Wednesday, June 3, 2009

39 Clues: The Sword Thief


Well, I'm back after a bit of a break - writing these articles can wear you out after a while. So, i have a bunch of catch up to do...

I'll Start with the semi-new 39 Clues threequel, The Sword Thief. Written by the virtually unknown Peter Lerangis, the book was written in a way that boasts writing experience and personality. While it is certainly a book meant for a younger age group (8-12), the sense of good literature that was absent in some of the biggest hits in YA history (coughtwilightcough) makes its appearance. I actually find this kind of kidlit to be better than some YA I have read becuase while the storyline is sorta childish, it has a point to it, and when the author built the story to a climax, the protagonist didn't just talk their way out of it - they ACTUALLY ENDED UP IN THE FIGHT YOU WERE WAITING FOR. (coughtwilightagaincough)

The book was about the hunt for 39 clues that would reveal the secret of alchemy - how to make the philosopher's stone.(the ideas in the book became rather Harry Potter-esque)
Action packed and full of suspense, The Sword Thief will not dissapoint.

4.0/5
great

Ages 8-12 (Scholastic said so and I don't dispute this)

reviews for the first 2 books in the series:
Book 1
Book 2

10 comments:

  1. I guess I'll check it out. My main problem with it, though, is the cover that doesn't look as great as I think it could be.

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  2. Hello,

    Would you be interested in reviewing any of our titles or interviewing any of our authors?

    Titles:
    http://tribute-books.com/minicart/products.html

    Authors:
    http://tribute-books.com/authors.html

    I look forward to hearing from you.

    Best wishes,
    Nicole

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dear Sunday Book Report,

    It seems unlikely that I'm leaving my comment in the approprite space, but here we go anyway:

    My name is Jennifer White and I’d like to share with you my recent adventure. In a daring feat of mother-son collaboration, my middle-schooler, Colin, and I published two children’s books of humorous poetry together. Colin drew the wild illustrations when he was between 10 and 12 years old and I wrote the corresponding poems. I’d love it if you’d consider reviewing our books on your site. Here is an overview:

    Coolhead Luke and Other Stories (May 2007)
    Humorous poems and whimsical illustrations from this mother and son collaboration will delight even the most reluctant readers. You'll meet a cheerleader with no neck, a cuddly Cyclops, Siamese septuplets, a serpent hat, the King of Mud and dozens of other spirited characters. Corresponding poems tell their tales and celebrate the unique challenges they face. Silly and inspiring, this collection is ideal for children aged 8-12. Parents will enjoy it, too! Teacher's guide in back.

    On The Edge with Coolhead Luke (Oct. 2009)
    Brought to you by the mother and son team that created “Coolhead Luke and Other Stories”, this second collection has been eagerly anticipated by fans of Coolhead Luke. Jennifer’s funny poems and Colin’s delightful illustrations play off each other beautifully, inventing a new cast of bizarre characters presented with a unique set of challenges and absurdities. The poems are composed in an animated, jaunty style that is a joy to read. In the midst of the fun, there are teachable opportunities to demonstrate the fundamentals of poetry, including a teacher’s guide in the back of the book. Ideal for ages 8-12, this is a charming collection for children and parents alike.
    About the Author and Illustrator
    Jennifer White is the author of both books in the Coolhead Luke series. She also has had essays and poems published in the Chicken Soup for the Soul book series and Fun For Kidz Magazine. Jennifer is a media consultant in Massachusetts, where she lives with her husband, Mark, and their two children, Colin and Devon. Colin, currently aged 14, is the illustrator for both books.

    The books can be previewed at www.amazon.com. We also have an interactive website for you to check out at www.coolheadluke.com. If you are interested, let me know and I will gladly send you a .pdf or review copy of the books. I can be reached at jenwhite@charter.net

    Thanks!
    Jen White

    ReplyDelete
  4. Hi! My name is Elise Stokes and the first novel, Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula, in the action-adventure series I am writing has been released. The series is about fourteen-year-old Cassidy Jones, who develops superpowers after a mishap in the laboratory of a world-renowned geneticist, and the adventures that follow her strange transformation.

    We published on Kindle a couple weeks ago and created a Facebook fan page last weekend. We already have an eager following, including Disney star, Selena Gomez, who recommended Cassidy Jones and the Secret Formula on her Facebook wall. The link, if you're curious: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cassidy-Jones-and-the-Secret-Formula/112155172191342?ref=ts

    This is my first published work. I hope you'll consider allowing me to submit it to you for review.

    Best Regards,
    Elise Stokes
    elise_stokes@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  5. harry potter was a big hit so this book could have been as wonderful as harry's ... sounds interesting..!!

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  6. i've already read this book and this author is really amazing, i just love it.

    booklet printing new york

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  7. i've already read this book and i could say that this is one the best books ive read.
    Jacksonville Labels

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  8. I love every book in the "39 Clues" series, but this is THE BEST! It's a cool story and funny too. I couldn't put it down and read it in one day. Now my friends are taking turns reading it. I am 12 and love spy books - I am going to look for more books by Peter Lerangis.

    ReplyDelete