sjsj's Activity (1532)

  • sjsj
    sjsj's book review was featured in Explorer Academy Vela: The Sailor Cipher (Book 1).
    This novel was not only intriguing; with a nice blend of science and fantasy, The Sailor Cipher would interest most of those looking for a technologically-based story with a hint of suspense. When Sailor York returns for her second year of studies at the prestigious school, she expects a year-long adventure filled with excitement and wonder - certainly not a missing big sister. As she uncovers more about the details concerning her sibling's possible kidnapping, Sailor finds herself caught in the middle of a dangerous game filled with rival factions. And her external struggles are only compounded by her own story: Sailor has a secret that she does not want to release, yet may have to in order to succeed in her missions. As a person who is always taken aback by the sheer progression of technology in the modern world, I enjoyed reading about the various new inventions and vehicles this book displayed. As being heavily based upon the work of actual National Geographic Society members, this series debut expertly pays homage to the organization's projects. The chapters are also well-organized, with each subplot complementing the others in their advancement. While the humor seems a little forced at times, this novel overall is a read you do not want to miss. I am definitely excited for the release of the next book in the series!
    About 2 months ago
  • sjsj
    sjsj added a book review.
    This novel was not only intriguing; with a nice blend of science and fantasy, The Sailor Cipher would interest most of those looking for a technologically-based story with a hint of suspense. When Sailor York returns for her second year of studies at the prestigious school, she expects a year-long adventure filled with excitement and wonder - certainly not a missing big sister. As she uncovers more about the details concerning her sibling's possible kidnapping, Sailor finds herself caught in the middle of a dangerous game filled with rival factions. And her external struggles are only compounded by her own story: Sailor has a secret that she does not want to release, yet may have to in order to succeed in her missions. As a person who is always taken aback by the sheer progression of technology in the modern world, I enjoyed reading about the various new inventions and vehicles this book displayed. As being heavily based upon the work of actual National Geographic Society members, this series debut expertly pays homage to the organization's projects. The chapters are also well-organized, with each subplot complementing the others in their advancement. While the humor seems a little forced at times, this novel overall is a read you do not want to miss. I am definitely excited for the release of the next book in the series!
    About 2 months ago
  • sjsj
    sjsj added a new comment in
    I liked reading the original Explorer Academy books, and this alternate series seems to be just as promising as that one. I enjoy novels about space exploration and futuristic technologies, and this book appears to have both of them. I do adore most books, but science fiction has always been one of my favorite genres, and this novel fits right in with my likings. I have been looking for a new series to start reading after finishing my current one, and would like to give this one a try (which already seems to be promising based off of its sister series).
    5 months ago
  • sjsj
    sjsj's book review was featured in The Deadly Daylight.
    Working in a funeral home does not seem to be a quite enjoyable job to many people, but Alice England loves it. By touching a memento or one of the dead themselves, Alice can obtain a brief glimpse of their lives, whether whole or a small period of them. Working with her father, the 12 year old's life is peaceful - until one of her companion's uncle is seemingly murdered on the pier. Now Alice must work around a recently formed relationship with the dead's niece, Violet, to try and solve the mysterious case. She may have other prospects of friends, such as a boy named Cal, but attempting to balance the needs of the case with the constant demands of friends may prove to be too much to handle. The Deadly Daylight seamlessly balances suspense and the other qualities of a murder mystery in language that is suitable for middle-grade readers, taking in the best of both worlds. The book never has a dull chapter, and although some of them may seem slightly slow in progression, the climax of the novel fits them all together and gives every single one meaning. This book is not overly scary, which makes it perfect for readers who just want a comfortable read, yet still intriguing and one that makes them guess along with the main character.
    6 months ago
  • sjsj
    sjsj added a book review.
    Working in a funeral home does not seem to be a quite enjoyable job to many people, but Alice England loves it. By touching a memento or one of the dead themselves, Alice can obtain a brief glimpse of their lives, whether whole or a small period of them. Working with her father, the 12 year old's life is peaceful - until one of her companion's uncle is seemingly murdered on the pier. Now Alice must work around a recently formed relationship with the dead's niece, Violet, to try and solve the mysterious case. She may have other prospects of friends, such as a boy named Cal, but attempting to balance the needs of the case with the constant demands of friends may prove to be too much to handle. The Deadly Daylight seamlessly balances suspense and the other qualities of a murder mystery in language that is suitable for middle-grade readers, taking in the best of both worlds. The book never has a dull chapter, and although some of them may seem slightly slow in progression, the climax of the novel fits them all together and gives every single one meaning. This book is not overly scary, which makes it perfect for readers who just want a comfortable read, yet still intriguing and one that makes them guess along with the main character.
    6 months ago
  • sjsj
    sjsj's book review was featured in The Doomsday Archives: The Wandering Hour.
    What a read! This book is definitely not for the faint of heart. If books like Goosebumps or Scare Scape intrigue you, or even if you just like a good scare every now and then, this novel is calling out to you (just don't blame me if you jump at the slightest sound from then on!) Set in a town with a notorious reputation, at least to some, of containing countless monsters and eerie objects, Emrys Houtman is only too excited about the spookiness of the area. However, things get a little too scary for him when he and his friends realize that the monsters are actually more than just fiction. This realization leads them through an adventure filled with tension and terror. But perhaps the scariest thing of all is the fact that the children don't have the answer to a very important question: will they even live through it? I enjoyed reading this novel, even with the occasional checks to make sure no one was at my bedroom door. The authors expertly combine a compelling story with supernatural beings to create a novel that is truly among the monarchs of horror. With wiki articles about various monsters sprinkled within the pages and spooky cliffhangers at nearly every chapter, this book will prove to be a challenge to stop reading until the end.
    9 months ago
  • sjsj
    sjsj added a book review.
    I absolutely enjoyed this novel! I loved how the illustrations are made from children and their imaginations! I would recommend this novel to any of my friends! Two friends, Bert Beamish and Daisy Dovetail have to go on a dangerous path when their homeland, Cornucopia, is threatened by an evil menace known as the Ickabog. Although they have to face some dangers on their journey, some people thought the monster was just a story and there is no Ickabog at all! But they have to question their judgement when Lord Spittleworth, the king's advisor, takes over the land and threatens to kill anyone who goes against his beliefs of the Ickabog. But there are too many holes that have not been filled when it comes to the monstrosity. Soon, Bert, Daisy, and their fellow citizens must think whether the legend of the Ickabog is true, or just part of one big, twisted plot.
    Almost 4 years ago

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First BookFirst Favorite News ArticleCreate an AvatarWrote First Book ReviewWrote 10 Book ReviewsWrote 25 Book ReviewsWrote 50 Book ReviewsJoined National Geographic Kids Book ClubJoined Summer Reading 2018Joined Summer Reading 2019Joined Summer Reading 2020

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