Doglands

Doglands

By Tim Willocks

This book reminded me a lot of The Good Dog by Avi.  The whole book was from the view of the dogs in our world; specifically one dog names Furgul.  Furgul is born in a "prison camp" for racing greyhounds.  His mother is the fastest, but she hides a terrifying secret.  Furgul isn't purebred.  His father was a wild dog, a dog that's from the Doglands, and when the masters find out that he's a mutt, Furgul -and his sisters- will be killed.  

They must escape.  

Fleeing from what's happened, Furgul learns about the world controlled by the Masters (humans) and what it takes to be a truly free dog.  He must decide what he wants: live an easy life as a pet, or risk everything for the freedom and the Doglands.

I highly recommend this young adult novel for anyone who's a fan of Avi's The Good Dog, or for anyone who loves dogs.  This is a unique standalone story, but there's enough left open for your own imagination (or a second book).  

Ghost Stories: Dresden Files #13

Ghost Story

By Jim Butcher

I finished reading Changes, the book that's before Ghost Story, and had to ask myself:  How in the world will the next book be even better than this one?!?!  

That is, I asked myself that after I finished screaming and running about the house like a crazed woman... The ending of Changes had to have been one of the most suspenseful endings ever... and it left you hanging.

Anyways, how in the world would Changes improve on that?!?!  HOW IN THE WORLD WOULD JIM BUTCHER CONTINUE THE STORY AFTER WHAT HAPPENED?!?!?!

Well he did.  

And it was even better.  

I won't say exactly what happens in this story (mainly because it'll ruin the ending of Changes) but trust me when I say you won't be disappointed.  The Dresden Files has taken the top position in my list of must-reads, so I highly recommend you get off the computer and pick up the first book in the series: Storm Front. 

Alanna: The First Adventure

Alanna: The First Adventure

By Tamora Pierce

This book is actually one of four books in the series.  I picked up an Omnibus -I think that's what it's called- at a thrift store the other day, called Song of The Lioness. This includes all four books in the series, along with an awesome dust jacket.  I've loved many of the other series Tamora Pierce wrote, so I knew that I'd regret it if I passed up that deal.  

In Alanna: The First Adventure, a young red-haired, violet-eyed girl named Alanna is an identical twin to her brother.  She's to be sent off to become a "Lady" of the kingdom's court, learning to bow, sew, and generally be completely useless to Alanna's eyes.  She loves fighting, and dreams of becoming a "warrior maiden," basically a knight.  Her brother is to be sent off to become a knight of the kingdom, but he not only despises being "beaten to a pulp repeatedly", but he has no talent for it.  Instead, Alanna's brother wants to become a sorcerer.  

That's when Alanna gets a brilliant idea.  She'll change her name to "Alan", and switch places with her brother.  He'll forge the letter, changing her name from "Alanna" to his, and he'll be sent off to the school that trains ladies and sorcerers.  She'll take his letter, change the name to "Alan" and learn to become a knight. 

Like a medieval version of Mulan, this series of books spans across years as Alanna tries to keep her secret while making powerful friends -and enemies- among the people in the kingdom.

I highly recommend this book for anyone, especially young adults/teens/pre-teens.  It's a great read. 

Inheritance Cycle

Inheritance Cycle

Christopher Paolini

I just finished the last book in this cycle, and I have to say, it did not disappoint.  This series is a must-read for any and all fantasy/dragon-lovers.  The many years of waiting for each book were well worth it.  Clearly Mr. Paolini did his homework and really poured his time and effort into this series.  

I'm a huge fan, and have been ever since the first book came out.  Any review or summary I would try to do wouldn't even be close to how awesome this series is.  It's full of action, adventure, mystery, and magic.  It has noble dragons, valiant Riders, mysterious storytellers, and other awesome characters.  If you're looking for a good book to read, I highly recommend the first book Eragon (and the whole series) by Christopher Paolini.   

His Majesty's Dragon

His Majesty's Dragon

By Naomi Novik

This series is another from my list of top ten favorites.  Set in Europe during the Napoleonic War, this series is given a unique twist by Naomi Novik.  Yes there are soldiers, boats and guns, but there's also dragons.  Yes.  Dragons.  

Centered around a British sea captain named Will Laurence, his ship captures one of Napoleon's own warships.  Inside the hull, packed carefully in a padded crate, is a dragon egg.  Then Laurence is forced to make a tough decision: stay as captain of his ship -a position he's worked years to earn- or help his country by taming the dragon that hatches.  

Fans of Christopher Paolini's Inheritance series will instantly fall in love with this action-packed tale of high-speed areal battles and unique characters.  

Naomi Novik's website contains the first few chapters to read, for anyone curious about this epic tale:

http://www.temeraire.org/temeraire/ or His Majesty's Dragon excerpt 

Oh, and did I mention the legendary Peter Jackson (creator of the Lord of The Rings movies) fell in love with the series and bought movie rights to it?  Yep that's right.  Movie rights. 

Storm Front

Storm Front 

By Jim Butcher

I have to say, the whole Dresden Files series is just... just awesome.  I can't do it any justice trying to describe the plot or the characters.  There's just no way.  So I can only say that you should get your butt off the computer and go pick up the first book: Storm Front.


In an attempt to at least give you a little hint at what this whole series is about... I have sought the wise words of people better than myself.  (Jim Butcher's very own website) in an effort to not totally ruin this amazing book for you:
 *********************************************************************************

HARRY DRESDEN — WIZARD

Lost Items Found. Paranormal Investigations.

Consulting. Advice. Reasonable Rates.

No Love Potions, Endless Purses, Parties or Other Entertainment

The Dresden Files are set in a “alternate” Chicago where magic is real, but only a few actually believe in it; it’s a first-person tale told by an irascible wizard named Harry Dresden, who regularly gives the magical establishment indigestion — and the police, the same. Take Sam Spade, your Average Joe Underdog Action Star, and toss in some spellcraft, and you get Harry Blackstone Copperfield Dresden. Heck of a guy.
 ********************************************************************************
And that's an understatement.  This whole series is flippin' amazing.  Just read it.  Trust me.
Mr. Butcher's website also has the first few chapters of each book available if you're curious and want to see if you'd like this series (who wouldn't like it?).  Here's a link to the first few chapters from Storm Front, the first book in the series:
Storm Front sample chapters

Ranger's Apprentice

Ranger's Apprentice (#1-11)

By John Flanagan

This series, starting with The Ruins of Gorlan and continuing for eleven action and adventure-filled books, is perfect for any reader who loves the Percy Jackson series.  Without getting preachy, it cleverly hides moral lessons that deal with work ethics, bullying, courage, and more.  The witty, humorous interactions and thoughts of all the characters is enough to have you laughing out loud, while the action and suspense will keep anyone's face firmly in the book.  When you're traveling with a Ranger, there's never a dull moment. 

It centers around a young foster-boy named Will, who's quite short and skinny for his age, but he desperately wants to go to Battle School to become a Knight and protect the kingdom.  Unfortunately for him, Battle School is no place for someone of his size and build. Horace, a big, burly bully taunts Will, because he gets what Will dreamed of: an apprenticeship to Battle School. 

But Will's talents lie elsewhere. 

A mysterious, cloaked stranger expresses interest in Will, and he claims Will's abilities to climb, remain unnoticed, and move through the night's shadows like a ghost are perfect for a Ranger's apprentice.  Will believes that anything is better than an apprenticeship at a farm, and nervously agrees to join the mysterious Ranger. 

You see, Rangers are fearfully respected by the people of the Kingdom.  Unlike a Knight, a Ranger's job is to stop a war before it happens.  They're believed to be dark magicians, but Will soon learns that there is no magic, no sorcery behind what a Ranger does.  Just hard work, lots of practice, and a camouflaged cloak.  Will soon learns that the life of a Ranger is interesting and exciting, even if it is a lot of hard work. 

Horace, on the other hand, does not enjoy Battle School.  Once a bully to Will and his friends, Horace soon learns what it's like to be bullied by others.  His bitterness, anger, and frustration soon cause him to snap at his ward mates.

Later, after a near-death experience where Will risks his life to save Horace, the two former-enemies become best friends whose friendship will carry them across the kingdom and beyond, changing lives and saving countries.

I highly recommend this series to anyone, children and adults alike.  Many of the people that I've recommended this to have come back to tell me how their son or daughter read the first chapter and then literally couldn't put the book down.  They'd disappear for hours on end, only closing the pages when forced to.  For adults, they're a fast and easy read, but many of the parents -curious about what was stealing their children's attention- have read the series as well and fallen in love.

If you've read this book, or if you've picked it up because of my recommendation, please let me know!  I love hearing about your opinions!  Did you like it?  Hate it?  ^_^

Happy Reading!