Storm Front – Book 1 Dresden Files – By Jim Butcher

Jared, , 3 Comments

Hey Robert,

Remember back in 2007 when the Space channel had a new series called the Dresden Files. Well, they are also a series of books and Jim Butcher is a freaking book wizard.

DF01-StormFront-2000

Title: Storm Front
Series: The Dresden Files; Book 1
Author: Jim Butcher
Genre: Fantasy, Mystery, Private Investigator (PI)
Audience: You should find this in the adult fantasy section of the library.
ROTS Setting:
Synopsis: Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the “only” at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things—and most don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a—well, whatever. There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get interesting. Magic – it can get a guy killed. (summary from Goodreads)
Recommendation: I am so glad I asked people if this was a good series as books. Because I honestly don’t remember much from the TV series. Oh and it is good, we’ll see if is very good depending on how the next books turn out.

Continue reading “Storm Front – Book 1 Dresden Files – By Jim Butcher” →

Storm Front – Book 1 Dresden Files – By Jim Butcher

Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles – By Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black – Complete Series Review

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 3 Comments

Hey Jared,

As promised, this is a bit late in getting posted but I still got it out today. I decided to make this a series review and just include what I’d said of the first book.

Series: Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles
Author: Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern/Contemporary, Magical Creatures, Faeries, Giants, Nixies
Synopsis: Eleven-year-old Nicholas Vargas only thinks his life has been turned upside down after his developer father remarries and moves his new wife and daughter into the soon-to-be completed Mangrove Hollow. But an “expedition” to a nearby lake turns up a little nixie with a giant problem – the huge, lumbering, fire-breathing variety – and it’s up to Nick; his stepsister, Laurie; and his big brother, Julian (plus a familiar face from the original Spiderwick Chronicles) to figure out the best way to stop a host of rampaging giants before all of Florida goes up in smoke.
Recommendation: This book is recommended for younger readers.

Continue reading “Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles – By Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black – Complete Series Review” →

Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles – By Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black – Complete Series Review

Bookshelf Blitz 2017/Aug – Report

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, Leave a comment

BBAug2017Report

I think this has been fairly successful. From the huge stack of books I started with, only five were left unread. My goal was to read as many books as possible from off my shelves. I think the 15 books below makes that a success. An ulterior motive was to make room on said shelves by not putting back the ones I have no intention of reading again. A few of these might remain for the short term to give Lisa a chance at them.

Total Books Read: 15
Books Removed: 8

  • The Crossing by Gary Paulsen
  • We Bought a Zoo by Benjamin Mee
  • The Roar by Emma Clayton
  • Thad Damous and the Intergalactic Conspiracy by Luke Samson (Thad Damous #1)
  • Jurassic Park by Michael Crichton (Jurassic Park #1)
  • The Message by K.A. Applegate (Animorphs #4)
  • The Predator by K.A. Applegate  (Animorphs #5)
  • A Wizard of Earthsea by Ursula Le Guin (Earthsea #1)
  • The Field Guide by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (Spiderwick #1)
  • The Seeing Stone by Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black (Spiderwick #2)
  • Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo by Obert Skye (Leven Thumps #1)
  • The Mayflower Project by K.A. Applegate (Remnants #1)
  • Destination Unknown by K.A. Applegate (Remnants #2)
  • His Majesty’s Dragon by Noami Novik (Temeraire #1)
  • The Name of the Wind by Patrick Rothfuss (Kingkiller Chronicles #1)

Continue reading “Bookshelf Blitz 2017/Aug – Report” →

Bookshelf Blitz 2017/Aug – Report

Reply: Temeraire Series – Book 1: His Majesty’s Dragon – By Naomi Novik

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 3 Comments

Jared,

I have seen the light and it is good! I was blind but now I see!! I’m so glad that you recommended this series and even more so now that I’ve finally read it.

Continue reading “Reply: Temeraire Series – Book 1: His Majesty’s Dragon – By Naomi Novik” →

Reply: Temeraire Series – Book 1: His Majesty’s Dragon – By Naomi Novik

Remnants Series – Book 2: Destination Unknown – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 2 Comments

Hello Jared,

This series has take a drastic turn and I’m glad that I was able to read both the first and second books at the same time. I would suggest that everyone else does too.

destinationunknownTitle: Destination Unknown
Series: Remnants; Book 2
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Apocalyptic, Space Travel, Aliens
Synopsis: When the world ended, there was the Eighty. Eighty people given the chance for survival. Given the chance to board a revamped space shuttle programmed to find them a new place to live. Somewhere to start over after an asteroid had destroyed the entire human race. Now, after a five-hundred-year “nap,” the Eighty have landed—but not everyone survived the trip. And some of those who did aren’t quite right. Actually, there are a lot of things that aren’t quite right—especially about the place the Eighty land. Half the terrain looks as if it’s been made of bright, crazy brush-strokes, the other is like a haunting black-and-white photograph. Jobs, 2Face, Mo’Steel, and the others don’t know if they’re on another planet. If they’re dreaming. Or if they are alive at all. But if they are alive, can they survive on this strange, new world…?
Recommendation: This book and series are In Dispute. Meaning there are equal reasons for and against recommending it. I would also say that this may be targeting a slight older audience that it may appear.

Continue reading “Remnants Series – Book 2: Destination Unknown – By K. A. Applegate” →

Remnants Series – Book 2: Destination Unknown – By K. A. Applegate

Hunger Games Series- Book 1: The Hunger Games – By Suzanne Collins

Jared, , , , 2 Comments

Hey Robert,

So this is my first review in awhile. I have a bunch more to write and share with you. I’m kinda surprised that I am reviewing this first. But whatever.

Title: Hunger Games41bOj-am1RL
Series: Hunger Games: Book 1
Author: Suzanne Collins
Genre: Sci-Fi, Young adult,
Audience: Teens
ROTS Setting: Alternate Future, Dystopian
Synopsis: The nation of Panem, formed from a post-apocalyptic North America, is a country that consists of a wealthy Capitol region surrounded by 12 poorer districts. Early in its history, a rebellion led by a 13th district against the Capitol resulted in its destruction and the creation of an annual televised event known as the Hunger Games. In punishment, and as a reminder of the power and grace of the Capitol, each district must yield one boy and one girl between the ages of 12 and 18 through a lottery system to participate in the games. The ‘tributes’ are chosen during the annual Reaping and are forced to fight to the death, leaving only one survivor to claim victory. When 16-year-old Katniss’s young sister, Prim, is selected as District 12’s female representative, Katniss volunteers to take her place. She and her male counterpart Peeta, are pitted against bigger, stronger representatives, some of whom have trained for this their whole lives. , she sees it as a death sentence. But Katniss has been close to death before. For her, survival is second nature. (taken from Goodreads)
Recommendation: I have been really down on the Hunger Games since the movies came out and the hype followed. But I actually kinda liked it. So yes, recommended.

This is one of the most well known bits of media in the last ten years. I assume everyone knows the plot, characters, and setting. So spoilers.

Continue reading “Hunger Games Series- Book 1: The Hunger Games – By Suzanne Collins” →

Hunger Games Series- Book 1: The Hunger Games – By Suzanne Collins

Remnants Series – Book 1: The Mayflower Project – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Hiya Jared,

With Katherine Applegate having such a pivotal place in my childhood I really wanted to read more of her work. Since this book and the sequel kindly showed up for me to take them home, I obliged.

themayflowerprojectTitle: The Mayflower Project
Series: Remnants; Book 1
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Teen
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Apocalyptic, Space Travel
Synopsis: It’s 2011. An asteroid is on a collision course with the earth. And eighty people have been given the opportunity to survive. To leave the planet before the world ends. Jobs isn’t quite sure of what’s going on. Just that he and his family are a few of the lucky ones chosen to board a revamped space shuttle. A shuttle that will leave Earth just before the final impact. No one knows where they’re going. Or if they’ll make it there at all. Because there isn’t a lot of time for questions. And there are fewer answers.
Recommendation: This book and series are In Dispute. Meaning there are equal reasons for and against recommending it. I would also say that this may be targeting a slight older audience that it may appear.

Continue reading “Remnants Series – Book 1: The Mayflower Project – By K. A. Applegate” →

Remnants Series – Book 1: The Mayflower Project – By K. A. Applegate