Book Description
Anne Bishop's critically-acclaimed Black Jewels Trilogy is the saga of a young but still-innocent Queen more powerful than even the High Lord of Hell-and the three sworn enemies determined to win her and gain a prize that could be terrible beyond imagining...
Customer Reviews:
A Snarly Review.......2007-09-25
If I had to sum up this book in one word it would be "disappointing". Ms. Bishop creates a beautiful hierarchy of power with the Blood and drawing their power from Jewels, the delicate psychic roadways of the Winds, and an interesting take on death with the Demon Dead and Guardians. The geography of the different lands, the different races of creatures that occupied them, and the involvement of the Kindred were all wonderfully detailed and fresh. These aspects of the story are fascinating, well developed, and highly imaginative, and I truly wish the actual storyline could live up to this promise.
In contrast of the terrific world she created, Ms. Bishop's characters could not be any more two-dimensional and tiresome. For all of her attempts to write "Dark Fantasy" and to challenge traditional images of hell/darkness (with names like Saetan, Daemon, and Lucivar) she creates some pretty standard, dull heroes and villains. No one hero is capable of doing anything wrong--Jaenelle most of all. I don't think I've read a heroine this mind-numbing in a long time. For a story like this to work, there needs to be actual, palpable danger for the heroine and the heroine's world. There was no question or danger here--Jaenelle was all powerful, pure hearted, and of course could overcome the simple-minded evil Queens. Hardly scintillating material.
So far as writing skills go, I am entirely done with the word "snarl". There are other adjectives to describe guttural noises.
Even on a romance front, I was disappointed. Daemon, the only true attempt at a multidimensional character, felt like a washed-out letdown by Book 3. There was some nice tension from the first book--I enjoyed Daemon's struggle--but it led to absolutely no payoff. When Witch and he finally get it on, it's almost laughable.
In short, the whole story felt contrived. Ms. Bishop creates dark scenes (like rape or murder) with no real consequence (everyone is *really* ok), an entirely dull love story, and "danger" without there really being any threat.
Ms. Bishop is the true Sadi here--these books give the ghost of promise and tease the reader seductively...only to find the results flaccid and leaving the reader completely unfulfilled.
A (generous) two and a half-stars.
A read so fascinating that I had to go there twice... in a row--.......2007-09-23
I recently stumbled onto this particular genre. And I can't believe how lucky I am. Where have I been all my life? It's fun. It's fantastic. It's absolutely amazing to me that someone can create an entire reality like this.
Anyway. I read this particular book from cover to cover and then, for the first time in my life, I turned right back to page 1 and started over. It is that good.
Black Jewels-good read.......2007-09-13
A rich world with interesting characters and a really fresh use of magic--beyond wands and wizards.
Amazing!!!.......2007-08-31
This book is Amazing. The very first paragraph caught me and the book never let go. I am an avid reader, of all books, and anymore it has become increasingly difficult to find a book with the power to grab your attention in the first 100 pages let alone the first paragraph. I will not sum up the book for you; my only advice would be to buy the book. The best way to describe this book is "All Encompasing."
Wonderful........2007-08-27
While I cannot hope to write as graceful a review as every other person before me has, I will try to tell you what I can about this book, and why is should be part of your collection.
The book (though there are actually three combined into one lovely volume) is about a very original world. I won't delve too deep into it, because part of the fun is figuring it out as you go, getting all the tidbits and making your own dreams of it. But, this world, this is what grabbed me the most. It's not like all the other fantasy books I've read; where there's always the set 'bad guy' and the 'good guys' and oh woe is me, someone must save us all.
While that concept is present in this book, it is not drawn out and used as the only tagline. There are so many other pieces to this great piece of writing!
Beyond the world, there are the characters. The deliciously real characters who I myself end up crying for, and getting angry about. Anne Bishop really draws you in and you start to know them so well... there are so many things about them, you feel like you could walk past them on the street. They do things that you think they would do, that you know is what that character would want to do. It is all very well done, gracefully, and well-fleshed so that they are believable, likable, and in some cases, absolutely despicable.
The plot is wonderfully twisted. There are so many strands of it that are to be pieced together, it's like a treasure hunt. And each chapter that gives you another lead, another piece... it's so lovely. And then a few things click, and you mentally go 'ooooh, that's why he did that!' And the way all the conflicts meet up in the end, how everything comes together so well; it's a piece of art.
And the romance, of course. My boyfriend stuck out his tongue and refused when he'd heard me mention that, though I know he was reading it when I slept... but it is a focal point. Enough that women will swoon, but not enough, I think, to turn men away from reading and enjoying this book.
With all the different characters, situations, and happenings in this book, there will surely be a thing for you to love and connect with, something to draw you in. If you give it a chance, I can assure you, you will not be disappointed. So... read some more reviews, think it over, and then do it, and enjoy reading about the life of the SaDiablo line, and all those who are drawn into their plight... :)
Book Description
When her widower father inherits a castlelike estate in the mountains of West Virginia, 12-year-old Jen is thrilled. It seems like a wish come true. But she quickly realizes that not all change is positive. Her dad has a mysterious new girlfriend, Moura, who slowly drives a wedge between Jen and her father. Furthermore, Moura has an unusually strongalmost obsessiveinterest in the antiques that fill the mansion, especially a beautiful glass globe that Jen finds hanging in a window. When Jen's cat accidentally breaks the globe, which Moura calls a "witch catcher," strange things begin to happen. . . . An odd-looking girl wearing a torn dress appears, seemingly out of nowhere, and Moura's behavior becomes more sinister, leading Jen to believe that her father is a pawn in an evil scheme. Soon Jen finds herself caught in the midst of a supernatural war, with the fate of an enchanted raceand her familyat stake. Inspired by the age-old legend of witch catchers, Mary Downing Hahn brings a magical cast of characters to life in this compelling fantasy adventure. Author's note.
Customer Reviews:
Feels unfinished.......2007-10-01
As a lover of fantasy books, I really looked forward to reading this book. At first, I was completely hooked into the story and excited to keep reading. That excitement soon changed to disappointment and frustration. Once Jen meets Kieryn, things seem to go downhill as far as the plot and character development go. I felt like Hahn just wanted to get the story over with. I am a stickler about plots with holes in them, and this novel is littered with holes. Will the target audience like it? Most definitely. Children might not notice the parts of the story that do not make sense. Will it be considered great literature? Not in my opinion.
If a novel directed towards young readers is able to capture the imagination of children and pass the test of critical adults like me, then I consider that great literature. For now, I will have to find solace in the works of those who have passed my test.
Delightful!.......2007-06-11
How can you tell if that person who threatens to become your step-mother is really an evil escapee from a faerie realm who has cast a spell on your father, or if your own jealousy is the source of your fears? Mary Downing Hahn's believably human heroine trusts her instincts about good and evil as she works through a very puzzling sequence of events. Hahn adroitly blends the real-world concerns of real kids with fantasy adventure for a delightful read. Readers who like Witch Catcher might also like Danger, Long Division, in which another good Maryland kid, totally stuck in the real world, muddles through some tough puzzles at home and at school.
A captivating book.......2007-05-17
The story was captivating right from the start. A great read for fourth and fifth graders. The plot takes some interesting and at times unexpected twists.
A spellbinding story .......2006-09-15
Jen is thrilled when her widowed father inherits a castle-like estate in the West Virginia mountains but problems with her father's new girlfriend and the mansion's mysterious holdings will change her life especially when she discovers there's a supernatural war taking place on her own turf. A spellbinding story evolves.
Best book this summer.......2006-07-30
I loved this story. I love stories about witches and fairies and adults who are mean to children, then the children outsmart them. This book has all three themes. Jen and Kieryn make a great team, and especially at the end. Moura is a very vivid character, too, and Tink is a very good character, even though he's a cat. He doesn't say anything, but he's a big part of the story. Kieryn's brother is called Brynn, and he is annoying just like my brothers. The ending is a bit of a cliffhanger.
I wish I could write a story like that. I hope the author writes a sequel soon. I can't wait to read it.
Book Description
With the bold adventure and brilliant magic that have made him one of fantasy's bestselling authors, R. A. Salvatore continues the epic series that began with Echoes of the Fourth Magic. Join him for a spellbinding tale of darkness, fantasia, and unbridled imagination.
Though many perished in the dark times past, a precious few survivors escaped, fleeing certain doom to find a dazzling, dangerous land of wonder. Here wizards and witches inhabited forests spun from enchantment and towers of celestial beauty. But in this place of promised safety, the Black Warlock was rising from the ashes of defeat--with an insatiable lust to dominate the world.
Square in the path of peril was Rhiannon, the gently reared daughter of the Emerald Witch. As hamlets from the Crystal Mountains to Avalon fell before the fury of the Black Warlock, the young witch sensed a sudden call; strange, terrifying powers tingled within her body. Now Rhiannon had to summon these new, untested abilities to stop the ancient warlock, an enemy who had long since mastered the forces of the universe and bent them to his diabolical will. . .
Customer Reviews:
Much better than the first........2003-04-04
All believed the Black Warlock to be defeated. But Thalasi and Reinheiser were now both sharing the same body. Once harmony was established, he and his evil Talons began their campaign anew to make a new dark world.
Brielle had forever lost Del, but now had a lovely daughter, Rhiannon, who was blessed with the same powers as her mother witch. On her twentieth birthday, Rhiannon's wish was to travel with the Rangers and see the world. She found more than she bargained for! The Black Warlock had thousands upon thousands within his army. The witch and mages were kept busy against the warlock as the others were out numbered 4-to-1 or 10-to-1. But Rhiannon was learning her own powers and feared the devastation she could call up through her magic. But once she learned to control her fear and do what must be done, the Black Warlock and his dead General Mitchell would be in trouble.
**** Exciting from the beginning! Much better than the first of this series. Magical spells, dragons, and battles on nearly every page. A fast paced read that you will fully enjoy.
Pure enjoyment.......2002-12-21
R. A. Salvatore outdid himself. This novel has everything, action, humor and romance. I'm waiting for a fourth book in this series. It's worth reading.
Salvatore's worst work.......2001-08-18
First of all, I love R.A. Salvatore's work, and thus I'm not writing a hatchet job on this book just because I don't like fantasy novels. I actually love Science Fiction and Fantasy books, and have read all of Salvatore's books. Unfortunately, I absolutely hated this book. The beginning of Witch's Daughter, which sets up a trilogy, was confusing, difficult to believe, and basically made me question that it was written by R.A. Salvatore. While this book is not absolutely horrible (after the beginning scenes it isn't that bad) this book does remain Salvatore's worst. Perhaps because he is such a great author I expect too much, but this book definitely let me down. If you've never read Salvatore's work, PLEASE begin with the Icewind Dale or Dark Elf trilogies, and if you've read all of his books, I humbly recommend that you pass on this series and wait for his next offering.
Very predictable.......2001-07-07
The first of this series has a lot going for it, with an original story line and some off the wall but captivating characters. However, this book fails right where the first should have ended. The bad guy didn't really die in the end, and comes back worse than ever to repeat nearly the same scenario as the first book. Not only that, but Salvatore borrows themes and even characters entirely from his other works. 'Bryan' the elven-raised ranger might as well be 'Elbryan', the elven-raised ranger from the DemonWars trilogy. Just a little orginality, please! Besides borrowing too much from his other books, the plot was too much like other Salvatore stories. Avoid this one, unless you are a hardcore Salvatore fan.
Considering t' was 1991 work, barely make it & forgettable.......2000-08-29
Where it lacked originality; daughter of a witch fearful of her own growing prowess, a guardian of the land went bad, summoning of a spectre to serve as general, gathering a horde of stupid brutal grunts who couldn't count up to the number on their fingers, young fighter of mixed heritage who conducts guerrila warfare, a battle repeating what had been done in LOTR, Terry Brook's Shannara and others.
Where it lacked credibility; tens of thousands of talons living somewhere in the south - they are strong and stupid, they craft weapons of metal/wood without indication of mining etc abilities, no indication of how they survive, what they feed on, what communities they live in, and suddenly know how to use beast of burdens and wagons to transport food etc. (Okay, so Tolkien did not elaborate on the Uruk Hai etc society too much, but he gave plenty of room for their existence). Also, the power of the Black Warlock was stretched beyond "realism". Come on, taking on the Emerald Witch AND the White Mage, IN their own DOMAINS. And how was he able to imbue his dead general and the artefact with so much power, not unless he clone his power. But if it were that easy, the others could have done so too, not in the same "evil" way but in a "good" way. Militarily, rushing mass numbers against fortified bridges is pure suicide. Maybe the Calvans etc don't have much knowledge of military tactics but common sense + Billy Shanks should provide some clue there. Besides, why didn't the Calvans use incendiaries and other heavy stuff like catapults (they had the Firethrowers).
Where it lacked emotional appeal; death of Andovar + rescue of Belexus = senseless. The ending of the war.
The materials too raw, too many holes and too many under-developed parts.
Average customer rating:
- When is she coming ot with a "Magic & Miracles" book
- Witch or no Witch
- Bras and Broomsticks
- Could you have a witch as a sister?
- Very cute
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Bras & Broomsticks (Magic In Manhattan)
Sarah Mlynowski
Manufacturer: Delacorte Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
 Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Science Fiction, Fantasy, & Magic | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Siblings | Family Life | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
Science Fiction | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Teens | Subjects | Books
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Frogs & French Kisses (Magic In Manhattan)
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Spells & Sleeping Bags (Magic In Manhattan)
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Me vs. Me
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As Seen on TV
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Monkey Business
ASIN: 0385731817
Release Date: 2005-02-22 |
Book Description
What if all your wishes could come true? Blink your eyes, drink a fizzing pink potion, and poof! Life is perfect. That’s Rachel’s situation. Except she’s not the one who suddenly has magical powers. Her younger sister is. And as Rachel would tell you, spellbooks are wasted on the young!
Yes, yes, of course world peace and cures for horrible diseases are important. But so is dancing without looking like she’s being electrocuted, winning back her best friend, stopping her dad’s wedding, and finding a date for Spring Fling.
Rachel’s not bewitched. Yet. . . .
Customer Reviews:
When is she coming ot with a "Magic & Miracles" book.......2007-09-27
My mom has ALWAYS been a fan of Sarah Mlynowski, unfortunetly these are the only children's books she has! I really hope that Sarah writes another book!
I started to read Bra's and Broomsticks when my friend Sammik (sam) told me that it was the best book that she's EVER read! So, she let me borrow it, and I read the first 4 chapters in ONE day! Then I told my mom that I had to get it!!!!!!!!!!!!! So, she let me get it, and I became an addict to the book, I just couldn't put in down, now I'm 1/2 way through the 2nd book, Spells and Sleepingbags!
This book is about a teenage girl named Rachel, and she has somewhat been a nobody her whole life. And yet, she finds out that her more developed sister is a witch! She finds out that it's passed down in your family jeans, but for some reason Rachel doesn't get powers! Now that her sister has powers, she starts to use her sister...
1. They try to stop her dad from marring a woman who's like Cruela Devil, they call her STB (soon to be)
2. They give Rachel a killer dance move potion
3. They try to get their dad to fall back in love with they're mother, who has been secretly crushing on him ever since they divorced
4,5,6,7 MANY MANY MORE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I LOVE THIS BOOK
<3 *dana*
Witch or no Witch.......2007-05-21
Bras and Broomsticks by Sarah Mlynowski is a hilarious, knock your socks off your feet book. It tells the story of Rachel, whose younger sister inherits the witch genes from her mom. Rachel tries to get her sister to use some spells on her to make her popular in school. Does having a sister for a witch come in handy when you want something? Or does it bring about other troubles?
This book was an amazing book that I just couldn't put down. It was amazingly funny and I can't wait to read the sequel. Bras and Broomsticks is the book you should read if you want a good laugh.
Bras and Broomsticks.......2007-05-10
In my opinion, this book has its ups and downs. For one, it seemed to be a typical story about someone who gets a taste of popularity and then realizes that she left her true friend behind. But then for another, add to the fact that her sister is a witch and they're both willing to do anything to get her dad from marrying the "Soon To Be Step-Monster".
So, in a way it was just like a lot of other stories. But it was still unique, and the ending is kind of open, so I am sure to read Frogs and French Kisses, the sequel.
It wasn't the best book, not by a long shot, but it was light and entertaining and that's enough for me.
Could you have a witch as a sister?.......2007-03-23
Could you handle your sister being a witch? That's what Rachel has to deal with suddenly. Miri, Rachel's sister, has gotten the gift of witchcraft passed down from her mother. Rachel asks Miri to give her a popularity spell, but Miri says no, but Rachel asks Miri to put a spell on their father, so he won't marry his evil fiancé. Miri decides that since the rest of her father's life is in her hands, she says that it would be ok to use her magic, even though her mother told her no magic until her training is done. The first spell Miri tries is a dancing spell on Rachel. Miri's first spell works, and Rachel is a dancing queen. Miri tries a spell on STB and her father, but it fails. Miri finds another spell, for honesty, but again the spell fails. Mean while, Rachel's dating one of the most popular freshmen, Raf, her crush. Will Miri find a spell before the wedding?
I enjoyed reading the book "Bras & Broomsticks". It kept me reading and interested. I would defiantly recommend this book to any girl who likes reading about fantasy and realistic-fiction. This was a great book, and I can't wait to read the next one.
Very cute.......2007-03-07
This book is a cute funny story. I am glad I bought it. I was very satisfied and I am waiting for what happens next in the story.
Average customer rating:
- One of Bawden's best!
- A book for anyone that likes adventure.
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The Witch's Daughter
Nina Bawden
Manufacturer: HarperCollins Children's Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
State & Local | United States | History & Historical Fiction | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Health | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Personal Hygiene | Health | Science, Nature & How It Works | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Bawden, Nina | ( B ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0397309228 |
Customer Reviews:
One of Bawden's best!.......2000-05-04
This was one of Nina Bawden's best books. Although I note above that the reading level is 9-12, I read it as a young adult and was tremendously touched by Perdita. Now, many years later, I can almost recall the "seeing through walls" chant.
A book for anyone that likes adventure........1999-11-05
I really enjoyed the book. It was excellent. Nina put alot of effort into it. It had lots of adventure.
Average customer rating:
- A great book for every working mom
- Fun and Entertaining!
- Working Moms Beware
- Appalling commentary on working mothers
- FINALLY, a book for small children of working moms!
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My Working Mom
Peter Glassman
Manufacturer: HarperTrophy
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Humorous | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Careers | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Parents | Family Life | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Arnold, Tedd | ( A ) | Authors & Illustrators, A-Z | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Baby-3 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
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No More Water in the Tub!
ASIN: 0064410331 |
Book Description
Everyone knows that it isn't always easy having a working mom, but this girl's mom has a job that keeps her whole family jumping!
After all, when your mom is always flying off to meetings or mixing strange potions in her laboratory, life can be both trying and exciting. And even through Mom throws birthday parties that are out of this world, there are still those bats and frogs who always follow her around.
Peter Glassman's enchanting story, brewed together with Tedd Arnold's bewitching pictures, is sure to cast its spell on young readers, whoever and whatever their mothers may be.
Customer Reviews:
A great book for every working mom .......2007-05-31
I bought this book when my son was [...]; he is now [..]and we remember this book very fondly. It is a great book because it makes children understand and appreciate having a mom who works. The pictures are really fun also. There are lots of little critters in the pictures and we noticed that the mouse and the spider appear on all of the pages. So the game was finding these characters on the page.
I now give this book as a gift to all moms that are working. It makes a great gift and their children love it too!
My son and I have saved this book today and remember it very fondly.
Fun and Entertaining!.......2004-07-23
A fun and silly book that we have enjoyed very much. My daughter and I find the story very funny and the drawings are wonderful! I especially appreciate how it helps make this working Mom look good!
Working Moms Beware.......2001-10-23
After a hard day at work, fixing dinner for my family, getting everyone bathed, and doing homework I found it par for the course to sit down to a book about a working mom who is a witch. She is not even very successful as a working mom witch!!! When will society start being kind to the working mother? I found this a distressing comentary on how society sees women in the workplace. I do not think it is appropriate for children.
Appalling commentary on working mothers.......2001-10-23
This book is soooo bad I burst out laughing. I am married to a working mom, and even I could tell that it is insulting to working moms everywhere! Working moms have enough guilt without this book to pile salt in the wound. Portraying the working mom as a witch sets the book off to a bad start. And to imply that she is rarely around, always late for kids' events, and ferocious after a bad day (as if stay-at-home moms don't get mad!) is no help. Would the author have written this about a working dad? I doubt it. This book sets us back decades in our fight for social justice.
FINALLY, a book for small children of working moms!.......1999-11-03
Although this book is recommended for children ages 4-8, I read it to my one-year-old. He loves the pictures and I hope it will help him understand working moms. My only problem with the book is that "My Working Mom" bakes terrific cakes and this working mom doesn't have time to bake terrific cakes!
Average customer rating:
- Really Good
- A Page Turner
- So-so.
- Not as good as The Dark Room, but very intriguing.
- "The Blair Witch" Fact or Fiction
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The Witch's Daughter (The Blair Witch Files, Case File 1)
Cade Merrill , and
Carol Ellis
Manufacturer: Bantam Books for Young Readers
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
Popular Culture | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Spine-Chilling Horror | Science Fiction, Fantasy, Mystery & Horror | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Movie Tie-Ins | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Ellis, Carol | ( E ) | Authors, A-Z | Horror | Genre Fiction | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books
Horror | Teens | Subjects | Books
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The Dark Room (The Blair Witch Files, Case File 2)
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The Blair Witch Project A Dossier
ASIN: 0553493620
Release Date: 2000-08-08 |
Book Description
Is Lee Papert the Blair Witch's daughter? Is she responsible for eight gruesome deaths?
Download Description
The mysterious mythology of the Blair Witch continues through the eyes of Cade Merrill, the cousin of Heather Donahue, one of the missing film students. The interactive features of this book lead readers to Cade's Web site to find more. Launched to coincide with a Blair Witch TV series and a new fall theatrical release.
Customer Reviews:
Really Good .......2006-04-30
This is a very good book, and its very intrguing, I read this and The Dark Room (a just as good read) all in one day. Really great books but I only have Blood Nightmare and after that I'm on my own, I can't believe some of the prices on the rest of the series, The Night Shifters is $70! Thats stupid and utterly ridculous! I wish these books were still in print!
A Page Turner.......2004-02-07
I bought this book at a dollar store and once I started reading it, I could hardly put it down. Cade Merrill is a talented writer. He makes you feel sympathy for the young Lee Irwin as he describes her life growing up in an abusive boys' orphanage. She eventually becomes The Blair Witch's chosen daughter then she gets her revenge! I felt the storyline was great but I feel the scene where the Witch takes Lee under her wing in the woods should have been drawn out more. There wasn't enough to show why Lee decided to follow in her "mother's" footsteps other than just seeking revenge. But Merrill did a fine job of making the conclusion unpredictable with plenty of suspense. I highly recommend this book. But if you read it at night, do so at you're own risk...
So-so........2001-10-23
When he was a child, Harper Kemp and the other orphan boys tortured poor Lee Irwin, leaving her miserable life in ruins. As the years went by, the boys grew up and died in bizarre "accidents", and a regretful Harper Kemp finds himself an old man, traped in a failing body hooked to hospital machinery.
The only hope is that grandson Justin Petit will find Lee Irwin before she finds Harper.
Let's start with the first weak link in the chain. Justin Petit is a two-dimensional, atypical horror hero. The Freddie Prince, Jr. of prose, Justin's a great fella, he simply lacks depth. He and his grandfather have no past relationship. His sole motivation for believing the tale is "It'll make him feel better." Yeah, sure. And as for Harper, all he does is rant and rave. "Get me out of here! She's coming!" I desperately needed some form of connection between these two!
The story takes an early twist when Justin meets a pretty young nurse named Leslie Wolf, but her intentions are painfully obvious and I often felt like smacking Justin upside the noggin! Things are slow with a few scares that have nothing to do with the plot, but the story almost picks up when the diary of Lee Irwin is found. Her capture by Rustin Parr, an important figure in Blair Witch lore, should be a wonderful obervation and descent into insanity, but the serial killer is reduced to a Leatherface-style redneck hobbling around at the bidding of a ghostly woman - the Blair Witch. Suspense is forgotten. Nothing new is explored. The opportunity is wasted.
The novel jumps back and forth between Lee and Harper in the past and Justin and Leslie in the present. It's nice, but could've used a little structuring so a form of contrast would come out of the developing plot lines. Instead, one plot develops for 30 pages, then another goes on for a while, then back to another. Ellis (* see note at bottom) doesn't even give me cliffhangers to build interest.
Lee Irwin's story is a tragic one and would've made a better novel on its own. It still suffers from bad writing, but the character is interesting. Following her parents' death by salmonella, Lee (Louise at the time) is dumped on her widowed aunt who, in turn, forces Lee to dress as a male and dumps her at the Oakbridge Home for Boys. Here's where trouble begins between Lee, Harper, and the other kids.
The scenes in the Orphanage are tense, but from cruelty rather than fear. The boys are brutal, completely lacking in remorse. This leaves them as cardboard characters with no differences beyond their names. Why couldn't some be her friends and some her enemies? All revenge stories need the person who didn't want to perform the crime but was forced into it. Where is he? We need him here!
What gets me is that Lee is the most sympathetic character. Harper never once does anything to make up for what he did to her. And Justin doesn't have anything interesting enough happen to him. I wish they would have kept Lee as a tormented soul rather than make her totally evil in the end. Yeah, she should be out for revenge, but the reader should still sympathize with her. Instead, she becomes the unlikely bad guy. A great twist would involve Justin realizing his grandfather is to blame, so he takes Lee's side. It would've wrapped things up nicely.
All in all, the whole thing feels rushed. A bit of polishing here and there, a bit more depth to the characters, and this could've been as good as the second book in the series, the unforgettable DARK ROOM. Speaking of DARK ROOM, why not make Cade Merril the hero and drop all this Justin Petit nonsense?
(* Note: each of these books were done by a different writer. For the identity of each guest writer -- in this case, Carol Ellis -- check out the first name on the acknowledgements page.)
Not as good as The Dark Room, but very intriguing........2001-07-08
I thought Blair Witch Files: The Dark Room was alot better than this book. Cade Merill barely has a part in The Witch's Daughter, which is disappointing since he is the one trying to uncover the legend. The books ending is also disappointing, resolving things easily and quickly - not as professionally as The Dark Room did - but somehow still leaving thoughts to the imagination. That said, The Witch's Daughter is a page-turner. You want to read it, you're interested in the plot and the characters are all descripted accurately, giving you a good measure of what they look like and how they feel. The best part of this book is Lee Irwin-Papert's diary, which is chilling to the bone and the most intriguing part. Cade Merill deserves a pat on the back for his great mythology work in this one, and even though - I've said it once, I'll say it again - The Dark Room is better, his first shot at the Blair Witch files is still one to be cherished.
"The Blair Witch" Fact or Fiction.......2001-03-08
Cade Merrill's cousin Heather Donahue was part of a student project to document a legend of the Blair Witch. After her disappearence, Cade had moved to the tiny town of Blair, Maryland to uncover the legend. He meets a young girl by the name of Lee Harper who seems to be just as interested as he in the myth. When weird and unworldly things start to happen, Cade begins to question all the information he has gathered. Is Lee really the Blair Witches Daughter? Or is she being pulled in to the abiss of the Blair Witch, and can Cade help her? I read a book from the Blair Witch Files called "The Witches Daughter." This book was very realistic in describing the events of the legend of the Blair Witch. I read another book in this seriese, and the way the author writes is amazing. Even in the dedications he is always living the myth. He dedicates his books to those who are lost or who die in the Black Forest. It really leaves you wondering weather or not this is actually fiction. I think compared to other books, this one is just as good if not better then most. The suspension in the end is very tense. The beginning starts out kind of slow, but if you hang on until the middle, then it's all worth the wait. If you are someone who loves action, horror, and suspense, and is willing to wait a little while for it, then this is definately a book for you. If you are someone whom is impatient and can't wait for action, you might have a little trouble with this one.
Customer Reviews:
clichéd, yes--but still a great read.......2006-01-06
Yes, there have come to be plenty of fantasy books about repressive societies, or downright evil societies--places where an uncommon gift is as good as a death sentence. Ranira, the main character, suffers slavery, persecution, bigotery, a highly repressive fanatic government that forces everyone to worship a truly evil being, and a variety of other harsh problems. The supporting characters (her friend the street urchin; a lecherous, power-hungry high priest; and a group of travellers from far more liberal countries who may be able to rescue Ranira--etc.) are not terribly unique. The plot isn't terribly original. In a literary sense, there's nothing terribly new about the way the book is written. It's not one of the best Lyra books.
But gee, it's still really entertaining. And for all that, it's really well done. Wrede's prose, as always (especially in her later books), is clear and compelling. You'll feel like you've read about similar characters before--but you'll still care about these. They may not be unique, but they're still interesting--same for the book in general. If you're looking for some really superb, classic fantasy, try _The Raven Ring_ (the last Lyra book, though they're not tied directly together and are told out of order, so it's OK to skip around). But if you just want a good, well-written fantasy book to read, or you're already a Wrede fan, you'll probably like this one, too.
Rather good .......2004-08-26
This is a standard sword and sorcery type book, but if you like this sort of books. I thought it a bit too short but what there was of it was rather good.
Daughter of Witches.......2003-07-20
The characters are archtypical, The poor slave girl with hidden powers, the mean master, the street urchin, the gentle mage, the female mercenary dressed as a boy who is "partners with a male mercenary. Finally there is the Evil lustful priest that manages to find the slave girl coincidentally at every turn. There is a lot of sitting around whining and bickering and the mage won't or can't use her powers half of the time. Then suddenlly she will, or is able to use her powers. I would say the book is juvenile but I am not going to suggest it to my children.
The Most Origional Take on Magic I've ever read.......2001-06-11
In most fantasy novels one reads, magic is an accepted form of making things happen. But not in this novel. Here, to do magic is to be a witch. To be a witch is to burn at the stake. Wrede's story follows a young girl, whose parents were burned as witches and herself sold to pay for their debts. And then she meets strangers who come to the inn where she works, strangers who are more than they seem, and who force her to confront what she really is. I have never read a book on magic in which magic was illegal before this. Patricia C Wrede's rendition of this storyline is breathtaking, forcing me to read the entire novel in one sitting or die of anticipation. The characters are likeable and rounded out, with orgins recognisable from previous Lyra novels. I highly recomend this and all other Patricia C Wrede novels for all ages of readers. (note: book can be found in the compiliation Shadows over Lyra as well)
Typical Sword & Sorcery.......2000-05-10
A fan of Wrede's "Enchanted Forest Chronicals" and alternate reality Regencies, I recently snatched up at my local used bookstore several of Wrede's earlier works.
Upon reading them, I can only suppose that these standard sword and sorcery novels were written as the result of a need to gain a toehold on the market. If that was their purpose, then I applaud them. But as pieces of literature, they are dull, undeveloped, cliche, and inconclusive.
The usual S&S elements are evident in "Daughter of Witches": a tyrannical monotheistic church which actually worships a demonic power (*long-suffering sigh insert here*), a girl with untapped magical abilities, a mercenary - both male and female, a mage (female), a streetrat-thief (boy), and several conveniently expendable temple guards under the control of a lustful, manipulative, tyrannical meglomaniacal highpriest (male - *insert second long-suffering sigh*).
Ranira's plight is not compelling, mainly because her final decision - to develop her latent magical talent - is painfully obvious from the first. Their flight from the city, while tense at times (the river bit worked fairly well), counteracts the semi-interesting world-building conflict Wrede had begun within the city by removing the threat of a return to the city with every pageturn.
In short, "Daughter of Witches" from the title to the last sentence, is predictable.
Those who first discovered Wrede with her later novels would be well-served not to invest in her earlier S&S fare, but keep an eye out for upcoming novels from this otherwise excellent author.
Average customer rating:
- Mixed messages make the story confusing
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The Warthog's Tail
Debby Atwell
Manufacturer: Houghton Mifflin/Walter Lorraine Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
Fiction | Halloween | Holidays & Festivals | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | Manners | Social Situations | People & Places | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Ages 4-8 | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Fiction | General | Animals | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
Social Skills | Issues | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
General | Literature | Children's Books | Subjects | Books
ASIN: 0618507817 |
Book Description
It's Halloween, and Tegan, the witch's daughter, can't wait to Trick or Treat. First she must hurry home to help with her mother's special Halloween spell. But when she gets there, she discovers a sleeping wathog is blocking her gate! Too afraid to go near the nasty, tusked beast, Tegan tries to cast a few spells, but neither the dog, nor the stick, nor the magic match wil obey her bossy commands. What's a little witch to do? Just as she begins to worry that she'll never make it home in time for Trick or Treat, an old man comes walking down the road. Seeing her distress, the old man offers a suggestion: If spells won't work, maybe Tegan should try the magic of persuasion?
Customer Reviews:
Mixed messages make the story confusing.......2006-10-19
Debbie Atwell's illustrations are breathtaking and her storyline about kindness verses bossiness has great potential. However, the subtle violence including "beat the dog" and "bite off the warthog's tail" ruin what could be a potent message about respect and compassion. My five year old loved the witches and the ending (which I won't give away) yet she questioned why the dog had to be beaten in order to fulfill the story. She talked at length about how this upset her and wondered why the author couldn't have chosen a gentler way of removing the warthog. Her questions and reasoning are sound. I hope the author will reconsider the storyline should the book have another printing.
Average customer rating:
- Wow
- Buy this book!
- Worth reading
- five stars? You must be Kidding
- A must read
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Mother Ocean, Daughter Sea
Diana Marcellas
Manufacturer: Tor Books
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover
United States | World Literature | Literature & Fiction | Subjects | Books | 18th Century | 19th Century | 20th Century | African American | Asian American | Classics | Collections & Readers | Drama | General | Hispanic | History & Criticism | Humor | Jewish American | Letters & Correspondence | Native American | Poetry | Short Stories | Women Writers
Epic | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
General | Fantasy | Science Fiction & Fantasy | Subjects | Books
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The Sea Lark's Song
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Twilight Rising, Serpent's Dream
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The Decoy Princess
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Princess at Sea
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Cast in Courtlight (The Cast Series, Book 2)
ASIN: 0312874847 |
Book Description
After generations of living side by side with the newcomer Allemani seafarers, the ancient Shari people were suddenly and brutally slain. That was long ago. Young Brierly thinks she is the last Shari witch in the world. She knows what it would mean to be discovered, yet she cannot deny her gifts as a healer. Time and again, she brings solace to the very people who killed most of her race.
Customer Reviews:
Wow.......2006-01-05
This book was fantastic, make sure to read the rest of the series!
Buy this book!.......2005-10-09
A fabulous fantasy that understand that life is not always a matter of good guys and bad guys but of the merging and conflict of individual lives. The best story teller to come along since Ursula Le Guin.
Worth reading.......2005-01-22
If you like Robert Jordan or David Farland, you'll like this book. Diana Marcellas gives us a nice story with plenty of teasers about the past and lots of interesting characters. There are some characters I can't wait to know more about, and some that I can't wait for someone in the story to kill off! :)
"Mother Ocean, Daughter Sea" is not as confusing as some of Robert Jordan's works tend to be, but there are alot of characters in this book to keep track of. Hopefully in the future books, the author won't let them get out of hand.
Brierley is a strong woman who can stand on her own. No wishy washy "Somebody please take care of me!" women here.
I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.
five stars? You must be Kidding.......2004-12-27
THis book is horribly boring, annoying, and just so obvious. I don't even restpect the heroine in this book at all. There are already so many books about witches, that if you want to write a book about them, you should make sure your character is interesting and new. Diana Marcellas did a really pathetic job on this book. I kept reading because I hoped that maybe the character would change, but nothing changed for the better. This is why I won't even bother reading the next book in this series. UGH
A must read.......2004-12-02
If you like fantasy with on the edge of your seat plots then you'll love Mother Ocean, Daughter Sea. I chanced upon this gem in a used book store and immediatly fell in love with it. It's and intriguing tale of a young girl with the power to heal and must keep it secret from all less she suffer the penalty of death by being discovered as a sharia witch. When she makes the discion to heal a young earls wife right in front of him she finds herself on a fantastical adventure of surviving a menacing duke and discovering herself and her ancestors of long ago. Mother Ocea, daughter Sea is a a book you wont be able to put down. I would know...i've read it twice thru all ready!
Books:
- The Blood Books, Vol. 3 (Blood Debt / Blood Bank)
- The Citadel
- The Drawing of the Three (The Dark Tower, Book 2)
- The Eagle (The Camulod Chronicles, Book 9)
- The Elric Saga: Part I (Elric of Melnibone, The Sailor on the Seas of Fate, The Weird of the White Wolf)
- The Eternal Flame (The Great Tree of Avalon, Book 3)
- The Fall: The Evidence for a Golden Age, 6,000 years of Insanity and the Dawning of a New Era
- The Guide to Owning Water Dragons, Sailfin Lizards & Basilisks
- The Many Faces of Van Helsing
- The Moon Is a Harsh Mistress
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