Entries Categorized as 'Fiction'

Eragon

Our rating: **

One day while hunting in the Spine, Eragon discovers a strange, blue stone. He takes it back with him to his Uncle Garrow’s farm, thinking it might be worth something. Little does he know that the seemingly innocent stone is one of the three lost dragon eggs in Alagaesia. When Saphira hatches, Eragon tries to keep her hidden. Then some mysterious, sinister strangers arrive asking questions. Garrow is seriously injured and Eragon finds himself to be a Dragon Rider. Determined to avenge his uncle’s near death, Eragon decides to track down the strangers and deal retribution. Accompanied by Brom, an old storyteller, who seems to know a lot about dragons, Eragon sets out on a quest that may claim his very life.

Hold on to your hats, folks. This may be a long review. Let’s see… Where to start. Eragon is a very entertaining book. The first time I read it, I had trouble putting it down. However, I recommend caution while reading this book. There are several things in it that I don’t agree with. Eragon’s willingness to steal some leather in the beginning, for example. Also, (and I’m not the only one to say this) the plot seems to be sort of a rehash of Lord of the Rings and Star Wars, while the writing style itself could be stronger. On a good note, Saphira has a real personality and there’s plenty of adventure.

Magic by the Lake

Our rating: ****

Jane, Mark, Katharine, and Martha of Half Magic fame are back. On vacation at a lake, Mark catches a turtle, and Jane dreamily wishes for a magic lake. The next thing the children know, the turtle tells them that they’ve gotten their wish, and they’ve made a huge mistake: A lake full of magic is way too much magic! After adding some rules about days when the magic will happen, the turtle leaves them to their fate – with hilarious results.

Next to Half Magic, Magic by the Lake is my favorite Eager book so far. It’s probably the most exciting Eager book I’ve read. Unfortunately, the ending is a bit predictable, but other than that, this book is a lot of fun.

The Bloodstone Chronicles

Our rating: ****

Denise finds a strange rock in her uncle’s attic and soon discovers, to her obvious shock, that it reflects moonlight and sends a signal to an alternate dimension. Three strange creatures arrive and whisk her and her friend Nathan off to Fayrah, where they begin to learn about kindness and the love of the creator, Imager. Over the four books, they continue to travel through dimensions, bringing along Nathan’s older brother Joshua, and eventually have the opportunity to be Re-breathed by Imager.

While this could not be ranked as a masterpiece of writing, per say, I still enjoy the story. Some of the characters, Denise in particular, are special to me. Whether or not this book is for you, I can’t say. It has its faults, but you may consider taking a look at least.

The Adventures of Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass

Our rating: *

This book is a collection of “letters” written by a fictitious man named Thomas Jefferson Snodgrass, to the Keokuk Saturday Post. They tell of this peaceable stranger’s experiences in the outside world, including a train ride and seeing a play.

There is some bad language, as there is in most of Mark Twain’s books. I can’t say that I found the letter all that funny. I would put them at fair-to-moderately humorous. Humorous should not be confused with funny. In my mind, humorous refers to a smile and light guffaw or snort, while funny would be a grin and chuckle or giggle. That being said, I will add that, as I have mentioned in most of my Mark Twain reviews, his wry good humor is all over it.

Henry Reed’s Journey

Our rating: *****

Henry Reed is coming back to Grover’s Corner, but in a whole new way. Instead of flying directly to Grover’s Corner, he’s going to San Francisco, where his friend Midge’s family is. They all plan to drive back, across the continent back to New Jersey. But with Henry and Midge having a way of starting innocent accidents, and souvenirs for their travel museum piling up, Mr. Glass might not survive to drive them home!

Personally, this is my favorite Henry Reed book. Everywhere the car stops, Henry and Midge cause an accident or get pulled into something. From Midge starting a gold rush, to Henry saving a hotel swimming pool, Henry Reed’s Journey is a definite winner. Too bad it’s out of print.