book reviews
Graphic Novel Review: The Inkberg Enigma
The Inkberg Enigma
by Jonathan King
4 out of 5 stars
This graphic novel centers on a bookish young man, Miro, who lives in a fishing village where his father works in a history museum. There are strange occurrences around the town, and the fishermen have secrets to hide. Miro’s new friend, Zia, takes a photograph of a fisherman who has been attacked at sea, the local fishermen warn Miro and Zia to stay away and keep quiet about what they saw. But of course, they begin to investigate the weird phenomena around town.
I loved this book! The characters, the interesting plot, and the world-building are all excellent.
I liked that Miro is a bookworm, and spends his life diving into books but never having any real adventures. Each of the characters has their own vivid personality and backstory.
Continue readingNovember Wrap Up
Book Review: Quest for the Great Diamond
Hidden Gems: Quest for the Great Diamond
By H. K. Boughazian
3 out of 5 stars
Gem’s parents are made of beautiful and colorful minerals, but Gem’s skin is plain gray rock. She is teased for her gray skin and leaves mineral school to go to the rock school where she tries to fit in. But when her rock friends find out that her parents are minerals, Gem loses her only friend. She sets out on a quest to find the Great Diamond, and ask him why she was born as a rock. She is joined by other misfits searching for answers, and they travel through exciting adventures across the country, until they discover the truth about rocks and minerals.
I loved the premise of this story! The world building is phenomenal, and so detailed with plants, people, and animals all made from different stone and crystals and minerals.
The characters are cute and I liked their friendships. The plot has good pacing and a simple storyline that is just right for a children’s book.
Continue readingNon Fiction Book Review: Autobiography of Benjamin Franklin
The Autobiography and Other Writings
by Benjamin Franklin
by Benjamin Franklin
3 out of 5 stars
This is an interesting look at Benjamin Franklin’s life. The first part is his autobiography, which he never finished. It tells mostly of his early life and his beginnings in the printing business. Then there are collections of his letters, scientific writings, and political writing. These are divided by topic, with short explanations from the editor giving general information surrounding those letters or publications. It shows his work as a scientist and inventor, his gradual assent into public life as a statesman and politician, and his personal life as a husband and father and his personal relationships.
I found it very interesting and readable, and I loved seeing how meticulous and sensible Franklin was in ordering and organizing his life. He had some excellent ideas and some crazy ideas. He was a person always searching and wondering and puzzling through the mysteries of life. He must have had a terrific amount of energy, since he often writes about diligence and industry. He was a rare personality.
I enjoyed this close look into American history!
Reading Rush Wrap Up
Book Review: Larklight
Larklight (Larklight, #1)
by Philip Reeve (Author), David Wyatt
by Philip Reeve (Author), David Wyatt
5 out of 5 stars
Arthur and his sister Myrtle live in a space home in an outer orbit of the Moon, and they find it very boring. Nothing ever happens in such a remote area of space, and they long to travel to Earth, or see the colonies on Mars, or visit the exciting moons of Jupiter. One day their home is visited by a mysterious stranger named Mr. Webster, and they are thrown into an adventure that takes them across the solar system with pirates, ancient civilizations, and alien spies.
I loved everything about this book! The plot, the characters, the hilarious writing, the world-building, the mystery, the adventure, and every single dramatic chapter all kept me reading for hours on end. This is one of those books where there isn’t a good place to stop reading. You just have to keep going through the next chapter and the next. Continue reading
Graphic Novel Review: The Daughters of Ys
The Daughters of Ys
by M.T. Anderson, Jo Rioux
by M.T. Anderson, Jo Rioux
1 out of 5 stars
When their mother dies, two princesses handle their grief differently. One sister finds solace in the beauties of nature, and the other learns everything she can about her mother’s magic in the palace. Ys is a city built with dark magic. As the sisters grow up, the evil of their kingdom can no longer be contained.
I did not enjoy this graphic novel. There are very graphic violent scenes with a lot of blood and gore. And there are sexual scenes, and that ruined it for me. I wish the story could have been told in a more classy way. Continue reading
Classics About Trust
Book Review: The Star Dunes
The Star Dunes (Explorer Academy #4)
by Trudi Trueit (Goodreads Author)
by Trudi Trueit (Goodreads Author)
5 out of 5 stars
Cruz is in Africa searching for the missing clues his mother left behind for him to find after her death. The explorers help a family of mountain gorillas in Uganda, and then follow the clues to a desert region of Africa. The evil Nebula organization is breathing down their necks, and Cruz is devastated when one of his friends is targeted.
I loved this plot! There is plenty of action and suspense. I never knew what was going to happen next! I really loved that Lani is finally part of the team! She is such an interesting character.
The exotic locations are amazing, and I loved learning about different conservation efforts in Uganda and Namibia and all the national parks.
Luminous Libro 