This is the best title in the Percy Jackson and The Olympians series -- but you have to read through all the books to enjoy the complexity of this booThis is the best title in the Percy Jackson and The Olympians series -- but you have to read through all the books to enjoy the complexity of this book. An emotional roller coaster ride of adventure and relationships as the last book in the series brings together all the mysteries that the series has presented from book one.
There were five places that I had to back up and read again either because I was delighted with the results or I needed to reverify what I had just read. I don't want to give away any details because you need to read it for yourself.
This is the fourth book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. I really like the series but this volume was not one of my favoThis is the fourth book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. I really like the series but this volume was not one of my favorite. There are lots of dream sequences that Percy has during the book -- I was getting tired of these near the end -- however, they were necessary to provide information about characters and events that the reader needs to know.
But it did introduce a new character which became a favorite for me -- Mrs. O'Leary.
So read this one fast and move on to the 5th and last in the series - The Last Olympian -- because its fast pace and story reveals makes up for the slow pace of The Battle of the Labyrinth....more
The Titan's Curse is the third title of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series that sets the world of Greek mythology in the world of today. The gThe Titan's Curse is the third title of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series that sets the world of Greek mythology in the world of today. The gods are still petty and there are still heroes that are needed to put the world back in order.
A very quick read with returning characters as well as new ones -- lots of action and surprises -- humor and disappointments. Just keep reading the titles - so good....more
This is the second book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians Series which is at least 100 pages smaller than the first -- but the action doesn't slow This is the second book in the Percy Jackson & the Olympians Series which is at least 100 pages smaller than the first -- but the action doesn't slow down and in fact leaves a cliffhanger ending.
Another school year has gone by and Percy has almost made it to the end without any major mishaps. That is until some new students show up to a dodgeball game and things turn deadly. Camp Half-Blood friend, Annabeth, arrives suddenly to help Percy defeat the monsters and to share news that bad things are happening at camp. The tree that protects the borders of Camp Half-Blood has been poisoned and is dying. The new quest is to save the tree -- but the quest is given to Clarisse, daughter of Ares. Neither Percy nor Annabeth has confidence in Clarisse to succeed -- plus Percy has been plagued with dreams that their friend Grover is in trouble. So Percy and Annabeth secretly leave Camp to rescue Grover and to find the one thing that can heal the tree and save the Camp.
I read this recently but didn't keep detailed notes as I usually do -- so this will be a short review. The story started a little slow but I like the I read this recently but didn't keep detailed notes as I usually do -- so this will be a short review. The story started a little slow but I like the ending. Charlie Bumpers class is putting on a really cool play about an Evil Sorcerer and an Enchanted Castle -- but Charlie is embarrassed when he is given the role of The Nice Gnome. Charlie comes up with lots of excuses and creative maneuvers in an attempt to be something - ANYTHING - other than The Nice Gnome.
OK read, slow start, but love the ending. #2 in Charlie Bumpers series. I have not read the first in the series....more
This review is going to be short because I didn't take detailed notes like I usually do when reading a book -- that is because I was too busy trying tThis review is going to be short because I didn't take detailed notes like I usually do when reading a book -- that is because I was too busy trying to keep up with the fast pace and twisting plots. -- The title has been on my radar of titles to be read for a long time I just never got around to reading it until I found a free copy outside of a local thrift store -- Now I want to read them all.
I love a description that I found about the book the said - "Ocean 11 - with 11-year olds" which is a perfect description....more
This book was selected for a book club discussion and it was already on my "want to read" list. I started it and really like the character of Ryland GThis book was selected for a book club discussion and it was already on my "want to read" list. I started it and really like the character of Ryland Grace, a scientist that was kicked out of the academic community for an article he wrote. Now he teaches science to kids, a job he enjoys and the kids enjoy as well. He is approached by a government representative to help with a project to save the sun which becomes the basic story line. Although a science-fiction book with many scientific components, the science is kept to a level that can be understood by anyone. The book does have lots of little science facts -- my favorite was why there is mesh across the door of the microwave.
I would pick up the book and read a few pages and then the next day read a few more pages. Again I liked the character and the way his mind worked -- but I just got bored with the story itself. So I quit reading it -- I did enjoy listening to the book discussion but didn't feel like I needed to finish the book myself....more
SUMMARY: When Esau Cairn was sent across space to the demon-haunted planet of Almuric, he knew nothing of his destination. The secret discovery of theSUMMARY: When Esau Cairn was sent across space to the demon-haunted planet of Almuric, he knew nothing of his destination. The secret discovery of the scientist who had invented the space-transition machine, Almuri was a world of strange and terrible beings, of savages and swordsmen, of winged monsters and incredible secrets. -- How Esau, alone on Almuric, with nothing but his wits and his muscles to protect him, faced Almuric's worst perils to make him master and monarch is a novel worthy of the creator of the Conan stories. (from back cover)
The language of the story is pure Howard in style and may be a little challenging to some readers... "It is needless for me to narrate the details of the following months. I dwelt among the hills in such suffering and peril as no man on Earth has experienced for thousands of years. I make bold to say that only a man of extraordinary strength and ruggedness could have survived as I did. I did more than survive. I came at last to thrive on the existence" (page 21)
I liked the passage where Esau explains that he has risen in the ranks of civilization from savage to barbarian....but I couldn't find the passage again. Lots of fighting, violence and bloodshed...mentions of torture
Just a fun, quick read if you like stories of barbarians going from one survival event to the next. Robert E. Howard is the creator of Conan (who is my favorite) Many different covers all unique -- mine came with Esau fighting the winged demons....more
SUMMARY: A story within a story as Elephant and Piggie read one of their favorite books together � THE COOKIE FIASCO � in which four friends need to fSUMMARY: A story within a story as Elephant and Piggie read one of their favorite books together � THE COOKIE FIASCO � in which four friends need to figure out a way to equally share three cookies.
ACTIVITY: Can readers figure out the answer before reading the book? Or, reenact the story and have cookies (or paper cookies) that you can break/tear up and recreate the math.
The story is OK -- but I really like the math part of how do you share three cookies among four friends.
I'm not a big fan of Elephant and Piggie -- but the kids sure do love to read them.
PAIR WITH the book THE DOORBELL RANG / by Pat Hutchins....more
Assassin's (Left Behind #6) / by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins -- Wheaton, IL -- Tyndale House Publishers, c1999. (416 pages) RANGE 9 -- ADULT BOOKSAssassin's (Left Behind #6) / by Tim LaHaye and Jerry B. Jenkins -- Wheaton, IL -- Tyndale House Publishers, c1999. (416 pages) RANGE 9 -- ADULT BOOKS FOR YOUNG ADULTS
SUMMARY: The Tribulation Force hurdles toward the four murders foretold in scriptures. The head of Enigma Babylon One World Faith is in jeopardy, as are the two witnesses at the Wailing Wall as "the due time" approaches. Antichrist himself is prophesied to suffer a lethal head wound. As a supernatural horde of 200 million demonic horseman slay a third of the remaining population, the Tribulation Force prepares for a future as fugitives. Yet another Force member dies, and others join as crisis draw them around the globe. Rayford and the newest member of the Trib Force are attacked by Global Community security guards in America...David maintains precarious surveillance at the GC palace in New Babylon...Mac and his new copilot are attacked on the Condor 216 in Africa...Hattie is imprisoned in Belgium...Rayford walks into a trap in France, narrowly escapes a shooting and GC fighter planes in Al Basrah, and plots his own involvement in the assassination of the Antichrist. Meanwhile several vie for that same "privilege". World history and prophecy collide in Jerusalem at the middle of the Tribulation for the most explosive episode yet of the continuing drama of those left behind. (book jacket)
REVIEW: Another excellent installment in the series....however, I'm reading so fast I can't remember what happens when. All I do know is that we seem to always be having to say goodbye to a friend but then a new one comes along to replace them. It is very realistic to see these characters in the midst of a noble and holy cause backslide like all humans and become selfish, bored, and a little whiny at times.
Even though the book is called ASSASSINS you have to wait almost to the very, very end to find out who kills who....more
Another Fine Myth / by Robert Asprin (Cover Art by Walter Velez) c1978
Summary: Skeeve is a mediocre magician’s apprentice who really wants to be a thAnother Fine Myth / by Robert Asprin (Cover Art by Walter Velez) c1978
Summary: Skeeve is a mediocre magician’s apprentice who really wants to be a thief. But his lessons are halted when an assassin kills the master magician and leaves Skeeve alone with Aahz, a powerless demon the old magician had just summoned from another dimension as a practical joke. Soon the powerless demon and the skill-less apprentice join together to stop the assassins from killing them -- as well as tracking down the madman trying to take over the world of Klah. This tongue-in-cheek fantasy adventure presents two dimensional travel hopping while dealing with sexy assassins, a baby dragon, imps, devils, a demon hunters, and a few other characters thrown in for good measure.
Comments: This is one of my favorite series that I discovered in high school that I reread every few years from start to finish. All of the titles have the word myth in it (i.e. Little Myth Marker, Hit and Myth, Myth Conceptions, etc.) The first book is a little slow in the first chapters but improves once Aahz has been introduced. Skeeve is my favorite character and you get to watch as a bumbling, back world, teenager learns magic as well as self-confidence and is able to put together a misfit army that will follow him anywhere. An easy and fun read that should be enjoyed by all light fantasy enthusiasts. Lack of strong language and sex would make this a good choice for high school aged readers as well. I also like the cover art work of Walter Velez which brings the characters to life....more
From the Bookjacket: the explosive thriller that started it all. An ancient secret brotherhood. A devastating new weaponAngels & Demons / by Dan Brown
From the Bookjacket: the explosive thriller that started it all. An ancient secret brotherhood. A devastating new weapon of destruction. An unthinkable target.
When world-renowned Harvard symbologist Robert Langdon is summoned to his first assignment to a Swiss research facility to analyze a mysterious symbol � seared into the chest of a murdered physicist � he discovers evidence of the unimaginable: the resurgence of an ancient secret brotherhood known as the Illuminati…the most powerful underground organization ever to walk the earth. The Illuminati has now surfaced to carry out the final phase of its legendary vendetta against its most hated enemy � the Catholic Church.
Langdon’s worst fears are confirmed on the eve of the Vatican’s holy conclave, when a messenger of the Illuminati announces they have hidden an unstoppable time bomb at the very heart of Vatican City. With the countdown under way, Langdon jets to Rome to join forces with Vittoria Vetra, a beautiful and mysterious Italian scientist, to assist the Vatican in a desperate bid for survival.
Embarking on a frantic hunt through sealed crypts, dangerous catacombs, deserted cathedrals, and the most secretive vault on earth (that of the Vatican), Langdon and Vetra follow a 400-year-old trail of ancient symbols that snakes across Rome toward the long forgotten Illuminati lair…a clandestine location that contains the only hope for Vatican salvation.
Critics have praised the exhilarating blend of relentless adventure, scholarly intrigue, and cutting wit found……marks this hero’s first adventure as it careens from enlightening epiphanies to dark truths as the battle between science and religion turns to war. (book jacket)
NOTES: a great read. Saw the movie first, Tom Hanks makes a great Langdon. Great to see the places and get an idea of what the story shows in words. There are several things that are different in the movie. They both are well written and each have their surprises, but the book is well worth the read even after watching the movie. Langdon is quiet and reflective and very knowledgeable. One of those persons that can see the puzzle, fix the problem.
Main character seems to be the Camerlengo instead of Langdon. Discussion questions: 1) where is the Illuminati today, the freemasons? 2) the purpose of the church, 3) the secrets of the catholic church 4) tradition vs. progress 5) comparison of the daughter of science and the son of religion (Adopted children) 6) View of the media 7) The Swiss Guards 8) Wealth of the Church / Pope 9) The Camerlengo’s motives � religious or personal, satanic or spiritual
QUOTES:
Although accounts of the Illuminati emblem were legendary in modern symbology, no academic had ever actually seen it. Ancient documents described the symbol as an ambigram � ambi meaning “both� � signifying it was legible both ways. And although ambigrams were common in symbology � swastikas, yin yang, Jewish stars, simple crosses � the idea that a word could be crafted into an ambigram seemed utterly impossible. Modern symbologists had tried for years to forge the word “Illuminati� into a perfectly symmetrical style, but they had failed miserably. Most academics had now decided the symbol’s existence was a myth. � Robert Langdon, p31
Remembrance was a Buddhist philosopher’s trick. Rather than asking her mind to search for a solution to a potentially impossible challenge. Vittoria asked her mind simply to remember it. The presupposition that one once knew the answer created the mindset that the answer must exist. . . Vittoria often used the process to solve scientific quandaries . . . those that most people though had no solution. p137
Jesus, Langdon thought, they’ve got someone on the inside. It was no secret that infiltration was the Illuminati trademark of power. They had infiltrated the Masons, major banking networks, government bodies. In fact, Churchill had once told reporters that if English spies had infiltrated the Nazis to the degree the Illuminati had infiltrated English Parliament, the war would have been over in one month. � p152-153
�. . . Quite simply, the goal of terrorism is to create terror and fear. Fear undermines faith in the establishment. It weakens the enemy from within . . . causing unrest in the masses. Write this down. Terrorism is not an expression or rage. Terrorism is a political weapon. Remove a government’s façade of infallibility, and you remove its people’s faith.� -- the Hassassin, p174
Langdon’s explanation of The map clues left by the Illuminati � The Path of Illumination � p178-183
. . .”Are you serious?� Langdon stopped. “What do you mean?� “I mean is this really your plan to save the day?� Langdon wasn’t sure whether he saw amused pity or sheer terror in her eyes. “You mean finding Diagramma?� “No, I mean finding Diagramma, locating a four-hundred-year-old segno, deciphering some mathematical code, following an ancient trails of art that only the most brilliant scientists in history have ever been able to follow . . . all in the next four hours.� Langdon shrugged. “I’m open to other suggestions.� � p202
The BBC broadcast of the camerlengo’s speech (should have been in the movie � would have made more sense why the group of aging cardinals would think a young priest would make a good Pope) P378-384 -- Carmelengo Carlo Ventresca
Discussion between Cardinal Mortati & Carmelengo Carlo Ventresca � Chapter 31 gives the reader a clue as to the whole story and why it happened. The misunderstandings that lead to such tragedy in order to bring the church back into focus.
Horror and hope� offer four souls to save millions…Resurrect the ancient fear, then crush it…make them believe again
Oh, this faithless world! Someone must deliver them. You. If not you, who? You have been saved for a reason. Show them the old demons. Remind them of their fear. Apathy is death. Without darkness there is no light. Without evil, there is no good. Make them choose. Dark or light. Where is the fear? Where are the heroes? If not now, when? � The Carmelengo’s vision from God (p532-533)
In the silence, the camerlengo hoped they now understood. The Illuminati had not resurfaced. The Illuminati were long deceased. Only their myth was alive. The camerlengo had resurrected the Illuminati as a reminder. Those who knew the Illuminati history relived their evil. Those who did not, had learned of it and were amazed how blind they had been. The ancient demons had been resurrected to awaken an indifferent world. “But . . . the brands?� Mortati’s voice was stiff with outrage. The camerlengo did not answer. Mortati had no way of knowing, but the brands had been confiscated by the Vatican over a century ago. They had been locked away forgotten and dust covered, in the Papal Vault � the Pope’s private reliquary, deep within this Borgia apartments. The Papal Vault contained those items the church deemed too dangerous for anyone’s eyes except the Pope’s. Why did they hide that which inspired fear? Fear brought people to God! The vault’s key was passed down from Pope to Pope. Camerlengo Carlo Ventresca had purloined the key and ventured inside; the myth of what the vault contained was bewitching � the original manuscript for the fourteen unpublished book of the Bible known as the Apocrypha, the third prophecy of Fatima, the first two having come true and the third so terrifying the church would never reveal it. . . (p536-537)...more
If you collected bugs which one would you take to school for show-and-tell? As Prunella prepares her presentation she is overflowing with facts about If you collected bugs which one would you take to school for show-and-tell? As Prunella prepares her presentation she is overflowing with facts about all kinds of bugs...however, her constant companion which can be found throughout the illustrations is a spider (which is not a bug). During Prunella's presentation there is a bug catastrophe but Prunella knows exactly what to do...and saves the day...and now everyone wants to know more about the amazing bug community.
The illustrations are large and comical. The last page has a few buggy facts....more
AL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES is the second title in The Tales of Alcatraz Series by Gennifer Choldenko. NOTE: The series needs to be read in order.
This sAL CAPONE SHINES MY SHOES is the second title in The Tales of Alcatraz Series by Gennifer Choldenko. NOTE: The series needs to be read in order.
This story continues where the last one leaves off. Natalie is attending a specialized school of the island and the Flannigan family is adjusting to life without her. Moose has more time for baseball, has his parents to himself, and has more hardships than he knows what to do with.
Moose also develops a case of hives when he finds out that Al Capone wants Moose to pay back his favor (getting Natalie into the special school) and give his visiting wife some yellow roses. But not everything is as it seems as Natalie returns to Alcatraz for a visit and Moose finds a bar spreader in her suitcase (I want to say more, but I don’t want to spoil the surprise.
Note: Moose is growing up and hormones starting to kick in � notices Piper’s figure, features, and smell; makes statement about how he can’t really look at the Warden’s pregnant wife without thinking about how the baby got there. Moose gets advice on how to kiss girls and actually ends up kissing a girl (not saying who, but you can probably guess with no problem).
The story seem slow in the beginning…gets better near the end as the kids realize something unusual is happening on the island and trying to decide what to do and/or who to tell. Interesting side-story about the interaction between the Guards and the Prisoners. Each guard is different. Some break the rules, like the Warden using prisoners in his house as free labor (which in the end backfires); Trixle and his bent on power is annoying to everyone on the island; and Moose’s father who treats them with guarded respect but also knows not to trust the prisoners or get to close.
Stereotype: disabilities � Natalie is improving in many areas; although she still needs to be watched she interacts more with the people she encounters especially with Moose. Natalie is able to express her ideas and feelings better which makes her my favorite character in this series. However; we also see some of the stereotypes against disabilities/mental illness/autism in the way the Warden and Trixle. It is interesting to find out that Trixle has a brother that he hasn’t seen in years because he was like Natalie and the family decided to send him away to an institution. At the end even Trixle is surprised twice by Natalie’s ability to help out in a crisis
Least favorite character: Piper who is mean and selfish and with the current situation with a new baby coming to the family; her mother sick; and father focus on the baby makes her world uncertain and she takes it out on everyone around her � including getting Moose’s and Jimmy’s father on probation for something they didn’t do. She has no love for this “new baby� but has she changed her mind at the end � will she be different in the next book? (I hope so, but then there wouldln’t be much conflict in the story to work out).
The kids on the whole island are truly now friends � the foiling the scheme of the convicts has brought them all together for the first time (even Piper for a short time). NOTE: A little violence at the end when the escaping convicts hold the kids as hostages
NOTE: The first title: AL CAPONE DOES MY SHIRTS is one of my favorites that I read often. � I have read this title a couple of times before but realized there was a fourth title in the series and I’m rereading everything to refresh my memory of events before finding number four. I also noticed that I had not done a GOOD READS review of this title so I did this one a little quicker than I normally do....more
Twenty-four pages of brilliantly illustrated story that cleverly tells the complete version in very few words. Mind you this is the real version of thTwenty-four pages of brilliantly illustrated story that cleverly tells the complete version in very few words. Mind you this is the real version of the story and not the Hollywood version. Having just finished the original classic version, I found that the key elements of the story and the direct statements needed to bring the points of the story across were featured in this Volume One edition of eight volume set. A great way to introduce this classic story to young readers. Can't wait to read the rest of the set. Did I mention the entire book was only 24 pages of great illustrations. Part of the Spotlight series from Marvel Imprints distributed by Abdo. Great for libraries of classrooms.
The Wizard of Oz / by L. Frank Baum; illustrated by W.W. Denslow � New York: Ballantine Books, c1979, original text c1900). Map of the Marvlous Land oThe Wizard of Oz / by L. Frank Baum; illustrated by W.W. Denslow � New York: Ballantine Books, c1979, original text c1900). Map of the Marvlous Land of Oz by James E. Haff and Dick Martin.
I’m writing a story with a character that is stuck in a world with the book The Wizard of Oz. I had read the book many years ago, but needed to reread it to make sure how to use it properly in the story that I am writing. First of all for a book written in 1900, it isn’t that bad. The language is simple and easy to understand and would make an OK read aloud to children. I think the best thing about the edition that I had was the illustrations by W.W. Denslow, especially the illustrations at the beginning of the chapters that incorporated the first letter of the first word on the page.
The book has the favorite characters of Dorothy, Toto, Scarecrow, Tin Woodsman, Cowardly Lion, and the Wizard himself and of course the yellow brick road. But there are a few differences than in the beloved movie � one is the shoes themselves (but I will not spoil it for the reader), how they escape the great poppy fields, the sad story of the Tin Woodsman and how he came to be made out of tin, and the phrase � There is no place like home, etc. There are also a few gruesome pages (like all children’s fantasy/fairy tales) but they are not gory.
The story will be very familiar to individuals who have watched the classic movie “The Wizard of Oz� starring Judy Garland (FIND OTHER CAST MEMBERS) but in my humble opinion, this is one of those rare occasions where Hollywood improved upon the book. Also try out the continuation of Dorothy’s story with the Disney movie “Return to Oz� which introduces different characters that you can find in the original stories � Yes, that’s right, OZ is a series of fourteen stories. The second story, “The Marvelous Land of Oz� was written four years later in 1904 after many of Baum’s young readers begged for another story. He promised he would write another if he received one thousand requests (which he actually got much more than one thousand.)
One of my favorite sentences in the book -- (p180) there has never been a Winged Monkey in Kansas yet, and I suppose there never will be, for they don’t belong there. ...more
A colorful cast of characters in this story of an extended Italian-American family. Set in a current day Manhattan, this story spans 100 years of histA colorful cast of characters in this story of an extended Italian-American family. Set in a current day Manhattan, this story spans 100 years of history of the Angelini Shoe Company which is now threatened by closure due to financial problems. Valentine, 33 years old, is apprentice to her Grandmother, Teodora, and must find a way to bring the family’s old world-craftsmanship into the 21st century. Her love for the business comes through as she problem solves to create a new design for mass production, learn new crafting skills that will separate them from competitors, and develop her business sense to keep the business and her livelihood intact. She is also diverted by her father’s bout with cancer, her brother’s desire to sell the business, and her budding relationship with Italian chef Roman and romantic interests of Gianluca, an Italian leather craftsman.
I was fascinated with the creativity of Valentine and her passion to keep the family business in operation and push them into the 21st century. The description of the shoes, the handcrafting process, and the history of the designs is a compelling piece of this story.
Another strong draw for me is the building as a character -- I would love to walk through this building, no take that back, I would love to live and work in this building. The old building serves as business and home and conflict as family decides what to do with it. NOTE: See the picture of Grandfather Carlo Bonicelli, shoemaker at the beginning of the book.
Reminiscent of the movie -- My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Slow start with the wedding but necessary to set-up the background story and the family dynamic. First book in a trilogy continuing with Brava, Valentine (c2010).
My favorite part of the book is when the movie people arrive at the shop expecting the Angelini Shoe Company to fix the shoe being highlighted in their film. The awe and appreciation on their faces as they learn about the shoes and select the new star of the picture always makes me smile. Sequel: Brava, Valentine (c2010)
Reread 11.2024 -- I came across this book again and decided to read again because I had fond memories of the first time I read this. The second time around, I found it rather boring in plot and rushed through the book only stopping when the book talked about the two things most on my memory -- the building and the shoes. To me both the building and the shoes are characters in and of themselves.
For example the description of the Angelini Shoe Company workshop on pages 55-58..."The bay windows that face the West Side Highway create an old-fashioned storefront, turning us into a kind of aquarium for passerby who observe us as we work."...more
This is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. I have read this book before and remembered I had liked it very This is the first book in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series by Rick Riordan. I have read this book before and remembered I had liked it very much -- so I wanted to read it again to see if I still liked it. I gave it 5 stars -- it did not disappoint. The action and characters kept me wanting to read and before long I was done with this one and on to the next title in the series : THE SEA OF MONSTERS.
The basic principal of the series is that the Greek gods of mythology do exist and they exist in our world today. And they are still having relations with humans producing demi-gods or what is known as half-bloods that at the age that their powers start to materialize they are drawn to Camp Half-Blood where they are protected from the monsters that want to destroy them while they are learning the skills that will protect them and possibly make them heroes.
Percy Jackson has no idea that he is a half-blood - never understanding why he gets into so much trouble in school and why trouble always seems to find him. Percy is in 6th grade and on a field trip when things start spiraling out of control faster than usual -- the monsters of the mythology world can smell there is something different about him. It is his friend Grover that has been assigned to get him to Camp Half-Blood and safety. Things don't go so well to plan providing an action-filled road trip and the action doesn't stop until the end of the book.
As Percy is learning who he is and how he fits into his world and the world of Greek mythology -- he is assigned a quest from the Oracle: You shall go west, and face the god who has turned . You shall find what was stolen, and see it safely returned. You shall be betrayed by one who calls you a friend. And you shall fail to save what matters most, in the end.
So Percy sets off on his quest with two friends to help him (Grover, who turns out to be a satyr, and new friend Annabeth, daughter of Athena)-- to find and return Zeus's lightning bolt that has been stolen from Mount Olympus. And he must do it within the next few days -- before the solstice to stop the gods from going to war and destroying the world as we know it....more
First off let me say that the first book, CANDYMAKERS, has become one of my all-time favorites. This is the sequel, and yes, you need to read number oFirst off let me say that the first book, CANDYMAKERS, has become one of my all-time favorites. This is the sequel, and yes, you need to read number one first to make any sense out of this storyline.
The book is thick (very thick) just like the first one...but, the story moves very quickly. It is also in the style of the first book with the four different perspectives about the same events taking up the first part of the book and then combining all the characters in the end chapters. I gave this book a four star rating, because even though I really liked it, the surprise of the story organization was a big surprise in the first title and sort of expected here. Plus there is a lot going on in the plot of this one, almost too much, too fast, to be really believable.
I love how the four main characters...Logan, Miles, Philip, and Daisy...all interact together and have come to somewhat depend on each other. They all have quirky lives and can understand each other's predicaments and offer support in all types of circumstances. But in this title, my favorite character was AJ. Not more than a kid himself, he has been put in charge of these four mostly mature kids to drive, guide, and protect them on this road trip. He is very smart and has access to the coolest gadgets including a new prototype for a spy rv which becomes the group's mode of transportation.
I also like the honesty of the kids. Only two people know that the candy being produced is not exactly the same as the candy created for the contest. But they go to extra-special efforts to make sure everything is correct and by the rules even knowing that it could cause their musical sweet creation, the Harmonicandy, to go out of production before it even gets started.
This book also shows a different aspect of the factory...instead of production it is more about the business end of things including lots of marketing with slogans, wrapper design, and media coverage. I like that all the kids have a part to play including Miles who comes up with a list of 31 slogans for "the suits" to pick from.
I'm glad that Philip's violin is still in the story and that his talent is so powerful that it touches many lives. It is also very interesting as we learn more about Philip's family and childhood through memories and a search for a grandmother that he didn't know existed.
I could go on about more things...like Aurora the cat who barks like a dog...the geocatching adventure that almost ruins a dead drop mission...and the finding of special, blue, round, very rare chocolate seeds that could be "out of this world."....but I think you should read the book and find out more for yourself....more
What happens when one of your top spies develops Alzheimer's and becomes a threat to national security? That is the main story of ONCE A SPY.
I read thWhat happens when one of your top spies develops Alzheimer's and becomes a threat to national security? That is the main story of ONCE A SPY.
I read this book when it was first published and liked it. Someone asked about a recommendation for a guy to read that didn't like to read -- this book came to mind. However, since it had been a long time since I had actually read the book and I was just relying on old memories, I decided to track it down on the internet, buy it, and refresh my memory. I still liked it.
The first chapter is OK - the next few that introduce the son are very slow -- but hang in there because once it starts going it doesn't stop. This is one of the few books that I read straight through not stopping to make notes or anything so I don't have specifics to talk about.
The fast action adventure story is fast and in my mind would make an awesome movie -- Father played by Anthony Hopkins, Mother played by Helen Mirren, and Son played by Bruce Willis.
I didn't like the ending, but it did leave it open to a sequel...which I guess was written because ŷ shows this title as #1 in a series....more
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