Author Archives: Phillip Xiang

Book Review: The Lost Conspiracy, by Frances Hardinge

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lost_conspiracyOn the jungle island of Gullstruck in The Lost Conspiracy, by Frances Hardinge, the people have revered and relied on prophets known as the Lost. Possessing the ability to separate their senses from their body, the Lost can see, hear, feel, and smell things hundreds of miles away. The villages are separated by massive volcanoes, so these prophets fly their senses to distant settlements to relay news. In the village of Lace, a young girl named Arilou is the only remaining Lost, taken care of by her sister Hathin. However, the close knit people guard a secret: Arilou has never communicated with them, always seeming to be far away in her own world.

When inspectors come to test her, Hathin desperately finds ways to convince them of Arilou’s abilities. Suddenly- disaster! All around the island, the Lost are found dead, except Arilou. With their livelihoods in danger, everyone turns on the Lace, destroying their village and sending the survivors fleeing. After all, the only Lost spared was that of the Lace. Now wanted fugitives, Hathin and Arilou must untangle the conspiracy entrapping their people. Traversing the haunting jungles and sacred volcanoes, the sisters and a troop of revenge seekers work to uncover the conspiracy surrounding them all.

As you have probably guessed from the title, The Lost Conspiracy is a mystery novel, which requires a slow, deliberate read to fully understand. A lot of pages are spent contemplating clues and foreshadowing. It has a fair share of action mixed in, to keep the pace moving along. A curious aspect of this book is the dilemma Hathin faces. How can she uphold the village’s pride and treasure when Arilou cannot even communicate?

Throughout the story, Hathin is constantly caring for her sister, yet losing hope as Arilou continues to be unresponsive and distant. However, what most makes The Lost Conspiracy memorable is the unique concept of the Lost. Could we imagine being able to travel anywhere in the world, unburdened by physical needs? Pick up this thrilling mystery, and satisfy your inner detective!

-Phillip X., 8th grade

Book Review: Magyk, by Angie Sage

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magyk_coverLooking for a new fantasy novel? Magyk by Angie Sage is the beginning to an amazing series that rivals Harry Potter. Like your other favorites, it includes magic, wizards, evil and a perfect touch of humor.

In a peaceful castle, the queen gives birth to a baby girl with violet eyes. An assassin breaks in to assassinate the two, but fails to kill the infant princess, who is spirited out of the castle. Meanwhile, the Heap family of wizards welcomes their seventh son. Pronounced dead, baby Septimus Heap is taken away in the night. Soon after, Silas Heap, the father, adopts an infant abandoned in the snow (hmm). Ten years later, an assassin returns to finish the job, forcing the princess, Silas, the ExtraExtraordinary Wizard, and some others to flee the area. They seek refuge in the forest, evading the Hunter. What will happen? As we like to say, find out!

This book is particularly interesting because it doesn’t have one specific main character. Sage follows the thoughts of multiple characters throughout the book. In fact, it even details the lives of the antagonists, including the Hunter and evil necromancer. In this way, Magyk is a very unique and creative book. We even get the novelty of exploring the life of a millipede. Sounds like your kind of book? Light humor is mixed into the storyline, so that you can laugh out loud every once in a while. The entire story is written in a lighthearted tone, so it feels very casual and fun to read.

For a veteran reader of fantasy novels, this book will be especially delightful. It’s not difficult to read, yet interesting enough to keep the reader engaged. There are several more books in the series for you to enjoy, so get started quickly. We know there are lots of wizard books out there, but Magyk is one of the most unique and fun to read.

-Phillip X., 8th grade

Book Review: Evil Genius, by Catherine Jinks

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evil_geniusEvil Genius, by Catherine Jinks, follows a boy named Cadel, a typical child prodigy and hacker. Cadel is an orphan, and is living in a foster home with the Piggot family. In his life’s turmoil, he finds solace in computers. Whenever he can get his hands on one, his parents and teachers find him hacking into security and traffic networks. So, the Piggots turn to Dr. Thaddeus Roth, a child psychologist for the troubled. However, Thaddeus isn’t who he appears to be. Rather, he encourages Cadel’s illegal behavior, with the advice “Don’t get caught.”

Soon, Cadel finds himself at the Axis Institute, a school of villains. Your typical school course includes lying, computer infiltration, embezzlement, and assassination classes. For a while, Cadel feels at home, surrounded by other kids with special abilities. However, he meets Kay-Lee, another genius he met online. Ignoring Thaddeus, Cadel soon befriends Kay-Lee, and have long chats that only geniuses would have (not your average math). Gradually, she helps Cadel see through Dr. Roth’s institute so that he will find out what he really is meant for.

Catherine Jinks has a very entertaining story from a quirky perspective. We usually hate them, but now find ourselves rooting for Cadel in his evil schemes. At the same time, the readers know he is doing the wrong thing, so we appreciate his process of self-realization. The Axis Institute is also an interesting component to the story. How would a real school of deception be run? Would it be fun if you were an evil genius?

People of all ages can enjoy this book. However, teenagers would probably enjoy it the most, because of the action and computer science lingo. Evil Genius is the first book in a trilogy. Genius Squad and Genius Wars are just as engaging. So what are you waiting for? Find out for yourself what it’s like to be an evil genius!

-Phillip X., 8th grade

Book Review: Hatchet, by Gary Paulsen

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hatchet_coverHatchet by Gary Paulsen is a riveting novel about Brian Robeson, a thirteen year old boy whose parents are recently divorced. He flies to Canada in a small plane to see his father. During the flight, the pilot has a heart attack, dooming the plane to a messy crash. Being the only other person on the plane, Brian takes control of the plane, and unsurprisingly crashes it (duh). Fortunately, he manages to land into a lake, and escapes with only bruises.

After overcoming his shock, he gets to work building a shelter and collecting berries. In his hand is his trusty hatchet, given to him by his mother. Over the next few months, Brian defies all odds, surviving in the wilderness alone. He hunts for fish, makes fire, and scavenges food. Eventually, rescuers to come, but he misses his window of opportunity. Undoubtedly, Brian’s confidence and spirit is shaken. Eventually, he manages to turn his deteriorating resolve, and faces his new challenges with confidence. He hunts and constructs tools, along with the occasional excitement of a moose or skunk attack. Still, knowing he’s only thirteen, we can’t help but admire his clear thinking and determination.

Paulsen’s book is as much a thrilling adventure as it is philosophical. Brian’s woes are not depicted as tiny trifles the hero has to overcome. Brian faces each problem with the same mindset that a normal person does. We know his thoughts, turmoil, and desperation every day. This makes it easier to connect with him as a reader, knowing he’s an average kid rather than a superhero. Also, his physical challenges are just as hard as they would be in real life. Build a raft with logs? Easier said than done. A sense of realism gives the story a more exciting feel.

Overall, this book will be enjoyable for everyone. The vocabulary and structure aren’t difficult, so younger kids can read it. All the same, teens and adults will enjoy it for both its simplicity and detail. Give it a try! When you’re done, there’s an alternate ending and a sequel waiting for you.

-Phillip X., 8th grade

Book Review: Voyage of the Beagle, by Charles Darwin

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voyage_beagle_coverOver the summer, my family visited the Galapagos Islands. Fascinated by the diversity of the animals and ecosystems, I came home and read Voyage of the Beagle by Charles Darwin.

The entire book documents the second voyage of HMS Beagle, which sailed around the world visiting different lands. The original purpose of the voyage was to survey the coasts of South America. While the seamen surveyed, Darwin would embark on land to observe the geography and wildlife. Based on the observations of animal diversity, Charles Darwin eventually developed his theory of evolution. Famed for its controversial ideas, his newly published book quickly gained fame.

Darwin’s story begins in 1821. The entire book consists of multiple journal entries, each documenting his observations of the surrounding geology and ecosystems. Similar to a scientific journal, Darwin describes the fine details of many plants and animals. Besides his botanical reports, the story is much like any other entertaining novel. After all, Darwin did circumnavigate the globe, exploring relatively uncharted regions.

Galapagos Islands

photo of Galapagos Islands birds by flickr user Michael R. Perry

Even though Charles Darwin didn’t think of his theory of evolution during the journey, it is clear that his thought process was hinting towards it. For example, Darwin stated that it seemed as though the animals there were merely a modified version of a previous creature. Reading this book, I could really tell that Charles Darwin was a very intelligent person. His skills in observation and deduction are considerable for a person in his twenties. He has a very distinct personality that shows in his book, particularly influenced by the time period in which this was written.

Considering the scientific importance and the controversy, Voyage of the Beagle is an excellent read for everyone. Although the language is almost two centuries old, most of the sections are fairly easy to understand. Sometimes I skimmed over the botanic studies and documentations, but most of the book was still adventurous enough for me. So, if you want to learn how the idea of evolution came to life, this exotic adventure is perfect for you.

-Phillip X., 8th grade

Book Review: Insurgent, by Veronica Roth

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insurgent_coverInsurgent, the second YA dystopian book by Veronica Roth, is the awesome sequel that picks up on the action right where Divergent left off. Speaking of which, be sure to read predecessor first. This is a very fast-paced and exciting book sure to keep you on your toes.

This book takes place right after a massive civil war ravages the city of five society factions. In the aftermath, the protagonist, Tris, contemplates her guilt and sorrow from her actions. As fighting begins again, she will have to think quickly but profoundly about how much she is willing to sacrifice to protect her newfound friends, and the fate of the new society bound to come.

After reading this book, I think it is quite obvious that it evokes some very thoughtful and political questions in the reader. For example, the rebels, whom Tris is allied with, wants to completely wipe out the headquarters of the corrupt government. However, Tris and her prodigious soldier boyfriend both know that they have to save the computers there with advanced technology that the city sorely needs. So, how to accomplish both?

Another thing Veronica Roth does very well is connecting the protagonist and the reader. We can feel her anticipation, sorrow, and guilt in the upcoming war, her relationship issues, and her determination to do what’s in the new society’s interest.

Overall, Roth’s new thriller debut novel is something everyone should look into. You will definitely enjoy the relentless action and the profound thoughts weaved in and out of the story. And if you’re just getting into this series now, your timing is good– the end of the trilogy, Allegiant, comes out on October 22nd.

-Phillip X., 8th grade

Book Review: Lawless, by Jeffrey Salane

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lawless_coverJeffrey Salane’s new book, Lawless, details the life of M, a 12 year old girl who attends school, just like anyone else. Except that it’s the Lawless School, a secret boarding school dedicated to teaching future generations the skills to become criminal masterminds. As soon as she joins, it becomes apparent that her parents already had high expectations. M excels in all of her classes, from escape tactics to hacking. Slowly, she begins piecing together the mystery of her father’s death.

Lawless is a very fast-paced book. Right from the start, Salane continually gives us a nonstop thread of action. Much of the book is humorous and exciting. Also, the storyline is very interesting because of some real life events and artworks weaved in. Although I would have liked to see a bit more plot development before diving in, the story is still extremely creative and mysterious.

What I think Jeffrey Salane did best was helping the readers connect with the protagonist, M. Right from the start, we can already see that M is an intelligent, reserved, yet bold girl who thinks on the spot. This makes us imagine if we were in M’s shoes, as she struggles to adapt to a school of friends, teachers, and enemies on her path to self discovery.

Everything considered, Lawless is a fun book with a cool concept that will surely entertain you. Once you’ve finished, know that a second and third book are due to come out soon!

-Phillip X., 8th grade

Book Review: Embers and Echoes, by Karsten Knight

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embers_echoes_coverHave you ever pretended you could summon fireballs on your fingertips at will? Embers and Echoes, by Karsten Knight, is the perfect adventure novel for you.

Ashline Wilde, the reincarnation of a Polynesian volcano goddess, has been tracking her six-year-old sister to Miami, Florida. A group of gods have kidnapped Ash’s sister, Rose, for her ability to create explosions so powerful that they rip through the fabric of space and time. These rifts can become gates between any parts of the world, and even to other worlds beyond. Each of the four gods controls a power relevant to one of the four seasons, hence the self-proclaimed name: The Four Seasons. The Four Seasons reveal themselves to the world as heroes, gods from legend come to save humanity from harbingers of doom. In reality, their plan is to sacrifice Ash’s newfound friends Aurora and Wes, god of the night. So, with her assortment of gods, Ash seeks to stop the Four Season’s megalomaniac scheme.

Karsten Knight’s fast paced story never lets up, transitioning rapidly from one exciting battle to the next. The storyline provides a variety of different moods, along with comedy Easter eggs scattered throughout the book. Combined with an interesting plot, all of this makes for a very entertaining read. However, I did notice that none of the characters were described in great depth. As quickly as they were introduced, they either died or simply left, so that the reader didn’t get to know the well enough to really mourn or to rejoice when they passed on. While the fast-paced plot was exciting, the reader doesn’t really get a chance to mull over what just happened before something else happens. Also, this book has some profanity and adult themes.

Overall, Embers and Echoes is a fun read for anybody who enjoys fantasy books, especially concerning ancient gods. Be sure to read the first book in the series, Wildefire. I am eagerly awaiting the next book, Afterglow.   

-Phillip X., 8th grade

Book Review: The Eleventh Plague, by Jeff Hirsch

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eleventh_plague_coverJeff Hirsch’s debut novel The Eleventh Plague is an ominous story of our world ravaged by P-11, a deadly strain of influenza. Stephen is a teenage boy treks across the abandoned landscape of dusty cars and casinos along with his father and grandfather. His grandfather, a strict former Marine, has always led the family by strict rules: scavenge for items they can sell, and don’t get involved in trouble. However, when he dies from the plague, Stephen and his father get into a fight, leaving Stephen with his injured father. After a series of skirmishes, a village called Settler’s Landing accepts them as one of their own. There, Stephen struggles to adapt to the almost normal life despite the aftermath of the plague surrounding them.

Stephen is a logical and loyal character, although sometimes a bit serious and realistic. In spite of this, readers can still easily empathize with him, considering the situations he is in. Completely opposite of him, Jenny is a fun-loving, energetic girl. Clearly full of confidence, she drags Stephen around.

The mood of the story is dark and gloomy, but not quite bordering on horror. Despite the deathly landscape and eerie concept of apocalypse, the story almost has an upward, optimistic tone towards the end. What is most memorable about Hirsch’s novel is the thought that it could happen even in our world. As opposed to an alien invasion, the threat of influenza is very real, and that is what makes The Eleventh Plague so memorable.

-Phillip X., 7th grade

Authors We Love: Christopher Paolini

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eragon_coverChristopher Paolini is a very talented author, writing his first book at the young age of 15. He is most famous for the Inheritance Cycle, a thoroughly entertaining fantasy. Being homeschooled for most of his childhood, Christopher graduated highschool at an early age, so he decided to write his first book, Eragon, before going to college.

Eragon is a fantasy novel about, as you might have guessed, a teenage boy named Eragon. Under King Galbatorix’s cruel reign, he lives the harsh life of a farmer with his uncle and cousin. One day, a mysterious blue stone appears before him in the forest. Not surprisingly, Eragon is shocked when a dragon hatches out of it. So, he proceeds to take on the legacy of the Dragon Riders, the ancient guardians of the land, who were driven to extinction by Galbatorix. Throughout the Inheritance Cycle, Eragon journeys through the lands of elves and dwarves to meet his final destiny: confronting the evil king.

I think Christopher’s greatest talent is the meticulate detail he puts into every page. He paints a vivid image in your mind as you read, so that can really see the majesty of the great forests, mountains and cities. Also, the history and politics of the different races is very realistic. Another one of his talents is relating the readers to the characters. We are told the characters’ pasts, so we can understand their every motive and action.

Overall, I think Christopher Paolini is an excellent author, and is an inspiration to all aspiring writers. If he can write a book as a teenager, then we all can. I will be eagerly anticipating any prequels or sequels Christopher plans to write.

-Phillip X., 7th grade