Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secret

It's tough to review this book, because I don't want to give too much away if you haven't read the first book. But, we'll tell you about the obvious. Leven, Winter, Geth and Clover have made it to Foo, barely, where Leven meets his only living relative, Amelia Thumps. But the reunion is short lived. Leven and Winter are separated and Winter is taken to Jamoon, who is not happy about what has happened to the villain Sabine, though also realizes there is an opportunity to be had. Leven, Geth and Clover must rescue Winter, all while combating the fact that Geth may not have much longer to live, Leven is changing (we learn that those on Foo change with experience, not time), and that Winter is in serious, life-threatening trouble.

I thoroughly enjoyed "Leven Thumps and the Whispered Secret" and can't wait for the next book to come out...though I have a feeling it won't be for at least six months. It was better than even the first book, and we learn many, many secrets in this book...but the most important comes last. Read this great book to find out what happens next to Leven and his friends. If you haven't already be sure to check out the Leven Thumps website.
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The Quillan Games: D.J. MacHale

"The Quillan Games" is the seventh installment in the Pendragon series. It has been three years since Bobby first followed his Uncle Press into the flume that connects the territories of Halla (our Earth being one of them). Press is gone and other travellers have lost their lives in the battle against Saint Dane, another traveller who has turned (or perhaps always was) evil. Bobby's latest adventure brings him to Quillan, where one corporation rules everything and games are played to the death. He finds himself accidentally assuming the role of "Challenger Red" and is trapped into competing in deadly games that the residents of Quillan will bet almost anything in hopes of better their lives (including their own lives and the lives of their children). Bobby soon realizes that the only way to save Quillan is to compete and beat the gaming masters, Veego and Laberge. But he might just find out more than he wanted to know about the travellers and their purpose than he wanted to know.

I think, by far, this was the best installment of Pendragon (though book 6 was really good too). I've enjoyed them all, but this one had a lot of action and the growth in the main characters Bobby, Courtney and Mark is evident. I'd definitely recommend this as a great read and can't wait for the final installments of the Pendragon series.

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The Hollow Kingdom: Clare B. Dunkle

What would you do if you learned your destiny was to marry the king of the goblins?

After losing their parents, sisters Kate and Emily go to live at the family estate Kate has inherited as the eldest. Hallow Hills is surrounded by stories of young girls disappearing, goblins, elves and other fair folk. After getting lost one night (through magical means), Kate and Emily learn these stories are true and that the goblin king Marak has chosen Kate to be his bride (as this is the way it has always been done). Kate is horrified at the thought, and manages to evade Marak's attempts at kidnapping her to his dismay and delight.

Then, one night, their guardian Hugh Roberts, awakens Kate to tell her Emily has disappeared. Kate immediately goes to Marak, fearing he will try and marry her instead, and agrees to marry him in exchange for her release. Marak agrees, though Kate soon learns it is not Marak who has Emily. What follows is a variant of the "Beauty and the Beast" theme, though the transformations are emotional, not physical. "The Hollow Kingdom" is the first in a trilogy about Kate and Marak's adventures and a truly great read. The main characters are well fleshed out, and the story is not without humor. I would definitely recommend this as a great read for ages 10 and up.


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DysEnchanted: A Short Film

While not a book review, this video is definitely book related. Enjoy "DysEenchanted"! Cinderella, Goldilocks, Snow White and other fairy tale princesses share a group therapy session with an ordinary woman, who discovers maybe she's not that ordinary after all.




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Leven Thumps and the Gateway to Foo

I actually looked at this book a few times before purchasing it, but I'm glad I did. Leven Thumps is the first in a trilogy and its a great book. Initially, I thought the back sounded too much like "The Neverending Story"...boy is chosen to save a world that allows humans to dream...but there is much more to the story than that. Leven Temps is an orphan, raised by his mother's half-sister (don't call her aunt!) and her good-for-nothing boyfriend. He's lonely, has no friends, and yet feels there is something he's supposed to do. Winter, raised by a loveless mother, wishes that she were anyone else (and come to find out...she is). Winter discovers she has a strange ability and comes to meet up with Leven, also with burgeoning magic powers, who is the only one who can close a gateway between our world and Foo. For if those who wish to take over both worlds escape, it would mean disaster for all, for Foo allows humans to dream and without dreams...well, it just wouldn't be pretty. Aided by Geth, who is the rightful heir to Foo and Clover, a sycophant cat-like creature who is assigned to Leven until death to them part, Leven, Winter and the rest must make their way to the gateway and close it forever...the only catch is once it is closed, Leven will never be able to return to earth. I'd definitely recommend this book as a great read and like me, I hope you'll be pleasantly surprised at how good this book is!

Check out the official website for the book : Leven Thumps...it is a great website and the animation is wonderful!
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