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!

On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness

I'm not really sure how to explain the plot of On the Edge of the Dark Sea of Darkness. This may be because a lot of the plot is revealed in the title. First thing revealed: the book takes place on the edge of the Dark Sea (of darkness). Second: it is suppose to be a humorous book. Third: the humor is obviously geared towards an audience that finds the title humorous. Which I did not. The story follows Janner, and his two siblings Tink (of the masculine variety) and Leeli as they encounter mysteries and evil reptilian authorities.

The bad: Just general boy humor. Which, being a teen girl, didn't really appeal.

The good: I enjoyed the brief allusions to familial responsibility, and the joy and hardship that it presents.

My view: There are only so many stupid footnotes I can take before I go insane, I can read about gross-out stuff for only so long before becoming disgusted, I only read an "adventure" book for so long without adventure before becoming bored. This book crossed all of the "for so long"s. By the time the book finally got started, it was the last chapter. But my PW said that her boys really loved it...
My one word:

Contrived

Superior Saturday

Being the horrible speller that I am, I finally learned how to spell superior, which is kinda sad since I live by Lake Superior... Anyway, that made me happy because I could spell this title. So, we return once again to the House, after a long wait, I might say. Arthur is determined to take The Will and the key from Lady Saturday, who is equally determined not to give them up. He is also combating the break out of Nothing that is consuming the Lower House. And he's still a little concerned about becoming immortal, a process that is turning him into something he's never wanted.

The bad: Um, this is Arthur Penhaligon, there isn't anything "bad"

The good: Arthur is nobly struggling to keep the remains of his humanity, which for him means compassion and humility.

My view: I had a hard time getting into Lady Friday, as you can see by the lack of review, since Mr. Nix has been slow about getting the books out in a timly manner, which makes it hard to remember the story, and I've been getting older, and Arthur has not (it does all take place in a week...). But I liked this book, it wasn't too hard to remember (I did lose quite a few threads of the story) the basic jist was there, and I was glad to keep reading this fun story.

The Seer and the Sword, A Favorite!

The kingdom of Bellandra is a peaceful nation full of art and beauty, that is until Torina's greedy father invades it, killing the king and seizing the prince as a slave for his daughter. Torina refuses to keep Landen as a slave, and starts a friendship that will save both of their lives.

The good stuff: Landen and Torina a firmly committed to peace, but also realize that life doesn't always allow it. They know just how to bend without breaking. They realise that even though good should always win, it doesn't, and rather than making them bitter, they pursue justice all the more.

The not so hot stuff: I can't think of anything.

What I like about it: This is one of my favorites because it isn't ponderous to read, and yet if fully conveys the depth of feeling that makes it good. Sometimes I want to read a really good book, without having the plot drag me down, and this is the perfect book for that!

Castaways of the Flying Dutchman, A Favorite!

Ah, the first favorite to go up! I love this book (and series) that follows the life of Ben and his faithful dog Ned. Ben starts as an abused young boy running out of the frying pan into the fire as he leaves his miserable home and gets hauled on to The Flying Dutchman. And if you know your stories, this one doesn't end pretty. Cursed to live forever, yet with an angel's blessing, Ben and Ned roam the world giving hope and help to people in need.

The good stuff: Ben is pretty much the best guy ever (well, he is fictionaly...). He is kind to those who deserve it, and merciful to bullies.

The not hot stuff: Mr. Jacques uses the words "pal" and "mate" way too much! But other than that, this is a super clean book.

What I like about it: I love this book because it is about how there are bad things in life, but there is also good. Ben and Ned live forever, and you can imagine what kind of evil things they see, and yet they maintian a hopeful and open way of seeing life. They find joy in good people, good food and a good job done. How much better life would be if we were all like this! This book is geared towards younger teens, but I always enjoy the wistful goodness of Ben. And Ned.

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?

5 The Salamander Spell

Princess Grassina spends her time bugging her older sister; who is failing in her attempts to get her magic. This is the greatest entertainment in her life, that is until her mother is cursed with ugliness, inside and out. Then she spends her time running around trying to stop her mother from turning her into an animal. Then, one day, Grassina runs away and discovers something about herself she never knew was possible (we did though).

Magic... And a love spell.

Haywood seems to genuinely care about Grassina (I hope).... Grassina saves the kingdom.... It's the fifth book in The Tales of the Frog Princess....

At best it was better than No Place for Magic; at worst it was boring.

2 Blade of Fire

Come back to the magical land that captured your interest in The Cry of the Icemark in Blade of Fire. This is the story of Thirrin and Oskan's children, specifically their youngest son. When an other war threatens, it looks as though Icemark cannot survive the attack, so the youngest prince gets sent away for his protection while his family stays to fight it out. Sharley feels betrayed by this action, but sets out to do his best in his situation. At home his family exhausts all their resources, but it doesn't seem to be enough. Is someone poisoning them from the inside?

The un-dead and other magical dark forces a everywhere, and sometimes allies.

Love, family, heroics, what could be better? This is an epic tale and has the things that make in epic, and really good!

I loved this sequel to The Cry of the Icemark, it was just as good if not better. Please read this and don't be intimidated by it large size, you'll wish it was bigger.

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)

Once Upon a Marigold

Christian has longed to meet the strange princess that lives across the river, but he is only a commoner. One day in a daring fit of what is most likely foolishness but some may call boldness, Christian sends a pigeon to the princess with a message tied to it's foot. And so begins the story, part comedy, part romance and part everything-but-the-kitchen-sink.

I don't think there is anything bad in this book.

Beauty, though nice, is shown to be unimportant. True love and commitment are very important. Christian is a hero you can cheer for. Guileless but smart. And very very sweet.

If you have read The Frog Princess books and liked them, then I believe you will also like this book. Very different, but good fun.

3 The Light of the Oracle

A young stone cutters daughter is chosen by the oracle and goes to her temple to learn her ways. But not everybody welcomes the talented young woman, by some she is ostracized and mocked, and by others supported and loved. Can her friends protected her from the deadly forces that wish to claim her life?

The magic is sill there, supporting the story. They have gods, rather in the Greek fashion.

This is another Victoria Hanley treasure, with the same qualities as the others.

Though written in the same pattern as the others, each of her books is unique and good.

2 The Healer's Keep

Sara, daughter of King and Queen (you know who) is a healer, and accordingly she is sent to the Healer's Keep, a place were potential healers are trained. There she meets bitter enemies and the best of friends. But which is which?

Magic is central to the story line.

Forgiveness is important, friendship is strong, love makes sacrifices: all in this sweeping saga. Are there any stronger themes?

Though not your familiar and favorite characters, these new ones are just as good. Read carefully though, you really need to pay attention to her books!

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!