Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Novel Novel Review

It's that time again!

Here's a quick reminder of my rating system

A+--I thoroughly enjoyed and highly recommend this book. In most cases, I passed it on to my child/teen.

A--I enjoyed this book and I might pass it on to my child/teen.

B--I liked this book, but probably won't pass it on to my child/teen.

C--I thought it was okay, but I won't pass it on to my child/teen.

D--I didn't like this book, and won't allow my child/teen to read it.

F--I hope I never have to go here. =D

I will give reasons for my rating in my review, but if you have any questions, please feel free to ask. If you find your book here, don't panic if I rate it below an A. These are my personal preferences and I'm only one small person in a large market. =D

I can’t tell you how thrilled I am to have been able to review this book! I’ve read the entire series and to get to this, the final book is bitter-sweet. I’ve enjoyed immersing myself in the world of Fablehaven, but I’m sad to see it end. Enough moping. On to the review!

FABLEHAVEN: KEYS TO THE DEMON PRISON by Brandon Mull

Rating A+ (and a few more +)

Category: Fantasy

After centuries of plotting, the Sphinx has all five KEYS TO THE DEMON PRISON within his grasp. He's preparing to open Zzyzx and release the most monstrous evil ever created. Kendra, Seth, and the Knights of the Dawn must travel to far off preserves as they attempt to save the world from the Sphinx and his followers.

All creatures of light must join together if they want a future free of demons.

Alliances are confirmed, secrets are revealed, new characters are introduced, and one quest leads to another as the series moves toward its explosive conclusion.

I can't recommend this series enough! If you've been waiting to read, don't wait any longer.

I've enjoyed reading the FABLEHAVEN series, but I’m sad it had to come to an end. If you're like me and want to read more of Mull's novels, get your hands on a copy of THE CANDY SHOP WARS (which I loved and am hoping for a sequel). Also, Mull has a picture book, PINGO, and will have a new series, THE BEYONDERS, beginning in 2011.

 

This book releases today!

Happy Book Birthday, Brandon!

If you love fantasy and intricate plotting, I urge you to read this series (if you haven’t already).

 

Now I have to hurry off to class. =)

 

Read on.

Monday, March 8, 2010

Research papers . . . BLAH!

Double Blah! My paper is due on Tuesday and it’s driving me crazy! It’s not that I don’t like researching, it’s just that I don’t like having to be so “formal” in my writing. I can’t seem to get this paper to click. The information is there (though I think I need a bit more opposition since it’s supposed to be an argumentative paper), but I can’t seem to get it together in an appealing way (IMO).

Oh well, it’s only 400 points of my grade. ;-) I’m sure I’ll get it to work eventually . . . hopefully before Tuesday night’s class.

This morning, I’m off to ceramics class. I’m so glad I decided to drop Geology and take up ceramics. I’m loving the creative outlet and it helps calm me. I’d never done anything with clay before, and I had no idea how soothing it could be to create something out of . . . well, basically mud. If I get a chance, I’ll take some pictures of my work to share (though don’t expect anything amazing since I’m just starting out).

After class, I’ll be back to working on the dreaded research paper. I’m dying to have this done so I can get back to my revisions. Unfortunately, after I finish this research paper, I have another one to do and also an interview with someone from another culture to start (for Multicultural Diversity in Education class).

And to top it all off, I think I’m changing my mind about what I want to go into with my education. I’m currently working toward Elementary Education, but only because the local community college doesn’t offer what I really wanted—Library Science. However, one of my sisters is almost finished with her degree in Library Science and just informed me that her local college offers all the classed for LS online!! ONLINE, people.

This means I CAN go into LS like I wanted. The classes I’ve already taken will count toward the LS degree, and I can continue to take the basic General Education courses required for the degree here at my local college. After I get the LS degree, I can always continue toward Elementary Education if I want.

So, I’m off to ceramics (which doesn’t count toward any degree but is so much fun I may have to take it every semester). Hmmm . . . but I’m thinking I might come home and reward all my hard research paper work with some revisions on the novel instead . . . . =D

Write on.

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

“Be awesome! Be a book nut!”

Dr. Seuss said it, and I live it. I’m a book nut. Every now and then I come across an author whose characters and world I adore. As you may have discovered by my recent promotion, Joni Sensel is such an author. I love THE FARWALKER’S QUEST and THE TIMEKEEPER’S MOON.

Dr. Seuss gave Joni the word “Snow!” as the first word she ever read on her own. How appropriate that today is not only Dr. Seuss day, but also the book birthday of Joni’s novel, THE TIMEKEEPER’S MOON?

Over on The Spectacle Blog, Joni is hosting a Big Box O’ Books Birthday Bash for all you librarians out there. Be sure to check it out!

Here are some links to reviews of THE TIMEKEEPER’S MOON. If you know of any others not mentioned here, feel free to leave links in the comments.

lchardesty’s review

Dorine White’s review

Charlotte’s thoughts

My review on TeensReadToo.com

Becky’s Book Reviews

 

Happy Birthday Dr. Seuss and THE TIMEKEEPER’S MOON! =D

 

Read on.

Monday, March 1, 2010

O frabjous day! Callooh! Callay!

I chortle in my joy. =) I could be wrong, but I think this is better than slaying the Jabberwock.

I’m thrilled beyond words so I’ll leave a link and let it be.

Kidlit.com contest results

 

Write on.