Deadweather and Sunrise

Summary: It’s tough to be thirteen, especially when somebody’s trying to kill you.

Not that Egg’s life was ever easy, growing up on sweaty, pirate-infested Deadweather Island with no company except an incompetent tutor and a pair of unusually violent siblings who hate his guts.

But when Egg’s father hustles their family off on a mysterious errand to fabulously wealthy Sunrise Island, then disappears with the siblings in a freak accident, Egg finds himself a long-term guest at the mansion of the glamorous Pembroke family and their beautiful, sharp-tongued daughter Millicent. Finally, life seems perfect.

Until someone tries to throw him off a cliff.

Suddenly, Egg’s running for his life in a bewildering world of cutthroat pirates, villainous businessmen, and strange Native legends. The only people who can help him sort out the mystery of why he’s been marked for death are Millicent and a one-handed, possibly deranged cabin boy.

Come along for the ride. You’ll be glad you did.

Thoughts: This was a sweet and interesting coming of age story set in the past with a backdrop of high-seas adventure. The story keeps a good pace and the characters are well done. It feels a bit like Treasure Island for a new generation. Really enjoyable and good for almost all ages.

Content: A bit of mild language and violence. Otherwise, good for any age.

The Reluctant Assassin

Summary: ​The reluctant assassin is Riley, a Victorian boy who is suddenly plucked from his own time and whisked into the twenty-first century, accused of murder and on the run.
Riley has been pulled into the FBI's covert W.A.R.P. operation (Witness Anonymous Relocation Program). He and young FBI Agent Chevie Savano are forced to flee terrifying assassin-for-hire Albert Garrick, who pursues Riley through time and will not stop until he has hunted him down. Barely staying one step ahead, Riley and Chevie must stay alive and stop Garrick returning to his own time with knowledge and power that could change the world forever.

Thoughts: Author of the acclaimed and much-loved series, Artemis Fowl, Eoin Colfer has tried his hand at many different types of books. While always quick with wit and an interesting tale, this definitely isn't quite on par with his more famous series. 

Now that that's out of the way, this was a really good story in its own right. I will admit to having picked it up because of the author and how much I missed Artemis, but once I got over how completely unrelated this book was from that work, I really enjoyed it. The historical and modern settings were great, the characters were well written and fun to follow, and, by the end, I was truly invested in the story for its own sake. So, while I won't recommend it to anyone seeking the flavor of Artemis, I will recommend it to anyone looking for a good story on spies, friendship, time-traveling, action, and comedy!

Content: A bit of mild language and violence. Otherwise, clean for kids of most ages.

Lyonesse Series

Summary: Lyonesse is the land of legends and magic. It's the forgotten land where King Arthur once resided with Merlin and his Knights of the Round Table. But thousands of years after the great king walked this country, it has become a place of shadows, where men hunt and capture the monsters that lurk below in the dark depths of the sea. Lyonesse is slowly sinking, and it is up to one boy, Idris, to save his people and his land. Can he stand up to the forces of evil that aim to stop him? 

Thoughts: This miniseries, composed solely of these two books, has become one of my favorites. Fantastical writing on par with Lloyd Alexander or even Tolkien creates a world from the legends of Camelot and Atlantis. Deeply moving, well written with good characters and better world-building, I was riveted from beginning to end despite a rather long wait in between as I struggled to find the second book. 

The first book, The Well Between Worlds opens well and the second, Darksoltice, closes unforgettably. These are not standalone books and I highly suggest reading them back to back to fully appreciate the flow of the story. They do tend to lean on the darker side of things with an almost dystopian feel mingled with the fantasy here. Even so, these are truly great books! 

Content: The creatures from the wells come in many forms, some of them resembling women and it is stated, though never shown, that men will sleep with them. Lewd comments are occasionally made to or about female characters, Mild language. The biggest issue would be how dark the stories are, often becoming creepy or violent. Recommended for teens and adults. 

The Mysterious Howling

Summary: Found running wild in the forest of Ashton Place, the Incorrigibles are no ordinary children: Alexander, age ten or thereabouts, keeps his siblings in line with gentle nips; Cassiopeia, perhaps four or five, has a bark that is (usually) worse than her bite; and Beowulf, age somewhere-in-the-middle, is alarmingly adept at chasing squirrels.

Luckily, Miss Penelope Lumley is no ordinary governess. Only fifteen years old and a recent graduate of the Swanburne Academy for Poor Bright Females, Penelope embraces the challenge of her new position. Though she is eager to instruct the children in Latin verbs and the proper use of globes, first she must help them overcome their canine tendencies.

But mysteries abound at Ashton Place: Who are these three wild creatures, and how did they come to live in the vast forests of the estate? Why does Old Timothy, the coachman, lurk around every corner? Will Penelope be able to teach the Incorrigibles table manners and socially useful phrases in time for Lady Constance's holiday ball? And what on earth is a schottische?

Thoughts: I loved this book! Mowgli and siblings meet Mary Poppins in this story about a young governess who has got much more than she bargained for! Through trial and error, she sets about teaching her young wards but she also has to protect them from sinister forces lurking all-around ten. This book offers both a compelling mystery as well as a heartwarming tale, ensuring that you remain riveted till the last page and yet, carrying the story gently and in a way that is easily read by all ages. Despite being such a small book, it carries quite a bit of story in it and comes recommended for any age.

Content: Due to the mystery side of the plot, several scenes may be creepy for younger audiences. Otherwise, a clean read.