Also Known as Rowan Pohi by Ralph Fletcher

Title: Also Known as Rowan Pohi

Author: Ralph Fletcher

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Rating: 3 stars

Also Known as Rowan Pohi is a quite short, light and interesting reading about Bobby Steele, a boy who decides to trick his way into Whitestone, a prestigious school in Bobby’s town. It’s begun with a prank with his friends when they invented Rowan Pohi, a smart and talented boy who wanted to enter Whitestone. But when they received a letter telling them that Rowan is accepted, Bobby decided to take his place and be Rowan Pohi.

This is a light reading; it only took me about one and a half hour to finish it. The main character, Bobby Steele, hated his name due to its association with his father, Bobby Steele Senior, after a terrible event between his father and his mother. Thinking that his future is doomed due to the name and his low rank school, Bobby thinks Rowan Pohi is his getaway ticket to be what he always wanted to be.

I like Bobby, I can relate to him. For him Rowan Pohi is his mardi grass. He could be himself, or, not himself, depend on from which side you’re looking at. Being Rowan Pohi gives him a chance he couldn’t get as Bobby Steele, a chance for clean start and promising future. Other characters aren’t that interesting although I quite like his friends and their friendship.

Overall this is too short to make you feel deeply engaged but it’s still a nice reading, a book that fits for kids and those who like reading kids books like me.

Lynossa

Also Known as Rowan Pohi by Ralph Fletcher

Review: The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

Title: The Thief
Author: Megan Whalen Tuner
Series: Attolia #1/ The Queen's Thief #1
Pages: 280 (Paperback)

Release date: October 31 1996
Published by: Greenwillow Books

Summary: (Goodreads)

"I can steal anything."

After Gen's bragging lands him in the king's prison, the chances of escape look slim. Then the king's scholar, the magus, needs the thief's skill for a seemingly impossible task - to steal a hidden treasure from another land.

To the magus, Gen is just a tool. But Gen is a trickster and a survivor with a plan of his own.

Review:

I’ve been seeing this Queen’s Thief/Attolia series in every fiction novel forum I go to. For a novel that was published in 1996 and still make people talk 15 years later, I thought that this has got to be a really good series. And now that I have read it, I am very happy to say that this did not disappoint. I may actually have a new series to obsess.

The first half of The Thief was really slow. It consisted of Gen (the thief), the magus, Sophos, Pol and Ambiades traveling from Sounis to a land in Attolia to steal the Hamiathes Gift as ordered by the king of Sounis, a bargain that will free Gen from the prison of the Sounis king for stealing from him. Nothing much happened, and it was quite boring but Gen's humor made up for the lack of interesting events.

At first, Gen was portrayed as a whiny, stupid, poor, good for nothing, gluttonous thief who doesn't particularly care about anything. But later, his true identity and intentions were revealed.  I was very surprised with the turn of events. He was a very good actor that I didn't question about who he really was. But then again, that's one of the things that made me love this book. Gen is an awesome character too, because even though he's always sleepy and hungry, he is very charming and clever. I just got the second book, and I really can't wait to start it!


Mithee

Review: The Thief by Megan Whalen Turner

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

Title: A Monster Calls

Author: Patrick Ness

Publisher: Candlewick Press

Rating: 4-and-a-half stars


Conor O'Malley has nightmare and he's afraid the monster from his nightmare will come to him in real life and the nightmare turns into real. So when a monster shows up, he's not afraid at all. That until the monster interferes in his life and shows him what's hidden under his nightmare.

Patrick Ness did it again! That's the first thing I had in mind after I finished reading this book. In my opinion Patrick Ness is one of the authors who aren't only good at creating loveable and believable characters but also good at create engaging plot. A Monster Calls shows exactly a great author he is. It might be short but it's deep nonetheless. There are stories written for more than 300 pages and you can't still feel the connection with the characters and there are stories written only 100ish pages and you feel in love with the characters since the first chapter. A Monster Calls fall into the later.

Conor is a poor kid; his mother is sick and has been through many treatment with barely a result. I've experienced what he experiences in this book and it wasn't easy for me, who undoubtedly an adult and has many people supported me. Conor on the other hand, is alone and has to deal with all those stuffs by himself. He doesn't have friend at school because everyone pities him, and it doesn't help him at all. And that's why the monster comes to him. The monster comes to tell him a story and after that, Conor must tell him his story, the story in his nightmare.

It's great story with a great message. It's also beautifully written. It's a must read for anyone had experienced loss in his/her life.

Lynossa

A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

Title: The Unwanteds

Author: Lisa McMann

Publisher: Aladdin (Simon & Schuster Imprint)

Rating: Two and a half stars

In the land of Quill, once in a year, thirteen years old kids must face Purge, to decide whether they're Wanted, Necessary, or Unwanted. Alex Stowe is Unwanted while his twin brother Aaron is wanted. That meant Aaron will stay in the society and Alex will be sentenced to death. Or so he thought, until he and other Unwanted kids arrived in Artime where he was allowed to draw, spoke what was on his mind, and snacked in the middle of the night. But Alex missed his twin brother and wanted to contact him. Would he do it even though it might jeopardize Artime?

In the beginning, I was a bit annoyed because there's no explanation why the world turned out like that. For me good dystopian has to have a logical reason why the world became that way. But I decided to keep reading in case the explanation is located in the end of the story. It did have explanation, but it made me think this isn't supposed to be called as dystopian...

Anyway the plot was interesting and idea was great. basically the stoy is good enough to keep me reading until the end; the kids with creative traits were banished from tight and strick society? twins separated and must fight against one another? I'm on it. Plus the strange creatures are amazing as well, I like Simber a lot.

The characters, however aren't so interesting for me. Alex is okay, Lani is a bit bratty, Megan and Samheed a bit typical. Mr. Today also just okay, remind me a bit about Dumbledore but definitely not as awesome as him.The romance part was weird and it just didn't click at all; it felt a bit forced for me.

Then in some parts of the story there are several sub chapters where the narration voice shifted uncomfortably, at least for me. For example there's one that shifted from Alex to Samheed even to Mr. Today while it was supposed to be from Alex POV or another sub-chapter where the narration shifted from Alex to Samheed to Lani. Seriously, it's annoying and confusing. How Alex could possibly know what's Samheed or Mr Today's thought?

So overall the story is good and worthy to read although a bit predictable but the characters were just okay and narration was a bit annoying.

Lynossa

The Unwanteds by Lisa McMann

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Title: The Perks of Being a Wallflower


Author: Stephen Chbosky

Publisher: Pocket Books (Simon & Schuster Imprint)

Rating: Four and a half stars

When we get out of the tunnels, Sam screamed this really fun scream, and there it was. Downtown. Lights on buildings and everything that makes you wonder. Sam sat down and started laughing. Patrick started laughing. I started laughing.
And in that moment, I swear we were infinite.

Charlie is a sensitive and smart boy. He also a different from anyone in his age; a bit awkward in social and often thinks too much, he can suddenly cry or laugh because of simple things. This book is about his journey on his first year of high school; how he met his best friends: Patrick and Sam, about his first sexual experience, about the first time he was stoned, and about his interaction with his family. Told in simple words, Charlie took us on a roller coaster ride of being an ordinary yet special kid.


You know some books that plunged you into endless action? With dead bodies and mysteries along the plot, and sometimes it makes you afraid to turn off the light? Well, this is not one of those books. This is a book for those who like to think about life, for those who enjoy seeing life from different eyes and - just like Charlie - like to wonder how people got into their places, for people who like to read about people with disorder, because I think that's Charlie, the main character of this story.

I instantly fell in love with Charlie after reading few pages. For me he's so likeable; it wasn't hard to portray him at all. You can see the dynamic and development in Charlie not only from the way he told his stories but also from the way those were written. The same also applied to Patrick and Sam, and even Charlie's family such as his sister, his mother, his father, and his brother. The connection between them felt real and natural. I think Stephen Chbosky did a great job at creating such believable characters.

There were times when the plot went too slow, but this isn't an action story so I'm cool with that. The messages in this story were powerful, I remember reading one sentence and literary stopped because I need to digest it and savor it. But at the same time those weren't too heavy or preachy, not at all - because I hate preachy -it's just perfect for me.

I'm happy that in the end, I could find out what exactly that trigger the Charlie's problem, despite it was sad and shocking, but it made me understand Charlie even more. I wish it was longer, I haven't satisfied savoring Charlie's words! All I can say, if you have the same taste like me, you'll love this!

Lynossa

The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier

Title: The Floating Islands

Author: Rachel Neumeier

Publisher: Random House

Rating: three and a half stars

They flew as geese fly in the fall, in a formation like a spear point. At first the shape the winged men made was stark as a rune against the empty sky, but as they approached the ship, they broke their formation, wheeled, and circled low. The morning light caught in the feathers of their glorious wings, crimson as blood, except for one man whose wings were black as grief.

Trei had just lost his family in a terrible disaster and had to seek for a new place in The Floating Islands when he saw the Kajurai, the flying men swam at the air. Trei knew that's the one thing he ever wanted to be. The only person who understood his feeling is Arenai, his newly-found cousin. Being a woman in The Floating Islands meant you have to prepare to be a good wife and that's it. But that's not what Araene wanted. Both of them tried hard to be what they wanted but danger lurked in when Trei's old country decided to attack The Floating Islands. Will they able to be what they wanted to be? And where would Trei's loyalty lies?

The Floating Islands is a very interesting story; I enjoy reading it. Not only that but I also like Trei and Araene for being bold and fearless in pursuing what they wanted. However the other characters aren't so interesting. I guess on of my problems with this book is the conflicts aren't deep enough. Most of the characters are very good and helpful. Trei managed to fit in with the other kajurai apprentices without much problem (I would love to see a bit of clash in there), and the same thing also happened to Araene. Most of the characters are good and they rarely showed their bad side, which I would prefer to see more instead of the good-goody two shoes kind of characters. So for me it's lack of deep conflicts, either between characters or in plot, but overall it's pretty good.

I would recommend it for fantasy and middle-grade lovers.

Lynossa

The Floating Islands by Rachel Neumeier

The Giver by Lois Lowry

Title: The Giver

Author: Lois Lowry

Publisher:

Rating: 3 stars

All these years Jonas believed that he lived in a perfect community. The orders and rules are there for their own benefit; children are assigned to special family who will nurture them, each year they will received similar treatment so there wont be any differences. Jonas believed it was for the best. But when he was assigned into be The Receiver, he discovered the dark truth about his community, and his world never be the same again.

Honestly I would give higher rating if only the story was longer and had clearer ending; I hate cliffhanger. However I have to be honest, this is a good story; albeit too short for my liking. I like how Jonas reacted toward all the new things he learned about his community. The shocking truth behind the orders that he trusted as the best for him and his community. Also the devastation he felt when he couldn't tell the truth to his friends; how his view had changed completely from them.

This is good for people who just start reading dystopian but for dystopian lover like me, it leaves unsatisfied taste in my mouth.

Lynossa

The Giver by Lois Lowry

The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan

Title: The Long Weekend

Author: Savita Kalhan

Publisher: Andersen Press

Rating: 4 stars 

Sam focused.
Gradually, he made out the words. Words he didn't particularly want to hear. Maybe that's why his ears weren't working properly. They knew he didn't want to hear what Lloyd was saying. But he heard the words, and once he'd heard them he couldn't get them out of his head.
'Isn't this your car we're riding in?'

Sam and his friend, Lloyd did one simple but fatal mistake when they got into a sparkling white Mercedes after school, each one thought the car belonged to the other's father. The car took them to a huge mansion filled with up-to-date gadget and games where they tried to fool themselves that it was a surprise party. Surprise indeed. Trapped in the middle of nowhere, chased by lunatic and armed with nothing but his own wit, Sam determined to get him and Lloyd out of there in one piece.

Written in simple prose, The Long Weekend plunged me into the scariest nightmare anyone could have. Only one stupid mistake led to series of terrifying experiences. I'm not really a fan of horror, but I like psychological books and I don't mind that kind of horror (I love Silence of the Lambs!). This one falls into that group, imo.There wasn't anything too graphic so it's quite suitable for teenagers. However the tension and the horror of being chased and the possibilities of what would happened if they were caught was almost unbearable. My eyes were glued to the pages and I couldn't put it down until I finished it. Luckily this book was quite short, even more I read it on weekend so it only took awhile for me to savor it; but even so I still think about it for awhile after I read it. The message in this story is powerful and I love it.

Those who love good thriller and looking for a short reading - but still powerful - you should read this book. It was great!

Lynossa

The Long Weekend by Savita Kalhan

Seven Sorcerers by Caro King

Title: Seven Sorcerers

Author: Caro King

Publisher: Querqus

Rating: 3 and a half stars

For Nin, Wednesday is the worst day of a week but she learned a whole new dimension of worst when on one Wednesday her little brother Toby was gone and no one in her family remembered him except her. Tried to discover the mystery, she realized that whatever took Toby is planning to kidnap her as well. Managed to escape from the bogeyman but everyone is her family lost their memories about her, hid in Drift with the help of Jonas, a stranger who experienced the same thing with her, Nin discovered a lot of new things including the history of this world. Learned the truth about this world and the Seven Sorcerers that once ruled it, Nin set on a journey to save Toby, but can she make it when Drift posed so many dangers such as Hound, tombfolk, and of course the same bogeyman who wont let her go easily.

 I enjoyed this book a lot. It was nice and fun book to devour in one night (if you're not too busy with work). The character develop nicely in this book, when the first time Nin arrived at the Drift, she was almost helpless and relied on Jonas everytime something happened. But eventually she became stronger and understand the power she has and gained confident in what she was doing. The changes also happened to the bogeyman, I wont say anything that will spoil the fun of you, but he's one of the most interesting character in this book, although my favorite character is Jik, I have a thing with quirky-out-of-the-ordinary creature (like the hob in The Crowfield Curse and Dobby in Harry Potter), beside Jik is so cute (if more than two-meter tall mudman can be considered as cute).

The story is quite predictable in some parts but it doesn't mean it's not fun to read. However the ending was too quick and too abrupt. I was still enjoying the book and felt the tense of their adventure and suddenly, it ended and I was like, 'huh?'. Apparently there's a second book, Shadow Spell, and I've decided that I'm going to find this book. I recommend it to Middle-Grade readers who like fantasy.

Lynossa

Seven Sorcerers by Caro King

Room by Emma Donoghue

Title: Room

Author: Emma Donoghue

Publisher: Picador

Rating: 4 and a half stars

"The world is always changing brightness and hotness and soundness, I never know how it's going to be the next minute." 

Jack was just turned Five and just like any other boy; he likes watching TV, play games, and he loves his Ma very much. He lived in Room with her Ma, Duvet, Table, TV, Bath, and other furnitures and the only person ever he see in that room beside his Ma is Old Nick, an occasionally nighttime visitor. Never set foot outside Room, Jack believed Room is his whole universe and everything outside the room was in Outer World. Everything on TV was not real, but mouse and spider were real because he saw them. But one day her mother revealed the truth: there is world outside the Room and people just like them, thus start Jack's terrifying journey of entering the world for the first time.

This story will break your heart, but mend it back with the warmth of love. Now, I'm not usually say those kind of words, but that's exactly what I felt after I read this book. I can't even imagine the pain that 'Ma' was suffering for being captivated and abused for years by Old Nick. It's scary to think that there are plenty people like Old Nick out there, stalking girls or children as if they're a prize to win. But I was touched by how despite everything, 'Ma' tried to live and took a good care of her son, and also on how Jack constantly tried to understand the new world that confusing yet fascinated him.

It was written from Jack's point of view, which can be annoying sometimes because we could see the ego and selfishness of a five-year old boy. But even though it annoyed me, I still consider it brilliant because that exactly what five-year old boy would think. They think their mother (family) is the whole world, and they're selfish, but they also eager to learn about everything. The plot was a bit slow as the author spend several chapters to show Jack's and Ma's characters and also their daily life in Room. The story got more interesting after Jack managed to escape and saved his Ma. What went after that wasn't about the trial or crime but about how Jack was trying to adapt with everything that's new to him. Stairs, store, hammock, bees, and of course people.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves reading family drama, a bit of psychology, and basically people who like to read story with depth.

Lynossa

Room by Emma Donoghue

Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

Title: Kat, Incorrigible (US)/A Most Improper Magick (UK) (The Unladylike Adventures of Kat Stevenson #1)

Author: Stephanie Burgis

Publisher: Antheneum Books

Rating: 4 stars
 
Kat is the youngest daughter of Stevenson family. Witty and never concern about how a lady should behave, Kat is a handful for her Stepmama and her two older sisters. Then she found out she was born to be a Guardian with powerful magic, part of an Order to protect Society, and her life gets merrier! Planning to runaway to London so she could get a job and free her sister from marriage arrangement, help a love-struck guy who pretend to be highwayman to kidnap the girl he loves, or disguise herself to be the woman she hates the most, Kat always find a way to do something. But finally she realize what is the meaning of helpless when she meet a strong opponent, who willing to sacrifice Kat's family for his own benefit.

Kat, Incorrigible is a light-reading; something you read after a hard day full of work/school so you could feel relax and perhaps laugh a little bit. Set in Yorkshire, England 1803, this book offer a taste of Jane Austen's book with more enthusiast (or should I say unladylike) main character. Kat is definitely the star in this book. Although other characters are quite interesting, I found them quite predictable as well, unless probably Mr. Gregson. Kat's sisters, Angelina and Elissa are a bit similar to Austen's characters as well. Elissa remind me a bit of Jane for Pride and Prejudice. It doesn't mean Stephanie rip them off though; not that similar.

The conflict is typical of Jane Austen books; love, marriage arrangement, scandal in Society, and how to behave like a proper lady with a twist of magic. Kat inheritance the ability to do magic from her late mother; magic that so powerful that makes her eligible to be part of the Order of Guardian. But Kat doesn't really want it because all she wants is protect her family (and have a little fun while doing it). The fantasy element in this story is perfect; not too much to make you feel overwhelmed with it but enough to make the story more interesting. Even though Kat is powerful, she's not untouchable. Especially because her magic is still raw, she often did mistakes doing it. I prefer a realistic character, not someone too perfect, and Kat is quite realistic. Overall it's not a story that you have to take time to digest it; you just need to get along with the story and enjoy the ride.

With this book I declared that I favor middle-grade more than young adult. I like this kind of book; with a witty character who wont waste her life being angst and mooning over a super handsome guy. Don't get me wrong, I like YA but sometimes the lovey-dovey in YA is just too much for me to tolerate. But middle-grade offer more excitement and broader conflict for me compare to YA.

Lynossa

Kat, Incorrigible by Stephanie Burgis

The Curious Incident of The Dog in Night-Time by Mark Haddon

Title: The Curious Incident of The Dog in Night-Time

Author: Mark Haddon

Publisher: Random House (UK)

Genre: Middle-Grade; Family;

Rating: 4 and a half stars

Prime numbers are what is left when you have taken all the patterns away. I think prime numbers are like life. They are very logical but you could never work out the rules, even if you spent all your time thinking about them.

Fifteen-year-old Christopher has a photographic memory. He understands math and science very well, but he can't understand other human beings. When he finds his neighbour's dog lying dead on the lawn, he decides to track down the killer and write a murder mystery about it. But his murder mystery leads to other mysteries and can he deals with the truth about his life?

When I started reading this book, I have no expectation. I knew this book is an award winning but I've been disappointed with some award winning books so it I decided that I will keep my mind open... thus I was blown away. The Curious Incident of The Dog in Night-Time is one of the best middle-grade book I've ever read. It was powerful, beautiful, and mind-blowing. It started with a seemingly simple thing, leads to many things. Christopher lived with his father and study in school for special need children. One day he found his neighbour's dog dead and decided that he would be a detective and solved the murder mystery. Despite his father banned him to be near the neighbour's house, Christopher continue his investigation but it lead to other mysteries and the secret that his father kept. It's like a snowball effect and I really like it.

Not only that, I think Mark Haddon is success in presenting Christopher without making him too in-human or too human. Christopher is a boy with special needs but instead of exploiting that to make us feel sorry for Christopher, Haddon makes us see Christopher as any other boy. Most of books about special need children constantly remind us how different they are for us, but not this book. Other characters are also interesting; although the story was written from Christopher's point of view, I have no problem to understand other characters and their personalities. Despite his lack of understanding about human being, Christopher is a very good observant and it helped a lot. Other thing I like the most is the ending, it's not happily-ever-after ending, but it's good-enough-for-now ending, which I think very suitable for this book and portrayed our life perfectly.

Lynossa

The Curious Incident of The Dog in Night-Time by Mark Haddon

The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh and Interview

Title: The Crowfield Curse

Author: Pat Walsh

Publisher: The Chicken House

Rating: 4 stars

‘Very well. We will talk again.’ Jacobus Bone lifted a hand in dismissal. The cuff of his long sleeve slipped back just far enough to reveal part of his hand. Or what was left of it. William stared at the stumps of two fingers and a thumb and caught his breath in shock.
Jacobus Bone was a leper.

Shortlisted for the Waterstones Children's Fiction Prize 2010, The Crowfield Curse set in year 1347. Fifteen-year-old Will, an orphan boy, lives at Crowfield Abbey. Sent into the forest to gather wood, he rescues instead, a creature from a trap - a hob, who shares with Will a terrible secret. Somewhere in the forest behind the abbey where he lives, is a grave. And buried deep in the snow is an angel. But how can an angel die? What has it to do with the monks of the Abbey? When two hooded strangers arrive at Crowfield asking questions about the angel's grave. Will is drawn into a world of dangerous Old Magic.

I like this book! I like the characters, I like the story, the plot the setting, everything! It's not an epic fantasy in another realm, it's a world beside our normal world. The world where fays live and Old Magic lingers in the corner of dark forest. I really like the hob, Brother Walter. I think he's cute; especially when he's hanging on Will's shoulder while they were running. The other characters weren't so impressing as the hob but I quite like William, Brother Snail, and Shadlock. Despite his fate, William is a normal kid who wishes for warm food and less work. He's not super handsome or super awesome; he's average yet there's something about him that makes him special. I felt attached to him especially after reading how he felt toward the death of animals. I love animals and I can understand the hopeless feeling he felt.


I think this book will appeal to children from 8-15 years old, and also adults who enjoy middle grade book (like me). It's easy to like, fun to read, and very enjoyable. The only downfall I can think of is that in the beginning this book lack of action. But I think the events which happened during the first part of the book built the tension until it reached the climax in the end so it was okay for me. Now I can't wait for the second book to come!

********

I received e-copy from the author. I requested it because I was intrigued by its cover and description and she kindly sent in to me. After I finished the book, I email her to ask some questions. Here are those:

The Crowfield Curse by Pat Walsh and Interview

Orange Girl by Jostein Gaarder

This review is part of Loving the Review Challenge hosted by Brandi of Blkosiner's Book Blog and Sniffly Kitty of Sniffly Kitty's Mostly Books. Basically all I need to do it post my review with the banner and link it to Siffly Kitty or Brandi's blog.

Title: Orange Girl

Author: Jostein Gaarder

Publisher: Orion Publishing

Rate: 4 and a half stars

“My father died eleven years ago. I was only four then,
I never thought I’d hear from him again, but now we’re
writing a book together.”

To Georg Røed, his father is no more than a shadow, a distant memory. But then one day his grandmother discovers some papers stuffed into the lining of an old red pushchair. The pages are a letter to Georg, written just before his father died, and a story, The Orange Girl. But The Orange Girl is no ordinary story – it is a riddle from the past centering around an incident in his father’s youth. One day he boarded a tram and was captivated by a beautiful girl standing in the aisle, clutching a huge paper bag of luscious-looking oranges. Suddenly the tram gave a jolt and he stumbled forward, sending the oranges flying in all directions. Since that day, his father became obsessed with finding the identity of the Orange Girl, and now, from beyond the grave he is asking his son to help him solve the puzzle...

Few days ago Kay-c asked me what book should she read if she wants to start reading philosophy book. I immediately said' Jostein Gaarder's!'. Jostein Gaarder was the reason why I read philosophy book in the first place. I read Sophie's World years ago and I was hooked! So I started reading his other books. Orange Girl isn't my favorite Gaarder but that doesn't mean this book isn't worthy of your time. On the contrary, I think this is one of the must-read book; especially if you're taking interesting in philosophy. In my opinion every book that made you thought about the meaning of your life was in some way engaging you in philosophical thinking; and this book is one of those books. However unlike Sophie's World, philosophy in this book was presented subtly and you barely realize it. That's why I consider this as a very good start if you want to read philosophy novels.

The character, Georg, was cute and very smart. Most of Gaarder's books feature kids as his main character and he's good at creating believable characters. The plot was a bit slow in the beginning but as you progress in reading you will discover many interesting things; beautiful things and sad things. I was completely blown away by the ending, it was so sad but it make sense to me, it kinda complete my imagination of Georg's father and it didn't disappoint me at all. I think this story will capture the heart of everyone who experienced the lost of a beloved person.

Lynossa

Orange Girl by Jostein Gaarder

How To Be A Pirate by Cressida Cowell

Title: How To Be A Pirate by Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III

Author: Cressida Cowell

Publisher: Little Brown (UK)

Rating: 3 and a half

"Who shall fight Dogsbreath?" repeated Gobber the Blech.
Ten of the boys stuck their hands up with cries of "Ooooosirmesirpleasechoosemesir," wildy excited at the thought of being smooshed into a pulp by Dogsbreath the Duhbrain. This was predictable. That's what most Hooligans were like.

The second adventure of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock the Third, the heir of Hooligan Tribe. His previous success doesn't guarantee that everyone suddenly love him, I mean after all they're Hooligans. So when Hiccup and Fishlegs found a coffin with a writing 'Do Not Open and telling everyone Not to Open it, it doesn't mean they listened to him. A man emerged from inside the coffin and claimed to be a honest farmer who got stuck inside the coffin and told tale about Hiccup ancestor's treasure. Soon the berk island was busy with the preparation of treasure hunting. What would Hiccup do? Will he joined in excitement?

I love this series, although How to Be a Pirate isn't my favorite among the 8th books but I'm still loving it. The same with first book, the author manage to present the goofy and silliness in a very nice way. The dorky drawing add more to the humor. It's a fun light reading that kids will surely enjoy it. Even adult would enjoy it as well as a break from heavier books. Although it seems like a no-brainer book, but underneath it all there's a hidden message inside of this series about kindness, and having treasures doesn't mean it will guarantee happiness. And this message is subtly written without making it seems like preaching.

Lynossa

How To Be A Pirate by Cressida Cowell

Freefall (Tunnels #3) by Roderick Gordon & Brian Williams

Title: Freefall (Tunnels #3)

Author: Roderick Gordon & Brian Williams

Publisher: The Chicken House

Rating: 3 and a half stars

There were four wooden benches in a row against the side of the tunnel. Resembling something one might find in a butcher's shop, they were sturdily built, their legs and tops made of thick pieces of timber. This impression was further enhanced by the fact that they were bloodstained and covered with what seemed to be scraps of old, dried meat, in some places several centimetres deep.

This is the third part of Tunnels series. If you haven't read it and don't want to be spoiled, stop reading right now. You can find the first book, Tunnels, review in here and the second book, Deeper, review in here.

Descend even deeper than ever, Will, Chester, and Elliot land on the Pore, the place equal (if not more) dangerous as the interior. Spider-monkey and Bright are roaming around looking for victims. Luckily they stumbled upon Martha, a soloist renegade who lives in the Pore and take them to her save haven. But after awhile, they starting to wonder about Martha's mental condition and going restless. But will Martha let them go? And what about the twins? Without Will and Chester knowing, they also landed on the Pore and now looking for a way out of the Pore so they could finish their evil plan to kill all Topsoil and take over the world.

This is my favorite among three books in Tunnels series I've read. Why? Finally I see character development! Not immediately as half part of the book still pretty much similar to the previous books (in term character development) and I even get frustrated with Will's naivety. But then as the story goes and he sees and experienced a lot more, Will finally grew up from that little boy who just wanting to be reunited with his father. Other characters such as Chester also changed a bit - not as much as Will though, and Elliot - my favorite character - spent half of the book lying unconsciously only to return with a bang, literary. That is so Elliot. Almost similar with the first and second book, there are some parts where I feel bored. But I didn't stop reading and things get pretty excited and intense again with a cliffhanger ending that makes you wanting for more.

Lynossa

Freefall (Tunnels #3) by Roderick Gordon & Brian Williams

Deeper (Tunnels #2) by Brian Williams and Roderick Gordon

Tittle: Deeper (Tunnels #2)

Author: Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams

Publisher: The Chicken House

Rating: 3 and a half stars

Will and Chester raced down the avenue after Cal, not thinking, not caring, where they were going as long as they got away from the onslaught of airborne monsters. They were driven by a single thought, almost a primordial fear: to escape from these screeching, oversized beasts.

This is the second book of Tunnels series. If you haven't read the first book, I suggest you to stop reading this now. I have the review for the first book, Tunnels, in HERE.

Escaped from Colony and the fierce grip of Styx, Will, Chester, and Cal going deeper underground searching for Will's father. But the underworld is much more sinister and cruel that topsoil; plenty beasts and Styx's limiters roaming around. Not only that, Will also discovered Styx plan to destroyed human race above the earth and to rule the world. A dream that seems so impossible but if you're accustomed with dictator maniacs, you know they always want that. So now not only make sure his father still alive, dodging Styx, escape from mortal dangers, Will and his friends have to find a way to save humanity!

I've discovered that in some series, especially trilogy, the second book usually the least interesting among the others. That's not what happened with Deeper; as far as I have read this series is being consistent. Surely it has the similar slow-pace-kinda-boring moments, but it still bearable. There we some surprises; I thought I was used to it by now but there were few times when I leafed the pages while reading casually, absolutely expect nothing and then something happened and my jaw dropped few inches. My thought at that time, "What the hell just happened? I didn't see that coming!!!" and the story manage to capture my interest again.
Not only that but there were some changes in Chester and Will friendship, especially after they met Drake and Elliot - two renegades who wandered at the Deep, hiding from the Styx while occasionally destroying their facilities. We also get to know more about the twins and Will's mother from several chapters which presented from Sarah Jerome's point of view.
Personally I'm not a fan of first person POV, and this book use third person POV which is my favorite POV in stories. For me it was one of the strong point of this book. Other points were  the rich description of the Deep - I can picture it very well in my imagination - and the suspense and surprises in every layer. Sadly, it lacked on character development. I think the authors were focusing more on the plot and story development, which was awesome, but character development is important, especially for series.
If you're looking for awesome main character who seems to be either super cool, super handsome, or super you, this is not the book you want. But if you're looking for epic adventure with rich and vivid description and to get lost in the dark underworld, you'll enjoy this series.

ps: My Tunnels book is UK version but my Deeper book is US version. I will suggest you to buy UK version because not only the cover is glossy, the paper quality is better. This is based on paperback version.

Lynossa

Deeper (Tunnels #2) by Brian Williams and Roderick Gordon

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Title: The Graveyard Book

Author: Neil Gaiman

Publisher: Harper Collins Children (US)

Rating: 4 Stars

There was a hand in the darkness, and it held a knife.
The knife had a handle of polished black bone, and a blade finer and sharper than any razor. If it sliced you, you might not even know you had been cut, not immediately.

 Nobody Owens lived and grew up in the graveyard, raised by ghosts and well-guarded by mysterious man who belong to neither the world of living nor dead. Graveyard isn't a safe place; there are plenty dangers and adventures. But for Bod that is his beloved home, especially when outside the graveyard a dangerous man named Jack still looking for him, the same man that killed his family...

The excerpt was the opening passages from The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman. Despite the horror opening, this is a children book. Gaiman is well-known for presenting horror into children situation without forgetting the innocent and the fun that became a signature in every children book. Similar to Coraline, this is a terrific story presented in a very delicate way that glued my eyes to those pages. This is one of the books I read over and over again without getting bored. I like everything about this book; I like how it was written, I like the characters, I like the cover, and I like the illustrations (I read the hardcover version).
The main character Bod was believable; even though he grew up in Graveyard. He experienced all the things just the same as any other kids; having friends, play hide-and-seek (sometimes inside a tomb), and dealing with bullies. But he was special also; not only he could see and talk to the ghosts, he has the ability to fade so people couldn't see it, and plant nightmares into people's mind. Other characters such as Silas, Bod's ghost parents, and Jack the Man were also believable. Gaiman didn't explain them in long detailed paragraph but I could picture them quite easily. Some authors can be over the top with character description but lack in describing ambiance and surrounding situation, that's now what happened with this book. Every little thing about this book makes me love it and I hope Mr. Gaiman will write another adventures of Nobody Owens!

Lynossa

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Tunnels (Tunnels #1) by Brian Williams & Roderick Gordon

Title: Tunnels (Tunnels Series #1)

Author: Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams

Publisher: The Chicken House

Rating: 3 and a half stars

A sudden movement and a small splash made them jump. Then a sleek white object leaped from the ripping water and streaked along one of the metal members, stopping still on the top of a huge gearwheel. It was a large rate with a glistening, snout with its paws and flicked its head, spraying droplets into the air. then it reared up on its hind legs, it whiskers twitching and vibrating in their torchlight as it sniffed the air.
'Look! It doesn't have any eyes," Will hisses excitedly.'

 Will Burrows is a strange boy with digging as a hobby. An interest he shared with his father, an archeologist and museum curator who care more about his dusty artifact than his family. One day his father disappeared and leaves clues that he was gone to the underground, but that must be impossible, isn't? So Will and his friend, Chester, follow his father's footsteps with the hope to find him. Underground they stumbled upon various signs of civilization but what they've finally encountered is beyond their imagination. Present as protagonist is the Styx; a race that rule the underground civilization with such a dictatorship that could make Stalin proud.

I found out about this series around last year (or probably two years ago, kinda forgot). I think it was during my quest in searching for fantasy stories after Harry Potter is finished. I think this series quite interesting and offer a whole different thing compare to most fantasy series these days. The idea truly original and interesting; while most author dwelling with 'underworld' as a metaphor, these authors gave us the real 'underworld' complete with the tunnels, shovels, and sun-less world. Digging tunnels and discover underground civilization with dictator ruler; encounter various weird pre-historical-like creatures, and also how the main character founds out the dark secret about who he really is.

I quite like this book, it's interesting and offer new things. There are parts of this book that I consider a bit boring but there were times when I was surprised with the twists that I didn't expect it would happened. I wouldn't spoiled you what kind of surprises are those, but it's interesting enough to make me wants to read the second book.

ps: Some of you asking the book 'Freefall' from my teaser tuesday, This is the first book of the series. I'm not usually add excerpt in my review, but I guess I should do that from now on because it's more interesting.

Lynossa

Tunnels (Tunnels #1) by Brian Williams & Roderick Gordon

How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell

I must admit even though I'm an adult, I still enjoys reading children books. Hiccup series is one of my favorite children books; I like it so much, if I have kids I’ll shove it to their throats. Hiccup was an unusual Hero in every way. Born as Viking, he was skinny, short, plain, and prefers to use his head to think, and not to bump it to his enemies as most of Vikings in his era would do.
Hiccup was the son of his tribe’s Chieftain which instantly (because they’re Viking not some democrati ...moreTitle: How to Train Your Dragon by Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III 

Author: Cressida Cowell 

Publisher: Hodder Chidren's Books (UK) 

Rate: 4 stars 

I must admit even though I'm an adult, I still enjoy reading children books. Hiccup series is one of my favorite children books; I like it so much, if I have kids I’ll shove it to their throats. Hiccup was an unusual Hero in every way. Born as Viking, he was skinny, short, plain, and  he prefers to use his head to think, and not to bump it to his enemies as most of Vikings in his era would do.

Hiccup was the son of his tribe’s Chieftain which instantly (because they’re Viking not some democratic Roman) made him an heir. But because he was so different with Vikings in general, most of the people doubt he will be a good leader, especially when he has a cousin who fit the leader stereotype in his tribe; big, mean, and rarely use his brain. In most of children book, his non-special condition will be balanced with having something so great; like awesome dragon for example. Unfortunately for Hiccup, he had the tiniest dragon every Vikings ever had; not helping his situation at all. But with his wit and the help from his loyal friend, he managed to overcome most problems and learned how to be a Hero in a hard way.

Lynossa

How To Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell