Science Fiction Fantasy Books

This is another delightful story that my grandchildren just love to read! I have the whole set and give them to my granddaughters on special occasions! They always ask if there are more Fairy books to come! Share a magical time with your special child and read these delightful stories together!

I am an obsessive Harry Potter fan, and a 3rd year spanish speaker. I've read the first book almost too many times to count, and decided to mix it up a bit and give my self a challenge (my parents didn't want me to waste my time reading it again.) I've been keeping my english copy, dictionary, and notepad close to learn new vocab. I feel that reading this has been a great way to get better at spanish quicker. Slowly but surley, I've been using my english copy less and less. I reccomend it for anyone who wants to get better at their spanish in a fun, familiar way. (As an added bonus, I got extra credit in spanish class for reading it!)

This book is great especially if you have already read it in English. I use it for an upper level Spanish class where we also discuss relationships to myths, significance of colors, foreshadowing, grammar and vocabulary,

Being that it was used and the price was great, I just couldn't pass it up. The book was in excellent condition and looked new and my aunt loved it, being from Mexico and unable to get a lot of these books, she was so happy to have received it and can't wait for the other ones. Thank you for making her Christmas memorable.

I've read all the Harry Potter books in English, and I've always wanted to read them in Spanish, since I teach Spanish. I am currently teaching lower-level Spanish classes, one of which is the highest level of the lower levels. We are reading "La piedra filosofal" as a class, and, although my students are at different levels, the benefit to reading it is that they all know the story in English, and that helps their comprehension tremendously. Some students are moving slower than others, but they're really enjoying reading something that "real Spanish people" (their words) read. Definitely a good choice for intermediate level Spanish students as an introduction to advanced reading and literature.

I studied Spanish and college many (I mean many) years ago and have been trying to relearn the language. I remember the basic grammar but my vocabulary is pretty weak. I decide to read Spanish books geared for young adults and found the entire Harry Potter series (I made it through the first 4 so far) to be truly enjoyable reading.

Of the four I read, this and the second (Chamber of Secrets), were the lightest and the easiest reading. The third (Prisoner of Askaban)and especially the fourth (Goblet of Fire)increased in length and my speed in Spanish is pretty slow, so they took longer to read. The fifth (Order of the Phoenix) and six (Half Blooded Prince) are about 900 pages so I am pretty intimidated to tackle them in Spanish. I will read them in English and move on to some other Spanish books.

After reading these I viewed the DVD's of the films. They have the audio track in Spanish so you can train your ear, too.

The books follow the English versions almost exactly, so you can have a copy of it around to refer to if you find yourself confused about a certain phrase or sentence.

Ok. I had heard she was a great writer, and I started with this book. At the end I was still trying to figure out the storyline. Too much bizarre sex, and no real live plot. I don't recommend this one. Maybe her other books are better. This one left me with a bad taste in my mouth.

Please tell me why I actually paid for this book? Like everyone else here I am invested in Merry. The first two books took me on a rollar coaster ride and I couldnt wait to get to the next book. Now i'm just wishing the end would HURRY up and get here. How about a book that goes somewhere? Better yet, how about a book at all. I think somewhere along the way LKH lost the plot and forgot why she was writing this story. I hope she finds it again. But from now on, I will wait till it goes to paperback and get it at the discount bin. I'm tired of spending 17-25 dollars of my hard earned money for this one - two scene crapola.

Its an exciting book that leaves you breathless literally. when its finnish your upset because you never want it to end.

Ok, this book just confirms it for me, LKH is a money hungry #$#$%!. She's no longer concerned with finishing this damn storyline. As long as people are shelling out $$ she doesn't seem to care that her books are not even worth a #$%# anymore. AND another thing, stop with Merry being tight. I'm sorry, she stopped being tight after the first book. I mean come on, I know it's fiction but the woman just had back to back sex with 2 men about what an hour before Sholto and I'm suppose to believe that she's so tight.... Pulleezee.. I am soooo happy I only spent $3 for the hardcover (used book) or I would have been really pissed. I mean, this book is sooo tiny and to add insult to injury, half of the book is about 1 sex scene, ONE FREAKING SEX SCENE. COME ON.

Like many reviewers, I think this book was too short and filled with way too much sex and not enough plot. The reason I actually read this far in the series is that right from the start, I've been fascinated by the character of Sholto. He was a character with terrible beauty and really seemed to break the mold of the other guards. And I'll admit, I was incredibly curious to see what a full sex scene would be like with him given all his "extras".

So, for me, the most disappointing part of this book was that when Merry finally does get around to having sex with him, it's only after all of his tentacles have been completely amputated. LKH seems to pride herself on "edgy" books, but I really feel like it was a cop out to mutilate the character of Sholto just long enough for Merry to have sex with him (because of course he is magically restored right after the sex is done).

For me, the only interesting part of this book was the Wild Hunt at the end, where we finally get a reprieve from boring sex scenes and get to see some action.

I read this book in one day. I just couldn't wait to get it over with. There was just way too much self-analysis/self-doubt/self-hating, to the point of it taking up pages. This story just didn't grap me and I was so looking forward to it. I will read Hunter's Prayer, hopefully Jill won't be so pathetic in that book. I found Jill's character to be very depressing. Lilith is very good at describing a tortured soul but at some point the character has to be strong on the inside as they are on the outside. Without that it just seems like pages of whining flash backs.

Jill Kismet is the sort of heroine we can all get behind. The book is action packed, but heart felt. It shows a world where the unexplained is dealt with by professionals, in tandem with regular law enforcement. Not the usual separation of the human and the otherworldly. When things go bump in the night, Jill is called in, so ordinary people can go on blissfully unaware. Throw in an odd symbiotic relationship with a demon, and a crush from an FBI werecat, and the story is complex and hard to put down.

I enjoyed this book.

It had the right amount of action and movement to keep me interested until the end.

If you go expecting War and Peace, you'll be disappointed. But if all you want is a fast paced read, this might be the book for you.

This is the first book I have read by Lilith Saintcrow. I felt that Jill Kismet was one tough Hunter and kicked some major booty. She is a demon slayer and performs exorcisms. She has silver charms in her hair and wears leather pants and a leather trench coat, she also has a backup coat. She has been marked by a demon, he gave her some extra powers and she has to visit him once a month. Her former lover and teacher Mikhail is dead, he was killed by a demon.

Jill is on the hunt for a rogue were and a hellbreed woman that are together. She has friends from the FBI that are also hunting for them, her FBI friends are were. They bring along a friend with them, his name is Saul, he is an American Indian and also a Were and her one friend asked if he can crash at Jills house. Jill says it is okay and Saul cleans up her house and cooks for her, they kiss, could this be the beginning of a romance?

You should read the book to find out what else happens in the book, otherwise I will give away the entire story. I did enjoy the book though and I plan on reading the second book in the series, Hunter's Prayer, it is coming out in August or Sept 2008.

Ok, I loved the first Dante Valentine books, in fact I liked books 2 and 3 better than the first one. Then came book 4 and 5, which I wanted pitch across the room and couldn't finish either one! I was so hoping for a fresh start with Night Shift. I'm almost afraid to say, that I really liked this new series, for fear of jinxing it! Yes, Jill Kismet is very similiar to Dante's character, but I'm hoping that she doesn't turn out to be the winey, neurotic mess that Dante ended up being. I love the character of Saul and the other were's, and I even liked Jill, giving her the benefit of the doubt. Perry's character just plain creeped me out at times! The scene (which I won't detail with a spoiler) about the funeral pyre, literally almost made me cry! I am hesitantly waiting for the next in the series. Hoping against hope that Jill 'Kismet' will NOT share Dante's 'fate' and make me want to shred future books!
I would definately recommend this one.

In the newest installment into the world of the Darkyn, we revist Valentin Jaus, who once again finds love, even if he's not looking for it.

My greatest grievance for this novel is the pace. I do not feel that there was an adequate chance to develop Lilling's character, and though the focus seems to be on Jaus, he is not explored either.

Viehl has many different storylines occuring in this novel. Regrettably, there seem to be so many that nothing can be adequately tied up in one book.

It is still a good foray with her characters, but not one of my favorites.

What I love about Lynn Viehl's Darkyn series is that it can be so dark, o morbid, and so true to life and yet be paranoraml enough that it still remains fantasy--and not an invasion on my wish to escape reality with a good book.

Twilight Falls was a really entertaining read. I was sorry to see it end.

The Darkyn novels are such a great read. Before I'm even finished I'm wishing the next one is already out. You will not be disappointed if have read the others in the series. BUy, Buy, BUY

Her gift allows Liling Harper to heal in ways that defy medical explain, but can she heal the broken heart of an immortal Darkyn Lord? Against all odds, the woman Valentin Jaus loved survived being infected with his blood, though it should have killed her. When he meets Liling, he finds someone desperately in need of help only he can give. There are those who want to use the young woman for all the wrong reasons, who see her as nothing more than an experiment. Keeping her safe makes V alerting;'s heart long to open and love her, but does he dare?

*** Twilight Fall is a moving story, but I strongly suspect that you need to have read the prior five books in the series to truly appreciate it. Some of the terminology and mythos was difficult to follow as a result of. Ms. Viehl makes a good use of language and showcases the diversity of her characters effectively, and one cannot help but appreciate the beauty of her writing. There is one scene that sensitive readers may wish to skip as it edges towards vulgarity, but as it does not contribute to the plot, this should not be a problem. ***


Amanda Killgore for Huntress Reviews

Viehl has added another satisfying story to her vampire series. I wish we saw a bit more of Val and Liling and a bit less of Alex, Cyprian, and JohnCrazy. And maybe there's a tad too much medical jargon, but it makes sense considering who the characters are and what they're facing. It's still an enjoyable read because I like those characters. (Okay, maybe not John.) Best of all, Viehl is still writing in the same genre in which she began: intelligent, multilayered, paranormal romance.

My son loves reading these books. It is a great way to get him interested in reading.

The release of Star Wars books for young people has always been related to a theatrical promotion. In a world that has a seen all six films, a new wave of DK Readers is much appreciated. It gives us comfort that even though the movies are finished, the Star Wars experience isn't completely 'done.' As the title suggests, "Ready, Set, Podrace!" looks into the world of podracing. Most of the book offers an overview of the sport. Topics include pilots, the racetrack, pit droids and some racers like Sebulba. The book finishes up by introducing the Boonta Eve event that Anakin Skywalker raced to win his emancipation. In this sense, a nice accompaniment would be "Anakin's Race for Freedom" and "Anakin's Pit Droid." In terms of the illustrations, the vast majority were lifted from "the Phantom Menace" film. While the pictures are high quality, the writing is also good. Key terms are introduced with accompanying pictures. These concepts are reviewed in the glossary. This new series has books for most levels of elementary readers. This title is best suited to readers on a second grade level. "Ready, Set, Podrace!" offers an exciting look into galaxy's most dangerous sport.

A good start to a series I think will be a real sizzler. If you like supernatural abilties mixed with uncontrolable passion.

"Bound by Shadow," was a good start to a series, and Anna Windsor writes both action and love scenes reminicient of Cheyenne McCray.

The Dark Crescent Sisterhood wasn't incredibly detailed however, so it will be interesting of the author will divulge more details on the history of their organization and conception.

The story begins w/ NYPD cop, Creed and his partner investigation a murder. During his investigation he meets w/ Riana and her Sybil Warrior Priestess sisters. Riana is charge of the Earth element, Cynda is Fire, and Merilee is the Wind. Creed charges in to their house one evening thinking to help them from a strange demon attack, but ends up being interrogated by 3 leather clad women while he hangs bound from their Sister's ceiling buck naked. The sisters are fighting a long war against the Legion Demons. What the Legion are fighting for or what the entire purpose of the war is not really explained. The Legion recruits people to create demons in their fight w/ the sisers.

The plot is a little weak and could use some more meat, but the writing I thought was very smooth and well written. I enjoyed it and will look up this author's Ellora Cave ebooks in the future.

I read this book back to back w/ "Bound by Flame," unfortunately the followup book did not meet expectations.

I am wary of a series that comes out as fast as this one. It's usually a number to things but they tend to be not thought out well and I think it lacks the fan input. Not that authors ask what they should write next but the reaction of fans is important. Well, I have only read the first book so far but it's a pretty good start. The concept isn't new but the relationship with the characters and the struggle with the Legion is authentic feeling. I feel like a lot of romance authors throw their couple together in a matter of hours and expect us to believe they fell in love that fast but with Riana and Creed they spent weeks together. There was a build up of events that worked smoothly to the conclusion at the end of the book and it left me looking forward to the next one.

This was one of the best new paranormals that I have read in a long time. The characters and plot were well written. I accidently happened on this book and thought it looked interesting but I was a bit concerned about reading an author I had never heard of. Boy, was I wrong! Another reviewer mentioned that "it's hard not to get wrapped up in the sheer beauty and power of the world the author created..." She was spot on! I was so wrapped up in it I finished the book in one night, couldn't put it down! I was also concerned at first that since the author had written 'erotica' all I would be reading was sex, sex and more sex. Yes there was some pretty hot sex, but it all balanced out into a very wonderful tale. I couldn't wait for the next book in the series. I'm just sorry that it's only a trilogy. Maybe if we beg hard enough, we'll get more????

I gave it 130 pages and gave up. It was boring. The sex in the holding cell was not worth $6.99 and why agree to go into the holding cell.
A plot, a plot, a kingdom for a plot. Books two and three are not on my list.

My son loved the book; Jack and Annie's adventures are amazing. You have to have read the series from the beginning to understand everything is going on. I am an adult and i still enjoy these stories, great books.

My 1st grader hates to put it down, he would rather read Magic Tree House books, than play video games. He even reads them to his class and explains the story for show and tell. In his kindergarten class the teacher would also let him read the Magic Tree House books out loud, not to give her a break, but to promote reading out loud. Great books!

I am not sure what else my 6 yrs old son has stayed with for so long! We read a chapter every night at bedtime. He looks forward to it every night. He has enjoyed very book and he gets excited for the next one. We are up to #26 now and he shows no sign of losing interest!

He has learned about earthquakes, Roman empire, Shakespeare, Indians, American Revolutionary war, etc.

Excellent series...entertaining and educational.

This whole series is absolutely "the best" ! In our family, children under eight have loved listening to each of them as read-alouds, and as they get older, they've devoured them again while reading on their own. Each one is a guaranteed hit as a birthday or holiday gift too.

Good Morning gorillas
Good Morning Gorillas is by Mary Pope Osborne. In this magic tree house book, the main Characters are Jack and Annie is in the rain forest. This book is about jack and Annie meeting a little gorilla who leads them to his family and becoming close friends. What I think the author is saying is you can become friends with animals. I can't tell my favorite part because it's the end and I don't want to give away the ending. But even though it was sad I loved it. I think it would be a good book for people who love animals.
-Michelle, 9

I have read many of LMBs books and enjoyed them immensely, including the first two Sharing Knife books. I was excited about this third volume but have found it slow paced with mundane detail. I have read over half of it and find it so lackluster I can hardly pick it up. hopefully the other reviews will give me the encouragement to finish it and be able to write a more positive review.

The third novel in the Sharing Knife series is a solid and entertianing continuation. This book follows the travels of Fawn and Dag from Dag's lakewalker camp down what is basicly the Ohio river to the ocean. They introduce several new characters and Dag learns more about both the extent of his powers and of the extent of the tension between the lakewalkers and farmers.

The joy in these novels is the way that Bujold can write such an entertaining and novel and keep up tension in what is mostly domestic situations. Her accoplishment with these novels reminds me of the camp sceanes that dominate the Lord of the Rings. As much as everyone remembers the big battle sceanes it is the time around the campfire and the characters cooking and telling stories that really held those novels together.

The novel ends with another small battle with a resolution that was both suprising and a little bit disurbing, and as always Bujold doesn't shy away from the questions that come as a result. Overall this is an excellent book that leaves me looking foward to the next one.

Passage is the third volume in this series, preceded by Beguilement and Legacy, a fantasy story about a world where social division has been so entrenched as to create massive misunderstandings on both sides, and of course Ms Bujold adds in a Romeo & Juliet romance layer for embellishment. I've read all but one of Bujold's books, and have grown to adore her work. Her world-building, characterization, and plotting are superb, and it is no wonder she is writer guest of honor at the 2008 World Science Fiction Convention--her work truly is amazing. I get lost in her stories and don't want to come out, and have to go back and reread just for another fix!

Okay, if you haven't read the first two books of THE SHARING KNIFE, you should read those prior to reading Passage even though this can stand alone--you just get a better feel for the world-building and characterization that way. But in brief, the land has bad spots in it where blight bogles ruin everything, and all good farmers know that's when you do call in one of those strange Lakewalkers, and pay his fee...and be nice until he leaves. Lakewalkers have a tendency toward rudeness since farmers are totally ignorant about the malices Lakewalkers fight so hard against. In the first books, Lakewalker patroller Dag meets up with farmer girl Fawn Bluefield in the middle of a malice incursion. They fall in love, then battle not only more malices but the disfavor of both farming and Lakewalker communities to the point where, at the end of Legacy, Dag and Fawn decide to become their own community for awhile.

So begins Passage, where Dag and Fawn take a honeymoon boating down the Grace River. Of course more than one person ends up tagging along with them, for one reason or another, as Dag and Fawn not only heal from previous wounds but Dag also learns more about his groundsense while pursuing his goal of fixing the world of its ignorance. More malices could be out there, and he wants the people prepared. His experiences are horrific, yet there are horrors of a more human kind to experience too.

The reader gets a sense of community and companionship able to stand up to the unknown, a sense which turns pages and glues the book to one's hands. THE SHARING KNIFE is highly recommended for anyone who appreciates good literature and great storytelling. Oh, and if you want to know What a Sharing Knife is, I'll let you get it out of the books, for the rich details are better absorbed that way--definitely a worthwhile read.

This book is an excellent carry-on of the previous two novels. Most of it takes place on the river to the sea this time, and the characters are just as much fun and getting more complicated and clever all the time. It even appears that Fawn and Dag may be forming the beginnings of their own clan! Enjoy this..... it sounds like there are more in the works.

This is the third book in this series. LMB does her usual fine job of developing the charaters until you feel you know them well. Like real-life people, the characters never stop changing. I truly hope Ms. Bujold continues this series a bit further. Her answers to evolving social change could prove insightful for all of us.

The writing quality here is so well done, but that is exceedingly rare.

Want another mythology you can enjoy? Try Branson Mull's work in Fable Haven. Book 1 setup up the mythology; book 2 builds skillfully on that foundation. Turns, twists, possible betrayels...good stuff.

I bought this book when i was working for border's as another light read, and although i liked the firat in the series better, I still fell in love with it. It was exciting and detailed and well written. Finally Seth does something stupid with good intentions instead of selfish ones. We get to meet the brownies. And we also get to see more of dale and his brother clearing up alot of unanswered questions about dale and his bleak outlook we've seen before. Oh, and we get to see my favorite puppet again, yes i am a mendigo freak (for those of you who havent read the first book, mendigo is a limberjack, google it if you want more info). I had wierd and funny dreams three nights in a row after reading this and it all togeather gave me a warm fuzzy satisfied feeling throughout and after.
End Strange unorganized rant...

As a result of being touched by fairy magic, Kendra is now the center of attention from the Society of the Evening Star. After trying to kidnap her and Seth, they escape back to Fablehaven, where they must try and secure one of the five keys to a prison holding an ancient demon - before the Society of the Evening Star does! On the way they have to defeat a demon intent on devouring Seth and figure out who the traitor is bent on stealing the key!

If you get this book, get #3 as well - Grip of the Shadow Plague. You won't be able to stop reading until both are done!

I couldn't wait for kendra to get her next powers. As I finished the first book and awaited the next book I wondered who was going to save the day next. It was suspenseful. It was like a mystery thriller wih the question, "who sent who to their deaths?" The author gave a description about what humans thought as true myths and reshaped those myths into his own evil monsters and fit them into his story. 1 or 2 of the few pictures will probably freak you out. This book is a must read.

Seth and Kendra Sorenson are looking forward to another summer visit to Fablehaven with their grandparents who are really caretakers of a preserve for magical creatures. However, Fablehaven's magical mayhem comes to them as a fairy creature appears in their school, and a mysterious group bent on the destruction of magical preserves, the Society of the Evening Star, targets the kids at home. Seth and Kendra head for Fablehaven for protection, but also to help solve a mystery that could be a greater threat to Fablehaven than they faced last summer. New characters, new mysteries, and a bigger view of Brandon Mull's magical world make "Fablehaven: Rise of the Evening Star" a must read. Not only is this a fast paced, fun read, it also has some good lessons to learn about obedience, authority, decision making, and courage without being preachy. Just like the first installment in this series, I can't wait until my kids are old enough to read this. The action and other aspects may be a bit intense for kids under 10, but adolescents and teens will love this one. Parents will love it, too!