Legend Of Miracles

Title: When Lightning Strikes Author: Meg Cabot / Jenny Carroll Series: 1800-Where-R-You Genre: Fiction / Teenage Summary: Just because her best friend wants to exercise, Jessica Mastriani agrees to walk the two miles home from their high school. Straight into a huge Indiana thunderstorm - and straight into trouble. Not that Jess has never been in trouble before. Her extracurricular activities, instead of cheerleading or 4-H, include fistfights with the football team and

monthlong stints in detention - luckily, sitting right next to Rob, the sexiest senior around. But this trouble is serious.

Because somehow, on that long walk home, Jessica acquired a newfound talent. An amazing power that can be used for good…or for evil.

Review: I have to admit. I simply have to read a teenage book. For some reason, it is only in teenage books where you can find humour. You can hardly find humour in adult fiction. Most of the time, it’s about blood, gore, responsibility and other morals. It’s so difficult to find humour. It is so that I revert to my teenage years authors. And may I add, it’s only a few years back. I’m not that old.

Anyway, I like the starting. As I say, humour sells. The whole story is funny, but it is nevertheless, about a girl who suddenly has to make life-shattering decisions. With her priorities mixed up, of course. But that’s the whole fun of it. The girl seems to be more interested in how to get a guy to notice her, how to stop a fourth chair from usurping her third chair in the orchestra or to beat the people who say less commendable things about her best friend or her schizophrenic brother.

But of course, there are certain panthos, or what more disagreeable people might call angst, to the book, when our protagonist finds out that what she did was not exactly right. And hell descend, of course. The chain of events was complemented by the jerky manner in which the whole account was written and also the drama that was involved in it too.

It was written in first person point of view, which in my opinion is a difficult way of writing, so do not expect any fanciful writing or description. Besides the main character’s opinions of things, there are no other accounts or supplement descriptions on how the events happened. But like I say, the humour more than compensates the description.

Rating: All in all, I rather enjoy the book. I give it a 3.5 / 5.0.

Title: Venus In Copper Series: The Falco Series Author: Lindsey Davis Genre: Fiction / Crime / Mystery / Point Romance Summary: Marcus Didius Falco, ancient Rome’s hangdog investigator hates sharing a cell with a rodent - though being bailed by his old mother is almost as embarrassing. His highborn girlfriend cannot decide of she wants him and Titus Caesar’s reward for past services is a wet fish. Hoping or a better life, or at least a better apartment, he takes on new clients. Oh the elegant slopes of the Pincian Hill, three nouveax riches freedmen with two flashy wives

are under siege by a clever redhead. Severina Zotica has a foul-mouth parrot, an odd connection with a snake dancer - a very suspicious past. As he pursues this flame-haired fortune hunter, Falco finds himself beset by violent rent-racketeers, prisoners, and women without consciences who have dangerous designs on him…

Review: I actually have no intention of reading this. But while we were studying ancient Rome and The Colosseum, our lecturer recommended this series to us. And he read the opening sentence. I knew then, I have to try my luck on this book.

It was set in Rome, but “Venus” was actually the third book in the series. But it does not really pose much of a problem. It doesn’t really draw a lot of reference from previous two books. The writing was filled with zest and there is a certain light hearted-ness to it. Written from first person point of view, there are times where it was actually quite confusing, but there were some parts which were quite well written. Especially those witty moments or snide remarks which was made. In a way, it was quite similar to David and Leigh Eddings’s style, although it was uniquely Davis’s.

The whole plot was coherent, although frankly speaking, it began to lose me towards the end. There are some moments where theories seems far fetched, although the character himself agrees on it. Then there were moments where certain characters disappeared for a long time, only vague mentions by the main character himself.

Do not expect the writing to be modern, since it was set in ancient Rome. But it was not to the point where they were speaking “thees” and “thous”, although I suspect they spoke a total different language. And do not ever take the exclamation mark as literal shouting. It’s just their way of speaking.

It was not really crime, since Falco did not really did too much investigation but rather just a narrative story, since he just put things he heard and learned together and came up with the answer. But nevertheless it was quite a good one.

Rating: Many people should know by now, I am quite petty when it comes to rating. The story is good, but in my opinion, still not good enough to have that “wow” factor. I give it 3.5 / 5.0

Title: Velocity Author: Dean Koontz Genre: Fiction / Thriller Summary: On the windscreen of his SUV, Billy finds the first note. He thinks it’s a hoax. The schoolteacher dies. The next note reverses the scenario. If Billy takes the note to the police, a mother of two young children will die. If he doesn’t, an unmarried man who won’t be much missed will die… Billy must think the unthinkable, fast, in an accelerating nightmare. More

communications from the killer follow, with ever tighter deadlines. Each is more personal, more confrontational than the last until he is isolated, with no one to rely on but himself. Finally he must risk everything to save the intended victims…

Review: It’s been a long time since I last read a book. And frankly speaking, this was a letdown. I don’t claimed to be a superb critic, but in terms of writing, it seemed to lack the suspense that it should have. In fact, the whole book is blasé. Bland even, if you want to be more critical. This book certainly lack the edgy flair found in Patricia Cornwell or Dan Brown’s books. Some of the scenes were even too far fetched.

The saving grace of this book is that, Koontz constantly kept dropping tantalizing hints about the protagonist’s dark past and other secrets he was hiding. It was probably the curiosity that kept me going and eventually finished the book.

There was no lengthy introduction or tedious settings, just a simple beginning in a bar. And the story plunged on. The protagonist’s first decision was not really hard to understand, the second decision was still believable, but by the third decision, I’m starting to see a pattern. The book is going to be one of those typical hero saving, all round smart guy and good will triumph evil story plot. Which is starting to get boring. Really.

And some of the scenes are simply unbelievable. You seriously would believe that the protagonist can really calmly deal with all deaths occurring around him? The death of his only friend, perhaps even more. Alright, to be fair over here, the reaction to the betrayal of his friend was understandable, but to pack away the body of his friend like getting rid of some trash is too far-fetched.

I could go on with these absurdities. In fact, I shall. The pairing of the murderers was a stroke of genius, but I believed Koontz must have sprained his back when he is trying to twist the story plot. I mean, how on earth did they commit a crime in Russia when Vain or Varn or whatever the name is, is supposed to head a famous museum in some back country county? How on earth did he get away?

And the coma the protagonist’s girlfriend fall into, what is it? Lucid dreaming? Up to now, I never really heard of someone who is in coma but still able to talk and dream. People who bang their heads against the car, for whatever reason, tend to lie still and do nothing, much less a patient who was supposedly suffered from some chemical poisoning. But the mutterings of certain lines from storybooks and “she lives in the world of Dickinson” was masterly done though.

However, the ending was overly done for my taste. It seems to fall too neatly into place. The ending seems placid for a novel that was supposed to be a thriller and it was wrapped up in such a manner that I can’t help but wonder if Dean Koontz is a firm believer of “and they live happily ever after”…

Rating: For a thriller book, this doesn’t really kept me at the edge of my seat. I think I’ll go only as high as 3.5 / 5.0.

Title: For One More Day Author: Mitch Albom Genre: Literature / Self-Enrichment Summary: As a child, Charley Benetto was told by his father, ‘You can be a mama’s boy or a daddy’s boy, but you can’t be both.’ So he chooses his father, only to see him disappear when Charley is on the verge of adolescence. Decades later, Charley is a broken man. His life has been destroyed by alcohol and regret. He loses his job. He leaves his family. He hits rock bottom after discovering he won’t be invited to his only daughter’s wedding. And he decides to take

his own life.

Charley makes a midnight ride to his small hometown: his final journey. But as he staggers into his old house, he makes an astonishing discovery. His mother - who died eight years earlier - is there, and welcomes Charley home as if nothing had ever happened.

What follows is the one seemingly ordinary day so many of us yearn for: a chance to make good with a lost parent, to explain the family secrets and to seek forgiveness. Somewhere between this life and the next, Charley learns the astonishing things he never knew about his mother and her sacrifices. And he tries, with her tender guidance, to put the crumble pieces of his life back together.

Review: What can I say? Albom writes some of the most heartwarming stories that can touch many’s heart and leaves a print behind. This can be asseverate by many who has patiently journeyed through Tuesdays With Morrie and Five People You Meet In Heaven. And as usual, he writes a simple and beautiful story of a broken man, and how we will always be a mother’s son or daughter, no matter how grown up we are, how successful or disillusioned. In short, it is paying a homage to all mothers around the world.

Like his other books, Albom jumps straight into the story and introduce Chick Benetto through the whole story, allowing us to delve deeper into his life and mind with the creative notes from his memories “Times My Mother Stood Up For Me” and “Times I Did Not Stood Up For My Mother”. In retrospect, even the introduction had double edged meaning when the journalist wrote a sentence: “Have you ever lost someone you love and wanted one more conversation, one more chance to make up for the time when you thought they would be here forever?” and poses a question “What if you got it back?”. In a way, this subtle message struck me across deep, as you will only realised what the journalist truly meant when you got to the end.

I particularly like the short excerpts inserted in between chapters, revealing those days which makes Chick ashamed and those days which makes us question the hostility we have towards our mothers’ seemingly overzealous love. There are times where I cheered for the joyous memories and times where I got perturbed by Chick’s hostility towards his mother’s love. It will strike a chord in many people, because unknowingly, we have done that at some point of time.

A nostalgic trip back to childhood days, it is a heart rendering and endearing story which makes us realise those uncountable and untold sacrifices that our parents made and probably for some, still making. Coming from a healthy traditional oriental family, this story isn’t just about mother’s love and children’s indifference to it. It is about that unspoken special bond between parents and children.

Rating: A whooping 4.5 / 5.0 for such a moving piece of story that pays homage to all the mothers in the world.

Title: Tuesdays With Morrie Author: Mitch Albom Genre: Non-Fiction / Literature / Self-Enrichment Summary: Maybe it was a grandparent, a teacher or a colleague. Someone older, patient and wise, who understood you when you were young and impassioned, helped you see the world as a more profound place, and gave you sound advice to guide your way through it. For Mitch Albom, it was Morrie Schwartz, the college professor who taught him nearly twenty years ago. Perhaps, like Mitch, you lost track of this mentor as

the years passed, the insights faded, and the world seemed colder. Wouldn’t you like to see that person again, to ask the bigger questions that still haunt you, and receive wisdom for your busy life the way you once did when you were younger?

Mitch Albom got that second chance, rediscovering Morrie in the last months of the older man’s life. Their rekindled relationship turned into one final ‘class’: lessons in how to live. Tuesdays With Morrie is a magical chronicle of their time together.

Review: I can’t resist. I think I have fallen in love with Mitch Albom. Or at least with his writing. So I decided to accompany him through a heart breaking cancer fight with his teacher, after going to heaven with him. In retrospect, I supposed it was the other way round. But then again, I always read books the opposite order. First, it was “Da Vinci Code” then “Angels and Demons”. Next, “Eldest” followed by “”Eragon”. Now, this. I think the only series I have read in correct order is “The Belgariad” and “The Mallorean”. No, “Lord Of The Rings” doesn’t count. It’s a single volume by itself.

Anyway, the opening is just about any other opening, unlike his second book. A short introduction of himself, how he lost himself and how he fails to see until that fateful day. Then, another short introduction of his mentor, how they met, how they lost contact and how they met again. Then, the real fun begans. Oh, don’t worry, this is not a roller coaster ride. It’s an earnest, simple and touching story.

This is the charm of Mitch Albom’s books. They are all simple, straight forward and resonates closely to general population’s thinkings. Some things he puts across are things which we have taken for granted but fails to see. Then, there are theories which he doesn’t argue but written down in a thoughtful manner, instead of all the “You must buy my theory” tactics employed by quite a number of self enrichment books. These kind of books, those that discusses rather than enforces theory are getting scarcer. I can only name Joe Caruso and Lynne Truss offhand. And David and Leigh Eddings, although theirs are more of story-telling and you need some disection skills of a surgeon to appreciate their work.

All I can say is that, the lessons are enlightening and inspirational, although it was littered by all those annoying flashbacks, which I don’t think serve any purposes. Other than lengthening the book. You should be able to finish the book in an hours’ time. If not, it should at least give you a sore ass and a thirst enough to drink Nile River.

Rating: I could give it better rating but maybe I haven’t learn how to appreciate this book, so 3.5 / 5.0

Title: Digital Fortress Author: Dan Brown Genre: Literature / Action & Adventure / Sci-Fic Summary: When the National Security Agency’s invincible code-breaking machine encounters a mysterious code it cannot break, the agency calls in its head cryptographer, Susan Fletcher, a brilliant, beautiful mathematician. What she uncovers sends shock waves through the corridors of power. The NSA is being held hostage - not by guns or bombs, but by a code so complex that if released would cripple U.S. intelligence.

Caught in an accelerating tempest of secrecy and lies, Fletcher battles to save the agency she believes in. Betrayed on all sides, she finds herself fighting not only for her country but for her life, and in the end, for the life of the man she loves…

Review: I should be reviewing “Five People You Meet In Heaven”, but I loaned it out to Jeremy. Which, up to date, he has yet to read. Remind to slaughter him when I return to camp tonight…But in any case, first book first.

The prologue of the book was quite interesting, propelling you into the story almost immediately and before you know it, the mystery is in front of you. The pace was quite well set, instead of swerving you through all the mystery, it slowed down almost immediately after it’s prologue, settling you into a comfortable pace with the usual introduction of characters.

The idea of NSA and all the technologies they hold is grand. And for once, the prehistoric jungle man which is yours truly, was actually not lost in the ideas of all the technologies Brown was introducing. Even the acroynms sound cool and mysterious, giving you the atmosphere.

The plot was full of twists and unexpected turns, giving even yoga masters a run for their money. You will definitely have wrong perception of certain characters in the book, which is what Brown intended. If you think you enjoy a roller coaster ride, this book is good for you, ‘cos the pace is right and it brings your world upside down.

However, the failings it has is the ending doesn’t really achieve the impact it is supposed to deliver. Instead, it seems to hover uncertainly between melodrama and the action packed scenes. If he had stopped the melodrama of all the uncertainty, perhaps the ending would be more impactful.

Rating: It was a fun read with all those action packed scenes, codes and unexpected twists in plot. I give this book 4.0 / 5.0

Title: The High Lord Series: The Black Magician Trilogy Author: Trudi Canavan Genre: Literature / Fantasy / Point Romance Summary: In the city of Imardin, where magic and power walk hand-in-hand, a young street girl, adopted by the Magicians’ Guild, finds herself at the centre of a terrible plot that may destroy the entire world… Sonea has learned much at the Magicians’ Guild and the other novices now treat her with a grudging respect. But she cannot forget what she witnessed

in the High Lord Akkarin’s underground chamber - or his warning that the realm’s ancient enemy is growing in power once more.

As Akkarin reveals more of his knowledge, Sonea does not know who to believe, or what she most fears. Could the truth really be as terrifying as the High Lord claims? Does an ancient power threaten them all? Or does the guild face a threat from a much closer source?

Review: Of course there’s an ending to the trilogy. If not, we wouldn’t be here reviewing the book. It’s just that, I’m lazy but today happens to be free for me, so I thought now is as good as any other time. Although “now” is supposed to be about three to four months ago. How time flies. On with the review, shall we?

The starting was somewhat like your mundane, expected starting of some thriller series, except with characters that you have already known. Instead of continuing from where she left off, Canavan chose to work from a new time frame, which is about a year later. It was a smart move, considering, instead of slogging us through one whole year of happenings, that she is about to do a selective telling of the story. It made the whole book more interesting, because while it still stick to the general plot, there are still twists and turns in the story which will made you glued to it.

After settling the usual business of making links to the past two books, introduction of certain new characters, the book picks up speed - about 50 to 60 km/h - and went on with all the twisting and turning that all books do. That explains the comfortable average speed at which Canavan is going. There are certain predictable events, although the ending to them might not be expected.

And finally, Canavan reveals to us what black magic is really about, while at the same time, the illustrating the Guild’s past and the unmasking of ancient foes. Or rather, their ignorance and naive beliefs of their ancient foes. The revealing of frustration levels in each character was also masterly timed, although it can certainly be a little draggy in certain parts.

The book’s pace gets faster and faster and towards the end, it starts to mount a telling on a grand scale. Think of something like Lord Of The Rings. There is a common goal, but there are many small revolution going on. But Canavan managed to keep it tightly managed and infused as much emotion as necessary.

Towards the end, the deaths of certain main characters might seem unnecessary and even cruel, but on a bigger picture, serves their purpose. The ending was oddly fitting, although there are certain things which still need explanation, and Canavan failed to provide it. I would not be surprised if Canvan is actually planning a sequel trilogy or something like that, although using Sonea as the main character is a highly no-no. Her part is over, so if Canavan really plans a sequel, I would like to see someone else in action.

Rating: It was a fun read, but in retrospect, I would not slog through it again if given the choice. It’s one of those books which you read it once and get it over and done with. I give this book 3.5 / 5.0

Title: The Novice Series: The Black Magician Trilogy Author: Trudi Canavan Genre: Fantasy / Point Thriller / Point Romance Summary: Sonea knew the other novices in the Magicians’ Guild all came from noble families and that, as a former slum-dweller, she could expect to be treated as an outsider, but she little realised the level of animosity she would face from her fellow students. The sons and daughters of the most power families in the realm, her classmates seem determined to

see her fail - even if they have to engineer her failure themselves. Dannyl and Rothen offer Sonea what help they can, but when someone starts spreading malicious rumours about her, Akkarin, The High Lord, steps in to put a stop to it.

But Sonea may soon wish she was still enduring the taunts of her peers, for in accepting the protection of the guild’s high lord she may have embraced a far bleaker fate. It seems that Akkarin harbours a secret that is far darker than his magician’s robes. Taken into his confidence, Sonea must keep the truth hidden. But by doing so, is she showing loyalty to the head of her guild, or making the worst mistake of her life?

Review: The very first thing that actually came to my mind is “What is Rowlings doing in this book?”… For a moment, it seems as if I’m reading the combination of “The Philosopher’s Stone” and “The Chamber of Secrets”… The similarity is simply too startling for me to dismiss it as coincidence. It’s almost like comparing between a bottom-nosed dolphin and a pink dolphin. Erm…Let’s try this again. It’s almost like comparing between two rocks. The differences are there but you simply could not help but notice the similarity. And…I’m getting no where with the comparison, am I?

Anway, my point is that, discrimination always seems to be part of the norm in books involving someone different - stronger, quiet, different backgrounds or race - but no one could have done it as outrageously as Canavan did. She seems to bring it a little to the extreme. And on top on that, she began to add on different plots and actions taken by different members of the supporting characters, slowly making it more and more confusing, as well as sinister.

No one would have thought of the sudden change of event involving the High Lord, Rothen, Lorlen and Sonea, and least of all, the sudden blooming relationship between Dannyl and Tayend. The introduction of the subject on homosexual was, in a weird sense, timely and explores existing ideas presented in another format involving homosexual.

But what interests me more was that this book explores possibilities about magic where no one else has went before. Or if they did, not as deep and well rounded as Canavan did. But instead of presenting all of this in a boring manner of regurgitation from some character or flat narration from historic view, Canavan chose to present it through speculation between elders, experimentations from different sorts of characters in the book and lessons which they have to attend. And despite all these, there are still room for more discussion about certain aspect of magic.

Rating: All in all, I would say that this work is somewhat monotonous but yet, on the whole, it is very coherant and well-rounded. And some of the ideas presented are somewhat refreshing. I give this book 3.5 / 5.0

Title: Dragon Rider Author: Cornelia Funke Genre: Point-Fantasy / Action And Adventure Summary: Firedrake, a brave young dragon, his loyal brownie friend Sorrel and a lonely boy called Ben are united as if by destiny. Together, they embark on a magical journey to find the legendary place where silver dragons can live in peace for ever. With only a curious map and the whispered memories of an old

dragon to guide them, they fly across moonlit lands and seas to reach the highest mountains in the world.

Along the way, they discover extraordinary new friends in the unlikely places and a courage they never knew they had. Just as well, for the greatest enemy of all is never far behind them - a heartless monster from the past who’s been waiting a very long time to destroy the last of dragons on earth.

Review: First of all, there is something I want to clarify before I review this. The horrible grammar is not my mistake. I typed everything exactly from the blurb, right down to the letter. Second of all, this is written by a German author, so the translation might not be accurate. Lastly, this book is primarily written for kids under 13 years old, or adults who wish to rediscover the lands of imagination again. Before you ask “Why are you reviewing a kiddie’s book?”, think why “Harry Potter” series is so popular…

Now, putting those aside, this is a decent read. The author kept it simple and did not do any flowery stunts. The simple writing is charming and sincere, as opposed to J.K. Rowlings’ style. The plot might not be as complex and long planned like “Harry Potter”, but it is enough to satisfy. And it is obvious Funke gave it her all when she created her creatures of fascination. She didn’t just give them abilities and powers, but also personalities and growth and kept it constant throughout the book, something which Rowlings seemed to have lost during her course of journey to see Harry through the years of Hogwarts.

All in all, what I can say is that, don’t glance over this simple book, because it holds a lot for something that is meant to be read by kids. The strong but subtle message of “Courage and friendship overcomes all” is clear, whether intended by the author or not. The ending would have also made it a perfect read over holidays, especially Christmas.

Rating: For once, I agree with the quote given by “Guardian” - A warm-hearted dream of a book. 3.5 out of 5.0 for this fabulous book.

Title: The Redemption Of Althalus Author: David and Leigh Eddings Genre: Fantasy / Action And Adventure Summary: Althalus, burglar, armed robber, is paid to steal a book by a sinister stranger named Ghend. Althalus sets off to the House at the End of the World where the book is kept. There, in the same room as the book Ghend described, he finds a talking cat. What he can’t find when he turns around is the door by which he entered. By the time he sets out again, Althalus can read.

He’s read the book and discovered that the evil god Daeva is trying to unmake the world. The cat, whom Althalus calls Emerald, is in fact the god’s sister, and she needs Althalus to prevent Daeva from returning them all to primordial chaos. Althalus will teach her what she needs to know, which is how to lie, cheat and steal - “Whatever works,” Emerald reflects.

Althalus is the first and foremost of a band of colorful helpers who will battle Daeva and his bizarre, deadly minions. The existence of the world hangs in the balance in this glorious epic fantasy.

Review: At first look, it is “The No. 1 Bestseller” and it is written by one of my favorite fantasy authors. Take a closer look. Like I always said, the blurb always like to exaggerate things just a trifle little, although David and Leigh did not overdo it like other books. Sure, since the huge success of “The Belgariad”, “The Mallorean” and the encore spin-off of “Belgarath The Sorcerer” and “Polgara The Sorceress”, almost everyone - me myself included - have breathlessly awaited for their next epic journey. This one, however, is one that would greatly let someone down if he had read the above mentioned series.

To put it nicely across, the quick, flawless and humorous style that made D&L distinct can be found throughout this whole book and it could be “comparable” to “The Belgariad” and “The Mallorean”. To be, as what D&L likes to say, a trifle blunt, “The Redemption Of Althalus” seems to be a somewhat cheapskate and watered down version of their famous epic adventure, with ideas rehashed and written down.

If “The Belgariad” and “The Mallorean” is the front of the television, then this book must be the back of it. The popular series was full of promise, color, moving constantly and full of surprises, but this book seems to be somewhat a little dull. It looked somewhat familiar, with the ideas of two series resounding in your head, but yet it is somewhat alien and perhaps, a little exotic for my taste.

If you have read “The Belgariad” and “The Mallorean”, you might not want to read this book, because you might end up comparing instead of immersing yourself in the story and enjoy it. The plot and ideas are so similar that one cannot brush it off as pure coincidence, neither can one help but draw parallels between this two fantasy realms. I was almost half expecting Belgarath or Polgara (or Poledra, as the matter of fact) themselves to appear in this story. While you would not find them in here, you can almost find their personality in the roguish Althalus and motherly (Polgara) but playful (Poledra) Emerald respectively.

The style of this book is always written in somewhat jerky manner, so reading it might not be easy if you are not used to abrupt scene breaks. The transitions are somewhat coarse and unpolished, leaving you a little sore and disorientated about what actually happened. It might actually helped a bit if more planning is involved, but I have a feeling that D&L seems to have that “just get it over and done with” attitude towards this book.

There are ideas in this book which are somewhat unique, regarding time and distance themselves, which D&L did not explore in their other two popular series. Budding fantasy writers might want to just read this book as a source for inspiration or to put things in another perspective.

This book, as I mentioned earlier, also retain some of the sarcastic humor which is so unique that no one has successfully duplicate. Not even our young fantasy genuis writer Christopher Paolini (read his series and you can detect traces of Tolkien and D&L and many other exotic fantasy writers’ style), despite the success of his “Inheritance” trilogy.

Did I also mention that they create some of the most beautiful fantasy names in their stories? However, if you ask me, I would recommend you to read “The Belgariad” or “The Mallorean” instead, or rather read this book first before reading the other two series.

Rating: It is nice enough, I suppose, but it does not really live up to my expectations, neither did it manage to arouse my interest. The moving plot, that as well as D&L’s unique writing style, is what that kept me reading. I’ll give this book 3.5 / 5.0.