Author Archives: Phillip Xiang

Book Review: Double, by Jenny Valentine

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double_coverThe mysterious pages of Double, by Jenny Valentine, will keep readers in suspense every twist and turn.

This mystery book is centered on a boy known as Chap, a sixteen-year-old runaway. After living on the streets for several years, one event changes his life forever. When police detain him for fighting, they discover an ad in the newspaper for a missing boy named Cassiel Roadnight. After realizing he has nothing to lose, Chap takes on a new identity with the caring family and home he never had.

Every minute is a challenge for him; Cassiel’s family could discover the truth at any moment. However, nobody realizes the truth, except for a friend of Cassiel’s named Floyd. Slowly, the two begin to piece together what really happened on the day Cassiel disappeared. Will Chap find out his true identity, and finally find a family of his own? This highly dramatic and thought-provoking story is sure to keep anyone at the edge of their seat.

Chap is a very intelligent and thoughtful person. His every motive is clear and simple, so readers can understand his every subtle or bold action. His emotions and thoughts really show through as he struggles to cope with his life spiraling out of control. As if building a house of cards, Chap is now forced to add layer after layer of deception, knowing that in the end it will all come tumbling down.

Valentine does a superb job with this murder mystery, skillfully meshing teenage emotions and the cold reality of the world. Double shows deep emotions about family and loved ones, and will have a profound impact on readers. Chap’s wit and quick thinking will aid him on his path to redemption as readers cheer him on. Double is a new, quick read that will definitely satisfy any reader’s crave for mystery.

-Phillip X., 7th grade

Event Recap: Eoin Colfer Author Visit

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Eoin Colfer, renowned author of the Artemis Fowl series, visited Mission Viejo this past weekend and made a very exciting presentation of all his experiences and books. Many fans in the audience flipped through his new book The Reluctant Assassin, anticipating the moment when Colfer would reveal himself. A serious mood hung over the room as we wondered what this famous writer was like in person. What would he tell us today? A humorous magician broke the silent anxiousness of the crowd, and also related to a magician in Colfer’s new book. Finally, after what seemed like an eternity, the moment we all had been waiting for arrived.

eoin_colfer01Turns out Colfer has a very bright and funny attitude, as proven when we were treated to hilarious tale after tale from his past (even one about his Irish accent). Amid our laughter, he explained about his process of writing, which includes putting real people and experiences into his book. For example, Colfer recalled basing Artemis’s mother on his own loving wife. We also had the privilege of learning about how he began writing. When Colfer was a little child, his father’s friend brought over his own book for him to review. After Colfer peeked inside, he immediately decided he wanted to become a writer too. Quite obviously, he succeeded, seeing as over twelve years he has created the world famous Artemis Fowl series.

reluctant_assassin_coverLucky for us, Eoin Colfer also introduced us to his new series called W.A.R.P. Inside the pages of The Reluctant Assassin, An apprentice named Riley struggles to evade the great magician Garrick, who has taken a liking to murder. Colfer shared with us how he tried to make him as sinister and terrifying as possible, and his experiences in writing the story.

Overall, we all had a very fun day, learning about the writing process and Colfer’s sources of inspiration. Book signings are definitely very engaging and fun, along with getting the signature of the author himself! I am very grateful to Eoin Colfer for coming all the way out here to inspire us with his stories and experiences.

-Phillip X., 7th grade