Harry Potter Books 2-4

(I told Squirmy that Time Turner isn't real

but he is hoping it will give more time to read)



Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Harry Potter is continuing his schooling at Hogwarts and learning more about his past and facing more dangerous. In Chamber of Secrets, the school is being terrorized by a monster that is petrifying students and it is only a matter of time until someone is killed. In Prisoner of Azkaban, a notorious inmate escapes and is linked to Harry's past and it is taking everything Harry can do to survive the Dementors, guards of the prison looking for the escapee, around the school and control his anger when he learns the truth about this man. In Goblet of Fire, the Triwizard Tournament is underway and visitors from other wizarding schools come together to compete in these dangerous and deadly games, and someone has added Harry as a contestant! Fun magic, action and adventure, and friendship fill the pages of books 2-4 as things become progressively darker and more serious for Harry and his future.

Author - J. K. Rowling

Publisher - Scholastic

Age Group - 14 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Disobedience and rebellion is something of a staple of the series as well as fighting (and, most recently, hexing) with the bullies. In book 3, when Harry hears of someone who was involved in killing his parents, he want to kill them but comes to willingly giving them to the Dementors instead. In book 4, Hermione begins to black mail a reporter, handling the illegal actions of the woman herself instead of seeking assistance from an adult. The return of Voldemort is creepy. While they are disobedient and try to handle things themselves, they usually come to turning to a teacher they can trust and learn important lessons in the end. Lessons of friendship, justice instead of revenge, and standing up for what is right even when you might get hurt.

Personal Opinion - Harry, Ron, and Hermione are in more adventures and danger as usual. While the characters do make bad choices that never seem to get addressed in the series of them being right or wrong, there is a lot of good in them. Yet, there is definitely actions I would not condone or support. The characters are constantly coming face to face with evil and doing the right thing. Harry especially keeps putting his life on the line to save others. I think the series also shows well how kids think and feel. The characters are realistic and trying to solve puzzles, especially when they can't get teachers to tell them everything, is normal. Also, the main thing of this series is right vs. wrong and good vs. evil. I think the characters keep learning the deeper into the series the books go. Of course, right now the books are still fairly light hearted, making me laugh out loud and chuckle and a lot of charming magic. Yet, I've also moved on to the later books and they get darker, more serious. I think there is meaning in that. While I can see caution with these books and discussions on some of the actions the characters take that are never addressed, it is a good series that I think can teach a lot about good, friendship, and standing up for what is right.

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Awards - New York Times Bestseller
 
Other Reviews for this Author - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone - Review
                                                    Very Good Lives - Review

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How to Train Your Dragon: How to Fight a Dragon's Fury - Book 12

 

 (Hiccup and Toothless from the movies decided to fill in for Squirmy)

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - The end is near. Doomsday of Yule is approaching and Hiccup is in trouble and Alvin is about to be crowned king. And the dragon Fury is preparing his army for battle. As the Vikings prepare for a king and war, Hiccup will have to not only get to Hero's End without getting killed, prove he is the king without any of the Lost Things, and be crowned king without getting killed by Alvin and his mother, but also figure out how to overcome Fury without destroying the dragons once and for all. And if that wasn't enough, there are a few more surprises waiting in this conclusion to the How to Train Your Dragon series.

Author - Cressida Cowell

Publisher - Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
 
Age Group - 13 and up
 
Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Several death and battle scenes, not really graphic but the deaths are sad. Hiccup is faithful and true to his quest and responsibilities. He tries to defend and help those he can and forgives those who ask for it.

Personal Opinion - Wow, what a great ending. It almost makes me want to go out and look for dragons. I don't think I will ever be the same after reading this series, and isn't that what great books do? They change you? Take you on a journey, or go on your journey with you in life, and change how you see and think of the world? That is what the end of How to Train Your Dragon is for me. Considering anew, just what I love about books, how I see my world and want to react to it. The end is sad yet hopeful, wanting to make the reader cry yet smile at times. Sometimes at the same time. It also leaves the reader with hope. While dragons aren't real, there is a message at the very end, one I wont share for spoilers, that makes you consider things differently and what you are doing and seeing in this world. If I have one issue with the story, it is the repetition of the same message or very close sentences several times throughout the book which make it longer than it needed to be and was a bit overkill. Yet, I almost hope to read the story again, keep it with me over the years, and hope it has changed me for the better.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher,

Other Reviews for this Author - How to Train Your Dragon - Books 1-7
                                                    How to Train Your Dragon - Book 8
                                                    How to Train Your Dragon - Books 9-11

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How to Train Your Dragon Series: Books 9-11

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - The dragon Furious has returned leading the Dragon Rebellion with one goal in mind, destroy the humans, especially Hiccup. As the dragons attack, the Vikings strike back, knowing only one can survive. Mean while, Hiccup has to survive and accept that he is to be the next king of the Wilder West. Yet everything is falling apart. He is losing everything, his tribe, his friends, and his family. Alone, he needs to find a way to stop the dragon rebellion before one side or the other is defeated forever. It is up to Hiccup to save the dragon and Vikings, and stop the wrong man claiming the throne. The dragon rebellion has begun.

Author - Cressida Cowell

Publisher - Little, Brown and Company

Age Group - 13 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Honor and loyalty is tested and choices are made on how to treat one another. Friends are determined as well as how far they are willing to go for each other. How faithful one will be is tested. Death even comes to one.

Personal Opinion - If the summary is a bit dark for this usually tongue-in-cheek series, that's because that is the turn the books have taken. Hiccup struggles with his calling and protecting those he loves as well as achieving his goals. He is devastated by the idea of losing dragons forever and is determined to save both them and the Vikings but as Alvin and his mother work on making Alvin king, they are determined to destroy the beasts. Right and wrong will be determined and loyalty as well as friendship will be discovered. Sacrifices are made, lives lost, and stakes are falling. There is only one book left in the series and I can only see a bitter sweet or a depressing (filled with tears and sadness) ending based off what has been hinted at Old Hiccup's writings. Yet, I'm looking forward to its release this fall. But, also sad at it ending. Here is to a great, crazy, funny, charming, and fantastic series of dragons, adventures, and growing up while becoming a hero.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher,

Other Reviews for this Author - How to Train Your Dragon: Books 1-7 - Review
                                                   How to Train Your Dragon: How to Break a Dragon's Heart - Review

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Dreamworks Dragons: Riders of Berk; Volumes 1-4

Bookworm's Ranking - 3.5 - 4 Worms

Storyline - Hiccup and his friends are defending Berk, fighting dragons, and meeting new enemies in this comic book series based off the TV show, Riders of Berk. In the series, we meet old and new enemies as the dragons and Vikings get in trouble a well as the heroes using their ingenuity to conquer their antagonists. Ride along with the dragons and riders as the work together and learn new lessons on their crazy adventures.

Publisher - Titan Comics

Age Group - 13 and up
 
Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Hiccup tries to be a good leader but also disobeys his father from time to time. He is determined to protect his dragon and friends. Jealousy also comes into play. All the gang tries to work together and protect their home and dragons.

Personal Opinion - This series is fun and charming but I found some of the stories missing something. These stories are not recreations of the episodes on TV but their own adventures to add to the show which makes them new. That artwork was colorful and bright, bringing the story to life. The new enemies were interesting and challenging, requiring the dragon riders to use their famous ingenuity to win. Yet, something seemed to be missing from the books. For some, it might have been a sense of immediacy with the danger and the stories went fast. One of the comic's art was a bit strange but, I like this series and can't wait to see the rest of the stories.

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The Ice Dragon

Bookworm's Ranking - 3.5 Worms

 

Storyline - Adara was born during the coldest winter her village has seen in over a hundred years, and is just as cold. She loves the winter and the ice dragon that visits, bring an icy chill. Yet, because of her frosty behavior, her family can't get close to her. As war advances to her village and winter comes sooner every year, her family struggles with what to do, stay or leave. When it seems like her whole world is about to fall apart when she is seven, one choice from here will affect the outcome of her whole family.

Author - George R. R. Martin

Illustrator - Yvonne Gilbert

Publisher - Starscape Book; Tom Doherty Associates, LLC

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Detailed description of mother's womb and was born with a cold affecting her. After a brief temptation to runaway and abandon her family, she returns to face a terrible enemy. Unconditional love, even when it is not returned, shared.

Personal Opinion - Beautifully told. The story was very symbolic of love and family and sacrifice and change. I am actually surprised how well it was told with so little dialogue which is really popular for stories. I wish it had been longer and went deeper into the characters and events, especially since it is for an older age group despite how short it is, but I think it had a good message about cold and warmth and how people change.

Video -

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Author,

Awards - New York Times bestselling author

Note - The book has recently been republished with a new cover.

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A Hobbit Devotional

"Drama... Humor... Insight...
What More Could You Ask from a Book?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Discover God's message and truth infussed in the beloved classic, The Hobbit, as Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarfs on their journey to reclame their treasure. Filled with humor and relevent lessons from the Bible, A Hobbit Devotional takes readers on a journey of faith while Bilbo goes on his adventure and discovers his own strength and faces his fears. With Bilbo and company as examples, readers get a chance to see how fantasy reflects their ralities as they learn important values from the Bible.

Author - Ed Strauss

Publisher - Barbour Books

Age Group - 14 or 15 and up

Personal Opinion - One insightful, enjoyable, fun read. This was such a great devotional. Each one was filled with truth, as well as some ocasional humor, and great conections to the Bible. Loved, and really appreciated, how it covered what was happening in The Hobbit after the introductory quote so it didn't require me going back and reading the book to understand everything. The Biblical conections were thought out, clear, and soul lifting as well as challenging me to think about my own life. I enjoyed each minute of the book and will have to pass it along to friends and family. Only one denominational difference but it was wonderful and it will sit proudly on my shelf.

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Dragons of Starlight: Liberator

"The Time Has Come"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms
 

Storyline - As the disease released from Exodus ravages the humans, Koren, Jason, Elyssa, Randall, Tibalt, Arxad, Alpha, and Magnar not only have to find a cure before it kills every human then spreads to the coming army, but must also find a way to over come Tashin and the released Benefile. It is time for the prophesy to come true. A Starlighter must make the ultimate sacrifice. But who will surrender themselves for freedom of the slaves?

Author - Bryan Davis

Publisher - Zondervan

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* The characters were ready to die to save one another, human and dragon alike, to free the slaves. Lots of killing and deaths.

Personal Opinion - Selfless love and sacrifice, adventure and action, dragons. What more could a girl ask for? Jason, Elyssa, and Koren are fighting to free the slaves from bondage still, with the climax coming up, as they also learn to set themselves free from bandages that don't have physical chains. They also learned to turn to the Creator in their time of trials and to trust in him. There were only a couple of things in this series that I felt was strange and thought it could have been a little more climatic but this was a good ending to a series that I followed from the beginning. Love this cover too. I don't know why, but it keeps catching my eye, causing me to stair at it. I think it is my favorite cover at of the series.

Video - This is for book 1

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher, Author (Signature Option)

Links - Learn more about the books and author at this website and blog.
Special Notes - Book 1 and 2, Starlighter and Warrior, Review
                          Book 3, Divinor, Review
Other books by this Bryan Davis reviewed on Bookworm:
                          Dragons in Our Midst Series, Review
                          Tales of Starlight: Masters and Slayers, Book 1, Review

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from Zondervan through the Z Street Team.

To read, comment, and rate this and other reviews, stop by Bookworm.

How to Train Your Dragon: How to Break a Dragon's Heart

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - When Camicazi goes missing, warriors of Berk go searching with the Bog-Burglars. But are surrounded by Uglithugs who wants to know who has been sending love letters to the Chief's daughter. Hiccup discovers it was Fishlegs so, to protect him, he claims he did it and is sent on an impossible task that 11 others have gone on, have not come back. Fishlegs, not wanting to be a joke and to discover who is family is, goes on the task but gets captured. Will he and the others escape before being sacrificed by the Berserks? Will Hiccup find a way out? And will he finally overcome this one particular villain?

Author - Crassida Cowell

Publisher - Little, Brown and Company

Age Group - 13 or 14 and up

Content - Hiccup lies once to protect a friend and a second so a bad guy wont kill him. Hiccup hears a prophesy about himself and wonders if it could be true. He tries to help and protect others.

Personal Opinion - This was a good book for the How to Train Your Dragon Series. I think it let you in on more of the personal history of Hiccup and his family and a friend. I did find the prophesying of an old king about the future was a bit strange (and the witch) but I still found it the same good, tongue-in-cheek funny, lesson teaching story that the How to Train Your Dragon Series is. The reader got to be more personal with the characters than before, in my opinion, with this book. I look forward to the next adventure and what craziness will happen.

Links - Learn more about the books and author at: http://www.howtotrainyourdragonbooks.com/

Buy - Amazon

Special Notes - This is the eighth book in the series. How to Train Your Dragon Review. This review is done in an older style than more more recent reviews.

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Tales of Starlight Series: Masters and Slayers

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Book 1 - Adrian Masters has believed that dragons kidnapped people from his planet and made slaves of them elsewhere for his whole life like his mother and father and other believers have. When a chance to find the portal to the dragon world comes, he jumps to the task. Unfortunately, he has to work with an opponent, Marcelle, who caries painful memories and a hot temper. Arriving in the dragon world, they must blend in and learn how things work to figure out a way to rescue the people. But when one of them makes a terrible mistake, they are separated and death is the promise.

Author - Bryan Davis

Publisher - Living Ink Press

Age Group - 16 and up

Content - Adrian looks out for those he loves and who are weaker. Even though Marcelle can frustrate him, he cares about her and protects her. Marcelle has a hot temper but she comes to realize that and does what she can to calm down. Her family was hurt when she was young and has wanted revenge on the one who had caused it. The dragons force the humans to "breed" to get more workers and some are treated violently and burned.

Personal Opinion - Good but had trouble connecting with it like I do other books from this author. Also, the times with Jason, Adrian's younger brother, in it seemed to lack info but that might be because Starlighter, book one in the Dragons of Starlight series, is Jason and Koren's story so the info and the ability to connect with him has been done elsewhere. I did like it though and thought it brought up some good stuff to think about and promote in life. I really liked how the characters grew and how hard they worked for something better and fought for what they believed in. I look forward to reading The Third Starlighter, book 2 of this series.

Video - This isn't a book trailer but was a song made using a poem from the book.

Links - Learn more about the books and author at: http://www.mastersandslayers.com/

Special Notes - Book 2, The Third Starlighter, out later this year.

To read, comment, and rate this and other reviews, stop by http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/

Dragons of Starlight: Diviner

"The Mysteries Unfold"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Book 3 - Jason and his father are returning to the Southlands when they meet up with Elyssa but soon after one of them is kidnapped by a dragon and must be rescued before they are executed. Koren, mean while, learns more about Exudose and tries to make the slaves work for there freedom but find that having someone see the truth and fight for something is harder than it sounds. As they all learn lessons about what slavery and freedom really is, things about themselves, and turning more to the Creator, a new threat comes that could destroy all of human kind, but not just on Dracon but Major Four as well.

Author - Bryan Davis

Publisher - Zondervan

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - The characters like Koren, Jason, and Elyssa learn some great lessons about the Creator, sacrifice, and seeing themselves as they are but loving who they are too. They also learn not be angry with themselves because they had been blind before to the world and concentrated on themselves. I was personally uncomfortable with one of the dragons saying he remade a human and infusing it with its old spirit. That was just a bit strange.

Personal Opinion - Enjoyable book with good lessons and character development in faith and truth. The characters grew wonderfully in the Creator and became wonderful examples for others in giving of themselves, following the Code, and trying to do the right thing. I like Bryan Davis's books but sometimes they get a little strange for me, as well. He has some great story ideas but, as the books go on, they get some different stuff in them such as what I mentioned in 'content'. Even though this weird with me, I'm going to be reading the final book, Liberator, when it comes out in 2012 and looking forward to how it all comes together and having secrets revealed.

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from Zondervan through the Z Street Team.

Links - Learn more about the books and author at: http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/

Special Notes - You can read my review of books 1 and 2 at: http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/2011/02/dragons-of-starlight.html

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The Dragons of Chiril

"Before Dragonspell, on a Different Continent and in a Different Time, a Young Emerlindian's Desperate Decision Threatens to Disrupt the Foundation of the World."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Book 1 - After her father went missing fifteen years earlier, Tipper has kept her family and their estate afloat with selling off his art. But, when he suddenly reappears (along with two eccentric men from a country on the other side of the world), it becomes a life and death mission to find three statues that she had sold years ago. A ragtag team sets off to find and connect the statues before the world crashes in around them but there are obstacles that will make the journey difficult. Plus, something new is at work and the land of Chiril will soon come to know Wulder, a powerful being that holds everything in his hands.

Author - Donita K. Paul

Publisher - WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - The main characters stick together through the journey when it becomes difficult and they need one another. When in mortal danger, they defend one another. When it became difficult to get one of the statues, they didn't want to steal it because they knew it was wrong and didn't want to go against the teachings of Wulder. Unfortunately, they did lie a couple of times when they couldn't have the truth come out and Tipper doesn't listen or obey well and disobeys the others a few times.

Personal Opinion - When I originally got the book, I thought I would be jumping into the middle of a series and wondered how badly I would be confused. But then discovered that this book was The Vanishing Sculptor republished with a new name and cover. Surprised, but pleased, that I was actually at the beginning of the series, I read it eagerly.  I really enjoyed how some characters could talk in circles in their conversations which was funny and made me chuckle. They really did make your head swirl a little. There were also four drawings in the book and a map which I always love to have included and a helpful glossary at the end. I thought it would get into finding the statues quicker than it did but it was still entertaining all the way through, it didn't drag or lose me. I also thought there would be a little more to the ending and that there would have been more development in the Wulder business but there is a second book so, perhaps, it is setting you up for that. The Christian analogies were good but I still don't completely understand them all and am trying to piece them together. Perhaps when I read book 2 this will become clearer. Very entertaining and kept my interest well. I look forward to reading the other books in this series and will recommend this to my friends.

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Links - Learn more about the book and author at: http://www.donitakpaul.com/index.html . Read a sneak peek at the publisher's website at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/2011/03/25/sneak-peek-the-dragons-of-chiril-by-donita-k-paul/ . You can also read the review I wrote of the book The Dragon and Turtle Go on Sufari, which is also by Danita K. Paul, here: http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/2011/01/dragon-and-turtle-go-on-safari.html .

Special Notes - This book is a re-release of The Vanishing Sculptor with a new name and cover. There are two more books after this one, Dragons of the Valley and Dragons of the Watch, which is releasing later this year.


The reason for the email address in this rating system is because some people were rating reviews more than once. I never see or have access to the emails and they will be kept private. After you confirm or email (you only have to do that once), you will not receive anything more unless you leave the check mark for receiving updates from the publisher. I would very much appreciate you ranking my review.

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The Star Trilogy

Bookworm's Ranking - 3-4 Worms

Storyline - Book 1 - The Dragon Boy -A boy with no name and no place to go is finally about to make his dream come true to work next to the kingdom's dragon, Star. The boy gets a name and begins to make friends and enemies. Soon the boy is given a great task to wash the dragon and learns many secrets, and starts to get a few of his own. But when one of these secrets get out, there's trouble. What will happen to him now?
Book 2 - The Dragon of Two Hearts - Michael, the boy now a man, has heard about a dragon terrorizing the kingdom of Gladur Nock. As he heads that way to face it, he learns about the desperate plight of the people and a cruel king. He is taken to train with other warriors to face the dragon but, when he meets the beautiful princess, he's not too sure if he wants to go to his death. Can he defeat the evil Scorch? And, if he does, how will he concur the evil king?
 
Author - Donald Samson

Age Group - 11 or 12 and up

Positive - Interesting books. Star and the boy have a great love for each other. The boy stands by Star no matter what. When Michael goes after the evil dragon in book 2, he is willing to give up his life in order to save others. He learns great lessons though about who he is and how even he is not as good as he claims to be. He learns other lessons along with that but I will leave some of those for the reader to find.

Negative -I wish the boy hadn't given in to his angry so easily or at least learned that sometimes it isn't right to return the favor in the first book and, in the second, he planed to get even with a bully. I think you are suppose to get that the main character changes in several aspects of himself but it didn't mention this feeling of revenge specifically. Also, I wasn't too big on the idea of a dragon going back and forth of being good, then, after a time, returning to being wild. It just didn't seem right to make it sound that it was okay to go back and forth of being good and evil. They kind of made a point with this but I still wasn't too found of it. Two bad guys also talk about women in terms of what land and status they can get by marring them.

Writing - The books are written with simple wording and easy vocabulary. But the pace do differ between them. The first one was good. It moved at an alright pace and the characters were nicely created (I did find it strange how the boy kept saying "my love" to the dragon because that doesn't seem like something a boy would say but I don't know). Book two, though, seemed like it was a little slow in getting to the main story but their was a lot of information to go through to understand certain things latter on. But it didn't capture my attention very well. When it came to the time after the man fought the dragon, I got more interested and the story picked up pace.

Personal Opinion - I liked book 1 more than book two, mostly because I thought it was slower and it didn't capture my interest as much until much later on in the book. The books are clean and simply told. I kind of wish the main character didn't grow up by book two because I think kids like to read books about kids (at least that is what I assume because of how many book I've read that are for young adults that have young adults as the main character). Even though book two was much slower and less liked than book one, I am curious to see what happens in book 3 so I think I might read it but I am not so excited for it that I will go right out and get it as soon as I can.

Links - Learn more about the books and author at: http://www.thedragonboy.com/ .

Awards - For book 1 - Winner of the Moonbeam Awards gold medal for Best First Book in 2009. For the Mom's Choice Award, silver medal for Fantasy, Myth, and Legends. A finalist for the Eric Hoffer Book Awards in Young Adult Fiction in 2010.
For book 2 - The silver medal in Young Adult Fantasy in the Moonbeam Awards in 2010. For the Mom's Choice Awards, silver medal in Fantasy, Myth, and Legends. In the Austin Waldorf School Children's Choice Award, Silver Medal in the 5th-6th Grades category.

Dragons of Starlight

Storyline - Book 1 - Starlighter - Jason is a brilliant swordsman trained by his brother. The two don't see eye to eye on things but when Adrian goes off to find the Lost Ones, Jason takes his place in protecting the governor. When the governor is killed, Jason is framed and has to prove his innocence. On the way, he finds a way to the dragon planet that is told to hold the Lost Ones. Koren is a slave to the dragons with a gift for storytelling. But when a friend is promoted and scared of what that really means, Koren goes to find out and learns that she is a Starlighter, a prophesied girl who is said to help the yet to be born prince that some believe will free the slaves while others believe it means they will be killed. Will the truth be found out and how will the slaves be freed? Also, can Jason and Koren get out of the trouble they get themselves into that might cost them their lives?
Book  2 - Warrior - The dragon prince is born and Jason and Koren are in the Northlands trying to find help to free the slaves. But as the prince's calls and the dangers become more persistent, Koren goes back to protect Jason and a new friend. Elisa and Wallace help Axard escape from Magnar only to be caught and imprisoned. Axard and Magnar then get locked in the human world and have to find a way out. Elissa and Wallace, mean while, escape and begin to learn some history of the dragons and go to free the cattle children. What will happen when Koren goes back to the prince? Will she resist him or is what he tells her true? What waits for Jason in the Northlands and will he be able to succeed a test set before him? And what of Randall and Tibalt? What is waiting for them when they return to Darksphere?

Author - Bryan Davis

Age Group - 15 and up (some grown up issues which makes this series more appropriate for high schoolers on up)

Positive - Koren fights and wishes to live her life according to the Code set down by the Creator and wants to help her fellow slaves, especially the cattle children who are the worst off. Jason fights for the freedom of slaves as well but has lessons to learn before he can do that such as how far he is willing, and should, go to help a stranger. There is much fighting to help those who are less fortunate and who are helpless. Wallace, who only has one eye and has been a slave all his life, helps those he cares about and even rises up to be more then he ever was before.

Negative - Something from book to really bothered me (there might have been another thing but this one really stuck out for me) from book 2, Warrior. A statement by one of the characters. Cassabrie and Jason are talking about how if they don't fulfill what the Creator sets out for them he will find another and if they get in the way of the Creator's plans he will eliminate them. Cassabrie once says, "You are free to make your own decisions, unless you get in the way and endanger the outcome of the game" (they are using the game of chess as an analogy). But I don't think that is true. I don't think God just gets rid of someone because they mess up his plans. I don't believe anyone can mess up God's plans intentionally or not, but I do believe we can not do what God wishes we would do (that is our free will he gives us). But God can use our mistakes for the better and even make us stronger and still get his plan fulfilled through us and our mistakes (this doesn't mean go out and do what ever you want and not bother trying to do God's Will). I don't think God is ever out of control of the game or else, then, he is not all powerful. God created every person for a reason so would he really just get rid of someone because they don't do what they are suppose to? Is that really compassionate? And if God did just eliminate those that get in his way then do we really have free will? And would any of us still be alive?

Writing - Bryan Davis is always original with his storytelling and has wonderful descriptions that draws you into the story and makes a clear picture in your head. There are things that are weird to me, like when a spirit of a dead girl enters someone living so they can travel easier, but I still enjoy the books and look forward to what is coming out next.

Personal Opinion - The books are exciting, the characters learning good morals and becoming stronger, the stories original, and they support faith and God which not a lot of books (especially secular ones) or are world today do. I think the only problems I ever have with this author's books is that (I believe) we are of two different denominations (I don't know what his is) so there are slight differences in our faith. I agree on the more universal believes of the Christian faith, such as trusting God, and the main morals of the story, such as helping others without looking for repayment. This series is exciting and, if you or someone you know like dragons, read this. Even if you don't like dragons, very entertaining and good lessons.

Links - Learn more about the books and author at: http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/  and http://www.daviscrossing.com/ .

Special Note - There is more to come in this series so I will be updating this review as I read the books. Also, in book 2, there's a paragraph missing. The author mentioned it on his blog and wrote the paragraph there. I have copied and pasted the link here which will take you directly to the paragraph:
http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/2011/01/warrior-readers-please-see-this-to.html  .

Dragons in Our Midst

Storyline - Book 1- Raising Dragons - Billy is a regular kid, with a regular family, with regular problems. Or so he thought. One day he finds out he is really part dragon. But that is not the only problem, a dragon slayer has come to kill them and the other part dragon kid Billy has become friends with, Bonnie. Will they be able to defeat the slayer and survive? And what exactly happened to the dragons?
Book 2 - The Candlestone - Bonnie's father has resurfaced and wants her back. But when she returns to Montana, her friends finds out that he isn't being completely truthful and go after him. Turns out, Bonnie's father has the candlestone and found a way for them to enter it. Can Bonnie's friends arrive in time and what is in the candlestone?
Book 3 - Circles of Seven - Billy and Bonnie have to enter the Circles of Seven to find the lost dragons. In the Circles, the are tempted and tried and have to defeat Morgan and Devin. Can they get through the Circles in one piece or will one pay the ultimate price? And what are these demon creatures that are in one of the Circles?
Book 4 - Tears of a Dragon - The final battle is near. There is just one more thing Billy and Bonnie have to do. They must go to where the dragon's spirits have been waiting to be freed and free them. Simple enough. But with Morgan on the loose and going after Billy's friends and the demons, the Watchers, getting ready for battle, the clock is ticking and everything is at stake. Also, the place where the dragons are is a strange place and not all the dragons believe Billy and Bonnie. Can they save the dragons and convince them to help them in this battle or is everything doomed?

Author - Bryan Davis

Age Group - 13 and up

Positive - The characters are honorable and self sacrificial. They fight the evil that is not only coming after the dragons but also the world. The characters grow in faith and trust as they are tempted and tried. Billy has to grow the most to believe in God, his father, and an ancient prophecy that causes much mystery throughout the series until the end. Bonnie caries the most trust and faith and helps her friends, especially Billy, to gain that trust. She also sacrifices herself to save another who had be held captive in one of the books.

Negative - There isn't much negative things in the books and, after re-reading the first one in the series, there are only a couple of things in the book that I don't like. A side character, Adam Lark, is a bully and mean to Billy and Bonnie. But instead of trying to understand him, even when it is hinted that his home life is not good, he is only pictured as a bad guy but he does puts himself in line with Devin because his family was threatened. He was only depicted and shown as something bad and not shown at all as a lost kid. The end battle scene in book one at one point was a little much for me in the description (lets just say one character gets hit in the head with a sword and, even though it is not really that graphic, I cringed). Plus, I see a mother letting their kid go off to meet a dragon slayer on their own, even if it is to help a friend.

Writing - Bryan Davis' writing is captivating and his storytelling original. The characters are good and try to do the right thing and the books tell and promote good morals and lessons.The wording and depictions are captivating and imaginative. This is an enjoyable author who is worth the time to read.

Personal Opinion - I find the books entertaining and interesting. The characters develop well over the series and the hummer within the books are funny and not inappropriate (even though Walter burps in at least one book but that is about as bad as the hummer gets). They can get a little strange for my taste once in a while, but when a new Bryan Davis book comes out, I want to read it. I personally like Tears of a Dragon the best but I am not sure why.

Links - Learn more about the series at: http://www.dragonsinourmidst.com/ and check out the author's blog at: http://dragonsinourmidst.blogspot.com/.

General Note - If you liked this series, check out the continuation series, Oracles of Fire, and just coming out this year, Children of the Bard. (I have not read Oracles of Fire so I can not rate how they are or talk about what is in them)

Awards - Not sure if this series won any awards but one or more did in the Oracles of Fire series.

The Dragon and the Turtle Go on Safari

Storyline - Roger the turtle and Padraig the dragon are camping out and having an adventure to see wonderful animals. But as the night sounds get more mysterious, so do the ideas of what caused them. Trying to make it through the night is difficult and scary but when something needs there help, they go to them. Eventually, they decide to go Home when something great happens.

Author - Donita K. Paul and Evangeline Denmark

Illustrator - Vincent Nguyen

Age Group - 3 and up

Positive - The dragon and turtle face their fears and comfort each other when one of them is frightened. They also rescue a kitten-er-leopard even when they didn't know what would happen outside their tent. At the back of the book, it gives ideas on lessons from this book to emphasis with kids when read to/by them. It also has a Bible verse that relates to the story well.

Negative - There was nothing negative in this book.

Writing - Cute. Adorable. These writers make a wonderful story about a frightened dragon and turtle who learn to face their fears. The illustrator's pictures go great with the story and are cute. The pictures also cause giggles as they reveal more of what is going on in the story such as what really made the noise. A book I can't wait to share with a child.

Personal Opinion - A cute, tongue-in-cheek book that will put a smile on your face as you read it. It has good lessons and a helpful guide in the back as to what to talk about with kids when they hear this story. A book I could see myself giving at the next baby shower or kids birthday I attend. I wish there had been a little more description in the book but, none the less, a charming story with a dragon and turtle.

Links - There is a contest for the book at: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/2011/01/10/contest-the-dragon-and-the-turtle-go-on-safari/ and its regular page is here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307446459 and read an excerpt here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307446459&view=excerpt .

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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How to Train Your Dragon Series

Story Line - How to Train Your Dragon is about a boy named Hiccup (he has a long name so we'll just stick to that) who is a viking and has a dragon named Toothless who has no teeth and never stops complaining. Hiccup is not from the typical viking material like everyone else but always does his best. He, his dragon, and best friends, Fishlegs and Camacazi, go on crazy adventures facing even crazier villains and have to save the day for the viking world.

Age Group - 12 and up.

Positive - The series is cute, tong-in-cheek, story telling. It also caries good messages of father's love no matter how wired or different their child is. The characters grow and learn something about themselves in the stories and have to face difficult odds. The face difficult situations which they master.

Negative - The characters believe in gods called Woden, Thor, and a place called Valhalla and sometimes they pray to them. The gods are also tong-in-cheek like Thor's day Thursday which is probably what Thursday is named after. The gods never make an appearance in the books the characters just believe in them. In book 5, Hiccup meets an old love of his mother's but I wasn't to fond of how in the end it made it sound like she still loved that man more than Hiccup's father. Hiccup's father, Stoik, is also portrayed as dumber than Hiccup (like most of the tribe) so he is always portrayed as doing the wrong thing (or the viking thing in certain circumstances) which might give kids the wrong impression. There is also some crass humor on occasion (Toothless pooping somewhere or Big Booby Bertha, Camacazi's mother). Hiccup's grandfather is a soothsayer (sees the future but really bad at it sometimes).

Finish - I enjoy the series even though it is meant for a younger age group than myself but I find it entertaining and silly and sweet. I could do without the gods they believe but if you want to think of the series as factual at all (which can be a stretch) they would have believed in them in about that time period I think. The books have excellent messages when his father and Hiccup don't see eye to eye but deep down Stoik loves Hiccup and would do anything to protect him. This series is also the inspiration for the film How to Train Your Dragon by Dreamworks.

Links - learn more about the books at http://www.howtotrainyourdragonbooks.com/.

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The Dragon Boy

A boy with no name and no place to go is finally about to make his dream come true to work next to the kingdom's dragon, Star. The boy gets a name and begins to make friends and enemies. Soon the boy is given a great task to wash the dragon and learns many secrets and starts to get a few of his own. But when one of these secrets get out, the boy gets in trouble. What will happen to him now?

The characters are interesting and I am curious as to what happens next. I wish Star had been a little more protective of the boy and understanding. Once in a while it seemed like he didn't care. But the book does make clear that Star is an animal so that might have something to do with it. I also wish the boy hadn't given in to his angry so easily or at least learned that sometimes it isn't right to return the favor. I would recommend this book to anyone who likes dragons. It's clean, has a good storyline, and leaves you wondering what life has in store for the characters in the future.

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