Book Reviews Part 3

[kikotei]

Okay, finally starting to put these books I've read up.  I literally c & p'ed these out of the book blog I run for work with one of the other girls, I just don't have the energy to redo them right now, I only added where books were part of a series if it wasn't included in my review. If you wanna read our original posts plus ones for books my co-worker read you can read them here.

More coming in a bit.

Wrath of the Bloodeye by Joseph Delaney

The Fiend is now free in the world, and the Spook believes that Thomas Ward, his apprentice, is still a target. Tom is sent to one Mr. Gregory’s only apprentices to pass, Bill Arkwright. Mr. Gregory is hoping that Arkwright can teach Tom some of the other skills he’s going to need. But Bill Arkwright has demons of his own, and spends a great deal of time taking his anger and frustration out on Tom.

Just as Tom and Arkwright are finding ways to work together without killing each other, they run across a truly dangerous water witch, Morwena, daughter of the Fiend. The two set off to track her down to her lair, but along the way Arkwright falls prey to Morwena’s Bloodeye. Now Tom must find Mr. Gregory before the Fiend catches up with him, but the Fiend’s powers are growing stronger and Tom must find a way to slow him down.

This fifth installment of the Last Apprentice series is nowhere near as scary as the previous books, but it is just as riveting. Tom’s curious nature lands him in trouble several times through out the book, just as much as his habit of being so self-sacrificing for the sake of his friends. Also Tom and Alice’s friendship will be put to the test again, but this time there may be nothing that Tom can do to keep Alice by his side.

Teen

The Battle of the Labyrinth by Rick Riordan

Percy, Annabeth, Grover and Tyson return again for a new quest. And this one may be the most dangerous they’ve ever faced. The threat from Luke and Kronos’ army becomes more immediate when Percy and Annabeth find a small hole in Camp Half-Blood’s defences, one that Luke knows about too. Annabeth then gets her first quest, attempt Daedalus’ labyrinth, locate the cranky inventor, and maybe while they’s at it, lob a monkey-wrench into Kronos’ plans. Toss in the son of Hades, a couple of greek vampire pretending to be cheerleaders, a cyclops with one hundred hands, an exploding volano and you’ve got what amounts to a typical quest when Percy Jackson is involved.

As always with this series, ‘Battle’ is an exciting romp through Greek Mythology. With each book Riordan grows more comfortable with the world he’s created and offers up new details that make his books so much fun. While it’s handy to be familiar with the names of the gods and demi-gods, it’s not necessary to enjoy the book.

Upper Juvenile/Teen

Outcast by Michelle Paver

The consequence for the terrible choice that Torak was forced to make in ‘Soul Eater’ has final come. Torak is cast out from the clans, tattooed and hunted like an animal. Sick and exhausted, Torak refuses the help of both his friend Renn and his cousin Bale, knowing that if they are caught helping him they will die along with him. But something is stirring in Lake Axehead, something that could destroy the clans utterly if Torak, Wolf, Renn and Bale can’t find a way to make the clans listen.

This fourth installment of the ‘Chronicles of Ancient Darkness’ series is just as enjoyable as the previous books. The characters are growing and changing. Secret that have been held close since the first book finally to come to light and choices will have to be made.

Upper Juvenile/Teen

City of Ashes by Cassandra Clare

Clary Fray and Shadowhunters return to the Big Apple for the sequel to ‘City of Bones’. Valentine has one of the Mortal Instruments, and now Downworlder children and teens are dying suddenly, completely drained of blood. The most likely suspect, Valentine of course. When another Mortal Instrument, the Soul-Sword, is stolen, Jace is immediately suspected because of his connection to Valentine. Clary, Simon, Jace and the other Shadowhunters must now stop both Valentine and his new horde of demons.

This book was not as good of a read as ‘City of Bones’, the potential that was built from the first book was essentially wasted in this volume. The book cannot be highly recommended, but readers who liked the first book may enjoy this volume. Unfortunately the writing is awkward and relies too heavily on inventive prose to save it from the poor writing. And the book and author are shadowed by past accusations plagiarism.

Teen

First Shot by Walter Sorrells

David Crandell is a senior in a private high school called The Arsenal, and he’s an appendix. Something completely useless when compared to his highly accomplished ancestors. The only thing David is good at is shooting, but when his chance of claiming the title First Shot are disrupted by a new student, David is at a loss to understand what happened. Especially when this ace shooter is a girl.

Just as David is coping with this, new details about his mother’s murder come to light. Now two years later the pieces and clues that his mother left behind are finally starting to come together. Will David help find the killer or will he push the wrong people too far and end up just like her?

Teen