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

Ken Reid: Hockey Card Stories (2014)

Hockey Card Stories reveals what was really going on in your favourite old hockey cards through the eyes of the players depicted on them. (Goodreads)

A great insight into incredible and hilarious tales from the cardboard. Sportsnet analyst Ken Reid interviews former NHLers who have great tales about their own cards. Reid interviews both legends and players who had careers of only one game. One downside is the limited span of years on the cards, most being from the 70s-80s. I would have liked to see some newer ones, but all in all, an interesting perspective on one of the country's most popular hobbies. 8.2/10

Pittacus Lore: The Fall of Five (2013)

The Garde are finally reunited, but do they have what it takes to win the war against the Mogadorians? (Goodreads)

An excellent book in a great series that keeps you on your toes. Full of unexpected twists and turns that I was not expecting. Again, "Pittacus Lore" writes with inhuman skill (get it?) and continues a great series. However, the actual overall plot does not really continue from book 3 until the very end. All in all, an excellent novel. 8.3/10

J.R.R. Tolkien: The Fellowship of the Ring (1954)

Frodo Baggins knew the Ringwraiths were searching for him—and the Ring of Power he bore that would enable Sauron to destroy all that was good in Middle-earth. Now it was up to Frodo and his faithful servant Sam to carry the Ring to where it could be destroyed—in the very center of Sauron's dark kingdom. (Goodreads)

An excellent piece of classic fantasy literature, Tolkien blends superb writing with an imaginative story to create the tale of Middle Earth and the Rings of Power. A little hard to get into (especially if you read the prologue), this first installment of the Lord of the Rings trilogy gives the reader a superb image of the entire world that J.R.R. Tolkien has created. 8.4/10

Eoin Colfer: Airman (2007)

Time for my first book review.

 

In the 1890s Conor and his family live on the sovereign Saltee Islands, off the Irish coast. Conor spends his days studying the science of flight with his tutor and exploring the castle with the king's daughter, Princess Isabella. But the boy's idyllic lifestyle changes forever the day he discovers a deadly conspiracy against the king. (Goodreads)

Definitely one of my favourite books of all time, incredible character development and excellent writing bring this book to the top of my list. Colfer brings great characters out of his hat for this novel: The adventurous Conor; blind Yankee Linus Wynter; and loyal tutor Victor Vigny. Humorous flairs are peppered through the story, which brings the book excellence on many levels.

9.0/10

Thanks and happy reading!