Posts Tagged: Children

Monday, December 05, 2011

Review: The Magi by Kevin M. Turner

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The Magi
Kevin M. Turner
Released October 8th, 2011

Goodreads / Purchase

Thirteen-year-old Elijah Hawk has never heard of the Magi. He doesn’t know about the secret power they have. He has never been to Savenridge, the Magi city hidden deep inside the northern forests. Most of all, Elijah is unaware of the dangers hunting him, in search for something he has. After one terrifying night, however, all of that changes!

On a quest to solve the murder of his parents, Elijah stumbles upon the land of the Magi. Learning their secrets and training with their power is the least of his problems. In order to find out why his parents were killed, Elijah learns that he must confront the dangers that are hunting him. What’s more terrifying is learning that stumbling upon this new world of the Magi may not have been an accident afterall.

*A copy was provided by Kevin Turner for review purposes*
Sometimes I debate between 4 and 5 stars, wondering if the book really is a 5-star. But there was No question when It came time to rating The Magi. I would give it a hundred stars if I could! It’s completely magical, brilliantly clever and absolutely wonderful!

When Elijah Hawk learns about The Magi, and that he’s one of them, his life takes an abrupt turn and he’s thrown into an adventure he will not soon forget. Elijah is a incredible protagonist with a strong voice and admirable personality. He is determined, intelligent and profoundly realistic. Every time I started reading, he took me in his world and made me forget anything else existed. I felt like I was standing there with him. His fears, his grief, his joy – his emotions were all so real they were palpable. Accompanying Elijah, there are a number of supporting characters that are just as remarkable. There are friends, teachers, mentors, townsfolk. Every one of them are a great addition and complete the world that is created in The Magi.

Along with these fantastic characters, the world building in The Magi is equally exceptional. The first half of the book is dedicated to creating this magical world that I could not stop but admire. I could picture it all in my head as clearly as if I was standing in it. I’m going to say this book is comparable to Harry Potter, not because the story is so similar, but because I got the same thrill and magical feeling from reading this as I did when I was introduced to Hogwarts. The magic in The Magi is created using the 4 elements which is fascinating, really. The adventure we’re taken into is fast moving and exciting, and I could not help but read and read until it was all, sadly, over. Fortunately, this is a planned 5-book series that I doubt will even be enough to satisfy my need for more!

Harry Potter fans – I have no doubt you will LOVE this series. It’s complete with magic, adventure, mystery, friendship – really, everything! Any adult and children alike will undoubtedly adore it!

5 Hot Espressos
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Review: Liesl & Po by Lauren Oliver

Posted by on 10/25/2011 • 25 Comments

Liesl & PoLauren OliverReleased October 4thby HarperCollins

Liesl lives in a tiny attic bedroom, locked away by her cruel stepmother. Her only friends are the shadows and the mice—until one night a ghost appears from the darkness. It is Po, who comes from the Other Side. Both Liesl and Po are lonely, but together they are less alone.

That same night, an alchemist’s apprentice, Will, bungles an important delivery. He accidentally switches a box containing the most powerful magic in the world with one containing something decidedly less remarkable

Will’s mistake has tremendous consequences for Liesl and Po, and it draws the three of them together on an extraordinary journey.

A truly magical story! Liesl & Po will open your hearts and make you reminisce on your childhood days…