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.

Nicola Ambruzzi's parents died when she was young and she was adopted into her uncle's travelng performances. Her Uncle was cruel to all of his children, but most cruel to Nicola, for she was adopted into the perfomance crew. One day, at the most important event for the traveling crew, at the Palace in Rheims, where the crew was to entertain Queen Mary and King Francis, Nicola had a few run-ins with the Queen Mary herself. Queen Mary found Nicola witty and entertaining, so she bought her from Uncle as her own fool. For the first few months as fool, everything went perfect for Nicola, but the turning point was when King Francis died, and it was decided for Queen Mary to leave France and live in Scotland. From then on, the story became more and more depressing for the Queen and for Nicola, who was always behind the Queen. From the awful husband, Darnley, who was murdered, to the Queen's imprisonment...This book was true to history and was fun to read, but I don't think Queen Mary would have been such a kind soul.

I've read historical fictions before, and Queen's Own Fool ranks on the top of the list. However biased or twisted some of the points in the novel are (Darnley's actions might be questionable), Ms. Yolen is able to create a great novel with these ingredients- a fascinating plot, vivid characterization, and a talent for creating atmosphere and foreshadowing.

Nicola Ambruzzi, the narrator in the story, is an orphan who's been part of her abusing uncle's Troupe Brufort (a traveling circus). When Troupe Brufort was summoned to the French court, Nicola was discovered by Queen Mary (Queen of France) with her wit, truthfulness, and bold humor. Suddenly, Nicola is Queen Mary's personal fool- someone to open her eyes among lies and brighten her life. Nicola is also the Queen's advisor-guiding her through her first husband's death, Mary's decision in ruling Scotland, etc. Even when event take a very wrong turn, Nicola was always beside her Queen.

Though I thought the ending rather left everything hanging, the rest of the story was well-written enough to keep me reading day in and day out.

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.

I think Stowaway by Karen Hesse was the best book I have ever read. Stowaway is about a boy named Nicholas Young who stows
-away on a ship called Endeavour.The crew on this ship go to islands botanizing.(study of plants and animals.) Nicholas and the crew are on this ship for two years ,and a lot of adventures and surprises.I hope you read this book because it is the most exciting,adventurousand surpising book I have ever read!!!!

Karen Hesse tells many storys.But the one I read is the best.The title is Stowaway.It's about a boy named Nicholas Young who was sent to a butcher so Nick could get over his soft heartedness for animals.So he stows away on a ship that is boltnizing(study of plants and animals).When he gets on a ship he's 11 and when he gets back to his home he's 14.
Mr.Bootie doesn't like Nick because he has a soft heart(Mr.Bootie doesn't).Nck throws over there food that is meat.
Captain James Cook's ship was named The Endeavour but it was fist named The Prembroke.
Ihope you will enjoy this book.

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.

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!

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.

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.

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.

During medical school I was given "The Intern Blues" by a friend (we were both interested in pediatrics). I could not believe that what was in the book really happened, because the problems and stresses appeared to be impossible for anyone to undertake. During my internship in pediatrics, however, I reread the book and was amazed to find that it was 100% factual, from the patient AND physician standpoint. As a Chief Resident in pediatrics as a teaching hospital I have recommended it to the interns, to let them know that what they are experiencing is not unusual, and that they are not alone. I highly recommend this book for anyone interested in medicine (especially pediatrics), and for the families of medical students and residents, as it can help them understand the many personality and life style changes that accompany internship and residency. This book is a MUST READ for anyone contemplating pediatric residency.

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.

We All Fall Down, by Robert Cormier is a well paced, exciting, young-adult fiction novel. This novel is easy to follow because of the limited number of major characters. This allows the author to fully exploit the remaining characters. The novel is full of twists and turns. It includes a multiple personality, murder plots, twisted love, and underage drinking. The main conflict occurs in the opening pages when a group of teenagers vandalize a Cape Cod cottage. I feel this was a very good and interesting story. It was easy to read and always kept you guessing. Although it has an obvious end result, it remains interesting and allows you to ponder as the story concludes.

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.

While this was an interesting story to read, it was pretty confusing at times. There were way too many supporting characters to keep straight and a lot of others that I'd never heard of before. The artwork was so cluttered and most of the supporting characters looked so similar to each other that it was near impossible to tell who was who. It also didn't help that the villains in the story looked like the good guys and so you couldn't keep them straight, either. However, I think Stackpole nailed the characterizations for the main characters...attitudes, facial expressions, emotions. They were all dead on. He even got the interplay between R2-D2 and C-3PO right. Speaking of interplay, I loved the scenes between Mara and Luke. They were so well done that it made you feel happy to see them together. Hopefully we'll see them together more in either the comics or the novels.

I have yet to read any of Stackpole's Star Wars novels, but if these characterizations are any indication, they should be pretty good. Unfortunately, the plethora of supporting characters and lackluster artwork made this story almost a headache to read.

As a child, I was sure I was going to grow up and marry Luke Skywalker, but I admit that Mara is perfect for him. Ever since I read Heir to the Empire, I have been waiting for this wedding. The book was fun to read, and the wedding dress part was great. I loved how characteristics of all the main people were captured so well. The only thing I was disappointed with was Mara. She looked too cute, like a high school cheerleader- not at all the picture presented of her in the books. But still, the book was a blast. I highly recommend it.

Luke and Mara Skywalker are so happy! At last they are married!SO crazy with love LUKEY SINGS A SONG:MARA MY MARA,MARA MY MARA,MARA MY MARA.....Untill Mara tells him to shut up so she can give him a nice big kiss. You will like disa funny comic!

I read these books as fast as they came out when I was younger (and even into my teens, truth be told). I feel sorry for the previous reviewer who hoped the books would "stay lost" ... I have a feeling they have trouble reading comic books.

This book (Green Ghost) was certainly among the best of the series ... you were kept guessing to the last as to exactly what was going on.

I hope these books are someday reissued for kids today.

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!

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.

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.

The story of this highschool boy attending a private school is a wonderful sequel to The Chocolate War. I read this book quite some time after reading the first, yet I still understood it perfectly. Someone that has never picked up a Cormier novel in their lives would be able to understand it. It recaps all that happened in the last novel without becoming so it sounded like it was just summarizing the entire thing for you. He worked it in beautifully. This is also something I can relate to. So many people have been teased or bullied into doing something against their will in highschool that practically anyone can relate. Students can relate because they understand the situation so well, but it is advanced enough reading that an adult would enjoy it also.

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.