Review: Silmarillion

Author: J.R.R Tolkien  Series:   Silmarillion Publication Date: 1999  Rating: Recomended

Summary: Before the rings,  the silmarils and trees of light were there. Before Sauron, Melkor twisted the elves. The Silmarillion reveals all that was before the rings of power. It shows what happened in the very beginning. The Silmarillion tells all from the Valar's origins, to the tale of Luthien and Beren, to the start of Sauron.

What I liked: This book was great. It explains everything that a reader would want to know after reading Tolkien's Lord of The Rings. The collection of tales residing under the cover are truly magical. The only thing I did not like, were the tales that overlapped some-what. Otherwise, it was amazing!

Content:

• Language: none
•  Violence: medium
• Drugs/Alcohol:none
• Sexuality: medium

Review: The Grimm Legacy

Author: Polly Shulman Series: The Grimm  Legacy           Publication Date:  2010 Rating: Recommended

Summary: When Elizabeth Rew is offered a job at the New York Repository, she accepts in the hope of making friends and a little extra cash. Soon she realizes that the repository is not always what it seemed. Down in the basement there is a secret room that holds the Grimm Collection, a group of legendary objects with magical powers that come from fairy tails. When things start disappearing it is up to Elizabeth and her new friends to stop the thief and return the objects safely. 

What I liked: This book is truly a masterpiece of art. I love the way Polly Shulman connects one chapter of events to another. It is the perfect blend of realistic fiction an fantasy. However much I liked it though, I also feel like Ms.Shulman could have added more details in some parts. Other than that, this is a fantastic book and I can not wait for a sequel.

Content:

• Language:  mild
• Violence:  mild
• Drugs/Alcohol: none
• Sexuality:  mild to moderate

Review: The Iron King

Author: Julie Kagawa Series: The Iron Fey:  book 1 Publication Date: 2010 Rating: Recommended

Summary: All Meghan's life has been a lie. Meghan Chase has a secret destiny which no one, not even her, could ever imagine. When her brother vanishes, fiction becomes reality! Meghan learns that she is the half- blood daughter of Lord Oberon, and she has powers more powerful than most ordinary fey. With the summer and winter courts on the brink of war, Meghan receives a mysterious message and departs to the Iron Kingdom. The journey is laced with perils for her companions, and Meghan herself may fall to the most dangerous peril of all: Love. Will she stop the Iron King and save her brother?   

What I liked:  I have always liked the fey, but this truly tops them all. They way Julie Kagawa strings together a love triangle in the midst of war and danger is just amazing. Meghan is so caring, not wanting to do anything else but rescue her brother or care for Puck (or Ash) when he is hurt, shows that she is determined to protect the people she loves no matter what. I love all the action and adventure! It seems like Meghan will do anything to save people, and I think in later books her enemies might use that to hurt her. Over all this a wonderful book and I  would recommend this to everyone. 

Content:

• Language:mild
• Violence: mild
• Drugs/Alcohol:little
• Sexuality: moderate

Review: Chosen

Author: Ted Dekker Series: Lost Books: book 1 Publication Date: 2007 Rating: Recommended

Summary: When chosen by military leader Thomas Hunter, four lives change forever. During a quest in enemy territory, destiny calls to young Johnis and his companions. Fabled Roush force the fate of the world on their shoulders. Now the four teens must find the seven Lost Books of History and keep their search a secret at the same time. To hell and back they must go before the sun rises twice. Will they get the books and more important, will they survive?

What I liked: This book may not be for everyone, but I personally liked it. I loved the way the book is somewhat unpredictable. I would recommend this book to middle schools and to anyone who likes realistic fiction. Chosen  is tough to get through at times and keeps you on the edge of your seat at other times. Over all it is really pretty good.

Content:

• Language: very, very little
• Violence: mild
• Drugs/Alcohol: none
• Sexuality: none