Sunday, April 30, 2023

That Hideous Strength

That Hideous Strength is by C.S. Lewis. The final installment in the classic science fiction Space Trilogy. The final battle between the forces of N.I.C.E. and the forces led by Ransom has arrived. The focus of the battle revolves around a young couple, Jane and Mark Studdock. Mark finds himself recruited into N.I.C.E. and Janes discovers she is a seer and is drawn to Ransom and his friends who are searching for the body of Merlin that is about to re-awaken and find it before N.I.C.E. I don't understand why these books are not more popular, they are thought provoking and wonderful. The whole series is a Reader's Corner Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence). 

A Nefarious Carol

A Nefarious Carol is by Steve Deace. A chilling fantasy modern day version of the Dickens' classic. The devil presents a lost young girl with an offer she should definitely refuse. A very Christian look at temptation and how our past can shape our future. Nowhere near as good as A Nefarious Plot, but a wonderful read nonetheless. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Uncle Fred in the Springtime

Uncle Fred in the Springtime is by P.G. Wodehouse. A classic historical fiction farce from the world of Bertie Wooster. Uncle Fred Twistleton, Fifth Earl of Ickenham, uncle of the Pongo, is on the loose again. His wife has gone on a visit and he decides to head for London for a good time, before she returns. Lord Emsworth convinces Fred to come to Blandings Castle to steal the Empress of Blandings before the ill-tempered, egg-throwing Duke of Dunstable can lay claim to her. He drags Pongo along to help him steal the pig, get enough enough cash to pay off Pongo's gambling debts and reunite a young couple having family problems. Disguised as a famous mental specialist he proceeds to diagnose members of the upper class as crazy - but who's really the nut here? Fans of Jeeves and Wooster will love this work of comic genius.

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10. 

The Code of the Woosters

The Code of the Woosters is by P.G. Wodehouse. The seventh in the classic historical fiction Jeeves and Wooster series. Bertie's Aunt Dahlia demands he steal an 18th century cow creamer for a crotchety old collector. Throw in two sets of lovers with problems, the head of a fascist organization, and the most magnificent cook in the universe, and Jeeves will have has hands full this time. Fans of the series will love this hilarious farce. Laugh out loud funny. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10. 

Wednesday, April 26, 2023

Immortal Hearts

Immortal Hearts is by Ellen Schreiber. The ninth and final book in the fantasy Vampire Kisses series. Alexander's sister, Stormy, is coming to Dullsville to visit. Raven is so excited to meet her new sister. But will Alexander finally turn her so she can really be a sister to Raven and eternal mate to Alexander? Fans of the series will enjoy this finale. 

Ratings: 7th grade - 6 out of 10. 

A Nefarious Plot

A Nefarious Plot is by Steve Deace. The magnificent prequel to the fantasy movie Nefarious. The demon Nefarious writes a manuscript laying out his entire strategy to destroy mankind for the glory of his Master, Satan. This book is a must read for Christians everywhere and if you haven't seen the movie - stop reading this and go watch it NOW! A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content). 

Chupacabra

Chupacabra is by Roland Smith. The third book in the science fiction Cryptid Hunters series. Grace is stuck at the Ark with the evil Noah Blackwood, who also happens to be her grandfather. Marty and his friends must try and rescue her and save the baby dinosaurs Blackwood stole from Grace's father. This adventure places the Cryptid Hunters in more danger than they have faced yet. Fans of the series will enjoy this installment. 

Ratings: 6th grade - 6 out of 10 - V (violence). 

Perelandra

Perelandra is by C.S. Lewis. The second installment of Lewis's science fiction Space Trilogy. This book finds Ransom summoned to Venus (Perelandra) to prevent the fall of man from happening to the first mother and father of Perelandra (Venus). When the evil Weston arrives, Ransom is in for the fight of his life for the soul of a new world. A must read for fans of Lewis. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

The Night Sister

The Night Sister is by Jennifer McMahon. A creepy horror fantasy tale told by a master. The Tower Motel was once a thriving tourist stop in Vermont, until the freeway was constructed and bypassed the town completely. Sylvie and Rose are the daughters of the owners of the motel. This story focuses on Sylvie's daughter Amy and her friends: Piper and Margot. When Amy is accused of a terrible crime, Piper returns to small town London, Vermont to aid her pregnant sister and help her friend; but helping Amy will uncover long hidden secrets and terror beyond belief. Will any of them survive the truth about the Tower Motel?

Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content). 

Right Ho Jeeves

Right Ho Jeeves is by P.G. Wodehouse. The sixth book in the classic historical fiction Jeeves and Wooster series. Bertie is commandeered by his aunt to present prizes to the students of the Market Snodsbury Grammar School. He also wants to mend the broken engagement of his cousin Angela, and forward the suit of his friend Gussie Fink-Nottle, and prevent the resignation of Anatole, the genius chef. "Right Ho Jeeves." Hilariously funny, a complete delight. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10. 

The Inimitable Jeeves

The Inimitable Jeeves is by P.G. Wodehouse. The second in the classic historical fiction Jeeves and Wooster series. Follow the hilarious tales of the hapless Bertie Wooster and his brilliantly stoic valet Jeeves. This is a collection of short stories that follow the adventures of Bertie Wooster and his friends. If you can read Wodehouse without laughing out loud there is something seriously wrong with you. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.