Mortal Instruments

What a great series!This series is one I came across while skimming through the public library last summer.

Summary: While at a teen night-club, fifteen-year-old Clary Fray witnesses a murder committed by three teenagers, who explain themselves to be Shadowhunters, part angel, part human, whose job it is to kill demons. Things get stranger for Clary, as her mother is kidnapped. Throughout the series, Clary must try to save her mother, while also dealing with falling for a certain blond-haired Shadowhunter, Jace. Books by Cassandra Clare.

Official Reviews: Publishers Weekly commented that it "is a sprawling urban fantasy packed with just about every type of creature known to the genre".

Holly Black, best-selling author of the books The Spiderwick Chronicles and Tithe: A Modern Faerie Tale, stated that City of Bones was,"Funny, dark, and sexy. One of my favorite books."

School Library Journal noted that the book contained a variety of narrative flaws including characters that were "sporadically characterized" and whose behavior was predictable. In spite of this they noted that the book was entertaining and would leave readers anticipating the next installment.

Booklist  said that there was "plenty of romance, loss, honor, and betrayal to make the journey worthwhile. An experienced storyteller, Clare moves the plot quickly to a satisfying end."
Reviews Courtesy of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Mortal_Instruments_(series)#Critical_reception

My Review: I liked this series. I felt it unleashed my inner teenager, but it's definitely not a dude's novel. I would recommend it for mostly teenage girls. I really liked this series, which still has two more books, plus the prequel, and I would give it a good four out of five stars. The only flaw I found in the book, was that in the third book, City of Glass, it ended to abruptly. I felt the ending was too rushed and not as challenging as you anticipated it to be. A great series over-all and I would definitely recommend it.

You all know the drill, that's my opinion on the book, but I need to know what you think. Tell me if you loved it, hated it, etc... Also, if you have any book recommendations, let me know. I'm always open to try new books, so come on, help me start the Reading Revolution.

Robin Hood

This story I came across while trying to type out a story that required the characters speaking in Old-English (which, by the way, is harder than it may seem) so there I was skimming through the old, dusty book, and I found myself intrigued and ended up reading it from beginning to end. It was a bit drier than I thought it'd be, but it was a favorite of my dad's and I just had to finish it.

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Summary: The book follows Robin Hood on his quest to help the poor of Nottingham. Based off of old English folk-lore.

There are no official reviews seeing as there are many versions of the story, all of which are based off of the old English legends.

My Review: I found it intriguing. I'll admit it was kind of dry, but I overall, I'm glad I read it. It led to many possible story ideas, and Robin Hood is a classic. I had to read it. I'll admit that there were parts in the version I read that bothered me however (SPOILER WARNING!!! for example, Robin meets Maid Marian in one chapter and doesn't see her again until almost the last chapter where he marries her, also, he asks Friar Tuck to join him, and he isn't mentioned again.). I liked it though. It has you rooting for Robin the entire time and though I was ready to move on having taken a month to read it, I was truly sad to come to the end of it. Five stars all the way. An amazing piece.

As I always say, I need help. Starting a reading revolution is harder than it seems. So come on, don't be shy, and tell me what you think. Help start the reading revolution.

Alex and the Ironic Gentleman

I love this book ever since I first read it in seventh grade. I witty book that can be enjoyed by all ages.

Summary: This book follows ten-and-a-half-year-old Alex Morningside on her quest to save her 6th grade English teacher Mr. Underwood from the infamous pirate Captain Steele.

Official Reviews:

Eoin Colfer: "I read Alex and the Ironic Gentleman, and to be honest it had me at the title. A clever title to live up to and the story did not disappoint. I found it quirky, hilarious and genuinely exhilarating. There was a nod to Lewis Carroll and a wink to Charles Dickens, but no more than that, Adrienne's words are packed with originality. Alex is a wonderful hero who deserves to return for further adventures, indeed I suspect there will be a riot if she does not. Great plot, larger than life characters. The future is bright.”

Publishers Weekly: "Kress has a delightful simple, observational prose style that recalls A.A. Milne, right down to the frequent capitalization of Good Things and Very Interesting Things and so on. This inspired book should hold up to many re-readings. ”

Michelle Branch: "This is a swashbuckling tale of adventure and loyalty in the tradition of The Princess Bride and Harry Potter.”

Chicago Tribune: "Looking for a story with an edgy style and a smart girl? This tale tumbles across the map….Fun and fast.”

The Austin-American Statesman: "A welcome departure [from traditional gender roles] marks Alex and the Ironic Gentleman. Kress infuses a madcap sense of plot, with a deadpan, Lemony Snicket-esque writing style. No wonder there’s a glowing blurb from Eoin Colfer.”

(Reviews courtesy of http://www.weinsteinbooks.com/catalog/book/alex_the_ironic_gentleman)

My Review: A witty, original plot, with not one dry spot. An entertaining read from cover to cover. I would recommend it for anyone grades 4-8 though the unique plot and entertaining sub-adventures within Alex's larger one (to find her teacher), the story can be read by anyone with a sense of humor. Earns five stars easily.

These are only a few books though, and no matter how hard I try, I can't read every book out there. I need YOUR help. Tell me what you think of a book, or suggest a book that hasn't been listed yet. Come one, I can't do this on my own. Help me out and join the reading revolution!