Reviewed by Charlie:
This is the first in a series of 5 books, and Charlie felt that, compared to some, this has more depth in the storyline; it covers magic and combat, however, it's not always about the physical - i.e. fighting. He even liked the character of Serpine the Bad One!
Recommended for those 9-15 years of age - or anyone who likes magic!
5 reallys
Reviewed by Jonathan:
Artemis Fowl and the Atlantis Complex by Eoin ColferJonathan loves Artemis Fowl - he finds the character "a genius, and witty"!
Artemis frequently uses high-tech magic to mastermind brilliant and devious criminal activity in the new century. The action takes place in Iceland where Artemis has gathered the fairies to present his idea to save the world from global warming, however there is a noticeable change in Artemis - for some reason he is very nice. The fairies come to the conclusion that Artemis is suffereing from "Atlantis Complex", an obsessive compulsive disorder - i.e. dabbling in magic has damaged his mind.
Fairy Captain Holly Short is at a loss as to what to do. She needs Artemis as a crisis is occurring because the subterranean volcanoes are under attack from vicious robots and Artemis cannot fight them. Captain Holly needs to get Artemis back to normal before the robot probes destroy every human life and life-form. Can she succeed?
Definitely not boring! Reminds Jonathan of a Catherine Jinx novel - Evil genius - and he loves the language. Takes some time to get into it, as it is a bit repetitious in the beginning, but knew it would end well. He recommends persevering with it, especially if you have never read any of the "Artemis Fowl" works!
Recommended for those 9+.
Reviewed by Antonia:
Antonia loves most Asian novels, especially ones that involve myths, superstitions - especially where they weave the story in with the history and culture of the countries such as Japanese and Chinese. She loved the way that this particular novel mixes magic and fighting - martial arts - yet reveals an interesting history and culture.
This is set in feudal Japan. It's main character is Niya Moto, whose aim is to be trained in the ways of the Samurai, however, as he has a disability, i.e. one leg, none of the schools want to take him on.
When a letter of offer arrives from the famous Samurai warrior Ki-Yaga, Sensei of the Cockroach Ryu, Niya is able to join, along with four other students who have their own barriers of some sort, and all can learn the traditional Samurai skills. In time they become firm friends.
It is the first book in a unique series set in feudal Japan.
Recommended for those 9-15 years.
4.75 reallys
Reviewed by Daniel:
Main character is Connwaer who is an orphan gutter boy and "thief of the twilight" in a desolate part of the City of Wellmet. He steals from a wizard - a special stone called a "locus magicalicus" stone. Because he has stolen this stone, Connwaer would normally have died, however, to the amazement of the wizard, Connwaer has not died. The wizard takes on Connwaer as his apprentice. Together they try to work their magic and save the City of Wellmet.
Daniel described the book as being well developed in storyline and characters. Good for developed readers. It's part of a trilogy.
4.9 reallys
Reviewed by Noah:
Noah loved it for its humour - it made him laugh all the time (he was given the book as a birthday present). This is a series done through cartoons, done more like a journal. The main character is Greg, who is a bit of a loner at school, and from the storyline about the character seems to be laughed at by the more popular kids at school. Mum seems to want to organize the family so that they have fun, outdoor activities etc.
Noah liked it because it's not done in chapters as such, it's short sections. He just loved the humour that came out of it.
Recommended for those 10+
5 reallys
