Authors and Reading - Kids on the Net

Artemis Fowl, the fourteen-year-old teenage criminal mastermind, is back. And this time, he has a rival - twelve-year-old genius, Minerva Paradizo, who has unlocked the secrets of the fairy world, and will stop at nothing to use the People to win a Nobel Prize...
In this latest Artemis Fowl adventure, demons are materializing all over the world, due to the unraveling of a time spell that has kept them in their own dimension for so long. Now the demons are ending up on Earth. If humans were to find out about them, the People (fairies) will be completely exposed. To protect themselves, they have to predict where, and when, the next demon will appear. But the equations required to do so are so complicated, even a great brain like the centaur Foaly can't understand them. But one person can - Artemis Fowl.
So when a confused demon appears in a Sicilian theatre, Artemis is there to meet him. But he isn't alone - Minerva Paradizo is ready with a trap and captures the demon. And so begins another exciting adventure for Artemis - one that will take him and his trusty bodyguard, Butler, and fairy friend, Holly Short, tumbling through time and space like never before.
Artemis Fowl is one exciting sci-fi series that will catch anyone's attention. Cool gadgets, magical beings, thrilling all-out chases, and clever schemes - it's all here. Artemis Fowl is very scientific, as the author describes, in detail, most of the fairies' devices and how they work. For example, the fairies' camouflage device, called cam-foil, is composed of fairy-made multifaceted diamonds that could reflect accurately no matter what the viewing angle was. Confusing, yeah. That's one of the downsides of Artemis Fowl. Some scientific concepts are difficult to understand, resulting in frustration and sometimes giving up of the book. That's what happened when I tried to read Book One when I was younger - I gave up and put the book away on the shelf until many years later, when I discovered the magic of Artemis Fowl.
But the science is also a part of the charm. Detailed explanations of different scientific concepts make the book more believable and interesting. It gives the reader an impression that Colfer did a lot of research for his series. Or maybe he's a genius like Artemis. Who knows?
I liked the conflict between Artemis and Minerva in this book. Artemis's puberty has kicked in like other teens, and he likes Minerva. Only thing is, Minerva's on the brink of destroying the world, and Artemis has to stop her. The Lost Colony features funny dialogue between Artemis and Minerva, some classical (well, maybe not) flirting between the pair, and amused on-lookers such as Artemis's bodyguard Butler.
This book has lots of interesting and colorful characters - teenage genii (plural for 'genius'), a very un-demonlike demon, a gigantic bodyguard, a fairy police, and lots more. One of my favorite characters was No1, a demon who discovers that he's actually a warlock. He's cute, charming, funny, and witty. Great character. An outcast who discovers his true powers - a lesson for all of us. Be nice to the geeks!
I highly recommend the Artemis Fowl series to readers of all ages. May be challenging to younger kids, two thumbs up, nevertheless! (November 2007)

The Bartimaeus Trilogy: The Golem's Eye by Jonathan Stroud

In the second book of the Bartimaeus Trilogy, we meet the fourteen-year-old magician Nathaniel once again, as well as the witty djinni Bartimaeus. There's also a not-so-new face on the block - Kitty Jones, the ringleader of the Resistance - a group of Commoner children that despises magicians and anything to do with them.
The Bartimaeus Trilogy is set in modern-day London with magicians running the government. This is a very interesting concept, and it introduces the reader to ideas about politics and economics. But this also makes the book more difficult for younger readers, and it may make the book drag on more than other fantasies.
This book is told from three points of view: (with the exception of the chapter 'Simpkin') Bartimaeus, Nathaniel, and Kitty. Bartimaeus is a witty, shapeshifting djinni. He's the main show of the trilogy - he's one of the most colorful, interesting characters that add a spice to the books. In the chapters narrated by Bartimaeus in first person point of view, there are footnotes at the bottom of the page that are informative and often humorous.
Interestingly, only Bartimaeus's chapters are told from first person. Nathaniel and Kitty are narrated in third person. This gives the characters a strange, mysterious air, in my opinion, as we don't get to learn everything of their minds like Bartimaeus.
The low points of the trilogy are the dislikeable characters. Nathaniel, for example, is arrogant, selfish, and grumpy, and treats Bartimaeus like dirt on his shoes. Kitty is more likeable but she's against Bartimaeus and Nathaniel. It's hard to decide who to stick for in this book. If Nathaniel was a little bit nicer the whole book would have been more enjoyable.
In the Golem's Eye Nathaniel is struggling to track down the Resistance, who are wreaking havoc in the streets of London, stealing from, and even blowing up, shops, and using the stolen items against the magicians. Soon Nathaniel has no choice but to summon the troublesome Bartimaeus once more to do his bidding, much to the djinni's dismay. But what he doesn't know is that Kitty and her friends are planning a daring exploit that would change the history of London, and possibly the entire magical world, forever...
The interesting storyline makes the book fun to read, but it's more difficult that some books and drags on at times, especially when elements of politics come up. But it's really great how the author blends fiction and reality so flawlessly - it makes you wonder whether a magician, or a magical stone golem, is going to show up in the streets of London. The political situation that the book creates relates well to the real world, and makes us look back on our own governments.
Overall The Golem's Eye is a wonderful fantasy novel that can be a great challenge to read. I highly recommend it to older readers that love magic. Two thumbs up for the Bartimaeus Trilogy!
July 2007

Hoot, by Carl Hiaasen

Hoot is a great book! It is about a boy named Roy, who moves to a new town in Florida and has a bully problem. Roy is having trouble fitting in and is bullied alot by a boy named Dana. And it's really weird when a girl named Beatrice who is said to be really mean is standing up for him.
One day before school, Roy sees a barefooted boy running really fast down the street, and Roy can't help but to follow him. Roy becomes interested in the boy and stays to watch him were he "lives" which is the woods.
One day when Roy is being bullied by Dana, he is chased to a construction sight were a pancake house is going to be built. When Dana leaves. Roy hears owl hoots and investigates. He finds owls nesting in the ground Roy likes them and is upset that the construction is going to kill the owls.
The rest of the book I will leave for you to find out when your reading it. It is all about how if people join together and work for what they believe in, anything is possible.
June 2007

Inkspell by Cornelia Funke

This book is a sequel to the bestselling 'Inkheart', in which Meggie Folchart's father Mortimer "Silvertongue" Folchart (or just Mo) reads to life an evil horde of villains from the book Inkheart. Meggie and her father have a magical ability that allows them to bring books to life when they read aloud. Meggie's life was never the same again, as she is dangerously fascinated with the world of Inkheart, which she calls the Inkworld.
In Inkspell, which is a lot darker and mature than its previous book, everyone goes through a lot of changes - especially Mo, who is shot by Mortola, the mother of Inkheart's villain Capricorn, kept in a cave, is dragged away to a tyrant's dungeon, and is forced to make him immortal. Mo was originally a very gentle and caring character, but after Inkspell he becomes more like the robber he is mistaken for - the Bluejay. This is a very interesting turn for the series, and it makes me curious of what's going to happen in the third book, which will probably be called Inkdeath.
As Mo tells Meggie, "Stories never really end, Meggie, even if the books like to pretend they do. Stories always go on. They don't end on the last page, any more than they begin on the first page." It's so very true. In Inkspell Meggie and Farid plunge into the book, Inkheart, and experience many amazing adventures there (against Mortimer and Resa's wishes.). Meggie's decisions and actions are not entirely believable, but she's still a good character.
Inkspell was a powerful book that showed the powers of words and reading, as well as the story of a familys struggle with evil. Mo, who was my favorite character, was very protective of his family, even though he was mortally wounded himself. Readers can see that both Meggie and her mother Resa feel the same way about each other. Inkspell is a novel that shows the Folchart familyýs love and devotion.
Now for the cons. Inkspell is very long (675 pages) and tends to drag on quite a bit, although it almost always picks up the pace after a few paragraphs. Inkspell is darker, is violent, includes love themes, and is suitable for "ages 8 and up", as it says. This book has depth that can keep an adult thinking throughout their read. Inkspell can be found in the 'young adult' section of the bookstore, and is not recommended for young children.
But even so, Inkspell is a lot deeper in character and much more complex than Inkheart. The characters, such as Dustfinger, Meggie, Farid, Fenoglio, and Mortimer, develop their distinct personalities and change a great deal throughout the course of the book. The storyline's more sophisticated, the setting's more interesting, and overall, Inkspell is a huge improvement compared to Inkheart.
Inkspell is a truly magical book. I highly recommend it to readers of all ages: kid, teen, or even adult. Although it had its cons, Inkspell is a great read all in all. I really hope for a great conclusion to the trilogy.
June 2007

Good Morning, Gorillas by Mary Pope Osborne

In this book, it's Jack and Annie's second mission to find a special magic. They get whisked away to an African rainforest. Through the night, Jack loses Annie. When he found her, he also sees gorillas. At first, Jack got seen by the silverback, the male leader. In the research book Jack and Annie always had, Jack read that to safely get close to gorillas, you should act like a gorilla. Jack did so and got past the silverback. He got Annie up. The gorillas ate breakfast. Jack and Annie didn't eat much. After the day, night came. Jack and Annie slept on 2 extra beds made by a gorilla named Bu-Bu's mother. The next day, Annie and Jack found the special magic. The rhyme was: To find a special magic; in worlds so far apart; speak a special language; talk with your hands and heart. Jack read a gorilla chapter and it mentioned Sign Language, the language gorillas use. Soon, small gorilla named Little Guy climbed to the top of a tree. A hungry black leopard was on a branch. Jack put on a small show. He acted like the fierce silverback when he first saw him. Soon, it was time to go. I really liked this book. You should try it too! (June 2007)

Ezperanza Rising

Ezperanza Rising is a GREAT book!!! I just finished reading it, and well I am sad to see it end. This book is about a girl that lives in Mexico. She has lived on her father's grape vineyard her whole life and is very attached to her father. But when her father dies from an unknown cause, it makes Ezperanza miserable. It does not help that her evil Uncles are trying to pursue her mother to marry them, just so they can own the vineyard and make GRANDE (BIG) money. When a tragic fire hits Ezperanza's mansion-like home, they lose everything. Ezperanza's mother, herself and a few dear friends decide to flee to the United States. It just happens that when they move, it is during the great depression. This book is about Ezperanza's struggle through moving to a different Country and adjusting to all the different things. YOU NEED TO READ THIS BOOK!!!!! (June 2007)

A Time For Dancing by Davida Wills Hurwin

A Time For Dancing is one of my favourite books! It is a tearjerker but still has loads of drams. Now, it sounds like I'm describing a movie, right? I'm not, this book is a tragic story of 2 best friends who love to dance. And to their surprise, one of them winds up in the hospital, with cancer. If you and a friend are really close, like Julie and Samantha, you both should read this book. It shows that even the best of friends can wind up hating each other for a few chapters, even when the other is deathly sick. Will Julie make it, or not? Read the book and find out!

I have never read a better book than this! Read it when you get the chance! (June 2007)

Goldie the Sunshine Fairy by Daisy Meadows

'Goldie the Sunshine Fairy' is about two girls called Kirsty and Rachel who have to find a magic feather stolen by an evil goblin. The feather has to be returned to the magic cockerel. With the help of Kirsty's dad's ginormous sunglasses they get the feather back. I found this story funny and exciting. There were two things that made me laugh. One was a picture of the ginormous sunglasses; and the other was about corn in a field turning into popcorn because it was so hot. (June 2007)

Judy Moody gets Famous by Megan McDonald

Judy is sick of everyone she knows being famous (people she knows: Rocky, Frank, and Jessica; family: Mom, Dad and her brother Stink) and she herself not being famous. When Judy's family hosts a garage sale, Judy made a fake cherry pit from George Washington's cherry tree. She charged 5 cents a look. A girl's brother swallowed it. Soon, Judy saw the sign for a pet contest. She entered her cat, Mouse, who could make toast into the contest. She won 2nd prize, but when the newspaper people came, Judy's picture turned out to be and elbow. Still, Judy didn't feel famous. Then, Judy and the others tied their shoelaces together to make a caterpillar. Judy accidently stepped on Frank and they brought him to the hospital. They also went to The Magic Playroom. Judy and Stink met Laura, a girl with a broken heart. Judy and Stink also found out lots of the dolls had "cancer". Judy brought the dolls in Stink's backpack, and took some dolls. When she got home, she operated on them. Stink helped too. Soon, Judy mailed the package to the hospital. She also saw the story in the newspaper. Judy finally felt famous. (June 2007)

Pendragon: Books One to Five by DJ MacHale

Bobby Pendragon is like any other kid in town, until he is swept into the frightening world of Travelers by his coolio Uncle Press. Travelers are responsible, through their travels, to protect various territories of every time and place that ever existed, from the evil Traveler Saint Dane.
Pendragon is a decent science fiction-fantasy series that can appeal to readers of various ages. The best book of the series so far, would probably be book five(Black Water). It had most action, and was one of the more different books of the series - Bobby's friends, Mark and Courtney, got a taste of the action on the jungle-covered world of Eelong.
But books one and two were rather bland, with more predictable storylines and not as much clever action or twists in plot. The basic storyline was the same - Saint Dane tries to wreak havoc in one way or another, and Bobby saves the territories once again without much trouble.
Book Three, The Never War, had a clever blend of history and fiction as Bobby goes to New York 1930 and tries to uncover Saint Dane's evil plot, which concerns the very familiar zeppelin, the Hindenburg...
The Reality Bug, book four, was also quite good. This time there's trouble on the territory of Veelox, as all its people are living in their very own, perfect fantasies in a fantastical machine called Lifelight... This book gave me lots to think about, and for the first time, Bobby did not win. The Reality Bug was another excellent addition to the Pendragon series.
Overall Pendragon is quite a decent book series, with good action and plot, but at times the books repeat themselves with similar storylines and situations.
I would recommend Pendragon to preteen and teen readers, but an awesome read is not guaranteed.
(April 2007)

Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great by Judy Blume

I recommend you read this book called Otherwise Known as Sheila the Great. In this book, Sheila and her family are going to Tarrytown for the summer. At first, Sheila thought it would be fun. What made her mad was that Jennifer, the dog made ghost noises at night and that she had to sleep in a boy's room. At least there's one good thing: Sheila's room was far from her sister, Libby's. She also has to learn to swim, which she believed that she would sink to the bottom of the pool. Then, Sheila makes a friend. Her name is Mouse Ellis and she's junior champion of Tarrytown (on yo-yoing). When Sheila's mother signs her up for swimming lessons, Libby wants some too because she thinks Marty, Sheila's teacher is the most terrific boy ever (which is what she says about every boy she meets). Sheila wishes she could trade, but her mom and dad say "no". Sheila still has to go with swimming lessons because Marty needs the money for college and if Sheila doesn't know how to swim by the end of summer, Marty will give back all the money. Sheila started off with kicking with a kickboard and was pretty good. Then, she blew bubbles and soon, Marty said she had to take her swimming test. Soon after that, she had a sleepover with her friends, Mouse, Sondra, and her twin sister, Jane. They made slam books and got into a fight because they said bad stuff about each other (although they were true). They also threw around models, and soon, when Libby came in, they made up. A few days after the sleepover, the day camp Sheila, Mouse and the others were in went on a hayride on old Sleepy Hollow Road where Ichabod Crane saw The Headless Horseman. (April 2007)

Pendragon: Overall series review, books one to five

Bobby Pendragon is like any other kid in town, until he is swept into the frightening world of Travelers by his coolio Uncle Press. Travelers are responsible, through their travels, to protect various territories of every time and place that ever existed, from the evil Traveler Saint Dane.
Pendragon is a decent science fiction-fantasy series that can appeal to readers of various ages. The best book of the series so far, would probably be book five(Black Water). It had most action, and was one of the more different books of the seires - Bobby's friends, Mark and Courtney, got a taste of the action on the jungle-covered world of Eelong.
But books one and two were rather bland, with more predictable storylines and not as much clever action or twists in plot. The basic storyline was the same - Saint Dane tries to wreak havoc in one way or another, and Bobby saves the territories once again without much trouble.
Book Three, The Never War, had a clever blend of history and fiction as Bobby goes to New York 1930 and tries to uncover Saint Dane's evil plot, which concerns the very familiar zeppelin, the Hindenburg...
The Reality Bug, book four, was also quite good. This time there's trouble on the territory of Veelox, as all its people are living in their very own, perfect fantasies in a fantastical machine called Lifelight... This book gave me lots to think about, and for the first time, Bobby did not win. The Reality Bug was another excellent addition to the Pendragon series.
Overall Pendragon is quite a decent book series, with good action and plot, but at times the books repeat themselves with similar storylines and situations.
I would recommend Pendragon to preteen and teen readers, but an awesome read is not guaranteed. (May 2007)

Double Fudge by Judy Blume

I just read this book called, Double Fudge. This book's main characters are Peter Hatcher, a normal, mature 7th grader, and his brother, Fudge [Farley Drexel], whose in mixed-group, and is obsessed by money. The secondary characters are Uncle Feather, Fudge's (almost) never-ending yakking myna bird, Cousin Howie and his wife, Eudora, Peter and Fudge's dad's cousins who sometimes think differently, Flora and her sister, Fauna, Howie and Eudora's daughters, who like performing.

Fudge is totally obsessed with money, and even made his own "money" called Fudge Bucks to buy the whole world, or at least Toys "R" Us. Peter thought it was embarrassing, his parents said it was just a phase, but it wasn't. Money also made trouble for Fudge, like when he threw the tantrum at a shoe store because his mom won't buy him two pairs of shoes. Peter's grandma suggested for his parents to take Fudge to Washington D.C. so that he could understand about money. They did that, but Fudge was still going strong about money. He asked a bunch of annoying questions during their tour of the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. Also, in Washington D.C., the family meets Dad's long-lost cousins, Howie, Eudora, Flora and Fauna (which were also known as the Natural Beauties and The Heavenly Hatchers), and Farley Drexel. Fudge thinks there's only one Farley Drexel and it's him, and throws a tantrum saying Farley can't have his name.

Since Peter suggested they should call Farley Mini [Mini-Fudge], they did. Afterwards, Cousin Howie said they were soon going to New York and haven't had a place to stay. Somehow, they talked into staying with Peter's family. When Peter and his family got home, Grandma told them Uncle Feather didn't talk any more. They arrived late, and the next day, the Natural Beauties came to Peter's classes. He was really embarrassed, but got over it when Flora and Fauna went to stay at Sheila Tubman's apartment. After that day, the Howies got hooked on TV (although they didn't have one at their home in Hawaii). Not long after that, Uncle Feather broke his wing and the vet said he had to wear a splint for 6 weeks. Within that 6 weeks, the Howies were staying in the Chen's apartment. Soon afterwards came Halloween. Peter took Fudge and his friend, Melissa Beth Miller trick-or-treating. Flora and Fauna went with them with Mini. When they went to the Goldens, their poodle started barking at Fuzzball, Melissa's cat and Fuzzball ran into the Goldens' apartment. It took Melissa, Mrs. Golden, her daughter, Gina, Peter, Flora and Fauna a really long time to find him. They then found out Fudge and Mini were stuck between floors in the elevator with Olivia Osterman, a old woman they knew. Henry, the super called for help, and it came. For the Howie's last day in New York, they had a Farewell Dinner. Olivia Osterman was there too. Fudge also lost a tooth, and got really mad when Mini ate it. Fudge then wanted to take Peter's teeth to fool the Tooth Fairy, but Peter took them back and put then under HIS pillow instead.

I learned from this story that if you get carried away, try getting carried back. At the beginning and middle, Fudge was really obsessed with money, but at the end, he didn't seem to like it that much any more.
(April 2007)

The Frog Princess by E.D. Baker

I recommend you to read, "The Frog Princess" by E.D. Baker. Why? Well, why ever not? It's a very action-packed, adventurous book.

It follows the clumsy, sheltered princess Emerelda, who's running away from a tea party with this snobby prince she's engaged to! When she races to a swamp, she meets none other than a talking frog, who's taken an interest in her and won't leave her alone.

The bad part? The frog claims he's a prince and demands a kiss, saying that it'll break the spell! So when a hesistant Emerelda kisses him, they're turned over their heads when SHE herself turns into a frog!

What'll they do? Will the froggy prince Eadric ever find his way to happiness and be turned back into a prince? Will Emerelda be returned to her normal, human (though clumsy and goofy) body? Will her aunt be able to locate the witch who transformed Eadric into a frog, and then order her to turn them back? Or are the two froggy royals doomed to a life of hopping and eating flies?

There's only one way you'll find out--buy the book today! Not only action-y and adventure filled, it's a romantic comedy, perfect for all ages! You can find it at your local book store today!
(March 2007)

Sure Fire by Jack Higgins & Justin Richards

Sure Fire is an excellent action packed thriller. An entertaining story based on two children having to find their dad after he was kidnapped. Jade and Rich have just come to terms with their mothers death but when their dad gets kidnapped and taken to Krejikstan all over a fuel sample. People come along to trick them whilst some help them. Can they stop Victor Vishinsky from contaminating a lot of fuel?

Extraordinary action packed mystery story
A 10/10
(March 2007)

The Trumpet of the Swan, E.B. White

In this book, the main character is Sam, a boy. He finds some Trumpter swans and they just got new cygnets. He finds one unable to make noise. His name is Louis. Louis's father then thinks he needs something to let him make noise, so he steals a trumpet from a store in Billings. Louis tries, to play it, but he had some problems before getting the hang of it. He then visits Sam again, and he gets to learn to read and write when Sam took Louis to school. He then had a chalk pencil and a slate to communicate. Louis also had the goal to pay for the trumpet and the store damage. He gets jobs as doing The Swan Boats, and Night Club music. He then falls in love with a girl swan named Serena and found out some people were going to kill her. He stops them, then did some other things and got enough money as his goal. Louis goes back to his home and his father goes to Billings to give the money to the shopkeeper, but got wounded on the way. He had to go to the hospital, but then got healed and back. At the end, years later, Louis and Serena raise their own family and Sam, about twenty goes back to the camp and listens at night for Louis's taps. (March 2007)

Pirates eat porridge by Christopher Morgan and Neil Curtis

This story is about a boy, Billy and his sister, Heidi who get a visit from a pirate. The pirate has a "parrot" called Polly but the parrot is actually a pig!
Billy, Heidi and the pirate sail their house and tree-house to "Itchy Ear Island" where they look for treasure together.
Along the way they have lots of fun finding out about eachother. The pirate doesn't understand about living on the land and the children have never learned about being a pirate before!
It is a very funny book. They find the treasure but they have to be home before sunset otherwise the pelicans might attack the pirate (that's why some pirates wear eye-patches you know!)
The funniest bit is when the pirate is wanting his breakfast of porridge even though it's dinner time!
Throughout the story the pirate calls the children Miss Fishnose and Mr Fishcake. The adventures they have are just great.
I would give this book 9 out of 10 as I enjoyed it so much.
(March 2007)

Every Boy's Got One

Every Boy's Got One is an absolutely fantastic book, so don't be put off by it's title, as it is not what you automatically think!!!
It is written by Meg Cabot, the author of 'The Princess Diaries' series.
Storyline: When cartoonist Jane Harris is asked by her best friend Holly to accompany her on a trip to the Italian Riviera where she is eloping with her long term boyfriend Mark, Jane jumps at the chance: she gets to be the maid of honour and to see Europe.
What Jane doesn't bargain for is Mark's choice of best man - journalist, Cal Langdon. It's hate at first site for Jane and Cal, and neither is too happy at the prospect of sharing a house with one another for a week in the Italian countryside.
But the road to wedded bliss has many a pothole, and it falls to Jane and Cal to fill them in, with some very interesting consequences...

Every Boy's Got One is a hilarious, fun and original novel. Funny, fast moving and pulls the punches in a way that only Meg Cabot can!

A Must-Read. 10/10. *But this is a teenage book and not a book for young children. (March 2007)

The BFG

I really enjoyed the BFG. The characters were really imaginative and Roal Dahl uses very exciting and interesting language. I would like to make up my own words too. My favourite bit is where Sophie and the BFG are making the dream for the queen. I really recommend this book to children and adults of all ages. (March 2007)

Pendragon: Black Water by D.J. MacHale

Fifteen-year-old Bobby Pendragon was just like any other kid his age - an all around good guy, sports star, and loyal friend to Mark Dimond.
But Bobby also had an Uncle Press.
Uncle Press was the coolio uncle any kid would love to have. He wouldn't just bring a pony for your birthday, instead, he'd bring a truckload of ponies for a mini-rodeo. He takes Bobby on dozens of awesome adventures, such as scuba diving, or flying in a private jet.
The only thing was, Uncle Press was also a Traveler - which meant that he was responsible for the safety of the territories of all the times and places that have ever existed - also known as Halla, from the evil Traveler Saint Dane.
And Uncle Press takes Bobby along for the ride.
Since the day that Uncle Press whisks Bobby into a flume(a wormhole) to the war-torn Denduron, he's been to the entirely underwater territory Cloral, First Earth, also known as New York 1930, and Veelox, where people have escaped from reality to live in their own fantasies.
Now Bobby's in the territory Eelong, where wild jungles cover the world and where predatory cats called Klees dominate.
And Saint Dane also happens to be there.
Bobby now must learn to tame the jungles of Eelong, save its inhabitants, and defeat Saint Dane once more.
Pendragon is a fantasy/science fiction series that will get you hooked from the first page. Although books one to three weren't as good as they could've been, they built up on the story and made books four and five much more action-packed and interesting. There were a lot more twists and turns in book five, with unexpected events and action everywhere, and Saint Dane's evil plan cleverly concealed within the book's pages, leaving readers to rack their brains for answers.
Also, it was interesting that Bobby's friends, Mark and Courtney, got a taste of the action in Eelong, and not just sat around, reading Bobby's journals, like they did in the previous books. It was different, and exciting.
It was also creepy how humans were treated like animals, and were enslaved by klees, which makes us look back at ourselves and how we treat nature and the world. Black Water teaches lots of lessons following the thrilling story.
I would recommend the entire Pendragon series to preteen and teen readers - the material isn't too mature, and not too childish either, so it is perfect for young readers. I would rate this series 10/10.

(March 2007)

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Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony by Eoin Colfer