Entries Categorized as 'Incredibook!'

Raising Dragons

Our rating: *****

Billy Bannister is not your ordinary kid. His breath is so hot that it sets off the sprinkler system at school. After this incident, Billy’s parents realize they need to tell him a big secret: Billy’s father used to be a dragon, making Billy a half dragon! Things are further complicated when a mysterious slayer appears, whose family has tracked Billy’s father since he took on human form. Now Billy and his new friend Bonnie (also a half dragon) are involved in a dangerous dragon hunt, fleeing from a mysterious slayer who will stop at nothing to kill Billy, Bonnie, and Billy’s father. Meanwhile, Billy’s friend Walter and his teacher Professor Hamilton try to piece together clues in order to aid Billy and his family.

And that’s just the basic plot! Davis tells a great story that is very believable. There’s all sorts of intense excitement going on all over the place, so much so that I don’t think I felt safe at all until the very end. As you can probably tell, the plot moves along at a lightning pace, barely stopping for long enough for you to catch your breath. Delightful, amazing, and (I know I’m gushing) brilliant!

The Wind in the Willows

Our rating: *****

Mole, tired of spring cleaning, decides to leave his cozy little home and take a walk. His ramblings take him to The River, where he meets the Water Rat and the fun begins. Mole stays with Rat in his bank-side home and enjoys sharing the Rat’s love of boating. While staying there, Mole becomes friends with Otter, Mr. Badger, and Mr. Toad. Everything progresses nicely, until the Toad decides to try the wandering life of a gypsy and takes Mole and Rat along. In a highway accident, their lovely little cart is upset by a motorcar. The Mole and Rat are very annoyed, but Toad becomes infatuated with the speed and sound of motorcars and orders one of his own. Unfortunately, he disregards all rules. Badger, Rat, and Mole set out to help their friend over his dangerous driving habits, despite personal discomfort.

How to describe The Wind in the Willows? Sheer, wonderful bliss from beginning to end. There are so many adventures, so many thrills and joys. This is one of my favorite books. This is as good as it gets. (Unless you count Winnie-the-Pooh.) Don’t miss it! It’s perfect for children, young adults, and adults who are young or feel young. I have also enjoyed the audio book, read by Flo Gibson, on numerous occasions. I can close my eyes and hear whole parts of the book. A delightful story.

DragonFire

Our rating: *****

Three years after DragonKnight, Kale and Bardon, now married, emerge from The Bogs to find Amara in upheaval. Crim Cropper and Burner Stox have split, fighting against one another and destroying the country in the process, tossing armies back and forth like so many pots and pans. Kale is paired with her father to find and rescue a battalion of dragons, while Bardon remains to serve as best he can quenching evil and restoring peace. Both will face challenges greater than ever before.

As soon as I got my hands on a copy of this book, I stuck to it with a grip like a bodoggin on its next meal. I devoured it at breakneck pace, and my head spun for a day or two afterward. DragonFire delves deeper into the hearts and minds of Kale and Bardon than any of its predecessors. I felt that something was missing, though, and partway through the book I discovered what it was. No Toopka. No Librettowit and Taylaminkadot. N’Rae is mentioned briefly, but her whereabouts, as well as Granny Kye and Holt’s, are absent. But on the other hand, I think having so many familiar characters would crowd the book. This is an important one in the series to really establish Kale and Bardon and who they are. I’m glad DragonLight is coming, though.

The Outlaws of Sherwood

Our rating: *****

On his way to the fair Robin accidently kills a man, outlawing him. Robin’s friends convince him to hide in Sherwood forest and become a rallying point for the Saxons.

I really enjoyed Robin McKinley’s version of Robin Hood. I thought it was very interesting for Robin Hood not to be portrayed as a perfect shot with a bow. The characters seem much more lifelike in The Outlaws of Sherwood than in any other version of Robin Hood that I’ve read or had read to me.

Web Jam

Our rating: *****

Ashley and Austin Webster are finally out of the World Wide Web and life is going on normal back at Normal, Illinois – well, not really. The Chiddix Junior High School is holding an annual Young Vocalist Competition, and Ashley is one of the top ten finalists that have a chance at winning the prize: a spot in the televised national Young Vocalist Competition, and a pro Yamaha keyboard. Only a while before it’s her turn to sing, Ashley is accidentally sucked back into the Internet, and Aunt Jessi persuades Austin to send her after the girl. Austin tries to find them both and get them out, but the “perfect” Tucker Campbell, a girl competing for the prize, is out to make sure Ashley doesn’t get back in time.

This book doesn’t have any of the series’ main bad guys, but I still found it enjoyable. The ending is perhaps actually a bit different from one you may predict. I like Jessi and Ashley’s adventures on the web. The online concert is rather fun.