Percy Jackson: The Lightning Thief by Rick Riordan

The Lightning Thief, the first book of the Percy Jackson series, is written by Rick Riordan. He has also written two other series, one about Egyptian mythology and the other about Greek as well as Roman mythology.  The Lightning Thief is a fantasy fiction, revolving around Greek Mythology. Riordan uses the three powerful Greek gods: Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades as well as the Titan Kronos to play major roles in this novel. This fictional book is based on a dyslexic 6th grade boy, finding out that he is a half-blood, meaning his father is a god, however his mother is a human mortal. This boy, named Percy Jackson, finds out that he is not a normal human. He is taken to a camp to be trained to face evils that he will face in the future. As the title states the Lightning Thief, this book is about a thief who stole the Lightning Bolt, a symbol of power, from the Greek god, Zeus, in order to ignite a significant war against the powerful gods. The ending of this novel, is left at a cliff-hanger as the thief is known only to Percy. The overall theme of this book is associated with the motif of identity. Riordan suggests that the theme of the novel is: identity should be recognized as life progresses, rather than at rough times of life. This fictional book talks about a young boy and his ambiguity of his reality. This novel is really interesting as a boy in middle school finds his real parents and sets out on adventurous journey to help a god. This is an action packed book which ensures that the reader doesn’t get bored at any point of the plot. The only question that this book would raise in a reader, is, “What happens next?” By ending the plot with a cliff-hanger, Riordan compels the reader to continue reading the next book in the series. In my opinion, this book lacks nothing. It is both relatable as well as action-filled. By visualizing the plot of the novel, I personally find it amusing to read this book. I love this book, because it is fascinating to portray in my mind. As the plot deepens, so does my attention to detail as I visualize the images of the plot in my mind. The book talks about the strength that each god posses, and their power granted to their children. I would recommend this book to anyone interested in action-filled novels.

 

 I picked up this fictional book, because it had a displayed a contrasting and interesting juxtaposition of an innocent boy in a dangerous world. The novel implied a relatable yet an engaging tone as suggested by the adventurous almost dangerous cover. I selected this novel, because of both the peculiar and the conceptual title, The Lightning Thief. Finally, I chose this novel, due to the vast majority of my friends and peers recommending it. I was genuinely drawn into the novel because it was fascinating to me. Not only was it easy to comprehend, but also this book was extremely relatable to me and displayed to me that even though school and life gets rough, just seek comfort by surrounding yourself with people that give you positive influence in your life. This book was also exceptionally easy to visualize the scenes in my mind, which in turn made it better for me to effortlessly understand the entire plot. I would give this fictional book to anyone interested in reading action and adventurous books. People who are interested in fantasy fiction and greek mythology would love reading this book. This text could be given to anyone as it is easy visualize the plot.

Reviewed by Sam Choppala

Harry Potter by J.K. Rowling

Trailer by Apramey A.

Game of Thrones by George R.R. Martin

In the story, a Game Of Thrones by George Martin, the plot lies within the family of Winterfell, the Starks. There is Eddard Stark, his wife Catelyn, their sons Robb, Bran, and Rickon. They also have two daughters, Sansa and Arya. There is a half-brother by the name of Jon Snow. While Jon goes to the Wall, to help defend the kingdom, Eddard and his daughters go to King’s Landing because Eddard must now serve king Robert Baratheon. There they willl face their greatest enemies and must fight to live.

The book is very interesting because it gives us a possible insight as to what life in the medieval times would have been like. The book raises issues about how corrupt kings could be.

I kept on reading because at every page there was a new character and a plot twist. Characters who were friends would suddenly turn on each other, kings fought each other and many more twists like that came up it this story.

In my opinion this book was amazing. I really liked all the plot twists and all the different types characters. I especially enjoyed the fight scenes and tournaments because they had to fight with armor and swords and spears. There were no guns, just traditional fighting. I would recommend it to someone who likes fiction, medieval times, and crazy plot twists.

by Oleon

The Hobbit by J.R.R Tolkien

The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, is a fantasy about a creature known as a hobbit, with the name Bilbo Baggins. He is not of the adventurous sort, but when thirteen dwarves and a wizard knock on his door in need of a “burglar”, Bilbo, after much convincing, agrees to go on a quest with them, a quest to regain the dwarves’ lost home, The Kingdom Under the Mountain, which is guarded by the great Dragon Smaug. Surprises and twists lie ahead of Bilbo and his friends as they try to defeat the clever dragon under the mountain.

Every time I opened this book, I was met with a certain indescribable peace. It is as if I myself am in the Shire right now, writing a book review about The Hobbit. This story contains several twists and turns, and I never knew what to expect next. From the ways of Gandalf to the terrors of Smaug, Tolkien cleverly incorporates each and every aspect into a web with a our lovely hobbit, Bilbo Baggins, at the center. Being a prelude to The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit shows us certain aspects the series will hold, but it gives nothing away, which excites readers such as myself. In pursuit of the plot that Tolkien has compiled in this sequel series to The Hobbit, I have begun to read the Lord of The Rings, and it does not disappoint. This book is for those who fall in love with good writing and also for those who like change, as well as a sense of adventure, I must say so myself. Tolkien has done a splendid job at writing a tale worth telling by writing this book.

-Deep Sethi

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle

The Last Unicorn by Peter S. Beagle depicts the emotional and perilous journey of a unicorn who seeks the truth aboutwhether or not she is the last of her kind. She encounters mortals who are both kind and selfish along her travels, and for the first time she begins to understand what it feels like to be a mortal. Each of the characters are very memorable in what they have to offer to the reader and the story, and there will be lines of dialogue that will echo in your mind for ages. I was in awe of how mature and philosophical the author portrayed the subject of unicorns, which I thought would be portrayed as a childish and playful being. This book is a favorite to me, and I would recommend it to anyone who is curious  enough to read this enchanting story.

Reviewed by Jalen Greene

IN THE FORESTS OF THE NIGHT by Kersten Hamilton

Summary: Finn and Aiden have made it out if Mag Mell alive. But the Dark Man’s forces have followed them to Chicago and are beckoning tea to return.

Why I picked it up: Cover is interesting. Caught my vision

Why I kept reading it: it’s a wonderful book!!!!

Who I would give it to next: All my best friends:>

Reviewed by: Jingyu P.

Kindred by Tammar Stein

Summary: In Kindred by Tammar Stein, Miriam a freshman in college goes through the ultimate religious adventure of her life as she goes on a mission to endure for what she really believes in. Miriam starts off as a quiet girl who has her own unique religious beliefs that she does not talk much about. She tries to develop her own religion but ends up following paths of different religions like Christianity and so forth, until one night during her spring break in college, Miriam receives a visit from the angel Rafael, who asks her to go on a mission and protect this random girl Tabitha from her school. Unfortunately Miriam fails, and then thinks of quitting school and pursuing multiple jobs.

However, when Miriam fails her first assignment the angel visits her again and asks her to save another human. Caught in these multiple assignments that try her loyalty to religion, and whether she fights for it or not, Kindred goes through one of the most adventurous and enduring adventures of her life. Not only that, but her twin brother Mo also got visits from devils asking him to commit indiscretions. Who’s right and who’s wrong? Who will win the devil or the angel?

Why I picked it up:I picked this book up because this book seemed very unique given that religious fiction is not that common, and I wanted to find out more about what the story would be about after reading the title stating that “good and evil have never been so close.”

Why I kept reading it: I kept reading the novel to find out what would happen to Miriam if she didn’t complete her assigned tasks from the angel, and what would happen between her and her brother.

Who would I give it to next: I would give this book to anyone seeking an entertaining novel that has a new approach because this book is not religious it just uses general religious ideas in fantasy.

Reviewed by Ahmed E.

The Emperor of Nihon-Ja (Book Ten of the Ranger’s Apprentice Series) by John Flanagan

Summary:  This book talks about the adventures and relationships of a land similar to medieval Europe. The realistic characters, humor and action carry throughout the story. The knight Horace, and mysterious rangers Will and Halt fend off an army of elite soldiers with a tribe of mere villagers with the help of Princess Evanlyn and Courier Alyss in a story of wit and cunning.

Why I picked it up: It had been a bestseller and all my friends had read it.

Why I kept reading it:  It was full of mini-cliffhangers, witty dialogue and fast-paced action. It had everything someone could look for in a book.

Who I would give it to next:  My friends, but anyone in general. Especially people who enjoy fantasy or funny books.

Reviewed by Rishi D.

Matched by Ally Condie

Summary: Matched is about Cassia, who lives in a society where everything is chosen for you, like your job, how much you eat, how much you can excercize, and who you will marry or be “matched” with. Cassia gets matched with Xander, her best friend, and she loves him. But Cassia eventually falls in love with Ky, and she finds out that Ky should have been matched with Cassia, but Ky can’t be matched since he is cannot be matched with since someone in his family committed a crime.

Why I picked it up: The cover looked good and the summary seemed interesting.

Why I kept reading it: It had an interesting plot, and the story was well written.

Who I would give it to next: My friends that have read the Hunger Games.

Reviewed by Sarah R.

Divergent by Veronica Roth

Summary: Beatrice Prior, nicknamed Tris, lives in the dystopian city of Chicago. This society is divided into different factions, each standing for its own morals and purpose: Dauntless, Abnegation, Candor, Erudite, and Amity. The day that each citizen becomes sixteen is of utmost importance; it is the day that he or she chooses which faction to join for life. However, there are buried secrets in the history of this isolated society. Tris discovers during a simulation that she is unique- or, as they say, Divergent. As she goes through initiation, she faces the difficulties in training, dealing with other initiates, and the corruptions in the government. The mystery of what being Divergent actually means eludes her. The problems build, providing stepping stones to lead to the climax: an all-out civil war between the factions.

Why I picked it up: My friend, who has a similar taste in novels, recommended it to me. I was intrigued when I started reading the first chapter; it sucked me in from the start.

Why I kept reading it: The plot line was fascinating and fast-paced; it kept me glued to the book. Also, the fact that each faction stood for a human characteristic was certainly interesting.

Who I would give it to next: In a way, this book is slightly reminiscent of The Hunger Games- a teenaged girl protagonist, dystopian society, and budding romance. However, the storyline varies greatly. Fans of The Hunger Games will probably enjoy this.

Reviewed by Nicole W.