The Law of Love

by Laura Esquivel 
translated by Margaret Sayers Peden
4 Stars
Science Fiction
Setting: Mexico
266 pages
Published 1995

Ellie's Review
Mexican and Sci-Fi are not too genres I expect to overlap, but they do.  The Law of Love is a unique book because of the genre and also because of the format.  The written novel includes intermissions for songs on the included CD and sections of illustrations.  This uniqueness intrigued me throughout the novel.  I loved actually hearing a song that deeply moved a character rather than simply reading that he/she was moved by music.  The plot itself is also unique, blending Mayan, Catholic, and Eastern beliefs.  I consider this book entertainment (it reminded me of Latin soap operas) and enjoyed it; however, if you are looking for a deeply spiritual book, keep looking.  I’m thoroughly impressed by Esquivel’s creativity and loved her writing style of lines like, “Her teeth chattered like castanets.”

Book Summary

This exuberantly romantic and wildly comic tale from the author of Like Water for Chocolate combines inventive printed fiction with Puccini arias on CD!  When a Mexican astroanalyst in the 23rd century searches her past lives for her lover, she encounters many adventures, including the fall of Montezuma and a plot by a reborn Mother Teresa to rule the planet.  As the music in the CD releases the past lives, you see those reincarnations unfold dramatically in a series of colorful artwork.

City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4)

by Cassandra Clare
3 Stars
Young Adult
Fantasy with Vampires
Setting: NY
424 pages
Published 2011

Ellie's Review
While I did really enjoy the latest novel in The Mortal Instruments series, I didn't like it as much as the 2nd and 3rd books.  In the middle, too much was going on with the subplots and drama that was being created.  I would have been happy if Clare ended the series after the third novel since things were tied up so nicely.  She had to create so many new problems with the characters who had already overcame their numerous conflicts.  I did like City of Fallen Angels though and will probably read the next book whenever it is published.

Book Summary
Who will betray everything they ever believed in? Who will fall in love, and who will find their relationship torn apart?  Love.  Blood.  Betrayal.  Revenge.  In the heart-pounding fourth installment of The Mortal Instruments series, the stakes are higher than ever.

View Ellie's reviews of the rest of the series:
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)
City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3)

City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3)

by Cassandra Clare
4 Stars
Young Adult
Fantasy with Vampires
Setting: NY
683 pages
Published 2009

Ellie's Review
Once again, I was totally hooked on a cheesy, juvenile, vampire novel.  Clare nicely wrapped up the trilogy in City of Glass, and I was happy with the ending.  The teenage characters are still learning and making mistakes, but they have matured some since the first installment of The Mortal Instruments series, City of Bones.

Book Summary
To save her mother's life, Clary must travel to the City of Glass, the ancestral home of the Shadowhunters -- never mind that entering the city without permission is against the Law, and breaking the Law could mean death.  To make things worse, she learns that Jace does not want her there, and Simon has been thrown in prison by the Shadowhunters, who are deeply suspicious of a vampire who can withstand sunlight.

View Ellie's reviews of the rest of the series:
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)
City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4)

City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)

by Cassandra Clare
4 Stars
Young Adult
Fantasy with Vampires
Setting: NY
464 pages
Published 2007

Ellie's Review
I'm embarrassed to admit that I really liked this book, but I did.  The dialogue is cheesy, but again I stayed up late at night reading this!  I'm not too ashamed to say I have a crush on Jace.

Book Summary
As readers of series starter City of Bones already know, teenager Clary Fray is a Shadowhunter, a demon slayer who has the gift (?) of spotting Downworlder werewolves, vampires, and faeries.  She is also an adolescent in an abnormally dysfunctional family: Her mom is in a magically induced coma and her father is probably insane and undoubtedly evil.  All of which places Clary in situations that would challenge even the most talented average American girl.

View Ellie's reviews of the rest of the series:
City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)
City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3)
City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4)

City of Bones (The Mortal Instruments #1)

by Cassandra Clare
4 Stars
Young Adult
Fantasy with Vampires
Setting: NY
485 pages
Published 2007

Ellie's Review
This book sucked me from from the start, and I stayed up many nights past my bedtime reading it. This reminded me of Twilight due to the juvenile fantasy genre and the magnetism I was drawn in with. However, I didn't rate it higher because the writing itself is not fabulous. This would be a great book to read on a trip: it's easy to read and is a page-turner.  If you are a fan of Stephenie Meyers and wanted more after Breaking Dawn, pick this book up.

Book Summary
When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder - much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing - not even a smear of blood - to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother? And how did Clary suddenly get the Sight? The Shadowhunters would like to know.... 

Series Information
Originally The Mortal Instruments were to be a trilogy, but Clare decided to continue with a fourth, which is City of Fallen Angels, published in 2011. 


View Ellie's reviews of the rest of the series:
City of Ashes (The Mortal Instruments #2)
City of Glass (The Mortal Instruments #3)
City of Fallen Angels (The Mortal Instruments #4)

Gregor the Overlander (Underland Chronicles #1)

by Suzanne Collins
3 Stars
Children's Fantasy
Setting: NY
320 pages
Published 2003

Ellie's Review
This was a fun kids' book about a NYC brother and sister who fall through a laundry grate into the Underland where rats, bats, roaches, and spiders are huge and warring with each other. While I probably won't read any more in this series, I will recommend it to 8-year-olds, especially if they've ever been in a big city with those pests.

Book Summary
When eleven-year-old Gregor follows his little sister through a grate in the laundry room of their New York apartment, he hurtles into the dark Underland beneath the city. There, humans live uneasily beside giant spiders, bats, cockroaches, and rats—but the fragile peace is about to fall apart.  Gregor wants no part of a conflict between these creepy creatures. He just wants to find his way home. But when he discovers that a strange prophecy foretells a role for him in the Underland's uncertain future, he realizes it might be the only way to solve the biggest mystery of his life. Little does he know his quest will change him and the Underland forever.

Author Information
Gregor the Overlander is the debut novel from Suzanne Collins who is now best known for writing The Hunger Games series.

Read Ellie's 5-star review of The Hunger Games.

Eragon (Inheritance #1)

by Christopher Paolini
4 Stars
Young Adult, Fantasy
503 pages
Published 2005

Ellie's Review
Eragon is a fun and exciting fantasy book including magic and dragons. Even though this is for young adults, the plot was complex enough to keep my interest. This is a very creative book and I was excited to read the others in the series.  However, the second book, Eldest, just did not hold my interest.  I saw the movie Eragon after reading this book and was disappointed at how cheesy the film was - the book is a lot better.

Book Summary
When young Eragon finds a polished blue stone in the forest, he thinks it is the lucky discovery of a poor farm boy; perhaps it will buy his adopted family meat for the winter. But when the stone brings a dragon hatchling, Eragon realizes he has stumbled upon a legacy nearly as old as the Empire itself. Overnight his simple life is shattered, and he is thrust into a perilous new world of inescapable destiny, magical forces, and powerful people. With only an ancient sword and the instruction of an old, mysterious, hermit storyteller for guidance, Eragon and the fledgling dragon must navigate the dangerous terrain and dark enemies of an Empire ruled by a Emperor whose evil and power knows no bounds. Can Eragon take up the mantle of the legendary Dragon Riders? The fate of the Empire may rest in his hands….

Author Information
Christopher Paolini was raised in the Paradise Valley, Montana area. Home schooled for the duration of his education, Paolini graduated from high school at the age of 15 through a set of accredited correspondence courses. Following graduation, he started his work on what would become the novel Eragon the first of a series, set in the mythical land of Alagaësia.

In 2002, Eragon was published by Paolini International LLC, Paolini's parents' company. Paolini created the cover art for the first edition of Eragon, which featured Saphira's eye. He also drew the maps on the inside covers of his books.

In Summer 2002, the stepson of author Carl Hiaasen found Eragon in a bookstore and loved it, and Hiaasen brought it to the attention of his publisher, Alfred A. Knopf. Knopf subsequently made an offer to publish Eragon and the rest of the Inheritance cycle.

The Giver (The Giver #1)

by Lois Lowry
4 Stars
Young Adult, Science Fiction
304 pages
Published 1993

Ellie's Review
Wow, I really liked this book. I was surprised by how deep it was since it's a juvenile novel. This will have me thinking for a while.

Book Summary
In a world with no poverty, no crime, no sickness and no unemployment, and where every family is happy, 12-year-old Jonas is chosen to be the community's Receiver of Memories. Under the tutelage of the Elders and an old man known as the Giver, he discovers the disturbing truth about his utopian world and struggles against the weight of its hypocrisy. With echoes of Brave New World, in this 1994 Newbery Medal winner, Lowry examines the idea that people might freely choose to give up their humanity in order to create a more stable society. Gradually Jonas learns just how costly this ordered and pain-free society can be.

Newbery Medal Award 1994

Stardust

by Neil Gaiman
4 stars
Fantasy
250 pages
Published 1999

Ellie's Review
Great story! Even though I saw the movie a couple years ago, I really enjoyed this book. I listened to the audiobook, which was actually read by Neil Gaiman - his British accent and pronunciation of all the funky names added a lovely dimension to the story. Stardust was a fun way to get into the Halloween mood.

Book Summary
Stardust is an utterly charming fairy tale in the tradition of The Princess Bride and The Neverending Story. Neil Gaiman, creator of the darkly elegant Sandman comics and author of The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish, tells the story of young Tristran Thorn and his adventures in the land of Faerie. One fateful night, Tristran promises his beloved that he will retrieve a fallen star for her from beyond the Wall that stands between their rural English town (called, appropriately, Wall) and the Faerie realm. No one ever ventures beyond the Wall except to attend an enchanted flea market that is held every nine years (and during which, unbeknownst to him, Tristran was conceived). But Tristran bravely sets out to fetch the fallen star and thus win the hand of his love. His adventures in the magical land will keep you turning pages as fast as you can--he and the star escape evil old witches, deadly clutching trees, goblin press-gangs, and the scheming sons of the dead Lord of Stormhold. The story is by turns thrillingly scary and very funny. You'll love goofy, earnest Tristran and the talking animals, gnomes, magic trees, and other irresistible denizens of Faerie that he encounters in his travels. Stardust is a perfect read-aloud book, a brand-new fairy tale you'll want to share with a kid, or maybe hoard for yourself. (If you read it to kids, watch out for a couple of spicy sex bits and one epithet.) --Therese Littleton

Inkheart (Inkheart #1)

by Cornelia Funke
3 stars
Children's, Fantasy
Setting: Italy
548 pages
Published 2003

Ellie's Review
I was excited about the book in the beginning and the middle, but by the end I was ready for my next book. It was nice, but I don't think I'll read the others in the trilogy.

Book Summary
Twelve-year-old Meggie learns that her father, who repairs and binds books for a living, can "read" fictional characters to life when one of those characters abducts them and tries to force him into service.

Fablehaven (Fablehaven #1)

by Brandon Mull
4 stars
Young Adult, Fantasy
Setting: USA
351 pages
Published 2006

Ellie's Review
I'm excited about this series! For most of the book I wasn't too fond of one particular character (so I liked this less than Artemis Fowl or Harry Potter), but I really liked the ending so it's up to 4 stars. This is a young adult fantasy, complete with fairies and other mystical creatures.

Book Summary
For centuries mystical creatures of all description were gathered into a hidden refuge called Fablehaven to prevent their extinction. The sanctuary survives today as one of the last strongholds of true magic. Enchanting? Absolutely. Exciting? You bet. Safe? Well, actually, quite the opposite. Kendra and her brother, Seth, have no idea that their grandfather is the current caretaker of Fablehaven. Inside the gated woods, ancient laws keep relative order among greedy trolls, mischievous satyrs, plotting witches, spiteful imps, and jealous fairies. However, when the rules get broken — Seth is a bit too curious and reckless for his own good — powerful forces of evil are unleashed, and Kendra and her brother face the greatest challenge of their lives. To save their family, Fablehaven, and perhaps even the world, Kendra and Seth must find the courage to do what they fear most.

A Christmas Carol

by Charles Dickens
4 stars
Children's, Classic, Fantasy
Setting: England
86 pages
Published 1843

Ellie's Review
I have seen the play many times but enjoyed the book even more! If you can find an illustrated copy, read that version. This was a help to get me into the Christmas Spirit.

Book Summary
A miser learns the true meaning of Christmas when three ghostly visitors review his past and foretell his future.

Ender's Game (Ender's Saga #1)

by Orson Scott Card
4 Stars
Young Adult, Science Fiction
324 pages
Published 1985

Ellie's Review
Normally I wouldn't touch science fiction book like this (it seems like something my brothers would have enjoyed more growing up), but I picked it up for a book club and really liked it! If you loved The Hunger Games you should look into this book. Interestingly enough, this book was an influence for Stephenie Meyers even though it has no vampires or werewolves.

Book Summary
In order to develop a secure defense against a hostile alien race's next attack, government agencies breed child geniuses and train them as soldiers. A brilliant young boy, Andrew "Ender" Wiggin lives with his kind but distant parents, his sadistic brother Peter, and the person he loves more than anyone else, his sister Valentine. Peter and Valentine were candidates for the soldier-training program but didn't make the cut—young Ender is the Wiggin drafted to the orbiting Battle School for rigorous military training.

Wicked: The Life and Times of the Wicked Witch of the West (Wicked Years #1)

by Gregory Maguire
4 Stars
Fantasy
406 Pages
Published in 1995

Ellie's Review
I hold a special place in my heart for the Wicked Witch of the West since I portrayed her in my kindergarten play (unfortunately I wasn't allowed to paint myself green). Then from the front row I saw Wicked on Broadway with Idina Menzel and Joey MacIntyre. After seeing Wicked three additional times, it's still my favorite musical, and my dog is named Elphaba (Elphie for short).

Now that I have fully disclosed my prejudice, I can say that I really liked this book. It is very dark compared to the Broadway show Wicked, but very interesting. This is quite deep and looks at religion and politics, which is something the musical didn't really get into. I thought about it for a long time after reading it, which means the book influenced me in some way (always a good sign). History is always skewed, and each story has multiple versions. You'll definitely never look at The Wizard of Oz the same again! The book contains a couple perverse sex scenes, just to warn you. I'm not sure if I'll read the next book in the series Son of a Witch.

Book Summary
When Dorothy triumphed over the Wicked Witch of the West in L. Frank Baum's classic tale, we heard only her side of the story. But what about her arch-nemesis, the mysterious Witch? Where did she come from? How did she become so wicked? Gregory Maguire has created a fantasy world so rich and vivid that we will never look at Oz the same way again.

The Hunger Games

by Suzanne Collins
5 Stars
Young Adult, Science Fiction
374 Pages
Published in 2009

Ellie's Review
I absolutely loved this book! Yes, it's science fiction (and I normally am not a big fan of this genre), but I loved it. The plot was gripping and it was a page-turner. I actually listened to this audiobook in my car, and I drove around running errands to finish it. Then I brought the last CD inside to listen to it. That's how much I liked it. I liked that it wasn't a clear good verses evil. There's no Lord Voldemort who is pure evil. Instead, it has a variety, and the main character works hard at being good (as many other characters do also). Where does a person draw the moral line? Can't wait to read the second book!

Book Summary
(I know the summary sounds odd, but trust me on this book!)
In the ruins of a place once known as North America lies the nation of Panem, a shining Capitol surrounded by twelve outlying districts. The Capitol is harsh and cruel and keeps the districts in line by forcing them all to send one boy and one girl between the ages of twelve and eighteen to participate in the annual Hunger Games, a fight to the death on live TV.

Book Club Information
We loved learning some background information and discussing the questions found on the Scholastic website. This was one of our best meetings of the year!

Author Information
Suzanne Collins previously wrote a children's fantasy series called The Underland Chronicles - see Ellie's review of the first in the series: Gregor the Overlander.

The Phantom Tollbooth

by Norton Juster, illustrated by Jules Feiffer
4 Stars
Children's Fantasy
272 Pages
Published in 1961

Ellie's Review
I just read this book for the first time as an adult (how did I miss it growing up?). While many compare the tale to "The Wizard of Oz" or "Alice in Wonderland", I think of it as what Roald Dahl would come up with if writing a novel for School House Rock. I enjoyed the funny characters and the constant play on words. I now know what to have my kids read if they complain they're bored.

Summary
Ten-year-old Milo goes on an adventure though lands beyond to learn a few things after he's complained too long that he is bored.