Synopsis:Meggie loves books. So does her father, Mo, a bookbinder, although he's never read aloud to her since her mother mysteriously disappeared. They live quietly until the night a stranger arrives with a warning. The next day, Mo starts packing but won't tell Meggie why. They must go into hiding. But from what? From whom?
Soon, Mo's secret is revealed. He has the amazing ability to breathe life into stories, to make characters come alive. Years ago, he accidentally released a merciless villain from a book called Inkheart. And now, this hateful criminal is after Mo and his extraordinary gift ...
Meggie is hurled into the adventure of a lifetime, where the imaginary has become real. Its up to her to find a way to alter the course of the story that holds them all in its power.
Soon, Mo's secret is revealed. He has the amazing ability to breathe life into stories, to make characters come alive. Years ago, he accidentally released a merciless villain from a book called Inkheart. And now, this hateful criminal is after Mo and his extraordinary gift ...
Meggie is hurled into the adventure of a lifetime, where the imaginary has become real. Its up to her to find a way to alter the course of the story that holds them all in its power.
My Review:
As a book lover myself, I found this a must read, and I very much enjoyed the depth of this story. Like a pool of water, the further you read, you realize just how deep this story goes, that you barely realize when you first pick it up. It contains amazing concepts and ideas that could be behind the fantastic world of books that you never thought of before. The scenery is rich, the characters real and complex, and the storyline exciting and thought provoking.
Age Stamp:
Pros:
I absolutely loved the way Mrs Funke painted a very real picture of what books mean to someone who loves them. The rich descriptions of how Mo works as a book binder, the genuine appreciation these characters have for books, and the way they treat them was like a coming home for me. Mo has fierce protection for his daughter, loyalty to friends, and is true to his word. I also liked the way you never can tell if one peculiar character is for them or against. One of the things that stood out most for me is how much it mattered what words were chosen. It mirrored how we should choose our words carefully in reality.
Cons:
As the series progresses, it gets rather dark. Although you know the distinct difference between the good and evil, the goriness and oppression of evil lords are a little graphic. There is also a spattering of swearing throughout the series, but nothing explicit. There is an unmarried couple with children, however this is not described in detail.
Publisher info, Other Versions, Series Titles & Curriculum:
This is the "Inkworld" trilogy. Inkheart is followed by "Inkspell", which is followed by "Inkdeath". They are published by Chicken House publishers in May 2004.
My Ratings:
Violence:[#] [#] [#
Fear Factor: @ @ @ it gets a bit creepy in places.
Romance: <3 between two characters, very mild.
Language: [!] [!] a few slightly strong ones, but not filthy.
Christian: (No)
Mature Themes:X X
My Rating: *****
Language: [!] [!] a few slightly strong ones, but not filthy.
Christian: (No)
Mature Themes:X X
My Rating: *****
Synopsis:
Two orphaned brothers have run away to Venice, where crumbling canals and misty alleyways shelter a secret community of street urchins. The leader of this motley crew of lost children is a clever, charming boy who calls himself the Thief Lord.
And he has a dark secret. Something from a forgotten past that pases a threat to the boys' freedom: a treasure so enchanted, it can spin time...
My Review:
This was an interesting and intriguing read. The story is spun so delicately that you are never quite sure what is around the corner. You never see the end coming, but you are both surprised and pleased at how things turn out.
Age Stamp:
Pros:
Prosper, the main character, has a good conscience. He is never comfortable with the fact that the orphans steal to stay alive. During the entire book he strives to protect his brother, and do the right thing regardless of what the others tell him. The book is well written, the setting spectacular in how richly detailed it's described. The magical element is not introduced until later, and has a strange historical quality to it.
Cons:
I can't think of many cons for this book. The fact that the children steal may turn some people off, but it doesn't stay that way throughout the story. There is a lot of secrecy, and parents don't play a major role in the book.
Publisher info, Other Versions, Series Titles & Curriculum:
This is a single volume and was published by Chicken House publishers in 2001.
It's not a part of any known curriculum
My Ratings:
Violence:[#] [
Fear Factor: @
Romance: 0
Language: [!] maybe one or two very mild ones
Christian: (No)
Mature Themes:X
My Rating: ****
Language: [!] maybe one or two very mild ones
Christian: (No)
Mature Themes:X
My Rating: ****
Synopsis:
Charlie is a squeaky-clean high-schooler who gets good grades, dreams about joining the Air Force, and loves practicing his karate - and it's this last skill that comes in especially handy when he wakes up tied to a chair next to a tableau of torture instruments. In an attempt to understand how he landed in such dire straits, he flashes back to the last thing he remembers: a seemingly typical day at school. The excitement plateaus once Charlie escapes and realizes that he's wanted by more than just a band of terrorists, but the chase scenes, gunfire, and fistfights never let up.
Charlie is a squeaky-clean high-schooler who gets good grades, dreams about joining the Air Force, and loves practicing his karate - and it's this last skill that comes in especially handy when he wakes up tied to a chair next to a tableau of torture instruments. In an attempt to understand how he landed in such dire straits, he flashes back to the last thing he remembers: a seemingly typical day at school. The excitement plateaus once Charlie escapes and realizes that he's wanted by more than just a band of terrorists, but the chase scenes, gunfire, and fistfights never let up.
My Review:
What a thrilling read! I must say, this is one of the rare few books that I literally could not put down. Especially the sequel. I found this book everything a good book should be: engrossing, humorous, thrilling, scary, and uplifting all in the same breath. Charlie is a hero you really enjoy reading about.
Age Stamp:
Pros:
Charlie is an awesome hero. He is a Christian, a church goer, and a doer of the Word, he has high moral standards, and he lives his life according to what he knows is right. All the way through his troubles, he stuck by his faith in the Lord, something I was desperately hoping he would do. This book encourages great faith, courage, and loyalty, as both Charlie (and his friends) stand by each other through thick and thin. It also makes you think: who are the "good guys"? Very enlightening.
Cons:
I must admit, I can't think of many, if any. He does describe his ex- friend's bad habits since he's fallen into bad company, but nothing explicit. There is a bit of violence, blood, and shooting, but it is not done with horrific detail.
Publisher info, Other Versions, Series Titles & Curriculum:
These books are published by Thomas Nelson Inc, 2009. So far their are two titles in the series:
1. The Last Thing I Remember
2. The Long Way Home
There is a third coming out on the 2nd of November, "The Truth of the Matter", and a fourth is scheduled to come.
My Ratings:
Violence:[#] [#] [#
Fear Factor: @ @
Fear Factor: @ @
Romance: <3 <3 He has a girlfriend, but only a few simple kisses.
Language: 0
Christian: (Sort of)
Mature Themes:0
Language: 0
Christian: (Sort of)
Mature Themes:0
My Rating: *****
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