Seven months after the Clue Hunt ends is when this story is set. Unlike most of the other short stories in this collecSeven Months After The Clue Hunt
Seven months after the Clue Hunt ends is when this story is set. Unlike most of the other short stories in this collection, so far this one focuses almost entirely on Ian Kabra, and his life after turning on his mother and growing a conscience. He realizes that he has feelings for Amy Cahill and he is unsure what to do with them. As he is wrestling with himself about visiting Amy across the pond, he encounters a burglar and chases him down only to discover it is his mother recently released from jail. This was an interesting story. It gave us a much deeper look into Ian and his growth as a person, and also the struggles he has. And as stated earlier, unlike the rest of the Rapid Fire Short Stories to date, this one has a much narrower focus, both in looking mainly at one member of the Cahill's family and in that it takes place in less than a day.
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. These are great little short stories and they are more than worth the price of $0.99 each.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Merged review:
Seven Months After The Clue Hunt
Seven months after the Clue Hunt ends is when this story is set. Unlike most of the other short stories in this collection, so far this one focuses almost entirely on Ian Kabra, and his life after turning on his mother and growing a conscience. He realizes that he has feelings for Amy Cahill and he is unsure what to do with them. As he is wrestling with himself about visiting Amy across the pond, he encounters a burglar and chases him down only to discover it is his mother recently released from jail. This was an interesting story. It gave us a much deeper look into Ian and his growth as a person, and also the struggles he has. And as stated earlier, unlike the rest of the Rapid Fire Short Stories to date, this one has a much narrower focus, both in looking mainly at one member of the Cahill's family and in that it takes place in less than a day.
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. These are great little short stories and they are more than worth the price of $0.99 each.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More....more
This second book in the 39 Clues Rapid Fire Story focuses around the time before, during, and after Grace Cahill's fuEight Months Before The Clue Hunt
This second book in the 39 Clues Rapid Fire Story focuses around the time before, during, and after Grace Cahill's funeral. It is told alternately from different family members' perspectives. It gives us a look at The Holts, Ian and Natalie Kabra and Jonah Wizard as they embark on the quest for the 39 clues. It also gives up deeper insight into William McIntyre, Grace's lawyer and executor and we meet Professor Astrid Rosenbloom, whose family belonged to a group called Guardians who have spent centuries fighting the Vespers.
This was a great short story, bringing together pieces we knew and new information about some of the members of the Cahill family. It was a quick read at just under 60 pages. There was not nearly as much action as book 1 but it gives us great insight into the family, the hunt for the 39 clues and things yet to come.
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. If the other 5 are as good as the first two, they will be more than worth the price of $0.99 each.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Merged review:
Eight Months Before The Clue Hunt
This second book in the 39 Clues Rapid Fire Story focuses around the time before, during, and after Grace Cahill's funeral. It is told alternately from different family members' perspectives. It gives us a look at The Holts, Ian and Natalie Kabra and Jonah Wizard as they embark on the quest for the 39 clues. It also gives up deeper insight into William McIntyre, Grace's lawyer and executor and we meet Professor Astrid Rosenbloom, whose family belonged to a group called Guardians who have spent centuries fighting the Vespers.
This was a great short story, bringing together pieces we knew and new information about some of the members of the Cahill family. It was a quick read at just under 60 pages. There was not nearly as much action as book 1 but it gives us great insight into the family, the hunt for the 39 clues and things yet to come.
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. If the other 5 are as good as the first two, they will be more than worth the price of $0.99 each.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More....more
So far this is the longest of the Rapid Fire Short Stories. It is told in a unique way. The Vespers watcher is tracking some of the CahilThe Clue Hunt
So far this is the longest of the Rapid Fire Short Stories. It is told in a unique way. The Vespers watcher is tracking some of the Cahills as they hunt for the 39 clues. She is making reports on which of the Cahills might be possible turncoats. She is testing them to determine which have the most potential to become Vespers. Her pieces are between incidents, focusing around different members of the Cahill family. These incidents are told from the first person perspective of the individuals. The Cahill's are:
Ted Starling Jonah Wizard Hamilton Holt Ian Kabra.
It gives us a much greater insight into Jonah, Hamilton and Ian. It is another great short story and advances our knowledge of the 39 Clues world.
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series, The Cahills vs. Vespers. But this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011, really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. They are more than worth the price of $0.99 each. Plus each book gives us part of a clue to unlock a new section on the 39 Clues website.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Merged review:
The Clue Hunt
So far this is the longest of the Rapid Fire Short Stories. It is told in a unique way. The Vespers watcher is tracking some of the Cahills as they hunt for the 39 clues. She is making reports on which of the Cahills might be possible turncoats. She is testing them to determine which have the most potential to become Vespers. Her pieces are between incidents, focusing around different members of the Cahill family. These incidents are told from the first person perspective of the individuals. The Cahill's are:
Ted Starling Jonah Wizard Hamilton Holt Ian Kabra.
It gives us a much greater insight into Jonah, Hamilton and Ian. It is another great short story and advances our knowledge of the 39 Clues world.
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series, The Cahills vs. Vespers. But this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011, really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. They are more than worth the price of $0.99 each. Plus each book gives us part of a clue to unlock a new section on the 39 Clues website.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More....more
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but Eight Months Before The Clue Hunt
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. If the other 6 are as good as this one, they will be more than worth the price of $0.99 each.
This short story starts on Christmas Eve, the year before the hunt for the 39 Clues begins. We find out that Grace knew she was dying and that she was aware of the Vespers' history. We also meet Dan and Amy and get some more insight into their character. The short story has a fast pace and before you know it you are done. And even though it fills in more pieces of the overall story arc, it leaves you wanting to know more. I am glad I picked up the eBook and if you like the other books, I guarantee that you will be also.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Merged review:
Eight Months Before The Clue Hunt
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. If the other 6 are as good as this one, they will be more than worth the price of $0.99 each.
This short story starts on Christmas Eve, the year before the hunt for the 39 Clues begins. We find out that Grace knew she was dying and that she was aware of the Vespers' history. We also meet Dan and Amy and get some more insight into their character. The short story has a fast pace and before you know it you are done. And even though it fills in more pieces of the overall story arc, it leaves you wanting to know more. I am glad I picked up the eBook and if you like the other books, I guarantee that you will be also.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More....more
This short story is now available for free from both Amazon and Kobo. Even though I knew this was a short story, when I hit the end I wanted to know wThis short story is now available for free from both Amazon and Kobo. Even though I knew this was a short story, when I hit the end I wanted to know what happens next. I really did not want the story to end. And that is a tribute to the skill of Cynthia Leitich Smith and her mastery as a wordsmith. For fans of Cynthia Leitch Smith's Tantalize, Eternal and Blessed, you will love the story as it just adds to her cannon and we can't help but wonder who the mysterious inline seller of the energy elixir is. For those who have yet to read her works, it will draw you in. Her writings, in this world she created, are very addictive. The other great thing about this free eBook is it has an extended sample of her new book Diabolical. This was a great short story with a really unique twist. Kudos to Cynthia for surprising me yet again. And I am sure it will do the same for you.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the author and an interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Merged review:
This short story is now available for free from both Amazon and Kobo. Even though I knew this was a short story, when I hit the end I wanted to know what happens next. I really did not want the story to end. And that is a tribute to the skill of Cynthia Leitich Smith and her mastery as a wordsmith. For fans of Cynthia Leitch Smith's Tantalize, Eternal and Blessed, you will love the story as it just adds to her cannon and we can't help but wonder who the mysterious inline seller of the energy elixir is. For those who have yet to read her works, it will draw you in. Her writings, in this world she created, are very addictive. The other great thing about this free eBook is it has an extended sample of her new book Diabolical. This was a great short story with a really unique twist. Kudos to Cynthia for surprising me yet again. And I am sure it will do the same for you.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books by the author and an interview with Cynthia Leitich Smith on my blog Book Reviews and More....more
Amy Cahill and her brother Dan are rebuilding their grandmother's estate, her mansion, with a few modifications: a comEleven Months after the Cue Hunt
Amy Cahill and her brother Dan are rebuilding their grandmother's estate, her mansion, with a few modifications: a command center for the coming battle between the Cahills and Vespers, a gym for training, and a multi-million dollar security system. Amy and Dan have invited the other members of their generation that were part of the clue hunt for the weekend. The Cahills attending are:
Amy Cahill Dan Cahill Hamilton Holt Reagan Holt Madison Holt Natalie Kabra Ian Kabra Jonah Wizard
Amy has planned a strict schedule of events, but once all the kids are together, for the most part mayhem ensues. But the Vespers might be closer than Amy thinks. Of the five stories so far, this was the best. The only real continuity issue is Ian: in this one he comes to see Amy and the other family members, and in the previous one, he bails on Amy just a few months earlier and tries to push her away. We can only chalk that up to different authors writing different books and for the Rapid Fire Series under a pseudonym.
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. The short stories are more than worth the price of $0.99 each.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Merged review:
Eleven Months after the Cue Hunt
Amy Cahill and her brother Dan are rebuilding their grandmother's estate, her mansion, with a few modifications: a command center for the coming battle between the Cahills and Vespers, a gym for training, and a multi-million dollar security system. Amy and Dan have invited the other members of their generation that were part of the clue hunt for the weekend. The Cahills attending are:
Amy Cahill Dan Cahill Hamilton Holt Reagan Holt Madison Holt Natalie Kabra Ian Kabra Jonah Wizard
Amy has planned a strict schedule of events, but once all the kids are together, for the most part mayhem ensues. But the Vespers might be closer than Amy thinks. Of the five stories so far, this was the best. The only real continuity issue is Ian: in this one he comes to see Amy and the other family members, and in the previous one, he bails on Amy just a few months earlier and tries to push her away. We can only chalk that up to different authors writing different books and for the Rapid Fire Series under a pseudonym.
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. The short stories are more than worth the price of $0.99 each.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More....more
This final book in the Rapid Fire mini series begins with Dan messing up big time. Next, Amy is trying to get the faFifteen Months After The Clue Hunt
This final book in the Rapid Fire mini series begins with Dan messing up big time. Next, Amy is trying to get the family to agree to a training schedule and roles and responsibilities. Finally something unexpected - Dan and Amy pull it together and work as a team to pull off a surprise for New Year's Eve. But the book ends with a sinister warning. So beware.
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. The short stories are more than worth the price of $0.99 each.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More.
Merged review:
Fifteen Months After The Clue Hunt
This final book in the Rapid Fire mini series begins with Dan messing up big time. Next, Amy is trying to get the family to agree to a training schedule and roles and responsibilities. Finally something unexpected - Dan and Amy pull it together and work as a team to pull off a surprise for New Year's Eve. But the book ends with a sinister warning. So beware.
I love the original 39 Clues books, and have on my short list to read the second series The Cahills vs. Vespers, but this short series released between December 25th and December 31st 2011 really caught my attention. 7 Days 7 Short Stories each give us part of a clue and more background information on some of the characters from the books. The short stories are more than worth the price of $0.99 each.
Read the review and with links to other reviews of books in the 39 Clues series on my blog Book Reviews and More....more
I was at a wedding this past summer, where the bride was a librarian, and as table markers they had books, wrapped in brown papeNote Review from 2011:
I was at a wedding this past summer, where the bride was a librarian, and as table markers they had books, wrapped in brown paper and decorated with the colors of the wedding. This was the book on my table. It was a book of poetry. I had never heard of McKeun and ended up reading the book through dinner and the speeches. I was later to learn that he had written over 30 books, and almost a hundred albums. He was born in 1933 and though still alive at the writing of this review in 2011, he has not actively produced any new works since 1983.
Rod Mckuen is known as an iconic American poet, composer, singer and songwriter. He reached his peak of popularity in the 60's yet still has a devoted following today. He produced albums of music, spoken word, soundtracks for movies and more. He also brought foreign artists' works to North American Culture through translation and promotion. McKeun had two Oscar nominations and one Pulitzer nomination for his compositions.
Though I enjoy the occasional book of poetry, I am not a poetry critic; I can only state what I like and enjoy. This book falls into both categories. It followed themes that are prevalent in McKuen's works: love, the world and spirituality. It was a pleasant read, and one I would read again. And it was good enough that I am trying to track down some of his other works. And that is really the highest recommendation I can give to a book. It leaves me wanting to read more from the author or with plans to reread the same book....more
This book, the Arthur Spiderwick Field guide, is lovingly restored and organized by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi. The creatures from the fantasticaThis book, the Arthur Spiderwick Field guide, is lovingly restored and organized by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi. The creatures from the fantastical world around us have been organized by habitat and then alphabetically. It has 28 plates and hundreds of illustrations, with fold-out pages and flip-up pages for even larger illustrations. Each creature's main illustrations list its scale. With lots of side notes and addendums, this is a wonderful book that the young and young at heart can return to many times.
The sections are: Around the House and Yard: Brownies Boggarts Changelings Pixies Salamanders Stray Sod
In Fields and Forests: Cockatrices Elves Leprechauns Manticores Sprites Treefolk Unicorns
In Lakes, Streams and the Sea: Kelpies Merfolk Nixies Sea Serpents Trolls
In the Hills and Mountains: Dwarves Giants Goblins Hobgoblins Knockers Ogres
In the Sky: Dragons Griffins Phoenixes
Outside at Night: Banshees Gargoyles Phookas Will-o-the-Wisps
This illustrated guide is amazing. I know that I will read it again, and plan on reading it to my children many times over the next few years....more
This short story is now available for free from both Amazon and Kobo. Unfortunately I did not realize it was a short story. I started reading it and wThis short story is now available for free from both Amazon and Kobo. Unfortunately I did not realize it was a short story. I started reading it and when I hit the end, I desperately wanted the story to continue. For fans of Cynthia Leitch Smith's Tantalize, Eternal and Blessed, you will love the story. For others who have not read her works it will draw you in. Her writings, in this world she created, are very addictive. It is an amazing short story and it first appeared in a collection from Candlewick Press called: Sideshow: Ten Original Tales of Freaks, Illusionists, and Other Matters Odd and Magical. But I will warn you - this story will make you want to have that whole collection immediately! If you have not read any of her books, get the free download and sample her writings; if you have, you will love this new short story....more
This was the first book in the Spiderwick world I was disappointed with. I bought the eBook and cannot figure out why the publisher released an e-versThis was the first book in the Spiderwick world I was disappointed with. I bought the eBook and cannot figure out why the publisher released an e-version of this book. It is intended to be a workbook. There are 14 chapters in this book, alphabetically named after the creatures encountered.
The sections are: Brownies Dragons Dwarves Elves Goblins Griffins Hobgoblins Knockers Ogres Phookas Sprites Stray Sod Trolls Unicorns
Each section has a story written by someone who has had an encounter with the Fantastical, followed by a short commentary by Holly Black and Tony DiTerlizzi. Then there are numerous activities to be completed. These includes writing your own encounters, making lists, drawing pictures and much much more. This workbook will be great fun for a child and provide entertainment again and again as they go back and add more notes to each section. But the eBook cannot even be printed out to allow these activities to be completed. If you're going to buy this book make sure you get the physical book. It will be entertaining and fun for children of all ages....more
I must admit I am addicted to these books, read three of them in 2 days and will more than likely reread the whole series again and again. Some books I must admit I am addicted to these books, read three of them in 2 days and will more than likely reread the whole series again and again. Some books are like a bottle of Gatorade that you just chug back, some like a nice cup of tea that you sip, and some like a fine wine that you savour slowly. Right now I am drinking these books back because I need to know what happens next. But I know I will go back and drink them in slowly like a big mug of Irish Breakfast tea on my second reading. Black and DiTerlizzi have written a wonderful series that I can highly recommend. Their books are very enjoyable, and much like the Narnia books by C.S. Lewis, will be enjoyed by both the young and young at heart! In this book the Grace children, Malory, and the twins Jared and Simon, visit their Great Aunt Lucinda and discover that even though she is committed she is not really crazy. In this book we also meet more creatures from the other world, and find out that many different beings want Arthur Spiderwick's Field Guide, and they all seem malevolent to some extent. We also discover that something lost for more than 70 years might really be close at hand. And Thimbletack does not appear, but signs of his mischief abound. In this book we meet a unicorn, fairies, and elves. It is another wonderful book in an awesome series....more