"Skulduggery Pleasant" is a fun romp in the world of the weird. Stephanie's uncle Gordon, a famous writer of fantasy mystery novels, seems to have gotten himself dead. He was the owner of something that couldn't pass hands until he was no longer of this world, so someone helped him leave earlier than he had planned. As his favorite and only niece, Stephanie inherits just about all of Gordon's worldly possessions even though she is only 12 years old. After being attacked by goons, and rescued by Gordon's best friend, Skulduggery Pleasant, Stephanie is introduced to a fabulous new world of magic. Skulduggery, an animated skeleton detective guides Stephanie on her quest to find out what happened to her uncle.
This is an engaging book and very entertaining, with many quirks and irreverent humor. It would be good for upper elementary or middle schools.
Sunday, June 27, 2010
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
"Red Pyramid", Rick Riordan (YA Fantasy)
Rick Riordan's "Red Pyramid" is a great story and an easy read. It is very similar to the author's other famous series, "Percy Jackson & the Olympians", but with Egyptian gods and goddesses instead of Greek ones. Two siblings, a boy and a girl, share the lead roles in this novel and take turns telling the story. A few chapters for each, and then they switch off as though they are transcribing notes after the adventure is over. They even have comical asides to each other in their narration as well. Great characters, interesting information on Egyptian mythology, intriguing plot and supporting characters, etc. This book is an excellent choice for middle or high school readers and I look forward to the next installment.
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