Review: Cabinet of Wonders

Cabinet of Wonders (Kronos Chronicles #1)
Marie Rutkoski
middle grade historical fantasy

Petra Kronos has a simple, happy life. But it’s never been ordinary. She has a pet tin spider named Astrophil who likes to hide in her snarled hair and give her advice. Her best friend can trap lightning inside a glass sphere. Petra also has a father in faraway Prague who is able to move metal with his mind. He has been commissioned by the prince of Bohemia to build the world’s finest astronomical clock.
Petra’s life is forever changed when, one day, her father returns home—blind. The prince has stolen his eyes, enchanted them, and now wears them. But why? Petra doesn’t know, but she knows this: she will go to Prague, sneak into Salamander Castle, and steal her father’s eyes back.
Joining forces with Neel, whose fingers extend into invisible ghosts that pick locks and pockets, Petra finds that many people in the castle are not what they seem, and that her father’s clock has powers capable of destroying their world.

This book didn't look like much at first, but like all quality fantastic middle grade fiction, it quickly sucked me in. Set in 16th century Bohemia, the environment is already special and exciting. Also, the fantasy is unique. No vamps, wolves, angels and demons - introducing metal come to life. Artisans like glassblowers and metalworkers who have magic they add to their craft. It's different and artsy! I loved it. 

As for the characters- I liked Petra. For once, a MC who herself is not very magical (though around her everyone is) but relies on her bravery and wits to get the job done. About her decisions - they are very childish. I couldn't tell if this is a character flaw or something that exists in all children's fiction that I'm only aware of now (haven't read any new middle grade stuff in a long time). Let me know what you think. However, she does understand her mistake in the end after her father's anger... 

It's actually kind of nice to read about a 12-year-old acting like a 12-year-old and being reprimanded by her father. 

The supporting characters are also pretty cool. Includes some history on gypsies - or Romani, as they prefer to be called. Tomik/Neel could be a potential love triangle should the series progress until they're older. I'd like to meet more Tomik - a super talented boy, the-best-friend-all-Petra's-life character. I feel like there is so much more of him to enjoy that we didn't get. 

All in all, great book in and of itself, and also great introduction to a series (you can stop here, though. Pretty much ties itself up with the option to continue) if you can overlook Petra taking the adventure as a not-entirely-necessary risk.  

Have a wonderful beginning of summer!

Esty

Review: Troublemaker

Troublemaker
Andrew Clements
middle grade contemporary

Clayton Hensley is accustomed to trouble: There’s a folder of incident reports in Principal Kelling’s office that’s as thick as a phonebook and growing daily. Most recently, Clay’s art teacher told the class to spend the period drawing anything they wanted, and Clay decided to be extra “creative” by drawing a spot-on portrait of Principal Kelling…as a donkey.
It’s a pretty funny joke, but Clay is coming to realize that the biggest joke of all may be on him. When his big brother, Mitchell, gets in some serious trouble, Clay decides to change his own mischief-making ways…but he can’t seem to shake his reputation as a troublemaker.

In elementary school, I loved Andrew Clements. An advanced kid and reader, I often felt books meant for my age were stupid. So like all academically strong and frustrated kids, I started reading YA early. Clements was never like that- he doesn't write down to children, and he recognizes them for how smart they really are. His characters are always dynamic and interesting, talented and full of life. They are fully capable of manipulating the adults around them. 

Troublemaker was satisfying in all those ways. Despite how smart and witty and independent Clay is, he openly worships his older brother and aims to be like him. I found that realistic and adorable.  He makes you laugh and you can't help but love him. 

I found his willingness to transform his ways entirely not exactly likely, and also the quickness in which he succeeds. In addition, the example the author used for his message was an exaggeration. Just because he was a troublemaker in 6th grade does NOT mean he's on the path to crime.  However, I thought the ideas behind it -that there are consequences to your actions, and that you can have fun without hurting anybody or breaking the rules, and that if you don't take responsibility for your life you can end up in places you don't want to be - were brought forward well and in a way that was light and enjoyable for a middle grade reader. 

Happy weekend!
Love,
Esty

Review: The Sword of Summer

The Sword of Summer (Magnus Chase and the Gods of Asgard #1)

Rick Riordan
middle grade, Norse mythology

Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers.
One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god.
The Viking myths are true. The gods of Asgard are preparing for war. Trolls, giants and worse monsters are stirring for doomsday. To prevent Ragnarok, Magnus must search the Nine Worlds for a weapon that has been lost for thousands of years.
When an attack by fire giants forces him to choose between his own safety and the lives of hundreds of innocents, Magnus makes a fatal decision.
Sometimes, the only way to start a new life is to die . . . 

Behold, the book I basically started reading in November and finished a week ago.  Round of applause, please.

No matter what, come hell or high water, Rick Riordan's books will be good. However, I realize now that the appeal will lessen the older you get. 

Unlike the Percy Jackson books, and like Heroes of Olympus, The Sword of Summer was a massive, almost 500-page book. Let's be honest - Heroes was not as good as PJ, but we loved it and read it anyway, partially because we loved the familiar characters and world. In the case of Magnus Chase, I found the size a bit of a problem. The Norse world and it's rules are not as familiar to the average reader as the Greek Gods and stories are (at least to me) and I found all the character arcs and backgrounds and subplots rather confusing. 

Also, I found the supporting characters rather dull and not as relatable as Annabeth, Grover, and Tyson always were. Blitz and Hearth were not young kids, and Samirah, while having cool and useful abilities, didn't usually add much to the scene. 

Truthfully though, all of the above is really just one flaw, and that is that the book was not Percy Jackson. If you can read it without expecting it to be what it cannot be, you should enjoy it(:

On to the things I loved: humor as spot on as usual, THE CHAPTER TITLES, the cover, the fact that it's a trilogy, pure originality, pop culture references, the dedication, Rick Riordan fandom inside jokes (passes out even more than Jason Grace), the talking goats, the talking sword. 

Review: Demigods and Monsters

Demigods and Monsters: Your Favorite Authors on Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series

Which Greek god makes the best parent?Would you want to be one of Artemis’ Hunters?Why do so many monsters go into retail?
Spend a little more time in Percy Jackson’s world—a place where the gods bike among us, monsters man snack bars, and each of us has the potential to become a hero.
Find out:
Why Dionysus might actually be the best director Camp Half-Blood could have

How to recognize a monster when you see one

Why even if we aren’t facing manticores and minotaurs, reading myth can still help us deal with the scary things in our own lives

Plus, consult our glossary of people, places, and things from Greek myth: how Medusa got her snake hair extensions, why Chiron isn’t into partying and paintball like the rest of his centaur family, and the whole story on Percy’s mythical namesake.

When I bought this I thought it was going to be something like The Demigod Diaries or The Demigod Files - some bonus Riordan content. When I realized what it was though, I was a bit diappointed but interested. Behold, my thoughts:

The introduction was really cool to me - it's basically Rick Riordan expressing his amazement that people could find symbolism and deeper meanings in a bedtime story he made up for his kid. Includes interesting quote by Mark Twain. 

Monster Recongnition for Beginners- cute, entertaining. Liked the footnotes. 

Why Do So Many Monsters Go Into Retail? - found this boring, was unable to figure out the concrete claim the writer was trying to make. 

Stealing Fire From the Gods -  well written, but a familiar concept. 

Would You Want to be One of Artemis' Hunters? - a question I (and I bet every other female reader of The Titan's Curse) had thought about a bunch of times. The whole dilemma in one essay.

Dionysus: Who Let Him Run a Summer Camp? - ahhh loved this. Mr. D is my favorite. 

The Gods Among Us - heartfelt. A good and important read.

Percy Jackson and the Lords of Death - some new and interesting comparisons to Maya mythology, and a How To Build A Middle Grade Adventure guide.

Eeny Meeny Miney Mo(m) - oh, admit it. You thought about which godly parent you'd want a million times. This essay confirmed my choice! (APOLLO)

Percy, I Am Your Father - rating of the gods based on their parenting skills. An overlook over the whole series, some very good points. 

As Bad as They Wanna Be - all about Hades and Nico. I loved this! Always thought they deserved more credit than they got. 

The Greek Hero- New and Improved - agreed!

Not Even the Gods Are Perfect- nicely done, but a subject discussed in other essays. 

Frozen Eyeballs - about oracles and prophecies. Had more potential than it lived up to. 

The Language of the Heart - ehhh.

A Glossary Of Ancient Greek Myth - cutely written, actually had a lot of new info there, but I still stopped halfway through because you can only read a list of definitions for so long.

Overall? Not going to excite your middle grader, but if you have a thoughtful fan in mind this might work for them. Rating:

Happy 2016 dear people! So sad I missed December here on the blogosphere, and looking forward to a year filled with happiness and books!

Love, 

Esty

Review: The Alchemyst

The Alchemyst
Michael Scott
Middle grade fantasy

He holds the secret that can end the world.

The truth: Nicholas Flamel was born in Paris on September 28, 1330. Nearly 700 years later, he is acknowledged as the greatest Alchemyst of his day. It is said that he discovered the secret of eternal life.

The records show that he died in 1418.

But his tomb is empty.

The legend: Nicholas Flamel lives. But only because he has been making the elixir of life for centuries. The secret of eternal life is hidden within the book he protects—the Book of Abraham the Mage. It's the most powerful book that has ever existed. In the wrong hands, it will destroy the world. That's exactly what Dr. John Dee plans to do when he steals it. Humankind won't know what's happening until it's too late. And if the prophecy is right, Sophie and Josh Newman are the only ones with the power to save the world as we know it.

Sometimes legends are true.

And Sophie and Josh Newman are about to find themselves in the middle of the greatest legend of all time.

Talk about a book that sat in my TBR for YEARS. Honestly, I'm preening with satisfaction that I've finished it, finally. 

Overall? For such a loved series it was freaking DISAPPOINTING. Like if I were able to not finish books, this one would have been ditched a quarter way in. It was such a struggle.

At about 3/4 in it became mildly more interesting, but not enough that you should push yourself throught 250 pages. I will say that this sells at the bookshop I work at to a lot of middle grade boys, so I guess the book isn't terrible- it may just not have any crossover appeal. 

Sophie and Josh were cute, likeable enough main characters, except that there was nothing remotely remarkable about them or their story to draw you in and differentiate The Alchemyst from other MG stories. Also, this novel was SORELY missing a funny character (there was what I think was an attempt at this with the character of Scathach, but it failed...). What kind of kids' book doesn't have humor?? The whole read was just dry without this.

Nicholas Flamel was ALL OVER THE PLACE. I honestly couldn't tell if I was supposed to like him or not. He was inconsistent in all his qualities. Also, I totally felt that he dragged the kids into this for no good reason. Prophecy shmophecy. You didn't know about that yet.

All the different elements in the book just did not come together smoothly. It almost felt like the writer was TRYING to drag everything out. We have no idea what anyone can do until conveniently something weird and unexplained happens so they get to use it. Nobody had any real motives - it felt like they were all hanging around the action because they were bored. There were no real stakes. Sure, Perenelle was captured - but they weren't doing anything to her and didn't seem to bother. Another thing done without any real reason. 

I could probably gripe on and on, but I'll just say that after the age of 11, don't bother with this. The Kane Chronicles did it better. Rating:



Love,
Esty

Review: The Atlantis Complex

The Atlantis Complex (Artemis Fowl #7)
Eoin Colfer
Middle grade, adventure, fantasy

When Artemis commits his entire fortune to a project he believes will save the planet and its inhabitants, both human and fairy, it seems that goodness has taken hold of the world's greatest teenage criminal mastermind. But the truth is much worse: Artemis is suffering from Atlantis Complex, a psychosis common among guilt-ridden fairies and most likely triggered in Artemis by his dabbling with fairy magic. Symptoms include obsessive-compulsive behavior, paranoia, multiple personality disorder and, in extreme cases, embarrassing professions of love to a certain feisty LEPrecon fairy.

Unfortunately, Atlantis Complex has struck at the worst possible time. A deadly foe is intent on destroying the actual city of Atlantis. Can Artemis escape the confines of his mind-and the grips of a giant squid-in time to save the underwater metropolis and its fairy inhabitants?

You can read my reviews of The Last Guardian (Artemis Fowl #8) and The Artemis Fowl Files here.

Ya, about that. I had accidentaly skipped book 7 of the series. *cringe* 

So in this installment, Artemis has a crazy disorder causing him to be.... well, crazy. At first I thought this would ruin the book for me, because Artemis being Artemis is what makes this series, you know? In the beginning, it was like that a bit. But as the story and Artemis's condition progresses, we get Orion, Artemis's alter ego. Need I say hilarious? All the things Artemis supresses in himself come out into full play, including his affections for Holly. As a huge Holly+Artemis shipper, you can bet I was WOOT WOOT-ing the whole time. 
(Either way, I needn't have worried. Every once in a while our favorite snooty criminal mastermind emerges from the depths have his own mind just in time to save everybody and be mortified by his alter ego's confessions)

Mulch was absolutely wonderful. I was giggling like a 5 year old being tickled after his every line. And it was nice to have Foaly on the field for a change. 

The beginning with the Butlers was a little slow, but push past that and you'll have a blast with the rest of the book. Rating:

What are you reading this week! I would love for you to let me know in the comments!
Love,
Esty

Happy Birthday Percy Jackson and the Olympians!

The Lightning Thief: 10th Anniversary Edition (B&N Exclusive Collector's Edition) 

Rick Riordan

Illustrated by John Rocco

My review of Percy Jackson's Greek Gods.

Before my thoughts, a tidbit: I reread a lot. A lot of times, in between every review I post here, I've reread another book that I don't review.  In most cases, every time I review a book in a series I reread all its predecessors, meaning I recently reread all of The Sisters Grimm series and The Lorien Legacies. Not to mention all The Heroes of Olympus and Mortal Instruments. 

I don't review rereads on principle (I'm talking about a book I read before I started blogging, therefore there is no review for here on Boarding with Books). The reason for this is because if your reading it again/ continuing the series you obviously liked it enough to do so. Also, your thoughts are very different from the initial impression you got when you immersed yourself in it the first time, more like a personal comparison with what you felt before, not so much review material. 

Anyway! Why, if so, am I doing this review on a book I have learned by heart read many times since my youth and is among my all time favorites? 

Well, it's been ten years. 

God this is so emotional.

When did we get so old??

I remember getting my copy of The Battle of the Labyrinth and staying up all night (or so I thought) until my dad made me go to sleep so I went to bed clutching it. I also remember spoiling it for myself because in grade 4 (or 5) I did NOT have the self-control it takes to avoid the internet. Lord, I didn't even try! I googled it myself! (:

Oh, wait. I meant to review the bonus content in the anniversary edition.

We'll start with the cover: I've seen opinions all across the spectrum. Honestly, I kinda like it. But no, not enough that if given the choice I'd choose to own the new ones. Christine at PolandBananasBooks made a video with her new Percy Jackson swag (so jealous) and made a good point... they just don't stand out like the old covers did! I'd miss the big gold writing on my shelf. 

However, just for this anniversary edition of The Lighting Thief it worked. It was done by the amazingly talented John Rocco (who did every other Rick Riordan thing ever) along with a gorgeous mural of all the new art on the inside jacket. On the inner side of the cover are the covers of Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief in a bunch of different foreign languages... so cool!

There's the original outline (Twas the first time I've seen a real manuscript ouline. Twas fascinating), Riordan's first submission letter, a little Q&A, a letter from John Rocco, maps of Camp Half-Blood and the Underworld, a little note from Percy, a Greek Mythology reference guide and a list of myths relating to the story. Basically, lots of cute stuff. If I could ask for more I'd want interviews with the gods, maybe with some of the campers - though I realize it's premature for The Lightning Thief, come on. Who buys the collectors edition if not for avid fans?

Overall, I was so happy. It is an amazing gift to get, and I urge you to give the same present to yourself or to your favorite demigod friend. Rating:

Review: The Council of Mirrors

The Council of Mirrors (The Sisters Grimm #9)
Michael Buckley
Peter Ferguson, illustrator
Middle grade fantasy 

In the final volume in the Sisters Grimm series, Sabrina, Daphne, and the rest of the Grimms and their friends must face off against the Master to decide the fate of Ferryport Landing—and the world. When Mirror fails to escape the barrier using Granny Relda’s body, he turns to his plan B: killing all the Grimms so that the magical barrier collapses. In the meantime, Sabrina has gathered the other magic mirrors as advisors on how to deal with their mortal enemy. They tell her to join forces with the Scarlet Hand against Mirror, in exchange for offering all the citizens of Ferryport Landing their freedom. This final chapter is the end of the road for several beloved characters, but the conclusion is sure to satisfy devoted fans of the series.

Ok, lemme just rave for a second. 

The Sisters Grimm is the best series EVER. I read the first one as a fourth grader, with my best friend. We quickly fell in love and bought the rest, but at the time the 9th wasn't out and I hadn't gotten my hands on it till recently.

A series with female protagonists and their male faerie best friend (who is their adorable royal pain in the butt), it is suitable for both middle grade boys and girls, and is like LITERALLY LAUGH OUT LOUD hilarious. You think I'm exaggerating but I'm not. I loled in grade 4, I loled in grade 11. That should say everything. 

I was always able to see myself in Sabrina like I never have in other fictional girls. She is everything other heroines never were - she's really smart but not like Hermione or Annabeth (like, that's not the big outstanding quality that everyone always points out, and basically their role in the story), she's angry and annoyed a lot, mistrusts people and looks out for her family like it's nobody's business. She's not one of those heroines that are written purposely badass to make a feminist point- she cries, she gets frustrated and she frustrates everyone else, all she wants is to be a kid and frequently points out that she got dragged into everything against her will.

And yet - she's the one calling the shots, making decisions, getting things done. She's got a smart mouth and keen eye, and knows how to use them. She talks back to adults and gets reprimanded. She has temper tantrums. She makes mistakes, admits them, and learns. She boils over but then apologizes. SHE IS THE BEST, SMARTEST, MOST MATURE AND REALISTIC 12 YEAR OLD FICTION HAS EVER SEEN. 

And Daphne? The perfect one to balance out Sabrina, representing a different kind of smart, a different kind of girls out there. Their relationship is believable and lovable, and I'll miss it. 

PUCK IS MY REASON FOR EXISTENCE. THAT'S ALL I'LL SAY.

And for another fantastic quality of The Sisters Grimm rarely seen in children's literature, say hello to ADULT SUPERVISION. Granny Relda and Mr. Canis have been there since the beginning, joined later by The Parents Grimm, Uncle Jake, Charming and Snow White. The adults tend to infuriate the kids, but they scold them, teach them, care for them, and yeah, sometimes rein them in while being totally fun, hilarious, sometimes childish, and kick-ass themselves. IT'S SO REFRESHING.

I realize I have been raving more than a second. And I could go on and on. But I won't waste your time and instead just tell you to get your hands on The Sisters Grimm #1, Fairytale Detectives PRONTO. In the meantime, I will cry into my pillow and mourn the ends of one of my all time favorites series and my childhood. 

Rating: Obviously,


Have a great weekend and happy reading!
Love,
Esty

Review: Wonder

Wonder 
R.J. Palacio
Contemporary, Middle Grade

You can't blend in when you were born to stand out.

My name is August. I won't describe what I look like. Whatever you're thinking, it's probably worse.

August Pullman wants to be an ordinary ten-year-old. He does ordinary things. He eats ice cream. He plays on his Xbox. He feels ordinary - inside.

But Auggie is far from ordinary. Ordinary kids don't make other ordinary kids run away screaming in playgrounds. Ordinary kids don't get stared at wherever they go.

Born with a terrible facial abnormality, Auggie has been home-schooled by his parents his whole life, in an attempt to protect him from the cruelty of the outside world. Now, for the first time, he's being sent to a real school - and he's dreading it. All he wants is to be accepted - but can he convince his new classmates that he's just like them, underneath it all?

Narrated by Auggie and the people around him whose lives he touches forever, WONDER is a funny, frank, astonishingly moving debut to read in one sitting, pass on to others, and remember long after the final page.

This book has won so many awards and has been on the bestsellers lists for so long that of course I had to try it out- and I recommend you do, too.

Wonder was NOTHING like I expected it to be. First off, while I knew he was a kid, I hadn't comprehended that the book was going to be narrated by a 10 year old. This, of course, gave the novel a whole new flavor that I'm not used to- the last time I read a book told by a child younger than 12 was To Kill A Mockingbird.  

I was also not expecting the POV flips - of course, I spared you the surprise with the above Goodreads blurb. (As you can see, I did not do any research on Wonder.) The voices were beautiful and unique, and switched at exactly the right time - each character telling you what you needed to know about them to really be a part of the story.

Wonder was an emotional story - but not the kind that makes you cry. The kind the pulls you in and has you rooting for Auggie and Jack Will, adoring Via and Justin, sympathetic with Miranda. By the way, this book has a ton of crossover potential. Via, Justin and Miranda are in high school, while Auggie, Jack and Summer are in the 5th grade. Truthfully, I think this is a must read, no matter what age you are.

My only complaint was the slow exposition. I think the beginning could have been condensed to fewer chapters. Rating:

Love, 
Esty

Review: The Blood of Olympus

The Blood of Olympus (Heroes of Olympus #5)

Rick Riordan

Middle Grade, Greek Mythology

Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen—all of them—and they're stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods sacrificed in Athens. She needs their blood—the blood of Olympus—in order to wake.

The demigods are having more frequent visions of a terrible battle at Camp Half-Blood. The Roman legion from Camp Jupiter, led by Octavian, is almost within striking distance. Though it is tempting to take the Athena Parthenos to Athens to use as a secret weapon, the friends know that the huge statue belongs back on Long Island, where it "might" be able to stop a war between the two camps.

The Athena Parthenos will go west; the Argo II will go east. The gods, still suffering from multiple personality disorder, are useless. How can a handful of young demigods hope to persevere against Gaea's army of powerful giants? As dangerous as it is to head to Athens, they have no other option. They have sacrificed too much already. And if Gaea wakes, it is game over.

SPOILERS BELOW

GUYS. THE END OF AN ERA IS UPON US.

*sniffs*

The standout thing about this? I did NOT expect the tears coming our way. I thought I personally would be emotional (because of the fact that I have like kissed the Percy Jackson books goodnight since I was 10 years old) but in no way did I think Rick Riordan would crank up the feel factor like he did. 

The personal journeys our characters went through are immense - but the series truly reached it's peak in that aspect in The Blood of Olympus with Nico's and Reyna's points of view. My heart just broke for them again and again but also swelled with insane pride. 

And the MOMENTS. I just can't even. Percy and Annabeth in the spot of the rivalry in Athens. Never before has a book made me sob from PURE HAPPINESS. 

I EVEN STARTED TO LOVE PIPER AND FRANK! If that doesn't speak of character development, nothing does. 

LEO. Enough said. 

And of course, the never- ending slew of cracks that could make even the most mature reader bust out laughing. Even Jason got in a few this time!

But there was just this one thing that nagged and nagged me about this installment and that was the lack of closure. 

For God's sake this is the last demigod book EVER and we didn't have any chapters from Percy or Annabeth's point of view. We never found out what happens to Apollo or the Oracle of Delphi. And all the FREAKING GODS OF OLYMPUS THEMSELVES come down to fight with their children and we don't know what they said to them. The book ends with everyone thinking Leo's dead. HOW ON EARTH AM I SUPPOSED TO FEEL SATISFIED HERE?? 

Percy hasn't seen his mom in a year. The Hunters and Amazons don't come to the final battle. There's no Olympic council rewarding all the heroes. The demigods of Camp Half-Blood don't make a new clay bead. REYNA DOESN'T FIND LOVE.

I WANT MY ENDS TIED UP ALL NICE AND PRETTY, MR. RIORDAN. I'VE LOVED EVERY BOOK OF YOURS FOR ENOUGH YEARS TO EXPECT THIS. 

But of course, it was beautiful nonetheless. I could never give anything by this author anything less than 5 stars. Now all that's left is to go mourn the loss of my childhood. Supporting comments much appreciated! *wipes tears and blows nose* Rating:

Review: The Artemis Fowl Files

The Artemis Fowl Files
Eoin Colfer
Companion to the Artemis Fowl series

The Artemis Fowl Files is comprised of two original stories: "LEPrecon": the story of Fairy Police Captain Holly Short's move from Traffic to Recon following her initiation into the Fairy Police; and "The Seventh Dwarf", featuring Mulch, Butler, and Artemis himself.

EXTRAS INCLUDE: 
• "Behind-the-scenes" interviews with major characters including: Artemis, Holly, Foaly, Mulch, and Eoin 
Colfer himself
• Coded section from the Fairy Book for kids to translate
• A section for Fairy Spotters including the different categories of Fairy and their physical characteristics 
and personality traits, including: Elves, Trolls, Sprites, Pixies Goblins, Dwarves and Centaurs
• Technical diagrams of Foaly's inventions

Hey there! Here for a rare middle-of-the-week post. Enjoy!

You can read my review of Artemis Fowl and the Last Guardian here. As you can see in the link, I absolutely ADORE this series. Genius young criminal mastermind? Kick-butt faeries? What's not to love? So, naturally, I was overjoyed to stumble upon this great find in the library.

The book was quick and fun (200 pages) with activities to entertain a kid for hours (fortunately, I have stuff to do. I did not abandon my maturity. But I would have like to:)). 

The stories were written flawlessly and the interviews had me laughing. I adored getting bonus content from my favorite characters- you get some more of Holly's background which I thought was pretty cool, and a story of Artemis and Mulch that has been referenced in the series but I hadn't known had been written! You can read this companion after having read just one of the series. 

Rating:

Love,
Esty

Review: The Shadow of the Swarm

The Shadow of the Swarm (The Morrow Secrets #2)
Susan Mcnally
Middle grade, adventure

What will Tallitha do next? How will she escape from the sinister castle at Hellstone Tors and the grip of the Morrow Swarm? Will she ever see Winderling Spires again?

Grand Witches, Hellstone Shroves, evil relatives, strange creatures and supernatural powers abound in the second book in Tallitha Mouldson’s exciting adventures in the strange land of Breedoor.

Find out what happens in the next instalment of The Morrow Secrets and meet some exciting new characters as Tallitha and her trusted friends’ battle to free her from the Swarm and the spell of Hellstone Tors. 

You can read my review of book #1 here.

The Morrow Secrets and it's sequel, The Shadow of the Swarm,  were sent to me by Sweet Cherry Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Thank you guys!

In the end of The Morrow Secrets I really started to get into the story. In this installment, Tallitha and Tyaas are stuck in Hellstone Tors, separated from Esmeralda and their friends the skinks. This made for an opportunity to play with the POVs, which I am happy to say the author took. We get chapters told by Cissie and her family who meet up with the Skinks, Esmeralda, and the Morrow Sisters back at Winderling Spires. I like the new and old characters so this method was a a refreshing change from book #1 :)

The novel is much bigger than the first, but a lot more happens so it can be excused. I also think the writing got a lot better, not colorful for the sake of being colorful like before but more natural. 

The art and cover were, as always, gorgeous. Recommended for a strong young reader, or for a spooky bedtime story to read to kids a bit at a time.

As you can see, from now on I'll be posting on weekends only. School is so intense this year! 
Love,
Esty