Young Adult – Page 6 – Ryan's Book Blog

Eldest

May 10, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Published in 2005, “Eldest” is the 2nd novel in the inheritance cycle by Christopher Paolini. In this book, Eragon visits the elves and learns the nature of magic. He becomes part of the dwarven family of Hothgar and meets another rider…

My Thoughts

I did enjoy the book but so many things happen so fast it taxes my already suspended reality. The character of Eragon is likable and wants to do the best he can. However, he blunders through just about everything. Still, I’m excited to start the next book.

Recommendations

If you read the first, you have to read the second.

The Last Olympian

May 2, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The last book of the Percy Jackson series, The Last Olympian sees the fulfillment of the prophecy and the final battle of monsters and demi-gods.

My Thoughts

I know the books are aimed at teenage readers but I still loved them.

Recommendation

Read them! You’ll enjoy it.

The Battle of the Labyrinth

April 29, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Book 4 of the Percy Jackson series is The Battle of the Labyrinth. This book sees Percy blow up another school and get propelled into another adventure in the world of the Greek Gods and heroes.

This time around the “Lord of Time” Kronos is finally reformed. Percy’s rival/nemesis Luke gave everything to bring the titan back. Grover finally finds the god Pan and comes into his own.

My Thoughts

There is a lot of growth in our hero and the main characters in this book. Percy is still 15 but is starting to deal with a lot more than monsters chasing him. The author does a great job, as always, of blending a good tale from the legends of mythology and giving them a modern bend.

Recommendation

A good read and a great book

Eragon

April 20, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Eragon is the first book in the Inheritance Cycle. Written by Christopher Paolini in 2002, it delivers the classic hero’s tale of a orphan book who is more than he appears.

My Thoughts

Eragon was fun to read and goes down pretty easy. Outside of it being more or less unbelievable at times, it was an enjoyable book.

Recommendation

Great book if you like the genre.

A Wrinkle in Time

April 19, 2019 by Ryan

Background

A Wrinkle in Time is a 1962 science fantasy novel by Madeleine L’Engle. The story follows Meg Murry, a young girl who, along with her brother Charles Wallace and friend Calvin O’Keefe, travels through space and time to find her father, a brilliant scientist who has been missing for five years. Along the way, they encounter three mysterious beings—Mrs. Whatsit, Mrs. Who, and Mrs. Which—who help them on their journey. The novel explores themes of love, courage, and self-acceptance, and it has been praised for its innovative use of science fiction and fantasy elements.

My Thoughts

Honestly, I wasn’t that taken with the story and don’t remember that much about it.

Recommendation

I will have to re-read it.

The Titan’s Curse

March 28, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Titan’s Curse is book three in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. The Titan Kronos is slowly coming back to power and his general Atlas is freed of his burden. Percy and his friends have to save an innocent creature from sacrifice or Kronos will return.

My Thoughts

After I read book 2 I had to move along to book 3. Another fun read from Rick Riordan. Percy is getting more familiar with his powers and is noticing he has feelings for his friend Annabeth.

Recommendations

Another great book

The Sea of Monsters

March 27, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Sea of Monsters is book 2 in the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series. Percy finds himself back in adventures as his beloved Camp Half Blood is under siege.

My Thoughts

I hadn’t remembered I had read this till I started through it again. There are more books in the Percy Jackson series and I thought this was one of them. However, I was glad I read it again.

Recommendations

Great read. Perfect for the teenage boy.

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda

January 30, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Strange Case of Origami Yoda is a children’s novel written by Tom Angleberger that was first published in 2010.

A boy named Tommy is trying to find out if Origami Yoda, who was created and given voice by an unpopular and semi-antisocial boy named Dwight, really has wisdom beyond Dwight’s abilities.

My Thoughts

This was a really fun book to read. Every now and then you have to spend a bit of time reading children’s books. I think I will lose something precious when my children are grown because I won’t have the constant stream of children’s books and other media. (Maybe it will all come with grandkids?)

This was a good story given by reports of other kids of what Origami Yoda did for them. It was a little disjointed at times but that really puts the reader in the world of middle school. A place we all likely want to forget…

Recommendation

A good read for your new double digit aged children, particularly if they are familiar with the Star Wars universe.

Insurgent

January 20, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

Insurgent is the sequel to Divergent in the series by Veronica Roth. It was published a mere year after Divergent was released.

This time it goes beyond the factions. One is trying to wipe out all the resistance and take over the city.

My Thoughts

Though easy to read and not a bad story there is still too much of the odd self deprecating yet almost unstoppable protagonist who has powers beyond everyone around her. She suffers self doubt constantly yet somehow survives the un-survivable. The world is seen through the eyes of a 16 year old girl and it shows.

Recommendation

If you are a 16 year old girl then you will likely enjoy this book. However, I wouldn’t suggest it for the 16 year old girl. Yet, I was still glad I read it… If nothing else, I know what people are talking about.

The Maze Runner

January 18, 2019 by Ryan Leave a Comment

Background

The Maze Runner was written in 2009 by James Dashner and is the first book in the Maze Runner series. It is a post apocalyptic juvenile fiction book that centers on a gifted 16 year old named Thomas. He finds himself placed in a maze without memories and needing to survive.

My Thoughts

This was a good book and may even want to see the movie. (If nothing else, I’d like to see how they depicted the reavers. Though it was pretty campy at times it was an engaging read and I didn’t get bored reading it.

Recommendations

Be aware there is some nasty violent scenes and some messed up situations. However, if you are good with that, I would recommend the book.