Entries Categorized as 'Fiction'

The Clockwork Twin

Our rating: ****

Adoniram, pronounced to rhyme with “Uncle Hiram,” lives on a farm with his uncle and aunt, who make him do all the work. Then, one day, the summerhouse is carried away by a flood, along with Adoniram. On his voyage in the summerhouse, a dog named Georgie and a English rooster called Ronald, also victims of the flood, join him. They meet Freddy the pig and Jinx the cat at a department store, in which they both took refuge in. After having a fine time eating and playing, they all set out to the Bean farm. There they find a visitor to the farm: Mr. Bean’s brother, Uncle Ben, who invents a clockwork boy named Bertram — who looks just like Adoniram! Then the animals, with the help of Mrs. Church, set out to find Georgie’s former owner, Byram.

The first book with Mrs. Church and Uncle Ben! Also, Freginald the bear, Mr. Boom, Louise the elephant, Leo the lion, etc. play a small part in this book. Very enjoyable. I’m not sure if the Georgie in this book is the same one that is in Freddy goes to Florida, so you can figure it out for yourself. Enjoy!

Byzantium

Our rating: ****

Aidan is a monk in Ireland during the last years of Ancient Rome. Chosen to go on a pilgrimage to the holy city of Byzantium, Aidan is overjoyed to be chosen, until a dream foretells his death in the city. Captured on the way by Sea Wolves, Aidan becomes the slave of Gunnar. The Sea Wolves set off, taking Aidan with them, to a rich city of gold, where even the slaves lounge about in idleness. The city turns out to be Byzantium, and there Aidan decides that God has forsaken him, because he does not die. Through a series of evil events surrounding a plot of extent that no one imagines, Aidan is led deeper into the belief that he has been abandoned by God. Convinced that he must shape his own future, Aidan sets out to solve the mystery before it’s too late.

I thoroughly enjoyed Byzantium, but must say that it is not to be read by the faint of heart. There are some very depressing portions, and evil is displayed as evil and acts very…well…evil. (Did you expect any different?) Certain battles are a bit graphic at points, but very well described. The evildoers use some language, and there are some references to worldly pleasures. That being said, I would highly recommend Byzantium to anybody who could handle it. Lawhead writes in a way that you will feel that you are actually following Aidan on his journey. 870 very rewarding pages of mystery, excitement, daring deeds, evil plots and a story about finding true peace.

The Drackenberg Adventure

Our rating: **

Vesper Holly’s back in full force, Brinnie and all. When Vesper accepts an invitation to the Grand Duchess Maria-Sophia’s Diamond Julbilee celebration, Brinnie and Aunt Mary are swept into a whirl of adventure. Strange things are going on and Vesper is certain that Dr. Helvitius is at the bottom of it. Exploding sausages, a genuine Leonardo da Vinci portrait and a band of gypsies. This book is a credit to the Vesper Holly series.

Another great book. (I would tell you if it wasn’t.) It’s not my favorite in the Vesper Holly series, but that doesn’t make it bad. Have fun. (Look! I wrote a short comment!)…(Believe it or not)…(Believe it.)

The Arkadians

Our rating: ****½

When the newly-elected King Bromios receives his prophecy from the oracle pythoness, Woman-Who-Talks-To-Snakes, he becomes very angry when all he hears is about ashes and rags, and he orders death to all who serve her. Meanwhile, Lucian, a young man working at the palace, accidentally uncovers a scheme that the King’s right-hand men are involved in, and has to run for his life. On the way, he meets Fronto, a former poet who has been turned into a donkey and he begs Lucian for assistance. The trio is completed when Joy-In-The-Dance, a girl of marvels and mysteries, rescues Lucian and Fronto from a tricky situation. Together, they set out on a journey to The-Lady-of-Wild-Things to find help for Fronto and advice for Lucian.

A well written book, with hilariously twisted Greek mythology throughout. Lloyd Alexander creates a magical and enchanted atmosphere in The Arkadians, while Lucian and Joy-In-The-Dance’s relationship is strikingly similar to that of Taran and Eilonwy, in the Prydain Chronicles.

Miranda the Great

Our rating: ***

Miranda is a large cat who lives in Ancient Rome. She lives happily with her owners until Rome is invaded by Barbarians. The family packs up and leaves for a country house, leaving Miranda and her daughter hiding in an urn. In the fire that follows, Miranda sets out to find and rescue all the lost cats in Rome before it’s too late!

I liked this book. Eleanor Estes’ style of writing is wonderful. She wrote in a simple way, making it easy for children to read. Don’t let that discourage you, though. Estes’ books are enjoyable to older readers, too.