Zahn's Review: Return to Exile by E.J Patten

Return to Exile (The Hunter Chronicles #1)
by E.J Patten
500 pages
Simon and Schuster, 20ll

Goodreads Description: 
Eleven years ago, a shattered band of ancient monster hunters captured an unimaginable evil and Phineas T. Pimiscule rescued his nephew, Sky, from the wreckage of that great battle. For eleven years, Sky Weathers has studied traps, puzzles, science, and the secret lore of the Hunters of Legend believing it all a game. For eleven years, Sky and his family have hidden from dark enemies while, unbeknownst to Sky, his uncle Phineas sacrificed everything to protect them.

For eleven years, Sky Weathers has known nothing of that day.

But on the eve of Sky's twelfth birthday and his family's long-awaited return to the town of Exile, everything changes. Phineas has disappeared, and Sky finds himself forced to confront the mysterious secrets he's denied for so long: why did his family leave Exile on that day so long ago? What, exactly, has Phineas been preparing him for? And, the biggest mystery of all, who is Sky really and why does everyone want to kill him?!

Featuring an action-packed plot that covers the gamut of every monster you've never heard of (not to mention weird powers and weapons made out of garbage), Return to Exile is brimming with boy and girl appeal and is a gem for reluctant young readers. And, with a diverse assortment of well-aged monster hunters in the cast, this series will be a hit with adults young and old as well

My Review:
When Sky moves to Exile, the place where he was born, strange things start to happen. First, his beloved uncle disappears, then he meets monster hunters, and uncovers secrets best not found out. What will Sky do?

I liked that this book has a constant thrill to it, and a fantastic mystery. Sky, Phineas, Crystal, Andrew, T-Bone, and Hands were all such fun characters! The plot was fun too. I enjoyed reading how they planned to save the world and uncle Phineas. This is a good book about heroism! There is plenty of courage as well as mystery, which I loved. I really have no complaints about this book at all!

I give this a 5 out of 5 foxes! Loved it!

Reviewed by Zahn

Review: Slam by Nick Hornby

Slam by Nick Hornby

Pages:304 pages
Publisher:Putnam Publishing Group
Source:My landlady's bookshelf
Buy:Amazon - BN - Book Depository

Goodreads Description: 
For 16-year-old Sam, life is about to get extremely complicated. He and his girlfriend—make that ex-girlfriend— Alicia have gotten themselves into a bit of trouble. Sam is suddenly forced to grow up and struggle with the familiar fears and inclinations that haunt us all.

Nick Hornby’s poignant and witty novel shows a rare and impressive understanding of human relationships and what it really means to be a man.

My Review: 

Have you ever read a book that tells you its ending before it happens? Nick Hornby's "Slam" did just that. Now, before I mislead you, I should say that I really enjoyed this book. It was an excellent and compelling read! The story is about Sam, who impregnates his girlfriend, Alicia. 16-year-old Sam is about to be a father. The thing I loved about this story is that it wasn't plot-driven. Sam gets "flashed" to the future a couple times and in both instances the reader knows exactly what is coming. The flashes into the future, while they give away key plot points are a unique gesture on Hornby's part to make a literary statement. Hornby's novel "Slam" isn't written with high energy action sequences to move the reader along, but instead critical thought on the development of the child and his progress into adulthood. It is often a bit frightening knowing the thoughts of young Sam. He's a teenage boy with difficult choices to make and the joy of the novel is reading how Sam solves his problems. Sam isn't a hero in many ways; as a reader, I found myself defending both Sam and Alicia - a real dilemma in my own mind. The beauty of this book is the simple characters who are faced with life-changing decisions. Of course, Hornby's book isn't without its bouts of humor. "Slam" is a wonderfully written book told from the mind of a teenage boy. It's a great read for anyone, but I really loved the fact that it was written from the perspective of a boy because the world can always use more quality, life-changing books for teen boys. All I can say is "read this book!"

I give "Slam" by Nick Hornby 5 out of 5 foxes for its emphasis on character and relationships, along with unique plot forms that engage the reader's interest through fulfillment of prediction. The predictability of the plot doesn't make the story boring, rather it's quite humorous and thought-provoking.