Amazon.com

Not many authors kill their main character on page two, but when Gary Soto does in The Afterlife the tactic results in a richly textured coming of age story. Chuy is a normal teenage guy, making his way in the barrios of Fresno, California, and hoping to impress a pretty girl. Carefully combing his hair in the restroom at Club Estrella, he only has a few moments to consider his "loverboy" strategy before his young life is (literally) cut short by a knife-wielding stranger who misinterprets a compliment.

Soon Chuy is floating above his bleeding body, embarking on a journey of personal exploration. As he drifts though his hometown (tightening his stomach muscles so as not to get blown off course) he manages to achieve many of the things he didn’t when he was alive--recognizing how much he is loved by family and friends, saving a life, punishing a thug, and even falling in love (with a ghost-girl who has committed suicide).

Soto has a knack for particularly apt comparisons ("the sun rose pink as a scar," "laundry hung like the faded flags of defeated nations,"), which brings beauty and clarity to this dangerous world of cholos and cabrones (and if you don’t know what those are, there’s a glossary in the back). Aside from a couple plot points left dangling, The Afterlife offers a tangibly detailed portrait of a young life worth living. (Ages 13 and older)--Brangien Davis ... Read more

Reviews (10)

The Ghost of Chuy
The book The Afterlife was a great description of what a person may encounter in their afterlife.At a school dance Chuy was stabbed three times by a strange man.From that point on the ghost of Chuy told the book and gave great description of how a person may act or what a person may do after they pass away.I thought that this was a great book that gave a person a good look of a different perspective of life and how or what we may encounter it after our human life on earth is over.Although the book seemed to get repetitive in the ending chapters I thought that is was well written.The main character, Chuy, certainly went through a life changing experience and was well developed in the novel.This is a great book that is though provoking and really triggers your mind.

I really wanted to like this book...
The problem with killing your main character off in the first chapter is that it usually doesn't leave room for much of a climax in the end.I wanted to like this book, it's a great concept!The first chapter is very gripping, however, I just wasn't impressed with anything that followed.While the book is short, it seems repetitive and boring.Furthermore, the characters are very distant and unconvincing.While the entire book is spent following Chuy's ghost and listening to his thoughts and feelings, I never get a feeling of who he really is/was.Another downfall of this book is all the Spanish words thrown into it.Luckily there is a glossary included in the back, but since I *had* to know the meaning of every Spanish word I came across, I was constantly flipping to the back of the book.While it's interesting to study languages and cultures, I don't really think the words added anything to the book and they slowed down the flow of the story.

he's done it again
i have always been a fan of gary soto, he is an amazing writter, so amazing i cant even describe it, byt he takes hispanic life and turns it into something beautiful so other people can truely see what our culture is about. hes done it yet again with this book the afterlife. I would strongly recommend that before reading this you read buried onions...a book about chuys cousin. in buried onions eddie tells us about jesus's death...and you find out who did it and what happened to them.

A New Way to Look at Death
Killed before his time, Jesus, or Chuy as they call him in Fresno, discovers that his life in not completely over.In a way, it has just begun!After his brutal murder, the wind carries Chuy's ghost all over the city to see his grieving friends and family, and even his killer.Along his journey, Chuy meets the ghost of a young girl who has committed suicide. Together they are able to come to terms with their deaths, say their goodbyes, and move towards the afterlife.

Another compelling novel by award-winning author Gary Soto.It is filled with love, loss, compassion, and even humor.Death is so unfamiliar to us all, that it is always interesting to see a new idea of what goes on in the afterlife.Like Chuy, do we really visit the people we care about, torment the people we hate, or fall in love with someone new?The Afterlife makes us look at death and life in a new and refreshing way.The book is slow at times and there are some unresolved issues, but that is the way it is in real life, and somehow it makes the story more believable. Without being too dark, it's a great read that makes you think.

Not as good as it sounds
The Afterlife by Gary Soto seems like a really twisted, new book from the review, but after reading the first few chapters you get bored. Everything seemed to take forever to happen, and the book really isn't that long. Chuy, the main character, is also pretty boring. True, he tells us about his life when he was alive and the neat things he did, but he whines a lot and he just isn't someone you would care about. He doesn't pop out of the book like some main characters do. What I did like about the book was the writer used spanish words added a glossary. Take it out of the library if you still want to read it, buy don't buy it. ... Read more

Book Description

Everything is going great for Suze. Her new life in California is a whirlwind of parties and excellent hair days. Tad Beaumont, the hottest boy in town, has even asked Suze out on her very first date. Suze is so excited that she's willing to ignore her misgivings about Tad... particularly the fact that he's not Jesse, whose ghostly status--not to mention apparent disinterest in her--make him unattainable.

What Suze can’t ignore, however, is the ghost of a murdered woman whose death seems directly connected to dark secrets hidden in none other than Tad Beaumont's past.

Book Description

Ten years after the Sith War, the Dark Lord of the Sith`s chief lieutenant, Ulic Qel-Droma has been stripped of his Force powers and has isolated himself in a distant corner of the galaxy, trying to escape from a life he would rather forget. But his past is about to catch up with him as he is tracked down by Vima, the daughter of Nomi Sunrider, the woman who blinded Ulic to the Force. Vima seeks a teacher and Ulic sees in her a chance at redemption. Unfortunately, Vima`s disappearance draws attention, and the search party sent to look for her includes a vicious Jedi seeking revenge upon Ulic for killing her mate. Collecting the four-issue mini-series. ... Read more

Reviews (10)

Redemption in the Star Wars universe
Although the universe of Star Wars novels are cluttered with terrible stories, one can always count the talented writers at Dark Horse comics to deliver a redeeming story for fans, and 'Redemption' is a good one.

A sequel to the 'Sith War' and possibly the last of the Tales of the Jedi books, 'Redemption' focuses on Ulic, a Jedi-gone-bad who seeks to find peace from his crimes. Of course, like in all melodrama, this can't be allowed, as the daughter of his former love comes looking for him. Of course, there are those who seek revenge as well, and come looking for it.

'Redemption' is a good story. Not great, but it definately has all the elements for a fun read. There's some action (although not as much as most other Star Wars stories) plenty of angst and drama, and just a touch of romance. A good story and strong characters make this one of the better Star Wars graphic novels out there, and an excellent finale to the 'Tales of the jedi' series.

The end of the Great Jedi - Sith Wars?
Redemption takes place 10 years after the Sith War, or on my Time Line, 3986 before NH. It is a TPB Comic collecting the issues 1 through 5 of STAR WARS: TALES OF THE JEDI REDEMPTION.

It is the continuing story of Ulic Qel-droma including Nomi Sunrider. Exar kun has been destroyed and Ulic stripped of his powers. This is his story of redemption, and his journey back to from the dark side. This is also supposed to be a story that is in the holocrons discovered 4000 years later.

We are still in the old republic Era but this comic released in July, 2001 presents Art and coloring that are a stunning improvement. Dark horse is on it way to arriving at the products that they finally start releasing in 2002.

On the SW timeline this is the first time we get to see the future of art, drawing and coloring that dark horse will be putting out in the future and it is spin chillingly great! Made in singapore, the binding is good and can stand the stess of someone actually opening the beook and reading it. After Dark Horse moves manufacture to China, the binding takes a sharp decline. Any attempt to actually open and read the comic can result in it falling apart in your hands.

This is written by Kevin j Anderson, so the continuity and foreshadowing are all here for those who are actively reading the SW offering of comic and Novels. I know Kevin gets his knocks, but I am a fan. He is one of the two authors I'd love to meet and talk to. Kevin, I hope you are alive and well! I also still argue that his JEDI ACADEMY trilogy is extremely important to the expanded universe.

The story at times appears to be a splice job, but that is not uncommon with dark horse. The cover is one of the worst ever produced, so turn the cover page out of site and enjoy.

Redemption is something Anderson will never find.
I am a person that loved the old Tales of the Jedi Saga. Originally Started by Tom Veitch, It was a Series ripe with Character, heart, action, and the certain charm that the jedi mythology is known for, all writtem magnificently well. In the Beginning tales of the Jedi was Dark Horses Flagship Star Wars Series. It was a Golden Age.

Then Tom Veitch made a horrible mistake. That mistake was Working with Kevin J Anderson, to create a Villan that would Appear in Andersons Novels, and in the TOTJ Series; Exar Kun. The Villan was one of the favorites in Star Wars expanded universe, but working with anderson meant that Veitch would have to allow Anderson to write the later half of the 12 issue series revolving around Exar Kuns rise to power from Jedi student to Sith Lord. From that Point onward, Thanks to Andersons horrid writing and complete dirth of talent, the TOTJ series started a downward spiral. Andersons Assault and the TOTJ series started with the Sith war, a lackluster story compared to the magnificent Dark Lord Of the Sith Prequal that set it up... Then Anderson Continued to obliterate this once grand series with Golden Age Of the Sith, and Fall Of The Sith Empire. This, was Andersons last chance to revive the series, why they didnt just ask Veitch to write it, I dont know. But this is the last TOTJ story that has been, and likely will ever be published. The Breathtaking and grand saga that Tom Veitch Began, was destroyed by a force darker then any Sith Lord or Dark Jedi; Kevin J Anderson has MUCH to answer for.

In all honesty, for most of this story, it seemed as though Anderson was on the right track. Ulic Found that during a near death experiance, in which he was welcoming death, he had a jedi vision from his dead master. Which should have been impossible, seeing as how his jedi powers were supposed to be sealed. This gave Ulic hope, and purpose to continue living, later... The daughter of the woman he once loved, Vima, showed up asking him to train her in the Jedi arts. Why him, well its a contrived plot point, but Nomi was supposedly too busy As a Jedi to train her daughter, and the other 5000 jedi that were around at the time were busy doing stuff to, or so would Anderson have you beleive. But despite the hideous amount of Plot Contrivance, including Andersons most hideous attempt at a romantic pairing yet, he did manage to create some decent story telling for once... Ulic finds peace with the force, forgive for his crimes, a place back amongst his former comrades, and potentially a way to feel the force once again... Until in the last pages he is shot in the back and killed by a smuggler wanting to be known as the man who killed Ulic Qel Droma, and runs back to the bar to tell his friends. *IM NOT KIDDING*

I dont know what Anderson was smoking at the time, but the thought that this is a suitable way to end Ulics tale of Redemption was just plain Idiocy. In the prior Stories, Ulic had been poisoned by Sith Chemicals, been driven mad by the murder of his master, Disowned the jedi and his lover in his madness, fought and murdered his own brother, and had his Jedi powers sealed by the very woman that once loved him. If he was meant to die, there could have been a thousand more suitable deaths then just to be shot in the back by a unnamed piece of Bar Trash. In the Ten years since he was punished by Nomi Sunrider, his life was one of isolation, and dedication. such a death, is as pointless and meaningless as it is contrived, and a slap in the face of the fans that were looking for The Tales of the Jedi Series to return to its former greatness.

Anderson I doubt will ever write for Star Wars Again, as it is a popular rumor that Lucas himself asked anderson not to write any further tales set in his Universe. Unforutnately the damage is done, and one of my favorite series, is no more. The Title of the story is named redemption, But in the eyes of lucas and casual Fans of the Expanded universe such as myself, Redemption is something Anderson has yet to find.

A fitting end to a series
Redemption is the last of the Tales of the Jedi comics, a series that recounted the events during the Great Sith War 4,000yrs ago. Redemption is better read after at least reading Dark Lord of the Sith and The Sith War. The conflicts here are on a personal and emotional level, not another interstellar battle.

A decade after the Jedi defeated the Sith reemergence, a fallen Jedi wonders the galaxy for solitude, blind to the Force and searching for absolution for past crimes. But when a young girl decides he's the ideal candidate to tutor the Force to her, and a bitter Jedi wants to hand justice to an unpunsihed war criminal, they find they all have much to learn from each other on a frozen world.

The quality of art is much better than the horrible fare Tales of the Jedi is renoun for. While the superb art and vibrant colours inherent in current Star Wars comcis was not available at the time of the TOTJ series, that Redemption was clearly better could have said more for its earlier siblings. Here, you won't find salivating mouths, half-rendered illustrations, or simplistic dialogue. The primary characters have defined roles, where age and events have changed appearances, and an ending that will touch your heart.

However, at times there are just too many single, even double, page shots. This flows the pages to the end way too fast. Some panels and scenes were a bit absurd, but the overall quality of this story balances things up. Qel-Droma genuinely looks grey, as though the price of his actions have drained all colour from his features; while young Vima is bright and chirpy, the vengeful Silvar predatory and relentless.

I'll never understand why Nomi is half bald for a human woman.

Overall, if you've suffered through the earlier comics, this one is a fitting end to the series. And even if further fault is found within, solace can be taken in the fact that we are shown places we rarely have seen, and not yet another Tatooine visit for the twentieth time.

Kevin Anderson WROTE a good story? Judgement day is here...
This takes place some 10 years after The Sith War. All the characters have changed, grown old, morphed (the tiger female looks way cooler) and grown up. Nomi Sunrider's daughter is a teenager now and wants to learn to be a Jedi. Ulic Qel-Droma is hiding on some ice world and wants to die. She seeks him out to learn the ways of the Jedi. The reason I took away a star was because how she found him. Some random guy (who looks exactly like the guys at the start of the original Star Wars) took Ulic to the snow planet and she just randomly picks a ship to stall on and guess who's ship it is? 10 billion people in the universe and she picks the guy who saw Ulic a day earlier. Wow, ironic, eh? There really is no bad guy in this story, it just shows Ulic teaching the girl. The closest thing to a bad guy has to be the good Jedi tiger girl, Silvar. Anyhoo its a good book to end the series with. ... Read more

Book Description

When the Magic Tree House whisks Jack and Annie off to Hawaii it’s for more than a vacation–they’re in search of a fourth kind of magic for Morgan! On the way they help an island community survive a tidal wave and, of course, take some time out to surf! Ultimately, they discover that the magic that they have found in this set of four books are everyday magics: the magic of the arts, the magic of the natural world, the magic of community; and the magic of fun. ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Great fun and educational
My seven year old loves reading these books over and over again. While she is enjoying the books, she is learning about different places and times in history. She's learned about the Amazon, the wild west, hawaii, the civil and revolutionary wars, the middle ages, ocean mammals, and so much more. I highly recommend the whole series.

The Wonderful Adventures of Jack and Annie
This book would be a good choice for people like my friend Lily, who are interested in magic and exploring different times. The Magic Tree House books can go back to times when the dinosaurs ran around and I think there was one when slavery was going on in America. In this book, the characters went to Hawaii and Jack and Annie learned about the huge waves there.
In my favorite part, they were at the beach surfing and Jack was reading a little bit about where they were. He felt a movement and searched up what that was in the book. The wave got bigger and bigger until it was huge, and they had to run away from it. They ran to the top of a giant hill to be safe.
These books are great for 3rd graders reading independently.

High Tide in Hawaii is Great!
Would you ever want to have a magic tree house? In High Tide Hawaii, author Mary Pope Osborne tells us that one summer day two kids named Jack and Annie travel in their Magic Tree House. It can take them anywhere. It took them to an Hawaiin Island of long ago. A tidal wave causes strange things to happen. They go to a luau and eat strange native food. This is a good book! You should read it because it is in Hawaii and I think it's cool. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

book #8
I love this book!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... Read more

Amazon.com

The tale of Taran, assistant pig keeper, has been entertaining young readers for generations. Set in the mythical land of Prydain (which bears a more than passing resemblance to Wales), Lloyd Alexander's book draws together the elements of the hero's journey from unformed boy to courageous young man. Taran grumbles with frustration at home in the hamlet Caer Dallben; he yearns to go into battle like his hero, Prince Gwydion. Before the story is over, he has met his hero and fought the evil leader who threatens the peace of Prydain: the Horned King.

What brings the tale of Taran to life is Alexander's skillful use of humor, and the way he personalizes the mythology he has so clearly studied. Taran isn't a stick figure; in fact, the author makes a point of mocking him just at the moments when he's acting the most highhanded and heroic. When he and the young girl Eilonwy flee the castle of the wicked queen Achren, Taran emotes, "'Spiral Castle has brought me only grief; I have no wish to see it again.' 'What has it brought the rest of us?' Eilonway asked. 'You make it sound as though we were just sitting around having a splendid time while you moan and take on.'" By the end, Alexander has spun a rousing hero's tale and created a compelling coming-of-age story. Readers will sigh with relief when they realize The Book of Three is only the first of the chronicles of Prydain. --Claire Dederer ... Read more

Reviews (181)

Just the beginning....
Like all great fantasy series, the Prydain Chronicles will resonate with you for a long while after you put them down. The Book of Three begins the legendary adventure of Taran, Eilonwy, Fflewddur Flam, Gurgi, Doli, and Gwydion. The heroes are witty, warm, and wise; the villains are frightening, chilling, and insidious. You will laugh and shudder by turns as Taran faces the Death Lord's minions on his search for the cute and prophetic pig, Hen Wen.

Lloyd Alexander's writing is first-rate and grand, like listening to a superb storyteller. His paints a vivid landscape peopled with truly unique characters. There is some argument about similarities with Tolkien, Star Wars, C.S. Lewis' Narnia, etc. Actually, you can take any epic about the battle of good and evil and point fingers, but isn't a good story worth another excellent retelling? This is one those rare treasures you read as a child, and rediscover as an adult again and again.

Why? Besides the lovely writing, the characters aren't simple bystanders or perfect people caught up in the action. They make choices (and mistakes), face consequences, and struggle through personal challenges. It's reality in an unreal setting. In this first book, Taran, in a rush to grow up, leaves his post as Assistant Pig-keeper to become a Hero. Everyone who has ever been an adolescent can relate to wanting to break away. Finding yourself is the hard part, and one aspect of the series is about this universal phase.

But it isn't all Serious and about Learning A Lesson. There is cheeky humor, poked at our valiant, though sometimes too earnest Taran. Things can't go according to the great Hero Plan with Eilonwy cutting him down to size, Doli scoffing at the young 'uns, and Gurgi wanting "munchings and crunchings" all the time. This is one of those books that you will feel ends too soon. Be sure to have the next one close at hand, because The Book of Three is just the beginning once you have tasted Alexander's magic.

Brilliant fantasy
I have often jokingly told people to read this before reading JRR Tolkein because it's "Hobbit"-lite. But my jest is with all affection. "The Book of Three" is the first of five books (not including the 6th of short stories) involving the fantasy world of Prydain. Lloyd Alexander borrows heavily from Gaelic and Welsh mythology to create the tale of Taran, Assistant Pig-keeper for the enchanter Dallben. In this book we are introduced to Taran, a boy on the cusp of manhood eager to take part in the adventures of the world. Dark forces under the direction of Awran, the Death-Lord threaten the lives of all in Prydain, and none is more feared that the gruesom "Horned King". After leaping "headfirst into a thorn bush" young Taran finds himself face to face with this dreaded champion of darkness who has come from Annuvuin in search of Hen-wen, the oracular pig under Taran's charge. I won't spoil any more of the story except to say that this book introduces many of the characters that appear later on in the rest of the series: the stubborn and lovely Princess Eilonwy, the king-who-wants-to-be-a-bard Fflewder Flam, the cantankerous Doli of the fairfolk, Coll- the warrior turned farmer, and more. Lloyd Alexander's fantasy tale, in my opinion, rivals that of Tolkein as a richly crafted work with wonderful images and a deep understanding and appreciation for the thoughts and feelings of a young man like Taran. The text is easy to read, and the story flows smoothly along. Each book can stand alone, but together create a magnificant epic tapestry. The names of the characters are a little hard to get used to, but not impossible. This is the kind of book you can read out loud at bed-time to young childern. The plot is engaging enough for the little ones and deep enough for adults to appreciate. I recommend this book to just about anyone, and especially for children who are old enough to be reading completely on their own and have reached that point where they are "into" adventures. The best thing about this book (and the series) is that what little violence there is is not glorified, there is no gratuitous sex, and there are morals espoused without sounding preachy. And its the kind of story that girls and boys can enjoy and its perfect for pre-teens and early teens. As the books progress, young teens can "grow" along with Taran, and understand some of his angst. All around, a most excellent novel, and only the begining of a fantastic story...

It's Gurgi that sold me, with his crunchings and munchings
Never have I read a series of books that has commanded as much of my attention or affection as Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles. I was a fan before I even read the books, having been told about them by my older brother whose third grade teacher would read them to her class every day after lunch. At the mention of Gurgi's name, and hearing the phrase "crunchings and munchings," I HAD to read this book, and soon thereafter swiped a copy from an aunt.

And the book itself didn't disappoint! Taran leaves the safety of his home to find his runaway pig, only to encounter his hero, Prince Gwydion, and the most terrible warlord in all the land, the Horned King. After he and Gwydion are captured by the evil queen Achren, Taran is joined by the Princess Eilonwy, bard Fflewddur Fflam, and simple-minded creature Gurgi on a quest to warn Gwydion's people of the Horned King's threat.

The excitement continues all the way to the end, Taran becoming older and wiser with each new experience he faces and person he meets. Entertaining for all ages, and a perfect introduction to the land of Prydain. I can't recommend this highly enough.

A quality start to a classic series
Lloyd Alexander's Prydain Chronicles are one of the key series in children's fantasy literature, walking the fine line between being accessible to young readers and being appealing and engaging enough for adults to enjoy.

The five wonderful books in this series feature an interesting cast of reoccurring characters, all centering on Taran, a pig keeper destined for great things. Others, including a stereotypical spoiled princess, a crazed Gollum-like creature, and a hapless bard, take part in a series of increasingly epic adventures.

Because Alexander drew his stories from ancient myths and legends, the themes and situations always feel familiar. These will feel like stories you've read many times before, but never in a tiresome way. They're "comfortable." And that's a welcome trait, especially when so many books try so hard to be different.

This first volume if five, "The Book of Three," is probably the weakest of the series (though it is by no means bad, or even average). Taran seems to get caught up in his adventure rather too easily, and initially, before we become comfortable with the characters, some of them are a little grating. Gurgi is almost a downright annoyance.

But then the story really kicks into gear and develops into a nice adventure tale, setting the stage for the better Prydain books to come later. What "The Book of Three" does best is put in place the pieces of the great big puzzle that is put together throughout the next four books.

And who couldn't love the delightful early stages of Taran and Eilonwy's relationship? Delightful and funny is every way. Children will relate to the characters and the way they pick on each other, while adults will smile knowingly as Alexander winks and nods.

The writing is direct and lively throughout, and the pacing absolutely perfect. Just when one suspects a lull in the action is looming, Alexander races us forward and advances the adventure some more. Things are always progressing, always pushing forward, offering a tale that one is hard-pressed to put down.

One of the great joys of this series is the steady progression from pure children's fantasy to more adult themes and a grimmer, more mournful tone, allowing the reader to grow along with the characters. The first book does not well reflect the last. What begins as a light fantasy becomes very serious. And that is a good thing.

"The Book of Three" and the rest of the Prydain Chronicles are recommended reading for anyone who enjoys fantasy, especially classic children's fantasy.

this book is a literary bomb
Ok, just because the Lord of the Rings is the definitive fantasy novel DOES NOT mean that all of the fantasy books have to be just like Lord of the Rings. Theoretically, Lloyd Alexander took a great book, changed a few names, a few words, cut out 1,000 pages, and called it The Book of Three, which he, then, made x amount of dollars in.
here i will compare Alexanders "dark pond" or gloomy, or whatever it was, with Tolkiens entrance to Moria scene-
now come on, how pathetic can you get, and I know both came from mythology, but if your writing with a line of mythology ITS OK to stray from the myths once and a while! though having not read mythology, i do not know the roots of this particular article in question, but do know that Alexander could have done something to interest us, and to keep us from wanting to pick up The Felloship ... Read more

Book Description

Magneto, the X-Men's deadliest villain, returns. They've faced the Weapon X program, Proteus and even the superhuman strikeforce known as The Ultimates. Now, still licking their wounds from their prior battles, can Xavier's mutant team possibly survive the return of their most powerful foe? ... Read more

Reviews (5)

Magneto is back for his rematch with the Ultimate X-Men
One thing that was always impressive about the X-Men was that it was one of the few superhero comic books where the definitive villain popped up in the first issue. Of course we are talking about Magneto the Mutant Master of Magneticism. The same thing was true for "Ultimate X-Men," where Marvel essentially restarted the series in contemporary times, reconceptualizing some of the core elements. For example, this time around the original X-Men combine Cyclops, Marvel Girl, Beast and Iceman from the first lineup with Storm and Colossus from the second (with Wolverine being recruited from the dark side so that he can appear on every cover of the trade paperback reprints). The result is a lot of familiar items are condensed into each story arc, which is then collected into a trade paperback.

"The Return of the King" is Volume 6 in the "Ultimate X-Men" series and the title, of course, refers to Magneto. In the first volume in the series the X-Men fought Magneto and not only defeated him, but also apparently killed him. However, this turned out to be one of Professor X's mind games; he convinced Magneto that he was Erik Lensheer, unaware of his past life as a mutant terrorist. When the Brotherhood of Mutants discovers Magneto is still alive they find him and remove the mental blocks Xavier had placed in his minds. We are now back to the beginning in many ways, except this time around both Magneto and all the homo sapiens are very wary. In fact, the Bush Administration has Nick Fury and S.H.I.E.L.D. going after all the mutants, including the X-Men. Since they already have Xavier in custody, stopping Magneto is going to be a problem.

Actually, stopping Magneto is always a problem. For a long time I have been convinced that Magneto would actually win and the reason I liked the first volume of this series so much was that I thought it recognized this fact by having Professor X and the X-Men going up against Magneto and the Brotherhood of Mutants go at it just once for all the marbles. In the end Magneto should have been dead because he should be unstoppable in a rematch; indeed, look at what ends up doing in this one, extending his magnetic reach across the entire planet. Besides, if you can explode nuclear reactors, why stop at just one? Magneto is simply the most dangerous super villain in the Marvel (or Ultimate) universe. When they were retooling him they should have ratcheted down his power level a couple of notches (Actually, they should do the same thing for Xavier as well).

But since Magneto winning would mean coming up with a new title for the comic book, Magneto has to be defeated. Once again the key is getting his helmet off of his head and while I like the way that happens this time around, I still do not really buy that anybody could get close enough to actually do it. Besides, as is often the case with these Ultimate titles, things end up reflecting the blockbuster movies (e.g., Magneto, living in a plastic cage). Clearly one of the defining elements of the X-Men today is the relationship between Charles Xavier and Erik Lensherr and the first issue of "Return of the King" provides an encapsulated version of their history (as well as a new explanation for how Xavier ended up in his wheelchair). Certainly there is something to be said for the ongoing debate that the pair have been having for over a decade.

Collected in "Return of the King" are issues #26-33 of "Ultimate X-Men," written by Mark Millar, and illustrated by Adam Kubert and David Finch, with Ray and Ben Lai. The most interesting addition to the X-Men mythos this time around is the sub-plot in which Wolverine finds a way to get Cyclops out of the way so that he can make a move on Jean Grey, especially given the intriguing idea that Logan and Scott are Charles and Eric, the next generation. Most of the relationships between the Ultimate X-Men (e.g., Colossus and Wolverine, Beast and Storm) are more interesting as well. Sometimes I think the "Ultimate X-Men" is overloaded with ideas, but for those who remember Marvel's Mery Mutants from the very beginning the changes are always something to think about.

Final Question: Since the Ultimate version of Nick Fury is African-American (apparently there were Howlin' Commandos in the Vietnam War), does that explain why Colin Powell was omitted from the White House discussions while Dick Chaney and Donald Rumsfeld were not? Just curious at that rather interesting omission.

The Ultimate Tale of The Ultimate Heroes
This TP collection contains the finest story arc yet for The Ultimate X-Men. Magneto is loose. The Ultimates want him after he has massacred hundreds of innocents in bridge collapse, and they figure the best way to get him is through The X-Men. Meanwhile, romantic jealousies lead to tragedy and betrayal as the Wolverine, Scott Summers , Jean Grey triangle goes over the boiling point. This series coincided with The Ultimate War, which you should read as well. Heck, read The Ultimates so you understand what this is all about. Great art, breathtaking plot twists and the great dialogue that only Mark Millar can provide. Don't miss this collection!

Contains "Ultimate X-Men" issues 26-33 (Not Just for Kids)
I have the hardcover "Ultimate X-Men" volumes 1 and 2 [covering issues 1-25] and the paperback, "Ultimate War". The title page includes a brief synopsis that should help you understand what's going on if you haven't read the earlier volumes. If you want a roll call, this volume includes the "ultimate" line versions of Magneto, Professor X, Dr. Moira MacTaggert, Nick Fury, Sabretooth, Multiple Man, Mastermind, Nightcrawler, Forge, the Blob, Iceman, Colossus, Storm, Wolverine, Jean Grey, Cyclops, Shadowcat, Rogue, and a mutant called Detonator whom I have not run across in the regular Marvel X-Men, but I'm still catching up. There's also a cameo by another mutant, but I don't want to spoil the surprise.

This book opens by showing us how Magneto and Prof. X worked together, how their friendship deteriorated over several years, and, in more detail, how Magneto crippled Xavier. Then it moves into the present day and Magneto's progress on his refuge for mutants as well as the unpleasant scene where he deals with plans for a satellite mutant tracker. Meanwhile, the X-Men-in-hiding are dealing with Magneto's brotherhood in the hope of rehabilitating their image.

Is the rumor that Wolverine deliberately left Cyclops to die in the Savage Land true?

In the grand tradition of comic book villains, Magneto tells our heroes something of his frightful plan for eliminating the human-mutant relations problem. The X-Men have only a week to find Magneto's hiding place and save the world. (Let me just say that a machine, different from and much more powerful than the one used in the first X-Men movie, is involved.) The final battle certainly kept my interest.

During most of the action, Professor X is being held prisoner in a S.H.I.E.L.D. detention camp for mutants suspected of being terrorists. He refuses to betray his students, of course. I reread his words of encouragement to a fellow prisoner after rereading earlier volumes and those words became a little unnerving near the end. Why?

Because of what Prof. X tells Nick Fury and what he tells Magneto when they meet again late in the book. You won't have to have read the earlier volumes to speculate on whether or not Xavier is telling the truth. I'm afraid that he *is* telling the truth. If so, that would explain a couple of his moves in earlier volumes that I found incredibly stupid -- and would make this version of Prof. X a little scary.

Ignore the "9-12" age group recommendation. While they might enjoy the action, I think you need to be older than that to fully appreciate this book.

Covers Ultimate X-Men # 26-33
First keep in mind that this should be considered an alternate universe version of the X-Men. That way you won't be screaming about the differences from the regular comics. If you've already read through volume 5, "Ultimate War", the opening does not pick up where that left off. It traces the rise and fall of the partnership between Professor Xavier and Magneto for the first 20 pages or so.

Magneto is getting ready to destroy the entire human race, except for a token man and woman. The X-Men are in hiding, although they do make an attempt to rehabilitate their image and track down Magneto. Prof. X has been moved to that detention unit for mutants in Cuba that was threatned in "Ultimate War". Cyclops is not dead (was anyone expecting he would be?), but he's not in good condition. Of course the X-Men will save the day, Prof. X will escape, and Magneto will be foiled, but there'll be plenty of fighting, explosions, and a threatened nuclear meltdown.

Loved the part where Storm meets the Beast's parents, not to mention having my suspicion about Xavier's cat confirmed.

The final scene between Xavier and Magneto is my favorite part of the book.

X-cellent!
I enjoyed this volume greatly! This picks up from the very badly drawn volume five, the X-Men are recovering from their attack from the Ultimates, and Professor X is still held captive. Many things are revealed in this volume...and the action is extraordinary! I was a bit disappointed that the cover isn't how it's viewed on this page (of course it has Wolverine on the front; but that pic wtih Magneto rocks), but I got over it. Buy your copy today!!! ... Read more

Book Description

Illus. in full color. "Drawing on a Chinese form of storytelling with seven

shapes cut from a square of paper, Tompert recounts the tale of two fox

fairies. Parker's pen-and-watercolor art adds drama, while the tangram insets

will motivate children to try their own versions. Ingenious."--Bulletin,

Center for Children's Books.




... Read more

Reviews (4)

Excellent for teaching spatial relations!
This book is NOT for babies and pre-schoolers! This creative story shows children how to use a puzzle set of math manipulatives called Tangrams to create pictures. It could be used in ANY grade to improve children's comprehension of spatial relations. A pattern for the tangrams is included in the back of the book to make teaching easier. Any child would love to play with these picture puzzles!

Not Up To Par!
This book should be used as firewood not to entertain or educate kids. How did the author get it published.

A great teaching springboard into a hands-on geometry unit!
I use this book annually to introduce tangrams into my geometryunit. The information from the back of the book adds a multiculturaland historical dimension to the lesson while the relationship between grandfather and granddaughter offers an intergenerational link. Reading the book in an interactive mode, I use my own renditions of Grandfather Tang's animals mounted on poster boards and flipped over to be uncovered as the story progresses. The kids are completely engaged trying to guess what the next fairy transformation will be before it's revealed. By the end of the book, they are excited to create their own tangram pictures to form into a class book. The soft watercolor illustrations are a balanced contrast to the energy and enthusiasm Grandfather Tang's Story generates with my class.

Excellent Book for learning about tangrams!
This is is an excellent book!I am a teacher and use this book with my 3rd and 4th grade students to teach tangrams and fractions! Children will enjoy the cute story and beautiful pictures! ... Read more

Book Description

Book Description

Reviews (3)

Shakespeare's Secret
My mom called me for dinner but I just couldn't put the book down.Flipping after page after page I couldn't stop reading.This book Shakespeare's Secret was truly a page turner book.After learning about Hero,then her family, the mysterious boy, her neighbor, and many other interesting characters I couldn't stop reading about the diamond and where it's hidden.When I finished the book I knew i would never forget this wonderful book.I have it next to my bed and it is a comfort when I read it.

Great suspenseful novel
In every way, this is a terrific novel.Hero is a bright, thoughtful, funny girl whose anxieties and sufferings in middle school will resonate with every reader.But the most impressvie thing about Shakespeare's Secret is the story.The plot weaves details of English history and Shakespeare's life together with the suspenseful search for a missing diamond.It is a riveting story that kids will love.My seventh and fourth graders couldn't put this book down once they'd started!It is one of those special books that becomes an instant favorite.Highly recommended.

The book was amazing!
I got an advanced copy of the book, and i was just blown away.it was so mysterious and fun.i really learned a lot from reading it.i think that Elise is a great author and can't wait to read more of her books.I am not the kind of person who loves reading, but this book, i could not put down!
who knows? maybe they'll make a movie of it!(it was that good!) ... Read more

Book Description

Make lightning in your room! Keep paper dry under water! Lose weight by going upstairs! See colors that aren’t there! Experience the magic of science with these quick, easy experiments and activities from Jean Potter. You can complete each activity in ten fun-filled minutes or less. Clear, step-by-step instructions and illustrations help you get it right every time. The projects help you learn about everything from why eggs aren’t round to how submarines surface and submerge. You will find most of the required materials already in your home, backyard, or neighborhood, and you can perform the experiments practically anywhere. The 108 activities in this book cover twelve different subject areas, including air, animals, energy, gravity, magnetism, light, the human body, and much more. You’ll make a rainbow right on your floor, pop a balloon with a magnifying glass, make a coffee can roll back to you after you’ve pushed it away, and bend water as it streams from your faucet—all with the help of a leading educator. Children Ages 8–12 ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Not all it is cracked up to be
I bought this book for my 3 year old son since he has an interest in science. When I got the book I was disappointed in the experiments listed, such as disecting an osyter and fish. Not that I have problems with that, but I was looking for something that you can find objects around the house and more cause and reaction type thing.

Jean Potter makes science fun
My kids and I love Jean Potter's science books. Not only are the instructions easy to follow, the experiments are always lots of fun. I find I learn as much as my kids!

FUN BOOK FOR KIDS!!!
My children loved this book becasue they had fun with experiments. But my husband and I loved this book because it taught our children science conepts that we could never teach. We used this book until it got raggedy and torn and then my kids insisted on getting another copy!
We highly recommend this book.

Karen and Fred

Science in Seconds for Kids
My children and I have used this book until it has become tattered and torn. Not only are the science activities easy to understand, they are easy to do and don't require any special equipment. I would highly recommend this book...I loved it so much, that I now have a collection of all of this author's books. ... Read more

Book Description

Breaking the rules

Just when fifteen-year-old Bobby Pendragon thinks he understands his purpose as a Traveler -- to protect the territories of Halla from the evil Saint Dane -- he is faced with an impossible choice. The inhabitants of Eelong are in danger of being wiped out by a mysterious plague. The only way Bobby can stop it is to bring the antidote from another territory. Since moving items between territories is forbidden by the Traveler rules, if Bobby chooses to save Eelong he could endanger himself, his friends, and the future of every other being in Halla. ... Read more

Amazon.com

Just before his 13th birthday, Obi-Wan Kenobi left Yoda and the other teachers at the Jedi Temple. But he wasn't supposed to become a Padawan, a future Jedi Knight, he was assigned to be a farmer! Jedi Apprentice: The Rising Force joins the headstrong Obi-Wan a few weeks before he's to turn 13, when he'll be too old to begin training as a Jedi Knight. Trying too hard to become Qui-Gon Jinn's Padawan, Obi-Wan shows his lack of discipline, and that--in addition to Qui-Gon's mysterious past--keeps them apart. But the Force keeps pulling the two together: Obi-Wan resigns himself to the Jedi Agricultural Corps on barren Bandomeer, only to find that Qui-Gon is on a mission to the same planet. Traveling there on a mining ship, the two must work together to forge a truce between the warring Hutt, Whiphid, and Arconan miners on board. The inexperienced Obi-Wan stirs up trouble but gets plenty of chances to redeem himself later--after the pirates attack and after the ship crash-lands on a hostile planet with the crew still at each other's throats. Experienced Star Wars author Dave Wolverton keeps the blasters firing and the lightsabers swinging in this fun, fast-paced adventure. (Ages 9 to 12) --Paul Hughes ... Read more

Reviews (120)

Wonderful Start to Obi-Wan Kenobi's life as a Jedi Knight!
This story was excellently written, not to mention that it fully explains what happened to Obi-Wan Kenobi when he was young, and why Qui-Gon Jinn became so close. Well, actually, this story only begins their friendship, and it statrs off very rocky. Qui-Gon doesn't want to take Obi-Wan as his Padawan learner, but Obi-Wan has to find a Jedi Knight to take him as his apprentice whithin the next four weeks (before his 13th birthday) or he has to be a farmer! They end up going to the same planet of Bandomeer, and encounter a groupe of very routhless Hutts from a mining company called Offworld mining. They are at war with the Arcona Miniral Harvest Corperation, and a few "accidents" occour on the trip to the Outter Rim plannet. By the end, Obi-Wan has had to pilot a ship, fight off Draigons (creatures on an island they crash land on), and even call Qui-Gon using the Force, which he shouldn't be able to do because he's not his Padawan. Their kindrid destenys show up in the second book, The Dark Rival. Both are wonderfully written, and extreemly enjoyable. If you are not a big Star Wars fan, or you don't know much about Star Wars, then this would be a perfect place to start.

This book's a children's reader?
This book opens up a whole new perspective on the apprenticeship between Qui-Gon Jinn & Obi-Wan Kenobi, and once you read the first book in the Jedi Apprentice series, you'll immediately want to read the second. This is the only book in the series written by Dave Wolverton; the rest are written by Jude Watson. This is also the longest book in the series, and it gives a rare glimpse into the life of a young Jedi trainee. It's the only literature I've read that gives a clear look into what exactly happens to a student before he is chosen to be a Padawan (or, if he's unlucky, a farm assistant or healer). You can also see what Qui-Gon & Obi-Wan were like before their adventures in Episode I. This is truly an interesting book to read, but be prepared to shell out cash for the rest of the series, because each book seems to leave you wanting to read the next.

Great Bedtime reading for my little Jedi....sometimes!!!
There is no real Star Wars reading material for young readers (4-7 years) However, this first book in a series for 9-12 year olds is just amazing. It's very readable to a younger child (4-8) at bedtime. As soon as I started reading the book to my son (6 years old) it was an instant hit...with both of us.

It starts BEFORE episode I, when Obi-Wan Kenobi is a boy of 12 years and in Jedi Training hoping to become the Padawan learner of the rebel & loner, Qui-Gon Jinn before he turns 13.

My son got so into the book he would force himself to stay up to listen to more of the story! Obviously, this is not what you want to happen when you want your little Jedi to go to sleep. (However, it does speak volumes about the writing, the story, etc...)

I have a sneaking suspicion that we'll be reading the entire series. This first book, was that good.

Flash back into the past...
In the starwars movies obi-wan is over 70 years old-in this book he is 12. Obi-wan is not even a jedi yet. It is a real prolgue. If I did not read these books and then i saw the phantom menace it would not be as good. I reccomend to any starwars fan if you like the movies you will like the books more.

Excellent must have for the Star Wars Fan!
This book is the start of the life of one of the most famous Jedi Knights, Obiwan Kenobi. Learn how he ALMOST did not become a Jedi Knight and then finally teaming up to become a padawan under Quigon Jinn! Also read about the adventures of them against Xanatos, Quigon's ex padawan who was succumbed to the Dark Side. I guarantee you won't put the book down once you pick it up.
Kindly note: Better have the sequel books of the Jedi Apprentice series ready or you will be sulking until they arrive. ... Read more

Book Description

The place is a world very much like ours. The time is now. The phenomenon is genetic mutation. It is a time of change. Humanity now faces mutants, a mysterious sub-species that is gifted with strange and frightening powers. Hidden among the population. they are feared and hated by their human cousins. As rumors and urban myths about their existence spread across the world, the US government creates its own initiative to deal with this threat: the Sentinel Project. Meanwhile two men wage a secret war for the hearts and minds of young mutants everywhere. Charles Xavier has recruited a cadre of students including Cyclops, Jean Grey and Beast, that call themselves the X-Men. But there are others out there, living in fear, struggling to deal with what they are: Ororo Munroe, Bobby Drake and another, more dangerous mutant named Logan. Simultaneously, the terrorist known only as Magneto has assembled The Brotherhood, a militant group dedicated to the overthrow of human authority. A war is on the horizon and these amazing young men and women will decide the future of all humanity!

Just as Ultimate Spider-Man reinvented and reinvigorated Marvel's flagship character, Ultimate X-Men promises do the same for comics' most popular super hero team. Streamlining the mutant heroes into a manageable core group, this non-stop saga action and intrigue takes place in a continuity recognizable to fans of this year's blockbuster smash X-Men movie. Ultimate X-Men is the perfect choice for anyone who can't get enough of the X! ... Read more

Reviews (27)

What the X-Men movie should have been.....
Marvel created the "Ultimate" line of books to try to entice new readers by scrapping decades of complex continuity in favor of a fresh start. Supposedly, no prior knowledge of the books or their characters are necessary for you to get a good read that won't leave you scratching your head in bewilderment. So....does it work?

I guess....I've been reading comics since I was 3, so I really can't say how a "newbie" would fare.

I CAN tell you that I loved this book!! I wish that the makers of the atrocious X-Men flick had filmed this for the mutant's initial big-screen outing.

Mark Millar and the Kubert Bros. story does a great job of getting you up to speed fast: People born with strange, potentially deadly, powers exist among us, and pose a very real threat to life as we know it. Two men, Professor Charles Xavier (Leader of The X-Men), and Magneto (Leader of The Brotherhood of Mutants), fight an idealogical battle to win the hearts and loyalty of their fellow Mutants. Xavier wants to help Mutantkind make peace with Humanity, while Magneto sees Humanity as an annoyance that must be disposed of, so Mutants can ascend to their rightful place. This take-no-prisoners approach doesn't sit well with president Dubya; he unleashes the giant robotic Sentinels on a search-and-destroy mission to annihilate all Mutants. The story follows the recruiting of The X-Men (Jean Grey, Cyclops, Storm, The Beast, Iceman, Colossus, & Wolverine), and their first confrontation with Magneto. (And what a confrontation it is!)

Magneto has never been better written; he comes across as both charismatic and chilling...a super-powered cross between Charles Manson and Hannibal Lecter. He also does something VERY original with The Sentinals...very clever, Mr. Millar! Xavier is more cold-blooded than he is in the "real" Marvel continuity; I don't totally trust him.(Did he tamper with Scott's mind to make him defect....? Hmmmmm.)

If I loved it so much, why just a Four? I didn't care for the portrayal of Colossus: When we meet him, he's a soldier for the Russian Mafia, selling a stolen Nuclear weapon to an underling of Magneto. This troubling "Character flaw" is never mentioned again. That just bothered me a lot...I guess I hold my heroes up to high standards. I was also kinda weirded out by the way Jean just lept into bed with Wolverine, and the strong language peppered throughout the book. I'm no prude, but X-Men is an all-ages type of book, and the language just seemed unnecessary.

Overall, a great read- I'm gonna stick around for more.

A Great X-Introduction
This is Volume 1 of Marvel's new "Ultimate X-Men" series, which has attempted to do away with 30 years of pre-existing stories and complicated events and provide a new generation with the story of the X-Men, without having to have any prior knowledge. I have been out of comic books for about 10 years, and never got into the X-Men seriously, but with the success of the movies, I wanted to pick up a few books and start reading. I bought all of the previous issues of the original X-Men series, however the idea of having to read through 30 years of comics and mediocre art from the '60s really turned me off. Not to mention all of the complicated story lines and past events. I was very pleased then to be able to pick up Ultimate X-Men and start completely fresh with the X-Men.

To start, this is an excellent series. I've read all of the issues so far and "The Tomorrow People" is definitely the best storyline so far. We are introduced to the current X-Men team, who are a bunch of teenagers. We're given some limited knowledge about their backgrounds and introduced to their abilities. Most you will be familiar with if you're read the original X-Men, although I've noticed that Wolverine is definitely darker in this book, as well as many other characters. They have no qualms about killing people off in "Ultimate," and nothing they do would surprise me. This is contrasted by the usual humorous elements of Marvel Comics, as well as the personal relationships and teenage romances they set up. In a lot of ways, this comic is like the X-Men Evolution cartoon series with their handling of the more personal side of the characters. It can be a bit of a soap opera, but it works very well.

The storyline of this volume is excellent. It's packed with a great introduction to the kids, as well as a Xavier that appears to be a bit more devious and "human" than seen in the traditional Comic. Wolverine is definitely the character they've played with the most. He is just absolutely dangerous in this series. I thought this was the same old Wolverine that I grew up with from the Marvel Universe, but "Ultimate" Wolverine is just a plain loose cannon. Like the other deviations from the traditional universe, this works very well in this series. It lends an aura of excitement that I can't recall feeling in the past. My one concession with this series is that the covers are really bland to me, and too much like paintings, and some of the artwork in later issues by Bachalo looks really bad. I mean Rob Liefeld-bad. Kubert does a great job with the pencils in this one however. If you're looking to get into the X-Men and want a good place to start, you absolutely can not go wrong with "The Tomorrow People," one of the best written, and easiest to read, comics I've come across in a long time.

a new breed of x-men
The Ultimate line is what Marvel created to try to bring new readers to Marvel. They created a great story here populated with characters that are familiar as well as fresh. I also liked the art. If you want to jump in at the beginning of the X-Men, this is a great new place to start. If you are an old fan, this is a great addition to what we already know and love.

A great series for X-Men fans and long time comic collectors
I'm currently reading the Ultimate X-Men trade paperbacks. I used to collect X-Men during the Jim Lee,Marc Silverstri and Whilce Portacio run but stopped after they left for Image. Comic books as a whole are stagnant but there are a few titles still worth collecting and the whole Ultimate line is worth it.
This series has a more updated harder edge to it plus there isn't all the convoluted X-Men history to wade through.

Good read as an updated version
There are some people who will have problem with the way the X-men are portrayed, but it is interesting. I wish the movies were more like this book. This book presents the opportunity to take the team in an entirly unexspected direction. ... Read more

Book Description

In the first book in the Guardians... series, the reader is introduced to Soren, a barn owl and the centerpiece of the series. When Soren is pushed from his family's nest by his older brother, he is rescued from certain death on the forest floor by agents from a mysterious school for orphaned owls, St. Aggie's. When Soren arrives at St. Aggie's, he suspects there is more to the school than meets the eye. He and his new friend, the clever and scrappy Gylfie, find out that St. Aggie's is actually a training camp where the school's leader can groom young owls to help achieve her goal. ... Read more

Reviews (31)

A Wonderful Book
Have you craved a marvelous and unique book this summer? Of course you have! You don't want one of those unsatisfying, boring books parents make you read, do you?! Well, The Capture, by Kathryn Lasky is just the book you are looking for! It has adventure, mystery, and magical companionship between four owls (Soren, Gylfe, Twilight, and Digger). However, watch out for St. Aggies! They mean trouble! In there you most likely are either moon blinked or moon stunned and your jobs are cricket catching to pellet dissecting. What are flecks? St. Aggies treasures them! Is Kludd evil? We'll find out! From the beginning to the end of this amazing book you'll find remarkable entertainment.

Action packed, escaping owls
Gaurdians of Ga'Hoole is looking like a really great series so far. This author has a very big imagination, and a very stretched vocabulary. This book, #1 The Capture, is very different and I'll tell you why.
There are no people in this book. Just owls. In this book, the owls have dialouge. They're regular characters in the story. It's very exciting to see and think what the owls see and think to each other. I thought that this was very interesting to see how the owls interacted like people. So I kept reading, and started to really like this book.
Soren is a baby owl, just about 2 weeks. He is a barn owl in the kingdom of Tyto. He has a newborn sister, Eglantine, and an older snobby brother Kludd. Soren is living a great life with his parents until he falls out of his nest onto the floor of the woods, or maybe, pushed out. Soren is then scooped up that night by an older adult owl, and taken to an academy for orphan owls. Soren does not like this, he's not an orphan. Soren meets a smaller owl around his age that was also captured. His name is Gylfie. Soren and Gylfie do not like this place, its weird, and scary for them. Soren and Gylfie figure out that this is not a good place to hang out for a while. They have to get out, but how. They have to fly, something that they are not capable of doing as an owlet.
I really recommend this book because, youm really do not want to stop reading. Theres constant action, and constant thinking between the owls. This book is not to long if your worried about that. It's only 235 pages with a chapter about the sequel, The Journey. It's deffinatly action packed when the owls escape. You definitally do not want to stop reading #1 The Capture, and all the other, Gaurdians of Ga'Hoole books.

Awesome ((read all except shattering))
It is one of my favorites from the whole series. You must read them all in order or else you'll totaly miss out.

first book of an enchanting series
The Capture is the first book in Kathryn Lasky's Guardians of Ga'hoole series. I really enjoyed reading this series. The main characters are all owls. The owls have human characteristics including their own society, rules and religions. The story is entertaining and enjoyable to read. Lasky researched owls and their different species and introduces alot of facts into her story. With that said, it is still exiting and full of action. I would recomend this book for older children as there are some areas such as brain washing that may be intence for younger readers. I would also recomend this series to adults who want to read an imaginative work.

A non-stop Page-turner
Do you want to read a book that is a non-stop page-turner? I could not put this book down and could not keep quiet about it! You have to read the trilogy Guardians of gahoole The Capture, The journey, and The Rescue. This is a story about a small loveable barn owl named Soren that is kidnapped and sent to a place called St. Aggie's School for orphan owls. But it enslaves the minds of the owls for an army. There Soren meets Gylfie and Twilight but Soren and Twilight can't fly, and that is their only means of escape. Gylfie has to teach them in secret (it sounded like a secret mission to me). After avoiding the vile school temporarily they meet Digger, a small desert owl who can't fly, so he runs (it was pretty funny to me). They band together searching the Great Gahoole tree in search of help Join Soren in an epic adventure. I give it 3 thumbs up! People who love adventures would love this book! There is amazing detail you would feel as if you were there with Soren! You won't regret reading this book! ... Read more