Tag Archives: adventure

Short Story Review: The Most Dangerous Game, by Richard Connell

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most_dangerous_gameNow, don’t get confused by the title. “The Most Dangerous Game” is about a man named Sanger Rainsford, a hunter, landing on a island  called Ship-Trap Island. As Rainsford travels around the island, he finds a huge door. He bangs on the door and a giant man named Ivan, lets Rainsford in. Then, Rainsford meets General Zaroff. Weird names, right? It gets even weirder. Zaroff says that he is a hunter, but a different kind of hunter. He tells that animal hunting bored him. The animals have instinct but no strategy. He says he has hunted every animal. He needed a new animal. How can you do that, you ask? He made a way…

Now, I won’t give it away– but it is shocking. You can consider him crazy, and I mean CRAZY! Now, since Zaroff and Rainsford are both hunters, they go on a hunt. But not a normal hunt but like a hide-and-seek hunt. Confused? Then you should read the story to figure it out, huh?

I would recommend this book to 7th graders with their English teacher or a dictionary because some words are hard to read. But 8th grade and up to 12th grade is the best level of reading. The ages would be 12 years old to 18 years old.

-Kate B., 7th grade

Book Review: Divergent, by Veronica Roth

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divergent_coverThe thrilling novel Divergent by Veronica Roth is both spectacular and engrossing and I found it almost impossible to put down.

I chose to read it for my literature circle in my English class, and nobody in my group could stick to the assigned reading because we all kept reading ahead! The story starts off slowly, letting the reader understand the futuristic “utopian” society in which the setting takes place. In the book, the government has sectioned off its citizens into five factions that are best fitting to the individual’s personality and traits. There are the Dauntless, who are the brave, Abnegation, who are the selfless, Candor, for honesty, Amity, for peace and kindness, and last but not least there’s Erudite, who are the most intelligent in the society. The main character of the book is Beatrice Prior, who is originally Abnegation but is struck with the life-changing decision of staying with her family in a faction where she feels an outsider, or going with her heart and never seeing her family again.

Through government secrets and sparks of rebellion, Divergent is a perfect fit for anyone who is a fan of The Hunger Games or the Mortal Instruments series.

-Sara S., 10th 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: The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain

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tom_sawyer_coverIn the classic novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer, by Mark Twain, you learn a valuable lesson about always valuing the people you love.

Tom Sawyer has many adventures along the Mississippi River! In this book, you see the life of a school boy he lives with his aunt. Tom is always getting beaten both in school and out of school so he decides to run away. He runs away with his friends Huck Finn and Joe Harper and they arrive back home just in time for their own funeral! In addition to that, they witness a murder and discover treasure that nobody could even imagine at that time! Tom also falls in love with a girl named Becky Thatcher. Although she plays a minority in the story compared to Tom, she takes up a very big part in Tom’s heart.

I would personally recommend this book to advanced readers or people that are the age fourteen and up, and students that are in eighth grade or ninth grade. There are some parts they may be a bit confusing because of the slang they used back in that time period. The Adventures of Tom Sawyer is a classic and it has to be on your must read list!

-Melika R., 8th grade

Book Review: The Five Ancestors: Out of the Ashes – Lion, by Jeff Stone

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lion_coverIf you have read the Five Ancestors series by Jeff Stone, about five cousins with five different types of animal Kung Fu, Tiger, Snake, Monkey, Dragon, and Crane, who have to fight for their lives to save their kingdom from their evil brother who knows Eagle Kung Fu and his army, then you are in for a real treat. Jeff Stone has released a new series that follows the Five Ancestors– however, the new series takes place in the 21st century and it is called The Five Ancestors: Out of The Ashes. So far, Mr. Stone has written two books for this series: Phoenix and Lion. Lion is the book I will be reviewing.

Lion is a continuation of Phoenix, containing all of the same characters that are in the first book: Ryan Vanderhausen, Phoenix, Hú Dié, and Ryan. In the book Lion, Ryan is trying to get rid of an evil powder called dragon bone that his uncle experimented with in the previous book, Phoenix. Dragon Bone makes Ryan stronger, yet it can paralyze him if he does swallow some of it everyday. Also, Ryan and his friends are invited to train on road bikes with Ryan’s cousin, Peter, in California. However, an evil man named DuSow, and his accomplices want to get their hands on Ryan’s supply of dragon bone to make themselves more powerful.

Overall, this series is turning out to be just as good as the first series of the Five Ancestors, and I am really looking forward to reading the next book. However, I made the mistake of reading the books out of order, and I accidentally read Lion first. Make sure you do not do this, as the book will be very confusing if you read it out of order. This book series is a must read and I recommend it for any age, however it is geared more toward the male gender in my opinion.

-Will R., 9th grade

Series Review: The Lorien Legacies by Pittacus Lore

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i_am_number_fourWhen most people think of aliens, they imagine a green Martian with antennae and gigantic eyes. They usually don’t imagine an alien as a normal-looking teenage human being who has amazing super powers.

Like most science fiction books, The Lorien Legacies, written by a pseudonym under Pittacus Lore, is an ongoing series that’s full of action, suspense, and (for you girls out there) a little romance. The books are titled: I am Number Four, The Power of Six, The Rise of Nine, and The Fall of Five. The fifth book in the series is expected to be published in 2014.

The series is set in a modern day world. The planet Lorien, which is similar to Earth, has been obliterated by another race of aliens called Mogadorians. The only Loric to survive are (supposedly) nine teenagers, called the Garde, and their Cepans, who are assigned to protect their chosen Loric. Seeking salvation, the nine teenagers have come to Earth to train for combat. Their goal is to be able to destroy the Mogadorians and reclaim their home planet in time. They are each named after a number and possess amazing abilities called Legacies. Protected by a unique “charm”, the Garde can only be killed off in numbered order.

The first book in the series starts off with the story of Number Four, which means Numbers One, Two, and Three have already been killed by the Mogadorians. As the series goes on, readers will be able to meet more members of the Garde. This series is one of my favorites because the main characters are often faced with very difficult decisions and have to struggle through a number of life-threatening moments. Because they are only teenagers, the Garde sometimes don’t know what the right choices are. In the beginning, they constantly argue because they each have different views and personalities. The Garde has to learn to rely and trust one another, sort of like a team.

I would rate the Lorien Legacies a 9.5 out of 10 and would highly recommend it to anyone over the age of 12 who enjoys sci-fi and action. There are many surprising moments that will surely keep you in constant suspense and on the edge of your seat!

-Kaylie W., 9th grade

Book Review: House of Hades, by Rick Riordan

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house_of_hades_coverThe last book in the Heroes of Olympus series ended with a real cliffhanger. Actually, Percy and Annabeth were falling off a cliff into the depths of Tartarus. Rick Riordan’s dedication sums it up perfectly:

To my wonderful readers: Sorry about that last cliff-hanger. Well, no, not really. HAHAHAHA. But seriously, I love you guys.

I was so excited that I finished it the day it was released. I wouldn’t go so far to say the wait was completely worth it, because I still wished it was available as soon as I finished Mark of Athena, but such is life if you don’t wait for an author to finish a series before you start reading.

The chapters interchange between adventures on the Argo II and the terrors of Tartarus Percy and Annabeth must endure. The characters have a deeper relationship with each other and begin to act more like a team. The prophecy is almost complete, though I anticipate some twist at the end like in the first series. All of the seven half-bloods have their perspective in this book (Percy and Annabeth have the most chapters), and major changes are happening to them.

First of all, Hazel embraces The Mist, the magical force that make things appear to be what there’re not. Frank makes Mars proud, growing and discovering his own importance. Leo has his tool belt stolen, catches his clothes on fire, and might just find a love interest. Jason is questioning his Roman heritage, after seeing Camp Half-Blood and feeling more at home there than he ever did at Camp Jupiter. Piper confronts some old enemies and charmspeaks machinery. Nico, though not one of the seven or has any chapters from his perspective, is probably one of the characters we get to understand the most after he faces a god.

As for the couple in Tartarus, their time there is very bleak. If they thought they knew the hard life of a half-blood, it can always get worse. Drinking lava water to survive is the least of their worries. Can monsters even be killed in Tartarus? There are some funny moments there; Percy and Annabeth make such a cute couple.  And, after several books of suspense, Percy’s sword can actually work as a pen. Very helpful tool when you are stuck in a place where monsters reform and even the gods never visit!

What I loved was the incorporation of old characters from the first series, as well as a major role of someone in the demi-god files. Some old monsters are back swearing revenge on Percy (Somehow they are never happy being vaporized for some reason) as well as new immortal enemies. Meanwhile, campers from Camp Jupiter arrive at Camp Half-Blood. Will a battle arise? Who, if anyone, will sacrifice their lives?

House of Hades is building up for the big finale. The ending in this book doesn’t have a cliff hanger aspect, but still, why does it have to be so long for the next one? Begin countdown for Blood of Olympus.

-Nicole G., 10th grade

Book Review: United We Spy, by Ally Carter

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united_we_spy_coverThis long-anticipated conclusion of the Gallagher Girls Series by Ally Carter is both suspenseful and captivating, and I guarantee that it will undoubtedly live up to readers’ expectations.

Cammie Morgan returns to the Gallagher Academy for Exceptional Young Women with a newly fueled appreciation for life and a devastating fear of the future. Cammie, Bex, Liz, Macy, Zach and Preston– yes, he’s back– now know why the Circle of Cavan has been hunting them. Together, they must work to locate the Inner Circle before someone else does and succumb to their varying futures, for they cannot prolong them any further. Even Cammie the Chameleon, who is a prodigy in the art of deception and infamous for her talent of concealing herself in plain sight, cannot hide from the future.

I felt United We Spy was a stunning and heart-felt resolution to the saga. After Cammie’s crazily hectic and horridly torturous year, she is simply ecstatic to be breathing, conscious, and with her memory intact. I found myself favoring the new post-torture Cammie over the old carefree teenager she used to be; this was due to her newfound understanding of the enigmatical complexity of life and death. I believe that, even though Cammie had been in life-threatening situations previously, she had never thoroughly experienced just how dangerous the art of espionage had a potential to be before the whole memory-loss ordeal in Out of Sight, Out of Time. I felt that her acknowledgement of the risks of her aspiring vocation and her decided disregard of them is what considerably developed her character throughout the entire series.

After all,

“It is our choices…that show what we truly are, far more than our abilities.”

-Albus Dumbledore

I was reminded of this quote when recounting my likeness for Cammie’s character development.

Although this book is not as exceptionally written as I think it could have been with such an incredible plot, readers must remind themselves that the story is supposedly written by Cammie, a teenage spy, not a prodigious author. Whether Ally Carter did this consciously or not I do not know, but I have learned to appreciate it all the same. I will additionally – and surprisingly – be able to earn Reading Counts points on United We Spy for English 8: Honors, as it has been given a higher Lexile and reading level than I would have assumed.

I recommend this series/book to girls who either 1) enjoy action packed tales of espionage, 2) like the Delirium Trilogy and/or Divergent Series, or 3) have read Ally Carter’s Heist Society books. Although this book did not make my list of favorites, I still considered it a quick, must-read (as I started and finished the book within an hour and a half). And for those of you who liked the first Gallagher Girls books, I promise you won’t be disappointed, for this book definitely did the series justice, and far exceeded my expectations.

-Danielle K., 8th grade

Book Review: I Am Number Four, by Pittacus Lore

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i_am_number_fourI recently finished reading the book I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore. It was an amazing book that I believe is a perfect fit for everyone.

The book is about aliens and their guardians who are currently living on planet earth. When the Mogadorians, another alien race, finally find them, they try to kill them off but can only do so in number order unless two are together.

In this adventure, Number Four’s life gets completely changed– from finding a very strange pet to dating the girl of his dreams, he learns about friendship, hope and that love is stronger than all of the planets combined. I read this book over the summer and fell in love with it just after the first page! Definitely one of my five favorite books. I give this book five stars and believe that it is a book that you can dive right into.

The first book in a series, I Am Number Four, is a novel about trust, adventure, endurance, perseverance and young love. I love this book and suggest truly to everyone and I could not put this book down from the first sentence to final word, and I hope that you read this book– it will NOT be a waste of time. I Am Number Four by Pittacus Lore is truly a book worth reading that will encourage you to fight the daily battles and teaches you that things are not always as they seem.

-Danielle T., 7th grade

Book Review: City of Bones, by Cassandra Clare

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city_of_bonesHave you seen “The Mortal Instruments: City Of Bones?” Well, the movie is based on a saga of six books. These books and soon-to-be movies, are written by a famous author named Cassandra Clare. She has also another series called The Infernal Devices. They both are based in a world within our own. There are half human, half angel people named Shadow hunters, there are also Warlocks which are magical beings like wizards. They also have demons, vampires, werewolves, and a whole bunch of other creatures.

City Of Bones is about a young girl, Clarissa Fray, who collides into this other world. Clarissa, otherwise known as Clary, meets up with her friend Simon to go to a club named The Pandemonium Club, in New York, and she witnesses something no ordinary human would see. She saw three people- or she thinks are people- kill a boy or rather, a demon with strange weapons. She thought she was having a mental breakdown, because nobody else can see them. When she sees one of the three people, she questions why she can see him and nobody else can. He tells her that he is a shadow hunter: half human, half angel. He was made to get rid of the demons that are coming into  Earth. Clary goes home and her mother has disappeared and the house is destroyed. Clary has to team up with a group of shadow hunters to find and get her mother back at all costs.

This series is my personal favorite series. The characters are perfectly thought out, the scenes are amazing. This book is also great for guys, because it has a lot of action and it’s not about the love. My mother told me to read the books because she said I would like them. So I read them and I totally loved it! I told my friends about the books and they love it. My friend said that “The one thing I loved about the books is that you never really know what going to happen next, so you get pulled into the book and you feel what the characters feel during the time. I loved it and I couldn’t put the book down.”

The books are truly amazing and well thought out. I highly recommend this series!

-Meagan R., 8th grade