I've been on a Tudor reading binge lately, and this teen novel about Mary Queen of Scots is part of it. It is the story of the tumultuous reign and disastrous marriages of the young Queen, as told by her female jester, La Jardiniere--born Nicola Ambruzzi, orphan and traveling player.

Nicola is given her position as fool just before Mary's husband, the king of France, dies. Having no reason to stay in France, Mary goes back to her native Scotland and sets herself up as queen. Nicola goes with her, serving as a courtier, and also as a friend, during the years between Mary's return to Scotland and her exile in England.

The book starts slowly, and is almost but not quite boring until the murder of David Riccio, a close friend of Mary and Nicola. Then it picks up, starting with a touching scene of Nicola visiting David's grave. After this beautiful interlude, the real action begins. Nicola must keep Darnley, Mary's frat-boy husband, from usurping the throne, and later has to help Mary escape from imprisonment on a remote island. The second half of the book is much more interesting than the first, but I suppose it would have made no sense without the background of the first half. *shrug*

Overall, a decent novel about Queen Mary for middle-schoolers or thereabouts. It might even encourage you to read more about the Tudor/Stuart period.

I portray a female court jester with a reenactment troupe in Williamsburg (VA) and bought this book in order to gain some insight to my character. I can't begin to tell you what a fabulous book it is! This is not a "baby" book, written only for tiny children - rather it's written in a way that anybody will enjoy reading it. Children will love the book, but it's written for kids on much higher reading levels - I'd recommend it to those in middle and high school, or younger kids who read on advanced levels. It's nearly 400 pages, but I had such a hard time putting it down that I've breezed through it in two days. Nicola "La Jardiniere" is presented to us as a very real human being. She shows us that even court jesters were people, and they had the same emotions as the rest of the court. This poor child has been through the ringer in her young lifetime! She goes from being abused by her uncle, while performing in his troupe, to suddenly being thrust into the role of the court fool for Mary, Queen of Scots. It's frightening for her, to say the least. But, with her wit and charm, she manages to make the Queen's life a little more bearable. I was especially touched in the scene where (something happens - that I won't disclose) and the poor jester throws herself into the Queen's arms and bursts into tears. The Queen merely comforted poor Nicola, and you could FEEL the tender affection between these two ladies. Anyone who's read up on Mary, Queen of Scots KNOWS what her eventual fate was, but you need to read the book to find out how Nicola dealt with such a tragic loss. She's a very brave girl, indeed!
Since reading the book, I have a whole new insight into how to portray MY character at the next feast!

I got this book and could hardly put it down for the next three days. "Queen's Own Fool" is about a young girl, Nicola, who just happens to meet Mary Stuart. Nicola is a traveling performer and then becomes Queen Mary's fool. Nicola follows the Queen everywhere, including into imprisonment. She is there when Francis, Mary's husband and good friend, dies to comfort her. She travels to Scotland and reminds the Queen that she is only mortal. Nicola befriends few people, but the ones she does meet prove to be more that true friends. This book had me laughing at nine-thirty at night and practically crying an hour later. I would definatly recommend this book to anyone who is the least bit interested in Tudor England or Mary, Queen of Scots. I would also recommend "Mary, Queen of Scots, Queen Without A Country" too. This book may seem a bit large for some younger readers, but don't stress, it will end when it ends. When I finished, I practically started to cry because I of what happens to Nicola and the Queen. Nowing the end of Mary's life didn't help at all either. Read this book if you want to be touched deeply. Some might not like it, but I was searching for a good book at Mary, Queen of Scots, and this was just what I was looking for. This could be read by a reader as young as eight and up. I am not sure if younger readers would be able to understand some of the words or be able to read such a long book, but if you might read it to a young person, but explanation might be needed. I WILL NEVER BOOK THIS BOOK IN A BOX AND THROW IT INTO THE BASEMENT, GARAGE, OR SHED. A MAGNIGICENT READ!!!!!!!!!!!1

Stowaway by Karen Hesse was a very educational fun read. It included most of the elements which make a good book. The story is about the voyage of a young boy named Nicholas who stows away on a ship which he doesn't realize is going on an important expedition for the king. With a mixture of action, adventure, fun, friendship, and education, I found the book fun and easy to keep reading. The characters, plot, genre, and themes of Stowaway were mostly creative and interesting. Although I don't usually like historical fiction, I found this book very enjoyable.
The characters in Stowaway were very well described and detailed so I could almost feel each character's feelings. Every character served a big purpose, whether it be a captain, a scientist, or a Native boy. I found this book kind of disturbing because much more than half of the characters who I came to read about and liked either died or became sick. But the book follows very close to what actually used to happen and of course people had to die. Every character was illustrated in my mind so when that character did come to the plot, I immediately recognized it. The characters and personalities of Stowaway were one of my favorite parts of the novel.
The plot in Stowaway was one of the weakest parts of the book. It never got anywhere; the novel was just a series of mostly random events that, although interesting to read about, did not contribute to the story line and plot of the book. There really was no point to each event that happened, making me wish something relevant would happen. Instead of having just one point to which the author could create, she created many different scenes. With this type of plot, I found it annoying to read because I wanted there to be something that could be accomplished or solved at the end. Karen Hesse never set up any plot elements like this, making a very poor plot in the novel. I also realized while reading the book, that it most likely was not set up to be read by someone my age. Although some of the events may have been disturbing and harsh, Stowaway was definitely aimed toward younger children. One very positive thing to say about the plot is the amount of research and effort the author must have put into the story to make it so realistic and historical. Overall the plot was probably the weakest part of the novel.
Stowaway is a great example of its genre, historical fiction. Almost the entire read is realistic and very believable. After reading Stowaway I learned very much about the quests, diseases, boats, land, countries, people, and world of the late 1700's. Because of the abundance of research and historical facts in this book, it made up for the poor plot. Although the plot was boring, the educational parts of Stowaway almost made up for it because of how realistic it made the novel seem. There was one main scientist on the boat who obviously had the most research put into. He brought exotic plants and animals onto the boat from native countries. At least every chapter, he would find something new and interesting which Karen Hesse described in detail. Stowaway fit perfectly into the historical fiction section.
I enjoyed reading Stowaway although it could have been a much better book. Altogether, I would rate Stowaway three stars out of five. The reason this isn't higher is because of the plot. The characters and research were both amazing, which made it a pretty good read. I would recommend this book to any kid under the age of eleven or twelve because although it was educational, the writing was not very advanced and used short, easy sentences. If you enjoy reading historical fiction or you want to learn a few new things, you should read Stowaway.

The book I read Stowaway was by Karen Hesse. In 1768, an eleven-year-old boy named Nicholas Young stowed away on a ship. He hid himself from the captain the crew, and waited to be carried far away. Nick didn't know it, but the ship he chose - H.M.S. Endeavour - was bound for an amazing adventure. Captained by James Cook. Endeavour was on a secret mission to discover an unknown continent at the bottom of the globe. During his three-year voyage, Nick faced hardship and he sot out danger and proved himself brave when disaster struck. He learned to respect and trust the gentlemen on board. He made a friend and he made history.

Nicholas was weak and weak hearted when he started the voyage. At the end of the book he is a fully weathered sailor. Nick has to deal with a mean midshipsman Mr. Bootie who orders him around like a dog. He overcomes problems like that by just doing it perfectly so Mr. Bootie can't yell at him. I overcome most problems like Nick I do them as well as I can so nobody can yell at me. I might like to stowaway on a ship because I love boats and I think it would be fun to sail on one. ." "I figured that this one would be as good as Out Of The Dust. It is, but in a different way. I loved how much it taught me about history and how it's sent me hunting for answers to questions it raised. The map on the inside of the front and back covers was invaluable in tracking the trip. And what a nice surprise at the end of the book to find out there was a real Nicholas." Said a person from College Station, TX USA " I loved the book I would give it 5 stars *****. I would recommend this book to any body who loves adventure books. Stowaway was a book I could not put down until I finished it.

My grandson is going to be 11 this month. I've decided that he's getting this book as his birthday book. Nicholas, the boy in the book, is 11 when he stows away on the HMS Endeavor, which is captained by Captain JamesCook. What better way to show an 11 year old what the future can be than to follow the exploits of another 11 year old in his trek around the world. I picked this book up to read because of the author. I loved OUT OF THE DUST by Karen Hesse. I figured that this one would be as good. It is, but in a different way. I loved how much it taught me about history and how it's sent me hunting for answers to questions it raised. The map on the inside of the front and back covers was invaluable in tracking the trip. And what a nice surprise at the end of the book to find out there was a real Nicholas.

I have never read or known anything about the Wing Commander universe until I saw the movie which left me eagerly awaiting to learn more. After reading thso novel, I felt full again. Now to preamble this review, it is generally that the novel of the movie far exceeds it and it is true once again of the work of Peter Telep. I can understand that any fanatic finds fault with incoming authors so it's best that I am bringing a completely new point of view coming here, leaving alone Chris Robert's movie script and concentrating on the storytelling of the author. Peter Telep's, work, I find to be inspired and driving as he easily dramatizes war with the decrepit and dark events cascading onto people--along with ship hull plating. He meticulously constructs his characters with each their own sorrow past, reflections of wars long ago, and then drives in the conscious rendering of how each person copes with his or her situation in the present. Each finds their own avenue of choice. Although the book remains albeit of dynamic story telling, (seeing the enemy Kilrathi's point of view is quite refreshing and all the time gives you a bigger broad of what it was like for them) Telep continuously paints out the emotions and actions on a level most efficient with war. Feeling that both sides of the battle, Confederation and Kilrathi, both suffer the same kind of agony, pain, and vengeance, Telep drives in the heart of his version of Wing Commander. Aside from the characters, the plot moves undulating with brilliant battles and scenes alive, although the landscape of space was not as unique or detailed as some Sci-Fi authors. Telep can find interesting ways of rewording the destruction of Dralthi fighters or Rapiers so that the story doesn't feel repetitive. He highly details the fighters yaws and pitches fully to the pilot's reactions, a technique of accuracy with enhances his story as if you were there with Blair in his Rapier or Gerald on the bridge in dead still and quiet. The book is a vibrant tableau of war hell. The ending is honorable as it pulls you in to really want to experience the next chapters. After, I myself, 'enduring' the extent of the hate of Pilgrams and this total unanswered void of Confederation and Pilgrim chaos, I find myself eagerly awaiting Telep's next novel and seeing what Pilgram Stars will lay ahead.

The WC universe has finally found itself an author who respects the source material and who can also tell one hell of a story - and the fan's have never had it so good. While Baen's Wing Commander novels usually cause the more fanatical WingNuts headaches with their continuity errors, this movie adaptation does just the opposite; it actually takes time to explain such problems caused by the movie's script! (according to the movies producers they 'ignored' much of the original material - thank Sivar Peter Telep didn't). Of course, the writing also shines - anyone familiar with Peter Telep's previous books (Space: Above and Beyond, Descent) knows he can tell a great war story. I'm eagerly looking forward to the second book in the series, so we can see what the author can do without having to base everything around a movie script!

Wing Commander is a wonderfully written adaptation of the Wing Commander movie. It adds many new scenes that were not present in the film which enhance and portray the characters in a different light. Peter Telep presents enough tension throughout the story that makes it difficult to put it down until you finish reading the last page. Story is fast-paced and provides a lot of the background info that fans of the Wing Commander series will enjoy. Overall a great book! I give a hearty welcome to Peter Telep from the Wing Commander fans.

Starman Jones is a 5-star selection for young readers of science fiction, but mature readers will also find plenty to cheer about in this upbeat novel. Heinlein recounts the rags-to-riches story of Maxwell Jones, born to a poor dirt farmer, but destined to pilot the glorious vessels that travel the stars. Leaving behind his callous stepfather and uncaring stepmother, Max hooks up with a world-wise drifter whose conniving gets them work aboard a spaceship. The series of events that follow make for a fascinating story as Max ponders his options: should he climb the ranks while hiding his secret past, or plan his escape to a new life on a new planet? Meanwhile, Heinlein introduces us to the ship's memorable company, and describes the ship's organization with captivating detail. While working as a steward's mate, Max befriends a wealthy passenger named Ellie, who is attracted by his honesty and naiveté. Ellie is a fairly typical Heinlein grrl: cute, friendly, but tougher than she looks, used to getting her own way, and disinclined to let others know just how smart she really is. Ellie uses her wealth and position to get Max a chance at a promotion, and his natural gifts take him the rest of the way. While Max's rise from farmer to steward's mate to chartsman, etc. may seem excessive, and certainly fraught with coincidences, Heinlein wants to show an example of how persistence, hard work, and a willingness to take risks can pay big dividends. Moreover, when Max breaks the rules, he winds up paying for it, and becomes a man in the process, just as Sam winds up paying dearly for his mistakes. Max and Sam play off each other wonderfully, and keep the reader interested in their story. There are some exciting adventures on an uncharted planet, and plenty of suspense involving the science of astrogation. The science in this novel hasn't aged very well--Heinlein puts astrogational computers on board, but still requires human beings to do most of the mathematics -- but his knowledge of ship's hierarchy and routine give this book a closeness to life that many such novels lack. Above all, Heinlein is telling a morality tale, and the very skill with which he recounts his story makes it convincing.

A hillbilly from the Ozarks who didn't strike oil, Max Jones lives on an Earth where professions are controlled by guilds--entry is, for the most part, hereditary. Still, his late, childless uncle, Chester Jones, was an astrogator aboard a starship, and Max suspects he might have been designated as heir. Such is not the case, but Max sneaks aboard as a crewman anyway, with the help of a dishonest rascal, Sam Anderson. Max moves ahead with good luck, merit, and a series of deaths, and eventually becomes captain on that first trip, and leads his crew and passengers back from an unknown planet.

The Max who is willing to lie and cheat to get onboard near the start of the book is not the Max of the end of the book, who is not willing to do so to protect himself. He is matured by role models such as Astrogator Hendrix, and, surprisingly, by the rascal Sam. Yet he has effects on those around them. Max's influence changes Sam from rascal to hero.

The dated elements, such as the '50s style computers that can do little more than simple calculations and cannot even store logarithms and the like (the characters must use bound log tables and other references) do not detract. I should note that it's a bit strange that Astrogator Chester Jones (who no doubt inherited his position from a father or other close relative) would have a brother who is a hardscrabble farmer. At least, the question should have been explained.

Max Jones is blessed with an eidetic memory and dreams of becoming an "astrogator" (Heinlein's neologism for "starship navigator"). Every evening he watches the ballistic train streak by his property, bound for Earthport, the launching facility for the big ships, and wishes that he could go there. But Max is committed to supporting his father's widow by working their Ozark farm, and the requirements for getting into the Astrogators' Guild are strict; most slots are inherited from previous guild members. One evening, Max's stepmother comes home with a new husband, a shiftless, drunken lout who announces that he has sold the farm and threatens to beat Max up when he protests. Max has no recourse but to gather up his reference books on astrogation (left to him by his deceased uncle Chet, an astrogator), and flee for Earthport. But when he presents himself at the Astrogators' Guild hall, he is told that his uncle Chet never nominated Max to the guild before he died, and the reference books are confiscated to "protect trade secrets." Max is in a pickle.

Written in 1953, Starman Jones is a solid work of craftsmanship, of interest both to adults and children. It outlines a crowded Earth in which satisfying, interesting work is truly scarce, locked into a strict system of guilds. Faced with that barrier, what is an ambitious, talented boy like Max to do? The book deals in large part with the ethical dilemmas created by this situation, and by Max's subsequent forgery of documents enabling him to land a position aboard the starship Asgard. In the mysterious, wily old starship crewman, Sam, Heinlein creates a memorable, complex character, much in keeping with the Swope Park hobo/hero Heinlein mentions several times in speeches and writing (A good account of this story can be found in Expanded Universe). All in all, Starman Jones is a fast-moving, yet weighty read.

This was the third medical education book I read this spring as part of a medical school course (2nd year). For some reason, I liked this book much more than "Becoming a Doctor" by Melvin Konner (too analytical and removed) and "House of God" by Samuel Shem (too much shock for the sake of shock). The Intern Blues introduced three interns who were probably typical. As a parent, I empathized with Amy and felt she was getting screwed for being a parent and a woman- but somehow she was still so unlikeable- I can't imagine she can still be practicing medicine with such an anti-everything attitude. Andy seemed like a great intern, but by the fifth time he broke down in tears during the first few chapters I was ready to see him jump off a building. Mark was great- I am a firm believer in using sarcasm to keep you sane. Prior to reading this book I told people I was trying to do well in classes so I didn't end up in the Bronx for my residency. Since this sounds like a high powered and competetive program, I'm tempted to tank my boards just so I DON'T end up in the Bronx. I must say, that my impression from people I've talked to is that things may be slightly better these days than they were in 1985. Let's hope so.

Intern Blues, written by Robert Marion, M.D., is a look at the life of doctors fresh from medical school, from the inside. The author asked three interns to record their lives on hand-held tape recorders, compiled the recordings, and offered commentary on their experiences. This exercise is meant to give the reader an understanding of the process of becoming a doctor. The interns Amy, Andy, and Mark begin the year enthused and excited to be finally working with patients of their very own. They explain the work they are doing, their interactions with their superiors, the staff and their patients, and their personal relationships. The interns are eager to learn the skills an independent doctor must possess. The internships start off in a positive light; however, their experiences quickly become much less positive. Through the remainder of the book, their observations and outlook on life become almost entirely negative. All three characters have lost their ability to socially interact, feel deprived of time with their families, and have no knowledge of anything that happens outside of the hospital. Despite their grim outlook on life, the reader can see their skills and abilities progress quite dramatically. They are transformed from timid students, unwilling to act without supervision, to competent doctors capable of supervising others. The conversion is quite impressive. The author ends the book by questioning the worth of the intern year. He leaves it to the reader to weigh the benefits and the drawbacks and to come to his or her own personal decision. I don not believe this is meant to challenge the entire medical teaching process, but rather ask each individual reader to fully understand what a doctor must give up inside of themselves in order to achieve their goal. My main criticism of the book is that the characters primarily record only when really bad things happen, thus there are very few positive events, and even fewer neutral events. So the reader is not sure if all of the internship is truly this horrible, or if only the truly horrible things are recorded. I have a feeling that if a third party had followed each character and recorded ALL the events, the picture would be significantly less bleak. I hope that is true, seeing as in two years, I will be an intern myself. This is a good book for anyone interested in becoming a doctor, or interested in understanding better the sacrifices one must make along the journey to becoming a doctor; Although it should be taken with a grain of salt. The characters all mention that if they knew how bad the internship would be, they never would have done it. However, as the book is closing, amnesia sets in, and upon reflection, they all concede that it "may" have been worth it. In any event, they all choose to continue their training. At first glance, this book appeared to be filled with the whining of interns. Upon further inspection, it is an interesting commentary on the experiences that young doctors have as they gain the skills and confidence needed in the field of medicine.

I'll preface this review by saying my knowledge of the medical profession is minimal at best. However, Marion's book was among the best I've read in a long time. The story of how three interns struggle to make it throught a year is emotionally draining and exhilarating at the same time. Marion does an excellent job of describing all medical terms and summarizing the stress that the interns are going through. After having read this book I have a greater respect and understanding of what current doctors go through to get to their positions. "The Intern Blues" is well worth reading for doctors and non-doctors alike.

Well, although I enjoy Robert Cormier's works, I must rate this one a four. Cormier , as usual, delved into the minds of the characters to the extreme, just as in the rest of his books. What I didn't like about We All Fall Down, however, was the lack of realism that is present in most of his other books. However, what saved this novel was the way in which Cormier presents both sides of the issue, which is a refreshing find in YA literature. All in all, this was a good book, but not his best.

Thrilling, chilling and verbose; three words to describe the emotional path Cormier takes you through each time you turn the page. "We All Fall Down" is one of Cormier's most impressive works and clearly demonstrates a perfect thriller in my eyes.

Robert Cormier's descriptive paragraphs and wording not only absorb the reader, but compel them to unravel the book even further. It is the story of the Avenger, Buddy and Jane, and follows the effects a random act of violence has on the three.

"We All Fall Down" is a rather disturbing novel, but at the same time, enjoyable. This book illustrates fate and how a slight twist of it can alter lives forever.

There are only a few Robert Cormier books I haven't read, and this one is no exception to their perpetual quality. Every single one, although dealing with similar topics, has been unique in its own way, so the reader can never get tired of Cormier's novels. His books also still remain extremely surprising and unpredictable. As I said, I have read many of RC's novels and couldn't even come close to forseeing what would happen in this one. Cormier never wastes characters, but has all of them that he mentions play a critical role in the story. "We All Fall Down" provides a melancholy depiction of the sometimes randomness of love, and the uncertainty of adolecense. This one, as all of Cormier's books, is hard to put down, and will keep you burning the midnight oil if you're a night reader like me.

The wedding of Luke and Mara's something I've been waiting for for years, and I was finally glad to be able to see it. It's still a little hard for me to swallow the tough-as-nails Mara as getting soft and romantic as she was in these comics, but not impossible-- it was well done here. It was far from perfect, though: perhaps I'm spoiled by the art in the "By the Emperor's Hand" comics, but I thought the art in this series was far from above par, especially with the portrayals of previously established characters: they barely looked like them, and the characters I didn't know so well from the other novels all blended together with very little to tell them apart (except in a few select places). And the so-called added 'conflict' of the Imperials crashing the wedding was pretty weak, though to be fair there's really not much room to develop a deep conflict with a four-issue series and half of that is spent on Luke/Mara mush. It really just seemed like a 'token' conflict, just a conflict to stick in there so the whole story line was not a continuous stream of nothing but happy wedding stuff for Luke and Mara. I enjoyed reading it-- as I previously said I loved the romance, it was about time Luke really got some!-- and I don't regret spending the money on it; but it's still definitely not the best SW story I've read.

Personally, I would have liked that Luke and Mara's wedding be in a novel form, but having a comic like "Union" is, does have its pluses. For one, we actually could see the characters and what they were doing. The dialogue at times can be confusing (like the bar room brawl and the people plotting against the wedding), but overall it makes sense and Michael Stackpole does a good job at it. The biggest problem I have with the comic was the picturing and drawings. Certainly the known characters we know from the movie trilogy look like they should look like (though at times, I think Luke and Han could have been drawn better), but I felt that the drawings weren't as good as some of the past comics, like the comic adaption of the Timothy Zahn book, "Dark Force Rising", which I feel is the best comic version out of almost all of them. With the drawings, Mara herself could have looked much better, which brings back the comic of DFR, which I felt had Mara down to the hilt of the way that Zahn wrote her. Besides that, "Union" was a excellent entry into the Star Wars universe with the marriage of probably the most famous person from the original movie trilogy, Luke Skywalker (duh!). It does have some problems (which is why I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 stars), but it is a refresher before the New Jedi Order book series, which I hate overall (the exception being the birth of Luke and Mara's son Ben).

At last, that momentous event in which Mara Jade will wed Luke Skywalker. An excellent story, but rather poor graphics. While I may be spoiled by the artistry in Mara Jade: By the Emperor's Hand, the pictures in this comic are not very good. The story however, is full of excellent twists. We finally get to see that hard stone heart of Mara's melt into compassion. We also see the passionate side of Luke, ddeeply in love with his bride to be. A truely excellent comic book, a MUST have.

I was in fourth grade when I first read this book. It spurred my interest in reading. Three high-school age boys use an abandoned trailor, in a salvage yard owned by one of the boy's Uncle, as the headquarters for their private investigating firm. Think Hardy Boys meets Scooby Doo, without the slapstick of a talking dog. The boys always find a creepy mystery to solve. It appealed to the part of me that liked Saturday afternoon horror movies and adventure stories. There is nothing too gruesom here for a young reader. And the mysterious adventures would appeal to any young boy with a taste for ghost stories and monster mysteries. This is the seventies worthy pre-cursor to the Goosebumps series. This book is the first in a series of over 20 books. And the titles by Robert Arthur, the original author, are the best. It is a shame these books are out of print. They are perfect for any boy age 9 to 14.

While I did not find this story quite as satisfying as the previous three books in the Three Investigators series, it featured some of the most compelling scenes thus far. The chapters describing the boys' dangerous flight through a maze of old mines and caves had me squirming in my seat. Being a claustrophobic-type person, I found Arthur's descriptions of the tight squeezes through spaces barely large enough for a youngster to be quite harrowing and intense. That part of the story really "made" this book for me. While the mystery of the green ghost is fascinating and interesting, I just did not find the conclusion to be 100% believable, although it is certainly adequate and in step with the details of the case. The plot itself basically has two story lines converging into one; while there was some danger of the two story lines not intersecting properly at times, Arthur managed to overcome these potential pitfalls and keep the plot on an even keel. It may be that a youngster reading this book (or having it read to him/her) might get a little confused as the story begins wrapping up, but I don't think such confusion would detract from his/her enjoyment of the book. As I said, the description of the mines was just intense and should produce some pretty wide-opened eyes in youngsters (and adults) following the action. Any parent reading this book to a child should certainly anticipate some "just one more chapter" and "can you leave the light on?" remarks around bedtime.

A scream shatters the night! What a sensational way to start a creepy mystery for the 3 Investigators. The Mystery of the Green Ghost (#4 in the series) is yet another classic mystery thriller from the mind of the late Robert Arthur. If you are a parent who is trying to get your child to pick up a book - hand them any copy of a Three Investigators book and you'll be amazed. Kids are drawn into the spellbinding stories so much that they'll actually get out an atlas to see exactly where Rocky Beach, California is! (I did.) If you are an adult who wants to try something fun and nostalgic - dig out The Mystery of the Green Ghost (or any other 3 Investigator book for that matter) and be transported back to your youth. I am currently re-reading all the titles and am astonished at how well the stories hold up after all these years! I am also currently purchasing the re-released Robert Arthur issues for all my nephews! Let's hope that Random House does the right thing and re-releases the ENTIRE SERIES! LONG LIVE THE THREE INVESTIGATORS!

Beyond the Chocolate War continues the story of Jerry Renault, Roland Goober, Obie, Archie and the Vigils. Cormier's slightly gritty and truthful writing is a welcome change from the perfect worlds in many Young Adult books. He tells it like it is; the pressure of secret peer society, the need to belong in the world and the ever-tumultuous teen relationship. The sequel is definitely as good as its prequel, though I preferred the latter, and the addition of new and exciting characters such as Ray Bannister and Laurie Gundarson and a deeper probe into Jerry's injuries make this book suspenseful and disturbing as it looks closely into the face of evil. The plot twists and turns, with Cormier's mastery of the teenage fiction novel evident. Since this book was an easy read, exciting and full of adventure, I would definitely recommend it to teens and adults who enjoy suspenseful books.

I read the Chocolate War in the 8th grade. It was one of my favorite books growing up. I read everything else Cormier wrote, until I went to college and "grew up". I had no idea that Cormier wrote a sequel until I came across it on Amazon. I immediately ordered both the original and this sequel. While it is not the book the original is, its definitely worth reading. If you know any teens who have not read these books, it makes a great present. Anybody who read the original remembers the characters and the final, disturbing scene under the lights on the athletic field. The original was about Jerry Renault, but the sequel is about Archie Costello, Obie, and the rest of the vigils. Its a good read, but not the great read that the original is.

This novel focuses on what occurs after the infamous Chocolate incident. Trinity was scarred by the event, in which cancer-like distortions ripple through the students. The entire school corrupts, and time ticks toward multiple plots of revenge directed at the Vigils, the faculty, and Archie Costello himself.

Cormier's characterizations are elaborated in this sequel, and you see different side to each student that you've never thought possible. Everyone has a dark side, a lust of blood. What made this book a winner was how Robert depicted everyone's mind. David Caroni's insanity was constructed in an absolute genius fashion.

However, it's complexity decreased it's appeal, and the intellectual brooding after I read the Chocolate War didn't happen as long as it did here. Still, an excellent "what-happens-afterward" story, but not as powerful as it's predessesor.

You know how lots of books you read when you were a kid are still absolutely great the second time around? Well, this isn't one of them. I read it for the first time when I was maybe 14 and loved it, but since then have moved on to more involved fantasy. This book should have been extended to a short series maybe - then Anthony might have developed his characters more thoroughly and, as another reviewer pointed out, had them use their gifts more. And the ending seemed like so much proselytizing - yes, I believe the Holocaust was horrible and of course I don't like to see a dead deer in the street, but I also don't need to have that preached at me when I'm reading a fantasy novel. Aren't they called fantasy because they're an escape from the real world? Oh, and I think Piers Anthony should keep his Author's Notes to himself. Some of us I think would like his writing better if he didn't feel the need to be so explicit about his motives. When he writes about the q! ! uestion of getting paid on this - the collaboration with a dead teenager - well, sure, we know authors like to get paid. But when he puts it in the author's note, it's, like, cry me a river! The boy is dead! You're alive! And all you're worrying about is getting paid?! And I'm sure his collaborator's family loved reading that. All in all, an average book. Save your time and go read something like Ann Marston's Rune Blade trilogy.

For people reading this review I will not tell you the story line of the book but I will say that if you like fantasies and fiction stories this would be a good book to read. This book is about 4 people who are each from different worlds and brought to one world to fight an evil scorcer to keep balance on all worlds. The book keeps you wanting to read more to see what happens to the four because they are always in trouble. The ending to me was not that great but that's me. I'm a person who thinks that the last guy the main characters fight, in these kind of books, should be the most challenging enemy of them all. Although the ending was not that great to me, the rest of the book is great and I recomend you to read this book.

It's a good book to begin with. It has an original storyline and an ending with a statement on morals that I personally believe or at least, would like to believe. Before I read Through the Ice I had read many other Peirs Anthony novels but was hesitant to read a collaboration. When I read it I was pleasantly suprised at the freshness of the writing. I'm dying to reveal the other reason why I liked this book, but I feel it would ruin it for others. Suffice to say I think that what Anthony did in writing this book is one of the nicest and most touching things I've ever known anyone to do. A good story in itself. After I read this book I felt better about people and life in general. Not saying it's a masterpiece or anything but it's quite good and I can't think of anything really wrong with it which is all I ask of any book. Five stars is my score and I'm sticking to it.