Daniel's Book Blog

A Review for The Fetch by Laura Whitcomb

2010-04-09T16:01:00.003-04:00

The Fetch by Laura Whitcomb is a story of the afterlife. The Main character is a guider of spirits. His job is to lead the spirits of the dead from earth to the afterlife. Calder never questioned his job until he meets a woman of ensnaring beauty. Soon Calder is risking everything to have her as his pupil. He risks Earth and the afterlife as strikes a deal with a dying man. This man will ring familiar to those that know of the Russian Revolution, which is the setting of this story. This book is a twist on an event of the past and of one spirits job to fix the chaos he has made. Anyone looking for a book with a historical ring to it along with the imagination of fiction will like this book.

A Review for Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins

2010-04-09T15:48:00.004-04:00

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins is the first book in a new compelling series. Hex Hall is a place where people of a different variety learn how to handle themselves and keep control. It is home to werewolves, fairies, vampires, and witches. A school for teenage magical beings. What could go wrong with that? In the beginning things are as normal as a school like this could be. That is until students end up dead and the new girls vampire roommate is to blame. This series is fun to read and might remind some readers of the Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead. If the first book is this good, the next book will be dynamite.

A Review for the Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull

2010-04-09T15:40:00.003-04:00

The Fablehaven series by Brandon Mull takes readers back to the fantasy fiction stories like the Harry Potter series by J.K. Rowling and The Inheritance Cycle by Christopher Paolini. This story has enough twists and turns to make a roller coaster enthusiast happy. Fablehaven is a story of a world that died centuries ago in mankind's opinion. They were wrong. The creatures of myth and legend are alive and well and hide in plain sight. Fairies, trolls, ogres and countless other creatures come back to the front of attention. A series anchored in good humor, love, action, and redemption make this one of the best series of the decade.

A Review for Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe

2010-04-09T15:31:00.004-04:00

Doctor Faustus by Christopher Marlowe is a play about a man who sells his soul. This story may seem similar to Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe at first, but they are different in several ways. The most notable difference is how they are written. Faust is written in a poetic form. Doctor Faustus on the other hand is a play. Doctor Faustus goes through a similar experience to Faust but its the flowing of the play that really sets it apart. This is a play that doesn't try to hide behind too many complicated words or old world language. This is a story of a man in trouble and how he tries to get out of that trouble. For anyone who enjoyed reading Faust or Another Faust(see previous reviews), those people will enjoy this story as well.

A Review for Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri

2010-03-03T16:12:00.005-05:00

Another Faust by Daniel and Dina Nayeri is an interesting tale. Its origins tie in with Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe. Five everyday teens go from lives of poverty, lies, jealousy, and hate to lives that could only be explained as possibly historical. These lives of fame and beauty and knowledge come at a price. A price that they are willing to pay and a price Faust himself knew all to well. This story is filled with twists, conspiracies, and an ending you won't see coming. If you are looking for a new book to read late into the night try Another Faust.

A Review for Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

2010-02-12T15:43:00.004-05:00

Faust by Johann Wolfgang von Goethe is a classic. This is definitely one classic that won't put teens to sleep. Its quick and rhyming pace and interesting plot set this story apart from other classics. The dynamic main character, named Faust, and his deal with the devil, takes the reader on a long ride through the human soul. Originally a German story, this book has been translated into Old English. This gives the story an older and more sophisticated feel to it. Goethe is described as a great author and poet and this story is just another example of that

A Review for The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade

2010-02-04T15:36:00.004-05:00

The Hunchback Assignments by Arthur Slade is an inventive tale. Think about the hunchback of Notre Dame and 007 rolled into one. This story is filled with twists and turns and life threatening violence. A Mad Doctor and a few cybernetic enemies make this book very entertaining. What makes this story stand out is its main character, Modo. His beginnings may have been dismal but thanks to a mysterious mentor and his bodyguard His future has never looked brighter. I recommend this book to anyone looking to spice up their day with a few thrills.

A Review for Hold Still by Nina LaCour

2010-01-29T14:01:00.004-05:00

Hold Still by Nina LaCour is a riveting emotional experience. Anyone that has experienced the loss of a loved one will feel a connection with the main character, Caitlin. This is a story of emotional instability, of a hole in the whole of a teen girl's life. It's a story of a girl trying to find her place in a world torn asunder. This is a story of sadness and the aftermath of suicide and the good that can come from the bad. Anyone looking for an emotional teen story will love this book.

A Review for Storm Front by Jim Butcher

2010-01-21T15:19:00.004-05:00

Storm Front by Jim Butcher is the first installment in the Dresden Files series. This book is a page-turning debut. Harry Dresden, the main character, is the self-proclaimed, only professional wizard for hire in America. He doesn't make love potions, but he is good at finding things and he has a real knack for finding trouble. This exciting beginning to the series is filled with action, suspense, and thrills and even a little romance for the clueless wizard. This story is a great read for teens looking to liven up their day.

A Review for Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins

2010-01-14T16:18:00.003-05:00

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins is the second installment in the series that began with The Hunger Games. The series just keeps getting better with this one. This story is filled with even more twists and turns and ups and downs than the roughest of roller coasters. The characters are seen under new light and surprises are around every corner. New friends come to play and a broken down society might strike back. If you read the first novel, you definitely don't want to miss this one.

Favorite Genre and Why?

2010-01-11T10:52:00.001-05:00

The poll I've made has led to some interesting results. So now I'm going to ask the same question, only this time I'd love to know why as well. So what is your favorite genre and why?

A Review for The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins

2010-01-04T11:44:00.005-05:00

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins is a real page turner. This story is set in a Sci-Fi like post-apocalyptic world, and a population ravaged by hunger. This book is an emotional roller coaster of suspense, action, romance, and gut wrenching moments. The characters are scarred, hungry, desperate people underneath the tyranny of a malicious government and their sick games. Teens will eat this book up and will definitely want more. Lucky for them this is just the first book in an obviously great series. I recommend this book to anyone and everyone.

A Review for Dirty Laundry by Daniel Ehrenhaft

2009-12-22T09:04:00.003-05:00

Dirty Laundry by Daniel Ehrenhaft is a story about a girl, a guy or two, and a few villains thrown into the mix. This book is an interesting combination of mystery, romance, and suspense. Think of a detective mystery thrown in with a classic love story with a new age twist. The characters are easy to connect with even if they are a bit shady. The plot really pulls the reader in with its characters and setting. Anyone looking for another good mystery story to add to their "books I've read list" should make sure this one makes the list.

A Review for The Named by Marianne Curley

2009-12-17T16:00:00.002-05:00

The Named by Marianne Curley is an emotionally gripping story. This story wields science fiction, fantasy, and a bit of romance like a mercenary wields a weapon, with the utmost expertise. This story uses time travel and futuristic technology alongside ancient magic and genetic gifts. Anyone looking for a story with action, suspense, and a few good plot twists, should read this novel. This book belongs on any teens wish list.

A Review for The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart

2009-12-11T11:44:00.004-05:00

The Disreputable History of Frankie Landau-Banks by E. Lockhart is a must read novel. This is a story of teenage rebellion, a secret society, and even some romance. This story will hook readers from the beginning and keep you reading late into the night. The witty banter and interesting use of English vocabulary makes this book a learning experience as much as it is entertaining. I recommend this book to anyone with a rebellious side, a soft spot for romance, or anyone that's bored with the usual teen centered story.

A Review for the Vampire Academy series

2009-12-03T16:03:00.005-05:00

The Vampire Academy series by Richelle Mead is a great series to read for teens seeking something new. The four books; Vampire Academy, Vampire Academy: Frostbite, Vampire Academy: Shadow Kiss, and Vampire Academy: Blood Promise, are all part of a new and interesting supernatural world. New twists on the vampire folk lore set this series apart from other popular books in the same genre. With dynamic characters and an emotional plot, makes this series a gripping read from cover to cover. The characters are easy to relate to and are plagued with common teenage problems like peer pressure and depression and a few uncommon ones. I recommend this series to any teen looking for a good action or romance story, because this one has a great mix of both.

A Book Review for The Hollow: Horseman and Drowned by Christopher Golden and Ford Lytle Gilmore

2009-11-19T15:23:00.003-05:00

The books Horseman and Drowned by Christopher Golden and Ford Lytle Gilmore are part of The Hollow series. These books are a new twist on an old classic. This series is a new telling of the Sleepy Hollow legend created by Washington Irving. An explosive beginning sets the mood for the story. The characters are new and interesting additions, while some characters sound awfully familiar. Enemies from the past and new denizens of evil make an appearance. This series is definitely worth reading. I give this book 5 decapitated horsemen out of 5.

A Review for Fire by Kristin Cashore

2009-11-12T10:05:00.002-05:00

Fire by Kristin Cashore is a companion atory to her novel Graceling. This book is a great addition to the world in Graceling. The author uses details and certain features from the first novel to create a different but similar parallel world. This rich new world adds a new cast of characters and new twists on the world. This story is filled with danger, suspense, a mysterious boy with eyes of two different colors and a little romance in the mix. This novel is a great read for teens everywhere.

A Book Review for The Angel of Death by Alane Ferguson

2009-11-05T15:44:00.002-05:00

The Angel of Death by Alane Ferguson is a gripping read. This forensic mystery story will hook readers and keep them reading until the end. This book has a cast of characters that are easy to connect with and dramatic plot full of twists. Those things and more makes this book worth reading. Anyone that likes a good mystery novel or someone that is interested in forensic science will enjoy this book as it gives insight on the life of a coroner. The story is filled with tragedy and some romance and a bit of a Sci-Fi twist. This book is worth reading.

Review for The Demonata series by Darren Shan

2009-10-30T16:00:00.002-04:00

The Demonata series by Darren Shan is a horrifying and gruesome masterpiece. This series is filled with plenty of gut churning injuries and enough action scenes and violence to placate even the most sadistic of readers. This series is filled with plot twists, strong characters, and great imagery. These are just a few things that make this series addictive. Once you start reading you will want to read until your done with the last. This series is worth reading for any fan of horror movies or action fans. Not to be overshadowed, this story also has some teenage angst and romance mixed in. Is this series worth reading? In the spirit of Halloween I give this series two severed thumbs up.

Whats your favorite book?

2009-10-29T10:24:00.004-04:00

Name your favorite book or series and a little about why you like it/them.

A Review for The Mortal Instruments trilogy by Cassandra Clare

2009-10-29T09:57:00.004-04:00

The Mortal Instruments trilogy by Cassandra Clare is an award winning series in the fantasy genre. The three books City of Bones, City of Ashes, and the City of Glass are all worth reading. City of Bones, the first book in the series is a South Carolina Young Adult Book Award (SCYABA) nominee. This series is filled with action and romance and well timed humor to keep the pages turning. This story is home to several very interesting characters that will draw the readers attention with their witty conversations and dynamic personalities. By the time you finish the third book you'll wish there were more. This series has been praised by authors and teenagers from all over. I highly recommend this series to everyone.

Review for I Heart You, You Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder

2009-10-16T16:10:00.003-04:00

I Heart you, you Haunt Me by Lisa Schroeder is written in an interesting and fun way. The classical story about a girl that finds a boy, a girl that loses a boy, and the twist of the boy that comes back. This may sound like the every day love story but it isn't. This story is a new twist on an old classic. The poetic styles throughout the book are refreshing and new for the everyday novel reader. This story will leave you with a smile. I recommend this to all the teenage guys and gals.

Review for Hex by Rhiannon Lassiter

2009-10-09T16:18:00.006-04:00

Hex by Rhiannon Lassiter is an action packed Sci-Fi novel. Set in London during the 2300s, this book is a compelling read. This book has everything that any action or Sci-Fi fantasy fan loves. The main characters are teenagers themselves and are pursued by a cruel and prejudice government group. Chase scenes and close call escapes keep the pages turning until the end. Characters walk the line between good and evil as does the government. This book is a great introduction to a new series and a great read by itself. This book deserves two digital thumbs way up.

Book Review for Ink Exchange

2009-10-01T15:57:00.011-04:00

Ink Exchange by Melissa Marr is a gripping read for teens. The moments of action and suspense are balanced out with moments of fear and love. The main character Leslie strives to make her own choices and claim her life as her own. Her problems at home and problems among friends makes this book easy for teens to connect with. This book is an emotional roller coaster and will keep the action fans and the romance lovers reading until the end. This book definitely belongs on any teens must read list.

Book Review for The Dead and The Gone

2009-09-18T10:16:00.005-04:00

The Dead and the Gone by Susan Beth Pfeffer is a fantastic book. It is about a world shaken by a global catastrophe and how the people adapt to their ever changing surroundings.The main character, Alex Morales, is like any other teen. He works hard, worries about the future, and doesn't always get along with his siblings. Alex and other characters from the book are easy to connect to and will keep readers hooked until the end. Filled with love, doubt, dread, and a determination to survive this book makes for a great read for teens.