Redick, Robert V.S. The Ruling Sea
Ballantine see Random 2009 616p 27.00
978-0-345-59885-0 hs/adult Fantasy E-BN
The saga, begun in The Red Wolf Conspiracy continues as the motley band of heroes and villains leave Simja and head for the unexplored Ruling Sea. Allegiances shift, new conspirators appear, and magic and mahem abound. Much like Catching Fire, this sequel admirably outshines the original, furthering the story and leaving the reader salivating for the continuation of the series. Like an onion, the characters become more layered. Allegiances shift, new comrades are found, and the palpable magic permeates the landscape. Redick is an amazing world builder, making the realm of Alfiros believable and exotic, with page-turning suspense, a wealth of nautical lore, and a shocking ending that will leave readers hanging and eagerly awaiting the third book.
This second volume in the Chathrand Voyage series stands completely on its own, with just enough back story to fill in any gaps, but readers who missed the first will want to pick it up to savor the initial installment. An amazing addition to both seafaring fiction and fantasy. It will be devoured by fans of both genres. One can only hope that the proposed remaining volumes, The River of Shadows and The Night of the Swarm are published soon (and are up to the standards of the first two).
Highly recommended fantasy series for older readers. While there is nothing that is unacceptable for middle school audiences, the scope and lyrical language of the book will appeal to high school readers and adults. Naismith(3), Pat
Seafaring Fantasy
Showing posts with label Seafaring life. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Seafaring life. Show all posts
Sunday, January 9, 2011
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Newquist, HHP Here There Be Monsters: The Legendary Kracken and the Giant Squid
Newquist, HHP Here There Be Monsters: The Legendary Kracken and the Giant Squid
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2010 73p 18.00
978-0-547-07678-2 ms/hs E-BN
This is the story of the mythical monsters (Kracken) from ages past and the recent discovery of the giant squid. The book nicely ties in the occurrences of this monster throughout literature (Moby Dick and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea).
The book does an intriguing job of explaining the legendary monster of the seas that has been featured in literature as far back as the Phoenicians. Seamen have always told tales of a giant monster with long arms and a beak that could wreck havoc with both men and ships.
The second half of the book deal with the scientific details concerning the discovery of the first giant squid in 1872 off Newfoundland. The transition from fiction to fact as described by the author presented an enthralling account of the mysteries of science that become known as man explores of vast untapped mysteries of mother nature.
In creating a format that intersperses text with visuals, the book has created a non-threatening approach for young readers. The format and text “are designed to fascinate as well as educate”. The inclusion of where to obtain more information and an index make this a useful research tool.
When I picked up this book I thought I was more or less knowledgeable about the Kracken and giant squid. Within the first chapter I realized that I was really quite ignorant. However, the author very readable style captured my interest with his literary facts and historic details. In the later part of the book, the author’s attention to scientific details accompanied by crisp, clear photographs, and graphics provide the reader with a sound understanding of a legendary monster. However, I am surprised that the author has not seen a giant squid. This is a very well written book that will relate well to many young readers. It is recommended as a basic book for any middle or junior high school library. It would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries. McNeil, Linda
Houghton Mifflin/Clarion/Graphia/Kingfisher 2010 73p 18.00
978-0-547-07678-2 ms/hs E-BN
This is the story of the mythical monsters (Kracken) from ages past and the recent discovery of the giant squid. The book nicely ties in the occurrences of this monster throughout literature (Moby Dick and 20,000 Leagues Under The Sea).
The book does an intriguing job of explaining the legendary monster of the seas that has been featured in literature as far back as the Phoenicians. Seamen have always told tales of a giant monster with long arms and a beak that could wreck havoc with both men and ships.
The second half of the book deal with the scientific details concerning the discovery of the first giant squid in 1872 off Newfoundland. The transition from fiction to fact as described by the author presented an enthralling account of the mysteries of science that become known as man explores of vast untapped mysteries of mother nature.
In creating a format that intersperses text with visuals, the book has created a non-threatening approach for young readers. The format and text “are designed to fascinate as well as educate”. The inclusion of where to obtain more information and an index make this a useful research tool.
When I picked up this book I thought I was more or less knowledgeable about the Kracken and giant squid. Within the first chapter I realized that I was really quite ignorant. However, the author very readable style captured my interest with his literary facts and historic details. In the later part of the book, the author’s attention to scientific details accompanied by crisp, clear photographs, and graphics provide the reader with a sound understanding of a legendary monster. However, I am surprised that the author has not seen a giant squid. This is a very well written book that will relate well to many young readers. It is recommended as a basic book for any middle or junior high school library. It would make an excellent selection for a basic books list for school libraries. McNeil, Linda
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Bruce, Julia. Sail!: Can you command a sea voyage?
Bruce, Julia Sail!: Can you command a sea voyage?
Enslow 2009 32p 23.00 9780766034778 elem
Step Into History (Enslow)
A book that will teach you how to successfully complete a voyage from Portugal to India in search of spices in the 1500. The King of Portugal has given the task of finding a route to India to bring home spice. The year is 1598 and you will have to map the route, choose enough supplies to feed a crew and provide clean water for this long voyage. AS the captain you will have to take into consideration the rainy season, the trade winds and the storms.
You will learn what it takes to supply your ship to feed all aboard and who to take with you, such as a doctor for any illness that may occur.
This fun book will have kids searching, looking counting and exploring as well as mapping an exciting imaginary trip to find spice in India. The book can be taken and turned into a class project providing fun and learning. MD
Enslow 2009 32p 23.00 9780766034778 elem
Step Into History (Enslow)
A book that will teach you how to successfully complete a voyage from Portugal to India in search of spices in the 1500. The King of Portugal has given the task of finding a route to India to bring home spice. The year is 1598 and you will have to map the route, choose enough supplies to feed a crew and provide clean water for this long voyage. AS the captain you will have to take into consideration the rainy season, the trade winds and the storms.
You will learn what it takes to supply your ship to feed all aboard and who to take with you, such as a doctor for any illness that may occur.
This fun book will have kids searching, looking counting and exploring as well as mapping an exciting imaginary trip to find spice in India. The book can be taken and turned into a class project providing fun and learning. MD
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