Peter and the Starcatchers

Summary

In an evocative and fast-paced adventure on the high seas and on a faraway island an orphan boy named Peter and his mysterious new friend, Molly, overcome bands of pirates and thieves in their quest to keep a fantastical secret safe and save the world from evil. Bestselling authors Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson have turned back the clock and revealed a wonderful story that precedes J. M. Barrie's beloved Peter Pan. Peter and the Starcatchers is brimming with richly developed characters from the scary but somehow familiar Black Stache and the ferocious Mister Grin to the sweet but sophisticated Molly and the fearless Peter. Page after page of riveting adventure take readers on a journey from the filthy, crime-ridden port of old England across the turbulent sea. Aboard the Never Land is a trunk that holds a magical substance that amazes—just a sprinkle and wounds heal and just a dusting and people can fly.

Roiling seas and dangerous thunderstorms are the backdrop for battles at sea. Bone-crushing waves eventually land our characters on Mollusk Island—where the action really heats up.

This impossible-to-put-down tale leads readers on an unforgettable journey fraught with danger yet filled with mystical and magical things.
(Summary taken from the book.)


Afterthoughts
Peter Pan spin-offs are a bit of a favorite of mine. I loved the background info that this book and series gave Peter and the other characters. There's adventure, daring, friendship, and laughter. I was riveted by the story and loved all of the following books. It stays pretty true to the original story and also gives it a unique flair. I highly recommend this book to young and old!

Warnings
None.

Extras
Interview with the authors:

The Runaway King

Summary
Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom?
(Summary taken from the book.)

***SPOILER ALERT: If you haven't read The False Prince, skip this post and come back after you have.***

Afterthoughts
GO OUT AND GET THIS BOOK!!!! You will not regret it!
I'm not one for talking about sequels (I don't want to give anything away), but, since I already blogged about The False Prince, I'm sharing this one.
The Runaway King was one of the best books I've read in a long time. Most sequels are hard for me to enjoy because they lack a true beginning and ending. This one, though, was brilliant!
I really enjoyed revisiting Jaron's character and kingdom. The story kept me guessing and kept the hero believable and relatable. I loved learning more about the young king and other characters. This is a book, and series, that I HIGHLY recommend. So, grab your keys and go get it now!!

Warnings
Some mild profanity.

Extras
The False Prince Movie!

Eragon

Summary
Fifteen-year-old Eragon believes that he is merely a poor farm boy- until his destiny as a Dragon Rider is revealed. Gifted with only an ancient sword, a loyal dragon, and sage advice from an old storyteller, Eragon is soon swept into a dangerous tapestry of magic, glory, and power. Now his choices could save - or destroy- the Empire.
(Summary taken from book.)

Afterthoughts
Eragon is and always will be one of my favorite books. Paolini, who wrote the book at 15, was my inspiration to write and I love every book in the Inheritance cycle.
The plot and setting of the story are very complex and accurate. Paolini creates a believable world with heroes that have limitations, but power, which, in my opinion, is the best kind of hero.There is plenty of action, adventure, romance, and magic, forming a fantastic experience that will prompt re-reads and nerdy discussions. Read it and you won't regret it.

Warnings
Some mild language and violence.

Extras

Marvelous fansite: shurtugal.com

The False Prince

Summary
In a faraway land, civil war is brewing. To unify the kingdom's divided people, a nobleman named Conner devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him on the throne. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant and clever boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point — he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. His rivals will be devising their own plots as well, so Sage must trust no one and keep his thoughts hidden.

As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfolds, until finally, a truth is revealed that that may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.

Afterthoughts
I LOVED this book. Every character is written strongly and brilliantly. The book, written from Sage's perspective, quickly and easily slips readers into Sage's skin and projects his feelings and thoughts into them.
The story was well-written and devious. I thought I had figured out the twist just a few chapters in, but I was soon second-guessing my deductions. By the end, I had no idea about what was going to happen and the ending was surprising and perfect. I recommend this book to anyone interested and I cannot wait to read the sequel!

Warnings
None.

Extras

Jennifer A. Nielsen's Blog

Michael Vey: The Prisoner of Cell 25

Summary

To everyone at Meridian High School, fourteen-year-old Michael Vey is nothing special, just the kid who has Tourette’s syndrome. But in truth, Michael is extremely special—he has electric powers. Michael thinks he is unique until he discovers that a cheerleader named Taylor has the same mysterious powers. With the help of Michael’s friend, Ostin, the three of them set out to discover how Michael and Taylor ended up with their abilities, and their investigation soon brings them to the attention of a powerful group who wants to control the electric teens—and through them, the world.

(Summary taken from the book.)

Afterthoughts

I was drawn into this book very quickly and stayed interested through the end. The characters are well developed and, for science fiction, it was fairly believable. I really enjoyed Michael's character and identified with his desire to protect his family at all costs.

I didn't like the convenience that accompanied nearly every dangerous situation. Solutions and coincidences were abundant and the characters were able to escape from almost every danger, which diminished its believability. Other than that, it was a very enjoyable book.

Warnings

None.

Extras