The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty

The Universe Builders: Bernie and the Putty by Steve LeBel

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.


The story of Bernie is a unique concept. We are introduced to Bernie who is a young got who has just graduated and is trying to get his first job. In this world universes and worlds are created by gods and themselves live in a world very much like our own. They have friends and enemies, jobs and families and have problems and success just like we do. Bernie's story also touches on concepts that kids in our world have to deal with every day such as bullies and broken homes. Bernie's life hasn't been easy with a famous dad who isn't in his life and a bully at school who he encounters again at work. Bernie learns to deal with the situations as best he can and its interesting to see how things work out.

While the concept of this tale is pretty unique, some of the details were taken out of the bible and woven with the mundane. There was a reference to a god who was able to create a whole universe in 6 days and then took a day off as well as some of the names were pretty familiar like Gabriel and Ezrah. But then those were paired with common names from our world like Billy and Suzie which gave the story a bit of a choppy feel to it like two concepts being melded together a bit awkwardly.

However, overall Bernie's story was unique and enjoyable for kids and adults alike. A fun tale with some very real lessons to be learned.



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Beyonders #1 A World Without Heroes

A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I generously gave this book 4 stars, its more like 3.5. I loved the Fablehaven series so I had high hopes for this book. Maybe too high.

This book reminded me so much of a more modern Alice in Wonderland. Jason and Rachel arrive in Lyrian through unusual means just as a group of musicians commit suicide by going over a waterfall and the crowd there sees this as normal. More unusual characters are met along the way as they attempt to complete their quest for the Word.

This is a middle grade age book, and its suitable for the age group. The characters aren't too in depth and the setting is unusual. Its an adventure that will appeal to a young audience but not one, as an older reader, am just drawn to.

Overall, its not a horrible read, but at the same time not a great one either. The twist at the end and the cliffhanger is what prompted me to round up to 4 stars. I will probably, at some point, continue with the series but its not one that I just can't wait to get my hands on. Maybe the next book will be a bit better.



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The Lunatic's Curse

The Lunatic's Curse by F.E. Higgins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I love the Tales from the Sinister City. However, this is a bit much for the age group it was written for. Reminiscent of RL Stein or Ray Bradbury, this read is a dark and creepy. It contains elements of horror that children may not understand such as cannibalism.

The Lunatic's Curse involves the mystery of the madness and death of the famous inventor Grammaticus. The creepiness level is increased by setting the story at the local lunatic asylum. Murder and mystery abounds through this book as Rex and his new friend Hildred try to discover what's happening. With escaped lunatics and a monster in the bottomless lake, there is much mystery, adventure, and evil about.

Overall, I enjoyed the book. Once I started reading it I couldn't quit and was sorry to see it end. I want to know more about what happened and can't wait for the next installment. However, I think it is not appropriate for the intended audience of the younger persuasion with the underlying theme of cannibalism. Its not for the feint of heart to be sure.



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Hollow City

Hollow City by Ransom Riggs

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the second in the Miss Peregrine's series and is very much like the first. It picks right up where the first one left off not giving much of a re-cap as to what had come before it. I wish that I had refreshed my memory with the first book before I started this one.

I love the premise of the book with all the strange photographs that make up the story. The picture on the front is one of my favorites and the story its attached to in the book is strange as well. I'm glad things continued in the 1940s and feel like even in todays time war is something that sadly even children have to relate to. The children did so some skipping into other time zones but I sometimes had trouble discerning what year we was in.

There were many twists and turns throughout their adventure. It definitely kept my attention as I wondered what they would encounter next or how they would get out of a particular situation. The ending itself was definitely a surprise. I can't imagine how they will manage to save Miss Peregrine or what actions they will take as their story continues.

If you enjoyed the first one you will like this one too. The pictures alone make these books worth a look.



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The Eleventh Plague

The Eleventh Plague by Jeff Hirsch

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This dystopia is a good middle grade age or young adult read. And while there's nothing over the top about the story like aliens or super powers or zombies, what makes it so good is its plausibility. The story behind the plague and what happens after is plausible.

Stephen is born into a world that is harsh and survival is an every day struggle. And at the same time he is still just a kid. He wants to not have so many worries and struggles and just play baseball with his friends and go to school and have a girlfriend. And when he faced with having those options he is torn between the life he wants and the one that he was always taught to have.

Overall, I enjoyed the story. Its a good dystopia for the age group it was written for. Its no so harsh and dark that its unfit for a younger crowd. It has great characters and lots of excitement and its plausibility factor earned points with me.



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The Eyeball Collector

The Eyeball Collector by F.E. Higgins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the third story in the Tales From the Sinister City Series. Its a bit gothic, creepy, and a bit on the dark side and wonderful fun for all.

Hector lives on the wealthy side of Urbs Umida and enjoys crossing over to the wrong side of the river for adventure until he finds himself an orphan with no other place to go. Filled with revenge against the sinister Truepin, he soon finds himself embroiled in a mystery.

Mysteries woven into other mysteries, this story contains threads of the previous books but is a story all its own. I love how some of the previous loose ends are almost tied up but not really explained making you want to know more.

Overall, I love the series and can't wait to read more. This book as well as the series, is great for the kid in all of us. A cross between Poe and Dickens, a little bit dark, but a whole lot fun.



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100 Cupboards

100 Cupboards by N.D. Wilson

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Wow! What a fun read!

Henry goes to live with his aunt and uncle in Henry, Kansas. Along with his cousin Henrietta, they finds 99 cupboards of all sizes, shapes, and colors along his bedroom wall. They come to learn that these are magic cupboards that go to all kinds of other places. Some are dark and sinister and others are simply whimsical. Henry also finds out a lot of other information about his past that just adds to the adventure.

I loved this fun, magical read. As a kid I remember playing in small spaces pretending to go to other places, and this book definitely took me back to those days. I can't wait to find the next book and continue this story. I would recommend it to young and old alike that enjoy a bit of magic and adventure.



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Jack Templar, Monster Hunter

Jack Templar, Monster Hunter by Jeff Gunhus

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This was a fast fun read that pulls you in from the very beginning. The story is told in first person from Jack who warns you from the beginning that there are monsters out there.

Jack wakes up on the day before his 14th birthday and feels like there have been changes in him overnight. He's stronger and faster and just feels differently. Unbeknownst to Jack monsters will be wishing him a happy birthday. Although there is the all too common theme of the boy not knowing his true heritage, the author does well to put a new twist on things and makes this a definite fun read.

This book is full of monsters and heroes and there are lots of questions that I hope get answered in future books. There is an underlying mystery with Jack that makes this an interesting series to be sure.

Overall I really liked this story. If you enjoyed Harry Potter or Percy Jackson then you are sure to enjoy this as well.



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The House of Hades

The House of Hades by Rick Riordan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Wow! There is so much to say about this book. I was both pleased and a bit disappointed. How can that be you ask? I shall explain......

The story picks up right where the Mark of Athena left off. Percy and Annabeth are in Tartarus and the rest of the crew are on their way to the doors of death. The Greek and Roman camps back home are on the brink of war. The character development undoubtedly made this story, that is except for a few that seemed to have became undeveloped. The action back home at camp also takes a back seat as we only see what's happening in glimpses from dreams and in Piper's knife.

Frank undergoes quite a metamorphosis coming into his own as a hero finally. We learn quite a bit more about his heritage as well as his own powers and talents. Hazel as well learns she is more than what she has always believed. Leo has a detour on his own and grows quite a bit as a character. I felt his pain as things took a new course for him. Piper also becomes a stronger character as she takes on the baddies all by herself at one point. But the true revelations come from Nico. I certainly didn't see that coming but I applaud Rick Riordan for taking Nico in that direction. He revealed Nico's secret and really brought this character to life in the process. I felt his pain and insecurities from dealing with such a secret for so long alone. That really earned this book the fourth star.

Percy and Annabeth kinda went backwards in this book. I know they are in Tartarus and trying to keep from dying but Annabeth went from being a strong female character to a rather weak one. Her strategy developing abilities tend to go out the window and overall just seems more dependent on those she's with than the other way around. Percy doesn't grow any either. He's just the same old Percy and there's no real focus on his character. Maybe in the next book we will see more of what we tend to expect from these characters.

Overall I enjoyed this book about as well as the others before it. The humor was a bit off but it didn't detract too much from the story. I definitely look forward to the next. If you've read the ones before it you can't stop now, pick this one up and continue the quest.



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The Bone Magician

The Bone Magician by F.E. Higgins

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is a wonderful middle grade age mystery that is a paraquel to The Black Book of Secrets, meaning they take place at the same time. This story is set in the fictional town of Urbs Umida which is split by a foul smelling river into north and south sections. The north is where the wealthy live and often smells better than the south.

There is more than one mystery taking place in this story. Some are more easy to untangle than others. Pin Carpue is searching for his father who has been accused of killing Pin's uncle when he runs across the Bone Magician that has the ability to speak for the dead. Pin is determined to find this secret. Meanwhile, there is a serial killer terrorizing the city and everyone is afraid to go out at night.


I loved the new characters as well as the tangle of mysteries taking place and the ties to the Black Book of Secrets. I'm intrigued to see how things continue in the books to come. And I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a bit of a dark mystery. Its not just a good read for kids. I loved it.



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The Darke Toad

The Darke Toad by Angie Sage

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I really liked this little story. Set between Magyk and Flyte, this takes place during a festival in the Port that compares to our Halloween. Dom Daniel is seeking the help of the Port Coven Witches to clothe his bones and they have an agenda of their own.

This is a short fun read that goes nicely with the rest of the series. Marcia and Septimus are the main characters in this little adventure and they handle this little adventure just fine. The Darke Toad that was introduced is a nice addition and it was fun to see more of the witches.

Overall I really liked this fun little read. And if you enjoy this series you should add this one to it. Its not necessary to the series but it does add a bit of fun.



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The Gates

The Gates by John Connolly

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Loved! Such a fun read.

There seems to be a debate about whether this books is supposed to be for pre-teens or adults. Personally, I think its good for any age group from middle grade age on up to big kids like me. The main character is an 11 yr old boy who's parents have split up, he's misunderstood by most adults, and his neighbors have opened up the gates of hell.

I love the characters Connolly has created from young Samuel Johnson and his little dog to Nurd the Scourge of Five Dieties. This book is full of humor and satire and the macabre but its all in good fun. I laughed so much through this read.

Overall, I loved it. If you are looking for something that not so serious and could use a good laugh then pick this one up. You won't regret it.



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The Gates

Pasadagavra

Pasadagavra by Marta Stahlfeld

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

This is the second book in the Darkwoods series and it picks up right where the first one leaves off. The war with the Darkwoods Foxes continues and its escalating. All the other woodlands creatures are uniting to try and defend Pasadagavra.

There is so much going on in this series that occasionally its hard to keep up. It reminds me of Narnia melded together with the Lord of the Rings. It is a great war of good verses evil. And like in all wars, not everything is as it seems. Those you think are with you actually have their own agendas. Those you think are your enemy, may not actually be.

There are several side stories taking place amongst the main tale of the battle. Zuryzel has her own quest to undertake and we meet many new characters and say sad farewell to some old ones. The animosity between the River Otters and the Sea Otters is continuing with Anamay in the middle with her love for Mollusk.

This is a great series for middle grade age kids especially or even for those of us that enjoyed Narnia. With promises at the end that there is more to continue, I look forward to continuing this series.



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Darkwoods

Darkwoods by Marta Stahlfeld

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

What a wonderfully vivid world created by author Marta Stahlfield. This is a world full of talking animals embroiled in a war for survival. Foxes, squirrels, mice, otters, and other animals are brought to life in this wonderful book that has a Narnia feel to it but is uniquely its own.

With the death of the fox Oracle Scythe, the other foxes that are under the influence of the Serpent Blight have decided it is time to take over the world of Darkwoods. The other animals are fighting against this. The castle of Pasadagavra seems to be their best hope. Full of characters such as Princess Zuryzel, who is a strong female character, who not only fights for her home and friends but who is also a much respected leader of the Wraith Mice. There are also many other strong female characters on both sides of this war.

There's a lot going on in this book. Its full of all kinds of characters and in the begining its a bit difficult keeping it all straight. And I came to the conclusion that all the animals are about the same size, not like in this world where mice and foxes aren't the same size. There is also much more than just the war going on. There are issues that relate to our own world that are dealt with such as stereotyping and discrimination. There are also a bit of romance woven throughout the book but its not portrayed in such a way that younger readers would be lost.

Throughout the book there is a religious theme woven into it like with Narnia. The Bear King and the Serpent are the opposing deities and told in such a way that younger readers can relate.

Overall, I enjoyed the book and would recommend it to anyone that liked the Chronicles of Narnia or Redwall by Brian Jacques. Its full of well developed animal characters that make it a very fun read.



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Mark of Athena

The Mark of Athena by Rick Riordan

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


This is the third installment in the Heroes of Olympus series, and altho I really enjoyed it I don't understand how people can rate it without having read it. It seems like that makes the overall rating misleading.

The Mark of Athena picks up immediately where The Son of Neptune left off. I wish that I had gone back and refreshed myself with what happened in the last book because so much carried over that I had forgotten about. Riordan does a good job of reminding you what happened that was important but some points I had forgotten about. It has been a year after all.

The Red Leaves and the Living Token

Red Leaves and the Living Token by Benjamin David Burrell

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


I received a free copy of this book for my honest review.

This was a wonderfully original story created in a different world inhabited by three types of beings that represent three types of nature. The Zoen are furry creatures that are very animalistic looking. The petra have a very rocklike look about them. The Botann are green and very plantlike in appearance. The greatest difficulty for me was keeping straight which characters were which. It would have been helpful if at the front or the back there would have been a guide to the three types of creatures and which characters were which. A map of the area would have also been helpful.