Science Fiction Fantasy Books

Stella the Star Fairy is all in a flutter, trying to put the sparkle into Christmas. Stella looks after all the special Christmas lights - from the overhead illuminations,to the Christmas tree fairy lights, right through to the twinkling stars. Three magic Christmas baubles control all of these elements but now Jack Frost's goblins have stolen them. There's not going to be any Christmas atmosphere and Santa won't even be able to guide his sleigh through the night sky. Stella the Star Fairy needs Rachel and Kirsty's help to get the baubles back.

My daughters love this series!
I got a whole hour to myself each day when they started reading these books!

this product was mailed to me quickly and I'm very happy with the service I recieved

(I read the first 3 Charlie Bone books, so this review is probably more of an indictment of the entire series in general rather than any one book in particular.)

It will be immediately obvious to anyone who reads the back cover that this entire series is nothing more than a Harry Potter knockoff. Personally, I don't have a problem with this. Congruent themes - or even glaringly overt similarities - between novels and/or characters is fine with me. Ergo, just as there is room in my heart for both Superman and Captain Marvel, Aquaman and Submariner, there is room for both HP and the endless series of inevitable clones that followed it.

That said, Charlie Bone falls well short of the Potter series in a number of ways. Like any xeroxed item, imperfections that were barely noticeable in the original (ie, the HP books) become gross and compounded in a copy. If I laid out all the flaws I'd be here all day, so I will just highlight a few.

First the characters seem underdeveloped. They all come across as simple constructs, and mostly one-dimensional. This leads to a fair amount of predictability in the series. In fact, with this series, readers will be able to see around corners in a sense because the level of predicatability is so high that you will know well in advance exactly what's coimg and exactly how things will shake out.

Next, all of the major characters seem to behave in ways that are so abominably stupid that it's hard for readers to relate or empathize. Information that should be held private is blurted out indiscriminately at the first available opportunity, whereas vital information that should be shared is kept locked up like gold in Fort Knox. Examples:

1) Charlie's great-uncle is injured - purportedly dying - but rather than tell what happened to him (or who did it), he just mopes around saying, "I'm done for...he's killed me...{blah,blah,blah}" He does this for DAYS, mind you, during which time he has multiple conversations with Charlie. But every time Charlie asks what happend, it's "Later..." or "Another time..." or "Charlie, I'm done for..."

2) The cook at Charlie's school is a friend who tries to protect Charlie and his friends from danger. She has a secret room that she asks Charlie not to tell anyone about. Next thing you know, he's not only telling people but showing them how to get in!

3) An invisible boy is not chained to a wall, locked up, ensorcelled or enchanted, etc., but yet is "trapped" merely by being invisible and forced to serve the antagonists in the series. Yes, he can go anywhere he wants, he can speak to whomever he wants, etc. But he doesn't even go so far as to let his family know he is even alive and (except for being invisible) well.

4) One of the people living in Charlie's house is his evil paternal Grandmother. She is always working against Charlie's interests, and he knows this. Yet, he will still live critical items just lying around, knowing that she constantly looks around his room and goes through his things.

Finally, the series is quite unsatisfying in the sense that villains never get their comeuppance. They constantly seem to have Charlie & Company on the ropes, while landing solid body blows. The end result always seems to be more that Charlie ducked a punch rather than landed a jab of his own. I'm not sayimg that I expect the bad guys to be utterly defeated, but it seems that they never get even so much as a bloody nose.

On the positive side, the books are a fairly easy read. The average reader can probably get through one of these books in a weekend. There are glimpses of how great the series could have been: Charlie's power - the ability to hear and interact with people in photos (or paintings, etc) is novel enough to have taken the series in all kinds of interesting directions. Some of Charlie's classmates have interesting powers as well.

All in all, I would say that the series simply suffers from a lack of development. Maybe it was rushed out to ride on the Harry Potter wave before things died down. Regardless, I think this series had a great premise, but never reached its true potential.

I don't think I'd recommend this as a substitute or alternative to the Harry Potter books, but instead as a primer for some younger teens who aren't quite ready for Potter's world. Thematically is runs along a similar course: Boy who's lost his father in this case, comes to terms with the fact that he's has an extraordinary gift. Charlie is capable of looking at a photograph and hearing the voices within, and what was happening at the time the picture was taken. Soon his nasty Grandma Bone who is crafted from the same school of the Dursley's from Potter's world, ship him off to Bloor's Academy, a much less detailed and vague Hogwarts. A mystery is revealed that Charlie with his new friends must solve, while the various other characters align with either the good or the bad. Its charming, and engaging enough however simplistic much of the writing might be. Still for a younger teen there would be much to engross them, and with multiple subsequent books, the writing will hopefully mature along with Nimmo's protagonist.

This book has a good storyline but the book does not have any action. When that action does come, it is over in like a page. The author does a good job describing everything in detail but it does not give good details on the action parts.

This book is just a copy of Harry potter. I didn't like any of the characters, and the story is inconsistent. The characters are either pretty smart, or really stupid. There is no transformational arch, and people only like it because of it's similarities to Harry Potter. I would rather read the back of a shampoo bottle. I speak as a writer myself.

I was completely impressed with Allegra Goodman's newest book, The Other Side of the Island. Great writing, great characters, excellent plot...what more could a teen (or adult like me) ask for?!

Honor lives in a dystopian world, years in the future. Her parents move the family to Island 365, one of only a few habitable lands left after The Flood. An ethereal figure by the name of Earth Mother and her new Corporation, lead the governmental system on Island 365 and control the New Weather system, meaning they create their own sun, moon, sky patterns, etc. There are very specific rules families must follow and for the most part, everyone on the island follows them perfectly, making for a pretty happy society.

Unfortunately, once Honor's family gets settled in, she learns her parents are Unpredictable. They do not like to follow the rules and violate laws constantly. They won't pray to the Earth Mother and do not believe in her principals. Due to their indiscretions, Honor does not fit in with all the other children at school and feels she will do anything to change her outcast status. She begins to be the model Island 365 citizen and contemplates reporting her parents for not following rules. After an unspeakable tragedy falls on Honor, her only friend, Helix, lets her in on a secret he discovered and Honor begins a quest to make things right in her new world.

Most of us bloggers have a small place in our hearts for books on dystopian societies and believe me, with this one, you will not be disappointed in the least. It's fast paced, the characters are realistic and likable, and by the end you will be cheering Honor on wholeheartedly! A very impressive work!

This is a terrific book, both thought provoking and fast paced at the same time. I know my 'tween daughter will enjoy it, too. I hope there will be a sequel.

This is a book you will read over and over. This author has a way of creating stories that will last in your heart forever. Both the story and pictures are wonderful. A must have for all family libraries.

This should be the first book that you should get because it is probably the best way to describe a game that practically comes alive. It's impossible for animals to appear out of nowhere and for it to rain in the house, but this book is really good. I hope that you like it! -Sean, Nantucket, MA

"Jumanji" is a great book for some people, but a scary book for others. How can a game come true? If you believe in magic, the book will seem more real. If you read "Zathura" too, it will be even better. I would give ten stars if I could! Chris Van Allsburg creates some great books! If I had a chance to meet him I wouldn't miss the chance! -Nathalia, Grade 4, Nantucket, MA

Beaucoup board game beasties.

A silly kid's adventure after a game that is brought home gets a bit more real than virtual, and it isn't even your computer game Tron type deal. A basic board game as magical artifact and transport to adventure and danger, etc. Not really that interesting, but bearable enough for that sort of thing.

Jumanji and Zathura are exciting books. Jumanji and Zathura go go together well. They are both exciting. In Jumanji a boy and a girl find a game and play. When they are done they put it back where they found it. Then two boys take the game. They think Jumanji looks boring, but tucked inside the Jumanji box they find Zathura. Then there is a lot of action. These two books are awesome! I highly recommend them to kids of all ages. -SB

This novel, the first in a series about a young cadet/midshipman named Helfort, introduces a new military s-f series and a new universe. If one notes some strong similarities to other series of this ilk (I'm thinking of Honor Harrington, in particular) I must say that following the career of someone who has relatives in the Admiralty may seem a bit familiar, but, as usual, "the Devil is in the details", and the details of this universe and its characters are fresh and well-drawn, leading to a delightful experience as you watch a young man go through Hell and back. I believe this is a strong offering to that ever-burgeoning class of stories to which we owe C. S. Forrester and his Hornblower another vote of thanks.

I put this down after a few chapters. Everything seems a recapitulation of worn out SF. Characters are not likeable.

This book was pretty good, a nice start to the series. I liked how the main character is believable, as is everything that happened to his family. I hope the next one continues in this trend.

I really liked the first two thirds of the book since they lacked the usual tedious heroics. After that however the book reaches the main battle where the heroes as usual succeeds, against great odds, against the incompetent and technologically inferior enemy. After this boring part the book picks up again with a more interesting ending. Maybe it is a bit sentimental, but at least it showed that there is some cost to war. All in all a weak 4 stars.

It was a page turner. The author kept the technology within bounds, giving it sufficiently advanced capabilities to make it consistent with the time frame but not so fanciful that it flew in the face of common sense and challenged that oh-so-important willing suspension of disbelief. A very well balanced, thought out and believable extrapolation of modern warfare to the airless void. It did tend to be on the technical side and might not appeal to those who do not appreciate the mechanics of warfare in space but, at the same time, the characters are reasonably 3D and the relationships and story line sufficient to support the technical preoccupation. If I had to criticize, it would be that things were just a bit too uncomplicated to satisfy my personal experience of life. But what the hell, too much reality is a bore. I look forward to the second book in the series.

All of the Erin Hunter books are great! I just love them and have read them many times over. I am not a reader, I hate to read!!! But give me a Warrior series book and leave me alone for a few days. They are the best. Thanks Erin for opening up a new world for me.

The forest is in its darkest hour, and frightening new prophecies come up:
"Four will become two.
Lion and tiger will meet in battle,
and blood will rule the forest."

To find out if the Clans will survive this hardship, you have to read The Darkest Hour.
This fantasy novel, part of the ever-growing Warriors series, takes place in a forest near a highway, some time in 21st century mainland ("modern times"). There are four Clans in the forest: ThunderClan, RiverClan, ShadowClan, and WindClan. Fireheart (later known as Firestar) is the new leader of ThunderClan. He is described as a `handsome ginger tom", and like his name implies, he is brave and will stand up for whatever he thinks is right. Tigerstar, the vicious leader of ShadowClan, is a tyrant and will stop at nothing to take over the forest.
StarClan can be described as cat heaven or the cats living in cat heaven. When a cat becomes leader of his Clan, he receives nine lives from StarClan (get that: cats don't come with nine lives; they have to earn it): courage, justice, loyalty, tireless energy, protection, mentoring, compassion, love, and nobility, certainty, and faith. Of course, all this life receiving is very painful.
Something bad is coming to the forest, something bad enough to have its own prophecy. Firestar is sure this has to do with Tigerstar, but he can't really be sure. When Tigerstar brings up the idea of joint Clans, Firestar is convinced. How could he even mention the idea? There`ve always been four clans in the forest, and it's the will of StarClan to be that way, right? But Tigerstar is definitely hiding something here...
This fast-paced book was easier to read than maybe Brian Jacques' books but not so easy as Guardians of Ga'hoole. I think the theme would be courage. Yes. Stand up for what you believe in. The title is what it is because the Clans faced a looming crisis, bigger than even a forest fire. Erin Hunter uses lots of descriptive words to give you a good picture of what's going on in the novel, and keeps you reading until you're done. I think it showed some Christian perspective in one of StarClan's many visits to Firestar. Contrary to what the cats are taught, StarClan do not control everything; they give the Clans free will and don't force things onto them, kind of like God does.
I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to middle-school-and-up people who enjoy reading fantasy things or likes to contemplate what their cat might be dreaming of.

The forest is in its darkest hour, and frightening new prophecies come up:
"Four will become two.
Lion and tiger will meet in battle,
and blood will rule the forest."

To find out if the Clans will survive this hardship, you have to read The Darkest Hour.
This fantasy novel, part of the ever-growing Warriors series, takes place in a forest near a highway, some time in 21st century mainland ("modern times"). There are four Clans in the forest: ThunderClan, RiverClan, ShadowClan, and WindClan. Fireheart (later known as Firestar) is the new leader of ThunderClan. He is described as a `handsome ginger tom", and like his name implies, he is brave and will stand up for whatever he thinks is right. Tigerstar, the vicious leader of ShadowClan, is a tyrant and will stop at nothing to take over the forest.
StarClan can be described as cat heaven or the cats living in cat heaven. When a cat becomes leader of his Clan, he receives nine lives from StarClan (get that: cats don't come with nine lives; they have to earn it): courage, justice, loyalty, tireless energy, protection, mentoring, compassion, love, and nobility, certainty, and faith. Of course, all this life receiving is very painful.
Something bad is coming to the forest, something bad enough to have its own prophecy. Firestar is sure this has to do with Tigerstar, but he can't really be sure. When Tigerstar brings up the idea of joint Clans, Firestar is convinced. How could he even mention the idea? There`ve always been four clans in the forest, and it's the will of StarClan to be that way, right? But Tigerstar is definitely hiding something here...
This fast-paced book was easier to read than maybe Brian Jacques' books but not so easy as Guardians of Ga'hoole. I think the theme would be courage. Yes. Stand up for what you believe in. The title is what it is because the Clans faced a looming crisis, bigger than even a forest fire. Erin Hunter uses lots of descriptive words to give you a good picture of what's going on in the novel, and keeps you reading until you're done. I think it showed some Christian perspective in one of StarClan's many visits to Firestar. Contrary to what the cats are taught, StarClan do not control everything; they give the Clans free will and don't force things onto them, kind of like God does.
I really enjoyed this novel and would recommend it to middle-school-and-up people who enjoy reading fantasy things or likes to contemplate what their cat might be dreaming of.

Pre-teen and early teen girls love the series. It has my 10 year olds attention. She is reading like never before.

"Today is a good day to die, but tomorrow is better. Unless, those doing the dying are six foot, mutated chipmunks with blaster rifles. But I'm getting ahead of myself. I should start at the beginning. If you ask me, the end makes a fine beginning. Things come together and things fall apart, and the fur flies a little easier with the help of a Rolling Thunderä shotgun, as long as that fur isn't mine, and I'm the one pulling the trigger. Yep, it's a beautiful day in the neighborhood, but I ain't Mr. Rogers."

"But, I should introduce myself, you can call me Ishmael. Just kidding, bit of classical allusion there. Call me Hobo, warrior, poet, and one fine-looking feline, that's me. See, all cats are warriors, at least at heart, and that's why I'm the best one to introduce the series, Warriors."

Warriors is a book series first published in 2003 by Kate Cary and Cherith Baldry, under the pen name Erin Hunter, and introduced to me by cat and book lover Billy Waltz. The second series was written under the title Warriors: The New Prophecy. The third series, The Power of Three, and two more books, Firestar's Quest and Secrets of the Clans, are coming in 2007.

The series starts off with Into the Wild and a young "kitty pet"(house cat) name Rusty who yearns for adventure and has vivid dreams of the wilds. He meets a young feral cat, and this meeting leads to a chance to join a clan of wild cats called Thunderclan. He's renamed Firepaw and becomes an apprentice warrior. He finds himself in the middle of a tribal war with three other clans who coexist and compete for food and resources.

Allegiances are constantly shifting among the clans of warrior cats that roam the forest. With tensions so delicately balanced, former friends can become enemies overnight, and some cats are willing to kill to get what they want. Our young protagonist quickly moves from apprentice to warrior, to second-in-command, to leader of his clan. He must learn wisdom, deal with betrayal, and ultimately save his clan and the forest way of life.

The author has created an intriguing world with an intricate structure and mythology. There is intrigue, themes of loyalty, friendship and death, and an engaging young hero. The difficult life of a feral cat is described in some detail. (Oct. 16 is national feral cat day. Check out www.nationalferalcatday.org ) The cats, anthropomorphism aside, are true to their feline nature, which should delight cat and animal lovers alike. There is some violence. Some characters are killed through fighting and natural disasters, and there is treachery, betrayal and traitors, and even murder among the cats and clans, though it is crucial to the plot and not excessive.

Overall, I believe readers will find a fun-to-read series of books. Though not as elegantly written as Brian Jacques' Redwall series. The superb storytelling drew me into a realm so vivid that it could almost be real and I really came to care about the characters I found myself staying up late, with the old flashlight under the cover trick, to finish the books, and that Sand Storm sounds like a babe. Wonder what she's doing Saturday night? Hey, this cat is a fighter and a lover....

Author of "Hobo Finds A Home" editor "Of A Predatory Heart"

My two now grown daughters remember this book being at their Grandmother's. My Mother passed away last Fall and we couldn't find the book. When I saw it on amazon I hoped it would not be disappointing. I ordered three so we could all have one. We are all very pleased. It brings back some good memories.

This is a great book. I had a beat up old paperback copy and I wanted a new hardcover! I have it on my coffee table.

What a delightful fantasy book! The pictures are enchanting. The text is very imaginative. The artist has perfectly captured the author's thoughts in delightful pictures. This is a pictute book for adults than is funny, imangative, and very pleasurable to read. I highly recomend it. I gave it as a gift, but not before I read it.

My sister and I were given this book when we were kids in the '70s, so I recently bought it for my four-year-old. The book is written as if gnomes actually exist. The illustrations (watercolors? not sure) are absolutely beautiful. It made me seriously doubt gnomes' non-existence. And my son got the same giggle I did thirty thirty years ago when he discovered the "gnomes going potty" page. And the "mating cycle of gnomes" page ("They're nakeds!!!," he said.) Yup, they are.

I loved this book as a kid and it's still beautifully illustrated. I got it for my children but they're a bit young for it. They are 5 and 3 years. The Trolls are a bit scary looking. I think it's great for 7 and up.

It has always seemed rather strange to me that when people mention Niven, it is almost always in connection with his Known Space books or the Smoke Ring. The "Inferno" is kind of forgotten, although it is one of his best books. [this comment applies to the original version of "Inferno"; I haven't read this revised edition yet]

Renowned popular science-fiction writer Allen Carpentier makes a bet with his fans at a Los Angeles convention. Right out of War and Peace, he sits on the windowsill of a room on the hotel's eighth floor drinking a bottle of rum. About half way through he gags and falls out the window to his death.

When Allen lands after what seems like eternity to him, he is shocked that he can think though somehow he finds himself in some sort of brass bottle that he wonders if it is his coffin. Some big Italian who says to call him Benito frees him from his bottle prison and agrees to be his guide as Allen treks through the concentric circles of Hell.

This is more than a reprint of the 1976 homage to Dante as Larry Niven and Jerry Pournelle apparently revised some of the journey to "set the stage" for a sequel next year. Accompanying Allen and Benito on the trek is fun as they meet an assortment of sinners through the circles. Obviously still filled with adulation of Dante, INFERNO is a modern day faster and hipper version.

Harriet Klausner

this book is the best. whoever hasnt read this book must be crazy. im on the fifth book of the first prophecy and it is the best!! i love warriors books!!

this is a great book, which sucked me in so much that i have read every book in the series, thank you erin hunter!

Warriors #1: Into the Wild (Warriors)

This was a very fun book to read. It is about Rusty, a cat that wishes to catch a mouse. He leaves his home and joins a clan to save all the Warriors in it. He must please everyone in the clan. He must hunt for the clan and train to be a Warrior. His best friends in the clan are Graypaw and Rayvenpaw. The clan leader's name is Bluestar; they must always protect her. I loved reading this book and if you like cats you will love this book! I can't wait to get the second one!

Fire and Ice (Warriors, Book 2)

I had so much fun reading this with my 13 year old book after book, we laughed and cried at some of the endings! Erin Hunter has created a truly fascinating world of wild cats and their adventures. I can truely say I read these as loyally as I have read Harry Potter!

I don't even like cats and i loved this book! The author describes the characters very well. I have already read 6 of the series and each book leaves you on the edge and there is always something new. I give it two thumbs up.