of “be careful what you wish for.” OMG… is a hair-raising, action packed tale of a girl looking for a spell reversal and finding herself in the process.

What inspired you to write it?

It just came to me one day as a fun and imaginative idea.

Where can readers purchase a copy?

They can purchase a copy from the publisher’s website (Pinwheel Books):
https://pinwheelbooks.myshopify.com/collections/our-books/products/omg-am-i-a-witch

Amazon (for Kindle): http://www.amazon.com/OMG-Am-Witch-Talia-Aikens-Nu%C3%B1ez-ebook/dp/B00FQI9SZO/

Amazon (paperback): http://www.amazon.com/OMG-Am-I-A-Witch/dp/0985424850/

Barnes & Noble: http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/omgam-i-a-witch-talia-aikens-nu-ez/1117110410

What is up next for you?

I am trying to find a home for my next children’s book, Dragon Guardians.

Do you have anything else to add?

I hope everyone enjoys the fun and magical adventure of April and her friends. You can find me online at http://talia-aikens-nunez.vpweb.com and like me on Facebook at  http://www.facebook.com/taliaaikensnunezchildrenswriter

Thank you for spending time with us today, Talia. We wish you much success.

OMG… Am I A Witch?! is the enchanting story of a little girl who discovers her magical powers after turning her annoying older brother into a dog using a spell found on the Internet. Follow April and her friends, Grace and Eve, on their spellbinding adventures as they race to reverse the spell before her parents find out.

A hair-raising and action packed tale of a girl looking for a spell reversal and finding herself in the process, OMG… Am I A Witch?! is sure to delight children while teaching them important life lessons like “Be careful what you wish for!”. Is April really a witch? Will she be able to undo the spell in time? Is she gonna be punished FOREVER? and will her brother ever stop growling at her? Join us and find out!

Available today, October 31st thru Amazon, Barnes & Noble, iTunes, on Kindle and MagicBlox!

Author: Talia Aikens-Nuñez
Illustrator: Alicja Ignaczak
Paperback | B&W interior
150 pages
Release date:Oct. 31, 2013
Ages 8-12

Talia Aikens-Nuñez is a children’s book author specializing in bilingual and multicultural children’s books. Her first book, Escucha Means Listen, was released by Musa Publishing in 2012. OMG…Am I A Witch?! is Talia’s first chapter book and she is currently seeking a home for her next children’s chapter book, Dragon Guardians. Talia lives with her husband, daughter and newborn son on a river in Connecticut.

Visit Talia online at http://talia-aikens-nunez.vpweb.com/

Visit Pinwheel Books to enter for your chance to win one of five copies of this book: http://pinwheelbooks.com/

Childhood, The Grand Adventure! Kids just wanna have FUN!

4 Stars Pobble’s Way Simon Van Booy Wendy Edelson 32 Pages   Ages: 4 to 8 Inside Jacket: Pobble’s evening walk with Daddy is a magical adventure in which branches wear sleeves of snow and mushrooms become frog umbrellas. When Pobble’s mitten—small and pink and as soft as a bunny’s chin—is lost on the path, woodland animals gather to discuss [...]

5 Stars Santa’s Last Present Marie Aude-Murail & Elvire Murail Quentin Blake Pages: 32       Ages: 6+ Inside Jacket: Julian is almost too old to believe in Santa Claus. But since his parents talk about Santa constantly, Julian decides to write the big guy in red one more time . . . just in case. This [...]

“Pleasures lie thickest where no pleasures seem:
There’s not a leaf that falls upon the ground
But holds some joy of silence or of sound,
Some spirits begotten of a summer dream.”
- Laman Blanchard

In Artie Kingfisher's world, wizards named Merlin, fire-breathing dragons, and swords called Excalibur exist only in legends and lore - until the day his video game Otherworld springs to life.
You are special, Arthur, Says the mysterious message in his game. In one week's time you will come to me at the it.
Cryptic clues lead Artie to a strange place called the Invisible Tower, where he discovers that nothing in his life is as it seems. Artie is none other than King Arthur, brought to life in the twenty-first century. Artie has won the battle in the virtual Otherworld - now the key to saving the real Otherworld lies in his hands as well.
Green dragons, hungry wolves, powerful sorcerers - suddenly Artie must battle them all as he wields Excalibur and embarks on a quest worthy of the Knights of the Round Table. With his sister, Kay, by his side, Artie steps into the Otherworld - straight toward his destiny.

• Reading level: Ages 8 and up
• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: HarperCollins (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• Buy The Book: Amazon

     Inkheart meets the Never Ending Story in this sweeping middle-grade fantasy.

     In the land of Story, kids go to school to learn how to be the perfect character: a brave Hero, a trusty Sidekick, even the most dastardly Villain. They dream of the day when they will live out stories written just for them.
     But when a lonely twelve-year-old girl in our world named Una Fairchild is magically transported to Story, she realizes that the land is threatened by a dark secret- and and it may be up to Una to save it.
     With the timeless appeal or A Wrinkle In Time and the breathtaking action of Inkheart, Storybound will leave the readers wishing they too could jump into this enchanting fairy-tale world.

When they were imprisoned by the new, brutal government, Whit and Whisty were barely able to escape with their lives. Discovering a hidden community of children like themselves--hunted by the state and with varying degrees of special talents--they have taken refuge underground. But the New Order is rapidly pushing in on them from all sides, and the pressure to stop the regime is mounting.


One day, as they rush to save another group of kids who are about to be captured by police, Whit and Whisty discover not only their own faces plastered to buildings on wanted posters, but also their parents'. When the hunting party sent out after the siblings always seems to be one step ahead of them, they begin to fear that it is controlled by a very, very powerful force. They are in much more danger than they feared...

• Reading level: Ages 11 and up
• Paperback: 144 pages
• Publisher: Scholastic (February 1, 2005)
• Language: English
• Buy The Book: Amazon

 The cornerstone of GRAPHIX, our new graphic novel imprint, BONE is the incredible comic book saga of the unwitting hero who must save an idyllic valley from the forces of evil.

The BONE adventures tell the story of a young bone boy, Fone Bone, and his two cousins, Phoney Bone and Smiley Bone, who are banned from their homeland of Boneville. When the cousins find themselves mysteriously trapped in a wonderful but often terrifying land filled with secrets and danger - and special new friendships - they are soon caught up in adventures beyond their wildest dreams.

     This book is so AWESOME! My friends got me into these books in elementary school, but I didn't finish them until 6th grade, and since then I've read them all three more times! The series has 9 books and a prequel, or maybe 9 including the prequel... oh well. Sometimes it can be a little violent... okay maybe a lot violent, but it's also hilarious and cool. The main characters, Smiley, Fone Bone, and Phoney are the funniest, most adorable little creatures ever, and their friends are awesome too, like Ted the Bug and Gran'ma Ben and Thorn. I especially like how the author makes the book ominous and scary, but then sometimes everything is fine and they're laughing, doing funny stuff, and you're reading and laughing even harder than the characters.

     The things I didn't really like are that some characters smoke (eew). Then sometimes Thorn goes to take a bath in the stream (you can't see her in the pictures, that would be gross) and Fone Bone sees. Then there's the violence, sometimes it's just random fighting, but sometimes it's kinda gruesome, like one guy gets his head cut off and there's blood all over... yeah, gross. Other than that there's no language or anything else.

     My favorite characters are SMILEY! He's awesome and kinda stupid but that's what makes him awesome and funny! He finds a baby rat creature and names him Bartleby, and then after Fone Bone tells him not to bring it with them to the city, guess what he does... brings it with them. My next favorite is definitely Bartleby, he is soooo cute and he looks like a little purple teddy bear! He is brave and smart and he does tricks! Then there are the two stupid rat creatures, they're so funny and stupid, and they're always fighting. One wants to make Fone Bone into a stew, and the other wants a light fluffy quiche. That makes the other creature angry, what kind of monsters are they if they eat quiche?!? I have way too many favorites so I'll just wrap it up now, I love Gran'ma Ben and how she's always flirting with Lucius, and there's Thorn and how she still doesn't know that Fone Bone likes her, even though it's dead obvious! And Fone Bone, he's so cute!

     My least favorite is Briar, she scares me... she's this zombie type lady who was cut in half and then the Locust, her master made her able to float around somehow so that she could free him and he could enslave the world! But I won't tell you anymore, you just have to figure it out yourself and read the book!

1 Comments on Bone #1 Out From Boneville by Jeff Smith, last added: 2/23/2012

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LM Preston said, on 2/23/2012 7:38:00 PM

My daughter LOVED this series! Great review.

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15. The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch

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By: Faith, on 2/10/2012
Blog: Reading Tween (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Fantasy, clean reads, mystery, Sci-Fi, Tween, Magical, Guest Review, Books guys like, 5 Crowns, Adventure, Add a tag

• Paperback: 496 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin; Reprint edition (April 26, 2011)
• Language: English
• Buy The Book: Amazon

 All Jack Blank knows is his bleak, dreary life at St. Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost, an orphanage that sinks more and more into the swampland of New Jersey with each passing year. His aptitude tests project him as spending a long, unhappy career as a toilet brush cleaner. His only chance at escape comes through the comic books donated years ago to the orphanage that he secretly reads in the dark corners of the library. Everything changes one icy gray morning when Jack receives two visitors that alter his life forever. The first is a deadly robot straight out of one of his comic books that tries its best to blow him up. The second is an emissary from a secret country called the Imagine Nation, an astonishing place where all the fantastic and unbelievable things in our world originate - including Jack. Jack soon discovers that he has an amazing ability--one that could make him the savior of the Imagine Nation and the world beyond, or the biggest threat they've ever faced.

 This is another guest review by my sister Joy~

I liked this book because it was kinda like Percy Jackson and the Olympians with action packed pages and adventures.I liked how much detailed the author's settings were. The battles were pretty cool too.

There was nothing really bad like no cussing and stuff like that but there was a crime seen for after a battle and the explanations of a dead person was a little icky and freaky, at least to me.

My favourite character has got to be Jazen, the emissary who came to get Jack from St. Barnaby’s because he was cool and heroic.

My least favourite character is probably Jackson Smart because he was so cruel to Jack and almost everyone else too.

*Sigh* It wouldn't be right without the bunny:

2 Comments on The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch, last added: 2/13/2012

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Mundie Moms said, on 2/10/2012 1:03:00 PM

Great review! I LOVE this series and I agree, it's a 5 star book all the way.

Rea with readingtween said, on 2/13/2012 5:09:00 AM

Nice mustache Joy!

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16. Warriors Of The Black Shroud By Peter Howe

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By: Rea with readingtween, on 2/2/2012
Blog: Reading Tween (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Adventure, Fantasy, clean reads, Favorites, Tween, Magical, Reagan's Reviews, Elementary reads, 5 Crowns, Add a tag

Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Hardcover: 272 pages
Paperback: 266 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (January 31, 2012)
Buy The Book: Amazon

The night is here, but the dark is coming. . . .

Deep in the underworld lies the kingdom of Nebula. Although it is always everlasting night there, Nebula is never dark because all of its people, buildings, and creatures glow with an inner light source protected by the Lightkeepers. But true darkness—the kind that is malicious and blinding—lurks just beyond the kingdom’s gates.

There, the deadly Warriors of the Black Shroud are on the move, destroying and engulfing every outpost with their relentless evil and black despair. And this time, they have a weapon deadlier than anyone has ever encountered before.

Only a Chosen One, someone with the mark of the king, can help save Nebula from destruction. Astonishingly, that Chosen One is discovered in the Outerworld far above Nebula. But he is the unlikeliest of heroes, living in a dark of his own making. Can he accept who he is and lead the forces of the Light against the Warriors of the Black Shroud?

This book is about a boy named Walker. He's a ordinary 11-year-old with a star shaped birth mark on his cheek. Then when a boy named Eddie shows up saying it's the mark of the chosen one everything changes. Eddie brings Walker to his home, Nebula, It is a whole new world filled with monsters, nightmares, and peace in some citys. But Nebula has a problem. The King of the city knows that the warriors of the black shroud are rising, but his kingdom disagrees. The King is getting old and he has no heir. They have always followed the chosen one, the one with the star shaped birth mark on their cheek. They also want Walker to be their King once the current King dies.

Walker- The main person in this book, the chosen one. Eddie- The prince, his past is a mystery. His real name is Prince Edward Frankie- The new girl in town. Fussingham- Not much in the book, he writes the book of the kingdom. Jevon- A light keeper, a knight King Leukos- the king, The chosen one Lumina- The oldest Light Keeper Black Count- The Top evil guy Astrodor- the page

I loved It! It was very creative and fun to read! It had a lot of action, and jokes. I think my favorite character is Eddie. He's funny and he's really cool.

ENJOY BIG ME!! (But I don't thing thats the actual size..... AND I GOT MY HAIR CUT SO IT"S REALLY SHORT NOW!!!)

2 Comments on Warriors Of The Black Shroud By Peter Howe, last added: 2/2/2012

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Scoot said, on 2/2/2012 7:11:00 AM

Thanks for the review! It sounds like a great read. I am adding it to my wish-list right now. :)

*Andye* said, on 2/2/2012 7:27:00 AM

She seriously read this book in two days, so she must have really loved it!

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17. Witch & Wizard By James Patterson: Graphic Novel

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By: Rea with readingtween, on 1/31/2012
Blog: Reading Tween (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Manga, Fantasy, Middle Grade, clean reads, Tween, Teen, Magical, Wizards/Sorcery, Reagan's Reviews, Books guys like, Elementary reads, 5 Crowns, Add a tag

Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Yen Press (September 20, 2011)
Language: English
Buy The Book: Amazon

Imagine waking up to find that the world around you - life as you know it - has changed in an instant. That's what happens to Whit Allgood and his sister, Wisty. They thought that they were just a couple of normal teenagers, until their rude awakening at the hands of a dozen armed police! Charged with being a wizard and a witch, accused of having incredible powers they never dreamed possible, the siblings find themselves the targets of an upstart political regime, The New Order, which has swept the country and vowed to wipe "their kind" from existence. Now Whit and Wisty must fight for both their freedom and their lives as they unlock the powers burning inside of them!

This is about ordinary teenage kids named Whit and Wisty. At least they where until the new order was made. They are captured and put into a trail with no lawyer and no chance to talk. They are accused of being a witch and a wizard. Then they find out it is true. As they discover new powers they uncover new things about the world and what it holds. They are imprisoned at a children's hospital that has been turned into a evil prison. They are forced through tests that always threaten their lives with no way of escaping.

I really loved it!! It was action-packed and magical, which I really love. I think my favorite character was Wisty. In the comics she was always making funny faces and doing funny things.

1 Comments on Witch & Wizard By James Patterson: Graphic Novel, last added: 2/3/2012

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Anna @ReadingTween said, on 2/3/2012 6:39:00 AM

I love this book!!! I am reading it and its so, so, good. I have been waiting for it cause i could only read the preview of it.nice review Reagan!

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18. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Part 1

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By: Faith, on 12/16/2011
Blog: Reading Tween (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  clean reads, Magical, Faith's Reviews, 5 Crowns, Adventure, Manga, Fantasy, Add a tag

• Paperback: 200 pages
• Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (October 7, 2008)
• Language: English
• Buy the Book: Amazon

     In the mystified land of Hyrule, three spiritual stones hold the key to the Triforce, and whoever holds them will control the world! A boy named Link sets out on a quest to deliver the Emerald, the spiritual stone of the forest, to Zelda, Princess of the land of Hyrule. The journey will be long and perilous, and Link will need all his skill and courage to defeat evil. The battle for Hyrule and the Sacred Realm has begun!



     This book isn't one of the comic books that we Americans claim to be manga, this is the real deal! A Japanese book that goes right to left instead of left to right! I was so excited about the book and I was not let down. This was a good book, all clean and perfect all around, no cussing, not even kissing or romance (except that Link and Zelda are obviously crushing on each other) at all! (Though I suspect there will be in the other books) I thought that I might be let down but it turned out to be pretty funny and cool.

I didn't like that the dude doesn't wear pants! In other pictures I see him wearing tights at least, but in the book he's pretty much just wearing a little green dress! It's a miracle that no wind was blowing!

My favorite character was definitely Link, he's so cute and brave! In the first half he's only a cute little kid, but then he grows up for the second half and he's more dramatic, but still awesome.
My other favorite character was Epona, the horse who liked Link from the start and ended up becoming his horse at the end. She is smart for a horse, and really cute and sweet.

My least favorite character was Ganondorf, the villain. He's kinda... meh. I just don't really like the guy.

 

1 Comments on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Part 1, last added: 1/13/2012

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Rea with readingtween said, on 1/12/2012 7:11:00 AM

I NEED to read this! I LOVE the video game!

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19. Vampirates: Empire Of Night by Justin Somper

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By: Faith, on 12/16/2011
Blog: Reading Tween (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Tween, Magical, Violent/Scary, Faith's Reviews, 4 Crowns, Pirates, Adventure, Vampires, Fantasy, Middle Grade, Add a tag

• Paperback: 512 pages
• Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers; Reprint edition (December 5, 2011)
• Language: English
• Buy the Book: Amazon

     Determined to stake their claim on the dark waters, renegade Vampirates are expanding. But the Pirate Federation and the once-neutral Nocturnal Vampirates are determined to thwart their efforts and destroy every rebel Vampirate ship in sight. Meanwhile, shocking secrets about their family history have twins Connor and Grace questioning every allegiance they've ever made. There's a bloody battle brewing on the seas, and one thing is tragically clear: This time, no ship is safe.


     I know what you're thinking, "vampires? Has Faith gone to the dark side?" Well, the answer is no, these vampires are the real deal, not the sparkly ones that have relationship problems and give birth to creepy monsters. Lol no, these are pirates, and they rock. This book was definitely the saddest and it made me (almost) cry twice. There are many deaths in this book, but I'm not going to tell you who dies because that would just give it all away. I love how Justin Somper mixed the pirates and vampires together in these books, it makes the vampires far less detestable, and you get a lot of cool battle scenes that get you on the edge of your seat. I liked how Grace and Connor finally had to face what they are, and they chose the good side. And an added bonus, Grace finally sorts out her feelings (I said they don't have relationship problems but everybody does once in a while right?) and she picks Lorcan. (That's good cuz I called dibs on Johnny anyway :P) This book was pretty clean except for one word (only repeated twice) and kissing. (Grace kissing Johnny when she's dating Lorcan *rolls eyes*)


      I didn't like how Cheng Li said that word and then Connor repeated it, it was funny, but it was the last thing expected, especially from Cheng Li! I also didn't like how some important people died, and some of the said people were vampire-ified! At least they aren't totally gone.

     My favorite characters in the book were definitely Johnny, he's the cowboy vampirate, and he is totally awesome! He is a bad boy, but he has other sides to him also, making him a hard nut to crack. He is completely in love with Grace, and tries to steal her away from Lorcan. I have to say Jez, well, Stukely now, and Bart too. Stukely is the funny guy, but he's also killer at sword fighting, literally! And Bart is the sweetest guy ever, he's so awesome and hilarious. My favorite female character is Darcy Flotsam, she is a flapper, and also Grace's best friend. She is really cool, and she always knows when something is up with Grace, and she always tells Grace exactly what she needs to feel better.


     My least favorite characters were Lady Lola because she killed one of the main charris that should not have been killed. Also Lola's girls, who killed another person who should not have been killed. (They are pretty cool though- the girls not Lola-) I always have to say Moonshine too, even though he isn't really in this book that much. He's just... icky. lol

     A few notes about the book, firstly, this is NOT the first one, read the first one first to know what is going on! Secondly it can be kinda freaky sometimes, and pretty violent, like, decapitating violent. Also, as I

1 Comments on Vampirates: Empire Of Night by Justin Somper, last added: 1/13/2012

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Rea with readingtween said, on 1/12/2012 7:11:00 AM

Grr I need to read this one!

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20. Return To Exile by E.J Patten

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By: Faith, on 11/18/2011
Blog: Reading Tween (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Fantasy, Middle Grade, clean reads, Favorites, Tween, Magical, Funny, Faith's Reviews, 5 Crowns, Sort of aventure, Add a tag

• Hardcover: 512 pages
• Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (September 6, 2011)
• Language: English
• Buy The Book: Amazon

  ONE BOY. UNTOLD ENEMIES. A WHOLE WORLD TO SAVE.
IT'S GOING TO BE A LOOONG THREE DAYS.

Eleven years ago, a shattered band of ancient monster hunters captured an unimaginable evil and Phineas T. Pimiscule rescued his nephew, Sky, from the wreckage of that great battle. For eleven years, Sky Weathers has studied traps, puzzles, science, and the secret lore of the Hunters of Legend believing it all a game. For eleven years, Sky and his family have hidden from dark enemies while, unbeknownst to Sky, his uncle Phineas sacrificed everything to protect them.

For eleven years, Sky Weathers has known nothing of that day.

But on the eve of Sky's twelfth birthday and his family's long-awaited return to the town of Exile, everything changes. Phineas has disappeared, and Sky finds himself forced to confront the mysterious secrets he's denied for so long: why did his family leave Exile on that day so long ago? What, exactly, has Phineas been preparing him for? And, the biggest mystery of all, who is Sky really and why does everyone want to kill him?!

Featuring an action-packed plot that covers the gamut of every monster you've never heard of (not to mention weird powers and weapons made out of garbage), Return to Exile is brimming with boy and girl appeal and is a gem for reluctant young readers. And, with a diverse assortment of well-aged monster hunters in the cast, this series will be a hit with adults young and old as well. Recommended for ages 9+.


My Thoughts~

      This. Book. Is. Epic. I know, for me, every book is, that's just the way I am. But seriously, this book is amazing. I haven't read that fast in ages. It took me about from the start of this week to yesterday afternoon, which is actually quite normal for me, but with school and homework and stuff I haven't read that fast since two years ago in sixth grade during class (Note: don't read during class). Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to talk about me, I'm trying to emphasize the amazingness of the book. I got completely sucked into this book, and I couldn't put it down for long. It has monsters and action and weapons, the works of an awesome adventure/action book. You definitely need to read this, after all the other ones I told you to read :P.

Fave Characters~

     Sky Weathers: good at puzzles, has a person in the back of his mind, doesn't make friends easily. My kinda guy. He is my favorite character other than Hands, one of his friends that doesn't completely trust him until the very end, and Errand, the person I mentioned in the back of Sky's mind.

     Hands: likes his privacy, dramatizing everything, and teen vampire romance novels. Love the guy. He is something else, and definitely one of the best characters in the whole book.

     Errand: likes helping Sky with fights at school, takes Sky edgewalking, has been trapped and frozen in a prison for eleven years. He looks exactly like Sky, even has the same marks on his hand. Two white crescent moons in his palm that connect at the tips, surrounded by a black mark that looks like a wound that won't heal, it is also two crescent moons connected at the tips (T

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21. Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken

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By: Faith, on 10/6/2011
Blog: Reading Tween (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Faith's Reviews, Sort Of A Chick Lit, 5 Crowns, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance, Middle Grade, clean reads, Favorites, Tween, Magical, Funny, Add a tag

• Reading Level: Young Adult
• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: EgmontUSA; Reprint edition (June 28, 2011)
• Buy The Book: Amazon

The day the rains came was like any other, blistering air coating the canyon in a heavy stillness...

Just as the rains come after ten long, dry years, a young wizard, Wayland North, appears, to whisk Sydelle Mirabil away from her desert village. North needs an assistant, and Sydelle is eager to see the country--and to join him on his quest to stop the war that surely will destroy her home. But North has secrets--about himself, about why he chose Sydelle, about his real reasons for the journey. What does he want from her? And why does North's sworn enemy seem fascinated by Sydelle himself?

Through a journey that spans a country, magic and hard-won romance are woven together with precision and brilliant design by a first-time novelist.

This book was AWESOMESAUCE! I loved the characters, the settings, the romance, all of it! This is definitely going to be added to my long list of favorites. I really especially liked how there were lots of different scenes, all in different places, it makes it more interesting to me when the author is explaining the scenes constantly. I also liked how the author didn't just instantly make the characters fall in love, they gradually discovered new things about each other and got closer before they fell in love. They only kissed like, twice or three times in the book, which made me happy, I like romance, but not excessive kissing. 

3 Comments on Brightly Woven by Alexandra Bracken, last added: 10/7/2011

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Faith said, on 10/6/2011 9:05:00 AM

Aaahh! I keep messing up... the font got all small and normal. Crap. Sorry

AMY Reale ~ ReadingTeen2 said, on 10/7/2011 1:05:00 PM

I fixed it! No worries ;)

Faith said, on 10/7/2011 1:14:00 PM

Yay, thanks!

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22. Book Review: Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull

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By: Austin, on 10/3/2011
Blog: Reading Tween (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  YA, Vampires, Fantasy, Favorites, Teen, Magical, Austin's Reviews, Wizards/Sorcery, 4 Crowns, Add a tag

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 464 pages
• Publisher: Aladdin (April 22, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1416957707
  
• ISBN-13: 978-1416957706

Buy the book: Amazon

At the end of the school year, Kendra and her brother Seth find themselves racing back to Fablehaven, a refuge for mythical and magical creatures. Grandpa Sorenson, the caretaker, invites three specialists -- a potion master, a magical relics collector, and a mystical creature trapper -- to help protect the property from the Society of the Evening Star, an ancient organization determined to infiltrate the preserve and steal a hidden artifact of great power. Time is running out. The Evening Star is storming the gates. If the artifact falls into the wrong hands, it could mean the downfall of other preserves and possibly the world. Will Kendra learn to use her fairy gifts in time? Will Seth stay out of trouble?

0 Comments on Book Review: Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star by Brandon Mull as of 10/3/2011 5:22:00 PM

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23. The Familiars: The Secret Of The Crown By Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson

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By: Rea with readingtween, on 9/9/2011
Blog: Reading Tween (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Wizards/Sorcery, Reagan's Reviews, Books guys like, Elementary reads, 5 Crowns, Fantasy, Middle Grade, clean reads, Favorites, Tween, Magical, Funny, Add a tag

Reading level: Ages 9-12
Hardcover: 384 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (September 6, 2011)

Buy the Book:  Amazon

When human magic disappears suddenly from Vastia, it falls on the familiars, Aldwyn the telekinetic cat, Skylar the know-it-all blue, jay, and Gilbert the gullible tree frog--to find the Crown of the Snow Leopard, an ancient relic that can reverse the curse. They learn that the only way to do this is by following in the purple paw prints of Aldwyn's father, who'd gone missing while searching for the Crown years earlier. This magical spirit trail extends into the Beyond, where our heroes encounter new enemies and danger, while Aldwyn learns about his mysterious past.

4 Comments on The Familiars: The Secret Of The Crown By Adam Jay Epstein and Andrew Jacobson, last added: 9/13/2011

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Adam and Andrew said, on 9/9/2011 10:41:00 AM

Great review! I like that you do part of the review in shades. And your whisper scream voice makes me laugh :) I can assure you that there will be a third book... in fact, we've already finished it! But it won't be coming out until next September. But we'll make sure you get an ARC as soon as it's ready. You rock... thanks for being such a big fan of the books.
Andrew

Melina said, on 9/9/2011 3:08:00 PM

Sweet vlog. I love this book too.

jedisakora @ The Little Corner of the World said, on 9/10/2011 5:23:00 PM

Nice. ^^ I can't seem to find this one in stores. I foresee it on a amazon bill when i get paid later this week. ^^

Melissa

Rea with readingtween said, on 9/13/2011 5:48:00 AM

THANKS EVERY ONE!!!!!

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24. Book Review: Dragon in Chains by Daniel Fox

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By: AMY Reale ~ ReadingTeen2, on 8/30/2011
Blog: Reading Tween (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  Fantasy, Magical, Funny, Guest Review, Add a tag

Reading Level: Young Adult
Paperback: 399 pages
Publisher: Ballantine Books(2009)
Language: English
ISBN-978-0-345-50305-3
Buy the Book: Amazon

Deposed by a vicious usurper, a young emperor with his court to the small island of Taishu. There, with a dwindling army, a manipulative mother, and a resentful  population and his only friend is a local fishergirl as he prepares for his last stand.

In the mountains of Taishu, a young miner finds a huge piece of jade, the mineral whose ingestion can gift the emperor with superhuman powers. Setting to deliver the embattled emperor, Yu finds himself changing into something forbidden.

Meanwhile, a great dragon lies beneath the strait that seperates Taishu and the mainland, bound by chains.When monks are killed by a willful pirate captain, a maimed slave assumes the terrible burden of keeping the dragon subdued.

I really liked this book because it has action, adventure, some comedy, fiction, and plot twists. I felt like Yu is telling the story while being in it himself. I don’t think there's a sequel, but this book makes good for it. When I finished the book, I was so happy that it ended, because I’m new to reading (but non started reading will like it better). I was sad because it was a really good book I couldn't put it away until bedtime. If you want a new book to read think about reading this book.

~ BEN

2 Comments on Book Review: Dragon in Chains by Daniel Fox, last added: 8/30/2011

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Andrew said, on 8/30/2011 11:25:00 AM

Good review Ben! It sounds like a cool book. I would like to read it some time.

*Andye* said, on 8/30/2011 11:30:00 AM

Great review, Ben! Thanks for helping out!

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25. The Beauty of Florida's Swamps

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By: Susi Galloway, on 6/13/2011
Blog: Susi Galloway Illustration & Fine Art (Login to Add to MyJacketFlap)
JacketFlap tags:  eerie, dreamscape, eery, fantasy, spiritual, bird, landscape, magical, Florida, everglades, swamp, lake, egret, mistress, visionary, glade, fantastic, Add a tag

Mistress of the Glade

A Divine Mistress

In Nature's pieces still I see Some error that might mended be; Something my wish could still remove, Alter or add; but my fair love Was fram'd by hands far more divine, For she hath every beauteous line: Yet I had been far happier, Had Nature, that made me, made her. Then likeness might (that love creates) Have made her love what now she hates; Yet I confess I cannot spare From her just shape the smallest hair; Nor need I beg from all the store Of heaven for her one beauty more. She hath too much divinity for me: You gods, teach her some more humanity.

~ by Thomas Carew












Prints, Posters and Cards available here

2 Comments on The Beauty of Florida's Swamps, last added: 6/14/2011

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Melody said, on 6/13/2011 4:30:00 PM

Truly beautiful. I like it that the face in the water is clearer than the face in the sky. Your use of color is so subtle, and the egret stands out so whitely and balances the moon. To my everlasting regret I have no talent with a brush, but my art appreciation works beautifully. I really like your art.

SusiG said, on 6/14/2011 8:36:00 AM

Thank you Melody. Your observations of the painting are spot on.

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