Pittacus Lore: United as One (2016)

    The Mogadorians have invaded Earth. Their warships loom over our most populated cities, and no country will risk taking them head on. The Garde are all that stand in the way, but they’ll need an army of their own to win this fight (Goodreads).

    United as One does not pick up where the previous book left off, with non-stop action. Instead, the start of the novel is rather slow, however the second half of the book takes a whole new turn, showcasing the darkness of full fledged war with excellent narration, but still with the bits of humor readers have come to expect. At some points, the hopelessness of the protagonists is overwhelming, especially since they have a backup plan prepared in case they all die. However with some confusing references to companion novels, the plot is almost disconnected and another unsatisfying ending makes readers unsure of whether the series is over yet. Overall however, a dark and rich conclusion to an epic series. 7.7/10

Adam Gidwitz: A Tale Dark & Grimm (2010)

    Fairy tales have never been more irreverent or subversive as Hansel and Gretel learn to take charge of their destinies and become the clever architects of their own happily ever after (Goodreads).

    With a cliched premise (the 'uncovering the 'true' fairy tale'), A Tale Dark and Grimm does excellently to be unique, starting with the fairy tale in question: Hansel and Gretel is not generally a fairy tale authors twist up, however Gidwitz does wonderfully with the classic fairytale, with humorous storytelling, however his many interjections (although amusing) break up the story and make it seem choppy. Also, for all the hype about being gory, the book doesn't quite live up to it. Dark, for sure, but gory, not extremely. Still, this darkly humorous tale is a lovely bit of storytelling. 7.9/10

Rick Riordan: The Hidden Oracle (2016)

    After angering his father Zeus, the god Apollo is cast down from Olympus. Weak and disorientated, he lands in New York City as a regular teenage boy. Now, without his godly powers, the four-thousand-year-old deity must learn to survive in the modern world until he can somehow find a way to regain Zeus's favour (Goodreads).

    Finally, Rick Riordan writes with new, fresh characters and an original plot, even though he is once again just modernizing ancient Greek myths. Apollo is an amusing, self-centered character, and although he is an ancient God, Riordan manages to dispense great character development. Riordan finally seems to let go of Percy, although now he seems to be a convenient plot device. The climax is entertaining, and there is a twist ending that leaves readers wanting more. New and old characters respectively are able to keep readers engaged with Riordan's universe, and a supporting cast is also well executed. As per the norm, however, we are yet again bogged down by repeated addition of Greek (and Roman) names and places that no reader could memorize all of. 8.0/10

J.K. Rowling, John Tiffany, & Jack Thorne: Harry Potter and the Cursed Child - Parts 1 & 2 (2016)

    While Harry grapples with a past that refuses to stay where it belongs, his youngest son Albus must struggle with the weight of a family legacy he never wanted. As past and present fuse ominously, both father and son learn the uncomfortable truth: sometimes, darkness comes from unexpected places (Goodreads).

    However many fond memories this eighth Harry Potter story brings up, nostalgia alone does not cover the fact that The Cursed Child seems like a fanfiction. With a few ridiculous story elements (see the fact that Voldemort actually had a child; or the trolley lady insanity), the story lacks the original charm of the Harry Potter series, whether that is because of the script format or that it is not focused on magic anymore, instead on relationships and character development, that admittedly is done rather well. Scorpius in particular is an excellent character who is one of few that are not flat.Even with some typical amusing Ron quips, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child has a somewhat confusing plot, although with some well done emotional scenes, and just manages to keep readers satisfied. 6.9/10

Lincoln Pierce: Big Nate Lives it Up (2015)

    Principal Nichols wants Nate to be buddies with new kid Breckenridge Puffington III and show him around. But that’s no easy task when Breckenridge is a plant-doodling total fun-sponge. There’s also something strangely familiar about this guy. . . (Goodreads).

    A decent 7th book of the series, however the Breckenridge/Nate conflict is resolved a little too quickly, in just one or two chapters. The writing, as usual, is written as though by an eleven year old, however Peirce manages to pull off a decent book, although he may be running out of ideas for this series. 6.5/10

Norton Juster: The Phantom Tollbooth (1961)

    For Milo, everything’s a bore. When a tollbooth mysteriously appears in his room, he drives through only because he’s got nothing better to do. But on the other side, things seem different (Goodreads).

    Filled with hilarious puns and jokes based on the English language and numerical system, The Phantom Tollbooth is an enjoyable read, however by the end of it the jokes wear a bit thin and readers are left looking for an actual plot (however finding Rhyme and Reason is a great play on things). The first chapter gets readers right into it and does not give much room to get to know the protagonist, and Milo does not change much throughout until the very end in a satisfying finish that still leaves readers wanting more. The rest of the cast is quite flat although their various quirks make them endearing still. While sometimes confusing, The Phantom Tollbooth is an entertaining and hilarious read. 6.8/10

Gareth Roberts, Douglas Adams: Doctor Who: Shada (2012)

    The Doctor’s old friend and fellow Time Lord Professor Chronotis has retired to Cambridge University—where nobody will notice if he lives for centuries. But now he needs help from the Doctor, Romana and K-9. When he left Gallifrey he took with him a few little souvenirs—most of them are harmless. But one of them is extremely dangerous (Goodreads).

    Even for a non Doctor Who fan (which I am not), Shada would be a very enjoyable read, one needing only the most basic background knowledge of the television series. Gareth Roberts is excellent in making sure that Douglas Adams' classic storytelling is not all lost, however it still manages to not be completely ridiculous like the Hitchhiker's Guide. It is a testament to the greatness of this novel that you can really see this episode in your head while you are reading. Excellent characters of Romana, Chris, Clare, and of course the Doctor himself shine in this novel, while a dynamic antagonist in Skagra (although a tad boring) features wonderfully here. Although the title of the novel is really only explained about three-quarters of the way in, Shada is a light and enjoyable read. 7.6/10

Ray Bradbury: The Illustrated Man (1951)

    In these eighteen startling visions of humankind’s destiny, unfolding across a canvas of decorated skin, living cities take their vengeance, technology awakens the most primal natural instincts, and dreams are carried aloft in junkyard rockets (Goodreads).

    This collection of short stories by Ray Bradbury delivers on several levels. Subtle symbolism in every story hints at the darker aspects of human nature while interesting characters add thoughtful dialogue along with surprising bits of dark humor. However like most short stories, the reader does not get to enjoy the characters or the setting as much as they would in longer stories, however Bradbury's exceptional language does do much to combat that. Some of the stories are a little bit too similar, and although it is interesting to see small bits of connection in some, all in all it may be a bit repetitive. The actual illustrated man premise here is also a bit pointless, mostly just serving as a segway between stories, however Bradbury has done it once again with excellent stories. 6.9/10

S. Andrew Swann: Dragon Princess (2014)

    Frank is left stranded in the Princess Lucille’s body, halfway across the kingdom. The understandably angry Princess Lucille finds herself inhabiting the body of the dragon. In order to set things right, they will have to team up and face down thugs, slavers, elvish bookies, knights in shining armor, an evil Queen, and the hordes of the Dark Lord Nâtalc (Goodreads).

    From the first page, Dragon Princess regales readers with hilarious commentary from the anti-hero of Frank Blackthorne, and contrary to many other dragon-related books, confrontation with the dragon in question is not merely limited to the climax. In fact, it makes up most of the novel. An interesting, albeit not an entirely original, concept forces many humorous moments throughout, however subtle moments of darker humor is also evident. One con of this novel is the fact that there are not many moments in between action, and with every victory, there is another obstacle to take its place. So much does this happen that it almost seems like a collection of short stories. However, with an excellent supporting cast, Dragon Princess is a book that I would read again. 7.8/10

D.J. MacHale: The Merchant of Death (2002)

    Bobby is slowly starting to realize that life in the cosmos isn't quite what he thought it was. And before he can object, he is swept off to an alternate dimension known as Denduron, a territory inhabited by strange beings, ruled by a magical tyrant, and plagued by dangerous revolution (Goodreads).

    Although the final climax was actually fairly interesting, that's about the only positive note I can give this book. The cliche 'young teen finds new world he is destined to save while old man gives him really pointless information' storyline here is in no way made original. Bobby's narration is quite uninteresting and unrealistic, considering it is supposed to be a journal. Bobby's character itself is so brutally flawless (meaning he uninterestingly has no faults), however he puts himself down with such regularity to combat this. After a pointless first chapter, which I believe is supposed to make readers engaged with the characters (it does not), we find out the main antagonist almost right away, and yet we don't see much actual conflict from then on. One character who may actually have made this book the slightest bit better would have been Mark, however his parts in the book were also literally pointless, I mean, the only useful thing he did was give a backpack full of banned objects to Bobby, and Bobby, being who he is, doesn't bother letting Mark or his (also spoiled) love interest help him out at all. In the end, The Merchant of Death could have been a satisfying read, but lack of originality and dynamics spoiled it. 4.2/10

J.R.R. Tolkien: The Two Towers (1954)

    The Fellowship was scattered. Some were bracing hopelessly for war against the ancient evil of Sauron. Some were contending with the treachery of the wizard Saruman. Only Frodo and Sam were left to take the accursed Ring of Power to be destroyed in Mordor–the dark Kingdom where Sauron was supreme (Goodreads).

    Once again Tolkien brings in descriptive language and ever interesting characters to the world of Middle Earth. Much more fast paced than The Fellowship of the Ring (even with the ents), The Two Towers starts off by pulling at the heartstrings of readers and eventually shows wonderful character development, with all four of the Hobbits clearly growing in courage and in Merry and Pippin's case, stature. Aragorn as well is filling out to be the King he is destined to be, and in Gandalf's situation, his character even changes colour, along with gaining authority. Surprisingly, this novel is also filled with several laugh-out loud moments to go along with the excellent dialogue (see Legolas and Gimli's banter), including one line that would likely maker most junior high students chuckle: "Where did you get the weed you villains?" Another very satisfying addition to the trilogy is the Gollum/Smeagol internal conflict, which adds a whole new dynamic to the overall plot. 8.9/10

Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell: Doombringer (2015)

    Cade Quarter is building a new life for himself in the wild Farrow Ridges, miles away from civilization – and from the enemies who are seeking him. But when his new home is threatened by villainous mire-pearlers, Cade and his friends must find a way to defend the land they love, and the wise and beautiful secrets it holds (Goodreads).

     Once again an excellent book from the bestselling tandem of Paul Stewart and Chris Riddell. Great writing combined with great illustrations make this a nice 12th book. This one was much better than the 11th, as I thought it had much more of an overall plotline and more action, however, the story arc is still somewhat disconnected between books. After promising an end to the Edge Chronicles after book 10, Stewart and Riddell satisfy their readers still. 7.7/10

Paul Stewart & Chris Riddell: The Curse of the Gloamglozer (2005)

    Quint, son of a sky pirate captain, and new apprentice to Linius Pallitax, the Most High Academe, has been set some highly important tasks. Just how important, Quint is about to find out as he and Linius’s only daughter, Maris, are plunged into a terrifying adventure that takes them deep within the rock upon which Sanctaphrax is built (Goodreads).

    Although not suitable to be read first in chronological order, this prequel is an imaginative tale that Stewart & Riddell are able to make seem brand new, even though the Edge was traveled thoroughly in the first three books. Colourful characters such as Maris give wonderful depth to the story, and surprising bits of humor are sprinkled around, although the book can get quite dark and serious. The busyness of the floating city is portrayed wonderfully (the Viaduct Steps chapter is particularly brilliant) which leads to an eerie contrast under the city. An interesting plotline, with Linius' experimenting leading to the creation of the actual villain. One thing that really lacked in the book was character development, as Quint, the main character, is fairly static throughout. All in all, the setting really shines in this book, and the excellent illustrations definitely add to that. 8.5/10

Rick Riordan: The Sword of Summer (2015)

    Magnus Chase has always been a troubled kid. Since his mother’s mysterious death, he’s lived alone on the streets of Boston, surviving by his wits, keeping one step ahead of the police and the truant officers. One day, he’s tracked down by a man he’s never met—a man his mother claimed was dangerous. The man tells him an impossible secret: Magnus is the son of a Norse god. (Goodreads)

    An interesting concept, what with the "starting a new life after death" theme throughout, this novel felt like a watered down (although longer) Percy Jackson book. There are way too many similarites between this book and Riordan's other novels, and I'm not even going to bother to list them all. Deja vu aside, this book was enjoyable, with the quirky narrator Magnus (although still very much like another demigod protagonist we know). Bonus points for character diversity here, with the Muslim Samirah and the deaf Hearthstone. Littered with hilarious scenes and chapter titles, The Sword of Summer is an overall good read, although not nearly original enough. 7.6/10

F. Scott Fitzgerald: The Great Gatsby (1925)

    The story of the fabulously wealthy Jay Gatsby and his love for the beautiful Daisy Buchanan, of lavish parties on Long Island at a time when The New York Times noted “gin was the national drink and sex the national obsession." (Goodreads)

    A great account of the roaring 20s of the United States and justifiably one of the most famous books of the 20th century. A bit wordy to start off, the story is hard to follow, and hidden events make you reread bits and pieces. Excellent writing and subtle symbols pick out the black heart at the center of the American dream. Great character development justify the five times this novel has been adapted into film. 7.0/10