The Ranger's Apprentice - Book Recommendation

Rating: 9.7/10

In the first installment of The Ranger's Apprentice series you follow an orphan named Will. He was left in Castle Redmount's Orphanage after his parents had died in the war. Later on, he was watched and studied as others found that he was very stealthy and he was soon approached by the Ranger  of Redmount, Halt. He takes his role as an apprentice Ranger by Halt's side and endures through the challenges he faces through the book.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy novels that introduce fantasy, medieval ways of life, or books that take you to an unfamiliar location.In The Ranger's Apprentice you stumble upon many classical fantasy styles, as well as some new styles that will remind you of Lord of the Rings or Harry Potter. I would also recommend this book to those who enjoy longer, and well thought out novels. Along with this boom are 11 others that give you a perfect visual for the world John Flanagan is building.

The Ranger's Apprentice - Analysis

Analysis - 

In the first installment of The Ranger's Apprentice series you follow an orphan named Will. He was left in Castle Redmount's Orphanage after his parents had died in the war. Later on, he was watched and studied as others found that he was very stealthy and he was soon approached by the Ranger  of Redmount, Halt. I believe this text is trying to show inner strength as he must stand up and be strong to join the Ranger's Corps, to stand up to the town thug, and other dangers.

Throughout the book Will is tested and thrown up against difficult challenges and must keep his wits to stay alive. He also must think of the best solutions in short periods of time to save not only himself but, others too.

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Theme and Summary

Theme:

I believe the theme of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows was, 'When in rough situations, true friends will support you through and through.' This is because through out the story Harry relies on Ron and Hermione and without them he would probably not accomplish destroying the Horcruxes. Also, Harry has relied on them to save his life at multiple times.

Summary:

In the final installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, You follow Harry once again, but instead of returning to his somewhat comfortable life at Hogwarts, he must adventure across Britain. In this journey he must look everywhere for objects that Lord Voldemort values, which he has turned into Horcruxes, an object that uses dark magic harness the soul of a wizard and make them immortal. On this quest Harry, Ron, and Hermione have to toughen their way through the hardships the world , the Horcruxes and each other throw at them

Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows - Book Recommendation

Rating 9.5/10

In the final installment of the Harry Potter series, Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows, You follow Harry once again, but instead of returning to his somewhat comfortable life at Hogwarts, he must adventure across Britain. In this journey he must look everywhere for objects that Lord Voldemort values, which he has turned into Horcruxes, an object that uses dark magic harness the soul of a wizard and make them immortal. On tthis quest Harry, Ron, and Hermione have to toughen their way through the hardships the world , the Horcruxes and each other throw at them.

In this book I found the storyline to be in depth and detailed, also it allowed the reader to care for the characters as though they were real people. I would reccommend this book to anyone who is looking for a great book to read or someone interested in fantasy or fictional novels.

House of Hades - Reading Skills

Book Summary

In The House of Hades you follow the events after Percy and Annabeth fall into Tartarus. Where they are trapped in a dangerous and uncharted land. While the other demigods aboard the Argo II must reach the Doors of Death to save them.

Predictions

I predict that through the story the band of demigods are going to experience a life threatening decision near the end of the text, and if the 8 demigods can't reunite and cooperate against their shared foe, they may face a crippling blow against their group.

Questions

• What path will Hazel take and how will this determine the outcome of the war?
• What would happen if they were to lose one of the group members?
• What other dangers would are expected in the following book?

Textual Connections

Throughout the text many connections have risen such as: a text to text connection I found was that that even though this is a different series from Percy Jackson and the Olympians, the Heroes of Olympus will often refer to previous situations from the series. I found a text to world which was that it referred to many locations in Europe that was involved in Greek/Roman Mythology. Finally, a text to self connection I found was that some of the demigods have calculating minds rather than instinctive, which I found relatable.

The House of Hades - Characters

In The House of Hades you follow the events after Percy and Annabeth fall into Tartarus. Where they are trapped in a dangerous and uncharted land. While the other demigods aboard the Argo II must reach the Doors of Death to save them.

Throughout the story the heroes must rely on one another through battles, hardships, and their own emotions. For example, Percy and Annabeth must rely on one another through their quest across Tartarus to outwit and defeat the rising menace rekeased by the goddess Gaea. Percy uses his quick reactions to save them in midst of a battle , while Annabeth must use her quick wit to outsmart the creatures and escape deadly situations.

Characters such as Leo and Coach Hedge provide Comic relief in orderto lower the tension of the more stressful situations. Even the characters mention the increase of gloom when the two are either gone or aren't around. Finally, characters such as Piper, Hazel and Frank, provide the other characters an upbeat, or optimistic, view even if the most nerve racking experiences.

Though as the story progresses you can see the changes in setting, conflict, or situation can quickly change any of the characters attitudes almost instantly, giving other characters a suprise in this development.

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The Lost Hero - Book Recommendation

Rating: 9/10

In The Lost Hero, you encounter three, seemingly, average teenagers, named Jason, Leo and Piper. Though, through an encounter with wind spirits, they find out they are demigods, children of Greek gods and goddesses. After this encounter they are later thrown into a dangerous quest in order to save the goddess Hera and regain the memory of Jason, and along the way they quest across North America fighting monsters, giants and all sorts of wicked creatures.

In this book I found it not only very humorous, but also it gave you an accurate view of mythology and adventure. I would recommend this book to anyone that is interested in mythology or is looking to find out more about it. I would also recommend this to anyone who has already read the series prior to The Heroes of Olympus; Percy Jackson and the Olympians.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince - Analysis

In the Half-Blood Prince you follow Harry Potter as he struggles with a complicated education, a new reputation as "The Chosen One", and along with this new title he must also focus his energy on finding a way to destroy his enemy Lord Voldemort. In the text I believe it is trying to tell you that Harry is having trouble holding on to some pieces of his life, like his friends and feelings as he must face a constant array of questions from others and also himself. I found that Harry had to stay vigilant in the story as not to miss important information

The Magician - Characters

Characters:

In the sequel to The Alchemyst, The Magician, you again follow Josh, Sadie, and Nicholas Flamel as they run from the Dark Elders. In the story the three characters are very expressive with their feelings and emotions. Josh and Sadie are dynamic in their own ways, while Nicholas is pretty

flat through out the story, not changing his personality at all.

Josh is very protective of his twin, Sadie, and he is often underestimated for being the "younger" brother. He becomes quickly agitated when he is confused, upset, or when he feels as though someone is keeping something from him. Josh begins his journey with fear, bewilderment, and anger, though comes to accept what is happening later on in the book.

Sadie is very outgoing and brave, she is often given the biggest responsibilities due to her being the older sister. She gets frustrated with her brother's attitude sometimes, and usually is the character who sympathizes for others. Sadie starts off in the book by trusting Nicholas, but with her brother's skepticism, she becomes a little more wary of him. She started as someone who was inquisitive and curious of the world around her, but as the adventure progressed she became frightened and vulnerable.

Nicholas Flamel, through out the story, is secretive and deceptive. He often attracts trouble from the Dark Elders and their associates. He also has a hard time convincing the twins to trust him as he shares very little of this new found world they've been dropped into. He doesn't change at all and chooses to share as little as he can in order to protect the two siblings.

The Alchemyst (Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel) - Theme and Summary

Theme

I believe the theme in this novel is, "Staying unified with loved ones will keep away chaos." I found this because in this story you follow a brother and sister as they face terrors and realize only they can prevent the coming apocalypse.

Summary

In The Alchemyst you follow the 500 year old alchemyst, Nicholas Flamel, and two twins, Josh and Sadie, as they fight off the Dark Elders, a race of immortal and powerful humanoids/creatures, many depicted as some of the most feared mythological alumni, along with their associate, Dr. John Dee. In the story their is a prophecy that siblings of gold and silver aura will rebuild the world to its former glory, or destroy it. In this time Nicholas Flamel plans to use them to restore earth, to do so he goes to one of the who is of pure Elder Blood. to "Reawaken" the siblings and it is said that Reawaken process will give the user the power over their own aura...if they don't burn up in the process...

Fellowship of the Ring - Book Recommendation

Rating: 10/10

In the Fellowship of the Ring you follow a large group of characters in their quest to destroy The Ring of Power, forged by the Dark Lord, Sauron. Frodo, the hobbit who is given the ring, unknowingly, by the wizard, Gandalf, is suddenly thrown into a world far from his homeland in the Shire. He travels across the world of Middle-Earth and encounters, dwarves, elves and many other races of men and orc.

In this book, you are given a very different style of writing compared to today. The diction used is very old so as to seem it actually came from this older, mythological world.

I would recommend this book to those who enjoy longer, and well thought out novels. Also, for those who enjoy fantasy, fiction and medieval based worlds and languages. Along with the books are the three movies that give you a perfect visual for the world Tolkien created.

Eragon - Theme and Summary

Theme:

In the book, Eragon I believe that throughout the story the central theme is, "To continue to fight after being taken down."

This is the theme I found because in the beginning of Eragon you find that two marauders burn down Eragon's house along with his Uncle, Garrow, inside, who perishes not long after. Even after this crushing effect on his emotions he sets out with the story teller, Brom, and follows after the two hooded villains.

 I found this theme very similar to real life because you can see today that even if you lose a battle that doesn't mean you've lost the war, or if you lose someone close to you, you take time to grieve and fight on in life.

 I think the author wrote this story to show that even the most unlikely people have the courage to spread justice and are able to pick themselves off the ground in even the most difficult situations. 

Inheritance - Analysis

Analysis:

In the book Inheritance (fourth book of the series) you once again follow the main character Eragon on his conquest to rid the throne of the malevolent, Galbatorix. I believe the text was trying to show a vague example of natural rights, by presenting a world ruled by a corrupt king, and showing that through determination, hard work, and the need for justice, the people of Alagaësia can revolt against the immoral and dishonest tyranny. 

In the beginning a large group of rebels set up a "safe haven" far from the reaches of the Empire, in hopes to strike against it and overthrow Galbatorix. During this time you are introduced to many characters who often comment on the effects of the oppression on themselves, their families and their races as the Empire seeks to stomp out any ideas or actions that they don't agree with or believe will benefit themselves. You see the determination when these rebels decide to bring the battle out of their own territory and fight on unfamiliar territory. You also see their need for justice as they go as far as to threaten to kill the King in order to create a virtuous government. I believe that with these qualities that they will be able to successfully earn a free life and a say in how their new empire is ruled.

In this hyperlink you can read, the Enlightenment Thinker, John Locke's ideas on the "right to rebel".

Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire - Characters

In the book, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire, Harry must face many life threatening ordeals, and during these challenges Harry is forced to change dynamically over time. For example, he's usually "quick-to-anger", personality had to change/configure in order to receive help from his close friends. Also he's had to become much more courageous in order to face the dangerous situations that were ahead of him.

Harry's interactions with other characters are usually as hostile, friendly or questioning. A few examples are when Harry is speaking with people who criticize, frustrate or insult him he tends to lash out and brings out that "quick-to-anger" personality. He can be friendly when there isn't any or little stress around close friends or compassionate characters. One last element of Harry's character is his ambition, which drives the plot forward and moves at a relatively even pace and gets to the conflict in a timely manner.

Annhilation: Star Wars (The Old Republic) - Reading Skills

Book Summary:

In Annihilation you follow two separate story lines. First, you are introduced to Theron, a Republic field agent on a classified mission to take out the Ascendant Spear along with the Jedi Knight, Gnost-Dural, who hoped to bring his old apprentice back to the "Light Side", and a recruit and criminal from the Old Tion Brotherhood, Teff'ith. Another character you follow is a Sith Lord named Darth Karrid, who pilots the Ascendant Spear.

Predictions:

I predict that when the trio are attempting to infiltrate the Ascendant Spear, Theron will successfully compromise the war ship. Though I think in Theron's success, Gnost-Dural will encounter Darth Karrid and be overwhelmed.

Questions:

A few questions I have for the author or the book are:

• What drove Theron to risk his life for this mission?
• Can they trust Teff'ith with her history of crime?
• Will Gnost-Dural spare Darth Karrid?
• Will the Commander Jase become corrupt with his new power?

Textual Connections:

In Annihilation I found a text-to-text connection with The Hobbit. The connection I found was that Theron and Bilbo both have to bring up large amounts of courage to do what's right for themselves and the people they know. They both also take command when others stray away. Finally, I found that even though they are in the complete opposite of worlds, they have similar personalities. 

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The Infernal City (The Elder Scrolls Novel) Greg Keyes - Book Recommendation

Book Rating: 9/10

In the book The Infernal City you follow the two characters Annaïg, a young women, and Mere-Glim, an Argonian (Lizard-like Humanoid), on an adventure that takes them far from their homeland in the Black Marsh, to an enigmatic island suspended in air called Umbriel. Once "aboard" this island they are discovered and immediately put to work in the kitchens and the sumps. As they struggle in their new lives, you also find yourself along with the Prince of the Empire, Attrebus, who is determined to solve the mystery if Umbriel along with the Dark Elf, Sul.

In The Infernal City you stumble upon many classical fantasy styles, as well as some new styles that will remind you of Lord of the Rings or The Ranger's Apprentice. You are taken to the world of Nirn, a continent ruled by the great Empire which successfully united all of the races and homelands in an endured harmony. You are taken to a time with little technology, but to a strong and magical history and the conflicts that differ from our own world.

 I would recommend this book to those who enjoy novels that introduce fantasy, medieval ways of life, or books that take you to an unfamiliar location. I would also recommend it to those who have played the game this book is based off of, for a greater understanding of the world of Nirn.

The World of Nirn

Shadow Divers, Robert Kurson Review: 5/10

In Shadow Divers, you read about two dedicated divers, John Chatterton and Richie Kohler in their travels aboard the Seeker. The two, at first, rivals come together into a deep bonded friendship to find the name of an unnamed, sunk U-Boat (submarine). While their friendship grows their mariages crumble and their families decay, as their obsession of diving the wreck and naming the U-boat and its' crew grows to much. Read this book to find out more about their discoveries and struggles, not only at sea, but before diving became their passion..
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