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Brisingr (Inheritance Cycle)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science Fiction and Fantasy
by: Christopher Paolini

September 20, 2008
Unless you're 13 or younger dont bother reading this book. I'm really disappointed in Paolini...after getting off to a great start with Eragon book 2, Eldest, slipped a bit but was still readable. Brisingr however is a total waste. The dialogue is so childish I cringed with every page. I gave up on this book halfway thru. If you're smart you'll give this one a pass. Save your money, complete rubbish...grow up Chris, maybe even get a girlfriend and try again in a few years once you've matured a bit.

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Nation

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science Fiction and Fantasy
by: Terry Pratchett

September 11, 2008
More than 20 years ago now, a good friend pressed a copy of "The Colour of Magic" into my hands that launched a love affair with Terry's books that lasts to this day. Like most frustrated authors who lack the talent to deliver themselves, I read a lot, and I think I have read pretty much all that Terry has written since 198whatever, and yes some of it is quite a lot better than some other bits, but his work has never once been a disappointment.

So I was delighted to see Nation appear on the shelf last week and have just used a rainy Sunday morning to finish it.

A quick summation, of the important points; this is not a Disc World novel, it is a book aimed at anyone over about 9 who can read. It deals with the not inconsequential ... Read More:

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Breaking Dawn (Twilight Saga)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science Fiction and Fantasy
by: Stephenie Meyer

August 04, 2008
This book was absolutly fantastic!! I stumbled across Stephenie Meyer's Twilight on sale in a local supermarket, after reading the first chapter I was hooked! I rushed around to find New Moon and then waited for Eclipse full of excitment. The wait for Breaking Dawn was a tough one but very worth it, this book did not let me down. It was beautiful and I wanted to be every part of it. In 3 days I finished Breaking Dawn and however much I am kicking myself for that now, I am looking forward to reading it all over again!! Stephenie Meyer not only knew how to capture my attention and hold it there but drew me into a world that I could not forget about through out my day to day life. I am in my late 20's and have / would recommend the 4 books to any age group who ... Read More:

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Artemis Fowl and the Time Paradox: 6 (Artemis Fowl)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science Fiction and Fantasy
by: Eoin Colfer

August 07, 2008
Artemis Fowl is a fantasy book about a teenage criminal mastermind who discovered subterranean fairies. It is an action-packed book filled with wacky characters and jokes.
The plot is about Artemis having to travel back in time to find a cure to save his mother. The cure is a lemur which Artemis had killed when he was ten-years old because Mother had spent the money that Artemis was going to use to help try and get back his father who was taken by the mafia. This was a childish piece of revenge and he's now going to have to retrieve it from his younger-self's clutches.
Artemis, until recently, had been a criminal sought on becoming the most powerful one in the world until he discovered that that wasn't the most important thing in life. Now, he had a ... Read More:

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The Singing: The Fourth Book of Pellinor (The Books of Pellinor)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science Fiction and Fantasy
by: Alison Croggon

September 01, 2008
The three earlier books in this series are amongst the best fantasy novels I've ever read. Unfortunately, 'The Singing' is not, in my opinion, nearly so good. 'The Riddle', for instance, is a thrilling book from start to finish. It's shocking and visceral - the sort of book that has you anxious for the safety of its characters throughout. The problem, for me, with 'The Singing' is that it has nothing close to that excitement. In fact, it has very little tension, very few if any surprises, and most importantly didn't demand an engagement with its characters from this reader in the way 'The Riddle' demanded you sat up straight and paid attention.
Maered is so powerful in this book I didn't fear for her in the slightest. The amoral'elemental' potential towards evil ... Read More:

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Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows (Book 7) [Children's Edition] (Harry Potter)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science Fiction and Fantasy
by: J.K. Rowling

July 10, 2008
This thing, the deathly hallows, the beginning wasn't the best beginning, but... I could not stop reading it. I don't understand why people think the ending is disappointing. The Nineteen years later could be expanded into a book, maybe, but, if J.K doesn't then that's all we really need to know to end the Harry potter phenomenon. Hopefully she will deliver another H.P book, because I know, I know, it won't end here.

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Superior Saturday (The Keys to the Kingdom)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science Fiction and Fantasy
by: Garth Nix

July 01, 2008
Having read and loved Garth Nix's OLD KINGDOM books (SABRIEL, LIRAEL, and ABHORSEN) as well as his SEVENTH TOWER series, I had pretty high expectations when I started in on SUPERIOR SATURDAY. I wasn't
disappointed. The action moves along quickly, with new and original presentations of magic at every turn, and major and minor characters worth cheering for (or, in the case of the antagonists, against).

The sixth book in Nix's KEYS TO THE KINGDOM series picks up right where the fifth book left off, making it a little confusing to understand at first, especially if you're a newcomer to the series, like I was when reading this. The book is certainly good enough to merit your going to the library and checking out all of the previous ones in order to get up to speed, ... Read More:

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Eldest

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science Fiction and Fantasy
by: Christopher Paolini

September 07, 2006
this book is an excellent read I enjoyed it immensely!
the part were he visited the elves was a bit boring but the battle afterwards made up of it. Very interesting plot line but when he tries to romance with Ayra you just want to smash your head into a wall yelling "shut up you stupid person!" Its embarrassing. his training is good reading but he really mucks up his relationship with Ayra. appart from that bit the plot has many interesting twists and turns and it makes up for a lot.

all in all a brilliant read!

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Eragon (Inheritance Cycle)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science Fiction and Fantasy
by: Christopher Paolini

January 06, 2005
For any fantasy/sci-fi fan, Eragon will contain a lot of familiar material. However, it is well written and has a fast-moving pace which makes up for its derivative nature. Although the story and characters are not new, it is an interesting (if not particularly thrilling) read.

On the down-side, the dialogue is very wooden and a lot of the description is long-winded and verbose. I suppose we can excuse Paolini, seeing as he was quite young when he wrote it.

Altogether, a good read (if you can stand the none-too-subtle echoes of Star Wars and LOTR).

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Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone (Book 1)

Childrens Toy Shop > Books > Science Fiction and Fantasy
by: J.K. Rowling

June 26, 1997
...and is undoubtably well-described, but the actual storyline wasn't quite as exciting as everyone said it would be. Still, I will be reading the next one!