Young Adult – Page 5 – Ryan's Book Blog

The Mark of Athena

July 4, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Mark of Athena is the 3rd book in the Heroes of Olympus Series by Rick Riordan. Published in 2012, it details the coming together of demigods from Camp Halfblood and the Roman Legion. The gods are torn between their Greek and Roman forms and the Earth Goddess Gaea is rising.

My Thoughts

I really like the character of Leo as he is interacting with everyone. The scene with Arachne was super creepy all and all. Nope, I’m not a fan of spiders. The characters are getting older and there is some smooching going on. That is a slight difference then the other books so far. Of course, they were all a bit young for it so it only seems natural. The book was fun to listen to and I’m looking forward to the next book.

Recommendation

A worthy read

The Son of Neptune

July 3, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Son of Neptune is the 2nd book in The Heroes of Olympus series by Rick Riordan. It was published in 2011 and follows The Lost Hero. This story follows Percy as he is dropped off in the Roman camp. He’s memory is gone with the exception of his love interest Annabeth. Yet, there is another threat he will have to face.

My Thoughts

Mr. Riordan does a good job to make his characters likeable. Percy has a lot of power and is a natural leader. Somehow, he bumbles his way to be the best in camp. He later becomes the hero of the demigods. However, somehow Mr. Riordan takes you through the journey without every thinking, “Hey, this Percy guy is too powerful and arrogant.” That’s fairly impressive.

Recommendation

It’s a great series. Worth the read.

The Slippery Slope

July 1, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Book 10 in The Series of Unfortunate Events is The Slippery Slope. The orphans are trying to get their littlest sister back from the clutches of the evil Count Olaf. This time, they are in the snowy mountains and have help from someone they thought was dead.

My Thoughts

I had to jump a few books as this is the only one available after The Ersatz Elevator. There has been a lot that seemed to happen in the meantime. We learned more about BFV and Count Olaf has successfully kidnapped Sunny. It feels like we are building toward some closure though I’m sure it is a while off.

Recommendation

Still enjoyable

The Ersatz Elevator

June 21, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Ersatz Elevator is the 6th book in Lemony Snicket’s Series of Unfortunate Events. In this book, the orphans or given to an overly agreeable guardian whose very “in” wife as a big secret.

My Thoughts

The sixth book has roughly the same elements as the others. The orphans are mistreated by adults who are clueless and Count Olaf isn’t too far away. However, it is still fun to read. The style of the books are light-hearted and clever. It also doesn’t hurt that Tim Curry is reading them.

Recommendation

I enjoyed it.

The Lost Hero

June 14, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Lost Hero is the continuation of the original Percy Jackson and the Olympians Series. This time there was an exchange of leadership between Camp Half-blood and the heretofore unknown Roman camp for demigods. Jason, Piper, and Leo take the lead as they fight against mother nature herself.

My Thoughts

Another enjoyable easy read from Rick Riordan. The book read a lot like spin off it is by giving us just enough of the old story to keep the fans interested and giving new characters to keep the new story ark going.

Recommendation

Great for the young fantasy reader

Inheritance

June 11, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Inheritance is the 4th book in the Inheritance Cycle. It wraps up the tale of Eragon and the dragons.

My Thoughts

While still a good book and a must read for anyone who is going through the series, I thought it had everything wrapped up in too neat and tidy of a bow. I didn’t like that Arya became a rider AND the queen of the elves. Seriously, it should have been one or the other.

Recommendations

I had to get through it but I’m glad I didn’t quit.

The Wide Window

June 4, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Book three of the series of unfortunate events “The Wide Window” was written in 2000 following “The Reptile Room” and “The Bad Beginning“.

This time around Count Olaf dresses as “Captain Sham” who bullies the children’s new guardian into giving the kids over for adoption.

My Thoughts

This book went by fast. The genre of “absurdest fiction”, which I’ve seen these books placed, isn’t something with which I have much experience. I like the style of the books and do enjoy them.

Recommendation

It’s worth the read.

The Miserable Mill

June 4, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Miserable Mill is book four in the Series of Unfortunate Events from Lemony Snicket. The book, released in 2004, details the events of the Baudelaire orphans as they are passed to another foster home. This time they are required to work at a wood mill while all the time being stalked by the dreaded Count Olaf.

My Thoughts

Another interesting read. I have to admit, these books are fun to read and I want to watch the Netflix versions with my kids. Neil Patrick Harris would be a great Count Olaf. Of course, the books are pretty well patterned at this point. It’s just a matter of how ridiculous are the adults going to act and how quickly will Count Olaf show up.

Recommendations

It’s still worth reading these books in order. However, they are worth the read.

The Bad Beginning

June 3, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Bad Beginning is just that. A bad beginning. It starts with a fire and 3 newly orphaned children. They inherited a fortune and one man is out to get it. Count Olaf.

Written in 1999, The Bad Beginning is the first book of the “Series of Unfortunate Events” which is now appearing on Netflix.

My Thoughts

This story went down fast and was enjoyable. The plot is fairly transparent and it reads as an aid to children’s vocabulary.

It was also fun!

Recommendation

Read it for fun or read it to a child if you’ve forgotten how to have fun.

Brisingr

May 31, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Brisingr is the 3rd book in the Inheritance Cycle following Eldest and Eragon. Written in 2008, we learn more about the nature of magic and of dragons. The war continues to go on and Galvatorix continues to reign supreme.

My Thoughts

Christopher Paolini has an easy way of writing which helps the story bring you along. At over eight hundred pages, the book seems daunting but it went by in the flash.

Recommendation

I really enjoyed it. I would recommend it to anyone who likes these type of books.