Book Reviews
by KIDS for KIDS

The Icebound Land By John Flanagan The most recently published book in John Flanagan's Ranger's Apprentice series, The Icebound Land describes Will and Evanlyn's trip as slaves to Skandia, land of ice. Victim to the viciously dangerous drug wormweed, Will must rely on Evanlyn's skill to get them out of the camp, for the Skandian King has uttered a vindicta against the Araluen Royal Family, and only death awaits them there. Meanwhile, back in Duncan's Kingdom, Halt must sacrifice his life's work to save Will, and with the help of one young boy, he shall prevail through the mortifying lands that lead to Skandia. Ages 13 and up.

Andrew M. (12)

Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan

An excellent story of a medieval adventure. Will is unsuspectedly chosen by the Head of the Rangers to enter their art. Will is sulky at first, but then sees his talent and thrives. He embarks on an adventure to find and kill the Kalkara. Before its too late. . . . Ages 10-16

Andrew M. (12)

Ranger's Apprentice #2: The Burning Bridge by John Flanagan

War has come to Araluen! Morgarath and Duncan are in the stage of planning. But young Will, Horace, and the Ranger Gilan are sent for help, only to find the Celtic lands deserted, henceforth bringing a great mystery to all three. (Ages 10-16)

Andrew M. (12)

Libba Bray's, REBEL ANGELS, is an equally tragic sequal to her A GREAT AND TERRIBLE BEAUTY. Gemma is still at the same bording school, with the same friends, Felicity and Anne. Then a new teacher shows up and acts very strangely. Gemma discovers evidence that leads her to conclude that this new mysterious teacher is the dreaded Circe. Is she in big danger? (10 and up)

Katherine W. (14)

The Redwall Series by Brian Jacques

A old-time set of novels on the life of a "peaceful" abbey named Redwall, home to hundreds of mice, squirrels, otters, badgers, and moles. In each novel, evil takes place at or near Redwall, drawing its peaceful creatures out onto the battlefield, following the orders of the mysterious Martin. Ages 8-14

Andrew M. (12)

Red Badge of Courage by Stephen Crane

Teenage Henry is anxious and excited. It is 1863, and he is going to be recruited by the Union Army. It was a dream come true! But as the story goes on, he learns the horrors and cruelty of war. This is a confusing and somewhat hard-to-understand book. I would recommend it for 12-18.

Andrew M. (12)