Reviews (2)

None Better
This CD is just terrific, as the sole other review says here. Both my children, a son 8 and a daughter 6, love this CD, and I have to admit that I really enjoy it too.

The story is terrific, the productions first rate, and the actual telling of the tale could not be better. If your children like listening to stories, get this CD.

A+ - Enchanting and enthralling tales of King Arthur
Everything by Jim Weiss is outstanding, but this tape stands out as one of his best. Even though we have listened to it many times, the kids and I enjoy it every time. We all have favorite stories and characters. After we first got the tape, the kids went off on a fairly long binge of acting out the King Arthur stories.

Jim Weiss has the perfect reading manner. His voice is clear, his pacing is superb, his adaptations are very good. We have had a carload of antsy kids for an hour car ride and they are all silent and attentive for the entire tape. We have been known to sit in the car for 5 minutes after we have arrived to hear the end of a story (even ones we've heard before).

I recommend this tape and any tape by Jim Weiss without any qualifications. They are superb for kids and very good for adults. You will not be disappointed. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by the author
5 hrs. 10 mins.
4 cassettes

The companion to the 1963 Newbery Medal winner A Wrinkle in Time.

Meg Murry can't help but be worried when her six-year-old brother, Charles Wallace, announces there are dragons in the vegetable garden. He's so bright and so different from other kids, he's getting bullied at school, and he is also strangely, seriously ill.

But Charles Wallace is right about the dragons--actually a friendly entity who has come to help Charles Wallace fight his sickness. Meg and her friend Calvin O'Keefe join the dragon on a terrifying, wonderful journey into galactic space--where they must battle the forces of evil to save Charles Wallace and themselves. ... Read more

Reviews (74)

Another gem in L'Engle's collection
It seems that as I am expecting wee ones, I've been reading more and more of my childhood favorites ~~ and this book is one of them. I just love L'Engle's writing style and how she gets the reader to think about things that may seem so far out ... but is it? She is a talented author that I admire deeply ~~ and my children will be read her books while still young.

Meg Murry worries when her little brother Charles Wallace announces that there are dragons in the twins' garden. She is already worried about him ... he's so bright and intelligent and having trouble at school. And he is strangely ill ... so Meg and Calvin are on another adventure ~~ this time to battle Charles Wallace's illness. Along the way, Meg learns about patience and love while battling the forces of evil that is trying to take over the universe.

While lots of people scoff at these books because of the fanasty they're written in ~~ I find that it's a classic book between good and evil. L'Engle always write with a moral ~~ and she writes in such a fun way, you can't but help apply the lessons to your life. It doesn't matter how old you are ... you are never too old to read these books! And I highly recommend this one to everyone ~~ whether or not they have children in their lives. It's just a good read with well-written story plot. And Meg, Calvin and Charles Wallace stay with you for a long time.

1-23-02

A Wrinkle In Time is still without equal.
Madeleine L'Engle's award winning "A Wrinkle In Time" stands head and shoulders above this sequel, the second entry in the "Time Quintet" series. Unlike the journey to distant galaxies of the first novel, in "A Wind in the Door" Meg Murray and her friend Calvin O'Keefe's main adventure involves a journey into the minute particles of her brother Charles Wallace, who is deathly ill. Meg's parents, a brilliant physicist and biologist, have discovered that human cells are made up of mitochondria, and these in turn are composed of farandolae. A dark power is at work among the farandolae, causing the illness of Charles Wallace, and more seriously threatening to tear up the entire galaxy. Only by entering one of Charles' mitochondria can Meg save Charles...and the galaxy.

In the end, all this talk about mitochondria and farandolae gets a bit much, and the idea of travelling inside someone's body just doesn't have the same magic as travelling to distant galaxies. The concept of kything (being able to communicate with thoughts, like ESP) had a somewhat new-age flavour that I was not entirely comfortable with. The idea of Naming (The first of three quests that faces Meg is to Name the school principal Mr. Jenkins) is never entirely fully developed or explained. The need for a farandola called Sporos to "Deepen" simply lacked charm. And the plot is rather complex and weighed down by scientific techno-babble, which many children may find rather frustrating. As such, this book doesn't come close to matching the fantasy and power of the first novel.

But those weaknesses aside, there is also much to commend this book. There are profound thoughts about the significance of everything having a name, and that the Creator "knows them all by name." "The stars don't need to be counted. They need to be Named." In this context, one's size doesn't detract from one's significance, because the tiny elements of the universe such as farandolae are just as important. The hostile forces are described as echthroi who want to X (annihilate) creation, and L'Engle uses them to picture a cosmic conflict between fallen angels (echthroi) and good angels (such as the dragon-like cherubim Proginoskes). The implied connection, however, between schizophrenia and demon possession (p123) will always be a controversial one. There are also several profound observations about life and faith. Memorable quotations that stand out in my mind include these: "Love isn't how you feel. It's what you do." (p116) "You have simply been faced with several things outside your current sphere of experience. That does not mean that they - we - do not exist." (p122). And the description of immature pleasure-seekers: "When we seek our own pleasure as the ultimate good we place ourselves as the center of the universe. A fara or a man or a star has his place in the universe, but nothing created is the center." (p172). And in the middle of all this seriousness, there are also moments of subtle humour, such as one instance where L'Engle pokes fun at Charles Darwin's theory of evolution: "What I really need are lessons in adaptation. I've been reading Darwin, but he hasn't helped me much." (p71) This book might not be the best in the series and might not be as captivating as "A Wrinkle in Time", but it's still a fantastic adventure worth travelling.

Not My Type of Literature
(...)BR>What I could get out of the book was that the star charcater Charles Wallace was sick, badly ill, and his sister, Meg, is really worried for him, and makes it clear she would do anything to help him get better. Then, the one thing I liked most of this book, the plot immediatley comes to play as Charles takes Meg out into a field near their home and tells her there are 'a drive of dragons' somewhere. But at first Meg doesn't see anything. But later on she actually sees this 'drive of dragons' is truly a creature named Progo(well the name's longer than that but this is what Meg calls him throughout the story.) He's a science-fiction masterpiece with many wings and eyes. This creature sparks a journey that involves Meg, her supposed boyfriend named Calvin, and Progo itself as they are assigned to help save Charles from fatally evil beings called the Echthroi, who want to destroy Charles, as well as the world itself.
This book just wasn't my type of literature, but I didn't hate it. I just wasn't into the novel; I didn't feel any sort of connection like you should in a book.

A Wind in the Door by Madelline L'Engle
A Wind in the Door, by Madeline L'Engle, is an extremely moving and exciting book. In this sequel to A Wrinkle in Time, Meg, Calvin, and Charles Wallace team up with snakes, teachers, mitochondria, and a Cherubum called Progo. It all starts one blustery day when Charles Wallace claims to have seen a drove of dragons in the twin's vegetable garden. Meg and Calvin then learn that Charles Wallace could have an extremely deadly condition: his mitochondria are dying. Charles Wallace is in danger of being X-ed.
This book sucks you in and won't let go until you have felt all of the emotion running rampant throughout. The story teaches the fact that amount doesn't matter, everything has a name, and it also teaches true, unconditional love.

Fabulous!
At the beginning there were two long and boring chapters, and I thought the book would not be that great after all. Then at Chapter 3, I began to sense that the book would be better. I loved the test to find the real Mr. Jenkins at Chapters 5-6, and the last few chapters were a little scary but they were the best.
"Her voice issued from her lips almost without volition, cold, calm, emotionless. 'Mr. Jenkins Three---'
He stepped forward, smiling triumphantly.
'No. You're not the real Mr. Jenkins. You're much too powerful. You'd never have to be taken away from a regional school you couldn't control and made principal of a grade school you couldn't control, either.' She looked at Mr. Jenkins One and Two.'
I absolutely loved this book! ... Read more

Book Description

Reviews (47)

The best series of children's fantasy literature
A friend of my father's brought me a box full of used books when I was 9 or 10. Tucked away in the bottome was The High King, actually the last in the Prydain Chronicles....it sat for quite awhile in my bookcase before I picked it up and began reading. What an experience it turned out to be! The adventures of Taran (Assistant Pig- Keeper), Eilonwy, Gurgi, Prince Llyr, and all the other charming charaters in their quest to beat the evil Horned King opened my eyes to the wonderful world of fantasy in children's literature. Indeed, after reading the High King I ran out and spent all my allowance (preciously saved) on the rest of the 5-book series.

Lloyd Alexander writes with a refreshing and unpretentious stye, neither speaking down to kids nor falling into any of the cliched storylines or dialogue of many writers of fantasy literature. Indeed, I believe many authors of modern adult fantasy would greatly benefit from studying Mr. Alexanders writing style.

I credit this series for the beginning of my 25+ years of affection for Celtic, Gaelic, and Welsh mythology and would strongly recommend this series for any lover, young and old, of fantasy and mythology.

The Most Meaningful Book I've Ever Read

I read it at six. I read it at sixteen. I read it at twenty-six. I read it at home. I read it wandering. At all times and all places, I have identified with Taran Wanderer more than any other literary character. I'm not excluding Shakespeare, the classics or modern novels.

Taran is a boy trying to become a human (it applies to girls just as much.) This is the beginning of all great mythology, as the late Joseph Campbell would have agreed. This boy travels through a world of magic swords, undead warriors and medieval villages. It is an escape. Or is it? Taran deals with truth, the true worth of himself and others, the search for meaning in a career and in life, the excitement and high price of violence and love. I AM Taran in 1997, as much as he is in an imaginary world. I bet a lot of you are, too.

Alexander never talks down to you, whether you are young or old. It is fun and meaningful. This fourth book of a wonderful five-book series is an excellent encapsulation of the entire series. This is not a book for adults or children. It is a book for people. A great one.

A wonderful character piece
This book is definitely the most unique of all the Prydain Chronicles. Instead of urgent quests to find magical pigs, destroy evil cauldrons or rescue a beautiful princess--with good constantly pitted against the forces of evil--this volume is instead focused on Taran finding out about himself.

Instead of a quest resolved in a matter of weeks or months, this story covers a couple of years, years in which Taran travels from one end of Prydain to the other, first in search of his parents and then in search of his own place in the race of men.

His motivation lies in a desire to be worthy of the Princess Eilonwy's hand in marriage; she's absent from the story, still on the Isle of Mona, so Taran's only constant companion is the loyal creature Gurgi.

Old friends Fflewddur and Doli make brief appearances, though the bulk of Taran's time is spent meeting new people: the old farmer Aeddan and his wife, who fight for survival on a land impoverished by the Death-Lord Arawn; Goryon and Gast, petty lords whose bark is worse than their bite; Morda, the enchanter who despises the race of men in its entirety; the outlaw Dorath and his men; the shepherd Craddoc; and the people of the Free Commots: Llonio the lucky, Hevydd the smith, Dwyvach the weaver, Annlaw the potter, and Llassar the farm boy.

The lessons Taran learns in his travels aren't always obvious or profound for the casual reader, and the limited amount of swords, sorcery and peril may be unusual for some. However, the transition Taran makes into manhood is handled convincingly and realistically with each step he takes.

Taran becomes a man
One of the great joys of Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles series is the steady progression from lighthearted children's fantasy to more adult themes and a grimmer tone, allowing the reader to grow along with the characters. By the end, you feel as if the characters have taken a lifetime of journeys, learning from them as they went.

This is very much front and center in "Taran Wanderer," a sad, lonely tale of Taran's quest to find out who he truly is. While appropriate for all ages and sure to be enjoyed by young readers, older readers will find the harrowing decisions Taran has to make gripping and heart-wrenching.

Because Alexander draws his stories from ancient myth and legend, the themes and situations here will feel familiar, like stories you've read many times before. Yet that never comes across in a tiresome way. It's a story that operates in a welcome comfort zone, nice in a time when so many books try so hard to be different solely for the sake of being different. The story told in "Taran Wanderer" is a timeless tale because of its familiarity and will engage readers for many years to come.

The focus here is more strongly on Taran than in any other volume, though the rest of the cast of characters returns: Eilonwy the stereotypical spoiled princess, Gurgi the crazed Gollum-like creature, and Fflewddur Fflam the hapless bard who is prone to exaggeration. Others from the past also rear their heads.

The pacing in this, the fourth of five books, is more deliberate. Some would say slow, but this being the type of story it is, that would be an unfair description. Rather, it lingers in Taran's quest and Taran's sadness and uncertainty.

"Taran Wanderer" and the rest of the Prydain Chronicles are recommended reading for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially classic children's fantasy, walking the fine line between being accessible to young readers and being appealing and engaging enough for adults to enjoy.

The best of the series
The Chronicles of Prydain is my favorite series of young adult writing. I highly recommend this series to any child or adult who likes Harry Potter or any other series of fantasy fiction. Taran Wanderer is my favorite of the series because it brings into view the changes the main character has made in the three previous books and sets the stage for the final episode. A wonderful book about the journey to find 'self'. ... Read more

Book Description

Don't even think of starting this book unless you're sitting in a comfortable chair and have lots of time. A fast-paced, impossible-to-put-down adventure awaits as the young orphan Peter and his mates are dispatched to an island ruled by the evil King Zarboff. They set sail aboard the Never Land, a ship carrying a precious and mysterious trunk in its cargo hold-and the journey quickly becomes fraught with excitement and danger. Discover richly developed characters in the sweet but sophisticated Molly, the scary but familiar Black Stache, and the fearless Peter. Treacherous battles with pirates, foreboding thunderstorms at sea, and evocative writing immerse the reader in a story that slowly and finally reveals the secrets and mysteries of the beloved Peter Pan. ... Read more

Book Description

In the ruins of the castle of the Red King, Charlie and Tancred discover a tree-girl who whispers secrets to them and asks for their help in restoring her to a real girl.When Charlie returns to help her, he finds that the tree has been destroyed.Meanwhile, the Yewbeam sisters are trying to marry Amy Bone, Charlie begins to hear portraits speaking, and a new music teacher has arrived at Bloor's Academy.Emma discovers that the invisible boy living upstairs in the attic is her older brother, and when Manfred finds out their plans, he threatens to lock up Emma. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Children of the Red King is the best book series despite hp
Ok, im going to star by saying The Invisible Boy is the best installment yet in the children of the red king series. first of all, don't even look at the summary of the book that amazon.com provided, none of it is true. NONE ZERO ZIP ZILCH! None of it so dont bother reading it. i mean, how could the yewbeam sisters try to marry amy bone unless they're lesbians? overall, this book is an amazing piece of work by jenny nimmo; if she was at bloors, she'd be in the drama department no question. However if you haven't read the first 2 books get reading because there is a slim chance you will understand the third book without reading the first two books. THIS BOOK ROX

The best so far!
In the third installment of the Children of the Red King series, a considerable amount of depth is assed, and Ms. Nimmo stakes out her own territory fiercely. This book was the best yet. Any doubt that additional depth was on its way should have been put to rest upon viewing the genealogical table (which, disappointingly, gave away a few endowments that I wasn't aware of, but it didn't affect the story).

The book is, in its basest form, about a boy who was made invisible by - who else - that wretched disaster of a magician, Ezekiel Bloor, and the efforts of Charlie and his faithful band of do-gooders to rescue him. But there is much more than an invisible boy for Charlie to worry about.

His best friend Benjamin has gone with his parents to Hong Kong, so Charlie has to find a way to keep Runner Bean occupied without Grandma Bone finding out about him. He is introduced to a new girl, Belle, who will be attending the academy, but not through the usual way - that is, not at the academy on the first day of classes. He is introduced to this girl, who is the most beautiful girl in the world and whose eyes constantly change color, at his own home by his horrific aunts and Grandma Bone. The manner of their introduction isn't lost on Charlie, and he is wary of her from the beginning.

His Uncle Patton leaves, mysteriously, speaking of "someone dangerous" that must be stopped from arriving, and Charlie finds himself without the comforting presence of his uncle, who has begun to serve as a very effective buffer between Charlie and the Yewbeams. When his Uncle finally returns, the manner of his return is such that Charlie feels compelled to revisit the painting of Skarpo the Sorcerer in the hopes that Skarpo can help his Uncle, but Charlie succeeds in doing two things: 1) adding mystery to the white wand he "stole" in book 2; and 2) unleashing a very unpleasant series of circumstances not only on Bloor's Academy but also on the people who live in the surrounding town.

As we are finding out, there is more to everything than meets the eye - even if some of it is rather obvious. And the universe is expanding, most satisfactorily. We can see possibilities for more books, and indeed it has been stated in at least one place that this is a projected series of five books.

I have only a few issues with the series in general, and the main one is: why does every book have to be centered around someone that the Bloors and/or Yewbeams are hiding or don't want to be found? And why does it make such little sense (to me at least - it's entirely possible that my tiny brain is missing something rather obvious) that the Bloors and/or Yewbeams don't want these kids found? Especially since this last book was action packed from beginning to end, and between Skarpo, Belle, Uncle Patton, and other minor subplots there was plenty around which to write a book. I hope that the next two books will use a more clever contrivance around which to center the story.

Last, AND THIS IS IMPORTANT FOR THOSE WHO THINK THESE BOOKS ARE POTTER RETREADS, I had an issue with what happened to Charlie at the end regarding a certain wand and a genealogical table (not the one in the beginning of the book).. I won't describe anything more, because I don't want to give the ending anyway. Anyway, this event seemed to be the most glaring Potter similarity yet, and I admit to actually gasping out loud when I read it. I assumed that Ms. Nimmo, as she is no stranger to children's entertainment, *must* have read Potter, and therefore I was dumbfounded, wondering why in the world she would do something like this. However, I wrote to Ms. Nimmo, and she confirmed that she has never read the Potter works, except when her publisher tells her to take a peek at certain parts. Given that she's never read the books, then, all of the Potter similarities are entirely accidental. This was an answer that pleased me greatly, for I have absolutely loved these books.

NEw Charlie BOne
THe Newest Charlie BOne was great like all the others, except for the fact that the editorial review is completely wrong, there is no tree girl and the invisible boy is not Emma's Brother!!!!!!!!!!!! Perhaps we can look for the tree girl in THe Blue Boa which may be another name for the invisible boy, who knows??? Anyway a great site for finding new books (...)at amazon.

A Great Book!
the third book in the Children Of The Red King series is much better than #1 or #2. if you like jenny nimmo, i suggest reading Griffin's Castle, one of her older books. it is equally great!

Stellar!!
The third in the Children of the Red King series... Truly outdoes the first two... Charlie Bone faces many new challenges including helping an invisible boy.. coping with a very deceptive "young and pretty girl"... and being endowed with his strange power. This is the best one yet, I highly recomend it to all Harry Potter fans and any fans of magical tales. Two Thumbs Up! ... Read more

Book Description

Performed by the Words Take Wing Repertory Company
5 hours, 12 minutes
4 cassettes

Princess Cimerone and the dragon Kazul share a spirited adventure with an extraordinary cast of characters in this first book in the Enchanted ForestChronicles series.






... Read more

Reviews (255)

I would reccomend this book to any age fantasy lover.
If you are a fantasy or fairy-tale lover and have never read this story then you must (I emphasize) MUST go right over to your nearest library and borrow it immediatly! It has everything traditional fairy tales do kings, queens, handsome princes, flaxen-haired princesses, wizards, knights, and dragons. But Cimorene (the main character) isn't your normal empty-headed, perfect, princess. No, Cimorene isn't a normal princess. Though she takes as many princess lessons as she can bear once in a while she just can't stand it and slips off to secretly take fencing, cooking, or magic lessons. She is repeatedly told "Princesses don't do that sort of thing." The last straw is when her parents try to make her marry handsome but boring Prince Therindill and Cimorene runs away and becomes princess to the dragon Kazule. For once she is glad she is a princess! Life is exciting being a dragon's princess though the knights are bothersome. Once you meet Cimorene and her friend Aleanora you'll want to visit them everyday

Definitely a book to read!
This was definitely one of the best fantasy books I have ever read. "Dealing with Dragons" is about a princess named Cimorene. (The book is written in a third-person view.) She is not as pretty as her sisters, but she's not as dumb either. Cimorene is very bored with life as a "proper" princess-she doesn't want to learn how to scream as she gets carried off by some creature or another. She wants to lead a more exciting life. The last straw comes when her parents try to make her marry a prince who she doesn't even love. She gets her way when she comes upon a group of dragons, among them being the polite female dragon named Kazul. She becomes the dragon's princess, and soon becomes caught in the conspiracy of some unfriendly wizards. This book is a fantasy story, but it also has humor in it, so it's good to read if you're looking for a light book. The characters are very pleasant, and humerous, and I was absorbed into the story. I reccommend this book for people who like fantasy, but who don't want anything too heavy. This book changes a lot from beginning to end, in terms of meeting characters, getting to know characters, and solving problems. There are three other books, all sequels, that are in this series: "Searching for Dragons," "Calling on Dragons," and "Talking to Dragons." If you like fantasy and some comedy, you'll like this book!

a MUST read
this book captivated me the moment i read the first page. i love this book and i have read it over and over and i still like it! I couldn't wait to get my hands on the sequal. It is a MUST read!

COOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
IT WAS A GOOD BOOK AND IT IS ADVENTURERAND A STORY THAT COUD HAPPEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Engrossing Fantasy
Sixteen-year-old Cimorene, Princess of Linderwall, is everything that a Princess should not be. She's headstrong, curious, stubborn, opinionated, smart, and tomboyish. Not only that, she is bored. Utterly, and completely bored. So when she has the chance to runaway, she takes it. Now she's living with Kazul, one of the most dangerous and powerful dragons around. A dragon who looks vicious, but is really quite sweet to her. However, Cimorene being Cimorene, she has a knack for finding and befriending dangerous characters such as a witch named Moranz, a stone Prince, a death-dealing talking bird, some wizards who are up to no good, and more. Adventure was what Cimorene was looking for, and this little Princess certainly got it!

Fans of fantasy novels will be overjoyed to find DEALING WITH DRAGONS, which is the first book in the ENCHANTED FOREST CHRONICLES. Cimorene is an extremely fun character who will warm the hearts of children of all ages, especially females, as DEALING WITH DRAGONS is one of the few fantasy series heralding a female as the main character. The descriptions of the dragons, both personality and looks-wise, will charm even the grumpiest of people, as they are vivid and enchanting and make you feel as if you are right there alongside them. Patricia C. Wrede has done an amazing job with this novel, and I look forward to reading Book Two in the series SEARCHING FOR DRAGONS.

Erika Sorocco ... Read more

Book Description

In the not-too-distant future, in a place called Satellite City, thirteen-year-old Cosmo Hill is unfortunate enough to come into the world unwanted by his parents. And so, as are all orphaned boys his age, Cosmo is dipped in a vaccine vat and sent to the Clarissa Frayne Institute for Parentally Challenged Boys-freight class.At Clarissa Frayne, the orphans, called "no-sponsors," are put to work by the state, testing dangerous products that never should be allowed near human beings. By the time the no-sponsors are sent to their cardboard utility pipes, given their nightly meal pack, and finally fall asleep, they are often covered in burns, bruises, or sores from the work of the day.Cosmo Hill knows that he must escape, even though he has no idea what might be waiting for him on the outside. He plans for the moment when he can make a break. When that moment finally comes, he nearly dies while escaping. But he is rescued by a gang of "Supernaturalists," a motley crew of kids who all have a special psychic ability-one that Cosmo is about to learn he has as well. They "see" supernatural Parasites-tiny, translucent creatures who feed on the life force of humans. ... Read more

Reviews (8)

Excellent and fascinating book!
This book and its author created a fascinating world and reality in which to follow believable characters through the fantastic. Much the way more traditional sci-fi and space opera has done over the years and continues to do: "Stranger in a Strange Land", "Rendezvous with Rama", "2001", "2010", "Childhood's End", "I,Robot", "Ringworld", "Advent of the Corps", and more.

No Artemis Fowl
I became a fan of Eoin Colfer after reading the Artemis Fowl series. Unlike the Supernaturalist, the Artemis Fowl books have in-depth characters, unique plots and witty dialouge. Here, Colfer seems to focus purely on the technological aspect of the story, and forgets the rest. Sure, while we get a blow by blow description of the characters plugging in some electro gadget or other, we wonder what this has to do with the story.
The charactars are pretty stereotypical, with nothing particularily unique or fascinating. The plot is interesting enough, and the setting, while grotesque is well presented.
The problem is, the characters don't seem to interact with the setting or eachother. When Colfer throws in the "plot twists," there is no slow suspensful build up to make them as shocking as they could have been. It's as if someone said, okay the bomb blew up in the Restaurant! Versus, showing people eating and minding their own business, and then showing the villian with the bomb.
What this book did do for me, is help me appreciate how good the Artemis Fowl books really are. I've felt that the Supernaturalist is Eoin Colfer's second dud (counting the Wish List.) I really hope he doesn't suffer from Sophomore Slump, and brings back the sparkle and magic of Artemis Fowl. Perhaps this book should have spent some more time in the editing room, replacing the technology with actual human emotion.

Not a waste of time or money
This is not Aretimis Fowl. If you come in excpecting Artemis Fowl, you are likely to be disappointed. This is a very good book. Eoin Colfer uses his ability to write fantastic characters that you find your self torn between who you like the best, similiar to Aretmis Fowl. Take it from me, an average 14 year old boy much like Cosmo, Colfer captures his feelings greatly. However, sometimes the plot moves a bit to fast and some of the early plot twists are a tad predictable, despite it you will find yourself loving this book. The one thing that seperates this from Aretimis Fowl is the fact that this one has a better ending then any of the three. Overall, a book you won't be sorry you read.

HIS BEST BOOK YET!
I finished this book more than 12 hours ago and I still can't stop thinking about it. The plot was great and it will possibly be one of the best sci-fi books you'll ever read.

The story mainly focuses on Cosmo Hill, but gives the point of veiw of other characters too just like Eoin Colfer does in many of his books. Once you start reading this book, you will not want to put it down. I know I didn't.

I hope it becomes a classic for years to come.

One of Colfer's best
When i first picked up the book i thought that it was another badly written book that was all about what things in the future would have. IT IS NOT. While this does take place in the future (the darker side of the future) it focuses on so many other things. The plot kept me involved from the start, from the exciting and dangerous escape of Cosmo and Ziplock, to the climactic and plot-twisted ending of the book (which just kept me having to tell somebody about).

The characters are so well represented, and i loved reading about how the Supernaturalists were like an immune team. Cosmo is the perfect character to focus on, because of his constant curiosity and charming nature, while Mona, Ditto and Stefan all have traits that are just too much to include here.

The plot is definitely the most exciting and creative part of the story. I don't think i've ever read a book with a plot that built up to the climax so well and left me as surprised at the plot twists (The first one I kinda saw coming, but the one near the end that leads to the climax took me completely by surprise)

this book definitely goes up there with Colfer's other masterpieces - Artemis Fowl 1 + 3 (the second one i found a little boring. The wish list was well written, but i didn't really like the characters or the story)

BUY THIS BOOK, YOU WILL FIND YOURSELF READING IT OVER AND OVER AND OVER AND OVER And over and over......

BRAVO COLFER!!!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Approx. 5 hours, 4 cassettes

Becoming a legend is not easy, as young Alanna of Trebond discovers when she disguises herself as a boy and begins training to be a knight.Alanna's skills and stubbornness help her befriend Prince Jonathan but alienate his evil uncle, Duke Roger.Filled with swords and sorcery, adventure and intrigue, good and evil, this book is a rousing introduction to the intensely satisfying story of Alanna.


... Read more

Reviews (497)

One of my favorite Fantasy books
The first Tamora Pierce book that I ever read, this book grabs you and pulls you in. Alanna is a young girl of noble birth, who doesn't want to become a lady. What she wants is to be a knight of the realm, so she switches places with her twin brother Thom, and goes to the Corus, the capital of Tortall. She must dress, talk and act like a boy to avoid being found out. She must overcome many obstacles, her lacking swordmanship, her fear of her gift, and her changing body. She makes friends and enemies, saves lives and does many amazing things. Alanna is a wonderful heroine because she is so human, she has her flaws and her strengths, a temper, but she is fiery and determined all the way. This is a definite MUST READ!

A HELPFUL review!
Ambitious, brave, and bold. That is a pretty good description of Alanna of Trebond. Alanna, the heroine of Alanna, The First Adventure,is a ten year old girl with one huge goal: to become a knight of Tortall. There is also one huge problem: girls are not allowed to become knights. Alanna, however, has a plan. Since she is old enough, she is going to be sent to the convent to learn how to be a lady. Her twin brother, Thom, is going to be sent to the palace to be trained as a knight. Thom hates fighting and wants to be a sorcerer. Alanna loves fighting and is scared of magic. So the twins decide to switch places.

Alanna, The First Adventure is a very well written book. The characters are believable, and the book keeps your attention. One of the especially good things about Tamora Pierce's style is that she gives Alanna her weaknesses and fears like the rest of us. She doesn't just have to concentrate on becoming a knight, she also has to face (unlike some other authors' heros) all of the problems that "tweens" and teens have. Setting the scene is another one of Pierce's talents. I can easily picture the kingdom of Tortall ( the land where most of the book takes place). Pierce has created a whole different world that not many writers could create. The only exceptions I can think of are Patricia C. Wrede, Brian Jaques, C. S. Lewis, and J.K. Rowling. Alanna, The First Adventure is not too long or short, (though I find The Realms of the Gods, another of Pierce's books in which Alanna appears, a bit tedious). Of all of Pierce's books that I have read, Alanna, The First Adventure is by far the best.

Pierce's book teaches us a lot of things. It really shows that you can accomplish almost anything if you put your mind to it, but that does not mean it's going to be easy. Actually achieving your goal will usually include hard work and challenges. Alanna is a good role model for pre-teen and teenage girls because of her bravery, ambition, and her "I can do it and I won't depend on others" attitude. Alanna, The First Adventure also makes a few good points, such as the fact that there is such thing as an "honorable thief". It shows that sometimes a few friendships can be better than many, most of the time those few people will be by your side no matter what secrets you posses.

My only complaint about Alanna, The First Adventure is that it seems a bit unlikely that Alanna could manage to keep her sex secret while she is a teen. But other then that, Alanna, The First Adventure is a wonderful fantasy book that I believe many people would benefit from reading.

3 reivews by three 5th grade girls
AC says: "Ok book. Too slow, too much detail. I like the story of the book but don't like how the author wrote it"

AM says: "great book. I like the details, they lead up to the excitement. Good story"

TG says: "very good book. Lots of action. Lots of drama and excitement."

Easy to read for a fifth graders. Might be inapporpriate for younger than a fifth grader.

Has magic, adventure, fighting, immortals, friendship, knights, and lots more.

Perfection
The Lioness Quartet is one of the best series of books I have ever read. It goes on my "special bookshelf" with Harry Potter, Gone With the Wind, and Pride and Prejudice. When I first got these books, I bought them in a series from Amazon, I was about eight or nine and I did not put them down until I was done. Since then I have read and re-read them what seems like a hundred times, and they have the marks to show for it (the second in the series is swollen from being dumped in the tub). For any young girl who loves fantasy this is simply a must-have.

The story follows Alanna of Trebond, a twin, and very much opposed to the sort of life a young noblewoman should have. When the story opens, she and her brother, Thom, are eleven and are being sent off to school by their indifferent father so that they may become a lady and a knight respectively. After a few moments of disgruntled reluctance, the two decide that they will switch places, allowing Alanna to disguise herself as a boy and become a knight in her brother's place, while Thom will head to the convent and train to be a sorcerer.

Thus, Alanna becomes Alan, and aided by an old family friend, the manservant Coram, she embarks upon a completely new journey at the palace in Tortall. At first bullied, or hazed, she soon becomes fast friends with the crown prince, Jonathan, and his close friends. While struggling to maintain her classes, which are made more for pushing the pages and squires to their breaking point, she also has to hide her secret from anyone. Fairly soon on in the book, she makes friends with the King of Thieves, George. As she grows up little by little she also meets the Duke Roger, Jonathan's older cousin and second in line for the throne, after Jon, for whom she has no pleasant feelings and distrusts heartily.

The books is filled with magic and intrigue, romance and history. It has good friends and bad ones, it develops every character beautifully and leaves noq uestions unanswered. And the best of it is that there are three more to read after this one, all as beautiful and clever as the first.

This book was so beautiful and good that simply writing about it makes me want to re-read it. Alanna's friends were so well portrayed they came to be my friends. I can see and smell the castle and fell her pain and understand her struggles. This book should be mandatory for any young girl reader.

Impressive at any age!
I first read this book when I was in 6th grade, and I re-read it several months ago, and it's just as good now as it was then! I'm still impressed with how well written it was. The plot was impressive, and the characters were great! The only thing I didn't like about it was the fact that Alanna jumped right into bed with the prince. I understand why it was in the story, but it was a tad cliche. Although in the end, it did add to the story, and make it even better! So all in all, I loved this book, and recommend it to anyone and everyone! ... Read more

Book Description

Ever the resourceful young criminal mastermind, Artemis has found a way to construct a supercomputer from stolen fairy technology.Called the "C Cube," it will render all existing human technology obsolete.Artemis then arranges a meeting with a Chicago businessman, Jon Spiro, to offer to suppress the Cube for one year in return for gold, his favorite substance.But the meeting is a trap, and Spiro steals the Cube and mortally injures Butler.Artemis knows his only hope to save Butler lies in fairy magic, so once again he is forced to contact his old rival, Captain Holly Short of the LEPrecon fairy police. Miraculously, Butler is healed, but there is a catch: he has aged fifteen years.Thus, Butler's infamously ditzy sister, Juliet, is called in as Artemis's bodyguard.Together, they travel to Chicago to steal back the Cube and ensure that Jon Spiro is put out of business-permanently. ... Read more

Reviews (149)

Artemis Fowl The Eternity Code
Artemis Fowl, Eternity Code
By: Eoin Colfer
Reviewed By J. Poupongtong
Period: 6

"Artemis Fowl,The Eternity Code" is a great book for ages 10-13. It gets complicated at first, but then it starts to clear up. This book is about a thirteen year old boy who has a family record of criminals. His father has a serious injury that can only be healed by Holly Short, a lep officer. The lep is an underground organization that is made up entirely of fairy creatures. The healing that Holly Short performed changed his father's personality and made him care less about his stocks and more on his family. Artemis is changed by that and is about to go straight just after he pulls of his biggest crime yet. This crime started when a meeeting with Jon Spiro, an american industrialist and also head man of Fission Chips, a stock company that is only trailing Phonetix. They were arguing about the C-Cube, a micro computer that Artemis made out of stolen Lep circuits. This argument ended when Arno Blunt, Spiro's bodyguard, shot Butler, Artemis's bodyguard. Butler was in need of a healing and Artemis called Holly Short for the healing. The healing toook some life force from Butler, making him about 50 years old. Now the quest is on to get back the C-Cube, but Artemis will need backup. Aided by only Mulch Diggums, a dwarf, Holly Short, an elf, Butler, Butler's kid sister Juliet(who is also training to be a bodyguard), can Artemis get back the C-Cube?

I liked this book a lot. You can see that this is clearly an adventure book. But this is also a science fiction, comedy, and action book. So you can also see that this book has many genres. This book's dialog is also funny. When Artemis says that quote" I'm here because this odious little man threatened to crush my skull between his teeth" is one of the funniest and smartest jokes that I have heard in all the books that I have read thus far.

The dumbness of pex and chips, two bodyguards working for Blunt is also very humerous. When Chips said" Wanna know why they call me chips" and pulled out a bag of chips AND pex didn't know why chips was called chips was very funny. Also this books has a very high level of vocabulary. The system that I've read at Fission Chips is very advance. Also, the vault that keeps the cube has five diffrent defences. There are a weightsensitive, thumbprint, voice, and eye scans. Also they have live security in an air tight room.

My favorite part was when Holly was trying to subdue four goblins. Eoin Colfer making the goblins have the ability to know how to launch fireballs was very suspending. The lep have a wide variaty of weapons including a Nutrino 2000, a nonleathal handgun, and a camfoil, an invisability cloak. My least favorite part was when Butler almost died. That part was also very suspending. I'm waiting for the fourth book and if you read this book, I think that you would to.

Fun brain Buster for kids
The Eternity Code is the best book out this year. Butler has made a C- cube out of fairy technology that was left over from the time that the fairies tried to raid the fowl mansion. It is at least 50 years before schedule in the technology industry and mafia man Jon Spiro has to have it. When Artemis has a meeting with Mr. Spiro he falls right into a trap. Even though Artemis gets out alive, Spiro's main man Blunt mortally and physically wounds his dear and close friend Butler. Artemis has to think on his toes to save Butler and save his C-cube. Artemis has deciphered a brilliant plan to storm Mr. Spiro's high tech research building but it requires a little bit of help. Artemis has recruited the notaries Mulch Diggins, Butlers little sister Juliet and Holly Short. This book is a great read for children and grown-ups alike. One of the best books of the year is out and about!

Not as entertaining as 1 & 2
I see that Colfer has left himself a wee opening for an Artemis Fowl #4 and if there were one, I would read it. The Eternity Code's pacing is slower than books #1 and #2 but it's just as tight and almost just as entertaining. While on the one hand I was glad to see Butler make it through to the end, the book would have been stronger in many regards if he hadn't. I was also suprised to see Artemis' parents suddenly absent after they were Artemis' raison d'etra in books #1 and #2.

Good Dad, Bad Dad
In this third Artemis Fowl tale, Artemis gets into a jam when he tries to sell a tricked up piece of hardware cobbled together from technology he's filched from the fairy world. In an uncharacteristic lapse of judgment, he tries to sell it to Chicago Bad Guy Jon Spiro. Artemis's dad is back from the Artic, but he's changed. Artemis doesn't know what to make of this different dad, so maybe that's why he tries to go into business with Spiro. Spiro calls Artemis "Arty"-just like Artemis's dad does. Spiro is the bad old dad that Artemis was used to (and deeply misses). Spiro is also an omen of the kind of person Artemis will turn into if he doesn't change his ways.

As usual, the LEPricon police have to pop in and help Artemis save the day-but this time, they exact a price for their services. Their exasperation with Artemis is perfectly understandable. When will Artemis get the message that he can be his own worst enemy? Another engrossing Fowl book.

Good, but not needed.
(...)

I thought the first book was great, I LOVED the second one, but this is probably the most disappointing. Not bad, but disappointing.

I really thought the second book pretty much wrapped up the series by itself. All the unfinished subplots were resolved, and it was satisfying to see Artemis 'redeem' himself and make peace with Holly and the Fairies, and find his father.

I was hoping that third novel would close up in an even trilogy. Eoin Colfer actually said that there would be three books, but its obvious he changed his ideas. (For one thing, he said the final two volumes would be called "Artemis Fowl Jr" and "Artemis Fowl the second", and that the third book would take place a day after the third, which did not happen, obviously) Instead, there are so many unresolved twists in this one, that there's bound to be more.

There are two plot twists that will probably hurt the series (or change it radically). (...)

The villain of this piece, Jon Spiro is not as nearly as interesting as Opal Kaboi was, or Artemis Fowl when he was a villain himself in the first book. His henchmen are hillarious, but thats about as far as it goes.

My thoughts about this book are really complicated, so it didn't get translated too well. Get the book, its still good, just not as good as the first two. ... Read more

Book Description

That fool of a fairy Lucinda did not intend to lay a curse on me.She meant to bestow a gift.When I cried inconsolably through my first hour of life, my tears were her inspiration.Shaking her head sympathetically at Mother, the fairy touched my nose."My gift is obedience.Ella will always be obedient.Now stop crying, child." I stopped.

So begins this richly entertaining story of Ella of Frell, who wants nothing more than to be free of Lucinda's gift and feel that she belongs to herself.For how can she truly belong to herself if she knows that at any time, anyone can order her to hop on one foot, cut off her hand, or betray her kingdom--and she'll have to obey?

Against a bold tapestry of princes, ogres, giants, wicked stepsisters, and fairy godmothers, Ella's spirited account of her quest to break the curse is a funny, poignant, and enchanting tale about an unforgettable heroine who is determined to be herself.

Eden Riegel provided the voice of Young Miriam in the animated feature film Prince of Egypt, and has appeared in the film Into the Woods.Her television credits include recurring roles on New York Undercover, As the World Turns and Guiding Light.On Broadway, she was one of the original cast members of Les Miserables and performed in The Will Rogers Follies. ... Read more

Reviews (893)

Logic or Love?
Based on the classic cinderella story, Ella Enchanted is a fantastic book. At birth Ella is 'blessed' by a fairy with the 'gift of obedience' which forces her to do whatever is given to her as an order. If Ella were told to she would have to kill herself or a loved one.
Ella grew up with her mother and her cook, Mandy, her fairy godmother. While in her teens her mother dies, and her funeral Ella meets Char, a prince. Her father is drawn into marriage because of financial problems and she is sent off to Finishing School with her two step-sisters. Ella and Char wrote to eachother the whole while she was away. She soon learned to do everything right because she had to because of her curse. Later she ran away in hopes of meeting the fairy sho gave her her curse, but when she does finally meet her the fairy refuses to lift the curse and flees off. Ella then goes back to live with her father, step-mother, step-sisters, and Mandy. Her father leaves on a business trip and while he is away she is treated poorly by her step-family; the only person she can relate to is Mandy.
Her and Char fall in love but she wont allow herself to marry him because the kingdom's enemies would easily be able to use her curse to their advantage. When he orders her to marry him, unknowing of the curse, she must battel with herself to come to a conclusion.
This is a very interesting and captivating book through and through. I have read it numerous times and i love it more and more each time. Especially if you enjoy the classics, particularly the tale of Cinderella, I would highly recomend Ella Enchanted.

A interesting, and fun fairy tale.
Ella Enchanted, by Gail Carson Levine, is a fascinating fairytale about a fifteen-year-old girl. This Newbery Honor Book is a wonderful book for all ages, and is easy reading. It is one of those books that you never want to put down. Many features of this book resemble the story of Cinderella. Ella, the main character, has to overcome many challenges in her young life. One of those challenges being that she has to obey any order that is given to her. A powerful fairy gave this challenge to her. If she doesn't obey this curse, she will get a terrible headache, or start feeling very ill. So, obliviously, she has to be very careful not to tell anyone about this weakness because they could easily take advantage of her. This book revolves around how she lives her life, and the effects of the curse. I think others would enjoy this book because it is fun, and enjoyable to read. Isn't that what reading is all about?

BEST BOOK EVER
I first read this book when I was in 5th grade and I am now in 11th grade and I still read this book. I have read it so many times that I lost count. Ella Enchanted is a story of a girl who is given the curse of obedience and struggles to overcome the spell that dictates everything she does. She must do every thing that anyone asks. It is a lot like Cinderella but at the same time so different and so much better. This book is so wonderful and I recommend it to anyone who loves a good adventure story with a dash of romance.

My Favorite Book!
Okay, one thing here: I like literature. I'm an avid reader, and believe me, I've read quite a number of books. From the gigantic (Decameron, Gormenghast series) to the tiny (Heart of Darkness, the fabulous Catcher in the Rye), I try to keep an open mind and appreciate the meaning in each story, regardless if I love or loathe it. Ella Enchanted is the only book to this date (maybe with the exception of the Princess Bride, and Wuthering Heights if I'm in a heavy mood ^^) I can endure for a fourth, fifth; a sixth read. I could see younger fans liking it, but even at eighteen, the wit and substance still astounds me, as I'm sure it's the same for older fans too; I made my mom read the first chapter, and she was highly amused. The prince is no longer a 'light at the end of the tunnel' figure for all her hard work, but he's there all through the tale, charming as his name suggests (Prince Char) because he's real: the things he says and does, his honesty and good nature make the reader realize that it's not always the villains who have personality, it's just that the good ones rarely get to show their side. Ella's stepfamily is probably the main comic relief, with one sister being a naive dunce (with abhorrent spelling skills), one petty and jealous in a way that seems to make you feel you know someone like her, and a stepmother dripping in pomp and luxury. All three you love to hate almost as much as you love to laugh at. Ella, finally, is a heroine worthy of basing such a book on. At fifteen she's wise, witty, clever, and not above biting back when she can get a bit of revenge here and there. She doesn't feel sorry for herself; she only focuses on things important to her through any turmoil she may have, and even when she has the classic girlhood dream in the palm of her hands, she knows what's for the best (and no, I'm not giving away anything here :). I rarely connect with the main characters in things, but Ella is a special exception. How we should all be a bit like her. Through her enigmatic personality you can't help--like some in the book--to fall straight in love. I suspect Ella Enchanted will always make me laugh when I need it, and because this book will keep me young and smiling, it's my favorite. Highly, highly highly recommended.

One of the Wittiest Books Ever!
In this children's classic, Ella has the gift,or curse, to be obedient. Always. If she were told to cut her head off with an axe she would have to obey. Though very much based on Cinderella (hint: Wicked Stepmother and Stepsisters, Prince Char, Kinda like Charming, and obviosly Ella, though her name is Eleanor)

This book is hilarious and sometimes suspensful. It is very much beyond me why Out Of The Dust beat this for the Newbery. :~( ... Read more

Reviews (77)

Enchanting Fable
A few months ago, I read a little blurb about this novel, and I couldn't wait to read it. Then, it won the Newberry Award, and I finally got hold of a copy. It didn't disappoint. The Tale of Despereaux is one of the most enchanting little stories I've ever read, and I have a feeling it's going to go down as a true children's classic.

The story is so entrancing. It centers around a mouse named Despereaux who just doesn't fit in with the other mice. He is born with his eyes opened. He sees a beautiful world that the others are blind to, and he is shunned because of it. He is able to hear music, and he is able to love creatures of other races. For instance, this tiny mouse falls in love with the human Princess Pea, and that begins quite a chain of events.

Of course, not everything in the story is happy. There is also a dark world that the novel doesn't hide from. There are characters who have had little chance in life and have been harmed because of it. There are characters here who have lead dark lives and are trying to destroy Princess Pea and Despereaux. But, ultimately, this isn't a dark novel but one proclaiming a message about love and hope and the possibility of redemption. It is a beautiful little novel about having the courage to bring some light into the world. The Tale of Despereaux is an amazing novel for people of every age which will be read for an oftly long time.

A Magical New Classic
I have read The Tale of Despereaux by Kate DiCamillo, and liked it much better than her Newbery Honor book, Because of Winn-Dixie. This fairy-tale adventure about a mouse, a rat, a princess, and a servant girl is told in a measured, mannered voice that's a departure for DiCamillo's usual casual style. There are frequent appeals to the "dear reader," which work for me as they do in so few other books.

Despereaux is the youngest mouse in his family. He is runty, with huge ears, and prefers reading books to eating them. We're given glimpses of his family -- his faithless father, his very proper sister, his loutish brother whose favorite word is "Cripes!," and his French mother, whose English is slightly stiff and very amusing. Before long, Despereaux's non-mousely behavior gets him banished to the dungeon, where the castle rats will presumably eat him.

He escapes, of course, only to cross paths with a vengeful rat who has taken a slow-witted palace maid into service, to help him carry out his plan to punish Princess Pea, the object of his hatred and Despereaux's devotion.

Forgiveness, second chances, embracing the light, being who you are, the importance of stories, and the restorative properties of a hot bowl of soup all come into play to create a delicate, magical book that I suspect may have more longevity than the celebrated but ultimately somewhat ordinary Because of Winn-Dixie.

awful, reader, just plain awful
Please do not read this book, reader!!! Reader, I had just finished reading Because of Winn-Dixie, and I found it to be a wonderful book and story. But, reader, Tale of Despereaux did not come anywhere close to what I expected a good, or worthy of reading children's book, should be. I also, reader, feel that anyone who has to tell a child what is going on without letting them think for themselves or create their own meanings should not bebale to get their books published. I have always felt the point of getting children to read is to, get them to read! Then the stories and meanings can be discussed later. Children always bring something new the table, and this book ruins a childs creative and imaginative mind.

Teachers, here is your book!
You can get the storyline from the excellent reviews on this page. If you are looking for a terrific read-aloud or book study or novel for your literature circles, this is it. Are you teaching literary elements? This book has it all, character, plot, setting, theme, motivation, point-of-view, genre, voice, elaboration, foreshadowing, word choice...

The wonderful thing is your students will just think you are reading them the BEST story ever. I read chapters 1-3 aloud and then stopped. The kids sent up a chorus of "Nooo, Don't Stop!!!"

We sold so many hard cover copies of the book at our school book fair that we had to reorder several times. Parent were remarking, "He has never begged me for a book before..."

Dust off your French accent and have fun. You will enjoy reading this book aloud as much as your students will enjoy listening to it.

Awesome
A very good book, to say the least. I was recomended this by my librarian and read it, along with Olive's Ocean (another good read, check it out). It deserved the award it got, definitly. ... Read more

Book Description

Read by Trini Alvarado
approx. 5 hours
3 cassettes

This third book in the Song of the Lioness quartet continues Alanna's saga as she strikes out alone and discovers herself anew.

A knight at last, Alanna of Trebond heads out to seek adventure in the desert of Tortall. Captured by desert tribesmen, she is forced to prove herself in a magical duel to the death. But her real challenge doesn't come until after she wins. As the first female shaman, Alanna must fight to change the ancient traditions of the stubborn desert tribes -- for their own sake and for the sake of all Tortall. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

The Woman Who Rides Like a Man
This book is so cool. Tamora Pierce really knows how to write. I stayed up really late trying to finish it! After I did, I kept reading it over & over again, it was that good! I think I'm on my fifth time now. If you love fantasy, you HAVE to read this book!

Good? No, Great!!
i must say that this is one of my Fav books!! Alana is a Knight, and on Travels!! the book is sooooooooooo good! There is sex in it, but, for thoose who complain, it's no more than an implied sentance!! So, anyway, [don't] deprive your chiled of a good book ... ! ... Read more

Book Description

Tor Classics are affordably-priced editions designed to attract the young reader. Original dynamic cover art enthusiastically represents the excitement of each story. Appropriate "reader friendly" type sizes have been chosen for each title--offering clear, accurate, and readable text. All editions are complete and unabridged, and feature Introductions and Afterwords.

This edition of Pinocchio includes a Foreword, Biographical Note, and Afterword by Elizabeth Engstrom.

Once there was a lonely woodcutter named Geppetto-who dreamed of having a boy of his own. So one day he carved a boy out of wood and named him Pinocchio.

When the puppet comes to life, it's Geppetto's dream come true.

Except Pinocchio turns out to be not such a nice boy after all. Pinocchio enjoys nothing better than creating mischief and playing mean tricks. As he discovers, being bad is much more fun than being good.

For a while, anyway.

Happily for Pinocchio, he will learn that there is much more to being a real boy than having fun.

A magical tale that has entertained children of all ages for more than a hundred years, this lavishly and gorgeously illustrated new edition is the perfect introduction of a timeless classic to a new generation of readers.

And that's no lie!
... Read more

Reviews (3)

Thumbs Down!
Sorry to be destorying Carlo Collodi's famous book, but Disney has won me over. No major violence is softened in the 1883 Collodi version. The cricket is intensionly killed. Geppetto is a JERK in the oringnal beginning. I do not advise "Pinocchio" unless it's Disney.

Pinocchio As It Should Be
The story of Pinocchio as it was meant to be, he wasn't a sweet innocent puppet, more a selfish brat. There's a good moral slant here though, and of course, the story being told by Bill Pullman in that wonderful slightly gravelly voice makes for easy listening.

Review
This book is very short and is written poorly in a summary. It does not tell important things that happen. It has no Jimminy Cricket, no going to school, and Pinocchio finds Geppetto by accident which is not so. He is supposed to get a note telling where Geppetto is and Pinocchio is supposed to go to him. This book is not written very well. Take my advice. It's a third graders point of view. I don't recommend this book and I don't think any other third grader will. ... Read more

Book Description

"I'm not sure I want to be a hero anymore."

Having achieved her dream of becoming the first female knight errant, Alanna of Trebond is not sure what to do next. She has triumphed in countless bloody battles, and her adventures are already legendary. Perhaps being a knight errant is not all that Alanna needs....But Alanna must push her uncertainty aside when she is challenged with the impossible. She must recover the Dominion Jewel, a legendary gem with enormous power for good -- but only in the right hands. And she must work fast. Tortall is in great danger, and Alanna's arch-enemy, Duke Roger, is back -- and more powerful than ever. In this final book of the Song of the Lioness quartet, Alanna discovers through fierce combat and ceaseless searching that she indeed has a future worthy of her mythic past -- both as a warrior and as a woman. ... Read more

Reviews (153)

AMAZING! Ends the series with a BANG!
WOW! I mean really! First of all I'd like to say that this is probably the best series of all time. I love the Alanna's. Tamora Pierce creates the perfect combination of romance, comedy, fantasy and girl power in the series. The characters are believable, likeable and you can feel their emotions, as if they're real and you know them. The whole series is great, but this is my favorite book. Alanna still struggles with trying to prove herself worthy of being a knight, but she gets her glory in the end! It has the return of all the old and familiar characters and the debut of some new ones. Although I didn't like that Alanna just kinda blew off George to go romance with Liam. (...) I was extremely happy how Tamora Pierce ended the series after the some-what letdown of The Woman Who Rides Like A Man. A GREAT READ!

To young readers...
One of my favorite books of all time, hands down. Rip-roaring adventure, fascinating new characters, humor, romance, and a dramatic climax. This is a triumphant end to T. Pierce's great series. Most of the merits of this book have already been outlined here, and in greater detail. The real reason for my review is below, and be warned that it contains spoilers.

In Alanna's choice of George, Pierce illustrates a point that is, unfortunately, lost on most young readers. For my part, I know that when I was 13, the fact that Alanna ended up with George disappointed and escaped me. Over time, a few re-readings, and relationships of my own, however, the ending becomes more and more fitting.

For many years I dated a guy whom I loved with all my heart. Slowly however, I realized what a huge piece of myself I'd given to him. He had fallen for an offbeat, punk chick like myself and couldn't wrap his conservative sensibilities around it. Whenever I spoke in confidence with him about my dreams of being a freelance writer, artist, world-traveler, etc., he became very indignant - because it took time away from being with him.Every Christmas, birthday, etc. I received bland clothes and heaps of jewelery. Like Jon's intentions for Alanna, he wanted me to sit idly through life and be queen of his suburbanite castle, while my deep-seated dreams went by the wayside.

George stood by Alanna, never questioned her, always yielded his support for her adventures and who she wanted to be. Interesting how Jon's status as a prince and Alanna's first love will make young fans skim over and ignore his actions and the asinine things he says to her in book three. Jon is an a$s. They are clearly incompatible. Let go of your old fairytale notions, seek your own independence and a companion who will help you along that journey.

My least favorite of the four
Warning - spoilers ahead!!!!!

I'm sure I'm in the minority but this book was my least favorite of the four. Too many things didn't make sense to me. Why did Alanna's brother bring Roger back from the dead? I know he was arrogant but I find it hard to believe he was that stupid. And Alanna is hardly upset at all! And the old king forgives Roger everything?! After almost killing his beloved wife?! I found that whole plot line frustrating and unbelievable. I also couldn't understand how Alanna could just go riding off when George was having problems with the Claw. Why doesn't she stand by him when he's in such danger? And why doesn't george just "take care of" the Claw - he's a thief for goodness sake and I'm sure he's had to "take care of" many other thieves because of his position. And it doesn't make sense to me that George is more honorable than Alanna, Jon, and the Dragon put together but he is the king of thieves. What's up with that?! His mother is a very good person - how did George end up as a thief? I think the thing that bothered me most was that Alanna rides away from George and Jon and their very serious troubles and never gives it a second thought. What kind of friend/lover is she? She meets up with Liam, is attracted to him, and within a week they are sleeping together. I know she hasn't made any committment to George but it still seems pretty sleazy to me. I would have been much more comfortable with this if George and Alanna had talked about how Alanna wasn't ready for a committment and they should see other people for a while and blah, blah, blah. But George and Alanna left everything very open ended and it seemed to me that Alanna betrayed George with Liam. It bothered me the none of this was ever acknowledged in the