The 39 Clues book one: The maze of bones by Rick Riordan

Imagine if you were given the choice between one million dollars or the first of 39 clues, which could, potentially, make you the most powerful person in the universe? Which would you choose?

This book probably doesn’t need any more hype, as I’m sure that all of the waiting lists at the public libraries are full enough--but but but—this book is worth the wait! Seriously. Seriously!

New Moon by Stephanie Meyers (book two of Twilight series)

After a member of Edward’s blood thirsty family is tempted by Bella’s blood, the Cullens decide to leave Forks and Edward breaks up with Bella in order to further “protect her”. Bella falls into a deep depression, and her father encourages her to start spending time with Jacob Black, a family friend. As Bella and Jacob become closer, Bella slowly emerges from her depression, especially when she discovers that when she does dangerous things, she can conjure up Edward’s voice in her mind. Soon Jacob replaces Edward as Bella’s savior and protector and falls in love with this girl who can’t make it without a man, not even for one book. And besides the obvious advantages of a romantic partnership with Jacob (hello! he’s warm!) over Edward, the superficial Bella can’t get over her devastatingly gorgeous vampire ex-boyfriend. The second installation is a better read than the first, in that there is less of Edward, who is boring and controlling, and more of Jacob, who is the first relatable character in the series.

608 pages
3 Stars

Twilight By Stephanie Meyer (book one of Twilight series)

Poor Bella. Her mom’s remarrying, and she decides to move from sunny Phoenix to stay with her dad in rainy Forks. The first part of the book focuses on building Bella’s character (boring and whiny) and it isn’t until Bella lays eyes on Edward that the narrative starts getting interesting. Soon her inner dialogue changes from just complaining about the rain and the fact that she is klutzy to lamenting about her unrequited love for Edward. Eventually they start hanging out, and fall in love, and despite all of the clues of his undead status, it takes her forever to realize he’s a vampire.

Although I spent almost the entire book groaning and rolling my eyes, if anyone tried to take the book away from me when I was reading it I probably would have bit them. It’s totally engrossing, despite of – or maybe because of its ridiculousness. Bella is the perfect empty vessel for any voyeur craving a little bit of drama and adventure. Her lack of personality lets the reader take her place in the strong (cold!) arms of Edward: part protector, part stalker. A must read unless you desire to be completely out of touch with pop culture, but be warned: your inner feminist is going to kick your conscience if you like it.

3 stars
544 pages

Island Series by Gordon Korman

Three part series
Scholastic Inc.
New York
C2001
Book one to three
Series Fiction

If you can effectively suspend your disbelief enough to believe that a motley crew of pre-teens would ever end up sailing across the high seas of the Pacific Ocean as a character building exercise, and enjoy books that leak readily adaptable screenplay capability, then Shipwreck could be an enjoyable read. Fast-paced with stock characters and quick lines, this scene-setting page turner is sure to meld nicely with the popularity of survival reality show stocks. To one unaware of Korman’s skill for humour and character development, a well-researched and entertaining adventure. After the first book in the series, I opened the second book with reluctance. But somehow, Korman made up for all that was lacking within the first of the series. That or the story just needed more time to get going. An engaging series once the first book is out of the way, but to one expecting Korman’s unique comedic style, a little disappointing. Especially recommended for reluctant readers, but suitable for all children over the age of eight. ****