Book reviews from pianogirl

Number of reviews
14
Average review
pianogirl's average rating is 5 of 5 Stars.

Isle of Swords

by Wayne Thomas Batson

On Feb 24 2010, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
I picked up this book skeptical of pirate books that claimed to be Christian, but I was proved wrong. Captain Jack Ross his crew, and his feisty daughter, Anne, are thrown into an adventure and quest to acquire a wonderful treasure hidden by monks. With shipwrecks, an evil pirate, adventures on the high seas, and a great Christian message, this book is a great read for fiction lovers. I loved this book with it's characters full of personalities and the adventures of pirates. It weaves the story in a way that keeps you turning the pages.

Isle of Fire

by Wayne Thomas Batson

On Feb 24 2010, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
With a beautiful beginning, great building up of the story with the development of many characters, and the epic climax involving fire rain, I highly recommend this book.One small problem I had with this book was a flurry of action. It was a little bit hard to follow here and there, and I felt that at times it was very fast-paced, perhaps too much so. The settings and point-of-views varied quite a bit, but it wasn�t too much a big deal. I just had to go back a reread now and then to let what I was reading soak in.

The Final Storm

by Batson- Wayne Thomas

On Feb 24 2010, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
I must say that I love the way that everything culminates in the final book. Heroes use what they have learned, characters that we have not seen in a long time show up, and the puzzle becomes clear. This book also shows, which is my favorite thing about it, that death is not the end for Christians.However, I felt bogged down a lot by conversations that seemed to slow the plot down. Some elements of the story came almost too fast in places, and the reader suddenly learns a very important fact about Antoinette in a sudden comment she makes. It seems to me that the fact should have been presented in a more attention-getting way, because a reader could very well be confused or miss the new revelation entirely.All in all, I recommend this book to readers age nine and up. Fantasy and adventure fans alike will highly enjoy this epic fantasy. As an avid fan of Mr. Batson's work, I can tell you, it only gets better from here!

The Door Within

by Batson- Wayne Thomas

On Feb 24 2010, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
My favorite scene would probably be when Aidan pulls everything he learned on his trip together in a super-creative way to trick the enemy's forces. It involves sacrifice, bravery, and lantern spiders.Some scenes seemed a little awkward, which is understandable since this series was written before Isle of Fire and Isle of Swords. Also, the whole idea of the story seemed very familiar. The idea of twins in another realm reminded me a little bit of the Circle series by Ted Dekker and it really reminded me of the Wormling series by Jerry B. Jenkins and Chris Fabry. The ideas and the setting seemed very, very similar, though, of course the stories had their own flair.With its Christian messages, action, and fun, I would recommend this book to readers ages ten and up.

The Rise of the Wyrm Lord

by Wayne Thomas Batson

On Feb 24 2010, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. The Rise of the Wyrm Lord has characters that seem so real, a land that I could really understand, one that didn't feel too foreign or too familiar. Genuinely creative ideas are placed throughout this book, with a good balance of drama and humor, even a splash of romance.I also enjoyed the action and adventure in this book. There are many battles scenes, both triumphant and sorrowful, but not too gory or out-of-touch that the reader feels confused. The author keeps the reader turning the pages with his knowledgeable explanation of the characters actions. The writing style of this book is good, although not flawless. The speech of the characters at times seems too plain and sometimes seems to flowery. Characters seemed blurry, as if they shared the thoughts of other characters or had the same personality.However, as a person who enjoys writing, I know how hard it can be to pull of an epic story like this, and I commend Mr. Batson for a job well done. I highly recommend this book to fans of fantasy.

Tears Of A Dragon

by Bryan Davis

On Oct 2 2008, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
Billy and Bonnie now journey to Dragon's rest, where the search for a lost loved one. They find a simple dwelling place of people who were once dragons, but remember nothing about their heritage. They attempt to free the former dragons, but are hindered with those allied with evil. Little do they know that the biggest, baddest battle awaits them. This is the final book in Dragons in our Midst. For avid readers who have just discovered the book and fan rereading it, this inspiring series is bittersweet, for it is the end of one adventure (an amazing, adventurous, lesson-teaching, and fantastic one at that!) and it end with a promise of a new, wonderful adventure. I loved this book and highly recommend it to any fantasy lover age 10 and up!

Eye of the Oracle

by Bryan Davis

On Sep 23 2008, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
From the very first chapter I knew this book was great. i had first picked up Eye of the Oracle and I was hungry for more Dragon Stories with a great message. This book was not a disappointer at all! The reader will feel like they are with Billy and Bonnie on all of their adventures and will love the great message about love, courage, and trust. Raising Dragons begins with Billy Bannister, your average teenager. He begins to notice that he has some strange capabilities. As soon as his true heritage is revealed, he is soon running away from dark knights. He learns about faith, courage, and friendship. On the way he meets Bonnie Silver, a girl who seems to be hiding something. Will they evade the evil villains, who are eager to wipe out their race?

Enoch's Ghost

by Bryan Davis

On Sep 23 2008, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
A long awaited sequel to Eye of the Oracle does not disappoint. Continuing from where the Dragons in Our Midst saga left off, Enoch's Ghost does not disappoint even though Billy Bannister and Bonnie Sliver are not active. Ashley, Walter, and Karen set out with Ashley's dragon mother as they search for Ashley's brother, Gabriel, but in the process they are hindered by a dragon of old and a plot to connect Heaven with earth. They discover Sapphira Adi, a girl who is thousands of years old who lives deep underground with slumbering giants. With scenes that have you crying, climaxes that have you wanting more, and a great story plot that never ceases to amaze, this book is a must read!

Last of the Nephilim

by Bryan Davis

On Sep 23 2008, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
Last of the Nephilim by Bryan Davis is an exiting new addition to the Oracle of Fire series. It's chalk full of surprises, adventure, and climaxes that keep a reader hooked! Old fans and new will thoroughly enjoy Last of the Nephilim. I highly recommend this book to all readers age 10 and up! As the plans to connect Heaven and earth while eliminating the dragonic race. Ashley, Walter, Abigail, and Thigocia set off to Second Eden, a place lead by father Abraham, a former dragon, and its populace of innocent and sinless people, to stop the joining of the worlds. But evil is ever-present. The last of the Nephilim of earth reawakens, but will he be evil, or good? Meanwhile, a series of events take place, a lie is spoken and the rest of the Nephilim descend into second Eden. Will the Nephilim win? Will the plan to resurrect Timothy succeed?

The Candlestone

by Bryan Davis

On Sep 22 2008, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
As Bonnie is eagerly awaiting the arrival of the date that she is adopted by the Foleys, the unthinkable happens. Her father shows up and tells her that her mother is alive! Bonnie follows her father, hoping to see her mother again. Her father tells her that her mother was sent into a candlestone (dragon's bane) and that her mother is trapped inside. Little does she know that an evil dragon slayer lurks very near by. Will she find her mother? Will she be able to evade her foes? I love this book and recommend it to any fantasy lover! Bonnie's strength, courage, and faith is really inspiring. I love when Billy reads what she said about him in her journal. A reader will be crying or or the edge of their seats at the climaxes, on the floor laughing at the funny things said, and be inspired.

Raising Dragons

by Bryan Davis

On Sep 22 2008, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
Raising Dragons begins with Billy Bannister, your average teenager. He begins to notice that he has some strange capabilities. As soon as his true heritage is revealed, he is soon running away from dark knights. He learns about faith, courage, and friendship. On the way he meets Bonnie Silver, a girl who seems to be hiding something. Will they evade the people after them, hunting them for their traits? This book is amazing! As all of Mr. Davis's books do, this book is intriguing and puts a reader on the edge of their seat! They feel as if they are right with Billy and Bonnie on their adventure. It's a must have for all libraries and preteen to teen readers! Best of all, it's appropriate with a great Christian message. I love love love this book! It's on my special shelf of books that I keep in tip-top shape. I love Billy's courage and Bonnie's peaceful soul. They are both great examples for me even though they are fictional.

Circles of Seven

by Bryanm Davis

On Sep 22 2008, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
When Billy Bannister and Bonnie Silver are sent on a mission to rescue captives of the Seven Circles, little do they know that they are embarking on their biggest and most harrowing adventure yet through a strange village, a dangerous castle, and a dark cave. A wonderful addition to the popular Dragon in Our Midst series, this book is highly recommended. Action packed, full of danger and adventure. Bryan Davis has masterfully woven this story to touch the hearts and minds of all readers. I highly recommend this book to any fantasy lover age ten and up!
On Jun 13 2008, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
Beyond the Reflection's Edge. A malicious murder and mysterious mirror. Meet sixteen year old Nathan Shepherd, son of an private investigator and famous violinist. When both his parents are suddenly murdered he is left with a strange mirror and clues left by his father. He, with his tutor Clara, team up with Kelly, his father's old college buddy's daughter. When Nathan put his mirror into an empty section of a larger mirror at Kelly's house, the unthinkable occurs. They discover that the mirror along with his violin playing opens the door to other dimensions where friends may be enemies. They also discover that the assassins are after their mirror for evil purposes. Who can they trust? Will the dark side win? What happened to Nathan's parents? Find out in Beyond the Reflection's Edge, the first installment in Echoes from the Edge, an exiting new series by Bryan Davis, author of bestselling series Dragons in Our Midst and Oracles of Fire. You will not be able to stop turning the pages as each surprise unfolds! I loved the way this plot unfolded with action and good lessons on every page, and I'm sure you will too!
On May 21 2008, Pianogirl said:
pianogirl rated this book 5 of 5 Stars.
Beyond the Reflection's Edge by bestselling author Brian Davis and a great, captivating story. The reader in on the edge of his seat from the very first page. The difference between light and darkness is clear and beautiful. Nathan Shepherd,the main character, is a great example to everyone and anyone. He is polite, loyal, and pure something that I admired very very much. The way that he feels when playing his violin was exactly what I feel when playing my piano, to glorify God my Creator. From a musician's points of view, extraordinary!From an avid reader's point of view,it is a great find and a great summer read or any season for that matter. From a Christian's point of view, it is a breath of fresh air. The intricacy of this book and all of Mr. Davis's books utterly astound me. Beyond the Reflection's is a great way to share the gospel. It is on my bookshelf of favorite books, and I recommend you get one and do the same!