Summary

10 year old Connor is about to find out that his future will involve his greatest dream… designing and building brilliant robots. The problem is that his future creations have come back in time to protect him from the threat of the Killbots, but now they need HIS help.

The Killbot Master wants to take over the world, but he knows that the key to doing it easily, is to stop Connor becoming the Zubot Master.

As the Zubots hunt for the Killbot that is hunting for Connor, he finds himself having to hide the truth from his parents, which means placing himself in even more trouble.

Review

The pace of the story was fast. This is a book that just grabs you and never lets you go. For me, it was a little far fetched for a 10-year-old boy to know how to put grids and boards in the proper order to even fix a robot, but then again kids are pretty advanced these days in terms of technology, so I suppose it’s not uncommon to see some boy building his own computer.

Once I reached the halfway point of this novel, it just torpedoed its way to the ending. And despite me guessing who the Killbot Master was somewhere between the halfway point and the three-quarter point, I was still excited knowing I was right. Because truth be told, I wasn’t exactly sure I was right. The hints are there, but then something gets thrown and makes you doubt if you’re right or not.

I loved Conner. He was a curious boy who always wants to do the right thing. You could sense the guilt that plagued his little mind every time he had to lie to his parents. And the Zubots! The Zubots made for great companions. I wish there was just a smidgen more of them featured in the book because they were so enjoyable.

Being a book for middle grade, I didn’t think I’d enjoy it as much as I did. But by the time I reached the end, I found myself wanting to know what happens next? I think children 9-12, especially boys, will really enjoy this book. The writing is spot on for the age group and it’s an absolute breath of fresh air.

Recommendations

Children, especially boys, between the ages of 9-12 will really love this. Adults should enjoy it, too, as it just brings you back to a time when you were a kid.

Last Words

I was a little skeptical about this book. Mostly because it was science fiction and I’m not a big science fiction reader (despite this sudden spike of sci-fi books that have found their way in my TBR pile). And there was this little part of me that looked at it and was like, “Another boy book?” I know I’ve said I enjoy boy books that gets boys reading, but since then a plethora of boy books have found their way in my lap. I kind of miss the romantic, bubble gum girl books. Despite those apprehensions, I fell head first in love with his book. And the more I think about it, the more I love it. It’s that good, people.

Summary

On Damon Styles’s eighteenth birthday, he is expelled from school. But it’s what happens afterwards that changes everything.

Now Damon must come up with a plan. It’s the only way he can think straight. First, get his firearms licence. Then, see if the Pigman will give him a job – pig hunting will teach Damon what he needs to know. And he’d better get a lock for his wardrobe so his mother won’t find what he’s hiding.

Damon’s taking matters into his own hands – but so is the town of Strathven.

Review

This novel is dark and gritty. I wasn’t sure what exactly was going on with Damon because at first, he explained things in a choppy manner. You only got bits and pieces of his paranoia. In the beginning of the book I hated him. I thought he was a terrible person who wanted nothing more than revenge. But I read on, partly because I wanted to know where the author was going with this and partly because this is a boy’s book.

About half way through the book, things began to pick up at a tremendous pace. Secrets were being revealed and little by little, you got to know the truth of the entire plot. Damon, as much as I wanted to hate him, was the victim of bullying. This novel is honest and confusing at first, but everything gets ironed out at the end where he becomes a likable character. I mean, sure, there are things about Damon that I myself don’t care for, but he really isn’t as bad as I had initially thought he was.

By the end of the book, I had mixed feelings about everything. As the outcast, he’s hated by everyone in the community and it’s not just him being bullied at school. It’s everyone bullying him and his mother just because he’s a bit different. But the writing is superb and gripping and wonderfully raw.

It’s a very mature novel with excessive cussing (which I didn’t care for, either) and sexual innuendos, but probably nothing that the average high schooler hasn’t heard before. Still, I think this is more suitable for teens 16+.

Recommendations

Anyone looking for something dark in the YA realm. But, again, ages 16+.

Last Words

Through out the book, I couldn’t help but keep thinking about how the book goes along the same vein as The Outsiders and Lord of the Flies. It’s dark and gritty like those two books and deals with some hard pressing issues as well. If you haven’t read a book by an Australian author before, make this your first one (it was mine.)

Summary

Khantara tells the story of the Den Asaan Rautu’s mother and father.

Khantara is a Haanta conquerer, meant to wage war and rule over the enemy nation of Thellis, but after vanquishing Thellis and occupying a construction of a Haanta outpost, he meets Anelta, a woman enslaved by her own people bearing a brand of servitude on her neck. Khantara contrives to save her from a cruel home and bring her to the refuge his people can provide, but how can he do so successfully when the eyes of Thellis are upon him?

Review

Khantara is technically the second novel that’s published for the Haanta series, but it’s more of a prequel as it gives us some insight into Rautu’s parents. Rautu is, to say the least, kind of a grump (but a sweet grump). That said I wasn’t sure what to expect about the two people that created him and his parents have proven to be the least grumpiest and kindest people that have been written so far.

Khantara, after whom the novel is named after, is a gentle giant who at times reminded me of the Iron Giant. They’re both so sweet and nurturing and end up developing a deep bond with a human — in Khantara’s case, a Marked Thellisian woman named, Anelta. Anelta is exactly what every little girl is made up of: sugar and spice and everything nice. I haven’t seen any spicy side to her as of yet, but it might come out in Volume 2, though if she doesn’t have any spice in her, that’s fine. Her naivety and innocence is refreshing to witness.

What I enjoyed about this novel was that it captured my attention without having to reduce to physical fighting. I understand in fantasy novels that there’s usually some sort of a showdown of some sort between good and evil or some warring nations, but this was purely dramatic conflict: Could Anelta have the freedom she wanted? Would Anelta and Khantara confess their feelings for one another? The pacing was fast and the tone was enduring; I reached the end of the novel before I even I knew it!

This novel is an absolute treat and really showcases Michelle’s diversity as an author. Not only is she capable of writing high fantasy romance, but if she ever decided to write a more literary novel, I’m sure her work would be able to stand beside some of the greats of literary fiction.

Recommendations

I’d probably recommend this to someone who enjoyed romance and fantasy, but not particularly high fantasy. This could just be the book that opened their eyes to the world high fantasy and made them realize that high fantasy isn’t just about wars, magic, and Olde English speech.

Last Words

The relationship between Khantara and Anelta can be summed up in one word: sweet.  I don’t know if their sweet relationship is what caused Rautu to crave chocolate as much as he does. Sometimes I’m just in the mood for a book that’s oozing cuteness and may not be written too well (bubble gum books is what I like to call them) and I’m glad to know that there’s a book I can grab that’s well written and cute.

Summary

Though The Mornith War picks up three years and many adventures after the events in The Hunt for the Eye of Ogin, Patrick Doud’s latest book stands alone as a gripping epic fantasy novel. Elwood Pitch and his companions are charged with a task just beyond Winnitok’s northern edge. The land’s immortal protector Granashon the Nohar has joined them in the company of a charismatic prophet, who has been trying desperately to establish a truce between the prophet’s followers and a proud clan of wolf truans. No sooner have the scouts learned of this threat to peace than it is overshadowed by one even more ominous—a scourge of spirits burning the prophet’s fields with a ghostly, seemingly unstoppable green fire.

While Granashon leads the band of adventurers to battle the source of the spirits in an ancient mountain fortress, Elwood’s companion Drallah stays behind to help protect the besieged prophet and her followers—including a girl with whom Elwood has begun a relationship that the prophet has expressly forbidden. With the spirits threatening to spread to Winnitok and beyond, catastrophe looms. Can Elwood and his friends stop it? Showcasing Patrick Doud’s trademark blend of poetic language, narrative power, and memorable characterizations, The Mornith War also features an evocative cover illustration by August Hall, whose work has been featured in major motion pictures, including Finding Nemo.

Review

I thoroughly enjoyed reading The Mornith War far more than the first book, The Eye of Ogin. If I hadn’t read the first book, I’m not sure where I would stand, but this is an amazing sequel. The characters are older and you see some real character development between book one and book two. It’s also refreshing to see that Elwood and Drallah aren’t romantically involved at all. They’re more like siblings — I suspect that could be a product of Drallah’s family taking Elwood in. Every single character had this wonderful role in the book. Slukee, Elwood’s dog, was no longer a background character and she was quite active in the book, which I think she lacked in the first book.

Patrick Doud’s prose sings off the pages and grips you into this wonderful journey that takes you further into the mystery that led Elwood Pitch to the strange world. Nothing is exactly answered (except for who was the cause behind it) and I can’t wait to read the third installment. The pace was faster and nothing seemed to be dragged along. I often found it difficult to put the book down and my thoughts turned to Elwood and his companions, wondering what was going to happen next?

Just like the first book, this is a wonderful epic fantasy/coming of age for boys. There just aren’t a lot of books geared toward boys these days in the YA category (though I personally classify this more MG) and it’s such a refreshing read.

Recommendations

Boys anywhere from 11+ should gobble up this series. It’s just fantastic and keeps getting better with each new installment.

Last Words

Love the cover, but I’m not sure what it has to do with the story. I don’t remember a scene where Elwood and Drallah were racing through a forest on horseback. If they were, it wasn’t a powerful scene. But hey, August Hall did the cover and if he feels that was a powerful scene, that’s good enough for me.

Summary

The Kingdom of Frewyn is being invaded by the Galleisian infantry and at the forefront of the battle is Boudicca MacDaede, a First Captain in the Frewyn armed forces. Her regiment is charged with defending the borders between the two nations, but when Frewyn’s last line of defense falls, Captain MacDaede enlists the assistance of a Haanta, one of giants from the islands to the far north. Promising to free him from his imprisonment in exchange for his help, she gains his trust long enough for them to win the battle and save the Frewyn border from being breached. The giant’s freedom is granted, but Rautu cannot return home unless he redeems himself in the eyes of his people for past his transgressions. He is offered a place by the captain’s side, and together, they defeat the Galleisian forces and become the saviors of Frewyn.

One year later, King Alasdair Brennin takes the Frewyn throne, Boudicca is made commander, Gallei and Frewyn reach an accord, and Rautu is granted an invitation home. He is eager to return and see his brothers but finds it difficult to leave Frewyn without Boudicca at his side. He has become accustomed to her company and the idea of being made to live without her begins to distress him. Rautu invites the commander to the islands in hopes of finding a way for them to remain together, but when they arrive at the white shores of Sanhedhran, not everything goes as planned: one of the dangerous Haanta magi is freed, Rautu’s three brothers are strangely missing, and the neighboring nation of Thellis leads an attack on the islands.

Together, the commander and the Den Asaan Rautu must find a way to unite their two nations and defend against the Thellisian fleets, but can they do so successfully when outside forces are attempting to keep them apart?

Review

I was a little hesitant about reading this because I’m not a big fan of romance books. I enjoy reading books with romance in the background, but a book that’s supposed to be heavy in romance: not a big fan of. However, Michelle Franklin has made me a fan of her series. Though the romance is central to the story, there’s enough battles and plot to keep me from being fidgety.

The characters shine. There’s something remarkably likable about Rautu, a giant who doesn’t like to deal with people. He can come off as rude and brash, but in the end there’s an endearing sweetness about him that gravitates you to want to read more about him. Ghelbi is an adorable mage that’s childlike and Boudicca MacDaede is a strong heroine that can hold her own in battle.

What I absolutely love about the romance: there’s history between Rautu and Boudicca! They didn’t just meet and go, “OH MY GOD. YOU’RE HOT. LET’S GO!” and fumble into a bedroom scene. It was a gradual attachment and I think it took both of them by surprise. If Jane Austen wrote fantasy, this is the kind of fantasy she would write.

Recommendations

Any fan of Jane Austen and high fantasy would love this. The prose sings with an Austen-esque feel that I thought had been long forgotten since the 1920′s. There is a sex scene at the end, so people 18+ should read this.

Last Words

I love history between characters when they’re in a relationship. My only complaint is that the history is summarized in the prologue. I want more because Rau and the commander is so cute! Maybe one day, if we ask nicely, we’ll get a novella about it. *crosses fingers*

Summary

Elwood Pitch is only thirteen years old when he is carried away to the land of Winnitok, in the otherworld of Ehm. Desperate to find a way back home to his family, Elwood’s one hope is Granashon, the land’s immortal protector. But Granashon is missing, and her power that protects Winnitok is fading fast. When Elwood dreams of the Eye of Ogin, a legendary object with the power to see Granashon wherever she might be, he vows to find it. With his dog Slukee and two newfound companions, Drallah Wehr of Winnitok and her talking raven Booj, Elwood sets out on an epic quest.

Legend states that the Eye was lost in the Great Swamp of Migdowsh, a land of nightmare ruled by a horrible frog demon known as the Otguk. The Great Swamp is far to the west, and a vast wilderness lies between the companions and their goal. Many dangers threaten them along the way-hungry nahrwucks, cruel green yugs and their Graycloak masters, a despotic girl queen and the powerful witch who counsels her-but by their wits and courage, as well as an unseen hand that seems to guide and protect them, the companions reach the Great Swamp at last. And then their troubles really begin…

Will they find the Eye and Granashon? Will Elwood find a way home? And how will he live with the terrible truth the Great Swamp reveals to him? Patrick Doud brings memorable characters, poetic language, and a driving narrative to this timeless tale that recalls classic epic adventure stories.

Review

It’s been a while since I’ve read an epic fantasy and this is enjoyable. What I find exciting is that this is the perfect book for boys. It’s this wonderful coming-of-age adventure where you get to watch Elwood grow from a boy to well, not quite a man, but there’s definite growth. You don’t see a lot of main characters who are meek, but it was real.

The first couple of chapters really grab you and Patrick Doud writes beautifully. I did have some trouble trying to remember some of the races and the names of the places, but as long as you remember what a yug and truan is, you’re pretty much good to go. The story was crafted exquisitely though I questioned the reasoning of keeping Slukee, Elwood’s dog, since she was just there as background for the most part. I’m hoping that Slukee will have more of a role in the other books. The pacing is also on the slow side so the adventure seems to drag on.

Elwood and Drallah were able to get themselves into plenty of trouble on their journey for the Eye of Ogin and they never seemed to get any rest. But I think that’s the exciting thing about epic fantasy when they’re questing: you never know who to trust and something is always happening. There is a minor hint of romance, but nothing really to grasp onto. I’m assuming that the romance will be later on when Elwood is older and for that I applaud Patrick Doud. One too many fantasy books that are geared toward girls always have some major romance that can eclipse the major storyline.

For me, I thought the ending was a great payoff. Sure, it was slow getting there, but what a fantastic way to end the first book in a series! I for one look forward to reading the second book, The Mornith War.

Recommendations

BOYS! This is supposed to be a young adult book, but I felt it had a middle grade-ish feeling. Any boy from 11+ should enjoy this immensely.

Last Words

Some of the vocabulary might be a bit big. I think I read a review where a reviewer was complaining about not understanding zenith. For the most part, the vocabulary is easy to understand, but if an eleven year old does happen upon something like zenith, please be sure to have a dictionary nearby so that they can learn the new word and add it to their vocabulary.

Summary

Young Katniss Everdeen has survived the dreaded Hunger Games not once, but twice, but even now she can find no relief. In fact, the dangers seem to be escalating: President Snow has declared an all-out war on Katniss, her family, her friends, and all the oppressed people of District 12. The thrill-packed final installment of Suzanne Collins’ Hunger Games trilogy will keep young hearts pounding.

Review

The summary doesn’t lie: The final installment to the Hunger Games is an action packed thrill ride that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Katniss takes about a good portion of the book deciding on whether or not she really wants to be the Mockingjay — the symbol and hope for the rebels. She goes out on these little promotional type visits to get a feel of what she’s supposed to do and to see the damage first hand. Her first time in a combat zone is life changing, possibly far more so than being in the Games themselves.

Peeta is out of the picture, for the most part, because he’s been taking by President Snow and is being used to speak out against Katniss. Katniss is devastated and makes demands that everyone she cares about is safe if she takes on the role as Mockingjay. Her and Gale begin to get close, but there’s always a certain gap between them that they can’t quite cross.  In short: the love triangle gets more intense, but I don’t think it overshadowed what was really going on with rebellion. Katniss isn’t the type of girl who is busy dwelling on her love life either, so it was refreshing that she wasn’t spending pages upon pages trying to figure out which guy was the better guy.

Somewhere near the middle the pace of the book changes and picks up speed when Katniss goes with a group of people to the Capitol where she’s thrust straight into the heart of the war. There are many deaths — some seem to be unnecessary and cruel, but when I thought back on it, that’s exactly what war is. War isn’t a pretty picture where every death has some sort of meaning and everyone goes down in a heroic death like you would see in a movie. This was raw. This was gruesome. This was set up as another Hunger Games from President Snow’s point of view. Everything just kept building and building until the inevitable assassination and then you were left breathless. The last chapter and epilogue was beautiful and depressing, but it showed that you can pick yourself back up again when everything that you once knew is lost.

Recommendations

This book, is without a doubt, the most violent of the three books. Again, because of the violence I think it’s better suited for older teens.

Last Words

The ending! The ending was just amazing! It had just the right amount of hope in it to make you feel assured that everything would be okay. And don’t get me started on the epilogue. In my eyes, that epilogue did the book justice even though I could’ve lived with just the last chapter.

Summary

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark won the annual competition described in Hunger Games, but the aftermath leaves these victors with no sense of triumph. Instead, they have become the poster boys for a rebellion that they never planned to lead. That new, unwanted status puts them in the bull’s-eye for merciless revenge by The Capitol.

Review

I’m not sure where to start. This book was, in my opinion, one of the best sequels I’ve ever read. There was far more suspense and a lot more guessing to figure out what in the world was going on. By the first page I was hooked and there was never a moment while reading this that I ever wanted to put it down — and in fact, I don’t think I did. Everything that the first book did, this book did better. And just when you thought Katniss was safe from the Capitol by winning the last Hunger Games, she isn’t.

In a bizarre — or rather, not so bizarre — twist of fate Katniss has to return to the Hunger Games and Peeta volunteers to go with her. The stakes are even higher as other previous Victors are thrust into the mix and Katniss and Peeta find themselves to be the center of attention for a group of rebels. There are moments where everything seems to slow down so that we can breathe before it picks right back up again.

There’s more emphasis on the love triangle, but not annoyingly so. You don’t have both Peeta and Gale breathing down her neck for an answer and Katniss, thankfully, isn’t constantly going through a pros/cons list every time she thinks of them. There’s just enough of the romance to make one wonder who she really has feelings for and swoon, but it never ever overshadows the plot that keeps you guessing. During most of the book you’re kept in the dark as much as Katniss and yes, it’s frustrating. But everything comes to a a big reveal at the end that leaves you begging for more.

Recommendations

For those that have read the first Hunger Games you should read or re-read this. Now. Everything that the Hunger Games was, this book captures with a little more fervency. Again, because of the nature of the games I think this is better suited for older teens.

Last Words

Suzanne Collins is the master of cliff hangers. The last words in the book will leave you breathless and begging for more. If you start reading Catching Fire, you better have the third and final book in the series, Mockingjay, beside you because you’re going to want to know what happens next.

Title

Summary

Selected short stories from the longest ongoing, online romantic fantasy series: the Haanta Series. 21 Books, over 100 pieces of art, 40,000 readers, one author. See the story and the characters of the Haanta Series through the eyes of its creator in one humourous and romantic collection.

Review

Tales from Frewyn is a lovable collection of shorts from the Haanta series. Never heard of the series? It’s a long, ongoing series that’s available on the web. I first came across some of the short stories and chapters myself on DeviantArt — a social website for artists. The stories are based on a memorable cast of characters that include: four giants, a commander, an elf, and an easy going king. Though I was aware of the series, I was hesitant about reading the short story collection in fear that I’d get lost since I’ve never read the series. Luckily my fears disappeared in a matter of three stories.

The first story, a story about the five second rule won me over. I became a fan immediately. The other stories are also based on things that happen in our world and observed from the Haanta cast. You’ll get the Haanta take from nearly everything: birthdays, Christmas, candy expos, and cooking.

The bulk of the stories have a light, airy tone. Almost fluffy. Through these stories you really get to know who these characters are and the world they live in. It’s high fantasy romance, there’s no doubt about that, and the characters truly love each other. I admit that at first I wasn’t keen on Rautu. He’s rough around the edges and calls his wife “woman” often. And yet, his love for chocolate was endearing and while I read on, his love for the Commander really shined. There’s no doubt that he can be brutish, but he has a sweet side to him especially when he’s trying to make soup for his lovely wife when she’s sick and doing a poor job about it. There’s real dimension to the characters.

At the end of the book there are wonderful images drawn by Twisk and an equally humorous about the artist blurb. My only complaint of this collection is the language of the giants. I understand what some of this giant talk is from context clues, but not all of it. I’m thinking once I start reading the series all of that will be answered, but don’t fear! They don’t use the language a lot.

Recommendations

A couple of the last stories are steamier. I’d say some of the descriptions are borderline Harlequin Romance material and others not so much. Adults who enjoy fantasy and romance would definitely like this. Giants are just as lovable as vampires after all!

Last Words

I never thought I’d love a giant as much as I love Rautu’s brother, Obhantaa Leraa. He’s the most cutest thing ever to happen to giants. Seriously. There’s this wonderful innocence to him that’s refreshing and awwww inducing. He’s so cute that his chibi picture is now my iPad lock screen courtesy of Michelle Franklin.

Summary

In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Sixteen-year-old Katniss Everdeen, who lives alone with her mother and younger sister, regards it as a death sentence when she steps forward to take her sister’s place in the Games. But Katniss has been close to dead before—and survival, for her, is second nature. Without really meaning to, she becomes a contender. But if she is to win, she will have to start making choices that will weigh survival against humanity and life against love.

Review

I was a bit leery reading this. On one hand, the summary enticed me. Placing children in an area to fight to the death like gladiators? Intriguing! On the other hand, I’ve been very picky about books with rave reviews. It seems that I pick it up expecting something amazing, something that’ll excite me and make me want to rant about it, but they all fall short. The Hunger Games has ended that terrible curse! It’s been a long time since I finished reading a book and it really excited me. I want to grab this book and force other people to re-read it or if they’ve been in the dark like me, to read it.

Unlike other young adult novels where girl meets mystery boy and finds him creepy and repulsive and then the next chapter finds something redeemable about him and falls in love, this had none of that. In fact, it might be the closest to a real relationship I’ve ever read in a young adult novel in quite some time. Katniss is forced to pretend to love Peeta, a boy who already loves her unconditionally, to save her life. And Katniss isn’t some frail little girl. She’s tougher and more reliable than Peeta is. She can hunt and she’s deadly with a bow and arrow whereas Peeta knows little to nothing about killing.

I glanced at some of the lower rated reviews on Goodreads for this and I think one of the complaints of one of the reviewers was that Collins didn’t let Katniss go in there and take everyone out. But for me, this worked well with her character. Sure, Katniss is a killing machine when it comes to animals, but she is human and a 16 year old at that. There aren’t many 16 year olds that are willing to kill even if placed in an arena where you have to: it’s that shred of innocence and purity that makes Katniss, Katniss. And honestly, it would repulse me if she did go in and start killing people left and right without a thought.

Through the first section of the book, I could easily place the book down and go about and finish an errand. But by the time I reached the second section, that was the point of no return for me. There was no way I was going to put it down. It was such a thrill to read and exciting. The end did leave at a bit of a cliffhanger — how were they going to cope after the games? Would they really be safe back in District 12? — but it was perfect for the first book in a series.

Recommendations

I’m not really sure why this book is on the banned list for being sexually explicit because there was nothing in this book that even referenced sex unless I missed it. There was a lot of kissing, but only for survival purposes. Because of the nature of the games, however, I’d recommend it for older teens.

Last Words

I agree with one reviewer on how it seemed like Suzanne Collins wrote this book in the same vein as J.K. Rowling, like she was hoping that The Hunger Games would last forever. Though J.K. Rowling has far superior writing skills and world building, I think the plot and characters will help The Hunger Games linger with readers almost as long as Harry Potter.