All Reviews by Shay Stephens
The Time Traders
by Andre Norton
I have read Key Out of Time and it sparked my interest to read the first book of the series The Time Traders. I really enjoyed this book and to see the development of the characters.
They sure have a way of jumping from the frying pan and into the fire as the situation they are dealing with goes from bad to worse.
The main character Ross starts out unappealing, but once they go into the past, that is when things got interesting for me and held my attention to the very end of the book. I am now eagerly anticipating the chance to read The Defiant Agents to read more about their adventures in time.
Great book, I really enjoyed it.
Key Out of Time
by Andre Norton
A very good book, better than I was expecting. Smart and adventurous with very enjoyable characters. I am going to read the first book in the series now that my interest is piqued, The Time Traders.
The characters were all interesting and I especially enjoyed the addition of the two dolphins into the story. Very enjoyable.
Metamorphosis
by Franz Kafka
Short and amazing. You really feel for all the characters in their new plight. I may even read the book again at some point.
Aerophilia
by Tobias Buckell
It was short, but still felt complete. I enjoyed it a lot and hope to read more of this story as it continues.
I liked the mix of hightech and vintage and who doesn't love blimps!
Zero-Option
by Lindsay Brambles
The story doesn't take long to read but it is pretty good. The tight spots they get into and out of are interesting up to the end. I found the commander a little irritating, but in the end it seems true to his character. The captain was very interesting. And the mystery that develops has me wanting to read more of the authors books.
It was an enjoyable read.
A Narrative Of The Mutiny, On Board His Majesty's Ship Bounty
by William Bligh
I just finished this book last night, it was much better than I was expecting. I was on the edge of my seat through much of it. Filled with action, adventure, and courage, I was amazed at the journey and deprivations they endured. The discipline they held to especially on the part of the captain was amazing. A great story I would recommend to anyone.
Around the World in 80 Days
by Jules Verne
Wonderful! It starts slow and placid, just like Mr. Fogg. But then things begin to pick up steam. The adventure and dangers never cease up to the very end when all explodes in a crescendo.
Along the way, a colorful portrait is painted of the world as it was back then. And at each point, Mr. Fogg's character is revealed by bits and pieces. His companions do much of the emoting for him, as he is a rock of placid confidence regardless of the danger to failure.
In the end, you can't help but to love Mr. Fogg, his loyal servant that sacrifices all, and other characters that enter the story along the way.
The book may take some patience at first, but you are soon rewarded, and the ending pays for all.
Pellucidar
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
A wonderful sequel to At the Earth's Core. A real page turner of a book (again), ever more exploration, adventure, and friendship. It was a perfect ending to the story for me.
Filled with monsters, animals, dinosaurs, and beasts of all types, a world is built that you could almost image is really there.
The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood
by Howard Pyle
The movies have not done this book justice. Now having read the book, I am amazed the movies (both live action and animated) have done so poorly in illustrating the characters and all the adventures they could have used instead of inventing their own.
The relationship between Robin and Little John in a way remind of that between Frodo and Sam in LOTR. And the innocent joy and merriment reminds me in a way of the book Peter Pan.
The story is marvelous, adventurous, and truly is merry. It made me laugh and want to keep reading about the funny and virtuous natures of the "naughty knaves" of Sherwood. The way they trip up the greedy and evil and cunningly get them to hand over their ill gotten gains as well as the generous nature of helping those that truly are in need is a wonderful example of seeing beyond appearances and showing compassion and generosity.
The book has two endings, one merry, and one that is more of a epilogue that follows Robin to his end. If you don't want to end the story that way, stop at the first ending and enjoy the wonderful story.
From the Earth to the Moon
by Jules Verne
It started a little slow, but once it gets going, it is very adventurous, and as mentioned, the characters are wonderful and play off one another in a very entertaining way. Up until they get to the moon, the scientific writing is wonderful. You can really see why this book was so inspirational. A great book with a great ending. I am very glad I read it.
Peter Pan in Kensington Gardens
by James M. Barrie
A cute book and a quick read. Not as good as Peter Pan, but still enjoyable. More detail about fairies and their ways than I think Peter Pan had, so it's worth reading to fill in the corners of the story.
At the Earth's Core
by Edgar Rice Burroughs
Wow, is this book ever exciting and adventurous! A real page turner. If you like monsters, and prehistoric creatures, adventure, escapes, chases, etc, this book is a must read in any form. It starts strong and stays strong to the end. Now I am off to read the sequel "Pellucidar".
Alice in Wonderland
by Lewis Carroll
The story has been pretty well told in the movies. But the book did offer some additional details and insights into the characters . A good easy read that was enjoyable.
The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
by L. Frank Baum
So many more details in this book. And I was surprised at all the things the movie differed from the book. Many surprises and unexpected details since I had only seen the movie up until now. I would agree that if you have only seen the movie, you owe it to yourself to read the book and learn more about the scarecrow, tin man, and lion.
Peter Pan
by James M. Barrie
A delightful book. The characters are lively and the interactions very cute. Much better than any of the movies I have seen. I am very glad I decided to read it.