Christmas Giveaway!

Hey - we're back home! We had a great Thanksgiving, and hope everyone else did too. We have a great Christmas giveaway for you - please read the rules first, and good luck!

Up for grabs:



Impossible, by Nancy Werlin
Young Adult, 2008
Raspberry: Only real problem with this one was how she gets pregnant, which may sort of be your living nightmare. However, an interesting plot that has you sighing with relief in the end. Her parents and friend Zach are a bit unrealistically supportive, but they kind of have to be to make it work. Graded a B.

Lucy is seventeen when she discovers that the women of her family have been cursed through the generations, forced to attempt three seemingly impossible tasks or to fall into madness upon their child's birth. But Lucy is the first girl who won't be alone as she tackles the list. She has her fiercely protective foster parents and her childhood friend Zach beside her. Do they have love and strength enough to overcome an age-old evil?

* Paperback copy in almost perfect condition, the cover is of her sideways in the red dress instead.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Greywalker, by Kat Richardson
Adult, 2006
Raspberry: Writing a bit sloppy, wasn't a huge fan, but should appeal to Charlaine Harris fans.

Harper Blaine was slogging along as a small-time P.I. when a two-bit perp's savage assault left her dead. For two minutes, to be precise. When Harper comes to in the hospital, she begins to feel a bit ...strange. She sees things that can only be described as weird-shapes emerging from a foggy grey mist, snarling teeth, creatures roaring. But Harper's not crazy. Her "death" has made her a Greywalker-able to move between our world and the mysterious, cross-over zone where things that go bump in the night exist. And her new gift (or curse) is about to drag her into that world of vampires and ghosts, magic and witches, necromancers and sinister artifacts. Whether she likes it or not.

*Slightly worn tall paperback copy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~


Alcatraz Versus the Evil Librarians, by Brandon Sanderson
Juvenile, 2007
Trackgeek: An incredibly silly book, it'll only really appeal to the younger (12 and down) crowd.

A hero with an incredible talent...for breaking things. A life-or-death mission...to rescue a bag of sand. A fearsome threat from a powerful secret network...the evil Librarians.

*Paperback copy in almost perfect condition, slightly different cover.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Remarkable Creatures, by Tracy Chevalier
Adult, 2009

In the early nineteenth century, a windswept beach along the English coast brims with fossils for those with the eye! From the moment she's struck by lightning as a baby, it is clear Mary Anning is marked for greatness. When she uncovers unknown dinosaur fossils in the cliffs near her home, she sets the scientific world alight, challenging ideas about the world's creation and stimulating debate over our origins. In an arena dominated by men, however, Mary is soon reduced to a serving role, facing prejudice from the academic community, vicious gossip from neighbours, and the heartbreak of forbidden love. Even nature is a threat, throwing bitter cold, storms, and landslips at her. Luckily Mary finds an unlikely champion in prickly, intelligent Elizabeth Philpot, a middle-class spinster who is also fossil-obsessed. Their relationship strikes a delicate balance between fierce loyalty and barely suppressed envy. Despite their differences in age and background, Mary and Elizabeth discover that, in struggling for recognition, friendship is their strongest weapon.

*This is an ARC, but in perfect condition.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

A Countess Below Stairs, by Eva Ibbotson
Young Adult, 1981
Raspberry: B
Trackgeek: B-

In the early 20th century, Anna and her family flee their homeland of Russia, leaving behind their nobility and wealth. In England they survive by trying to fit in, all the while hoping for their lost servant to show up with their jewels. Anna takes a position as a maid in the Westerholme mansion, but finds herself falling in love with her master. And of course, he has an absolutely horrible fiancee...

*Gently read paperback copy.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Snowfall, by K. M. Peyton
Young Adult, 2006
Raspberry: I was so frustrated by the end, that I never even reviewed this book. It was similar to an Eva Ibbotson YA book, but not as good.

In this Victorian novel, Charlotte finds herself unable to stop her grandfather from giving her in marriage to a man she swears she can never love. Journeying with her brother and a group of friends to the Alps, she hikes, falls in love, and learns to appreciate the earth. After she becomes a housekeeper to escape her grandfather's plans, she falls in love again - this time with her match.

*Ex-library hardback edition with a slightly different cover. Worn in some spots, and some tears on the inside cover, but will still look nice on the shelf.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Rules:
1. I will draw 3 names - the first winner gets his or her choice of three books, the second gets his or her choices of two books (that are left) and the last person gets the last book left if they want it.
2. To make this easier, I would ask that you list in order the books you would prefer. If you already own/don't want/aren't interested, please don't list those at all. If someone is only interested in one book and wins, then I'll choose a fourth winner.
3. You get one entry for entering, which includes your list of preferences and a way to contact you if you win.
4. You may get only one extra entry, and that would be for either being a follower, posting it somewhere...etc. Leave a link or let me know what you did for that extra entry.
5. Giveaway ends December 15th (which is a Tuesday). I can't guarantee you'll get your book(s) by Christmas, but the odds are pretty good.
6. And yes, I apologize, but this is U.S. and Canada only.

7. And purely for discussion's sake, and because it makes commenting, or at least reading the comments fun, answer this question: If you could get absolutely ANY book for Christmas, what would it be, and why?

A School For Sorcery, by E. Rose Sabin

A School For Sorcery, by E. Rose Sabin
Juvenile, 2003

Tria is a first-year student at the Simonton School for Magic, feeling a bit out of her element, but hoping to find those like her. As she slowly progresses, she finds friends, and makes enemies, all the while increasing her levels of magic. When Oryon, a rebellious peer, finds a source of evil power, Tria finds herself battling not just for her life, but those she has come to love.
A slow start, I started getting more into the rhythm after the first couple chapters. There were some interesting interplays between characters, but after awhile I felt they started to blend in, and it was hard to tell them apart. I also was upset with how the headmistress and the other faculty handled Oryon. It seemed a little ridiculous to put so much responsibility in the hands of students, and made them look weak and powerless - not a good combination for getting respect from their students.
Graded a C+.

Happy Thanksgiving!

I've been at family's homes for the week, where my mother told me she was getting rid of some books, and did I want any? So, Happy Thanksgiving to all you Americans out there, and if you're looking for something to read after dinner (although most of us are probably going to be napping, I imagine), then try these gems that I 'inherited' this weekend:
Blue Willow, by Doris Gates
Raspberry: A
A Cricket in Times Square, by George Selden
Raspberry: A
Trackgeek: Read it when I was 7, and couldn't honestly grade it now.
Tales from the South Pacific, by James Michener
Old mystery classics written by Erle Stanley Gardner
Raspberry: B/B+ depending, but all are fun reads.
Trackgeek: B+/A-
A School for Sorcery, by E. Rose Sabin
Raspberry: Currently reading. A slow start, but not so bad so far. Kind of interesting to read after series like Harry Potter.
Blood Red Horse, by K. M. Grant
Raspberry: A, but the others in the series aren't worth it.
Trackgeek: A-, the others are in the "B" range.

Sort of an eclectic mix, but something new to try for you guys - hopefully. All the best, and we'll post like mad again when we get back, including a Christmas giveaway!

Girl Gives Birth to Own Prom Date, by Todd Strasser

Girl Gives Birth To Own Prom Date
Todd Strasser, 1996

When popular Nicole gets shafted by Brad for the prom, she talks her next door and sometime friend Chase into going to the prom with her. They're ready to fool everyone into thinking they're the perfect couple. But maybe...they are!
If this sounds familiar, well, it is. It's been made into a movie staring Melissa Joan Hart, called Drive Me Crazy. It was a completely teen book with everything from gossip to ridiculous priorities, but at least in the end, Nicole figures a few things out. I'd have like the character development to be better, but it wasn't too bad for a one-time read.
Graded a C+.

The Black Tattoo: Sam Enthoven

The Black Tattoo, by Sam Enthoven
Young Adult, 2006


Summary (from fantasyfiction.co.uk):
Jack doesn't know what he's got himself into. One minute he and his best friend Charlie were up in Chinatown having crispy duck with Charlie's dad (and Jack was having to listen to Charlie shouting at his dad for leaving his mum) - then next minute they were in a mysterious room above a theatre, with some of the strangest characters they'd ever encountered. And they were about to take The Test...and something very very weird was about to begin. The Test transforms Charlie - leaving him with the distinctive markings of the Black Tattoo - and with a temper that seems out of control. The boys' meeting with Esme, a young girl with the most impressive martial arts skills this side of Bruce Lee, her huge and hairy father Raymond, and the mysterious Nick seem to have swept Charlie and Jack into a world they had no idea existed. And it's only going to get stranger...



Trackgeek: So, I am not really a big fan of too much fantasy and there were plenty of weird moments in this book as they descend to Hell, etc. But, as far as teen fiction goes, it was ok. Overall the characters, I felt, didn't develop that much and the weirdness got to me. C+

Duo Review: The Espressologist, by Kristina Springer

The Espressologist, by Kristina Springer
Young Adult, 2009

A fractured retelling of Emma (Jane Austen), this story is about Jane, a coffee-girl who can stereo-type by what drink they order, and then play matchmaker to make her friends happy. It gets a little out of control, though, when she's put on the spot at work making matches. And why is she so unhappy about her best friend Emily being with Cam? After all, she did set them up, so they should be perfect together, right?
Cute, but a little cliche, the characters didn't have much depth. Worth a read, but watch out - it might make you thirsty.
Raspberry: C+.
Trackgeek: B-.

Friday Finds (6)

First - we DO have reviews coming, but it is seriously hard to focus on something like a blog when you're visiting family. It's been so much fun eating at In-N-Out and a bakery that we frequented when we were dating and engaged, etc. I'm pretty sure they're going to have to roll me back to Colorado....:)
Meanwhile, here are a couple Friday Finds. Sorry there's only a few, but I think these are decent finds this week:



The Silver Skull, by Mark Chadbourn
An adult fantasy, it got great reviews by a blog I trust.
Synposis from fantasticfiction.co.uk:
Meet Will Swyfte -- adventurer, swordsman, rake, swashbuckler, wit, scholar and the greatest of Walsingham's new band of spies. His exploits against the forces of Philip of Spain have made him a national hero, lauded from Carlisle to Kent. Yet his associates can barely disguise their incredulity -- what is the point of a spy whose face and name is known across Europe?



Green Rider, by Kristen Britain
I think the synposis is the reason I picked this one (fantasticfiction.co.uk):
Karigan G'ladahon has fled from school following a fight which would surely lead to her expulsion. As she makes her way through the deep forest, a galloping horse pounds up to her, its rider impaled by two black-shafted arrows. With his dying breath, he tells her he is a Green Rider, one of the legendary magical messengers of the King, and makes Karigan swear to deliver their message he's carrying, giving her his green coat, with its symbolic broach of office. This promise given to a dying man changes Karigan's life forever. Pursued by unknown assassins, following a path only her horse seems to know, she unwittingly finds herself in a world of deadly danger and complex magic, compelled by forces she cannot understand.



Abby Cooper, Psychic Eye, by Victoria Laurie
A psychic mystery? Bring it on! I'm reading it right after I finish my current book: The Espressologist.

Have a great weekend!

Terrific Authors on Tuesday: Clare Dunkle

Today we're spotlighting Clare Dunkle (no picture), who is probably most well known for her Hollow Kingdom Trilogy. She writes fantasy and science fiction that is realistic enough to draw you in and capture your imagination. Every book of hers I've read has always been rereadable, no matter the grade. Here's the list (courtesy fantasticfiction.co.uk):

Series

Hollow Kingdom Series

The Hollow Kingdom (2003)

Raspberry: A-

Trackgeek: A-

For thousands of years, young women have been vanishing from Hallow Hill, never to be seen again. Now Kate and Emily have moved there with no idea of the land's dreadful heritage - until Marak decides to tell them himself. Marak is a powerful magician who claims to be the goblin king, and he has very specific plans for these two girls that have trespassed on his kingdom...

Close Kin (2004)

Raspberry: B+

For years, Emily has lived underground in the goblin kingdom. Now that she is old enough to marry, her childhood friend asks her to do so. However, many adventures and dangers have to happen first - including Emily realizing her true feelings.

In the Coils of the Snake (2005)

Raspberry: B+

Further adventures in the Hollow Kingdom Trilogy.

Novels

By These Ten Bones (2005)

-no summary available-

The Sky Inside (2008)

Raspberry: B+

Martin lives in a perfect world. Every year a new generation of genetically-engineered children are shipped out to meet their parents. Every spring each family takes down the snow they stuck to their windows and put up flowers. Every day families gather around the TV screen to vote on the latest mundane decision in HM1. And it's all about to come crashing down.

The Walls Have Eyes (2009)

The continuations of Martin and his sister's adventures from The Sky Inside.

The House of Dead Maids (2010)

A chilling prelude to Emily Bronte's Wuthering Heights.

For more information on Clare, visit her website here. Also, if you enjoy her books, you might enjoy Sarah Beth Durst as well.

City of Masks, by Mary Hoffman

City of Masks, by Mary Hoffman
Young Adult, 2002

When Lucien find himself transported to a parallel sixteenth century Italy (Talia), he finds a release from the cancer that is slowly draining his life away. There he finds adventure, romance, and a city-state to save. But as wonderful as this all is, will he survive back in London where his home truly is?
An interesting take on time-travel (of which I typically can't stand, but this time was well done), any beef I had with this book concerns the plot. I didn't understand why it couldn't just be 16th century Italy instead of a parallel country. And the Duchessa did seem awful lax about people trying to kill her. In the end though, I was surprised to find a decent read. I'm not a big series fan, so I probably won't pick up the rest, but this one was good.
Graded a B-.

Obernewtyn, by Isobelle Carmody

First an explanation - I'm out of town visiting family, and Trackgeek will join me shortly. Since I'm the primary 'poster' that has meant less posts but I am catching up when I can. I must confess to rereading some books, but I'm saving one of the reviews for Tuesday so I can highlight the author instead. Meanwhile, a new read for me, but an oldie:


Obernewtyn, by Isobelle Carmody
Juvenile, 1987

Elspeth is an outcast - a misfit who has abilities caused by the Great White disaster. Banished to Obernewtyn, she finds herself surrounded by others with similar mind abilities. However, there are horrible plots to bring back the 'before time' and a prophesy about a 'seeker' that can free them all. Elspeth finds herself with the burden of being that seeker and stopping the threat that could destroy them all.
This book reminds me a little of The Golden Compass, but only the plot line in Obernewtyn. The writing, however, is choppy and unorganized, and while it was an interesting read, didn't have the depth I expected from the first book of a huge series.
Graded a B-.

Duo Review: Fortune's Folly, by Deva Fagan

Fortune's Folly, by Deva Fagan
Juvenile, 2009

Fortunata's family has fallen apart since her mother died and her father has seemingly lost his skill as a shoemaker. Through misadventures she finds herself as a fortune-teller, leading the way for a young prince to find his true love and claim his crown. But things don't go as smoothly as planned, and perhaps it isn't quite what she wants.
This fairy tale with hints of Cinderella is fun - everyone gets what's coming to them and while that can be predictable, I was glad it all worked out after what she goes through. It is super rushed, and I was hoping for more time to get to know the characters, but it was a decent read and I'm grading it a B-.
My only caution is that there are a few subtle hints to adult situations.
Trackgeek- A fun light read. The plot is a little bit predictable at time But a nice quick read. B.

The Blue Shoe

The Blue Shoe: A Tale of Thievery, Villainy, Sorcery, and Shoes, by Roderick Townley
Juvenile Fiction, 2009

The town of Aplanap seems to be a perfect town. There are no beggars, and everyone seems to prosper from the tourism and the mild weather created by the protective shadow of Mount Xexnex. The town has plenty of problems, from its way of dealing with beggars (arrest them and ship them off to Mount Xexnex) to the mayor (pompous and sef-important witha wife who makes every tradesperson in town work for her for free). Hap is apprenticed to the shoemaker who makes a blue shoe covered in precious and semi-precious stones. But the shoe does not have a mate, and the mysterious owner never comes to pick it up. Hap, soon ends up in jail for trying to help a beggar and is shipped off to Mount Xexnax where the story unfolds.

The book moved along nicely and was a fun read, even if some of the bits were a little over the top as far as the fantasy part goes.

Grade: B
(Please note that this review was by Trackgeek.)

Splendor, by Anna Godbersen

First, I apologize for doing Terrific Authors on Tuesday yesterday. I seriously thought yesterday was Monday. I'm so sorry! However, we have a couple of reviews for you today, starting with:


Splendor, by Anna Godbersen
Young Adult, 2009

A continuation in the scandalous lives of Elizabeth, Diana, Penelope and Carolina. Will they find the happiness and love they desire most, or will the social norms of the time (1900) defeat them?
The fourth in the Luxe series, it also concludes the stories as well. It was my least favorite of the books, and the ending was....well, let's just say that technically it was about what you'd expect of that time, but was completely unsatisfying for all the reading you went through to get there. I did enjoy Elizabeth's story overall - in fact it had much more meat to it than any of the other girls. Truthfully it was a bit rushed, but Anna is still a gifted writer, and I'm a huge fan of the clippings, notes and tidbits before the chapters.
A side-note; there are sexual scenes scattered throughout all the books, although nothing graphic. I would recommend that these are more suited for adults. The last book in particular has more than any of the others.
Graded a B-.

The entire series is titled:
The Luxe: graded an A-.
Rumors: graded a B+.
Envy: graded a B.
Splendor: graded a B-.
(And it was entirely an accident that they're all a half grade lower.)

Terrific Authors on Tuesdays: Lloyd Alexander

Today we're spotlighting Lloyd Alexander, who died back in 2007. A slightly anal guy, he shopped at the same grocery store every Wednesday at the same time. His stories are famous for being adventurous with some ridiculous thrown in for laughs. He's won the Newbery and the Newbery Honor awards among many others, and was so popular that an unedited manuscript was published as his final work after he died (The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio). Like always, summaries are from fantasticfiction.co.uk.

Series

Chronicles of Prydain
The Book of Three (1964)
Raspberry: B+
Trackgeek: B+
Recounts valorous and humorous tales of Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper, who determines to save the kingdom of Prydain from evil.
The Black Cauldron (1965)
Raspberry: A-
Trackgeek: B+
-no summary available- (Just read it!)
The Castle of Llyr (1966)
Raspberry: A-
Trackgeek: A-
When Princess Eilonwy is sent to the Isle of Mona for training, she is bewitched by the evil enchantress Achren, so Taran and other friends must try to rescue her.
Taran Wanderer (1967)
Raspberry: B+
Trackgeek: A-
The fourth book of the Prydain cycle tells of the adventures that befell Taran when he went in search of his birthright and the truth about himself.
The High King (1968)
Raspberry: B+
Trackgeek: B+
In this final part of the chronicle of Prydain the forces of good and evil meet in an ultimate confrontation, which determines the fate of Taran, the Assistant Pig-Keeper who wanted to be a hero.

Westmark
Westmark (1981)
Raspberry: A
Trackgeek: A
Theo flees from criminal charges and falls in with a charlatan, his dwarf attendant, and an urchin girl, traveling with them about the kingdom of Westmark in a dangerous plan to save themselves and the kingdom.
The Kestrel (1982)
Raspberry: A-
Trackgeek: A-
Theo is traveling Westmark, learning about the country of which he will soon be Prince Consort. He is not surprised to find great poverty-Mickle (now known as Princess Augusta) could have told him that from her years on the street. His friend Florian could have told him about the aristocracy's graft and corruption. But neither could have foreseen a loaded pistol in the practiced hand of the assassin Skeit.
The Beggar Queen (1984)
Raspberry: B+
Trackgeek: A-
Mickle, once a common street urchin, now rules Westmark as the wise Queen Augusta. Yet the kingdom is strangely restless. Ghosts of the past lurk everywhere, whispering of future war. Justin and his revolutionaries denounce the monarchy--even the benevolent Mickle. Cabbarus, banished from Westmark, plots to seize the throne and install a Reign of Terror.

Vesper Holly
You'll remember we reviewed the Vesper Holly series a while back, and you can find those reviews here.
The Illyrian Adventure (1986)
Raspberry: B+
Trackgeek: A-
Vesper Holly's fascination with an ancient legend leads her into exciting adventure in the tiny country of Illyria. She and her guardian set out to search for a legendary treasure. But Illyria is in a dangerous state of rebellion, and someone wants Vesper out of the way . . . for good.
The El Dorado Adventure (1987)
Raspberry: B+
Trackgeek: B+
Vesper has just learned that she owns a volcano in the tiny republic of El Dorado-and Vesper being Vesper, she and her guardian respond to the mysterious telegram by sailing to Central America. Almost as soon as they've arrived, Vesper and Brinnie are thrust into danger. Someone wants her property, and they will stop at nothing to get it-even if that means destroying an entire tribe of Chirica Indians and Vesper herself!
The Drackenberg Adventure (1988)
Raspberry: A-
Trackgeek: B
When Vesper is invited to Drackenberg's Golden Jubilee, she and her guardians find themselves involved in an attempted overthrow of the government, the disappearance of a priceless painting, and a kidnapping by evil Dr. Helvitius.
The Jedera Adventure (1989)
Raspberry: A-
Trackgeek: A-
Returning a library book is simple--unless the library is in North Africa and the book is Vesper Holly's! She organizes a library-bound caravan, deals with feuding desert tribes, rough terrain, and slave traders--but then she's faced with the evil Dr. Helvitius.
The Philadelphia Adventure (1990)
Raspberry: B+
Trackgeek: A-
Vesper Holly has foiled murderers, crossed mountains, and narrowly escaped earthquakes. Now she's home in Philadelphia, where she can relax-until President Ulysses S. Grant asks for her help. The Centennial Exposition of 1876 is about to begin, and luminaries from around the world will be there. But so will Vesper's arch-nemesis, the evil Doctor Helvetius.
The Xanadu Adventure (2005)
Raspberry: B+
Trackgeek: B+
Delving into the mystery of the origins of Western civilization, Vesper and her friends set out for the site of the legendary Troy, only to fall into a trap laid by the despicable Dr. Helvitius.

Novels

My Five Tigers (1956)
Warm account of five of Alexander's cats-Rabbit, Heathcliff, David, Solomon and Moira.
August Bondi: Border Hawk (1958)
-no summary available-
Janine is French (1960)
A biography about his wife.
Aaron Lopez: The Flagship Hope (1960)
-no summary available-
Time Cat: The Remarkable Journeys of Jason And Gareth (1963)
Trackgeek: I tried it, but couldn't finish it.
Jason and his magic cat Gareth travel through time to visit countries all over the world during different periods of history.
Fifty Years in the Doghouse (1963)
This humorous book tells the story of America's number 1 agent of the SPCA, including his adventures and misadventures in trying to deal with animals in peculiar situations.
Send for Ryan (1965)
-no summary available-
The Truthful Harp (1967)
Trackgeek: I have read this, but don't remember it well enough to grade it.
-no summary available-
The Marvelous Misadventures of Sebastian (1970)
Raspberry: B
Trackgeek: B+
When fourth fiddler Sebastian loses his place in the Baron's orchestra, he has to leave the only home he knows--which turns out to be the least of his troubles. He rescues a stray cat from a group of tormentors, who then smash his precious violin; and the troubled young boy he tries to help turns out to be the Crown Princess, on the run from an arranged marriage. Sebastian, Princess Isabel, and Presto the cat soon find themselves fleeing stuffy officials, hired assassins, furious guardsmen and sentries--and, in their journey, find out what is truly important in life.
The King's Fountain (1971)
A king wants to build a fountain that will cut off all the water to the city below his palace.
The Four Donkeys (1972)
When they have to take on the donkey's load to get to the fair, the tailor, baker, and shoemaker all learn to be tolerant of the other fellow's point of view.
The Cat Who Wished to Be a Man (1973)
Trackgeek: B-
When he begins dealing with humanity, Lionel the cat begins to understand why his wizard master was reluctant to change him into a man.
The Wizard in the Tree (1974)
Trackgeek: B-
Mallory's encounter with the wizard in the tree begins a chain of events that change the lives of the villagers dominated by a suspicious squire.
The First Two Lives of Lukas-Kasha (1978)
After paying a silver penny to encourage a magician to perform in the town square, a carpenter's helper is conjured to a strange place where the people call him King of Abadan.
The Remarkable Journey of Prince Jen (1991)
Raspberry: B
Trackgeek: B+
Bearing six unusual gifts, young Prince Jen embarks on a perilous quest and emerges triumphantly into manhood.
The Fortune-Tellers (1992)
Lloyd Alexander's story of a young man visiting--and then becoming--the village fortune-teller.
The House Gobbaleen (1995)
Poor luckless Tooley longs for some help from the Friendly Folk, so when an odd little man shows up, Tooley is delighted. But Hooks worsens Tooley's bad luck. It's up to Tooley's wise cat to get rid of Hooks- by summoning the dreaded House Gobbaleen!
The Arkadians (1995)
Raspberry: B+
Trackgeek: A-
Meet the Arkadians--a young bean counter turned hero, a poet turned jackass, a girl of marvels, a king disguised as a peasant, and others who play across an epic stage, firmly connecting the quest of a young protagonist to those of classical heroes and heroines of ancient Greek storytelling--and reminding readers that danger, daring, and romance are still the most thrilling of literary devices.
The Iron Ring (1997)
Raspberry: B+
Trackgeek: B+
An epic tale of high adventure and deep humanity set in mythic India, this novel offers a feast of many flavors--moving experiences, childlike humor, dark tragedy, anguish at promises broken and joy at promises kept.
Gypsy Rizka (1999)
Raspberry: I read this too long ago to remember a grade for it.
Trackgeek: B+
Living alone in her wagon on the outskirts of a small town while waiting for her father's return, Rizka, a Gypsy and a trickster, exposes the ridiculous foibles of some of the townspeople.
How the Cat Swallowed Thunder (2000)
Warned not to get into his usual mischief, Mother Holly's cat tries to tidy up all the mess he has made while she is away.
The Gawgon and the Boy (2001)
Trackgeek: I started it, but don't remember finishing it.
In a tour de force about a remarkable friendship between a sick boy and his old Aunt Annie, Newbery winner Alexander mixes fantasy, humor, and a glimpse into one writer's beginnings.
The Rope Trick (2002)
Trackgeek: B
Lidi is not only beautiful-she has the talent to perform the greatest magic feat imaginable-the rope trick. But she must find the one master who can teach her how.
Fantastical Adventures of the Invisible Boy (2005)
A riotousy funny and deeply personal story of wonder, discovery and friendship, full of eccentric characters and fantastical adventures.
Dream-Of-Jade: The Emperor's Cat (2005)
No ordinary man is permitted to see the great Kwan-Yu, emperor of China but this doesn't stop the beautiful, green-eyed Dream-of-Jade, since she is not an ordinary man, but a rather unusual cat.
The Golden Dream of Carlo Chuchio (2007)
Raspberry: B
Trackgeek: B
A beautiful Kirkassi girl, cold-eyed villains and smiling killers, a bazaar merchant peddling slightly used dreams—could any young adventurer ask for more? Not Carlo Chuchio, who is seeking hidden treasure on the legendary Road of Golden Dreams.

Collections

The Foundling: And Other Tales of Prydain (1973)
Selected stories take the reader on a journey into the imaginary and enchanting Kingdom of Prydain to witness the events preceding the birth of Taran.
The Town Cats: And Other Tales (1977)

Eight tales featuring cats, princesses, fiddlers, cobblers, and kings.

Picture Books

Coll and His White Pig (1965)
-no summary available-

Memory Monday: Jilly's Ghost, by Dian Curtis Regan

Jilly's Ghost, by Dian Curtis Regan
Young Adult, 1990

This isn't exactly a classic....but there's a good story to go with how I discovered this book. My parents went out of town when I was about 9 or 10 and came back with this book in paperback, personally signed by Dian. However, since I had nightmares almost nightly (and it has Ghost in the title...) and it's about teenagers, they set it up on the top shelf in their closet where I ignored it, realizing myself I wasn't ready for it. A few years later, when I was about 13, I decided to try it out. It was one of my first reads that had romance in it (beyond subtle hints that no 10 year old could find), and a ghost that wasn't scary at all.

Jilly has lived in the same house since she was born, where she has grown up comfortable with a ghost in the backyard, and her best friend, Amanda. When her creepy Trekkie-type neighbor moves in and tries to uncover the truth behind the ghost, she's forced to make some decisions about what she wants to keep secret. Uncovering hidden letters in her family's tool shed, she finds more about her ghost, which includes a forbidden and thwarted romance. While doing all this sleuthing, she may find romance herself...if he isn't just out for a good story of his own.
While there are some obvious 80s/90s cliches in here with a healthy dose of blue eyeliner, I think anyone who grew up in that era might appreciate the nuances. The story is simple, and the romance decent, although fast. Not something I'm going to read over and over, but decent enough to grade a B.

Friday Finds (5)

I did do the giveaway pull and have emailed the winner. I'll pull down Forbidden Sea stuff after this post.

Here's what I've added to my 'to read' list. I'd like to make a clarification though. When I add something to my 'to read' list on Shelfari, it's like....making a note that I want to check it out, see if it's any good and then maybe give it a shot. I can't tell you how many of those books I've just read the back and said, "Eh." and put it back. Or gave it 20 pages and said, "Double Eh." and returned it to the library. So, we're not actually endorsing these books - they are not recommendations.


Xisle, by Steve Augarde
Not published until 2010, all I know about this book is the line on the front: In a drowned world, everyone wants to get to the island.



True Notebooks, by Mark Salzman
A true-life recording of Salzman's time as a creative writing teacher at a juvenile detention facility.



The Overnight Socialite, by Bridie Clark
A modern retelling of My Fair Lady.



A Homemade Life, by Molly Wizenberg
Short stories (and recipes!).




Finnikin of the Rock, by Melina Marchetta
Fantasy book about...well, despite reading the summary, I can't tell. Originally published in Australia.

Important Information regarding Forbidden Sea Giveaway: Please Read!!

Hi Guys - I just received an email from Sheila Nielson (author of The Forbidden Sea) where she told me she'd heard from her publishers, and they asked that she not do any interviews, hand out any arcs, or show the cover anywhere.
I'm not naming the publishers, but lets just say I think that's incredibly stingy of them. You'd think they would want this type of free publicity among the book-loving world...
At any rate, I am writing this from my 'sick bed' - I have a stomach bug of some kind that has wiped me out. I don't feel up to taking everything down right this second, and I think it's only fair to give some of you the chance to enter the giveaway before it's taken down.
The giveaway will end tomorrow morning (11/6) when I get online to do so. This will probably be about 8am MST. After the giveaway ends, I will take down the giveaway post with the interview and remove the cover from our reviews. Sorry to spring this on everyone - I'm sure we'll have a chance to repost her interview closer to the publication date.
-Raspberry

Skulduggery Pleasant: The Faceless Ones, by Derek Landy

The Faceless Ones, by Derek Landy
Young Adult, 2009

In this third installment of the Skulduggery Pleasant series, we find Valkyrie Cain and Skulduggery Pleasant trying to save the world yet again. With a slew of new characters and plenty of familiar ones, it looks familiar - but this time, things don't go as planned and all isn't right in the end...
A huge fan of this series, I loved this one. It was like the others, but maybe a bit more 'tied down' with writing. He still gets a little mixed up in his fight scenes, but these are just fabulous books to read, particularly for younger teens, although my brother liked these as a senior in high school.
Graded a B+.

Haven't read the first two yet? Try them out:

Graded an A-.

Graded a B+.

Duo Review: Forbidden Sea, by Sheila A. Nielson

Cover Not Available at the time.



The Forbidden Sea, by Sheila A. Nielson
Young Adult, 2010

Summary from Sheila's website: When, one stormy night, a mermaid comes to take Adrianne Keynnman’s sister, Cecily, down into the depths of the sea, Adrianne knows she must fight with every ounce of her strength to protect her little sister. On land, Adrianne toils away, trying to eke out a living for her mother, sister, and aunt, after a tragic accident stole her father. Now, life takes a strange and frightening turn as Adrianne’s dreams are filled with the mermaid’s singing.
I read the rough draft of this, which was delightful, and was further delighted by the way it was rounded out for the finished copy. A sweet story that teaches a few valuable lessons like self-worth, my favorite parts were with the horses. Perfect for jr. high kids, I think high schoolers will enjoy this quick read as well. A sequel is planned.
Graded an A-.
Trackgeek- Actually one of the better books that I have read lately. I enjoyed the character development and the movement through the book- the plot keeps going and doesn't stall.
Grade: A-


Sheila is doing a giveaway of a miniature mermaid necklace that SHE made. Absolutely beautiful, I believe it's the 'kick off' for more giveaways on her website. Enter here. And of course, if you'd vote for an entry for me, I'd be delighted. If you do, let me know and I'll vote for you as well.
Also, stay tuned for tomorrow's interview with Sheila and our great new giveaway.