Thursday, January 27, 2011

Ironman by Chris Crutcher

Ironman

Author: Chris Crutcher

Publisher: HarperTempest

4 out of 5 stars

To be a triathlete, an Ironman, takes determination, incredible athletic ability, and a certain belief in yourself that pushes you harder and harder. Beauregard Brewster, or Bo for short, has all of these qualities. There are many different triathlons, but there’s only one race that Bo is interested in. That is Yukon Jack’s E. W. Invitational Scabland. To finish this grueling race Bo must use all of that inner fire within him. However, Bo is only seventeen and has some other things to deal with too… such as anger management issues.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

I, Q: The White House by Roland Smith

I, Q: The White House

Author: Roland Smith

Publisher: Sleeping Bear Press

3½ out of 5 stars

Note: This review assumes that you  have already read the first book in this series, I, Q: Independence Hall.  If you have not yet read I, Q: Independence Hall then you may not want to read this review, as it will reveal key points from the first book.  You can find my review of I, Q: Independence Hall here.

Angela and Q are really getting used to this new life. The fact that their parents’ band, Match, is now a hit sensation, and that they have been invited to the White House definitely helps! They have only been on tour for less than a month, but Angela and Q are moving right through life. Including being involved in an independent spy group that is trying to prevent a ghost cell from launching a terrorist attack on the United States. Whoa, hold up! Did you just say that these two kids are part of a spy group and are trying to stop a terrorist attack? Yes, I did, and it’s all in a day’s work for the stepbrother and stepsister duo, Angela and Quest. 

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Heir Apparent by Vivian Vande Velde

Heir Apparent

Author: Vivian Vande Velde
 
Publisher: Harcourt Publishing

4 out of 5 stars

Giannine Bellisario is the heir to the throne. Raised as a peasant girl, she never knew of her true origins, until now. King Cynric is dead, and his dying wish was for his daughter to become the new ruler. It is Giannine’s goal to survive until the coronation, and show her subjects and the royal family that she will make a fine ruler. The only problem is that her family despises her, there is a barbarian king who is threatening the realm, the peasants are rebelling, and she smells like sheep. But this is all a game. A virtual reality game known as Heir Apparent. Giannine is the player, and even though everything seems real, none of it is. Or is it?

Saturday, January 15, 2011

The Results Are In!

The Results Are In!

My first poll has closed and the results are in! I was really excited to hear what you had to say and what you wanted to see more of. Even though the poll is closed, if you ever have any suggestions, feel free to email me at ftbotbblog@gmail.com. I would love to hear what you have to say!

So here was the question: What would you like to see more of on From The Bookshelf of T.B. in 2011?

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld

Leviathan

Author: Scott Westerfeld
 
Publisher: Simon Pulse

3 out of 5 stars

It had all happened so fast. One moment he was Prince Aleksander, and the next he was a fugitive, running and hiding from those who had poisoned his parents. I’m talking about Prince Aleksander, son of the Archduke of Austria and Princess Sophie. Alek lived a cushy life, with tutors and servants to attend to his every need. All of that changed when his parents were poisoned in the night to start a war. Alek has now been forced to flee for his own life with his parents now dead and no throne. Oh I almost forgot, Alek is also a Clanker, someone who uses well-oiled machines for war and fighting. It is in one of these brutal war machines, known as a Stormwalker, which he is traveling in to try and make it to Switzerland, where they have a safe haven.