Friday, June 24, 2005

The Lost Years of Merlin by T.A. Barron

When Emrys washes ashore on an Island, unable to remember his past, he is taken by Branwen, who claims to be his mother. To discover his identity and his powers, Emrys must go to Fincayra, a land between earth and sky that is being destroyed. With some friends to guide him, Emrys will learn that Fincayra's fate and his are connected.

I loved the main characters' personalities. Emrys was a strong-willed boy who was determined to finish his quest. Rhia loved nature and Druma Woods and would do anything to try to save her home. Trouble loved to fight. And Shim wanted to be tall. The part that really grabbed me is that by working together, they managed to have their goals achieved. -Natalie M.

Sorceress

In the book SORCERESS, 18-year -old Agnes Herne is in college when she reads the book Witch Child. She senses a connection between Mary Newburry, the girl in the book, and one of her own ancestors, a medicine woman whom her aunt still honors. Agnes contacts the e-mail address at the back of the book, but someone contacts Agnes first. Agnes undergoes an experience that changes her life forever. Is it a dream or a vision? Could it be Mary? I think this book was written excellently. The mood was very dark and full of mystery as Agnes went into her visions. When she came out of her visions, the mood was lighter, and it lightened even more as she solved the mystery. Agnes grew more mature as she learned more about Mary. The book is a sequel to Witch Child, which was also a good book, so I decided to read the sequel. -Olivia R

A Mango-Shaped Space by Wendy Mass

This book is about one girl's journey as she tries to conquer a condition called Synesthesia. Synesthesia is a condition in which you see words and numbers, feelings and other things, in color, unlike most people. When Mia starts to go to Dr. Jerry Weiss, he tells her she'll have it forever. He tells her about a weekends meeting to talk about it, so she goes and meets a boy named Adam, who she likes instantly. But then tragedy strikes, and she thinks she lost it. Does she lose this so called "gift"? Will it come back to her? To find out, read her book. -Melissa L.

Artemis Fowl; The Eternity Code by Eoin Colfer

I read the book ARTEMIS FOWL: THE ETERNITY CODE by Eoin Colfer. The main character, Artemis Fowl, uses confiscated fairy technology in a scheme to restore his family's wealth. However, when the technology is stolen, Artemis and friends go on an adventure to get it back.

The mood of the book is one of my favorites, as it often changes. In the begining the mood is cheery. Then it changes to helplessness. After that it changes to determination.

The ending of the book is sad. Artemis is being mind-wiped of his fairy memories; however, there is hope that he can regain his memories. After all, he is a genius. -Bruce H