Shades Of Gray: By Jackie Kessler and Caitlin Kittredge

SHADES OF GRAY

SUMMARY

AFTER THE FALL OF NIGHT

Jet and Iridium—best friends turned bitter enemies—teamed up to foil the evil plans of the rogue superhero known as Night, but in defeating him they inadvertently destroyed the secret Corp-Co transmitter whose frequency kept the metapowered heroes of the Squadron in line. Now these heroes have turned against New Chicago, ransacking the city they once protected.

Even worse, the powerful antisuperhero group known as Everyman has taken advantage of the chaos to fan the flames of prejudice against all superpowered men and women. Just when New Chicago needs them most, Jet and the small band of heroes who have remained on the right side of the law find themselves the targets of suspicion and outright hatred.

Things aren’t going much better for Iridium. When she springs her father, a notorious supervillain, from prison to help her fight the marauding ex-superheroes, she finds that Corp-Co still has some nasty tricks up its sleeve.

But when the most dangerous man alive, the sociopath known as Doctor Hypnotic, suddenly surfaces, Jet and Iridium will once again be called upon to set aside their differences. Yet in the process, deeply buried secrets will come to light that will change everything the former best friends think they know about each other and themselves.

REVIEW

Fans of Black and White will love this engaging sequel, Shades of Gray.

Shades of Gray helps answer many of the questions proposed in Black and White. This is sensational for fans of Black and White who were left with many questions at the end of the first book. Because of this readers who haven’t read Black and White should do so before trying to read Shades of Gray if they want to understand what’s going on.

Like Black and White Kittredge and Kessler have done an amazing job creating the world of New Chicago and its multidimensional characters. Jet and Iridium are amazingly well written and fans of the series really will get to see what makes each of them tick in this new book.

One of my favorite parts of Shades of Gray were the inter chapters where you get to see the past and what the old heroes were like. It was really interesting to watch the transition between hero and villain and what when through Archlight’s and Night’s minds. But even more impressive than that was the way everything was so eloquently pieced together. From the introduction of the new heroes, to the tidbits from the journal before each chapter, to the alternation between characters in the past and present. All of it was done beautifully and Kittredge and Kessler really outdid themselves when creating this book.

My only complaint was that it’s not over. The mysteries are not all solved and there’s even more questions now. But it was well written, filled with great action sequences, and an incredibly engaging book. All in all a must read for any fan of superheroes or anyone just looking for an engaging science fiction/fantasy book.

RATING

9 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Spectra

Published: June 22, 2010

Price: $16.00

Malice: By Chris Wooding

MALICE

SUMMARY

Everyone's heard of it...but nobody's read it. Luke, Seth, and Kady have heard all the stories about Malice--a secret comic about a strange, awful world full of tricks and traps, and overseen by a sinister master of ceremonies, Tall Jake. But if the rumours are to be believed, the children in this comic are real... Luke is the first to fall into this trap--and Seth and Kady are the next to follow. They have left our world and entered the sinister comic book. The question is--can they make it out alive? From acclaimed author, Chris Wooding, a novel that's half fact, half comic--and all thrills.

REVIEW

Before I say anything else about Malice I have to admit that it is a great idea for a book and Wooding has done an amazing job with it.

In fact one of my only real complaints for the book is that Wooding did too good of a job.

What I mean by this is that Malice was to too intense and scary for me. It is incredibly well written, and combines key elements of horror, mystery, adventure, and fantasy into this action packed comic-book novel. And I couldn’t handle it, some may easily enjoy Wooding’s recent series.

Wooding does an excellent job of combining comic adventures into the novel, breaking up the story into accessible pieces that comic book fans and boys especially will love.

My other problem with the book was that I had trouble keeping some of the characters straight. Wooding introduces a good number of characters at the beginning of the book, and doesn’t bother expanding them until after some of them start dying.

And die they do. If you are squeamish then this is not the book for you. In fact think of this book as saw in comic/novel format. And I think this is the perfect way to recommend this book, for those that this description sounds interesting, I would recommend it, and for everyone else I wouldn’t. It’s as simple a that.

RATING

5 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Scholastic Inc.

Published: August 1, 2010

Price: $8.99

Plain Kate: By Erin Bow

PLAIN KATE

SUMMARY

Plain Kate lives in a world of superstitions and curses, where a song can heal a wound and a shadow can work deep magic. As the wood-carver's daughter, Kate held a carving knife before a spoon, and her wooden charms are so fine that some even call her "witch-blade" -- a dangerous nickname in a town where witches are hunted and burned in the square.

For Kate and her village have fallen on hard times. Kate's father has died, leaving her alone in the world. And a mysterious fog now covers the countryside, ruining crops and spreading fear of hunger and sickness. The townspeople are looking for someone to blame, and their eyes have fallen on Kate.

Enter Linay, a stranger with a proposition: In exchange for her shadow, he'll give Kate the means to escape the town that seems set to burn her, and what's more, he'll grant her heart's wish. It's a chance for her to start over, to find a home, a family, a place to belong. But Kate soon realizes that she can't live shadowless forever -- and that Linay's designs are darker than she ever dreamed.

REVIEW

Plain Kate is an interesting book.

It started out with one plot line, moved on to another even more interesting plot line, and then finally to another concluding plot line. Each of these changes brought more and more excitement to the book and yet also changed it into something else. This final version of the book was not remotely like the beginning of the book at all, and yet wasn’t bad.

To discuss the book the best way is to dissect its three parts.

The first section of the book tells the story of Kate, her father, and how she is thrown out of the city. At this point in the book there is no magic, and it seems like Kate and her father are living during the Salem Witch Trials. Kate lives in hardship and misery, but she lives. This section ends and the next section begins with her escaping persecution in the city and making a deal with a witch.

While the first section holds no magic and is by far the slowest of the three sections it holds a steady pace and it’s in this section of the book that you really get to know the character Kate and get a feeling for the setting of the story. It is sad but Bow narrates the story in such a way that Kate’s father passing (something that happens in the beginning of the book) and other sad events, seem like a matter of fact instead of true grief or depressing points.

In the second section of the story, the reader will be shocked to learn that there really is magic in this world. Kate has sold her shadow to a man offering her a way out and her hearts deepest wish. It is here that we are introduced to the newest, and in my opinion, best character of the book, Taggle the cat. Taggle is a cat Kate saved as a kitty after her father died, and it is through the selling of her shadow that Taggle is granted the wish of talking. Taggle is strong, true, and a beautifully written character. He sounds both like a cat would (if cats could talk), and yet sounds wise and humorous at the same time. He is a great companion and the best character of the book.

The second section also introduces the Roamers, a gypsy like people who go from town to town trading horses, jewelry, and other trinkets. They reluctantly take Kate in, and we meet other charters such as Drina and Stivo. Drina is one of my least favorite characters of the book, she is a chld close to Kate’s age who acts like she wants to be grown up and be like her mother, but when things go horribly wrong she doesn’t have the sense or courage to fix them or take responsibility. I can’t say what happens without ruining the book but her actions and stupidity are cause the turning point to the final section of the book.

The third and final section of the book reintroduces the witch Kate sold her shadow to in the first part of the book. It ties up why things are happening and really introduces more excitement to the story. I liked this third section, until the very end. I felt the actions that occurred seemed ridiculous and Drina again seemed small, whiny, and stupid and yet the author tried to make her seem wise and sage like, but failed in this regard.

This book is an interesting and sad story that shouldn’t necessarily be read to children before bed time. It has aspects of both Flowers for Algernon and Stardust, and tries to tie in many different story lines, creating the possibility for readers to get annoyed with the drastic changes in the book. Yet these changes also bring about more excitement, revitalizing the book each time. So it ultimately depends on the reader, if you are looking for something that you will be able to guess and understand from the very beginning, then this is not the book for you. But if you are looking for something different, possibly something more or less up the alley of a soft fantasy book, but with a twist then this may be just what the doctor ordered. That said, this is not a mystery, just an interesting young adult fantasy that offers up an endearing sidekick, a sad heroine, and a grand adventure filled with sadness. Ultimately a good book for middle school and early high school kids.

RATING

7.5 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Arthur A. Levine Books

Published: September 1, 2010

Price: $17.99

The Last Stormlord: By Glenda Larke

THE LAST STORMLORD

SUMMARY

Shale is the lowest of the low-an outcast from a poor village in the heart of the desert. In the desert water is life, and currency, and Shale has none. But he has a secret. It's the one thing that keeps him alive and may save all the cities of the Quartern in the days to come. If it doesn't get him killed first...

Terelle is a slave fleeing a life as a courtesan. She finds shelter in the home of an elderly painter but as she learns the strange and powerful secrets of his art she fears she may have traded a life of servitude for something far more perilous...

The Stormlord is dying in his tower and there is no one, by accident or design, to take his place. He brings the rain from the distant seas to his people. Without a Stormlord, the cities of the Quartern will wither and die.

Their civilization is at the brink of disaster. If Shale and Terelle can find a way to save themselves, they may just save them all. Water is life and the wells are running dry...

REVIEW

The Last Stormlord is a long book about a desert like civilization on the precipice of civil war. It is filled with politics, action, and build up… Lots and lots of build up. This is the first book in the series and as such has to set the stage for the remaining books. That said quite a bit happens in The Last Stormlord, and yet the story is far from complete.

Larke has no problem killing off important characters and as such readers should not get to comfortable or connected to any of the characters. The story is broken up into different characters perspectives giving the story in full through multiple eyes. It is exciting, gripping, and captivating, making it almost impossible for a reader to put this book down. In fact because of its compelling nature, The Last Stormlord will have even the most experienced readers wanting to skim ahead to see what happens to the characters and situations.

All in all The Last Stormlord is an engaging book that many fantasy readers will love. Larke has a great voice and the story is both well written and intriguing. The politics does run a little deep, and the story is long, but for those willing to put in the time and effort this is a fantastic book just waiting to be read.

RATING

8.5 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Orbit

Published: March 1, 2010

Price: $7.99

Erec Rex and The Search For Truth: By Kaza Kingsley

EREC REX: THE SEARCH FOR TRUTH

SUMMARY

IN BOOK 3 OF THE EREC REX SERIES, Erec is faced with even more daunting tasks, choices, and dangers. Not only does the latest contest to become king appear to be a suicide mission, but it means more than just winning the crown of Alypium; if Erec doesn't succeed, then Upper Earth could disappear forever. So Erec must set out to retrieve the five Awen from their mystical hiding places and unite them, a herculean undertaking that has laid waste to all those who have attempted it. Before this can be completed, Erec will have to put a great friend in mortal danger and decide if that friend's life is worth the survival of Upper Earth. To succeed, he must face inner battles, passions, friendships, deadly missions, and daring risks in this breathtaking adventure.

REVIEW

Often when a very successful novel comes out, there are a number of authors who invariably come out with a similar work right after the first series’ success. This was the case with Twilight and vampires, The Hunger Games and dystopian fantasy, and in this case Harry Potter and The Erec Rex series.

That said, while Erec Rex does seem to replicate many aspects of Harry Potter, and some might say it’s inferior because it does copy some of the themes and features of Rowling’s infamous series, it is by no means a bad book.

Yes, there are parts of the Erec Rex series that feel like they’ve been in other books, but that does not mean they are not well written or interesting. Erec Rex is instead a fun read for middle school readers. It is filled with magic, action, quests, and mysteries galore.

In Erec Rex and the Search For Truth, Kingsley finally picks up the pace with the quests, putting two quests into the 3^rd book, instead of the single quest found in books 1 and 2. This, along with Erex learning more about his powers with his dragon eyes brings even more excitement and action to The Search for Truth, making it fun and enjoyable.

That said, The Search for Truth, like many of the other books in the series is a little weak in dialog. Through some of the chapters I felt like shouting, who says this? Yet, with that complaint out of the way The Search for Truth does improve on some other aspects from its pervious books. Such as opening up the plot of the series more, allowing Erec to expand his character and other characters such as Baskania to expand as well.

All in all while critics and readers a like may feel Erec Rex isn’t the most original series, it is still an entertaining fun read, that’s great for middle school children.

RATING

7 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Simon & Schuster Children's Publishing

Published: July 6, 2010

Price: $8.99

Will: By Maria Boyd

WILL

SUMMARY

THE CRIME

It all started when Will mooned the girls' school bus. It wasn't his finest moment. And it's the last time William Armstrong will sully the St. Andrew's community, says Principal Waddlehead-er, Waverton.

THE PUNISHMENT

That's when a teacher worried about Will's home situation comes up with an idea. Why not let Will, a talented guitarist, give back to the school in a progressive manner? Why not have him play in . . . THE SCHOOL MUSICAL?

THE MUSICAL

Now Will is stuck in the school production of The Boy Friend. He's a laughingstock, and he has to give up his weekends for a show set at a girls' finishing school.

THE PLAYERS

There's the trombone-playing seventh grader who proclaims himself Will's best friend and refuses to leave his side. Then there's the undeniably attractive leading lady. Although she might be in love with her costar, the new football hero (and dazzling singer!).

REVIEW

If I had relied solely on the blurb and summary of Will then probably wouldn’t have read this book.

But something about it caught my eye, prompting me to give it a chance before condemning it as a poorly written young adult book.

And I have to say I’m happy I made that decision.

While not immediately what you would expect from a pink book about a kid forced to be in the school musical, Will is a fun and exciting read. It has endearing characters, a decently fast paced plot, and a unique style of writing.

Will honestly caught me off guard with the formatting of the dialogue, but once I had read about 10 pages I was easily able to decipher what was going on, and had by that time completely become enveloped with the story.

One of the most engaging aspects of Will though, was it’s ability to build certain issues, such as Will’s father’s death, and show the slow transformation that occurred in Will through out his stint in the musical. Reader’s will really be amazed with this transformation and the anguish Boyd is able to portray is Will, and by the end of the book readers of all ages will be happy, yet not bored with the conclusion.

In conclusion, Will offers up a unique and talented writing style, with endearing and likable characters that readers of all ages will be able to feel a sense of connection with, and a fast paced plot sure to entertain even the most hesitant reader. Making this a great read for teens and adults alike.

RATING

8.5 out of 10

INFO

Publisher: Knopf Books for Young Readers

Published: July 13, 2010

Price: $16.99

Touch Blue: By Cynthia Lord

TOUCH BLUE

SUMMARY

The state of Maine plans to shut down her island’s schoolhouse, which would force Tess’s family to move to the mainland--and Tess to leave the only home she has ever known. Fortunately, the islanders have a plan too: increase the numbers of students by having several families take in foster children. So now Tess and her family are taking a chance on Aaron, a thirteen-year-old trumpet player who has been bounced from home to home. And Tess needs a plan of her own--and all the luck she can muster. Will Tess’s wish come true or will her luck run out?

REVIEW

With carefree enthusiasm, Touch Blue tackles the subjects of adoption of acceptance. And while not easy subjects to discuss Touch Blue does an excellent job of describing how jarring it would be to move from one home to the next without secure knowledge that this new home will be the last.

Not only that but Cynthia Lord does an excellent job of dealing with these issues in a clean and appropriate manor. Children and adults alike will approve this message as it teaches how to accept one another, the importance of moving on, and how to deal with change all in the short 192 pages it Touch Blue.

Yet, while Touch Blue touches on these issues with grace and deftness it is most certainly aimed at a younger crowd. Instead of the usual preteen and young adult book that deals with these issues, Touch Blue is most certainly aimed for elementary age kids. It is simple in its plot, easy to foresee the conclusion, and contained 2-D characters, such as the antagonist, Eben.

And still it is a good book for its intended audience. And while I wouldn’t recommend it to anyone looking for explosions or a fast paced novel it most certainly completes its goal as a sensitive engaging novel for 3^rd-6^th graders.

RATING

7 out of 10 (for ages 9-13)

INFO

Publisher: Scholastic Press

Published: August 1, 2010

Price: $16.99