Game Over by Andrew Klavan

Reviewed by Matthew C.
Grade 8

What if the border between your dreams and reality was shattered? What if everything in your nightmares became real? That's what the main protagonist, Rick, has to deal with in Game Over.

The story begins in the MindWar Realm; the same place some of the previous books in the series visited. This cyber-universe was created by the deranged inventor Kurodar in an attempt to wreak havoc on the real world.

Rick is a Mind Warrior: someone who goes inside the realm to try and shut it down. However, this time's different - he was dreaming. When he wakes up, a scratch on his right arm is still there. Kurodar has connected himself to Rick and is using him to open a portal between the worlds. Now he has to work to stop the madness that Kurodar started - once and for all.

At times, this book is creative with the creatures that lurk in the Realm - ranging from boar soldiers to a water spirit. It also has an interesting conflict - can Rick bring himself to tell one of his fellow warriors is nothing but a machine? However, this book also has some flaws - it can be overly descriptive at times, such as when the Golden City was first described. But its main flaw is that it doesn't accommodate new readers of the series: it's designed like a "third act"' and the plot reveals itself too fast to hold suspense.

Although this would not be my first pick to read, I encourage readers who like stories about virtual realms to read the series. If you want an enriched reading experience, try reading the earlier books before you read this one. Although it isn't perfect, it can still be a fun read!

The Making of a Navy SEAL by Brandon Webb

Reviewed by Andrew A.
Grade 9

Brandon Webb, a real life Navy SEAL shares his story of the encounters he's made to become a SEAL and the struggles he's been through.

The book starts with Webb's early years as a struggling teen who needed a path. One day he is recommended to join the SEALs by a group of pro scuba divers. This sets his life's journey. He joins programs to get him on his way to be a SEAL. With much doubt from peers, he tries even harder until he's in.

The SEAL training program(BUD/S) is immensely hard for him and he gets very stressed out physically yet even more mentally. When he Passes BUD/S, he goes on to do remarkable things in SEAL Team 3. Stories of his miraculous adventures are told and those stories of others such as Chris Kyle as well.

Brandon Webb, is undoubtedly one of the most motivated people alive today. He takes advice and doesn't forget it. He never stops fighting for what he wants. "The only way I'm leaving is in a body bag through the back door," Webb said in response to being yelled at to leave BUD/S. He doesn't back down to anything and is at the same time very humble. The whole setting is very interesting as it moves many times but always has tons of action.

I'd recommend The Making of a Navy SEAL: My Story of Surviving the Toughest Challenge and Training the Best to anyone. Because of the morals, it inspires you to follow your dreams that much harder and never give up. It shows no matter the circumstances there is always a way to win.

The Eye of Zoltar by Jasper Fforde

Reviewed by Matthew C.
Grade 8

Sure, you've seen magical stories before - but ones with pirates, bandits, and cavemen? That's certainly what The Eye of Zoltar has in store for you. It's a wonderful read that you certainly shouldn't miss, even if you aren't familiar with the first two books in the Kazam series. This book's humor and mystery will keep you entranced until the end!

The story begins with Jennifer Strange and her band of magicians working to capture a dangerous man-eating beast. As the trapping of the reptile continues and eventually ends, Jennifer lays out the backstory; her world is one where magical pursuits have faded due to a series of battles against a race of trolls. Strange is working to make magic a noble business once more.
However; a few days after the capture of the beast, she encounters Shandar, the mightiest wizard in all the lands! Shandar forces her to search for the titular Eye by threatening to kill the last dragons alive, the same ones she has fought to protect. Now she must go on a journey into the wilderness with a magician, a tour guide, a princess turned poor, and a group of suspicious tagalongs!

The plot is nicely explained in a way that doesn't interrupt the flow of the book, such as how the escape of the Tralfamosaur was explained to both you and one of the sorcerers, who was being called in to the mission at the time. The characters are both varied and memorable, such as Wilson, an ornithologist who used to work as a soldier. He was working to resolve the shame he has from letting his fellow soldiers down many years ago. Finally, this book has a lot of detail, as when the behavior of the Cloud Leviathans are explained.

Overall, this is definitely a book I would recommend. Jasper Fforde's writing style is humourous and mysterious; the ending of this book will shock you! The book has many good moments and it is a captivating adventure that you won't forget. When the story continues in the fourth book, I'll be sure to pick up a copy - and I hope you do, too!

An Ember in the Ashes by Sabaa Tahir

Reviewed by David L.
Grade 9

"VOW YOUR BLOOD and BODY to THE EMPIRE. KEEP your HEART for YOURSELF." When you read a book, it is the questions it asks that you give your undivided attention to. Questions like what truly is freedom? By the side of my loved one or my family? Should I give up when hope seems to be lost? What road to take when my fate is already foretold? Duty or Family?

These are what Sabaa Tahir has in hold for her readers of An Ember in the Ashes. In An Ember in the Ashes, the female protagonist, Laia, goes undercover into the Blackcliff Military Academy to save her beloved brother. In this process, Laia cross paths with the second protagonist, Elias. He is one of the finest warriors of Blackcliff, but secretly trying to escape the harsh reality of Blackcliff. As he tried, he was chosen for the trials to become the new Martial Emporer. This leads both protagonists down their fate, in search of freedom.

In Sabaa Tahir's book, I really loved how she displays her characters and the way the plot unfolds. First the characters, she started off portraying both Laia and Elias as weak and fragile. Then, the characterization fits perfectly with the plot. The plot as in something like against the odds.

Given all of that, I would love to recommend this book to someone else. The author creates the setting of this book in a whole other world, where fantasy exists. Personally, fantasy and supernatural is the type of theme for me, and I would recommend that to anyone else into it. Sabaa also creates this mood throughout the story where things happen, and the protagonists try not to give up to reach their ideal freedom. This of course can be interpreted into a moral of don't give up until you reach your goal, and that is point I can recommend this book to another.

Skink -- No Surrender by Carl Hiaasen

Reviewed by Gillen M.
Grade 7

“She was supposed to meet me here…” These are the words spoken by Richard Sloan to a crazy old man who erupts from the sand while he is walking on the beach. The man says his name is Clinton Tyree, although he hasn’t answered to it in years. He is trying to catch a turtle egg thief by sleeping in fake turtle nests. Richard is speaking of his cousin Mally. She says she was grounded, but she always sneaks out. Richard knows something is up. The next morning, Mally’s friend Beth says that she is gone and won’t say where. Her parents think she left for “early orientation” at the Twig Academy, but Richard figures out that she has run off with Talbo Chock, an older dude she met online. After alerting her parents, Richard runs into the old man on the beach. Skink, as her prefers to be called has just beat the heck out of a turtle egg thief. He tells Richard that his next project is to find his cousin, would he like to come?

With that Richard sets out with Skink on a crazy quest to find Mally and her “boyfriend”. Mally soon alerts him that she wants to leave but that Talbo Chock won’t let her go. After receiving several hints to her location, Skink and Richard find mally but have to face down a crazed kidnapper, a giant alligator, and a monster storm, all while eating roadkill stew.

Skink No Surrender is a fantastic book filled with witty humor, great characters, and a monster gator. I would recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Carl Hiaasen. The reason behind this is the witty humor present in almost all of Carl Hiaasen’s books. From Richard's stepfather's “intellectual limitations” to the all-around air of sarcasm and amusement, Skink No Surrender has quite a few moments of humor. The characters are just as crazy, from level-headed Richard Sloan to adventures and crazy Mally Spence. However, the crazy ex-governor with a shady past and a crazy beard is the character who really sets this book off.

Circus Galacticus by Deva Fagan

Reviewed by Josie K.
Grade 7

Has anyone ever told you that you’re special? Have you ever wanted to join the circus? In Circus Galacticus the main character, Trix has been told she is special ever since she was little by her parents, but going to Bleeker Academy has made her feel about as special as a piece of dirt. Then having the circus come to town opened her eyes. It gives her hope that maybe she is special and important.

One main thing you should really know is that the Circus Galacticus is an alien circus. At many points through the story Trix feels out of place until the end. Another thing is that the aliens look like humans but have special powers. She finally has real friends unlike at Bleeker and she isn’t sure if it’s real. Circus Galacticus is split up into 4 main groups The Techs, The Principles, The Freaks, and The clowns.

There are many characters that are mentioned and play different roles in the book Circus Galacticus, but I feel the main ones are Trix, Ringmaster, Nola, and Nyl. There’s one more but she kind of just provokes Trix and Nola and that’s Sierra. Nyl is the bad guy in the book. He just seems to always be there lurking around Trix in the shadows. He mainly tries to get this stone from Trix the entire time and will do anything to get it. Plus he always tells Trix that she needs to be cleansed. My outlook on Nyl would have to be annoying, creepy, and persistent. Trix on the other hand is quite confused and sort of lost and very curious. She feels needed then will do something stupid and ruin either her life or someone else’s repeatedly through the book. Nola is smart, brave, and a great friend. She is always there to help Trix out no matter what the consequences may be. Ringmaster is confusing. He never takes a complete character in the story he different all through the book. One chapter he is brave and bold the next he running or hiding, etc. As I mentioned the 4 main groups: Nola is a Tech, Trix is not officially anything at the beginning and it’s not until later in the book when she finally gets classified but until then she is a Clown, Nyl being the bad guy isn’t a part of the circus, and Ringmaster is well the Ringmaster.

I would definitely recommend Circus Galacticus. The book was definitely a page turner for me and I loved it. The theme I believe the author was trying to get through is to always believe in yourself and to take the chances life presents. Another theme could be true friends may turn their backs for a while but will always be there for you when you need them. This is a very good choice for you if you enjoy mystery/drama/adventure/crazy just intriguing book. This is 5 stars and I have recommended it to all my friends.

Spoiler Alert Mini-Review: Daughters Unto Devils by Amy Lukavics

Daughters Unto Devils
Coming soon to WPPL

When sixteen-year-old Amanda Verner's family decides to move from their small mountain cabin to the vast prairie, she hopes it is her chance for a fresh start. She can leave behind the memory of the past winter; of her sickly ma giving birth to a baby sister who cries endlessly; of the terrifying visions she saw as her sanity began to slip, the victim of cabin fever; and most of all, the memories of the boy she has been secretly meeting with as a distraction from her pain. The boy whose baby she now carries.

When the Verners arrive at their new home, a large cabin abandoned by its previous owners, they discover the inside covered in blood. And as the days pass, it is obvious to Amanda that something isn't right on the prairie. She's heard stories of lands being tainted by evil, of men losing their minds and killing their families, and there is something strange about the doctor and his son who live in the woods on the edge of the prairie. But with the guilt and shame of her sins weighing on her, Amanda can't be sure if the true evil lies in the land, or deep within her soul.





Spoiler Alert reviewer: Victoria
1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 5
How vivid was the setting? 2
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 4
How well did the book hold your interest? 5
How well did the author's language add to the book? 3
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 5

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 5
How readable was this book? 5
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 5

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 5
How memorable was this book? 5
How did you feel about the ending? 3
How creative was this book? 5

Marketing
How well does the cover match the story? (ARC did not include final cover)
Rank the jacket blurb. 5
Rank the title. 5
How well does the title match the story? 5
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Horrific

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: More knowledge of the demons and how Amanda fought them

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Intense, scary, sisterly, demonic

Spoiler Alert Mini-Review: Damage Done by Amanda Panitch

Damage Done
Coming soon to WPPL

Before: Julia had a twin brother, a boyfriend, and a best friend.

After: She has a new identity, a new hometown, and memories of those twenty-two minutes that refuse to come into focus. At least, that’s what she tells the police.

Now that she’s Lucy Black, she's able to begin again. She's even getting used to the empty bedroom where her brother should be. And her fresh start has attracted the attention of one of the hottest guys in school, a boy who will do anything to protect her. But when someone much more dangerous also takes notice, Lucy's forced to confront the dark secrets she thought were safely left behind.

One thing is clear: The damage done can never be erased. It’s only just beginning. . . .



Spoiler Alert reviewer: Alexa
1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 5!
How vivid was the setting? 4
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 5
How well did the book hold your interest? 4
How well did the author's language add to the book? 4
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 5

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 5
How readable was this book? 4
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 5! 5!

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5! 5! 5! 5!
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 4
How memorable was this book? 5
How did you feel about the ending? 5
How creative was this book? 5! 5! 5! 5! 5! 5!

Marketing
How well does the cover match the story? 5
Rank the jacket blurb. 4
Rank the title. 4
How well does the title match the story? 4
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious!

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: I love this book too much to hate anything about it!

Pick 5 words to describe this book: suspenseful, saddening, mysterious, drama, AWESOME!!

Spoiler Alert Mini Review: A Thousand Nights by E.K. Johnston

A Thousand Nights
Coming October 2015

Synopsis:

Lo-Melkhiin killed three hundred girls before he came to her village, looking for a wife. When she sees the dust cloud on the horizon, she knows he has arrived. She knows he will want the loveliest girl: her sister. She vows she will not let her be next.

And so she is taken in her sister's place, and she believes death will soon follow. Lo-Melkhiin's court is a dangerous palace filled with pretty things: intricate statues with wretched eyes, exquisite threads to weave the most beautiful garments. She sees everything as if for the last time.But the first sun rises and sets, and she is not dead. Night after night, Lo-Melkhiin comes to her and listens to the stories she tells, and day after day she is awoken by the sunrise. Exploring the palace, she begins to unlock years of fear that have tormented and silenced a kingdom. Lo-Melkhiin was not always a cruel ruler. Something went wrong.

Far away, in their village, her sister is mourning. Through her pain, she calls upon the desert winds, conjuring a subtle unseen magic, and something besides death stirs the air.

Back at the palace, the words she speaks to Lo-Melkhiin every night are given a strange life of their own. Little things, at first: a dress from home, a vision of her sister. With each tale she spins, her power grows. Soon she dreams of bigger, more terrible magic: power enough to save a king, if she can put an end to the rule of a monster.


Spoiler Alert reviewer: Heather

1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 4
How vivid was the setting? 5
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 5
How well did the book hold your interest? 5
How well did the author's language add to the book? 5
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 4

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 5
How readable was this book? 5
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 5

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 5
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 5
How memorable was this book? 5
How did you feel about the ending? 5
How creative was this book? 4

Marketing
How well does the cover match the story? 5
Rank the jacket blurb. 4
Rank the title. 4
How well does the title match the story? 4
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Magical

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: Really wasn't feeling the "thousand" part, more like 2 months

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Fairy tale for young adults

Spoiler Alert Mini Review: The Murdstone Trilogy by Mal Peet

Murdstone Trilogy
Coming September 2015

Synopsis:

Award-winning author Philip Murdstone is in trouble. His star has waned. The world is leaving him behind. His agent, the beautiful and ruthless Minerva Cinch, convinces him that his only hope is to write a sword-and-sorcery blockbuster. Unfortunately, Philip - allergic to the faintest trace of Tolkien - is utterly unsuited to the task. In a dark hour, a dwarfish stranger comes to his rescue. But the deal he makes with Pocket Wellfair turns out to have Faustian consequences. The Murdstone Trilogy is a richly black comedy from an author described by one American critic as 'the best writer you've probably never heard of'.

Spoiler Alert reviewer: Victoria

1=No. Just, no. 2=It's OK. 3=I liked it. 4=I really liked it. 5=It was EPIC!

The Book Itself
How well designed was the plot? 1
How vivid was the setting? 5
How believable were the characters and the dialog? 2
How well did the book hold your interest? 2
How well did the author's language add to the book? 5
How well did the writing match the books intended audience? 3

Worldwide
Rank this book's mass appeal. 3
How readable was this book? 1
How pleasurable will reading this book be to most teens? 1

Personal
How highly would you recommend this book? 1
How likely are you to read something else by this author? 1
How memorable was this book? 1
How did you feel about the ending? 1
How creative was this book? 1

Marketing
Rank the jacket blurb. 1
Rank the title. 5
How well does the title match the story? 5
Stopping point in the book? Finished

Tell us what you thought of the book overall:

In one word: Melodramatic

Tell us what you really did not like about this book: Style of writing

Pick 5 words to describe this book: Lost opportunity; droning; rambling; dull