Books Are Magykal

2009-06-05T07:20:00.000-07:00

The Bone Magician

by F.E. Higgins

Pin Carpue is on his own in the world. His mother is dead and his father is missing after being labeled a suspect in a rash of murders. Pin finds a job working for the local undertaker as a body watcher, making sure people are really dead before they're buried. One night, the body he's supposed to be watching is surrounded by three people engaged in a most unusual ceremony. A bone magician and his assistant are waking a woman so her grieving fiance can have one last good-bye. Pin doesn't believe it'll work, but the dead woman sits up and speaks.
Pin can't believe they're raising the dead. He can't believe his father is a murderer. In trying to discover the secret of the bone magician, will Pin become the killer's next victim?
In this "paraquel" to The Black Book of Secrets, F.E. Higgins delivers a tale that is smartly creepy and creepily smart.

Marauder's grade	...	O (outstanding)
Hoot Hoot's grade	...	HOOT

Visit the Macmillan Books' F.E. Higgins webpage HERE.

Marauder's review...

One of the first unique and intriguing aspects of The Bone Magician is that it is what is called a "paraquel", which means that this story happens at the same time, a parallel time frame, to F.E. Higgins' first book The Black Book of Secrets. It's viewing the same town at the same time, and sometimes even in the same place, but from someone else's perspective. But don't be misled to think that it's just a re-hashing of the first books events. It's not. It is its own unique story that shares common events from the first story. Frankly, it's ingenius.

The story begins in the same dark and dingy town of Urbs Umida, only this time we follow the story of young Pin Carpue and his quest to find his father and who really killed his uncle. Unlike everyone else in town, Pin knows his father didn't do the dastardly deed.
Pin has the rather odd job of watching corpses, to make sure that they're really dead. All goes well enough until one night when three strangers subdue Pin and perform a corpse raising the likes of which Pin has never before seen. Can this Bone Magician really raise the dead?
Pin stumbles across the Silver Apple Killer and somehow manages to be the only person ever to survive the encounter. Can Pin discover who the killer really is before he's done in for good? Can Pin prove that the killer is not his missing father?

Through the story, the author shows the town of Urbs Umida to exercise the ideal of a class system, that it is believed that one should stay in their station or no good comes of it. Her set up of a dank and dirty town based on classes, with a river that tarnishes that which it touches, is quite reminiscent of Frances Hardinge's Fly By Night. Either that, or this town is one block over from Fleet Street.
Elements of history are fancifully woven into a macabre tale matching the environment of Sweeney Todd, and yet, in the dank darkness of this putrid world, goodness prevails. We are given characters with fiber that we can root for to triumph in the end. And as with The Black Book of Secrets, Higgins masterfully shifts between telling the story in third person and first person through the use of Pin's journal. We get to experience tense moments through Pin's eyes as it was happening - a glimpse into his private thoughts. Not only does this heighten the intensity of the moment, but it also creates a sense of closeness between the character and the reader.
The early background of Deodonatus Snoad is reminiscent of the Elephant Man. It evokes empathy, compassion, and a disdain for human nature, yet Higgins adds her own morose twist to show the flip side of what human nature creates. There is an ironic lesson here, not to judge others, however, is it true for both Deodonatus and the city of Urbs Umida?

Sarcastic humour pokes fun at the stupidity of humanity, while short chapters keep a nice pace and make it easy to finish a chapter before taking a break. F.E. Higgins once again provides a dark look at human nature and how we treat each other through an amazingly rich and enthralling story, keeping the reader guessing how the pieces of the puzzle will all fit together in the end, but just when you think you know the answers and how simple it all really is, Higgins throws you a curveball and gets you questioning yourself yet again. And when the answer is staring you right in the face, you are still looking elsewhere. Unlike other books in which the mystery is easily solved ahead of time and the reader is left to wait for the less-than-intelligent characters to catch up, enjoyably, this book causes the reader to discover answers right along with the characters.
This book is hard to put down until you are finally finished, but after feeling a sense of satisfaction from solving the mystery within the book, Higgins doesn't leave it there. She zings readers of The Black Book of Secrets with the last two lines. And for those who haven't read The Black Book of Secrets first, I don't see how they can not pick it up after that.

Come give you own rating, ask questions, or discuss the text with us
at our The Bone Magician forum thread HERE.

2009-01-19T11:06:00.000-08:00

The Sisters Grimm: Magic

& Other Misdemeanors

by Michael Buckley

In book five of the series, Sabrina and Daphne Grimm are ready to tackle their own case - Who is stealing the magical possessions of the most poweful Everafters in town? With Granny distacted by Mayor Heart's campaign against human residents, the girl detectives are on their own. Puss In Boots (an exterminator), Cinderella (a radio relationship counselor), Sleeping Beauty (coffee shop owner), and their old enemy Prince Charming are among the many suspects, and one thing is for certain - the villain's plans mean a grim future for the Grimms!

Marauder's grade	...	E (exceeds expectations)
Hoot Hoot's grade	...	h-hoot

Visit the official Sisters Grimm website HERE.

Marauder's review...

After the last book I read, which I won't name but I assure you it was horrible, I looked forward to and couldn't wait to delve into the newest Sisters Grimm book to hit paperback.
Off to an amazing start, it was as if I never left Ferryport Landing. The story begins with a bit of humorous excitement - escape training. Leave it to Michael Buckley to keep his story moving along right from the start, engaging the reader and making you feel as if the characters you've grown to know are dear friends or annoying relatives.
Michael Buckley masterfully brings just enough touch of the real world into his fanciful story. Clever twists provide intrigue and humor, while literary references keep it feeling intelligent. Each chapter adds vital clues to the progression of the story that keeps it constantly moving forward.

Magical items are being stolen and the Grimms are on the case. Mayor Heart, with the help of the new chief of police, the Sheriff of Nottingham, are attempting to tax the humans right out of Ferryport Landing. With Granny Relda desperately trying to keep up with Mayor Heart's tax increases, Sabrina and Daphne find themselves on their first solo case - well, almost solo - the troublemaker Puck can't be left behind. But it's up to Sabrina and Daphne to save their own selves.

A bit of a time dilemma adds a serious and dramatic element to the already wonderfully mysterious plot and gives us a glimpse into future character growth that's both surprising and pleasing. Moral tales are cleverly disguised as all good faerie tales are - Can Mr. Canis maintain his humanity and keep the wolf at bay? ... or ... Don't let your anger control your actions. After what Mr. Charming witnessed, will he put his hatred of the Grimms aside and be of assistance? ... or ... Turn over a new leaf / Everyone deserves a second chance. Even towards the ending of the book Buckley continues to find new ways of surprising his readers. Just when you think the plot is off track from the original mystery and wonder if it will be resolved in this book, Berkley brilliantly provides closure to the case by revealing that which is most unexpected, and yet it's where all the clues pointed all along, and what seems like a side plot is an effect of the original mystery.
Berkley gives the story unity and ties it up nice and neatly in the end, providing great satisfaction.

Come give you own rating, ask questions, or discuss the text with us
at our Sisters Grimm: Magic & Other Misdemeanors forum thread HERE.

2008-09-20T19:07:00.000-07:00

Secret of the Sands

by Rai Aren & Tavius E.

A prophecy was told...
An ancient prophecy, thousands of years old, told of the coming of the Chosen one, but she will be both loved and feard, and some will stop at nothing to defy everything she represents.
A secret long buried...
A secret power that once proved too deadly, was hidden away deep beneath the sands of Egypt, only to be revealed by its sworn guardians when the time came the knowledge would be safe.
A deadly riddle is unlocked...
Two young archaeolgists fatefully unearth unusual artifacts dating over 12,000 years old. The exhilarating find however, is wrong - very wrong. The artifacts shouldn't be there... they shouldn't even exist at all.
A power unleashed...
Now after remaining dormant for 12,000 years, the secret has been uncovered, and its true purpose suspected. What will be the greatest discovery in human history will either change us forever or destroy us for trying.

Marauder's grade	...	O (outstanding)
Hoot Hoot's grade	...	HOOT!

Visit the official Secret of the Sands website HERE.

Marauder's review...

Secret of the Sands is like Indiana Jones, Stargate, Mummy, 5th Element, and National Treasure all rolled into one, yet it remains completely unique.
Archaeologists Mitch and Alex are looking for the one discovery to put them on the map, to finally make them respected in their field. When Alex stumbles across an artifact over 12,000 years old, they may have just found it. But is the find of a lifetime worth the trouble it brings? That's what Mitch, Alex, and their "Rogue Squadron" of sidekicks must decide.
Now more than ever before, they must avoid the wrath of a greedy professor bent on stealing their glory, while unraveling the mysterious history of an ancient race never before seen or heard of and discovering the long pondered answer to the riddle of the sphinx - It's older than anyone's ever previously guessed! With the help of some unknown and mysterious allies, the team also discovers much more than they bargained for. Is the world ready?

This excitingly vivid, page-turning adventure is infused with history, humor, and excitement. Rai Aren and Tavius E. have created a fun and intelligent, spectacular story with characters I both love and love to hate. There is just enough historical and scientific fact mixed in to make this fictional story plausible and intriguing. What a wonderful way to spotlight archaeological theories that have lost the public eye.
This book made me keep wanting to read and by half-way through, it's hard to put down. Secret of the Sands is a thrillride until the very end. I loved every minute of it and I can't wait to board the next ride.

Rai Aren and Tavius E. are working on the sequel Destiny of the Sands.

Come give you own rating, ask questions, or discuss the text with us
at our Secret of the Sands forum thread HERE.

2008-09-20T16:50:00.001-07:00

Fablehaven

by Brandon Mull

For centuries, mystical creatures of all description were gathered to a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic in a cynical world. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Quite the oppostie... Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. In side the gated woods, ancient laws give relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous faeries. However, when the rules get broken, an arcane evil is unleashed, forcing Kendra and Seth to face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save her family, Fablehaven, and perhaps the world, Kendra must find the courage to do what she fears most.

Marauder's grade	...	O (outstanding)
Christina's grade	...	O (outstanding)

Visit the official Fablehaven website HERE.

Marauder's review...

A most amazing debut novel by an author as equally talented as J.K. Rowling. Fablehaven, the first book in what is to be the Fablehaven series, is every bit as exciting and entriguing as Harry Potter, with brilliantly developed characters and a masterfully complex storyline. Fablehaven comes closer than any other writing to being the book with the next Harry Potter potential. I whole-heartedly endorse this book and hope that it will get the recognition it so rightfully deserves!

Come give you own rating, ask questions, or discuss the text with us
at our Fablehaven forum thread HERE.

2008-09-20T16:49:00.001-07:00

The Tapestry Book 1:

The Hound of Rowan

by Henry H. Neff

Max McDaniels lives a quiet life in the suburbs of Chicago, until the day he stumbles upon a mysterious Celtic tapestry. Many strange people are interested in Max and his tapestry. His discovery leads him to Rowan Academy, a secret school where great things await him. But dark things are waiting, too. When Max learns that priceless artworks and gifted children are disappearing, he finds himself in the crossfire of an ancient struggle between good and evil. To survive, he'll have to rely on a network of agents and mystics, the genius of his roommate, and the frightening power awakening within him.

Marauder's grade	...	O (outstanding)
Hoot Hoot's grade	...	Woot-Hoot!

Visit the official Henry H. Neff website HERE.

Marauder's review...

I must preface my review by saying that I've read those words many times, "If you liked Harry Potter, then you'll enjoy (insert title here)." Even though some of these have turned out to be quite good reads, I find that many books with this claim have virtually little or no parallel to Harry Potter what-so-ever. And with that said...

If you're a fan of Harry Potter you will thoroughly enjoy The Hound of Rowan, a fantastic, debut novel and first installment of The Tapestry series written by Henry H. Neff. A Chicago native and History teacher, author/illustrator Neff tells the incredible story of Max McDaniel and his first year at an elite, private boarding school in New England.
Even though Max's mother disappeared, Max and his father continue to visit the Chicago Art Institute to celebrate her birthday. While there, Max must hide from the man with one white eye, the one whose been chasing him, and discovers a mysterious, glowing Celtic tapestry in a hidden alcove. He is then "recruited" to attend Rowan Academy, with its magically morphing rooms and mystical animal charges, where exceptional youth are trained on "The Course" to fight "The Enemy".
Great things await Max at his new secret and enchanted school - but darkness is approaching too. Priceless paintings and other "potentials" are disappearing at an alarming rate, while there is a traitor within the school and scary, shape-shifting Vye, born from Neff's childhood nightmares, who have infiltrated the school's grounds. As Max finds himself in an ancient struggle between good and evil, will the power awakening within him, coupled with the genius of his roomate, be enough? Is Max the one to fulfill a prophecy?

Neff's tale may have distinct parellels to Hogwarts, however, his charming, character-driven storytelling makes it all his own and a worthy stand-out. Rich with mythology and folklore, The Hound of Rowan weaves a well-written, fanciful adventure that pulls readers of all ages into Neff's magical world.

The Tapestry Book Two: The Second Siege is due out in bookstores in September 2008.

Give you own rating, ask questions, or discuss the text with us
at our Hound of Rowan forum thread HERE.

2008-09-20T16:48:00.001-07:00

Physik

by Angie Sage

When Silas Heap unseals a forgotten room in the Palace, he releases the ghost of a Queen who lived five hundred years earlier. Queen Etheldredda is just as awful in death as she was in life and she's still up to no good. Her diabolical plan to give herself ever-lasting life requires Jenna's compliance, Septimus's disappearance, and the talents of her son, Marcellus Pye, a famous Alchemist and Physician. And if Queen Etheldredda's plot involves Jenna and Septimus, then it will surely involve all of the other wacky wonderful characters that made Magyk and Flyte so memorable. Angie Sage continues the fantastic journey of Septimus Heap with heart-stopping action and a dash of humor in this third book to the series.

Marauder's grade	...	E (exceeds expectations)
Christina's grade	...	E (exceeds expectations)

Visit the official Septimus Heap website HERE.

Come give you own rating, ask questions, or discuss the text with us
at our Physik forum thread HERE.

2008-09-20T16:47:00.001-07:00

Shakespeare's Secret

by Elise Broach

A missing diamond. A 500-year-old necklace.
A mystery dating back to the time of William Shakespeare.
When Hero starts 6th grade at a new school, she's less concerned about the literary origins of her Shakespearean name than about the teasing she's sure to suffer because of it. Hero is simply not interested in the connections, but suddenly connections are cropping up all over and odd characters and uncertain pasts are exactly what do fascinate Hero. There's a mysterious diamond hidden in her new house, a curious woman next door, and then, well, there's Shakespeare. Not to mention Danny Cordova, the most popular boy in school. Is it all in keeping with her namesake's origin - just much ado about nothing? Hero is determined to figure it out.

Marauder's grade	...	O (outstanding)
Hoot Hoot's grade	...	hoo-hoot

Visit the official Elise Broach website HERE.

Marauder's review...

Hero and her sister Beatrice were named after characters from Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing", however, this charming mystery provides much ado about something. Just after the Netherfield family moved into their new home, Mrs. Roth, their elderly and elegant next-door neighbor, tells Hero that her family has just moved into the "Murphy diamond house" - rumoured to have a 17-carat diamond hidden somwhere on the property. This antique diamond once belonged to a necklace owned by Murphy's wife, Eleanor, and was reported stolen. But was it really? And just what does Eleanor's connection to Edward de Vere and the crest of Anne Boleyn mean? Could de Vere possibly be the "real" Shakespeare?

This book, along with Hero's interest, becomes more and more intriguing, as does the curiosity of Danny Cordova, the son of the police chief and the cutest boy in school, who's also intent on solving the mystery. Rich with wonderful Elizabethan history and literary references, Elise Broach's engrossing debut mystery makes you keep wanting to turn the page and proves to be as much of a gem as the missing diamond itself.

Come give you own rating, ask questions, or discuss the text with us
at our Shakespeare's Secret forum thread HERE.

2008-09-20T16:46:00.000-07:00

The Spiderwick Chronicles

Book 1: The Field Guide

by Holly Black &

Tony DiTerlizzi

When their great-aunt Lucinda Spiderwick is sent off to an asylum, the Grace children - twins Jared and Simon and their older sister, Mallory - move into her creepy old New England mansion with their mother. Strange goings-on at the Spiderwick estate lead them to discovering their great-great-uncle's secret library and an old book filled with pictures of fanstastic creatures, his Field Guide. The children realize there is much more to the world around them then they would have ever imagined. The Field Guide holds clues to recent odd events and the key to an even bigger mystery: the disappearance of the children's Uncle Arthur Spiderwick generations before.

Marauder's grade	...	E (exceeds expectations)
Hoot Hoot's grade	...	hoot

Visit the official Spiderwick Chronicles website HERE.

Come give you own rating, ask questions, or discuss the text with us
at our Spiderwick Chronicles forum thread HERE.

2008-09-20T16:45:00.001-07:00

Cirque Du Freak

by Darren Shan

Darren Shan and his schoolmates, Steve Leonard and Tommy Jones, are eagerly excited when their friend Alan Morris brings them a flyer advertising the "Cirque Du Freak", a promising freak show with acts including a snake-boy, wolf-man, and performing spider which is being held at an abandoned theatre. The boys pool their money together, but can only purchase two tickets, so they play a game of chance to see who will attend the show with Steve. Darren closes his eyes, and as if by magic, the ticket floats into his hand. Darren and Steve are mesmerized by the fantastic and disturbing show, but when they are later caught in a deadly situation, Darren must make a deal with the only person who can save Steve... a person who is not human and only deals in blood.

Marauder's grade	...	E (exceeds expectations)
Jonah's grade	...	O (outstanding)

Visit the official Cirque Du Freak website HERE.

Come give you own rating, ask questions, or discuss the text with us
at our Cirque Du Freak forum thread HERE.

2008-08-31T21:08:00.001-07:00

Midnight Magic

by Avi

On a stormy night in the Kingdom of Pergamontio, an insistent knocking brings Fabrizio, the servant boy, to the door. Outside stands a soldier summoning Fabrizio's master, Mangus the Magician, to the king's castle. Because Mangus has been under house arrest for confessing to be a magician, he cannot imagine why the king is calling for him. But magic is exactly what the king needs. He wants Mangus to free his daughter from the torment of a terrifying ghost. Mangus's life will depend on his success.

Marauder's grade	...	A (acceptable)
Hoot Hoot's grade	...	ZZZzzz

Visit Scholastic Book's Midnight Magic page HERE.

Marauder's review...

Although the initial feel is somewhat reminiscent of Septimus Heap, do not be mislead. Midnight Magic's approach to magic and fantasy is vastly different. Imagine a land in which magic is to be feared and to practice it could mean your death - Welcome to Pergamontio, Italy, 1491. After being arrested, tried, and almost executed as a magician, Magnus is summoned to the castello for a consultation with the king and, as ironic as it seems, what the king wants is Magnus' magic abilities.
Magnus must save the princess from a terrifying ghost and do it quickly or he may not live to see another day. But Magnus does not believe in ghosts and knows that his, as well as all other magic, is really nothing more than slight of hand and parlor tricks. Can his faithful servant Fabrizio make him a believer?

At times, the author becomes lost in an over abundance of cliched "wise sayings", which undesirably slows the pace. Magus is not the only one worn out with these wise sayings, however, Fabrizio uncovers a good old fashioned mystery that makes continuing to read this story worthwhile.
Is Prince Lorenzo really dead? Is Princess Teresina's life in danger as well? Is Count Scarazoni's plot to take the crown for himself?
This Newberry Medal winner written by Avi is more historical than fantasy, with magic not being real, only illusions. It has it's moments, both good and not so good, but, despite occasionally being bogged down with unimpressive banter, in the end, it is overall a pleasure worth reading.

Come give you own rating, ask questions, or discuss the text with us at our Midnight Magic forum thread HERE.

Books Are Magykal

The Bone Magician by F.E. Higgins

The Sisters Grimm: Magic & Other Misdemeanors by Michael Buckley

Secret of the Sands by Rai Aren & Tavius E.

Fablehaven by Brandon Mull

The Tapestry Book 1:The Hound of Rowan by Henry H. Neff

Physik by Angie Sage

Shakespeare's Secret by Elise Broach

The Spiderwick Chronicles Book 1: The Field Guide by Holly Black &Tony DiTerlizzi

Cirque Du Freak by Darren Shan

Midnight Magic by Avi