10 The Soldiers of Halla

I have been reading these books for three years. Since I was fourteen! So as you can imagine, I approached the end of this series with mixed feelings of mourning, excitement and lots of screaming (yes, I was home alone while I read). Pendragon left us in the Raven Rise with terror that he had messed it all (and I mean ALL) up, and hope that him (he?) and the rest of the Travelers could "fix" things.

The bad: I would like to think that there is more to life than being happy, anyone else? I saw it coming, but it still bored me, the chapters of philosophical stuff that I thought was pretty much crap. People are pretty much good inside? I don't think so, pretty much good people don't do horrible awful things to each other...

The good: As much as I don't agree with D.J. MacHale's beliefs, I do respect the way he has his characters live them. As usual, Pendragon just keeps trying, even though it seems that everything he has done and is doing is just making everything worse. Keep at it dude! Only the series is done...

My view: This is just the kinda book that had to finish the series. Since I'm so emotionally attached to the characters, I'm just glad to see them all again. But this isn't the best book out of the series, and it almost couldn't be, with all the loose ends that needed to be tied up. Also, the end confused me. I don't like being confused. Did anybody else get it? But an all around necessary and decent book. My one word:

Hobey-ho!

The Host

The souls are the dominant species of the universe. This is because they take over the minds of those they invade. The Wanderer is a well travelled soul, and now she's going to Earth, one of the few planets she's never been to. As an experienced soul, she is surprised when she realises that her host isn't dormant. She is even more surprised when she so consumed by her host's emotions and memories that she ditches her entire way of living to pursue the people that inspire emotions in her host she (Wanderer) has never known.

The bad: Ms. Meyer really needs to find a new way to describe sensation other than "like fire." His touch was like fire... It burned like flames... It raced up her arm like a wildfire... PLEASE! Other than that, this is a pretty clean book.

The good: I liked the struggle that Wanderer went through (no, I'm no sadistic) as a passive member of a parasitic society. And there were other good (interesting) elements... Like true love, sacrifice, friendship, mercy, trust...

My view: As not a huge fan of the massive Twilight saga, I was wary of picking up an adult book of Stephenie Meyer. Though it did have the melodrama and tiring length (of a single book) of The Twilight Series, The Host was much better. The story was inventive, morally intriguing and easy to read.
My one word:

Savvy

The Sparrow

The year is 2019, and we watch as the charismatic Jesuit priest Emilio gathers a close group of friends. We watch as they discover aliens. We watch as they go to Rakhat. The year is 2059, we watch a broken and alone Emilio return to earth. Just as God watches the sparrow fall.

The bad: The actually is quite a bit of swearing. And the story doesn't shy away from the nitty-gritty of life. Spoiler ! There is one graphic rape scene! (I saw this idea of putting the spoiler in white so that you have to highlight it to see it and I though it was a wonderful idea, so now I'll be doing that.)

The good/My view: I don't really know how to distinguish the two, so I thought I would just put them together. I thought this was a shocking, awful, beautiful and challenging book. It's not an easy read, logistically (she keeps skipping around and not explaining things clearly) and because you know something awful is coming. This is a highly 'religious' book, but that is something that interests me. It deals with the question that plague us all, Why should we trust in (believe in) a God that lets horrible things happen? Ms. Russell says, "Either it's blind dumb luck, or God is vicious." Taken from the Bible passage in Matthue 10:29, "not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. " The title reminds us that the sparrow still falls. But why?

Defect

David has a hard time at his school. This time, it's not because of his foster parents, who are wonderful. He just doesn't fit in. He should be on the basketball team, because he's so tall, but that isn't the only unusual thing about him. He's got a funny looking face, kinda smashed up looking, he wears "hearing aids",and he smells funny, like all the time. And there's more, he has these funny pieces of skin beneath his arms, that when they are fully spread look like wings. A lot like wings in fact.

Hmmm, a little swearing. And there is talk about sex without any commitment what so ever.

This is a good book because it is about accepting yourself the way you are. Daniel has got some issues, yeah, but he has friends who also have some more "normal" issues. It's all about dealing with the hand you've got, and finding joy in that.

I thought this was a really good read. It's pretty short, but I like the practical way the author deals with hospitals and the kids to whom they are home. It didn't hurt that the book took place in my neck of the woods, Minnesota, and with the Mayo Clinic, that was pretty cool.

The Dangerous Days of Daniel X

Daniel is just plain different. He pretty much has every superpower under the sun, a life purpose and a great sense of humor. His mission is to exterminate all violent alien life forms. And most of the aliens seem pretty violent. Okay, all of them. Right now he is on number six on his list of evil aliens (composed by his parents, and they were killed for it by number one).

A little swearing. Think that's it.

Daniel is doing all this alien killing for a good cause, like saving civilization. I think at least, maybe he's just bored. His friends stick by him (they don't really have free will though. You'll get it if you read the book).

This book just wasn't as gripping as the first couple Maximum Ride books. The plot was way more boring, and predicable, and he doesn't have anyone to share the adventure with. He's funny, but it's not enough to carry the entire book.

Impossible

Lucy is, well actually her character doesn't have that much time to develop before we jump right in. But her mom is crazy, her adoptive parents are wonderful and so is her friend for forever. She's got everything going for her to break the curse that needs breaking, before she goes crazy too.

Character is raped. Maybe some swearing... Can't remember.

I thought the support and love Lucy gets is really the only good part about this book. Her whole family helps her out. It's pretty sweet.

Ahhhhhhhh, this was such a boring book. I was continually being surprised by how perfect everything worked out for Lucy. I mean, one bad thing happens (which Lucy seems to be able to just brush off, like I do lint) and the rest of the book is just one long saga of how everything goes well. Even when they were sloving the curse it was boring... and since that was the point of the book, I'd just skip this one.

8 The Raven Rise

Okay, so how many of you thought that it was over when Pendragon destroyed the flume? Yep, that's what I thought. So Pendragon's the only one who believes he's stuck; and he's given up being a Traveler. And Halla never needed him more.

There isn't really anything that I can remember that needs to go in the "bad section". Things in the book are pretty bad though. But bad choices have their consequences.

Always fight for what is good, that's the message. People should have a choice; that's what Pendragon believes enough to put his life on the line for again and again, kinda like what God does.

Loved this book! Loved it!

6 The Time Paradox

Artemis is trying to deal with having lost three years of his life, and his new (to him) two year old younger brothers. Guess which one's harder? But trouble cannot leave Artemis alone for long (and God forbid it should) and this time it comes knocking in the form of his past self, and some lies.

Artemis is really a good guy this book! He even plays with his younger brothers. But he does tell a lie, but it really bites him in the... You get the point.

Yeah good guy Artemis! You are amazing (not like you don't already know). Really, Artemis has made great improvments.

It's good to read a new Artemis again. I've really grow up with him (except he's not real), and I love to read his stories. Funny and Fun, I loved it. And that silly Minerva girl is gone; come on, who really liked her anyway?

7 The Quillan Games

Pendragon flumes (is that really a word?) to Quillan, home of the psychotic gamers. Pendragon tries to go along with their insane culture, and nearly gets killed, several times over. How can he escape this maniacal circle?

Nothing new to report.

Pendrangon is trying to break free from Saint Danes endless circles, but everything he does always seems to lead exactly to be what he wanted. Frustrating, but he still tries.

In this one the author seems to want to be predicting what our future is in danger of looking like. This one has some unexpected twist that will definitely have you reading the next one (if you like the twists).

8 The Pilgrims of Rayne

How will Courtney and Pendragon be able to stop Mark from destroying Halla? When we left them Pendragon and Courtney had just jumped into a flume to try and save their future (or their past, it gets confusing). Mark had changed the past and may have opened a door to Saint Dane. As they move forward, it becomes more difficult to see the way.

I know this is getting old, but you could just read the past reviews. One thing I was reading about these books is that "Halla" is Allah spelled backwards. Something to ponder.

Courtney is hurt that Mark has left, but is ready to forgive him, in her own way. Pendragon is willing to do anything to save Halla, a thing we should emulate.

I am going to read the next one. As soon a possible! NOW! (I wish)

2 The Purple Emperor

Pygrus is struggling with his new responsibilities as emperor, only he's not emperor; yet. Someone would do almost anything to keep it that way. There's only two certain things in life; and I'm not talking about taxes. Pygrus is going to need all of the help he can get from Henry, Blue and some new friends.

The usual, plus zombies.

Pygrus makes some stupid choices, which he tries to fix. Henry is there for his friends.

I didn't think this one was quite as good as the first one, it just doesn't seem to have a purpose. In fact you could just skip it and read the third one, which I thought was more interesting.

1 Faerie Wars

Henry is just a normal boy trying to live is normal life, until the day everything changed. He suddenly finds: his mom is lesbian and is having an affair, and a faerie. These two discoveries lead his life on two completely different and equally difficult journeys. Thankfully for all, we mostly stick with the faerie one.

Henry's mom is having an affair, which causes their family to split. Pyrgus is thoughtless about his responsibilities and he stole something that wasn't his. Tsk. Henry also lies to his family breaks a promise. And there are demons.

Henry, though sometimes misguided, is trying to do the right thing. He helps Pyrgus and Blue when they need him.

This is kinda a happy go lucky story. Nothing to serious, but they're fun. There is one part where Henry walks in on Blue when she's taking a bath. Though this didn't have to happen, it's not all hyped up.

6 The Rivers of Zadaa

Pendragon is finally on Loor's home planet (if travelers have homes). Here he will learn more about himself, travelers, and being a warrior.

Swearing is still a bit of a problem. And I've just got to say that Courtney is being a DORK!

Mark is faithfully keeping Pendragon's journals and keeping his life up too. The Travelers are good people, they support their own.

This is my favorite book thus far, you'll see why once you read it.

5 Black Water

Flumed to the next territory, Pendragon is lower on the food chain than he's use to. Pendragon tries to figure out what's happening, like in every territory, but this time it's much worse. But persist through this book and you'll reach my favorite.

The quigs are cannibals. And more of the usual.

Pendragon makes mistakes, but he is trying to do the right thing. As he progresses through he life he picks up wisdom, understanding and deep kindness. Mark and Courtney also make mistakes, but they are really trying to help Pendragon.

You know the other books? Child's play compared to this! We're starting to get into the true reasoning behind Pendragon, and it's not easy, or always fun.

4 The Reality Bug

Yup, you guessed it, back to the creepy plant with the floating-head-girl. She doesn't really what Pendragon there, and he's just trying to figure out what's wrong. Because from were he's sitting (or laying, as it were) everything is back to normal. In VR he has his old life back; does he even want his new one?

Still swearing. Aja is kinda a dork, being nasty to Pendragon.

Pendragon is persisting in his quest to save the universe and he has his first really big temptation in this book. Mark and Courtney are keeping Pendragon's journals, not always an easy task. Loor is there for her friends when they need her, and Pendragon is the same.

Read the last review if you want a ending; I really can't think of something new to say! Hobey ho!

3 The Never War

Pendragon has lost his ring! Mark and Courtney are in for a twist in the story that already resembles DNA. When they do receive Pendragon's journals they are like nothing else yet. Their from First Earth, aka, Earth in 1937. Pendragon has never been very good at history, what event could Saint Dane have in mind this time? Can you think of it? (No cheating!)

Swearing is slowly getting better, leaps have been made since the first one. This book starts to brush on some deeper questions, do we really want to find answers in a non-Christian book?

Relationships are still strong between Mark, Courtney and Pendragon. Though some of Mr. MacHale's philosophies I don't agree with, some I think are really true, they match with the Bible, and are really applicable to our lives.

This book raises some interesting questions. If your a person who likes to talk about books it might be worth while to discuses these interesting points view. I have a recommendation: read the prefaces! They are really fun. He's not one of those author who acts like their books are not believable. He really gets into it! Hobey ho!

2 The Lost City of Faar

Poor Pendragon thought he was done, at least for awhile. No, you guessed it, he's off to the next territory in Halla. Cloral is a watery plant, with some pretty cool technology, and a hidden secret which could save it's future.

The swearing, which, surprisingly is less. Evolution, through out all of the books is the believed theory. Strangely this is countered by Pendragon's questions about who made the Flumes, or who made the Travelers. It is implied that there is 'someone' out there directing the Travelers, someone really good, and really powerful.

Mark and Courtney have hard times with their lives and each other, but they stick together. Pendragon, though not willingly, selflessly puts himself in harms way to save the world. Why does that sound so silly in print? Self control is show to be important.

Just wait, it gets better... Hobey Ho!

1 The Merchant of Death

Pendragon's day was going pretty good. He finds out that the girl he has liked for four years likes him back, and they kiss. Awwwww. Guys, please don't give up on the book yet, you'll like the next part better. But Pendragon's kiss is rudely interrupted by a surprise visit from his favorite uncle. The girl gets left behind as uncle and nephew begin a whirlwind adventure between space and time.

Really the most objectionable about this book is the language. It's more than I am okay with reading, the sad thing is these are REALLY good books.

Though Pendragon has not a clue about what he is doing, he does it because he trusts his uncle, and because he cares about other people. Through the series he gains wisdom, understanding and a deep kindness. Mark and Courtney are faithful and keep Pendragon's most important possessions safe.

Other than the langauge, these books are so very awesome. Ok, maybe the ideas aren't really that original, maybe the author is using these books as projections of some of his theologies, but they are pretty cool anyway. Hobey-ho, let's go!

4 Sir Thursday

Arthur is unable to return home because a strange boy has taken his place in the world. He barely has a moment to contemplate what to do about this when he is drafted into the army of Sir Thursday. Before Arthur can refuse, he is in the army and shortly to be washed between the ears. Will Arthur be able to regain his memory before something worse happens?

Look to Mister Monday and Drowned Wednesday for negative elements.

Arthur's friends are faithful to him, Arthur is doing his best, and I think he's doing pretty good.

Is Arthur ever going to be able to save The house and not become a denizen? Tension. Who is this creepy Lady Friday and what is her deal? If you've enjoyed these books thus far, these questions are probably foremost in your mind. Keep reading to find out!

3 Drowned Wednesday

Arthur is back in the house. This time with a broken leg. Instead of picking him up like she said she would, Lady Wednesday picks up Arthur's friend Leaf who was sitting on his bed. As Arthur drifts in the sea without any hope being rescued, he find something to cling to. As a reward, he gets marked on his hand, one that will never come off. As his life goes more and more wrong Arthur wishes he had never been pick for this.

Magic is used through out all of the books. The Architect (the one who made everything) is sill absent. Probably a reflection of Mr. Nix's own beliefs.

Arthur, thought still reluctant, is doing the right thing. Suzy is there for him when he needs it, with some funny remarks to cheer him. They complement each other well.

I really recommend these books if you want some good reading. Arthur may be younger than a lot of you, but he is a good character to read about. Trying to adapt to a world he had now idea existed two days ago and now he is the master of emence power and is expected to fight for more. In one week.