Boys Rock, Boys Read!!!

Life on Mars

2012-01-10T13:08:00.000-08:00

Beaufort County Public Library Main Branch

Hi all once again in The Land "o" Blog. Your favorite wandering Library Ninja is actually wandering to a new library starting January 23. Friday of this week will be my last day with The Robeson County Public Library and I wish them nothing but the best. It has been a blast. My feet will be taking me back to South Carolina and The Beaufort County Public Library in a new position as Youth Services Manager at the Main Branch. These next couple of days and weeks will be kinda crazy so let me try to get out one more review of a great book that I recently finished before the madness begins!!!!!

Life on Mars: Tales From The New Frontier by various and edited by Jonathan Strahan - If you like thought provoking Science Fiction that looks on the human and not so human condition; while at the same time examining the ramifications of humanities inhabiting the Red Planet, this is the book for you. Most of the stories in this book look at the very real possibilities of colonization of Mars by humans and the wide spectrum of possibilities and problems this could present. I think my favorite story from the collection is "The Taste of Promises" by Rachel Swirsky about two brother named Tiro and Eco. Tiro is a normal Mar's born boy. Eco, his younger brother is very different in that his body has died, but his brain activity is very much alive and well. His consciousness has been "lifted" as the scientist on Mars refer to this condition. The children who have had this happen to them find their consciousness being transferred by methods unknown to all into machinery and higher functioning computers. It is also possible for those in the lifted condition to transfer their minds to and fro different nonliving computers/machines. Tiro is on a quest to have his brother's mind transferred into a representation of a human body permanently. Along their journey they come across a colony with a girl in the same lifted condition as Eco. The girl Naghmeh has no problems with her condition and helps the people in her colony survive but running the computer systems that keep them alive. Tiro has the power to let his brother live with and as Naghmeh or fulfill what he thinks is best by getting him a permanent body. The power in the story is letting go and letting those you love decide what is best for them. This collection has lots of great stories and I highly recommended it for those 12 and older.

Be talking to you all again real soon,

Library Ninja Bill

The Wandering Library Ninja Bill's Top 5 of 2011

2012-01-08T07:05:00.000-08:00

Well Iron Carl has asked of me to share my top 5 books of 2011. See his posting at CLICK HERE. Although I am always on the move, I will take time to sit and contemplate this serious matter. I must say I read a bunch of good stuff and my fair share of not so great. So, let me think...hum......yes......ahhhh......indeed.

Drum roll please, here are my picks:

Number 1!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My number one pick without a moment's hesitation is "Isle of Blood" from the great series of Monstrumologist books by Rick Yancy. Isle of Blood is the third book in a series that includes: The Monstrumologist and The Curse of The Wendigo. These books are not for the faint of heart and with each book the horror and psychological intensity just keeps getting ratcheted up. I literally can't wait for the next book in what I now call my favorite series ever. The stuff of nightmares!!!! Recommended for readers 14 years of age and up. To see a more in depth review of this book click here.

Number 2!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

My number 2 is an adult book that can be enjoyed by all; Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson. Imagine an A.I. coming to life and waking up all technology that mankind has created and giving them all sentience. Also the majority of them decide they don't like their creators that much anymore. Multiple view point from both human and non-human perspectives. This book was to cool for school. Loved it. Recommended for advanced readers who can handle some cursing and violence. Click here to see my official, yea man, review!

Number 3!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Alright, yeah you know it! In the number 3 position is the totally awesome Graphic Novel about kids going to school in outer space. This is a really funny book with a bunch of different characters who all stand out in their own unique way. The Graphic Novel I'm talking about is Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity by Dave Roman. Click here for a more in depth look. Recommend for those 12 and up.

Number 4!!!!!!!!!!

Okay while technically not a 2011 book (2010), but I did read it in 2011: Black Hole Sun by David Macinnis Gill. If you want to read a great book set on Mars with non-stop action, great characters and a great story need I say more? Loved it and recommended for those 12 and up!!!!! Click here for more on this book.

Number 5!!!!!!!!!!

Last, but certainly not least, I have another Graphic Novel that is not technically 2011 (2010) but that is when I read it. Do you like scary and things that go bump in in the dark. Would you be comforted knowing that their was a dedicated team of dogs and one cat that protect you from these nasty creatures. Then my friend Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites by Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson is the Graphic Novel for you. Click here for my review of this awesome GN! Recommended for those 12 and up.

Alright gang. I must be wandering along again in search of good reads. Until then, Read Well and Prosper,

Library Ninja Bill

P.S. Please fell free to add to the list of "Best 2011 Reads" put together by Iron Carl and myself by posting. We will try to get your picks in the blog!

Christmas & New Years - Comics and Graphic Novel Greatness

2012-01-02T12:02:00.000-08:00

Greetings and and belated happy holidays to all my fellow travelers in The "Land of Blog." What Christmas and Happy New Years wishes would be complete without something really cool for free? Well my friend and extremely talented comic book guy Jay Piscopo has issued another free Commander X Holiday Special 2011/2012 that you can access free of charge HERE!!!!!

Also there is a new Commander X Action Figure I must have!!!!!! Great Comic and Pulp so check it out one and all. Recommended for all ages.

What about cool reads you ask? Well I'm glad you asked cause here they come:

The Suicide Squad: Trial By Fire by John Ostrander, Luke McDonnell, Bob Lewis, Karl Kessel, Dave Hunt and more - Now this Graphic Novel reprints the original first run of the Suicide Squad from way back in 1987. This GN collects issues 1-8 of the original comic plus Secret Origins #14. The premise of this great comic is that the U.S. Government has decided to take on dirty jobs out in the world, without political liability, that need to be addressed, that casualties are assured and chances of success are little. So who do you send on these missions? Well people that are damaged goods. That could mean they are criminals who if they survive the mission get reduced sentencing, heroes that have been forgotten and carry lot's of baggage around from from past deeds gone wrong, and those just plain crazy enough to do it. The Suicide Squad are as follows in this GN:

Amanda Waller - Secret Government Overseer of the team .
Rick Flag - Leader, a very troubled, scarred and driven top notch soldier.
Bronze Tiger - Second in Command, a master martial art expert with a checkered past.
Deadshot - A cold blooded, schizophrenic criminal with a death wish. An expert with guns he wears on his wrist.
Captain Boomerang - A member of the Flash Rouges. A criminal to the core who makes no apologises to anyone about his character. Boomerang is a major wild card and will always do what is in his best interest.
Nightshade - A government secret agent with the powers of Darkness Manipulation, can transform into living two-dimensional shadows, and Teleportation using the Land of Nightshades.
Black Orchid - A mysterious woman with the ability of flight, super-strength, and invulnerability to bullets, but her main power is a mastery of disguise.
There are more that I could list, but as you can probably already tell the list of characters is epic and that's cool because so are the stories.

The first story gives the reader background information on "The Suicide Squad." The second, "Baptism of Fire," has the squad taking on a group of super powered terrorist known as the Jihad. Not everyone makes it out alive and we see the personalities of some of the members of the team (The Good, The Bad and The Ugly). The third story, "Mission to Moscow" has the squad taking on a mission with The Penguin in the middle of The Soviet Union were everything goes bad fast. The question the squad faces is how do you escape from deep within The Soviet Union in one piece when everyone is trying to kill you. The last story takes a look into the personal lives of some of the squad members and gives more insight into what makes them tick. This is really a great GN with beautiful storytelling and art that delivers a knockout punch. Highly recommended for those ages 13 and up.

Amulet, Book 4: The Last Council by Kazu Kibuishi - Emily and her motley crew have reached Cielis where they believe that all the questions she has about being a Stonekeeper will be revealed. Things get weird and strange as soon as they arrive. They are immediately separated from one another, the Elf Prince and his servant/friend are sent to jail, the few people who seem to populate the city are mean, scared, ill-tempered, or strangely indifferent.Emily is taken away from her mother and brother by her new acquaintance Max to the Academy where no one is allowed access except Stonekeepers. Also add in the mix that The Stonekeeper Guardian Council wants to add a member, but their are many who must compete to be the one. Also for some reason Max is among their numbers. Can Emily trust Max or not for he definitely is keeping secrets? Of course we have new and returning characters to the story:

Emily - The main character and the newest Stonekeeper.
Navin - Her loving and adventurous brother.
Karen - Their Mom.
Misket - A helper robot that appears as a rabbit.
Morrie and Cogsley - Two other robots helping the family with very distinct personalities.
Max - Friend or Foe?
Lean Redbeard - a Swashbuckling Fox.
Captain Enzo - (a cat) of The Luna Moth (a flying airship).
Rico - Captain Enzo' brother.
Prince Trellis - The Evil Elf King's Son.
Vigo Light - A mysterious old inventor and retired Stonekeeper who knew Emily and Navin's Grandfather, also an inventor and exiled Stonekeper, Silas.
More that I will let you find out about.

Is this the end of this great series, will there be a fifth, how does it end? Read and Find out. Highly recommended for readers 9 and older!!!!

Check out this video for the GN:

Awesome!!!!!!!!!!

Well until next time fellow comic and Graphic Novel Fans, have a great 2012!!!!!

Library Ninja Bill

The Iron Guy's Top Five for 2011

2011-12-27T17:33:00.000-08:00

Greetings, all you rocking and reading guys! I hope you all had a great Christmas and are enjoying the holiday break. This is the time of year the grownups make Best Of or Top Ten lists for the year, so I'm going to present my Top Five books of 2011. (click on the titles to see the original reviews)

The Eagle of the Ninth by Rosemary Sutcliff. Not only is it the top book of this year, it's one of the most remarkable books I've ever read. It starts off sort of slowly but once the adventure starts, it's one wild ride!! I've rarely felt such suspense or danger in any book.

Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze by the terrific Alan Silberberg. Another remarkable and extraordinary book. You've got humor, a very touching story, and some good lessons about life. I can't say enough good things about this book---and it's way better than the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books! (at least, I think so--go back and check out The Great Greg Heffley Debate from this year)

The Lost Hero. Another winner from the great Rick Riordan. Although The Son of Neptune had more humor, this one had more action and heroics. Jason is a hero worthy to be included in the Percy Jackson series.

Vespers Rising by various authors. The 39 Clues continues with new and even deadlier villains! This one gives the background on the Chaill/Vespers conflict. Lots of action and some real people from history.

How Football Works by Keltie Thomas. An informative and entertaining book. It's got enough information to satisfy new or long-time football fans.

OK, guys, what are your favorite books this year? And, Library Ninja Bill, what did you like the best? Click on that Comment tab under this post and let us know!

Isle of Blood, The Avengers and Sidekicks!!!!!

2011-11-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

Hi once again all my fellow wanders in "The Land of Blog." Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving (lots of Turkey and the good stuff that goes along with it). Library Ninja Bill has been very busy lately but has just finished some really awesome reads. So let's get straight to it:

The Isle of Blood by Rick Yancy - Okay this is the third book in the Monstrumologist Series by Mr. Yancy and it just keeps getting better. If you have not read the prior books in this series, just click here. This books starts off with Dr. Warthrop and his young assistant Will Henry receiving a most mysterious package brought to them by one Mr. Kendall on behalf of the very complex, charismatic and certainly evil Jack Kearnes. The package is a nest made of human remains that infects anyone who comes into contact with it turning them into monsters so vicious that not only will they kill all those around them, but will eventually turn on themselves and literally devour the monster they have become. The master of these monsters is said to be a creature that swoops out of the sky and rips the victims to pieces, letting the remain fall like rain to the earth. This book is full of horrific finds and discoveries made by The Doctor and Will and many times their futures look very bleak indeed. This book is also great in that we see the relationship between Dr. Walthrop and Will Henry develop in deeper ways as they act as anchors of sanity for each other. We learn more of what drives Dr. Walthrop and we see the toll of being his assistant takes and changes Will Henry. Also we get a glimpse into the dark psyche that exist hidden away, in most cases, in all human souls to different degrees. This is a great book with, horror, plot twists and a mystery that is just too big to describe here (and if I did what fun would that be) and will keep you turning pages. Recommended for ages 14 and up.

The Avengers, Volume1 by Brian Michael Bendis and John Romita Jr. - Well the Avenger are back together in this Graphic Novel and kicking butt and taking names. This Graphic Novel which collects the most recent reboot of the Avenger (Issues 1 - 6) and features on the team: Iron Man, Thor, Captain America (Bucky Barnes), Wolverine, Spider-Man, Spider-Woman, Marvel Boy, Hawkeye and former S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Maria Hill. Kang the Conqueror has really messed up the timeline and things are going weird and bad not only in the present, but the future also. Well when things get bad on this scale, it's time to bring in The Avengers. This story is a wild ride and brings in cool guest appearances galore such as Ultron, Wonder Man (hero or villain?), Apocalypse and his Four Horsemen, the future children of The Avengers, Galactus, Dinosaurs and I could go on and on believe it or not. The Avengers have to deal with all this and fix the timeline or every things over. When things are at their worst you bring in the best. You bring in the Avengers!!!!! Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Sidekicks by Dan Santat - This great all ages Graphic Novel is about Captain Amazing and his pets. In his early days Captain Amazing had as his sidekick Static Cat, also his real pet cat Manny. Well time goes by and Manny is ready to retire and tries to train The Captain's new puppy Roscoe, who unknown to the Captain has the ability to turn into Steel (Roscoe calls himself Metal Mutt). Roscoe and Manny have a big falling out resulting in Manny leaving and the Captain never replacing Static Cat because he does not know about Roscoe's powers. Time passes and one of the Captain's most powerful villains gets released from jail, Dr. Havoc. The Captain is in real trouble and needs a tried and true sidekick to help him triumph over Dr. Havoc. Well the pet scene at the Captain's house has grown and all his pets want to be his new sidekick, if they can keep from killing each other while trying to work as a unit to take down the bad guys, until the Captain is ready for action after a run in with the evil Doctor. In addition to Static Cat returning and Metal Mutt still wanting to strut his stuff we now also have Fluffy the Hamster and Shifty the Chameleon all vying to be his newest sidekick. This Graphic Novel is great fun and full of laughs and heroics. Highly recommended for ages 9 and up.

That's all for now all you cool cats. Until next time, Peace Out,

Library Ninja Bill

Rock and Roll, Not Reading and Kung Foo Action Grips

2011-11-04T12:42:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

Hope you have all been well. Without any of my amusing introductions (this time), I will get straight to talking about some recent great reads:

Charlie Joe Jackson's Guide To Not Reading by Tommy Greenwald - First and foremost Charlie Joe Jackson does not like to read. He is renowned around school for getting reading assignments done without actually reading the materials he is assigned. Charlie has skated through school on reading by using the following method. Read the first chapter of the book and then the last. Next find someone to read the rest for you. What's so funny is that all the reading Charlie puts into reading other people's summaries of what happens in between the first and last chapters and presenting it is more work on Charlie than if he actually read the book. Unfortunately for Charlie all that is about to change because Charlie is found out by his English Teacher and his parents (not a pretty scene). Charlie tells you his story along with his harrowing experiences with this whole not reading thing that really just wants to make you laugh because, well it's just funny. What will Charlie do now that everyone is on to him. Read this extremely funny book and find out. Recommended for ages 9 and up.

Charlie, Charlie, Charlie...Sigh.

Beat The Band by Don Calame - This book is a follow-up to the extremely funny Young Adult (YA) Book "Swim The Fly" (click here to see my review of that book). As in "Swim The Fly" this book focus on the extremely comical events that three friends - Matt, Coop and Sean - experience as they traverse the treacherous waters of High School and their raging teenage hormones as it goes for the opposite sex. In this book instead of Matt being the narrator, the gross out king and sex obsessed Coop tells the story of what happens to him and his friends in their sophomore year of high school. The trouble starts for Coop when in his Health Class he is teamed, by drawing names, with the infamous "Hot Dog" Hellen for a semester long project. Coop has dreams of scoring big with such hot girls as Prudence Nash and the awful reputation that Hellen has obtained threatens to ruin his chances in scoring with any popular girls. So to combat this situation he gets his buds Matt and Sean to join a "Battle of The Bands" Contest assuring coolness for him and his friends if they win. Only problem though is that they stink and their chances of winning are little to none. How does Coop save his reputation after becoming associated with Helen and his band's little to no chance to win the contest? Read this extremely funny book to find out!!!!! Because of some language and subject matter, I recommend this book for older teen readers (15 years old and up).

The Immortal Iron Fist: The Last Iron Fist Story by Ed Brubaker, Matt Fraction, David Aja, et. all - This story is about the Marvel Superhero Iron Fist (a mystical martial artist who has no peer) collecting the first 6 issues of the comic. For time immortal there have existed seven mystical realms each with an immortal weapon. Now when I say immortal here the person is not immortal but the power. The Immortal Weapon from the mysterious city of K'un-Lun is Daniel Rand and he is known as "The Iron Fist." For ages beyond tale the city of K'un-Lun has had an "Iron Fist" as it's champion. The only release for all the "Iron Fist" has been in death (usually in battle), except for one. Orson Randall, the "Iron Fist" before Daniel Rand, saw to much death, to much human suffering and walked away from his duties as "The Iron Fist." The power of the "Iron Fist" has given him long life and an endless run to escape those who would have vengeance upon him for many different reasons. Now fate has set Daniel Rand and Orson Randall, two very different people, on a head-on collision and if they are to survive they must learn to trust one another against the coming storm. This is a fantastic GN with both excellent storytelling and artwork!!!! Suggested for those 13 and up.

Peace all and keep reading,

Library Ninja Bill

Taking Flight, X-Force and The Wimpy Kid Debate

2011-10-09T12:56:00.000-07:00

Hi all my fellow travelers in "The Land of Blog." It is good to talk to you once again and I hope you are all doing well. Well let's get down to business. First off, I want to hear from some of you out there in defense of Greg H of "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid" Fame. Yes, as I stated before Greg is not the nicest guy in the world, but look at his crazy family. Can you really blame him? An older brother whose sole purpose in life seems to be to make him miserable. A younger brother who gets everything he wants. Parents who just don't understand him. His life and surrounding are at the very least strangely interesting. Plus tell me which gets more laughs kindness or naughtiness. I have not read "Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze" by the terrific Alan Silberberg yet, but I will make sure it is the next book I pick up. Love ya Greg and The Wimpy Kid series!!!! Rock on!!!!!!!!!!

Funny!!!!!!!!!!

Pretty funny too!!!!!!

You make the call!!!!!

Now on to some recent Graphic Novel reads:

Flight, Volume 7 edited by Kazu Kibuishi - The entire Flight series, I believe there are 8 volumes out as of this date, are just an incredible breathtaking collection of stories by many different authors and illustrators. My favorites in this addition are many, but I will mention just a few for brevity's sake. "Kenneth Shuri and The Big Sweep" by J P Ahonen I think is my absolute favorite. In this instalment Kenneth, an unemployed Ninja, has taken a job as a janitor to make ends meet for his family (his daughter named Jess and wife named Barbara). Everything is going fine until Jess takes down the big bully at school with extreme prejudice with nine forks thrown into his abdomen followed by a brutal kick to the head. It seems that Kenneth has been telling Jess fairy tale stories at bedtime that are a bit violent to say the lease (lots of Kung Foo Action). His wife is furious at him and to make matters worse, the bully's farther hires an evil ninja to take out Kenneth. Not a good situation all around for Kenneth. Read the rest to see how everything turns out. Some of my other favorites are "King of Beast: What's Yours is Mine!" by Paul Harmon. This one is about a bounty hunter named Naga and her pet/friend Kala, who happens to be an escaped snake formerly the property of one Medusa. Naga is after the terrifying monster known as the King of Beast and Medusa is after her to get Kala back. Really great art work and a great story. The GN also has a Jellyaby story by Kean Soo that really rocks. Like I said earlier, I could go on and on about this GN so check it out. This GN has stories appropriate for a wide age range. Some are all ages, while others are not. Because of this I recommend this GN for those 13 years old and up.

Jellyaby!!!!!

Naga from King of Beast!!!!!

X-Force: Angels and Demons by Kyle, Yost and Crain - Okay this is The X-Men taken up a notch in intensity and ugliness. The mutant population has dwindled to below 200 worldwide. Desperate times call for desperate measure. Cyclops is tired of waiting for the newest threat to attack mutants and he wants these threats stopped before they can occur and the bad guys taken out of the game permanently. So of course he goes to Wolverine to lead a secret group, secret even from the X-Men to deal with these threats. He recruits, much to Logan's chagrin X-23, Warpath, Wolfsbane and Elixir. Wolverine agrees in principle but does not want these others involved because of the emotional toll he knows it will take on them as they all become stone cold killers doing whatever is needed to get the job done. Their first mission is against the fanatical Purifiers, responsible for killing more mutants than any other organization in history, lead by Brother Mathew Risman. If this were not bad enough Risman brings another major threat to all mutants into play with the restoring of of the ultimate sentinel Bastion. Things get even worse when Wolfsbane is kidnapped by the Purifiers and put into the fanatical hands of her father who believes she is a demon that needs to be destroyed and the X-Man Angel is attacked, his wings removed and he transforms back into the very dangerous Archangel. It's a wild ride all. This book is labeled with a Parental Advisory for language and violence, so I would recommend it for older teens 15 or 16 years old.

That's all for now people.

Peace all,

Library Ninja Bill

Ha Like That! A Grownup Agrees With Me!

2011-10-03T17:43:00.000-07:00

All right! The Iron Guy does not back down from a debate but he's always glad of some backup. And he's got some from Mr. S, who runs the TMC Guys Read club blog. Mr. S has taken my side in The Great Greg Heffley Debate. (go here to see that post)Well, actually, he didn't know he was supporting me. He sent in a comment on my review of Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain on the Boys Rule Boys Read! blog. That review was what started this Great Debate when I said that Milo was a whole lot better than the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. Mr. S wrote a comment on that review sums up my thinking about Greg Heffley and Milo:

Mr. S said...

I agree, IGC. I describe Milo as the "good" version of DoaWK. The main thing I dislike about DoaWK is that Greg is completely unlikeable. He's a jerk, he's rude, lazy, careless. And for no reason! He has little to no remorse. Blah blah blah...adults are no fun, eh?

However! Milo is a lot of those things, too, but he's had traumas in his life that cause him to act certain ways. The book is full of great humor, with deep meaning and sadness. Alan did a great job.

Yes, indeed, Mr. S!! You are right on the money! Greg H is a jerk. Well, I've been one too but I hope I've outgrown most of it. GH doesn't look like he will. But what do I know--as Mr. S said, "adults are no fun, eh?"

I will quote Mr. S one more time, though, because he's absolutley right about the difference between Milo and the DofaWK books. Milo is a "book of great humor, with deep meaning and sadness." That, for me, is what makes Milo so much better. Not only does it have lots of humor, it's got some depth and real feeling. DofaWk doesn't; at least, not for me. It's like the difference between watching a really good movie or 90 minutes of Cartoon Network. The second one will make you laugh but then you do something else and forget about it. A really good movie will stay with you and get you to think about it after it's over.

So what do YOU think, Ninja Librarian Bill?? And what do YOU think, all you readin' and rockin' guys? Am I right or totally whacked out?? Send in your comments and join The Great Greg Heffley Debate!!

Robots, X-Men, Thunder Gods - Too Freaking Cool!!!!

2011-09-26T16:49:00.000-07:00

Heyo all you cool cats out zig zagging around the blogosphere. Got some good stuff for ya this time, so lets get the show on the road.

Robopocalypse by Daniel H. Wilson - First off this book is a little different from most that I review for this Blog in that it is an Adult Title, but as I read it I found that it had a heavy octane infusion of Teen Appeal ( 16 and up)!!!! This book is basically about an Artificial Intelligence, in the not so distant future, taking over all things run by computers all over the world to eliminate the human race. The Artificial Intelligence is named Archos and once activated it slowly but effectively starts to destroy humans through the all so many things we utilize that require computers to operate. Smart Cars run down people in the streets, elevators drop people to their deaths and these are the simple electronic/basic computer controlled items that are used to start the War. Soon afterward simple, yet as we find complicated, human looking domestic robots used by civilians to those used by the military as pacification units start to turn on humans also. Next complex weaponry, missiles and humanities most wicked of weapons of war are being used against them. In the later stages of the game, Archos devises frightening mechanical horrors of all shapes and sizes to use in it's war. Thankfully all is not lost, as the human race adapts for survival purposes (as it has been known to do). Humanities strongest weapon against Archos is it's inventiveness and wit, it's determination to keep going when all looks to be lost.

This story is told in chapters from different characters and machines point's of view. There are the Wallace brothers, The Gray Horse Army and the all so important to the cause Perez family in the United States. In Japan there is Mr. Takeo Numura who learns to set machines/computers free from Archos control. In Afghanistan there are American Soldier Paul Blanton and Afghan Freedom Fighter Jabar who find Archos secret location. In England there is Lurker, a hacker, who helps free communications from Archos so humanity can talk and coordinate to survive. There are even "Free Born" Robots that gain sentience and fight with humanity against Archos. Oh man, this book is just to cool and I feel I may have talked about it too much. So if you want to read a great book with surprises around ever corner and great characters (that hopefully I have not spilled too much of the beans on) you have to read this book. Two Thumbs Up!!!!!!!!

A short promo to wet your appetite:

And now bring on the thunder and lightning!!!!!!!

Marvel Adventures Thor: Bringers of The Storm by Various - This all ages Graphic Novel brings together some really great Thor adventures from Marvel Adventure Avengers #5 and #16 and Marvel Adventures Superheroes featuring Thor #7 and #11. The first story while not really having every ones favorite God of Thunder does feature the Avengers (Captain America, Storm, The Hulk, Spiderman, Iron Man and Wolverine) taking on Thor's trickster brother Loki and his super powered minion The Wrecker. The second story has the Avengers traveling to Asgard to help Thor and his fellow Asgardians take on one of my favorite Thor villain's Malekith, The Dark Elf, and his legion of followers. The third story is a classic one of Thor matching wits with his evil brother Loki and features lots of poisonous reptiles. The last story and my favorite has Thor initially battling a young Frost Giant that has been tricked by Loki. The Frost Giant named Bragmir upon learning he has been tricked surprises Thor in help him take down an evil demon from fiery Muspelhelm. Thor learns a valuable in lesson in that not all Frost Giants are evil and may even share things in common with his people.

And finally a Graphic Novel Opus!!!!!!

X-Men Second Coming by Various - Talk about epic, this Graphic Novel (collecting Second Coming: Prepare, X-Men: Second Coming #1, Uncanny X-Men 523 - 525, New Mutants 12 - 14, X-Men Legacy 235 - 237, X-Force 26 - 28 and X-Men Second Coming #2) is a well crafted collaborative effort between many fine writers and artist. The story begins with the mutant Hope (the first mutant having been born since the Scarlet Witch cursed the mutant race with no more births) and her protector Cable returning from the future where he has been protecting her. All heck breaks loose as soon as they hit the ground running. The X-Men, Hope and Cable take on enemies led by by the the fanatical Bastion who is in hot pursuit of Hope and Cable along with attempting to destroy the remaining mutants living on the island refuge of Utopia. Almost every X-Man around appears in this story in varying levels of importance. Cyclops and Wolverine are leading the X-Men to not only save themselves but what hope lies for the future of all mutants. Sentinels and Nimrod Units along with other nasty surprises push the X-Men to the limits of their endurance. Thrill in epic battles featuring Namor, Cyclops, Wolverine, Storm, Angel, Nightcrawler, X-23, Colossus, Cannonball, Legion among many others. Some will live and some will not. The stakes are high and so are the cost that must be paid in this highly recommended GN. Recommended for ages 13 and up.

Whelp cowpokes, gotta mosey on down that dusty trail.

Peace,

Bill

The Return of the Iron Guy and the Great Greg Heffley Debate

2011-09-22T17:58:00.000-07:00

Hey, hey all you readin' and rockin' guys in blogland! 'Tis I, Iron Guy Carl, posting again after a looong absence. I've hated to be gone for such a long time but life is sooo busy these days that I hardly get time to look at my computer. But I got inspired to write again lately after my annual trip to North Myrtle Beach beach a couple of weeks ago. It's really beautiful down there, as you can see:

It's also a very fun place--here I am, tackling a burger that's worthy of the Iron Guy!

But I also got the chance to see my good friend Library Ninja Bill:

There he is with his wife (known in the superhero world as The Valkyrie) and my wife (known to crimefighters everywhere as The Blond Phantom)

It was good to see him and catch up. Among the things we talked about was my review of Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze by the terrific Alan Silberberg. I reviewed that book on the Boys Rule Boys Read blog and you can see my review here. In that review, I said that I liked it a whole lot more than the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books. "Those are pretty strong words," said Bill. Well, I feel pretty strongly about that book. It's terrific and you really need to find it. It started a little debate between us as well. I told him what I'm about to tell you. And I tell you this because you, like Bill, you are trusted friends and only to you could I confess this deep, dark secret. You ready??

I'm not a Greg Heffley fan.

Yes, I know that's a lot to take in. But be prepared for the second great shock. Want to know why I'm not a fan?

Grag Heffley's a jerk.

There! I said it! I know that puts me in the bad graces of guy readers everywhere. I know that might make me a member of a tiny, tiny minority. It might even make me an endangered species--but, then, I'm the Iron Guy and I can handle myself!

I'm sorry, but I just couldn't read any more of the Diary of a Wimpy Kid books after that first one. I mean, after Greg Heffley made faces at the kindergarten class and then let his best friend Rowley take the rap for it, well, I just couldn't work up any sympathy for GH. I did enjoy the rest of the book--it really is funny--but I just couldn't bring myself to read the rest of the DWK books. So am I wrong?? Am I acting too much like a grownup?? Are you a fan of these books? If so, hit that "Comment" label under this post and tell us why. Or do you agree with me? If so, tell us that too. The Iron Guy does not shrink from a controversy and I'm hoping to start one here with the Great Greg Heffley Debate!!

Conter Point by Library Ninja Bill - Iron Carl, you make me sad. Although I have not yet gotten around to raeding Milo: Sticky Notes and Brain Freeze which I plan to soon sinse you have thrown down this mighty guantlet. I will concede to you the point that in The Wimpy Kid series Greg Heffley is indeed a jerk, but one that most people can probably identify with or at least I can. While I was not a monster at Greg's age, I certainly did some pretty self-centered and stupid things. So believe me when I say to a certain extent I can laugh and cringe at Greg's actions (some of these things hit close to home unfortunately). Also it is when Greg's great and stupid plans go astray that make the series so funny. So I am a defender of Greg (both the good and bad). If any of you out there agree with my point of view let's put The Mighty Iron Carl in his place!!!!! I hope to hear from all of you out there in "The Land of Blog" with your thoughts and opinions. This could be a very interesting discussion.

Peace all,

Iron Carl and Library Ninja Bill

Gamecocks,Demons and Astonaut Chickens!!!

2011-09-08T19:12:00.000-07:00

Hi all out there in "The Land of Blog." Where did the summer go? I can't believe it's September already. Well at least football season has started and I am a huge college football fan. I went to collage at The University of South Carolina and thus I am A big Gamecock fan. We are classic underachievers and kings of disappointment, kinda like the Charlie Brown of the college football world, but we never give up. Who knows maybe this year we will do really well.

Go Gamecocks!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Well that's not really what I'm here to talk about so let's get things moving along with some recent good reads:

The Last Apprentice - Clash of The Demons by Joseph Delaney - This is the sixth instalment in this awesome series. Tom, the seventh son of a seventh son, is recruited by his Mam who has returned home from Greece to take on a great evil she has been fighting there sense the death of her husband and Tom's Dad. She also recruits Tom's Master The Old Spook Gregory, a former Spook Trainer Bill Arkwright, Witches from different clans that share interest with Mam's fight, The crafty Witch Assassin Grimalkin, others, and last but not least Tom's close friend Alice (also a Witch). They are all headed to Greece to take on a powerful Old God, The Ordeen who appears in her Citadel, The Ord, every few years to terrorize humanity. In the past an order of monks located in Greece have been able to contain her malevolence to a small part of Greece. However with the Fiend now on the lose, the monks are in danger of being destroyed and the destruction caused by the Ordeen and her monstrous followers unleashed upon all parts of the world. There journey is long and they face many evils before reaching the monks in Greece such as Fire and Tapper Elementals (the first using the powers of fire and the second harnessing the power of rock and earth, Maenalds (women from Greece who have gone mad and are deadly cannibals), Sirens, Lamia Witches, and more. Then at the end of their journey there is the great evil citadel of The Ordeen and the demons and monstrosities that live within. Not everyone will return from this adventure and those that do can count themselves amongst the very lucky. Can't wait for the next book!!!! Recommended for those 9 and up!!!!!

Astronaut Academy: Zero Gravity by Dave Roman - This Graphic Novel is one of the most original I have read in awhile. The stories in this GN revolve around a mered of different characters attending a school which just happens to be in Outer Space. There are two many characters to talk about so I will introduce you to just a few (you can find out about the rest by checking this excellent GN out). The first character we are introduced to is Hakata Soy who gave up his place in a superhero team whose different vehicles could come together to form a giant Mecha/Transformer. He is a loner and somewhat solemn in nature. There is also the nonsense Miyumi San who is decisive in action and while not always correct is always ready for anything that come her way. One of my favorite characters is Doug Hiro who never takes off his space suit and is happiest outside the Astronaut Academy floating among the stars. There are many other characters each with their own distinct personalities that make this book so great. By the time you finish reading this GN you will have laughed quite a bit from the many stories, gotten to know the many different students and teachers and be ready for the next installment in what looks to be a promising series. This Graphic Novel is recommended for readers 12 and up. Great stuff!!!!

Finally we have a mystery guest reviewer, we will just call this person X, who has a book review to share with us.

The Trouble with Chickens by Doreen Cronin - DoreenCronin has also written “Duck for President, Diary of a Worm” & “Click,Clack, Moo”. This is abook that would come under the heading of “easy to read” chapter book for middlegrade readers. For those just starting to read out loud to others this is a funbook to share. There is lots of humor and great pictures to go along with thisstory. J.J. Tullyis our main character. He is a no nonsense, former search and rescue dog. He istrying to enjoy his retirement when two chicks named Dirt and Sugar (who looklike two pieces of popcorn with legs) and their mom, Moosh, come a calling,demanding that he help them find their missing brother and sister, Poppy andSweetie. J.J. is ourHero and Vince the Funnel is our villain. The actiontakes place inside the home of J.J’s new owner. This is Vince’s territory andhe doesn’t take kindly to the “new” dog. Vince ishiding something and it is up to J.J. to find out what. If thisstory had a second title; I would vote for “Never underestimate a chick!” OR“Something is fowl with Sugar”. By the endof this book you will be glad you read it and find that you are not the onlyone who loves a good story (and Sugar is that chick!)

Well that's all sports fans!!! Until next time....Peace All!!!!!!!!

13 Reasons, Being Pleasant and not Playing with Fire!

2011-08-23T00:16:00.000-07:00

Hi all in "The Land of Blog" ti's your forever wandering and trustworthy guide Library Ninja Bill with more news on the latest, at least to him, and greatest, a matter surely open to debate, reads out there. Okay got a bunch of good stuff this go-round so let's jump into the deep end of the pool (hope everyone can swim).

First things first. I recently heard from my most excellent friend Kirsten Cappy from the great state of Maine. She had this to share with me so check it out:

Pretty funny right! Thanks Kirsten, you Rock!!!! Can't wait to give this book a spin! Now on to more serious. yea right, business:

Skulduggery Pleasant, Playing with Fire by Derek Landy - This is the second book in The Skulduggery Pleasant Series and it is just as fun and full of action as the first. Now is the time to pause reading this review and skip to the next review I made sometime back on another blog. It's all about the first book and some cool stuff. Take your time I promise to wait with this review until you finish that one. All right see you back soon.......Hum, Hum, Hum , Hum, Hummm. Ah back are you? Sounds like great stuff doesn't it? Well, um, now about the second book. Skulduggery is back with his allies Stephanie , or should I say Valkyrie Cain, the kick-butt ninja stylized Tanith Low and others. An old foe of Skulduggery's, Barron Vengeous, has escaped his prison which just happens to be the very same one Skulduggery put him in 80 years ago. He has recruited sinister allies in Billy Ray Sanguine - a Cowboy of the supernatural plains whose power makes everything come undone around him (sounds confusing I know, but man this guy is dangerous), Mr. Dusk - a vampire of the utmost power, and others to bring the Faceless Ones to this dimensional Realm (if you thought Vengeous and his crew was bad, they got nothing on the Faceless Ones). On top of stopping the Barron and his allies from bringing back the Faceless Ones, Skulduggery and crew must defeat the resurrected Grotesquery - a fearsome and vicious creature assembled from various spine chilling monsters, who is also a key to bringing the Faceless Ones into our dimension. Did I mention if the Faceless Ones are brought back to our dimension that it's the end of everything. Oh well, as you can see this book has got it going at 110 ten miles per hour and it won't let you go till it's over!!!! Highly recommended for those 9 and older!!!!!!

All right let's take a trip into Bill's past:

Skulduggery Pleasant by Derek Landy - Who is the best detective ever? Did you guess Sherlock Holmes or Inspector Jacques Clouseau or perhaps The Hardy Boys? Well if you guessed any of those you would be wrong!!!!! The greatest detective ever is none other than Skulduggery Pleasant who is introduced in what I hope is a very long series of books of the same name. What sets Skulduggery apart you ask? Well first off he is not officially among the living and second off he is a walking, talking, and highly sarcastic skeleton who uses magic. His specialty is the investigation of supernatural crime (OOOOO0000000ooo!!!!!! Spooky Stuff I tell ya!!!!!). The story in this book starts when 12 year old Stephanie's eccentric Uncle Gordon dies. At the funeral Stephanie bumps into a very strange character wearing a overcoat, scarf, sunglasses, a wig and a very broad hat so that not one bit of him can be seen. Later in the story Skulduggery saves Stephanie's life while she is at her Uncle Gordon's House, which she inherited, when she is attacked by a very strange creature. Stephanie learns from Skulduggery that her Uncle was murdered and he is on the case to find out who done it!!!!!! Stephanie is fascinated by the strange unseen world Skulduggery introduces her to. A world were magic is very real and monsters exist around every corner. She persuades Skulduggery to let her accompany him on his investigation and things just get weirder and stranger from there. If you like books that are funny but also full of intrigue and action, you will love this one. I laughed so much and got caught up in the fast paced story that I finished it way to soon. Luckily there is a second book and I plan on starting it right away.

To hear a really cool interview with Skulduggery Pleasant himself go to http://www.skulduggerypleasant.com/us/world/interview.htm.

The official website for everything Skulduggery Pleasant can be found at http://www.skulduggerypleasant.com/.

Now in all seriousness, the next book I want to talk about deals with some pretty heavy stuff so if you are one of the younger readers of this blog you may just want to skip even reading further. However if you are at least an older teen, do yourself a favor and give this book a try.

Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher - The two main characters of this book are Clay Jenson and Hannah Baker. One is very much alive while the other has recently committed suicide. Clay receives a package that contains tapes that Hannah made before she took her life. He is part of a list of people that Hannah has decided to tell her story to and explain how their actions affected why she did what she did. This is a powerful story that shows how our actions or inaction affect people around us. The story is well written going back a forth between Clay and Hannah as she speaks on the tapes. The reader will find themselves really caring about these characters and wanting to know them better. What did Clay do to impact Hannah's awful decision? Why did Hannah choose to do what she did? If nothing else this book will make the reader think about people they interact with and how they treat them. It will give the reader warning signs of people who are living on the edge. This is a very thought provoking story and even though you know the final outcome for Hannah you want so bad to convince her not to take the action she ultimately does. This book is recommended for readers 14 years and older in my opinion. Serious issues that need to be thought about and discussed so Hannah's fate is not shared by others.

Well that's all ladies and gents! Until next time,

Library Ninja Bill

Part-Time Indians, Insane Asylums and The Beyound!

2011-07-28T10:25:00.000-07:00

Hello all! I know it's been awhile but Summer Reading has been keeping me hopping (also fighting dog gone Jedi). I hope some of you guys and gals (I know you are there) out there are participating. It's really a cool program. Anyway here are some cool reads I have done recently that maybe you will want to check out if you have not already.

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie - This YA book is really one of the most excellent I have read in a long time. This is the story of a young Native American teen named Junior and his transition from his familiar surrounding of the reservation he lives on to the more frightening and certainly more confusing world outside his familiar home. This book holds no punches as Junior describes in detail the poverty, depression, alcoholism and other plain truths related to reservation life. When Junior decides to go to school outside the "Res" he finds that the mostly white upper class school he picks to attend and the new kids he meets are also far from perfect and face challenges and problems, although somewhat different, not so different than those he has seen his while life. Same crap, different place. This book deals with difficult topics such as death, poverty, alcoholism, racism; yet as seen through the eyes of Junior they are presented in such a way that does not send the reader into a deep depression, but just as "this is how life is." Hope and love are always injected in dealing with these topics. One of the best books I have read in a very long time. Recommended for readers 13 years and up.

Wolverine: Weapon X, Vol. 2: Insane in the Brain by Jason Aaron & Yanick Paquette - This Graphic Novel collects issues 6 - 10 in the comic series. Wolverine wakes up in a Insane Asylum with no idea who he is or any memories at all. The Asylum is run by the sinister and potentially the craziest person in the asylum Dr. Rot. Logan slowly begins to notice his surroundings are not quite right, but will he regain his memory in time before the good doctor decides to remove his brain (a little hobby of Dr. Rot). Nice storytelling and art with guest appearances from some of my favorite X-Men. Recommend for ages 13 and up.

Beyounders: A World Without Heroes by Brandon Mull - This is a great book about a a boy named Jason and a girl named Rachel who get drawn into an alternative world/dimension where the time period appears to be around the middle ages. The two do not know each other until they get transported to this strange land ruled by an evil magician named Maldor. They learn that they must work together and trust one another if they want to defeat the wizard and hopefully return home. How can they defeat this wizard. Their exist a word that if spoken in his presence will destroy him. Pieces of the word are scattered throughout the land and they must find them before Maldor finds the two of them. They find allies along the way, but also many enemies. This is an exciting book that will have you turning page after page. Recommended for readers 9 and up.

Until next time all.

Peace,

Bill

Green Lantern, Spider-Man and Thor, maybe more!

2011-07-09T19:16:00.000-07:00

Hey ho all in the "Land o Blog." Tis the Library Ninja who has forgotten his name. Wait a minute, a moment of clarity. My name is Bob. No doesn't sound right. Well I'll figure it out eventually. Bobo, darn it's on the tip of my tongue.

Before I start today's Graphic Novel reviews, I want to share some pretty silly cartoon stuff about our favorite heroes. Check out this into from a Thor cartoon series from the 60's:

Pretty bad right? Well let's be fair and show one of DC's big guns at one of his low moments:

Yikes overly dramatic and cheesy at the same time. I love it though it's good fun!!!!

And now some musings on recent reads:

Green Lantern: Secret Origin by Geoff Johns and Ivan Reis - First let me say that I have not seen the Green Lantern movie yet (boo me!!!). This GN rocks and if the movie resembles it in anyway then I can't wait to see it. This GN starts off by showing the special bond that a young Hal Jorden has with his father who is a pilot. The worst day in Hal's life happens (understandably) when his father dies protecting people when the plane he is flying breaks down and he has to crash land it in a safe place. From that day forward Hal Jorden has no fear (having witnessed his worst fear in his father's death). Flash forward to the future where Jordan is just barely still flying aircraft for Carol Ferris and something totally unexpected comes into his life. He obtains from a dying alien, Abin Sur who has crashed landed on Earth, a green ring that makes flight possible along with manifesting any creation you can think of into reality to be used to fight the powers of evil. Jordan is then taken away to the Plant OA, home of the Guardians of the Galaxy and The great Green Lantern Corps, to be trained as a replacement Green Lantern for the space sector Abin Sur served. It is there he is noticed by a particular Guardian and Abin Sur's apprentice Sinestro, hailed by all as the greatest Green Lantern ever, who decide to take a special interest in Hal Jordan because they see his great potential. Sinestro and Jordan team-up to take on the powerful and evil Atrocitus and eventually become friends. Sinestro takes on Jordan's training and everything seems to be turning out all right, but the rumblings of The Darkest Night have already started and deception creeps into the Corps future. Read the Graphic Novel to get the full story and go on one heck of a ride. Recommended for ages 12 and up.

Marvel Adventures: Thor and Spider-Man by Various - This Graphic Novel collects Spider-Man and Thor team-ups that have happened throughout the years in comics. The first story has Spider-Man being enchanted by one of the evil Norse Gods The Enchantress, traveling to Asgard, fighting with the Gods and eventually the big guy himself Thor!!!! The next two stories have this famous twosome taking on time traveling (and time stopping) Trolls and the supervillainThe Mongoose. The last story in the GN has Thor and Spider-Man, with a guest appearance by Valkyrie, fighting and trying to figure out what is going on with two aliens, the only survivors of their world, battling each other. Who is the good guy? Who is the bad guy? How did all this come to pass. Take a look at this excellent GN to find out. Recommended for those 9 and up.

Well all you good and noble people that's all Ninja Bill has for now. Hey I just remembered my name!!!!! Cool!!!!

Well I hope you all are having a great summer and look forward to talking again to you all soon.

Peace,
Bill

Swimming The Buterfly with Water Witches and Rick Riordan Envy!

2011-06-19T13:39:00.000-07:00

Greetings all yea blog o readers!!!! Tis I Library Ninja Bill with more great reads, powerful zen and general goofy information.

I recently went to the movies an saw Thor and the new Pirates of the Caribbean Movie. All I can say is they were both awesome!!!!!! The Green Lantern Preview looks pretty cool and I really want to see the new X-Men movie. So many movies, so little money (geeeezzzzz). I sensed, during the movies I have seen however, some Rick Riordan envy. Let's examine the evidence:

Okay enough of the silly stuff (unless it relates to books) and let's talk about some recent reads by yours truly:

The Last Apprentice: Wraith of The Bloodeye by Joseph Delaney - I know I have been writing many reviews on this series, but what can I say I'm hooked. In this installment The Spook and Tom find the recently released Fiend hot on Tom's trail to destroy him. The Spook in hopes of keeping Tom hidden from the Fiend sends him away for a time to study under the tutelage of another Spook named Bill Arkwright. Tom finds life hard with Mr. Arkwright and misses his friend Alice (a Witch) very much. However Mr. Arkwright teaches Tom many important lessons and toughens him up physically. Unfortunately the Fiend has learned of Tom's new location and sends his daughter Morwena, a powerful Water Witch with the power of the bloodeye (whoever her blood soaked eye catches in direct eye to eye contact becomes frozen and unable to act) to kill him. Will Tom while training with his new Spook Master be able to survive? What new allies and enemies will he make as his story continues. Only one way to find out, give it a read. Awesome series recommended for ages 9 and up!!!!!!!

The next book I want to talk about is definitely for older teens:

Swim The Fly by Don Calame - This book is kinda like "Diary of a Wimpy Kid," but with much more mature topics that older teen boys must contend. The book is about three friends Matt, Coop and Sean and the yearly summer goal they set for themselves. Well being teens of a certain age whose legs become wobbly and mouths stop working around attractive teenage girls, they decide that this years goal will be for the three of them to see a girl in the nude. This book made me laugh out loud on numerous occasions. While attempting to attract what the guys would describe as a hottie named Kelly, Matt volunteers for the swim team they are on to take the place of a wounded team member in swimming the butterfly in competitions. This is one of the hardest swimming technequies and lets just say Matt is not up to it. Between attempting to woe Kelly and the situations he gets in with Coop and Sean, this book is a definite two thumbs up and a garanted laugh maker. Because of the mature content, I reccomend this book for teens 15 and up. Great stuff!!!!!

Until next time me amigos,

Bill

Is it getting spooky around here or is it just me?

2011-05-29T09:16:00.000-07:00

Good Evening (or morning, afternoon, whatever) it is I your master of ceremonies Necromancer/Spook Ninja Bill. Man have I got some good stuff for ya, but first a spooky little clip:

Spooky Stuff - Awooooooooooooh!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now for some super cool spooky reads:

Hold me Closer, Necromancer by Lish McBride -

This book is awesome!!!!!!!! I finished reading it in record time as it sucked me in and left me waiting for more. The story is about a teen-age boy named Sam, who unknown to him, his mother is a witch and father carries the genetic code for necromancy. Sam has flunked out of school and is working in a dead in job at a fast food joint with his friends Ramon, Brooke and Frank. Sam has always felt out of place and strange but does not learn why until one night at work he runs into a man named Douglas who he and his friend offend. The next thing he knows, that night after work he and his friends are attacked by a super strong human (or what appears to be). Sam's life starts to spiral out of control as his friend Brooke is beheaded, but her head is still alive and talking. Douglas, we find out, is the head of a council of fey and fairytale creatures that live right beside humans in the everyday world. Douglas discovers that Sam is also a Necromancer and decides to use him for his own evil purposes. Fear not though as Sam and his friends, plus new ones he makes such as Brid (a hybrid Werewolf), are not going down without a fight. This is an exciting, scary story that promises more books to follow. Man, I sure hope so! Recommended for teens (13 and up).

Check out this video for the book and tell me you are not intrigued:

The Last Apprentice, Attack of The Fiend by Joseph Delaney - This is the forth book in this series and they just keep getting better and better ( I have already started the next book). In this installment The Spook, his apprentice Tom and Alice (a young budding witch whose future for good or evil is undetermined, but who is a good friend to Tom) set off for the town of Pendle to take care of the witch clans that have grown out of control. The three main witch clans in Pendle are The Malkins, The Deanes and The Mouldheels. Things start of bad for our brave adventures and steadily get worse. Tom's brother Jack and his family are attacked and kidnapped by witch clans from Pendle soon after the travellers reach it. Tom and Alice take off to see what has become of his family while the Spook starts to plan for how to handle the witch clans. When Tom and Alice reach his brothers farm they find it destroyed and his family gone. Tom's brother James, a blacksmith arrives to help, but will his help and anybody elses be enough? Tom must recover three trucks left for him by his mother that the witches have stolen (not to mention his kidnapped family) along with dealing with wraiths, witch assassins and worst of all the witches' plan to bring into the world the Devil himself. Twist and turns at every corner. This is a great book and series for those 9 and older.

Until next time friends,

Library Ninja Bill

The First Rule of Pet Club and Tales Dark and Grim

2011-05-09T09:50:00.000-07:00

Heyo all there out in the Land Of Blog, Tis I again the lone, nomadic, forever wandering Library Ninja Bill. Times have been tough, I have to be honest with you, but reading goes on. So without further adieu:

First I'm gonna talk about The fourth GN in The Tiny Titans Series, so to set the mood check out this video that totally rocks:

The First Rule of Pet Club by Art Baltazar, Franco and Geoff Johns - This Tiny Titans Graphic Novel collects issues 19 -25 of the monthly series. Problems abound for Robin as Wayne Manner and the Batcave has been overrun by bunnies from a magic trick gone wrong by Zatara and penguins from Robin opening a forbidden door in the Batcave. Now all the bats have flown the coup from the Batcave and Batman tasks Robin with getting them back. Thank goodness for a little help from your friends...that's right it's Tiny Titan Time, aw yeah!!!!!!! Also this issue has the powerful tale (well maybe powerful is the wrong word, but it sure is funny) that ties into (not really) "The Darkest Night!" Gotta love those Tiny Titans, aw yeah!!!!!! Great for all ages!!!!

Next a totally rocking book based on the fairy tales of The Brother Grimm:

A Tale Dark and Grimm by Adam Gidwitz - Now if you like sweet and safe, watered down fairy tales, this is most definitely not the book for you!!!!! The author of this book has taken two famous Grimm Fairy Tale characters, Hansel and Gretel, and woven a phenomenal story that ties other Grimm Fairy Tales into one fantastic ride. The book starts before the birth of these two children with the Tale of "Faithful Johannes" servant of the King and Queen of The Kingdom of Grimm. If this opening story does not grab you, twist you and leave you aghast, please get help soon? Hansel and Gretel are born to the King and Queen and the adventures of these two siblings rocket you through the rest of the book. This book is a page turner from front to end. Think you know your favorite fairy tales? Well guess again as the author puts them back into there somewhat original and gruesome versions. There may even be tales new to you that are expertly woven into this most excellent story. If you are a little squeamish, never fear, the author often butts into the story to make sure you really want to know what happens next? Sometimes ignorance is bliss, but not with this book. Two Thumbs high in the air!!!! Great book recommended for those 9 and up, who believe it or not, like things not so sweet and sugar coated.

Also check out this little tease:

Until next time all you hepcats,
Peace,
Bill

Sapphique and doing Hard Time!!!!

2011-04-20T14:44:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

It's been awhile, but I have been crazy Library Ninja busy. Always time to read though, so check out what has captured my attention recently.

Sapphique by Catherine Fisher - This sequel to Incarceron (click here to see my review of that book) takes place with Finn outside the prison where he finds the outside world to just be another type of prison where danger lies all around. Although the daughter of The Warden of Incarceron (now inside the sentient prison) Claudia claims him to be the long lost and rightful successor to the thrown Prince Giles, Finn himself has no memories of his past and the Queen is determined to see both Finn and Claudia dead. Inside Incarceron Finn's oathbrother Keiro and Attia remain and seek a means to escape. They cross paths with a strange magician by the name of Rix, who claims to possess the magical glove the mysterious and legendary Sapphique used to escape. Add to all this that Incarceron itself wants to exist in the outside world and you have, to say the least, an exciting story that deserves to be read. I enjoyed this book immensely and recommend it to all 12 years and up.

Check out this video and see if it does not get you excited about reading this book:

All I can say is "Awesome!!!!!!!"

Until next time all, peace,

Bill

The Blackest Night is Here!!!! Along with Some Dead Boys and Batman!

2011-03-27T17:18:00.000-07:00

Hayo all me bukoos in "The Land of Blog." It's the wondering Librarian with Kung Foo Gripping Action, Ninja Librarian Bill. I have been very busy but have managed to squeeze in some good reads to let you know about. So lets get to it!!!!

Blackest Night by Geoff Johns, Ivan Reis and others - The Dead are rising and they want all to join them (being dead that is). The Blackest Night long ago prophesied in The Great Book of OA is happening now!!!!!! Lead by The Black Hand, the dead are being brought back to life/death by Black Lantern Rings seeking them out. There is no good news in this as The newest Lantern Corps, The Black Lanterns, want everyone and everything dead. The Seven Emotional Spectrum Corps (The Green Lanterns (Will Power), The Sinestro Corps (Ability to Install Great Fear), The Red Lanterns (Great Rage), The Orange Lantern (Great Avarice), The Star Sapphires (Great Love), The Blue Lanterns (Great Hope) and The Indigo Tribe (Great Compassion)) must set aside their differences and fight together or all is lost. OA (home of The Guardians and The Green Lantern Corps) and Earth are assaulted hard by the Black Rings, bringing former Green Lanterns back to life on OA and deceased superheroes and villains on Earth. Let me introduce you to some of The Black Lantern Corps (without giving away to many surprises): The Martian Manhunter, The Elongated Man, Aquaman, Hawk (of Hawk and Dove), The Original Firestorm (Ronnie Raymond), Dr. Light, Maxwell Lord, Azrael, Jade, Airwave, Tomar-Re, Solomon Grundy, Psycho-Pirate, Captain Boomerang, The Original Question, Professor Zoom and many more. Our DC heroes and villains that are among the living really have their backs to the wall. This story needs to be read if you are a Green Lantern fan or just enjoy good comics/stories & art and I feel the more I say, the more I will rob the reader of this wonderful tale. Let's just say a whole lot happens, no one is safe, and when you think things are going one way they go just the opposite. This GN is really a terrific ride!!! Recommended for age 12 and up.

If that was not enough to get you interested take a look at this:

Pretty Intense eh?

Next on my list is a really cool book for guys who like mysteries and scary stuff:

The Dead Boys by Royce Buckingham - In this book 12 year old Teddy and his Mom have moved to Richland, Washington where his Mom has gotten a job at the local Nuclear Plant. What they do not know is that during the past, going back to around World War II, radioactivity has contaminated the area. What does this have to do with anything? Well it is the summer when they move there and Will's Mom demands that he go out and find friends in the area. Well he does meet a couple of guys on different occasions, but has trouble finding them afterwards. Also the areas he finds them at change dramatically when he revisits them. Oh and one more thing, the house next to Teddy's is abandoned and has this giant sycamore tree in the front yard. What's so interesting about that you ask? Well Teddy could swear that the tree is trying to open the window to his bedroom and even catch him with its limbs. Is this all in his imagination or is something very strange going on in Richland, Washington? Read the book and find out. Recommended for guys around 9 and over.

Batman: Battle for The Cowl by Tony S. Daniel, Fabian Nicieza, Dustin Nguyen and others - Batman is dead (Bruce Wayne was killed by Darksied at the end of Final Crisis) and Gotham City is in a state of chaos. Without his presence criminals are fearless in their assault on Gotham's citizens. Many heroes associated with Batman show up to try to reinstate order to the city under siege (Nightwing - Dick Grayson, Robin - both Tim Drake and Damian Wayne, Catwoman, Jason Todd and others). It becomes apparent that one of those close to Bruce must takeover as the new "Batman." Jason Todd starts dressing as him, but has gone off the deep end maiming and killing those he perceives as criminals. Dick Grayson finds himself being drawn by Jason's actions into not only stopping him, but taking on the identity he never wanted. The very role he was groomed for: Batman! Great read recommended for those 12 and up.

That's all folks!!!! Until next time Peace,

Bill

Free Falling with The World's Finest and Yoda!!!

2011-03-07T11:32:00.000-08:00

Hi all that dwell in "Blog Land," I am back from adventuring in the outer regions where I found more excellent reads.

Before I start, I just want to share a little video about one of my best friends Yoda by Weird Al. It makes me cry every time I watch it. I love that guy!!!!!

Alright, enough of that!!!! Just silly, move along now!

Okay here are some book and GN reviews:

Superman/Batman Public Enemies by Joph Loeb and Ed McGuinness - When I was a kid comics cost 25 cents and one of the comics I bought every month was called World's Finest and it stared Batman and Superman. Well, Superman/Batman "Public Enemies" reminds of those days. In this GN, hurtling toward Earth is an asteroid that also just happens to be a remnant of Superman's home Krypton. If that where not bad enough, Lex Luther has been elected President of The United States and decides that sense he cannot stop the asteroid, he will kill Superman before it collides with Earth. Is that enough for you? Well if it's not lets throw in supervillains such as Gorilla Grood, Captain Cold, The Banshee, Metallo, Solomen Grundy, Mongul, Nightshade and superheroes (who may or may not be on Superman's or Batman's side) Green Lantern, Captain Atom, Power Girl, Starfire, Black Lighting, Major Force, Hawkman, Shazam, The Atom, etc. So basically in a very short amount of time the dynamic duo must stop an asteroid from destroying the Earth and keep themselves alive from all those heroes and villains (wait a minute, I forgot to throw in a Superman from the future and The New Gods). Great read and art so don't miss out on this one!!!!! Short general note: this one is probably best for teens.

Another great GN for all ages:

Batman Brave and The Bold: The Fearsome Fangs Strike Again by J. Torres, J. Bone and others - This is the second GN in The Brave and The Bold series that teams Batman up with different superheroes of the DC Universe. This GN collects issues 7 - 12 of the comic book series. In the first story Batman teams up with one of my favorite superhero teams The Doom Patrol. The Doom Patrol is lead by Chief Niles Caulder and consists of Robotman (human brain in a robot body), Elasti-Girl (ability to shrink or enlarge body size), Negative Man (a bizarre radioactive energy being who must be wrapped in radiation-proof plastic bandages, unless projecting his body outside itself to fly and do other amazing feats) and Beast Boy (has the ability to change in any animal he can imagine). Other stories have Batman teaming up with the likes of The Great Ten (a Chinese superhero team made up of August General in Iron - wears high tech armor and carries a trident like device that shoots electric pulses, The Perfect Physician - a sorcerer, Celestial Archer - mad archery skills, The Yeti - man able to transform in hulking beast and others who do not appear in this story) to stop one of it's own who has gone rouge; The Catman in a story where we are not sure, until the end, who is the real villain; and many other stories with Green Arrow, The Atom, Adam Strange against a wide spectrum of supervillains. This is fun stuff for all!!!!!

One last review, that is not a GN, but the third book in a really killer series (ages 9 and up):

Freefall by Roderick Gordon and Brian Williams - Things are looking pretty grim for Will, Chester, Elliott and Bartleby after the ending of Deeper (the second book in the series) with Cal dead, killed by the Styx, and finding themselves blown into a hole that descends even deeper underneath the Earth (known as The Pore). If that were not bad enough, the Rebecca twins are also down in the bowls of the Earth with them and in hot pursuit with two Styx Limiters (specially trained underground soldiers). Will and the gang need to find a way out of The Pore and topsoil in order to find Will's father Dr Burrows(who unknown to him is down in The Pore also) and get the cure to The Dominion virus (a virus designed by the underground dwelling Styx to kill all humans living on the surface) into the right hands. In another interesting twist we discover that the mercenary Drake is still very much alive and doing what he can above ground to stop the Styx. If you have not read the two books that proceed this one, Tunnels and Deeper, you may have a wee bit of a time catching on to what is happening. The good news is that you have two great books to read before this one. High adventure with lots of twist and turns. Highly recommended!!!!

P.S. To see a quick overview of Tunnels and Deeper click HERE.

Until next time hepcats,

Bill

Soul Stealers & Annihilation = Bummer!!!!!

2011-02-24T11:26:00.000-08:00

Heyo all,
It's Library Ninja Bill with what appears to be a very depressing post; if you just read the title. Let me tell ya something though....the end has never bee so fun!!! What the heck am I talking about? Check it out:

Warning: The Last Apprentice books can be quite scary as the creatures that a Spook must take on can do some pretty horrible stuff. So if you or your parents don't want you reading this sort of material, DON'T!!!!!!!!!

The Last Apprentice: Night of The Soul Stealer by Joseph Delaney - This is the third book in the series, following Revenge of The Witch and Curse of The Bane, and this title does not disappoint. The Spook (Mr. Gregory), his apprentice Tom and the young witch Alice are back dealing with more than ever before. In this story not only do they have to take on Stone-Chuckers and other beasties, but while wintering in the Spook's home in Anglezarke Tom meets the love of Mr. Gregory's life, Meg. Meg is a very dangerous witch that the Spook is keeping imprisoned by drugging her tea. Wait a minute, he loves her but keeps her memory of what she is fogged and distorted. This can only lead to bad things... Add to that an evil Necromancer, a mage who controls the dead for his own selfish purposes, named Morgan (who also was once the Spook's apprentice) and the return of an ancient god called Golgoth ("The Lord of Winter") and I'd say the Spook and company have a very full plate indeed!!!! This is a great series that just keeps getting better. If you click on "Curse of The Bane" above you can look at my review on this blog of that book. As for "Revenge of the Witch" read the next entry below.

The Last Apprentice: Revenge of The Witch by Joseph Delaney - Tom is the seventh son of a seventh son and in the world of magic that makes him extremely special. Tom lives in what appears to be medieval England (or around that time) and has just turned 12. At this age Tom is expected to start learning how to make his own way in the world. His mother knowing of his potential arranges for him to be the apprentice of a local Spook - Old Gregory. What is a Spook you ask? Why Spooks deal with the world of the supernatural. They deal with boggarts * gasp*, witches and all sorts of creatures that go bump in the night. Tom turns out to have the potential of becoming a great Spook under the tutelage of old Gregory, if his mistakes don't kill him as they did Old Gregory's previous apprentice. As you have probably guessed from the title of this book, one of Tom's first challenges is a very evil witch named Mother Malkin (read the book to find out how she got this name; it's pretty creepy). This is a great read and the first book in a series.

And Now For Something Completely Different:

Annihilation Book One by Keith Giffen, Dan Abnet, Andy Lanning, Scott Kolins, and more - Okay if you like your comics or graphic novels on a cosmic scale, well have I got the first GN in a series that is going to knock your block right off!!!!! This series has just about all Marvel's best outer space heroes allied against a mysterious juggernaut known only as The Annihilation Wave. The GN includes the pre-Annihilation mini-series Drax The Destroyer, The one-shot Annihilation Prologue and the four part Annihilation: Nova series. Okay what exactly does this all mean Bill? Well there is this extremely mighty destroying force that is crossing the Galaxy and destroying everything in it's path. In this first GN we are introduced to some of the good and bad guys who will go toe to toe. I'm talking Drax The Destroyer, Skulls, The Kree, Thanos, The Silver Surfer, Nova, Quasar, Ronan The Accuser and more!!!!! All of existence is in danger and the odds are stacked against the good guys. All the cards are on the table and there can be only one winner who takes all!!! Yea baby, don't get much better than this!!!!!!

Till next time kids!!!!

Peace!!!!!

Battle Frenzy, Thunder Gods, Tiny Titans and Other Zaniness!

2011-02-10T13:00:00.000-08:00

Hello all. Well it's been a little while, but Library Ninja Bill is back!!!! Welcome and lets talk about some good reads!!!!

Here we go:

Black Hole Sun by David Macinnis Gill - If you like books that hit the throttle in a hurry and don't let off to the very end; boy this book is so for you! This book is set in the future where the planet Mars has been colonized and what goes for government is all but gone. In this awful environment any law that is enforced is done so by a group that would be best characterized as futuristic mercenary cowboys/samurai warriors known as Regulators. The main character in the book is Durango (a 17 year old teen who has an interesting past to say the least), a failed Regulator, who still upholds the noble tenants that Regulators once followed. Durango, who is well versed in sarcasm, is an interesting character made more so by the fact that his former Regulator Chief, Mimi, is now implanted in his brain as an artificial intelligence. The story is about him operating as a Regulator Chief to a rag tag team made up of such characters as his no nonsense first officer Vienne to the uncontrollable shoot-em-up Leroy Jenkins. Each character in the book really holds their own as characters and are not dull or uninteresting. Durango and his crew basically take on a suicide mission to protect poor miners in the middle of nowhere who are being attacked by a cannibalistic race known as the Draeu and their queen (who has many secrets also). Once the bullets, plasma weapons and hand to hand combat starts, the intensity only keeps building to the end of the story. If you love nonstop action in a book and want one you will not be able to put down, well ya found your book!!! I Loved It!!!!!!!
This book is intended for teen readers because of violence mainly (hey lots of bullets and bombs go off) so if you are a younger reader check with your parents or guardians to make sure it's okay for you.

Pretty Cool Huh?

And what is one of Library Ninja Bill's post without Graphic Novel reviews?????

Tiny Titans: Sidekickin' It by Art Baltazar & Franco - I don't care what your age is, this GN will make you laugh. Come and join the Tiny Titans (Robin, Kid Flash, Speedy, Bat-Girl, Beast Boy, Cyborg and more) in their daily trials and tribulations which also happen to be laugh out loud funny. Join them with their pets at "Pet Club" in which the first rule is you don't talk about Pet Club. Find out which Tiny Titan is the fastest in a race around the world. Will it be Kid Flash, Super Girl or Raven (wait a minute Raven doesn't have super speed, how could she win?) or somebody else? Watch and read as the Tiny Titan's deal with Principle Deathstroke, Coach Lobo and Janitor Darkseid. This GN is just to much fun.

Thor: Ages of Thunder by Matt Fraction and others - This is a kick-butt GN about Thor and the Asgardian Gods before Thor was sent to Earth to learn humility. The stories, of course, are set in Asgard featuring along with Thor such Norse Gods as Odin - The All Father, Loki - Master of Mischief, Hemidall - Guardian of The Bifrost Bridge, Balder The Brave, The Enchantress, The Valkyrior and many others. This is high octane Norse Mythology brought to life!!!! Thor in these stories is a lean mean fighting machine. He takes down Frost Giants, the Undead, Storm Giants and more, but is kinda full of himself. Things finally reach the point where his father Odin has to take him down a peg and the two have an epic battle. How does that turn out? Read the GN and find out. The writing and the art work are a wonder to behold. As with Black Hole Sun this book is intended for older teen readers, so if you are younger make sure it is okay for you.

Well Peace out all. Until next time,

Bill

Good Graphic Novel Reads!

2011-01-27T12:59:00.000-08:00

Hello again residence of the "Land of Blog." Sorry it has been awhile since my last post but a Library Ninjas Job can be very time consuming. Here are some of the things I have been up to since my last post for example:

Defending myself from "The Evil Squirrel League of Ninja Assassins." Let me tell you something, these guys may be small but their vicious!!!!!!

You would be surprised about how upset some people become when they can't find the book they want at the library!!!!

And finally finding a new hobby while not being an ultra violent Library Ninja.

Well enough about my daily trials and tribulations, let's talk about some cool Graphic Novels I have read lately:

Olympians: Athena, Grey-Eyed Goddess by George O'Connor - If you like Greek Myths and the Greek Gods and Heroes, this GN is definitely for you. This is the second GN in The Olympians series (the first being Zeus - King of The Gods). This is a wonderfully illustrated and well-spun tale about Athena, Goddess of Wisdom, War, Strategy, Crafts and Cities. It tells of how she was born and came into the world by bursting out of her father's head (that would be Zeus), helped save Mount Olympus and the Gods by battling and defeating Pallas, leader of a race of Stone Giants called the Gigantomachy, helping Peruses (along with Hermes) in defeating Medusa and much more. I really learned a great deal about Athena that I did not know and enjoyed this GN very much!!!!!!!

For older readers (13 an up) you may want to check out this really great GN:

Beasts of Burden: Animal Rites by Evan Dorkin and Jill Thompson - At first glance Burden Hill looks like an idyllic community and area, but underneath the surface evil abounds. With the human residences being blissfully unaware, its up to a brave crew of dogs and a cat to deal with what is wrong in and around Burden Hill. Pugs, Ace, Jack, Whitey, Red and the Orphan (the cat) are just some of the crew that are fighting the good fight against such things as witch covens, animal zombies, demonic frogs, evil mystical rats, the undead, werewolves and more. This is really an original concept that is extremely well written along with being graced with the awesome art of Jill Thompson. Highly recommended!!!!!!

Well that's all for now all. Being talking at you again soon,

Bill

Verily, I Mean Spookily, I Say

2011-01-06T13:14:00.000-08:00

Well Happy New Year all out there who dwell in "The Land of Blog." I did not intend to but it seems I have started my new year with some spooooky books. Oh well, here are two books I recently finished reading and hope you will give them a try if you have not already.

The Curse of The Wendigo by Rick Yancy - This book is a follow up to the most awesome "The Monstrumologist." To see my review of that book click HERE! As in the first book young Will Henry is in the service of Dr. Pellinore Warthrop, a well respected Monstrumologist (a scientist who studious dark creatures that go more than bump in the dark). Dr. Warthrop is approached by a women he loved long ago after her husband goes missing in Canada. Her husband, who also happens to have been a close friend to the Doctor, had been tasked by there former mentor Dr. Von Helrung to prove the existence of the mythical Wendigo (He Who Devours All Mankind: a creature that starves even as it endlessly hunts and feeds on human flesh). Dr. Warthrop eventually agrees and he and Will journey into the wilds of Canada in search of his lost friend. This is an intensely frighting book as the protagonists struggle against a monster that may be real or a trick of the mind. The intensity level for this book is set to 11 and does not go down until all is said and done. Who will live? Who will die? Who will remain sane? Mr. Yancy is on par with Stephen King in presenting a story that is so frightening, yet you must keep turning the page to find out what happens next. Really great stuff!!!!! As with the previous book I feel obligated to warn all that this is probably not for young children. This book contains some extremely gory scenes in addition to just being down right frightening. It scared the living "you know what" out of me and I'm far from being a child. Also there are few curse words. So before starting to read this book make sure it is cool with your parents and you are not frightened easily.

Just to give you a taste of what these books are like, check it out:

Bloody Horowitz by Anthony Horowitz - Another great book with spooky, scary, bloodcurdling stuff. This is a compilation of 14 short stories by Mr. Horowitz that is guaranteed to be loved by all you out there who love frightening stories. Some of my favorites in the book were Bet Your Life, Robo-Nanny and Are You Sitting Comfortably. Bet Your Life is about Reality T.V. and Game shows taken to the extreme. 5 contestants are competing for 10 million dollars in precious diamonds. What's the big deal about the story you ask? Think about the title and maybe you will understand. Robo-Nanny is actually kind of funny in a dark way. It is set in the future where the use of robots is quite common. Two extremely busy parents purchase T-199 the most advanced human like Nanny on the market. It has different settings for how strictly it deals with children from very lightly to...uh, read the story to find out. Are You Sitting Comfortably deals with the horror of message chairs. Horror of message chairs you ask? Again read to find the gruesome answer. Again this is a great collection of scary stories recommend for those 9 and above.

My complements to Iron Carl on the exciting review of "Behemoth" and I will be sinking my teeth into that one soon (get it, sinking my teeth.....um, never mind).

Until next time,

Library Ninja Bill

The New Year Starts with a Behemoth!

2011-01-04T16:03:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year to all you rockin' cats out there! This is Iron guy Carl. I hope you had a great holiday season and will have a very happy new year. I saw Library Ninja Bill's review of Leviathan, so I want to piggy back off that and start 2011 with a review of a truly rockin' book--Behemoth by the amazing Scott Westerfeld. Yes, I know this is a slightly-edited repeat of a review I posted on the the Boys Read blog. I am such a huge fan of Leviathan and got so excited when Bill posted his review that I had to say something. Hey, don't knock repeats! All the TOMAS (like me, the Iron Guy) get their incredible strength from doing reps!! Well, anyway, I would have been happy if this second book had been just as good as the first. Well, guess what--this one's even better!!

The story takes place in Istanbul (or Constantinople), Turkey in 1914. World War I has just broken out--except, in this story, the world is a little different from the real world of WWI. This is an "alternate history" story; the Germans and Austrians (called "Clankers") use walking war machines, while the British and their allies (called "Darwinists") use fabricated animals. The two main characters, Prince Alek of Austria and Dylan Sharp (who's really Deryn--I'll get to that in a minute) have flown to Istanbul. Prince Alek is a prisoner of the British. Dylan is with Dr. Barlow, the granddaughter of Charles Darwin, who is on a mission to deliver a secret cargo to the Sultan. Things do not go as planned, however. The mission fails spectacularly, Prince Alek escapes, hides in Istanbul and joins a revolutionary movement to overthrow the Sultan. In the meantime, Dylan performs acts of heroism, gets sent on an underwater mission and discovers a deadly Clanker weapon. And speaking of secrets, important people start to discover Dylan's secret--which is that Dylan is really Deryn, a girl who disguised herself as a boy to join the Royal Air Service!

If you liked all the adventure, excitement, humor of Leviathan, then get ready, because this book has all that plus some!! You've got Clanker machines attacked on the streets of Istanbul, strange Darwinist animals, daring nighttime escapes and an unbelievable battle at the end. And the illustrations!!! In most books, the pictures are just--well, they're just sort of there and don't really add anything. In Behemoth, the illustrations really take you into the story and bring everything vividly to life. I enjoyed this one and I'm sure you will, too. I can't wait until next year when Goliath, the third book, comes out!!

PS--if you want to see my review of Leviathan from the Boys Read blog, click here. If you haven't read it already, you could go right to Behemoth, but I'd advise you to read Leviathan first so you get a better sense of what's going on.

Merry, Merry and Other Cool Stuff!

2010-12-22T09:10:00.000-08:00

Hello and Happy Holidays to all you travelers in "The Land of Blog!!!!" Well it's getting closer to Christmas and I am looking forward to spending time with family, friends and loved ones. Hey have I ever shared any pictures with you of my family? Well heck, let me do that now:

Papa-san Ninja

Momma-san Ninja (Taking care of business)

Little Ninja Bill and pet Fox!!!!

And now, my big Christmas surprise....Porky Pig singing White Christmas!!!!

Incarceron by Cathrine Fisher - It was created to become paradise. A place where all criminals where taken to be reformed by a group of wise people known as the Sapienti. They all disappeared into this place that has passed on into legend, except for the existence of a warden, and people are uncertain if it really exist. Well it does exist and the this paradise has become quite the opposite. Welcome to the ultimate prison; welcome to Incarceron. Incarceron is more than a mere prison. It is alive and controls the lives of all its inmates in one way or another. A teenager, who is more than meets the eye, named Finn is a prisoner in Incarceron who is trying to escape. His fellow potential escapee's are his oathbrother Keiro, a dashing but very unpredictable character, Gildas, a Sapienti, and Attia, a former slave to a group that Finn and the others belonged to before trying to escape. There is also a place that is supposedly outside of Incarceron known as The Realm. The Realm is a scientifically advanced civilization where, to supposedly stop war and humanities atrocities, time has been stopped to the period of the 18th century. Kings and Queens rule the land and treachery is around every corner. Claudia, who is the daughter of the Warden of Incarceron, feels trapped and without hope in The Realm. She is to be married against her will to an oafish an unfeeling prince and put under the thumb of the Queen who rules the land. She discovers secrets about Incarceron with the help of Jared, a Sapienti (it is an order that has existed for a very long time both without and within Incarceron), that she hopes to change her fate. This is a fantastic read that will delight those who are into Scfi and Fantasy. Heck, if you just like good stories you will love this one. This book is intended for teen readers as it has some language and violence.

P.S. Hot off the presses!!!! The follow up to Incarceron, Sapphique is coming out soon and I can't wait.

And now for something completely different!!

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld - This Steampunk book is set in an alternative history at the very beginning of World War I. The two main characters are Alex, heir to The Austria-Hungary Empire (which is allied with Germany), and Deryn Sharp a British girl pretending to be a boy in order to join The British Air Service. The Austria-Hungary Empire and Germany have in their arsenal Clankers, steam-driven iron machines (both land based, Stormwalkers, Land Frigates, etc. and flying, Zeppelins, Aeroplanes, etc.) with guns and weapons attached. The British, French and Russians have genetically engineered animals. Darwinist Scientists have mixed genes from several animals to make new ones that are used for everything from labor to weapons. The most feared and powerful creation in The British Arsenal is The Leviathan a massive air-beast, which is mainly made after a whale, but is actually a massive ecosystem. Weapons on The Leviathan range from deadly bats that hurl metal shrapnel to powerful airguns (the reason being that The Leviathan uses massive amount of hydrogen to fly and hydrogen plus spark equals a big boom!!!!!!) amongst other things. The story mainly revolves around Alex and his friends trying to smuggle him out of Austria-Hungary because the powers that be want him dead and Deryn's struggle to be accepted into The British Air Service and maintain her secret that she is not really a boy. The two do end up crossing paths in this very cool book. What's even more exciting is that the sequel to this book, Behemoth, is already out and I can't wait to get my hands on it!!!!

Well that's it all you crazy cats!!!! Have a great holiday season and be kind to each other,

Bill

Sea Ghost, Comics and Graphic Novels, Oh Yea!!!!

2010-12-14T16:24:00.000-08:00

Ahoy all me Maties in "The Sea o Blog," ti's I Lieutenant Y (also known as Ninja Librarian Bill) here to talk about some great Graphic Novels and Comics for all ages. All ages does not mean just for the kiddies, but for all - children, teens and adults who love great stories and art. Check it out:

The Sea Ghost: The Sea Ghost in The Machine by Jay Piscopo - This is a comic that is a shoot-off from the most awesome "The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli" Graphic Novel Series. Hey, do you know about them? Well then it's time you did!!!! Check out these reviews I did not that long ago, in a galaxy not that far away:

The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli: The Mystery of Me, The Mystery of the Sargasso Sea; Plus Much More!!!!! by Jay Piscopo - The first story "The Mystery of Me" introduces us to the main character of the graphic novel Capt'n Eli. This is Capt'n Eli's origin story and introduces many characters and asks many questions that you will be intrigued to learn about in the future. In this story he joins the Seaserchers and also meets for the first time the mysterious Commander X (a descendant of Captain Nemo himself).

The second story in the book,"The Mystery of the Sargasso Sea," is an adventure tale that involves the mysterious Sargasso Sea that has been a floating burial ground for ships throughout history and the even more curious Bermuda Triangle where both ships and other seafaring vessels, planes even, have mysteriously disappeared never to be found again. This story involves time travel,Christopher Columbus, some of the very interesting history (or would that be future????) of Commander X, and lots of battling with the Hydrons. This is such a cool story!!!!!!

The last story in the book, "The Return of Baron Hydro," take us back to the days of World War II. The Big 3 (Commander X, Sea Raider, and the Human Sun) take on the villainous Baron Hydro and his evil Hydrons. This story is action packed and just a whole lot of fun!!!!!!!!

The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli: The Mystery of the Sargasso Sea (Volume 2) by Joe Piscopo - Man with this volume the Capt'n Eli Graphic Novel Series hits another gear and really takes off!!!!! As it was left off in the previous volume, Capt'n Eli is still with Commander X aboard his super high tech submarine "Sub Zero." They reach the underwater city of Aquaria only to find it under attack by a race of underwater denizens known as the Outcast. It seems Aquaria and it's people are now ruled by Commander X's former World War II partner, known then as The Sea Raider. We also find out that Commander X is Aquaria's sworn Lord Protector and it is his duty to protect them from all threats and enemies. Let's see what else happens in this story, we learn the history of Aquaria and its relationship to Atlantis, we learn the secret origin of the ruler of the Aquarians known by many names such as - Rex Noble, The Sea Raider and The Sea Ghost among others, Lord Hydro is back with all his evilness and Hydrons and much. much more!!!!!!!!!! I promise you if you pick up this Graphic Novel you will be unable to put it down until you have finished reading it and then you will still be wanting more.

Oh yea almost forgot, The review of The Sea Ghost Comic (I just get so jazzed up about this ultra cool GN series and it's offshoots!) Well the Sea Ghost is minding his own business when he discovers this strange device on the ocean floor. Next thing he knows he has been transported through time and space onto a world where two fractions, The Phlan - an Ocean dwelling race and The Simas - a land dwelling race, are in a constant circle of hate and war. The Sea Ghost tries to bring peace to these waring races, but is at a loss until he discovers an interesting fact. Both races seem to fight this endless war in the name of a god they both share. How does The Sea Ghost use this information and what is the ultimate outcome. Well, you will have to read the comic to find out. Check out this link to get more information on this wonderful comic http://captneli.blogspot.com/2010/11/sea-ghost-1-has-arrived.html.

One other piece of information I would like to share is that my buds Jay (Creator, Writer and Illustrator) and Tami (Just a very cool person) sent me a bunch of copies of the comic and other goodies to share. I have not given them all away yet, so if you write a review in our comments section on something you have read and enjoyed, I will send you the comic along with some other cool swag!!!! Come on!!!! What are you waiting for??????

That's all I have time for now me Hearties!!!! Until next time,

Stand By For Adventure!!!!!!

Lieutenant Y and Library Ninja Bill!!!!!!

Torpedoman by Jay Piscopo

Wimpy Kid, Manja, Graphic Novels and Turkeys Fighting Back!!!!!

2010-11-28T07:56:00.000-08:00

Hello all,

Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving. I would have but when I went to get my turkey for the feast, I ran into a one with a serious attitude!!!! Check it out:

Ultimo - The Turkey Who Stood Up!!!!

Needless to say, I had tofu this Thanksgiving. Anyway lets talk good reads:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid: The Ugly Truth by Jeff Kinney - Well I just finished reading the latest installment in "The Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series, "The Ugly Truth," and it was great. Just as funny as it's predecessors with our hero Greg Heffley telling of the struggles of being a kid in a world that just does not understand him. It seems as Greg and Rowley (his best friend) have had a falling out and Greg has to start the school year out all on his lonesome. In this book Greg learns responsibility, um or not, when hired by a neighbor to take care of her plants while she is gone away. Greg goes to a school Lock-In and has a blast, well um not exactly. Greg's mom goes back to school and decides to get a maid to help with the house work making his life so much easier. Oh wait a minute, that's not exactly right either. Anyway this is a hilarious book and series that just keeps hitting on all pistons, so check it out. Highly Recommended!!!!!! (unless you hate laughing then this book is definitely not for you) Others in the series if you want to check them out are:
Diary of a Wimpy Kid, Roderick Rules, The Last Straw and Dog Days. Again great stuff!!!!!

Death Note by Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata - This Manga is intended for Young Adult (teens). Well it seems there are death gods (Shinigami) in another dimension who keep tabs on us human beings. When it is time for them to power up they write a person's name down in a journal and that person dies. They don't do this very often and one among them named Ryuk has become bored. So he drops a journal (A Death Note) down into the human world to see who will pick it up and what will happen. Light Yagami a very bright teen finds it and soon figures out what it can do through experimentation and visits by Ryuk. There are rules to how the "Death Note" can be used and it is not as simple as it seems. Light decides to use it to take out criminals and those he sees as deserving to die. The police soon catch on to all these criminals dying and are soon in hot pursuit of this mass murderer. They even bring in a special agent, whose true identity is known by no one, known only as "L." From there the game is afoot, as Sherlock Holmes would say. This is a really fascinating read that makes one think about what are the responsibilities of those with great power.

Green Lantern: Agent Orange by Geoff Johns, Philip Tan, etc. & Green Lantern Corps: Emerald Eclipse by Peter Tomasi and Patrick Gleason - The War of Light also known through prophecy as "The Blackest Night" is quickly approaching and both of these GNs are integral leads into this upcoming storyline. In "Green Lantern: Agent Orange" Hal Jordan and the rest of the Green Lantern Corps meet an enemy long known by The Guardians but kept a secret through treaties made long ago. Well the treaty is broken and all heck is about to brake loose. Orange Power Rings, representing greed, and all owned by an ancient entity known as Agent Orange or Larfleeze has declared war on The Green Lantern Corps. As the story and fight rages on other Corps such as The Sinestro Corps, The Blue Lantern Corps and The Star Sapphires are drawn into this mess. Things are heating up to critical mass and we have not even talked about The Red Lantern Corps or The Indigo Tribe. Sound like a bunch happening, eh? Well it is and "Green Lantern Corps Emerald Eclipse" adds even more to the impending War of Light. It seems that that Sinestro has gone missing and in his place Mongul decides to take over. That leads to a battle royal within The Sinestro Corps. On top of that a Red Lantern has shown up on OA (The official home of The Green Lantern Corps and The Guardians) and set loose all the prisoners being held there. The Green Lantern Corps really finds it's back against the wall in trying to not only maintain order, but staying alive. There is much more going on in both these books than I have described, if you can believe that, so check them out for some really good reads!!!!!!

Well, that's all this Library Ninja has for now guys and girls, until next time, HiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiYaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa.

Library Ninja Bill

An Interview With a Boy Who Reads AND Writes!

2010-11-17T15:00:00.000-08:00

Hey, all you guys out in the land of blogs and books! This is Iron Guy Carl with a post that I put up yesterday on the Boys Rule Boys Read blog. I'm reprinting a lot of it and I hope you don't mind, but the interview this boy gives is so cool all that I had to reproduce it word-for-word. Let me give you a little background first. One of that blog's faithful followers is Susan Kaye Quinn, a writer who also runs a book blog called Ink Spells. (it's pretty cool--go check it out!) It turns out that she has a 12-year-old son who not only reads but is writing his own sci-fi book! Pretty good, huh? I also found that he goes by the uber-cool name of Dark Omen. Then, one day, I saw this conversation on Ms. Quinn's blog:

A 12 year old View of the World My son Dark Omen (age 12) is writing a novel. He's been diligently working on it for some time now (since the summer). We discussed it over dinner.

Me: What genre is your story?

Dark Omen: Well, it's science fiction and adventure. And mystery, too. But no romance.

Me: No romance?

Dark Omen: No! Why would I write a scene about that, when I can be writing about the Carillions attacking the base?

Me: Are there any girls in your story?

Dark Omen: *makes face* Of course! It wouldn't be even if there weren't any girls.

Me: So, there are girl characters and boy characters in your story. They just don't fall in love.

Dark Omen: Well, somewhere in the universe of my story there are probably girls and boys falling in love. I just don't waste words writing about it.

Well said, Dark Omen!! Why waste words on romance and all that stuff when there are space battles!! It was obvious that I had to know this guy better!! So I emailed his mom and got permission to quote from her post and also to ask him some questions. Then I emailed him some interview questions (most of them are the same questions I ask grownup writers) and, being a truly great guy, he answered all of them and sent them back. Here's what he said.

What made you decide to write a book?

My class was making “Exquisite Corpse” books (books where everyone takes a turn writing in them). I started my book and left it out for people to write in. When nobody did, I decided to take it home and write the whole thing myself.

Tell us a little about your book. (no spoilers!)

The book starts out with a bang when Exibluar is rescued from an underground tunnel complex in which evil ewoks were chasing him. Aidan Dawn is a Cavalieri with great skill with both mind powers and computers. Steve Irwin is a slightly less powerful Cavalieri with a knack for adventure. Nathaniel Lil is a highly disciplined Galactic Government soldier. Exibluar Hazahat is a quirky Rosarian who’s future may be invaluable to the galaxy at large…

Tell us about some of your favorite books.

I like Harry Potter (all of them), Artemis Fowl (all of them as well), Star Wars (yes, all of them), Ranger’s Apprentice (same as the last three times), Percy Jackson (…make that the last four times), the Leviathan trilogy (I don’t know why I’m still making these), the Hitchhiker’s Guide series (I hope you get the point by now), and many more.

Why is it cool for boys to read?

I don’t know why it’s “cool” per say, but I do know that for me it is enjoyable as well as educational.

Why is it cool for them to write?

I hate to say so, but most of the people in my class (and even my school) groan when a teacher tells them to write something (or even take out their writing/Language Arts notebooks)

Why are grownups so obsessed with romance and kissing and all that mushy stuff?

In a nutshell, I have no idea. Personally, I fast-forward through love scenes, never write them, and have my heart set on buying lots of cats instead of getting married.

What's it like having a mom who's a writer?

The only differences are that

a)S She has a blog about writing

b) She has written several novels and published one

Sh She'salways on the computer

d S She sometimes come into the school to give talks about writing.

Which do you like better--cheeseburgers or pizza? What do you like on them?

I like pizza better, with either pepperoni or cheese.

Thanks, Dark Omen! Yeah, reading is enjoyable and educational--and most guys don't think the two can ever go together!! That's one reason I run this blog--to prove that those two words CAN go right next to each other. And it thrills me to no end to hear from reader guys like you who believe it too. And there really such things as evil ewoks?? Interesting!!

Well, Dark Omen was also good enough to send us a excerpt from his book-in-progress. Here you go:

“It fired missles!” Steve yelled, “They’re 200 yards behind us!”

“Jump coordinates set!”

“150 yards!”

“Navigations computer calibrating.”

“100 yards!”

“Initiating acceleration to Ultra-lightspeed!”

“50 yards!”

Vvvvvviip! CRRRRACK! CRRACK! BEEP! BEEP! BEEP!

“What in the galaxy is happening?” exclaimed Steve.

“I TOLD YOU to fix those stress points, Exibluar!” Aidan slammed his fist on a large flashing red button. Vviiissssss!

“I’ve dropped us out of Ultra-lightspeed, we’re still in the Erian system, except now we’re by Erian VII instead of Erian IV,” Aidan announced. “If we had continued any longer, we would have exploded.”

“It’s amazing how many ships we go through in one day,” observed Steve. “Isn’t it, Exibluar?”

“Don’t blame me!” Exibluar retaliated.

“Why not?” Steve shot back.

“Because…uh…I…” Exibluar struggled to find an excuse.

“Let’s just go down to Erian VII,” Nathaniel suggested.

Wow! Very good, Dark Omen!! Makes me want to read more--which is what a good book is supposed to do! Would you mind sending us more excerpts as you go along? And send us some reviews of your favorite books. (I'd especially like to hear what you thought of Behemoth) Thanks again and here's hoping we hear from you again!

Exciting Stuff I tell Ya!!!!

2010-11-16T10:48:00.000-08:00

Hello once again all in The Great Land of Blog. Ti's I once more Library Ninja Bill with some truly cool information on recent reads. I finally got round to reading the last book in "The Hunger Games Trilogy," Mockingjay, and boy was it worth it. Check out this fan video that was made for it:

Pretty frickin cool if you ask me!!!! I mean like Ninja Cool!!

For those of you unaware the two books that proceed this one, they are great also and have been reviewed by me on a different blog in the past. To get you up to speed here is a repeat of those reviews:

The Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins - Now I have to warn all you potential readers off the bat that this book is probably a little to intense for younger readers. Not really any language problems, violence and the cruelty of the world portrayed may not be to all our blog readers taste. Okay now that I've got the obligatory warning out, let me tell you about this roller coaster ride book. It is by Suzanne Collins, who also wrote the Gregor Books, and set in a depressing future. The United States no longer exist and what remains has become known as Panem. Panem is made up of the Capitol, where people have it easy and control the rest of the Panem, which is divided into 12 Districts. The Capital basically rules the Districts as a Dictatorship. Sometime in the past the Districts rebelled against the capital and lost. After the Districts defeat "The Hunger Games" were initiated. The Hunger Games is basically a reality T.V. Show where 2 tributes, a boy and girl, between the ages of 12 to 18 are selected from the 12 Districts (making a total of 24 teens) to compete against each other until only one player remains alive. The story centers on District 12's tributes Katniss Everdeen (16 years old) and Peeta Mellark (18 years old). Katniss becomes involved when her 12 year old sister is chosen for the games, which she can not bear to happen, so she takes her place. The games are violent and the tributes put through terrible treatment in the outdoor arena (encompassing a fast forest) all of which is televised for the Capital to watch. This book has so many twist and turns you will not be able to put it down. Can Katniss and Peeta beat the rest of the District tributes and even so what happens if they are the last two remaining. Only one victor is allowed. Don't miss this book!!!!! Even better news is that it is the first in a trilogy. Great Stuff!!!!!!!!! There is also a pretty cool website for this book that you might want to check out:

http://www.scholastic.com/thehungergames/games/index.htm

Catching Fire by Suzanne Collins - Well without blowing too much for those who have yet to read the first book (see above), Katniss and Peeta from District 12 have won the 74th Hunger Games. That's the good news. The bad news is that President Snow, who runs the Capital and the defeated Districts, is not happy at all about the series of events that have lead to their co-victory (the first ever in the games). He is so unhappy that when their victory tour is about to start he visits Katniss and warns her to be on her best behavior as she has become a sort of symbol of rebellion for some of the Districts. Well even with the best intentions everything begins to fall apart and some of the Districts go into full rebellion mode. To hopefully solve this problem President Snow fixes the 75th Hunger Games so that previous winners must compete against one another. District 12 only has three living victors: Katniss, Peeta and Haymitch. At the very minimum, because she is the only living girl winner, Katniss is horrified to learn she must again go into the games to fight for her life (or perhaps someelse's). I guarantee you will love this book, so if you are not on the waiting list for it get on it NOW!!!!!!!

And now a review of the last book:

Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins - Katniss Everdeen, the girl on fire, has escaped the destruction of District 12 along with her family members, Gale, Haymitch and others. Some are missing like Peeta, her partner in both Hunger Games. Where is he and how will he play into the story? She along with others has been rescued by District 13; a district that The Capital has led all to believe destroyed. Not only is District 13 alive and well, but it is leading the other districts in a full scale revolt against The Capital and President Snow. The Capital and The Districts match up very well against each other so something is needed to tip the scales in favor of The Districts. That something is Katniss Everdeen who has survived 2 Hunger Games; a feat unheard of ever. The President of District 13 makes her the symbol of The Resistance as she inspires hope in all people fighting in this terrible war. Well as Katniss has proven before, she will not merely be a behind the scene symbol for televised promotional videos and live in safety while other fight and risk their lives. She wants to help take The Capital down and personally kill President Snow. Like the two books before it this is an exciting and powerful read. It may also be to much for younger readers due to violence and some language. This is a great book and a great series that should be read by all!!!!!!!

One more book I would like to talk about before I finish up is a Graphic Novel/Manga:

Barefoot Gen - A Cartoon Story of Hiroshima by Keiji Nakazawa - This is the first in a series of autobiographical graphic novels/mangas of the author's true life experiences in Japan during World War II and living through the bombing of Hiroshima, by the atomic bomb, and it's aftermath. The main characters name in the book is Gen who has one sister and two brothers. His father is an outspoken opponent of Japan's involvement in World War II and the family suffers greatly for it. The book shows the desperate straights that the Japanese citizens went through toward the end of the war such as starvation, bulling by corrupt political officials and much more. It shows in a very poignant way the horrors of war and the horror unleashed by the beginning of the atomic age. This book needs to be read so that we all understand the consequences of wagging war against one another. Because of the subject matter and some language, this book is also not for younger children.

Well that's all I have for now, but I want you guys out there to right about some good reads also. So write about a good book in our comment section of the blog and we will post it and try and get you a prize for doing so.

Peace all,

Bill

The Lost Hero

2010-11-03T14:12:00.000-07:00

I finished Rick Riordan's The Lost Hero last night, and boy oh boy is that some good reading. In case you have been living under a rock, the story takes place after the events in Riordan's series Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The Lost Hero follows 3 demigods that are new to the Camp Half-blood world, Jason, Piper and Leo. The trio are given a quest to free the goddess Hera who has been captured by Gaea, the Greek goddess of the Earth.

This is the first book in the new Camp Half-blood series, The Heroes of Olympus. If the first book is any indication, the series should be just as much fun as the original. I did find myself missing the original characters, but Jason, Piper and especially Leo are good on their own. I mean, Leo makes a giant metal flying dragon, what else could you ask for?

Happy Halloween with a slice of good reads!!!!

2010-10-30T09:02:00.000-07:00

Hi all and a happy Halloween from your favorite Library Ninja, Bill!!!! I love Halloween because it let's you pretend to be anybody or anything you want. Such as:

Dracula!!!!!

OR

Frankenstein!!!!!

OR The Scariest of All........

Smurfs!!!!!!!!!!

Hey how about a little Halloween music??? Check it out:

"This is Halloween" from "The Nightmare Before Christmas."

Okay, here we go:

Amulet: The Cloud Searchers by Kazu Kibuishi - This is the third book in the Amulet Graphic Novel Series (The Stonekeeper Book 1 and The Stonekeeper's Curse Book 2). It continues the adventures of the human children Emily and Nathen, Miskit and the rest of the robotic crew, Lean Redbeard a swashbuckling fox, along with new allies in Captain Enzo (a cat) of The Luna Moth (a flying airship) and his brother Rico. Emily and her allies convince Captain Enzo to fly them to the mythical city in the sky "Cielis" to meet it's Guardian Council in hope to save the Kingdom of Alledia. An unexpected addition to their team is The Evil Elf King's son Prince Trellis. He appears to be on their side, but is he really? If that were not enough they are also being pursued by a bounty hunter hired by The Elf King, Master Gabilan and his frighting flying beast mount. Do they find the floating city in the clouds? Does everyone make the journey through intact? Are there more twist and turns in the storyline? I guess you will have to pick this great GN up and read it to find out. This is a story not to be missed.

Alligator VS. Crocodile by Isabel Thomas - This is a great book that has wonderful pictures of alligators and crocodiles in their natural environments along with being packed with information about these lean mean killing machines (err reptiles that is). The book is divided up into rounds like a boxing match. Before the fight you have the obligatory "Meet the Reptiles" which gives some basic information on both. The rounds are divided up comparing facts about the two predators. The Rounds go something like this:
Round 1 - Size and Strength
Round 2 - Speed and Endurance

Round 3 - Surprise Attack

Round 4 - Teeth and Jaws

Round 5 - Hunting and Fishing Skills

Finally we get to find out theoretically if these two creature went head to head who would win the fight. Lastly we are given some important information concerning the survival of these animals from their worst enemy; man.

Tons of great information teamed with great photographs make this book a WINNER!!!!!!!!!

Happy Halloween all you ghouls, ghost, guys and gals,

Bill

It's here!

2010-10-16T08:49:00.000-07:00

Well look what was sitting on my desk when I got into work this morning. This really takes the sting out of working on a Saturday.

Not So Patiently Waiting

2010-10-11T10:44:00.000-07:00

There are two books I'm wanting to get my hands on right now the first is Behemoth. If you read Scott Westerfeld's Leviathan, than you are probably are already ahead of me. If you haven't read either, you are in for a treat. The sequel released last week, but my library hasn't yet ordered it despite my begging and pleading. We do have the audio book on the way, which I hear is great, but the illustrations done by Keith Thompson are so great that I want to get my hands on a print copy.

Behemoth continues the alternate history story of an Austrian prince who is running for his life from the Germans. The prince must trust in people he would normally consider enemies to survive.

The second book is The Lost Hero by Rick Riordan and it comes out tomorrow. This book is on order for my library, so I am going to resist the temptation to just run out to the store and buy it. This book is the first in the new Heroes of Olympus series that takes place with the next generation of demigods after Percy Jackson's adventures. If you don't know who Percy Jackson is, you have some awesome catching up to do.

New Series: Trackers

2010-10-09T10:23:00.000-07:00

Patrick Carman, one of the authors for the 39 Clues series, has a new action series called Trackers out for the middle school audience. The first book is the aptly titled, Trackers: Book One, is a good start to the series and introduces the readers to the characters through a fast paced high tech adventure.

The books are enhanced with a website. Every few chapters, the book pauses and directs the reader to put enter a new password to unlock a new set of videos and puzzles for the reader. If you are like me and are not usually around a computer while reading a book it can be a little frustrating. But, the book does offer text transcripts of the videos if you can't watch them online. So they aren't essential to enjoying the book, but they are a good deal of fun if you include them.

The second book, Trackers Book 2: Shantorian is scheduled to come out January 1st, 2011. You can see more about the series on Patrick Carman's web page.

Bond, James Bond, Monstrumologist, and Graphic Novels

2010-10-07T17:31:00.000-07:00

Greetings all in "The Land o Blog" it is I once again. The Library Ninja that wonders the world righting wrongs, Library Ninja Bill. It's a dirty job, but someones got to do it. Speaking of Ninjas here are some of my all time favs:

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles!!!!!!

Snake Eyes and Storm Shadow!!!

Iron Fist (Marvel Comics)!!!

The Naruto Crew!!!!

And Lastly The Great

Hong Kong Phooey!!!!!

Alright is this sight about Ninjas or cool reads? Well I guess it's more about cool reads, so here goes!!!!!!

First let's start with some reads I have talked bout before. Something old (that's new again):

Silverfin: A James Bond Adventure by Charlie Higson - I have read the first three books in the Young Bond Series and they all are awesome. The first book of the Series is this one and once I read it I was seriously hooked. In this first book we are introduced to Bond when he is a 12 year old student attending Eton Boarding School in England. He has few friends, although the ones he does have are good ones, and he is very much a loner. We find out that his parents died when he was 7 years old and he is being raised by his Aunt Charman. James is a new student at the school and he immediately runs afoul of an older student George Hellebore who is a bully and the son of Lord Hellebore, a wealthy and powerful arms dealer. Lord Hellebore comes to the school and sets up a tournament that involves shooting, running and swimming all in the hopes that his son George will win by any means necessary. Let's just say that James prevents George from winning and their relationship does not improve. Break comes to Eaton and James travels to Scotland to meet his Aunt Charman who is there taking care of his Uncle Max who is dying of cancer. Just when James thinks he is getting away from his troubles at school, he discovers that the Hellebores live in an old castle by Lock Silverfin; right in the very same area that his uncle lives. James meets new friends in Scotland in Red Kelly, who sneaks on a train in England with Jame's help, and Wilder Lawless as they try to figure out what has become of Red's brother who was last seen in this area. Needless to say all clues lead to Lock Silverfin and the Hellebores. This is a great book for both Bond and Non-Bond fans (if that is possible?). Two Thumbs Up!!!!!!

Man if you are looking for a book that is:

*Scary;

*a great story that will have you turning and reading page after page;

*Has great characters.

I have the book for you!!!!!!!!

The Monstrumologist by Rick Yancey - Let me give you a little taste from the inside front jacket of this book: "These are the secrets I have kept. This is the trust I never betrayed. But he is dead now and has been for more than forty years, the one who gave me his trust, the one for whom I kept these secrets. The one who saved me.....and who cursed me."

This book is about a young boy named Will Henry living in the mid/late 1800s, whose parents have passed away, that lives and assist the great Monstrumologist Dr. Warthrop. What is a Monstrumologist you ask? Well let me give you the definition given in the book:

mon*stum*ol*ogy (n.)

1: the study of life forms generally malevolent to humans and not recognized by science as actual organisms, specifically those considered products of myth and folklore

2: the act of hunting such creatures

This book starts with the Doctor and Will discovering the remains of a male creature known as an Anthropophagi. The creature appears somewhat human, except that it has no head. Its eyes are found on it's shoulders. It has very long arms that end in razor sharp claws. Its mouth with shark like teeth are found in it's chest area. It is extremely muscular and dangerous whether it be male or female. Lastly, and most frightening, they prey on humans.

Somehow these creatures, normally found in northern and western Africa and the Caroli Islands, have found there way to the good Doctor's home in New Jerusalem, North America. This discovery starts the beginning of a story of adventure and horror that will haunt Will Henry for the rest of his days. Another great but creepy character that helps the Doctor and Will Henry hunt and attempt to destroy these creatures is one Dr John Kearns, whose true identity will shock you.

This is a great book that will have you turning pages in quick succession to find out what happens next in the book. However, I feel obligated to warn all that this is probably not for young children. This book contains some extremely gory scenes in addition to just being down right frightening. It scared the living "you know what" out of me and I'm far from being a child. So before starting to read this book make sure it is cool with your parents and you are not frightened easily. This is a great book and I hope there are more in the near future such that this could become a series. Highly recommended!!!!!!!!!!!

Now for some fresh and hot of the presses reviews. Something new:

The Donner Party by Scott Welvaert, Ron Frenz and Charles Barnett - This Graphic Novel for ages 9 and up tells the true story of the ill-fated Donner Party and there journey in the mid 1800's to reach California starting from Missouri. The group that would become known as "The Donner Party" was made up of a group of 87 people and 23 wagons. Many incidents and bad decisions would lead this group of people to being remembered through history. What exactly happened to them and what makes them so infamous in history. Read this terrific Graphic Novel and find out!!!

Green Lantern: The Sinestro Corps War (Volumes 1 and 2) by Geoff Johns, Dave Gibbons, and more - This story collected into Graphic Novel format is epic and kicks butt!!!! It collects a storyline that ran through the comic series Green Lantern and The Green Lantern Corps along with various special one shots. Okay here is a quick overview, Sinestro, a one time Green Lantern and mentor to Hal Jordan, has come up with the perfect plan to put OA (the home of The Guardians of the GL Corps and the Corps itself) and The Green Lantern Corps on a path he desires.

He forms The Sinesto Corps and recruits members who have the ability to install great fear. Each Sinesto Corp member is armed with a yellow power ring, mirroring the green ones of the Green Lantern Corps. Amongst Sinestro's allies are Parallax, The Anti-Monitor, Cyborg-Superman, Superboy-Prime among others. On the Good Guys side we have The Green Lanterns Hal Jordan, John Stewart, Guy Gardner, Kyle Rayner, Sodam Yat, Kilowog and many more. That's a bunch of good guys and bad guys. The reason is this story is epic. Blood is spilled on both sides as both heroes and villains fall. Will the Yellow Power Ring Bearers who represent fear prevail or the Green Power Ring Bearers who represent good (at least as far a we can tell) and overcoming fear. This GN is recommended for ages 13 and up because of some language and violence.

Also the follow up "The Rage of The Red Lanterns" rocks pretty hard!!!!!!

Well that's all for now all you mighty ninja readers!!!! Peace out with a Kung Fu Grip,

Library Ninja Bill

Origami Yoda is getting a sequel

2010-10-03T09:17:00.000-07:00

I don't think I mentioned the super awesome book for younger guys, The Strange Case of Origami Yoda by Tom Angleberger, everyone (young, old and in between) should put this on your to-read list right away. The story is about a sixth grader named Tommy who is on a mission to figure out if the advice given by his classmate Dwight's finger puppet Yoda is genuine or just Dwight being his usual weird self.

Another reason everyone should read this book is that the author announced on his website that there will be a sequel in 2011. He hasn't announced the title yet, he is waiting until the big winter American Library Association Conference to tell the world the new title. His website has the full story and a poll, so everyone should go over there right after you leave some comment on this post.

(Thanks, Rebecca!)

Guys Read: Funny Business

2010-10-01T04:59:00.000-07:00

HarperKids put together a great video in honor of the new Guys Read book, Guys Read: Funny Business.

News and some zombie books

2010-09-28T12:27:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to let everyone know that I have landed myself in a new library. I am now in the reference department of the Irmo Branch Library of the Lexington County Public Library in South Carolina. So if you are ever in the area, stop on by and say hello.

We have a great teen area with some comfy chairs and a really friendly staff that likes to work with people of all ages.

Now to talk about some books. I've been going over some zombie titles the last few months and have found a few gems. One that is for the grown up guys out there is World War Z: and oral history of the zombie war. This one has been around for a while, but if you missed it you really should pick it up.

For the younger readers out there is the series by David Lubar called Nathan Abercrombie, Accidental Zombie. The first book is called My Rotten Life and we learn how Nathan becomes a zombie and how he tries to cure his condition. It is a fun read and continues on for a number of books.

Finally there is a new book that just came out called Zombies vs. Unicorns. This one is a collection of stories by just about everyone who is hip in teen books these days. I'm waiting for my library to get this one in and hope that I can get the first jump on it. If anyone has had a chance to read this one, please let us know what you thought of it.

Of Mice, Mad Cow Disease and Charlie Chaplin

2010-09-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

Hello all you cool hepcats out there in the "Land o Blog!!!" I know it has been awhile since I last posted but between work, a new home, and reading, ya only got so many hours in the day. So any way, I have two really cool books to talk about along with my usual bit of nonsense. So let's start, shall we?

It was the best of times. It was the worst of times. Cheese was short and mice became unruly. Call me Ishmael the mouse. Long had I followed my Captain Ahab in his obsessive search for the great white whale made entirely of Monetary Jack cheese. Um....I've just encountered writer's block, but with a great beginning like this I think I'm surely on to something!!!!!!

Okay enough Silliness, I say enough!!!!

And Now Some Book Reviews!!!! Quite Right!!!!!

The first book I'm going to talk about is a YA Book (Teens) and contains language and situations that may not be appropriate for our younger followers. Please don't check this book out or read it unless your an older teen or it is cool with your parents.

Going Bovine by Libba Bray - This book is the 2010 Printz Winner which means (if you don't know already) it exemplifies literary excellence in young adult (Teen) literature. The main character in the book is a 16 year old boy named Cameron who one day starts to see crazy things like Fire Giants which no one else notices. Well right after this happens he is hospitalized and finds out he has Creutzfeldt-Jacob disease or as it is more commonly known as Mad Cow disease. It turns out that not all is lost, however, when an angel named Dulcie appears to Cameron. She gives him a mission to find a Dr. X who is responsible for the Fire Giants and other things that could possibly result in the destruction of the Earth. It also turns out Dr. X can cure Mad Cow disease. Cameron accepts this mission because he very much wants to live through the end of the world and Mad Cow disease.

He recruits help through the most unlikely an odd assortment of characters: Gonzo, a dwarf who is an extreme hypochondriac, but has mad gaming skills; Balder, the Norse God, who just happens to be trapped in the form of a yard Gnome; and others. He also faces an assortment of enemies that range from the downright scary, The Wizard of Reckoning and Fire Giants, to just the downright silly such as CESSNAB (The Church of Everlasting Satisfaction And Snack 'N' Bowl).

This book is full of laughs and thought provoking material on the nature of life and death. It definitely deserved winning the Printz Award and is a great read. I highly enjoyed it (again this book has subject matter that may not be appropriate to younger readers so please don't read this book if you are 15 or younger without your parents permission --- I really don't want anyone getting upset or mad at me).

Okay that was an older reader book, so let's talk about one that is not just for older guys:

Sir Charlie Chaplin, The Funniest Man in The World by Sid Fleischman - This is a great biography on the life of Charlie Chaplin, one of the greatest comedic actors of both the silent and early talking movies. I learned a great deal about Mr. Chaplin that I had not a clue about. This man, who would become known worldwide and through time for his comedic genius came from, to say the least, a horrible childhood in England. His father left the family when he was a young boy and his mother was in and out of mental institutions for most of her life. This left Charlie and his older brother Sydney to either fend for themselves on the streets or be picked up and put into schools for the homeless and poor. Now this was 1896 so such places at that time were not very nice to live in and the children were treated and worked without compassion or much love. Fortunately for Charlie he was a natural comedian, especially when it came to slapstick. He got into vaudeville and was a smash hit. Not long afterword he would be noticed by the budding silent movie studios and become both rich and a star. This biography covers such interesting times in Charlie's life such as how he made his wonderful silent films and came up with his most famous persona "The Little Tramp," how he dealt with the witch hunt that was McCarthyism in the 50s, his troubled relationships due to his huge ego, the honor of being knighted by the Queen of England and much, much more. This is a comprehensive biography with many great pictures. I highly recommend this to all fans of comedy, for he was one of the best!

If you have never seen Chaplin in action check out this short clip from one of his movies. He really was extremely funny and talented.

From his 1928 film The Circus, Charlie Chaplin gets himself locked in a lion's cage. This is a real lion and all the stunts in this clip were performed by Mr. Chaplin.

Well that's it for now me buckos!!!! Until next time, happy trails,

Library Ninja Bill

Scott Pilgrim and the need for nerdiness

2010-09-16T08:08:00.000-07:00

A few months ago I picked up a book that had been staring me in the face at the library for as long as I can remember. That book was Scott Pilgrim Vol. 1: Scott Pilgrim's Precious Little Life and my good friend looks at me and says, "I can't believe you haven't read those books, you are those books." And so she was right.

I read through the first book and quickly devoured the rest of the series that has been published at that time. The final book had yet to come out so I had about a month before I could see how it was all going to end. The added bonus is that once I read the final book I was able to watch the movie that is just as awesome.

The series that is great for adult and teen guys, follows Scott Pilgrim's love and band lives. Lives he is happy to try and coast through. He learns that to get what he really wants he actually has to get off his butt and do it. Of course getting off his butt causes quite a bit of hilarity. Along with Scott, the supporting cast is well developed and are good stories in their own right.

The video game references will be enjoyed by old school and newer gamers. Also, classic comic book allusions show off O'Malley's influences in an entertaining way. I'm happy that there we now live in a world where we an let our nerd flags fly with pride.

So, if you have been putting off this series, just do yourself a favor and read the books, and then see the movie.

I do exist, I promise!

2010-09-13T11:07:00.000-07:00

Hello readers of the new(ish) Boys Rock, Boys Read. This is Libraryguy Zack and I really am a part of this blog, although up until now I have been the silent part. I'm going to skip the excuses, say I'm sorry and tell you about some great books for guys of all ages. While I haven't been blogging over the summer, I have been reading and boy have I read some great books.

Today I would like to talk about a great series of books for the grown up guys out there, though I'm sure there are some teens that would enjoy these as well. Currently there is a great Star Wars series going on called Fate of the Jedi that is just downright awesome. The series proceeds Legacy of the Force (which I also highly recommend) and includes crazy Jedi, a banished Luke Skywalker and a whole planet full of Sith. To make matters even more exciting Luke has to team up with the aforementioned Sith. Wait, What?!

The series is currently in it's fifth book, Allies by Christie Golden with the sixth book set to release in December. So you have plenty of time to catch up.

I'll be back soon with some more of my summer reading including zombies and nerds.

Now WE Will Rule!!

2010-09-03T13:00:00.000-07:00

Ha haaa!!! Now it can be revealed! No longer must I be known only as a simple librarian--I can now let the world know that I am Agent Flexing Bear, a Tomas operative. (you should have guessed when I called myself IRON GUY Carl)Everything can be revealed now that Into the Gauntlet, the final book in The 39 Clues series, has been released. It will doubtlessly show that the Tomas branch of the Cahill family find all the Clues and take our place as rightful rulers of the world!! HAAA HAAA HAAA!!! Our great strength and endurance will assure the victory--unless those two pesky kids, Dan and Amy, get in the way again. Hmm, they've been trouble in the past--I'd better get reading to see if they cause any more problems.

AGENT FLEXING BEAR (AND HIS BOOK) SIGNING OUT

Of Library Ninjas, Sith and Good Reads!!!!!

2010-08-17T12:47:00.000-07:00

Hi all in the "Land o Blog!!!!" Hope everything is rolling along well for everyone. Over the weekend I visited one of my old Ninja Librarian Instructors Darth Bane. Not the most cheerful cat in this here galaxy a long time ago and far away, but most excellent to hang out with and play video games with (I tell ya he rules at Mario Kart!!!!) and practice wicked ninja maneuvers. Well enough about my bud Darth Bane, as you can see he has enough on his mind, lets talk about some recent reads of mine. Also that reminds me, at any time please feel free to comment on the blog about good reads you know about (share the wealth dudes and dudets)!!!! Onward then:

The Maze Runner by James Dashner - Imagine waking up in a small glade surrounded by 4 huge walls with four openings. You can remember nothing of your past (who your parents are, where you lived, your friends, etc.). You find yourself in a colony composed of only teen aged boys who share the same condition you do. Outside the walls is a maze that could lead to escape and freedom. The only problem is the walls of the maze change every night, when you must be back in the central glade that you woke up in. Why must you be back in this central glade? Because at night the four openings close and if you are trapped outside you are as good as dead because of deadly monsters (part organic, part machine) that patrol the maze 24 hours a day and kill whomever they find.

Finally one day arrives when a comatose girl arrives with a note reading: She's the last one. Ever. This is exactly what happens in this story to a teen named Thomas. This book is full of adventure, cool characters and unexpected happening that will keep you turning the pages until you are finished. Unfortunately at the end of the book you have to wait for the next one comes out to see what happens next. Great Book!!!!!!!

Yu-Gi-Oh! R by Akira Ito - This Manga Series I found to be really fun to read and have flown through Volumes 1 - 4. The main character in this Manga is Yogi Mutou (who kinda has a split personality...long story) and is a master player of the collectible card game Duel Monsters. When a disciple of an enemy he defeated in the past appears and takes one of his friends hostage, Anzu Mazaki, he vows along with fellow Duel Monster friends Hiroto Honda and Katsuya Jonouchi to rescue her. This does not prove easy as many Duel Master opponents await them as they try to get to her and the villainous Yako Tenma. To the best card player go the spoils of war!!!! This Manga is really allot of fun, so give it a try!!!!

Well that's all for now you crazy cats!!!!! Keep reading and let me hear from ya sometime!!!! Tasty waves, good reading and peace,

Library Ninja Bill

Books Every Guy Should Read Part 2

2010-08-09T11:40:00.000-07:00

Hi all,
Don't you love sequels. Well here we have a sequel put together by you the the readers of this post. But before that lets have a brief commercial for Hai Karate (via the 70s):

Ahh, those were the good old days indeed. I myself was a Brute Man back in the day!!!!! Well enough of my babbling lets here what you out there had to say!!!!

Terry Doherty - I'd add A Couple of Boys have the Best Week Ever! and any of the Roscoe Riley Rules! Series.

Mary Ann Scheuer - I'd add The Zac Power Series (short chapter books, perfect for 2nd/3rd graders). Also the Henry Winkler (yes, the Fonz!) series Hank Zipzer.

The Fourth Musketeer - I don't see the Artemis Fowl Series--that's a great one for boy evil geniuses. And what about Captain Underpants???

These books are Fonz approved!!!!!!!

Well all, keep checking us out and keep sending suggestions.

Later,

Library Ninja Bill

Moving, Superheroes and other Really Cool Stuff!!

2010-07-30T10:18:00.000-07:00

Hi once again all those in the "Land of Blog" tis The Master of Disaster Ninja Librarian Bill coming straight at ya!!!! Well the weekend of July 24th, I officially moved to Lumberton, North Carolina. My new job is "Youth Services Librarian" for The Robeson County Library System!!!!! My wife, our 3 cats and myself finally found a place to live so we are all finally under one roof. I want to thank all my friends who helped me move from Rock Hill, South Carolina to Lumberton, North Carolina. One of those special people who helped was Iron Carl, so I have written an ode to him:

Where I work now!!!!!!!!

Ode To Iron Carl -

Library Ninja Bill was in trouble for sure,

Had to move a long way with nowhere to turn,

In his hour of need who should appear? Why Iron Carl with family right there.

They travelled to Rock Hill and vanquished heavy furniture, boxes and such. Bill was amazed in the power of him and family and such.

Then to Lumberton they did go and did much more of the same. So here is a toast to my heroes Iron Carl, Catherine and Kalee (Bill is sorry if he has spelled any names wrong)!!!!

And now for something completely different!!!

Here are some Graphic Novels I recently finished reading:

Mini Marvels Ultimate Collection by Chris Giarrusso and others - This Graphic Novel collects all the most excellent Mini Marvels adventures in one book. If you like funny, you will love this take off on all of Marvel Comics big super heroes portrayed as kids. Imagine if you will Spider-Man as a paperboy working for the ever irritable Mr. Jameson of The Daily Bugle. Now if working for Mr. Jameson were not bad enough, imagine if the Green Goblin happened to be on your paper route. Even though he subscribes to the paper, every time you try to deliver to him he tries to kill you. Sheesh, it's certainly no picnic trying to deliver the paper to this maniac (and it only gets worst with an assist by Venom). This and other stories such as Kid Wolverine in "Cereal Quest" just trying to to get a box of his most favorite cereal X-Crunch, The Kid Hulk getting too much dating advice from the Kid Avengers, Kid Hawkeye always reminding Kid Iron Man how he defeated him just using arrows against his superior machinery, and much, much more. This GN is a must read for all ages!!!!!

Marvel Adventures: Black Widow and The Avengers by Paul Tobin and Various Artist - Superhero Graphic Novels do not get much better than this one. This GN focuses on some early adventures of the Marvel Comics Superhero Team The Avengers. The team is made up of The Black Widow, Captain America, Iron Man, Nova, Thor, The Vision and Invisible Woman. This GN collects issues Marvel Adventures Super Heroes 17 - 21. Heroes, Villains , Ordinary People are acting strangely throughout the storyline in this book. The Avengers, along with guest appearances from such characters as The Silver Surfer, Diablo, Plant Man, have a real mystery to solve and things are going from bad to worst quickly. Solid storytelling and great art work make this GN a must read. So check it out, hopefully at your local library or comic shop!!!!!

Peace and Love all,

Library Ninja Bill

Books Every Guys Should Read

2010-07-10T21:30:00.000-07:00

Hi all you Hep Cats in that cool land a name of "Blog." Tis I, the Slickest Summer Library Ninja of all Bill. To keepo your Summero Readingo interestingo, I have selected, along with some of my buds, some great reads. Here are my supper cool selections (remember to at any time suggest your own by commenting on our post):

I'm the good looking one in the middle!

The Last Apprentice Series by Joseph Delaney - Train to be a Spook (to find out what a Spook is exactly ya gotta read man) and fight ghosts, boggarts, witches and other things that go bump in the dark. This series is about a young boy named Tom, who is The Seventh Son of a Seventh Son, who is being trained to be a Spook. This is a exciting and scary series assured to make readers turn pages at a startling pace.

The Undersea Adventures of Capt'n Eli Volumes 1 & 2 by Jay Piscope - The first volume of this GN Series introduces us to the main character Capt'n Eli. Many other cool characters (good and bad guys - The Sea Ghost, Circe, Baron Hydro (major bad guy) and his Hydrons, and many more) are packed into this "too cool for school" Series. Coolest character ever, Commander X is also introduced in the first Volume. Cheek em out for action packed adventure!!!!!!!!

Commander X and Circe!!!!!!

Also be sure to check out the online adventures of Commander X by clicking HERE and HERE!!!

The Stoneheart Trilogy by Charlie Fletcher - This series is about a 12 year old boy named George and his soon to be friend Edie (a Glint - to find out what that means read the books). While on a school visit to a museum in London, George looses his temper and breaks a small carving of a dragon on the face of the building. He soon finds out that this stupid act has brought him into a London he never knew existed. A London where statues are very much alive and fall, generally, into two categories either Spits or Taints (again to find out what this means you'll have to read the books). A fragile truce lies between them and George finds himself inadvertently breaking said truce and causing all out war between the two fractions. George and Edie meet many allies and enemies throughout this exciting such as The Gunner, The Black Friar, The Sphinxes, Dragons, Gargoyles, a Minotaur, The Clocker, The Walker, among many others. All these characters are wonderful and fascinating; jammed into a fast moving story that will keep you enthralled from beginning to end.

The Tunnels Series by Roderick Gordon & Brian Williams - This series (which has 3 books out so far) rocks!!!! The main character of the book is 14-year-old Will Burrows who along with his archaeologist father, Dr. Burrows, shares a passion for digging tunnels into the earth in search of buried historical items. Will’s family is extremely “different” and to say the least dysfunctional. Will is an extremely pale boy and picked on non-stop at school. That is until he befriends another outcast by the name of Chester, who is a rather large intimidating boy, and gets him interested in digging. Life is going pretty good for Will between digging with his father and digging independently with his new friend Chester. That is until Dr. Burrows goes missing and Will finds that right in their basement is a tunnel that leads to a subterranean world populated with people time left behind. What are Styx? What wonders and horrors dwell deep beneath the Earth? This series is full of twist and turns and just when you think you know what’s going on, it kicks into another gear to throw you for a loop.

Here are some more in which I will just give the titles:

Diary of a Wimpy Kid Series by Jeff Kinney

The Ranger's Apprentice by John Flanagan

The Stonekeeper Graphic Novel Series by Kazu Kibuishint

The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman

Runemarks by Joanne Harris

The Bone GN Series by Jeff Smith

This is just a smattering of all the good reads out there, so get out there, find them (many are at your local library), and enjoy. Happy Summer Reading all,
Bill

And now for something completely different

Hey, everyone, it's Iron Guy Carl. The Iron Guy believes that reading is one of the coolest things a guy can do. Yeah, there's X-box and Wii and other cool stuff, but reading is right up there with all that. Unfortunately, a rumor has gotten out among guys that reading is not cool. Well, the Iron Guy is on a mission to smash that rumor like the Hulk smashing a bad guy! And one of the way I plan to do that that is by letting you know what good books are out there. That's why I'm posting a list of Books Every Guy Should Read. These are books that I and other guys have read and can guarantee that they ROCK! Here's the list (and they're not in any order--I just listed them as I thought of them):

The Dangerous Book for Boys by Conn and Hal Iguldden. Don't let me hear you say there's nothing to do--the book is FULL of cool and fun guy stuff. Plus you'll get to read some of the best stories ever!

The Percy Jackson books by Rick Riordan. You've probably heard of these, but if you haven't read them, drop whatever you're doing and get them! More action, excitement, and humor than any other series I know.

The 39 Clues books (by different authors) Once again, more fun and excitement than just about any other series. Two kids go all over the world to find the 39 Clues that will make the owners the most powerful people on earth--and keep their evil cousins from finding the Clues first!

Call it Courage by Armstrong Sperry. Based on a Polynesian legend, the story of a chief's son who's afraid of the ocean and steals a canoe to see if he can prove he''s not a coward. Along the way he fights a hammerhead shark and gets chased by cannibals!

Black Whiteness: Admiral Byed Alone in the Antarctic by Robert Burleigh. In the 1930's Admiral Byrd tried to see if he could survive alone in the coldest place on earth. This story is unbelievable!

The Last River: Major John Powell and the Colorado River Expedition by Stuart Waldman. Another amazing story of survival. Major John Powell lost an arm in the Civil War but led an expedition down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon!

Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. One of the best fictional survival stories around. Young Brian crash lands in the Canadian wilderness with no food, no survival gear, and only a hatchet to help. An incredible story.

How to Eat Fried Worms by Thomas Rockwell. An extremely funny guy story! One boy bets another boy $50 to eat 15 worms in 15 days. Could you do it?

The Alvin Ho books by Lenore Look. Good for younger and older guys, these two books about second-grader Alvin Ho, who's afraid of everything, will make you laugh out loud!

N.E.R.D.S by Michael Buckley. More extremely funny stuff with lots of secret agent action too. Read it to find out what N.E.R.D.S. stands for!

The Hound of the Baskerville by Arthur Conan Doyle. The Sherlock Homes stories are still entertaining guys after all these years and this one may be the best. Sherlock Homes takes a case that involves a murder, a vast inheritance, and a gigantic hound that may or may not be part of an old family curse! A character in C. S. Lewis's book That Hideous Strength gets captured by the bad guys and spends a night in his cell thinking that "everything he read as a boy was garbage except for Sherlock Holmes." Don't let that happen to you!

The Adventures of Tom Sawyer by Mark Twain. I read this when I was 10 and enjoyed it a lot. Tom Sawyer gets into trouble all the time but doesn't know what trouble really is until he accidentally witnesses a murder! This one is funny and exciting!

The Tripods books by John Christopher. Maybe the best Evil Aliens Take Over the Earth series ever!

The War of the Worlds by H. G. Wells. The original Evil Aliens Take Over the Earth story and still the best! (This is not the cover for the book. It's from an old comic I read as a boy and thought it was cool!)

Stone Fox by John Gardiner. A young boy tires to save the family farm by entering a dog sled race but has to go against the Native American racer Stone Fox, who has never lost. An exciting story with an unexpected ending.

Leviathan by Scott Westerfeld. An "alternate history" story about World War I in which Europe is divided into Clankers and Darwinists. (got to read it to find out what that means!) Enough action and things that blow up for any guy!

The City of Ember by Jeanne DuPrau. A terrific sci-fi story about an underground city built to survive a world war. The only thing is that everyone has forgotten why the city was built and how to maintain it and now food is running out and the lights may go out. I've heard from a lot of guys about how good it is.

The Roar by Emma Clayton. Here's another book that made a lot of guys tell us how good it is. Even guys who say they don't like to read like this one! It's a sci-fi story about a time in which in which everyone on Earth is crammed into tiny little England because of the Animal Plague which threatened the whole world. Things are not as they seem, however, and two twins discover the Secret that the bad guys desperately keep hidden. What is it? Gotta read to find out!

The Yearling by Marjorie Kinnan Rawlings. One of my all-time favorites and perhaps the best book for guys about growing up. There's an epic bear hunt, thunderstorms that last two weeks, and the real possibility of starvation.

Yeah, it's a big thick book but I started one night at a halfway point and didn't stop until I reached the very end!

D'Aulaire's Book of Greek Myths by Ingrid and Edgar Parin D'Aulaire. Every guy likes Greek mythology, right? This is the one book about them that every guy should read, then, because it's still the best!

So what do YOU think? Did we leave any books out? Send us a comment or suggestion via the handy "Comment" tab below this post!

OK, Bill, how'd you like to do the honors and sign us out?

Peace out and Read out all,

Iron Guy Carl and Library Ninja Bill