Youth

Seventh Tower Series – Book 5: Into Battle – By Garth Nix

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

How’s it going, Jared?

Almost finished with this series, and I’ve got high hopes to finish it this month because I’ve got something planned for next month. Ya, that’s pretty ominous but hopefully you approve.

intobattleTitle: Into Battle
Series: Seventh Tower; Book 5
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: UU/EU, Stone Age/Medieval, Magic
Synopsis: The Dark World is in danger, for the Veil is vulnerable. War is soon to come. On one side are Tal and the Underfolk rebels, struggling valiantly for freedom. On another side are Milla and the Icecarls, preparing to assualt the Castle in order to preserve their world. And on a third side lies the most sinister force of all–a force of evil that has only now chosen to reveal itself–a force of such power that it could unleash the ultimate destruction.
Recommendation: A great short novel for an early reader. I wish this was around when I was in second grade.

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Seventh Tower Series – Book 5: Into Battle – By Garth Nix

Animorphs – Book 3: The Encounter – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Hello Jared,

The series continues….

theencounterTitle: The Encounter
Series: Animorphs; Book 3
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Aliens
Synopsis: When Tobias, Jake, Rachel, Marco, and Cassie were given the ability to morph, they were also given one very important warning: Never stay in a morph for more than two hours. It seemed a small price to pay, since the kids know that humans everywhere are being forced to let slimy, spineless creatures creep into their brains. And the only way the kids can fight back is not to be human. But Tobias stayed in his morph too long. And now he’s a hawk — with a boy’s mind — forever. Tobias knows they can’t give up. That they all made a promise. So now it’s four kids and a hawk against a force that’s determined to destroy them. Or die trying…
Recommendation: Highly recommend this series.

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Animorphs – Book 3: The Encounter – By K. A. Applegate

Trials of Apollo – Book 2: The Dark Prophecy – By Rick Riordan

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 1 Comment

Hey Jared,

You’ve been really busy with life lately. Hopefully you’ve been reading/listening to some good books. Me? I read this with trepidation…….with good reason.

thedarkprophecyTitle: The Dark Prophecy
Series: The Trials of Apollo; Book 2
Author: Rick Riordan
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth/Teen
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern, Magic, Mythology/Supernatural
Synopsis: Zeus has punished his son Apollo–god of the sun, music, archery, poetry, and more–by casting him down to earth in the form of a gawky, acne-covered sixteen-year-old mortal named Lester. The only way Apollo can reclaim his rightful place on Mount Olympus is by restoring several Oracles that have gone dark. What is affecting the Oracles, and how can Apollo/Lester do anything about them without his powers? After experiencing a series of dangerous–and frankly, humiliating–trials at Camp Half-Blood, Lester must now leave the relative safety of the demigod training ground and embark on a hair-raising journey across North America. Fortunately, what he lacks in godly graces he’s gaining in new friendships–with heroes who will be very familiar to fans of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians and Heroes of Olympus series. Come along for what promises to be a harrowing, hilarious, and haiku-filled ride. . . .
Recommendation: Still recommended, but only barely.

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Trials of Apollo – Book 2: The Dark Prophecy – By Rick Riordan

Seventh Tower – Book 4: Above the Veil – By Garth Nix

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Jared,

It was disturbingly difficult getting a hold of this book. The only one in the series not in the library system! Never-the-less, I have prevailed.

47625Title: Above the Veil
Series: Seventh Tower; Book 4
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: UU/EU, Stone Age/Medieval, Magic
Synopsis: The Underfolk are restless. For a long time, they have kept quiet, occupying the lower levels of the Castle. But now they are going to be heard… Tal and Milla are no longer alone in their quest for the truth about their world. They have been joined by Crow, a rebel Underfolk, and his band of conspirators. They know many secrets about the Castle–and are on the verge of uncovering the greatest secret of all. The darkness is growing deeper. The shadows are growing stronger. And Tal and Milla are in greater danger than ever before.
Recommendation: A great short novel for an early reader. I wish this was around when I was in second grade.

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Seventh Tower – Book 4: Above the Veil – By Garth Nix

Animorphs – Book 2: The Visitor – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Jared,

There is some deep nostalgia reading this series.

thevisitor.jpgTitle: The Visitor
Series: Animorphs; Book 2
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Aliens
Synopsis: Morphing is certainly more fun than Sega — you can soar as an eagle and walk as a cat. But being an ANIMORPH is by no means just fun and games. Rachel knew better than anyone. One of her best friends, Melissa, is acting very strange. And it looks like Melissa’s dad, who is also the school’s Assistant Principal, may be connected to evil aliens. Rachel can’t tell Melissa what the ANIMORPHS have learned, but Melissa doesn’t seem interested in talking to Rachel these days anyway. Could Melissa be one of “them?”
Recommendation: Highly recommend this series.

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Animorphs – Book 2: The Visitor – By K. A. Applegate

Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles – Book 1: The Nixie’s Song – By Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 2 Comments

Jared,

I have yet to read the actual Spiderwick Chronicles so I can’t compare. I did enjoy this though and I’m going to track down the rest of the series before reading the main series. There are only 3 books in this spin-off, so that shouldn’t be too hard.

nixiessong.jpgTitle: The Nixie’s Song
Series: Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles; Book 1
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.

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Beyond the Spiderwick Chronicles – Book 1: The Nixie’s Song – By Tony DiTerlizzi & Holly Black

Seventh Tower Series – Book 3: Aenir – By Garth Nix

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Hi Jared,

With this book I’m now halfway through the series. Something that always bugged me was that the series is called “Seventh Tower” but there are only six books……Maybe it’s just my OCD flaring up.

aenir

Title: Aenir
Series: Seventh Tower; Book 3
Author: Garth Nix
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: UU/EU, Stone Age/Medieval, Magic
Synopsis: The dream world Aenir is not a safe place. One wrong step can lead to danger, entrapment…or death. Tal and Milla must fight their way through this shifting landscape. They are searching for the Codex, a magical object that will decide the fate of their worlds. Many creatures stand in their way–from the cloud-flesh Storm Shepherds to a swarm of venomous Waspwyrms to a horrifying figure named Hazror. Tal and Milla cannot leave Aenir without the Codex. But finding it might endanger them more than they’ve ever dreamed…
Recommendation: A great short novel for an early reader. I wish this was around when I was in second grade.

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Seventh Tower Series – Book 3: Aenir – By Garth Nix

Animorphs – Book 1: The Invasion – By K. A. Applegate

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , , 5 Comments

Jared,

I’ve decided I need to get started on this series sooner rather than later. My plan is to read at least one a month, but with 52 books plus extras I don’t really want to still be reading this series 4 years from now.

theinvasion.jpgTitle: The Invasion
Series: Animorphs; Book 1
Author: K. A. Applegate
Genre: Science Fiction
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: CU, Modern, Aliens
Synopsis: Sometimes weird things happen to people. Ask Jake. He may tell you about the night he and his friends saw the strange light in the sky. He may even tell you about what happened when they realized the “light” was only a plane — from another planet. Here’s where Jake’s story gets a little weird. It’s where they’re told that the human race is under attack — and given the chance to fight back.

Now Jake, Rachel, Cassie, Tobias, and Marco have the power to morph into any animal they choose. And they must use that power to outsmart an evil that is greater than anything the world has ever seen…
Recommendation: Highly recommend this series.

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Animorphs – Book 1: The Invasion – By K. A. Applegate

A Series of Unfortunate Events – Book 1: The Bad Beginning – By Lemony Snicket

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , 8 Comments

Jared,

Have you read this series before? I assume Julia has, but this book confounds me. I don’t really know what to think about it.

thebadbeginningTitle: The Bad Beginning
Series: A Series of Unfortunate Events; Book 1
Author: Lemony Snicket (Pen Name)
Genre: Fiction
Audience: Youth
ROTS Setting: Orphans, Dark, Disturbing
Synopsis: (Insert mildly condescending synopsis here.)
Recommendation: Not recommended for younger readers. Mature themes include foster parental abuse, child exploitation, physical abuse, child brides, and hopeless reality.

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A Series of Unfortunate Events – Book 1: The Bad Beginning – By Lemony Snicket

Fablehaven Adventure Series – Book 1: Dragonwatch – By Brandon Mull

Robert @ ReadingOverTheShoulder, , Leave a comment

Jared,

Here it is! The book I’ve been hyping for the last month.

dragonwatchfbTitle: Dragonwatch
Series: Fablehaven Adventure Series; Book 1
Author: Brandon Mull
Genre: Fantasy
Audience: Youth/Teen
ROTS Setting: EU, Modern, Magic, Fairies, Demons
Synopsis: In the hidden dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, King of the Dragons, plots his revenge. He has long seen the sanctuaries as prisons, and he wants nothing more than to overthrow his captors and return the world to the Age of Dragons, when he and his kind ruled and reigned without borders. The time has come to break free and reclaim his power.

No one person is capable of stopping Celebrant and his dragon horde. It will take the ancient order of Dragonwatch to gather again if there is any chance of saving the world from destruction. In ancient times, Dragonwatch was a group of wizards, enchantresses, dragon slayers, and others who originally confined the majority of dragons into sanctuaries. But nearly all of the original Dragonwatch members are gone, and so the wizard Agad reaches out to Grandpa Sorenson for help. […]
Recommendation: Highly recommend this series, and strongly encourage reading the Fablehaven series first. Early teens and up can easily handle this book. I advise moderate caution with younger readers as there are some darker themes.

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Fablehaven Adventure Series – Book 1: Dragonwatch – By Brandon Mull