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BOOK REVIEWS – FANTASY
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Title: All That Glitters ********************************************************** Author: Rachel Roberts Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: Emily and Adriane have magic gems, but when Kara finds a sparkly unicorn horn, chaos occurs. Magical creatures pop up everywhere. A sorceress wants the magic of the unicorn to rule Avalon, the magical world. Kara has to give up her powers in order to save the lives of her friends. If you like little kid stories, you’ll love this book. It is full of imagination. If you like reading books about friendships, then this is also a good book. The power of friendship is greater than anything else. Library Location: Home Rachel Grade 8
Title: Animal Farm ********************************************************** Author: George Orwell Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: Animal Farm tells the story of pigs and other animals trying to take over the farm they live on. The pigs rule the farm and become more and more like humans. This book gives an exciting an fun insight on what animals would do if they had power. If you have the chance, read this book. You won’t regret it. Library Location: Home (also available at St. Leo School Library) Daniel Grade 8
Title: Artemis Fowl ********************************************************* Author: Erin Colfer Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: It was an extremely well-detailed story with a good solid plot. The story was fun, exciting, and full of suspense. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves exciting stories. The ending was very unique and included many time and space concepts. Once again I highly recommend this book to everyone. Library Location: other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Craig Grade 6
Title: Artemis Fowl ********************************************************** Author: Erin Colfer Genre: Fantasy Rating: 7 Critique: This book in the beginning is confusing, but it comes together by the end of the second chapter. It is sort of like a mystery because you never know what’s going to happen next. There is a lot of fighting and there are bad words in this book. It is not for kids nine and under. Other than that, it is a great book, and I’m starting the second one now. Library Location: Home Library (also available at St. Leo School Main Library) William Grade 6
Title: Artemis Fowl: The Lost Colony ********************************************************** Author: Erin Colfer Genre: Fantasy Rating: 8.5 Critique: It excellently combines fantasy and science fiction. It is about a fifteen-year-old genius. He has to help a secret organization of fairies. There is a world full of demons, which in a few weeks will materialize in the middle of a city. He must stop this from happening. Library Location: Home Jordy Grade 8
Title: Attack of the Mutant ********************************************************* Author: R.L.Stine Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: It was very suspenseful and very interesting. It was hard to put down. It had several laughs and I liked it. I would read it again just for pleasure. Library Location: St. Leo Main Library Dane Grade 6
Title: The Black Cauldron ********************************************************* Author: Alexander, Lloyd Genre: Fantasy Rating: 8 Critique: Although the book was interesting and fun to read, it wasn’t as exciting as I had hoped for. Library Location: Public Library (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Chance Grade 8
Title: Bowan of Rin ********************************************************* Author: Bodda, Emily Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9.5 Critique: It was great. I could not put it down. There were so many adventures in this book. It is all about the bravest heart. Library Location: Public Library Matt Grade 7
Title: Bridge to Terabithia ********************************************************* Author: Paterson, Katherine Genre: Fantasy Rating: 7 Critique: This book has an interesting plot, good characters, and a few surprises. Towards the end of the book it kept my interest. In other parts, I was bored. Library Location: Barnes and Noble (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Tyler Grade 8
Title: The Castle of Uyr ********************************************************* Author: Alexander, Lloyd Genre: Fantasy Rating: 8 Critique: It was a great book that was really funny in parts. I thought that it had a great plot. However, it was sometimes boring. Library Location: St. Leo School Main Library Gina Grade 8
Title: The Children of Green Knowe ********************************************************* Author: Boston, L.M. Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: This book was very vivid and help me to easily understand the story the book wanted to convey. Library Location: bookstore Max Grade 7
Title: Coraline ********************************************************** Author: Neil Gaiman Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9.5 Critique: I gave the book a 9.5 because it has some parts that were very weird and hard to understand at points. I really do think it was a good book overall. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes mysteries or scary books. I enjoyed the illustrations, they were very creative. Library Location: Home Library (also available at St. Leo School Main Library) Paige Grade 6
Title: Chronicles of Narnia: Voyage of the Dawn Treader ********************************************************** Author: C.S. Lewis Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: It is an excellent story. It is full of exciting adventure. It is about Edmund, Lucy, and their cousin Eustace, who fall into a picture of Narnia. In Narnia, they reunite with King Caspian, who they met in a previous book. Together, they sail on a dangerous voyage in search of the fate of missing hords of Narnia. In the end, they travel to the edge of the world, literally, into Aslan’s country. Aslan is the wise lion who is the savior of Narnia. Library Location: Home (also available as St. Leo School Library) Elise Grade 8
Title: The Dark is Rising ********************************************************* Author: Cooper, Susan Genre: Fantasy Rating: 4 Critique: I couldn’t understand what the characters were talking about. They skip from one place to another. Library Location: St. Leo School Main Library Greg Grade 7
Title: The Ear, the Eye, and the Arm ********************************************************* Author: Farmer, Nancy Genre: Fantasy/Adventure/Science Fiction/Mystery Rating: 6 Critique: It was a good story, but for a younger level. Library Location: Public Library (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Chas Grade 6
Title: Ella Enchanted ********************************************************** Author: Gail Carson Leving Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: I liked this book because it was interesting and unreal, which made it even better. The book is so good because it has unreal creatures and events that could not happen in reality. This book is based on the story of Cinderella, but in a more mysterious form. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes fantasy and adventure. Library Location: St. Leo School Main Library Alyssa Grade 6
Title: Ella Enchanted ********************************************************* Author: Gail Carson Levine Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: This book was very interesting and exciting. It would be a great choice for anyone who loves having a book that takes them to far-off places. This book is about a girl who is strong, funny, assertive, and caring. This book shows that girls can do a lot of things that boys do. This is why I would recommend this book to any girl who is headstrong. Library Location: home (also available at St. Leo School Library Athene’ Grade 8
Title: Ella Enchanted ********************************************************** Author: Gail Carson Levine Genre: Fantasy Rating: 4 Critique: This book was a girl named Ella. It is very much like Cinderella. It was not the type of book I like to read, since I thought it was more for girls than boys. I would recommend this book to any girl who likes fantasy, and who is strong-minded. Library Location: Clemmons Public Library (also available at St. Leo School Library) Andrew Grade 8
Title: Eragon ********************************************************** Author: Christopher Paolini Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: Eragon was a great fantasy book. I never would usually read a book about dragons, but I’m glad I did. The book was adventurous, scary, and very enjoyable. Even though Eragon had many sad moments, it had wonderful moments, too. I look forward to reading the sequel to Eragon, called Eldest. Library Location: a friend’s library (also available at St. Leo School Library) Paige Grade 8
Title: The Fellowship of the Ring ********************************************************* Author: Tolkien, J.R.R. Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: It has lots of action and adventure. It also has exciting, magical creatures in it. Library Location: other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Patrick Grade 7
Title: Gathering Blue ********************************************************** Author: Lois Lowry Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: Kira is a girl with a disfigured leg living in a world where society shuns the weak. When her mother suddenly dies, Kira is left orphaned and unprotected. Summoned to the consul of guardians (the village leaders), Kira is allowed to live and stay in the village because of her talent: she can weave. The cloth magically flows between her fingers, but with new responsibility comes new knowledge that will change Kira’s world forever. Library Location: Forsyth County Public Library Sarah Grade8
Title: The Golden Compass ********************************************************* Author: Pulman, Phillip Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: The book is about a girl called Lyra and her adventures. The author did a great job conveying her story. The adventures seem realistic even though there are talking bears. Library Location: St. Leo Main Library Jordan Grade 7
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ********************************************************* Author: J.K. Rowling Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: It was very exciting and tense. I really enjoyed it. It was exciting at the very right moment. It was specific, which is very good in a book, and of course when you are done you should read the 4th book! Library Location: Other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Julia Grade 6
Title: Harry Potter & The Prisoner of Azkaban ********************************************************* Author: Rowling, J.K. Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: J.K. Rowling kept the excitement throughout this book. She kept me interested and I never wanted to put it down. It took me a very short time to read it, even with the many pages. I suggest it to everyone: you’ll love it! Library Location: other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Annie Grade 8
Title: Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban ********************************************************* Author: Rowling, J.K. Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: My reason for giving this book the above rating is because I thought that this book was very exciting and it was one of the best books that I have ever read. I would recommend it to anyone. Library Location: other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Benedict Grade 8
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ********************************************************* Author: Rowling, J.K. Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: I would rate this book a “9” because I enjoyed reading the book and it held my interest. It was very good. Library Location: other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) David Grade 7
Title: Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone ********************************************************* Author: Rowling, J.K. Genre: Fantasy Rating: 6 Critique: This book is all right. I didn’t like the characters, but I like everything else about it. The setting was good and there is a lot of witchcraft. Library Location: other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Stephen Grade 8
Title: The Hobbit ********************************************************* Author: J.R.R. Tolkien Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: Bilbo Baggins fights orcs, Wargs, goblins, Smaug, and goes on a quest for treasure. Library Location: St. Leo Main Library Michael Grade 6
Title: Holes ********************************************************* Author: Louis Sachar Genre: Fantasy Rating: 7 Critique: I liked the book very much but it wasn’t my type of book. Also, it changed from realistic to fantasy at the end. Library Location: Classroom library (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Chas Grade 6
Title: The Horse and His Boy ********************************************************** Author: C.S. Lewis Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: I think that it was interesting in the way the author wrote the book and I could picture the events and where the character is. Library Location: Borders (also available at St. Leo School Main Library) Hunter Grade 6
Title: The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe ********************************************************* Author: Lewis, C.S. Genre: Fantasy Rating: 8 Critique: It was a great book. It was very descriptive and I knew what was going on. Library Location: St. Leo School Main Library Molly Grade 7
Title: I am Morgan le Fay ********************************************************* Author: none given Genre: Fantasy Rating: 7 Critique: The book I read was about a girl with cats’ eyes and people wanted her gone because they thought she was a witch. Also, her father died when she was a baby and it tells more about her life. To find out more, read the book! Library Location: a friend Alexis Grade 7
Title: The Last Years of Merlin ********************************************************** Author: Barron, T. A. Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 (Best book series I’ve ever read - literally) Critique: I has action, adventure, magic, and I just know exactly how the character feels. I can get completely lost and just read for hours. I’m sad to say that I’m reading the last book of its series that I know of as I’m writing this. If you like Harry Potter, The Chronicles of Narnia, or Lord of the Rings, you’ll love this book. Library Location: Reynolds Public Library Jordy Grade 6
Title: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ********************************************************** Author: C.S. Lewis Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: This book is about 4 kids who find an entry into a magical world. When they are there, they have to battle the white witch to win control over the land. They go through many challenges. Finally, they win control of the land, and kill the white witch. The four become the kings and queens of Narnia. When they go back home, it is like they never left. I really like this book, because it is full of adventure. Library Location: Anna Grade 8
Title: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe ********************************************************** Author: C.S. Lewis Genre: Fantasy Rating: 8 Critique: It was adventurous. It was about 4 kids who find a magic wardrobe that takes them to Narnia, a land where it is always winter because the witch cast a spell. The kids try to break the spell. Library Location: Home (also available at St. Leo School Main Library) Dane Grade 6
Title: The Magician’s Nephew ********************************************************* Author: Lewis, C.S. Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: I liked this book because it was very creative, and yet the book was sometimes confusing. Library Location: other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Bruce Grade 7
Title: Mary Poppins ********************************************************** Author: P. L. Travers Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: Travers has fantastic writing skills, and he really did well. The way he led the reader to a different place every chapter made me feel like I was listening to him in person. This book truly gave meaning to the words “every time you open the book you are going on a new adventure.” I would strongly recommend this book and its just one of those books you could read over and over. Library Location: St. Leo School Main Library Erinn Grade 6
Title: The Moorchild ********************************************************* Author: McGraw, Eloise Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: It was a very fantastic book. Although many factors of the book were unrealistic, it made a very real point. Being an outcast is something that really happens, even today. Library Location: St. Leo School Main Library & Public Library Laura Grade 7
Title: The Moorchild ********************************************************* Author: McGraw, Eloise Genre: Fantasy Rating: 7 Critique: This book is about a girl named Moql Sasski. I gave this book a “7” because I thought it was interesting that she was half folk human and she was taken away from her original family. Library Location: St. Leo School Main Library Suzanne Grade 7
Title: Phantom by the Sea ********************************************************* Author: Steven Ryan Oliver Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: I am giving this book a 9 because it is full of mystery and suspense. In this book, two characters search for a ghost wandering around the house. I recommend the book to anyone who likes mystery books. Library Location: St. Leo Main Library Matt Grade 6
Title: The Phantom Tollbooth ********************************************************** Author: Norton Juster Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: I gave this book a rating of 10 because this book is full of adventure, it has exciting and funny characters and places, and terrible demons. I read this book because I enjoyed reading the play in Literature class. I highly recommend this took to just about anyone. Library Location: Public Library (also available at St. Leo School Main Library) Scott Grade 6
Title: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of King ********************************************************* Author: Tolkein, J.R.R. Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: It is an action filled and suspenseful book. It has all the elements for a fantasy book. I enjoyed it and it is a good book to read for young people with a good imagination. Library Location: other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Bobby Grade 8
Title: Peter Pan ********************************************************** Author: James Barrie Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: This book is a classic fantasy, and it was so exciting reading about Peter Pan, who is from a place called Neverland where children don’t grow up. It was also fun reading about the battles of Captain Hook and peter Pan. And, if you are a fan of fairies, Indians, and children who don’t want to grow up, then this is the book for you. Library Location: St. Leo's School Library Joseph Grade 8
Title: The Secret of the Unicorn ********************************************************** Author: Rachel Robert Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: This was the best book I ever read. It was about a girl who has to help a creature, but the creature is frightened. Emily has to find out what the creature is, what it wants, and why it is there. Emily soon finds out that the creature is a unicorn, but she still has to find out the other questions. Welcome to a world where magic is real and friendship is everything. Library Location: Barnes and Noble Rachel Grade 6
Title: The Seeing Stone ********************************************************* Author: Holland, Kevin Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: It was really interesting and gives a little education on the life of a boy living in the Middle Ages. However, I didn’t feel it was original. Library Location: other Griffin Grade 8
Title: The Seven Songs of Merlin ********************************************************** Author: T.A. Barron Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: It is a great book. It is an adventure and fiction. I like it because it deals with magic and a young boy becoming a wizard. Library Location: Other Greg Grade 7
Title: The Two Towers ********************************************************* Author: Tolkien, J.R.R. Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: It was action-packed and it was very different from the movie. The author wrote it so that you couldn’t wait to read the next chapter. Library Location: other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Joseph Grade 7
Title: The Wanderer ********************************************************** Author: Sharon Creech Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9.9 Critique: The great adventure in this story will lock you in so can’t put it down, and the power of teamwork will blow your mind. This is a story of many sides – to find out more, read the book! Library Location: Border’s Sarah Grade 6
Title: Wayside School is Falling Down ********************************************************** Author: Louis Sachar Genre: Fantasy Rating: 10 Critique: I gave this book a 10 because it is funny, and it makes you feel like you are in the story. Library Location: Home (also available at St. Leo School Main Library) Katherine Grade 6
Title: Which Witch? ********************************************************** Author: Eva Ibbotson Genre: Fantasy Rating: 6 Critique: This book was good, but I couldn’t really get into it. The reading level was for someone a little younger than me. Library Location: a friend Liz Grade 6
Title: The Witches ********************************************************* Author: Dahl, Roald Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: I really enjoyed this book. I would recommend it to anyone. It is a great book to read for the Fantasy genre. Library Location: St. Leo School Main Library Erin Grade 8
Title: The Wizard of Oz ********************************************************* Author: Baum, L. Frank Genre: Fantasy Rating: 4 Critique: This book was about a girl from Kansas who is taken to a land of munchkins. It talks about her adventures trying to get back to Kansas. Library Location: St. Leo School Main Library Steffie Grade 7
Title: The Wizard of Oz ********************************************************* Author: Baum, L. Frank Genre: Fantasy Rating: 9 Critique: I would rate this book a “9” because I enjoyed reading this book. Library Location: St. Leo Main Library Thomas
Title: A Wrinkle in Time ********************************************************* Author: L’Engle, Madeline Genre: Fantasy Rating: 8 Critique: The reason why I gave this book an “8” was that because it had a lot of action/adventure scenes throughout the whole book. Also, the book had a lot of fantasy stuff with made-up creatures. Library Location: other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Paul Grade 8
Title: Word Eater ********************************************************* Author: Mary Amato Genre: Fantasy Rating: 5 Critique: I think it’s a 5 because it was not very exciting. It was about a worm that eats words and they disappear. Library Location: Other (also available at St. Leo Main Library) Marissa Grade 6
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