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Samuel C. - Reviews

1 to 10 of 10
Book of a Thousand Days
Book of a Thousand Days
Author: Shannon Hale
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 70
Review Date: 2/12/2009


The cover of this book is a door. As you open it you step into a world. You are Dashti, the mucker maid, in the tower. The characters are complex, not perfect, but lovable. I love the gods and the beliefs of the people in the eight realms. Again Shannon Hale writes beautifully.

Book"Hale has created a richly imagined, mythical land...It's a highly successful romance." School Library Journal, STARRED REVIEW


The Book Thief
The Book Thief
Author: Markus Zusak
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.4/5 Stars.
 305
Review Date: 1/2/2009
Helpful Score: 4


I really loved this book. Markus Zusak lets you truly care about the characters, whether it be poor, sweet Liesel, lovable Rudy or accordion-playing Papa, the characters really stick with you for a long time.


The Dream Stealer
The Dream Stealer
Author: Gregory Maguire
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 2.5/5 Stars.
 3
Review Date: 1/21/2009


This book is a mixture of fairy tales of old Russia and it is written so it feels like a fairy tale of old Russia. You really love all the characters, whether it be sweet Lisette or Baba Yaga the witch.


Ella Enchanted
Ella Enchanted
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 181
Review Date: 1/3/2009
Helpful Score: 5


Don't make yourself think this is a "girl's book". It's not. Every guy I know who's read it liked it.

Gail Carson Levine always leaves you waiting for more. There is nowhere in the book when you can put it down but at the end. The characters are extremely rich- there is much more to them then "good" and "bad". It is one of the best retellings of Cinderella. If you like fairy tale retellings, this book is for you.


Inkdeath
Inkdeath
Author: Cornelia Funke
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.3/5 Stars.
 16
Review Date: 1/3/2009
Helpful Score: 2


Cornelia Funke's best book yet! I was really hoping this one would be okay- I always think the ending books of series' are the most important. I definitely was not disappointed. I tried to savor it, but that was impossible. Instead I finished it faster then ever!


Inkheart (Inkheart, Bk 1)
Inkheart (Inkheart, Bk 1)
Author: Cornelia Funke
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.9/5 Stars.
 423
Review Date: 11/24/2008
Helpful Score: 1


Cornelia Funke twists and turns the story so much that you never know where you're going to end. The story starts on a dark and stormy night and is perfect to read for a dark and stormy day, when you can sing your teeth into it. It starts a great trilogy.


Princess Academy (Princess Academy, Bk 1)
Princess Academy (Princess Academy, Bk 1)
Author: Shannon Hale
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4.1/5 Stars.
 105
Review Date: 10/16/2009
Helpful Score: 4


There are so many books about princesses, but this one is unique. I love the subtle magic of Princess Academy. It is a truly wonderful book.

"The story is much like the mountains, with plenty of suspenseful moments that peak and fall, building into the next intense event. Each girl's story is brought to a satisfying conclusion, but this is not a fluffy, predictable fairy tale, even though it has wonderful moments of humor. Instead, Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home."
School Library Journal, starred review


Princess Academy (Princess Academy, Bk 1)
Princess Academy (Princess Academy, Bk 1)
Author: Shannon Hale
Book Type: Hardcover
  • Currently 4.4/5 Stars.
 57
Review Date: 2/24/2009


There are so many books about princesses, but this one is unique. I love the subtle magic of Princess Academy. It is a truly wonderful book.

"The story is much like the mountains, with plenty of suspenseful moments that peak and fall, building into the next intense event. Each girl's story is brought to a satisfying conclusion, but this is not a fluffy, predictable fairy tale, even though it has wonderful moments of humor. Instead, Hale weaves an intricate, multilayered story about families, relationships, education, and the place we call home."
School Library Journal, starred review


Re-Zoom
Re-Zoom
Author: Istvan Banyai
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 4/5 Stars.
 1
Review Date: 3/2/2009


Start with a bow and arrow on a watch. Move back. Keep stepping back, back, and farther back, and go on a wordless journey of the watch's place in the world. Re-Zoom is short, but is the sort of book you can read again and again. It's definitely not just for kids.

"Banyai's artwork...works to perfection." (Kirkus Reviews)


Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly
Writing Magic: Creating Stories that Fly
Author: Gail Carson Levine
Book Type: Paperback
  • Currently 3.4/5 Stars.
 25
Review Date: 2/12/2009
Helpful Score: 2


I've read many books that teach you how to write, and this one is by far the best. Gail Carson Levine is one of my favourite authors, and whenever I am stuck writing or I need advice I turn to this book. It is vital for anyone who loves to write.


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