Bod is an unusual boy who inhabits an unusual place—he’s the only living resident of a graveyard. Raised from infancy by the ghosts, werewolves, and other cemetery denizens, Bod has learned the antiquated customs of his guardians’ time as well as their ghostly teachings—such as the ability to Fade so mere mortals cannot see him. …
Book Review and Writing Lessons: The Graveyard Book by Neil Gaiman Read More »
Snow and Rose didn’t know they were in a fairy tale. People never do. . . . Once, they lived in a big house with spectacular gardens and an army of servants. Once, they had a father and mother who loved them more than the sun and moon. But that was before their father disappeared …
Book Review and Writing Lessons: Snow and Rose by Emily Winfield Martin Read More »
Like many millennials I was traumatized by the original Dark Crystal movie as a child–like a cried–a lot. So it took a lot of convincing to get me to watch this prequel series but my darling friend Cadi did and I’m pleasantly surprised to say I really enjoyed it. I’ve always been a fan of …
Writing Lessons from TV Shows: The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance Read More »
Set on the desert planet Arrakis, Dune is the story of the boy Paul Atreides, heir to a noble family tasked with ruling an inhospitable world where the only thing of value is the “spice” melange, a drug capable of extending life and enhancing consciousness. Coveted across the known universe, melange is a prize worth …
Book Review and Writing Lessons: Dune by Frank Herbert Read More »
Sophie has the great misfortune of being the eldest of three daughters, destined to fail miserably should she ever leave home to seek her fate. But when she unwittingly attracts the ire of the Witch of the Waste, Sophie finds herself under a horrid spell that transforms her into an old lady. Her only chance …
Book Review and Writing Lessons: Howl’s Moving Castle by Diana Wynn Jones Read More »
Though the Greek and Roman crewmembers of the Argo II have made progress in their many quests, they still seem no closer to defeating the earth mother, Gaea. Her giants have risen—all of them, and they’re stronger than ever. They must be stopped before the Feast of Spes, when Gaea plans to have two demigods …
Book Review and Writing Lessons: The Blood of Olympus by Rick Riordan Read More »
Locked behind bars for three years, Shadow did his time, quietly waiting for the magic day when he could return to Eagle Point, Indiana. A man no longer scared of what tomorrow might bring, all he wanted was to be with Laura, the wife he deeply loved, and start a new life. But just days …
Book Review and Writing Lessons: American Gods by Neil Gaiman Read More »
It’s been seven months since all the adults disappeared. Gone. It happens in one night. A girl who died now walks among the living; Zil and the Human Crew set fire to Perdido Beach, and amid the flames and smoke, Sam sees the figure of the boy he fears the most: Drake. But Drake is …
Book Review and Writing Lessons: Lies by Michael Grant Read More »
Last seen flying through the sky in a giant elevator in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Charlie Bucket’s back for another adventure. When the giant elevator picks up speed, Charlie, Willy Wonka, and the gang are sent hurtling through space and time. Visiting the world’’ first space hotel, battling the dreaded Vermicious Knids, and saving …
Book Review and Writing Lessons: Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator by Roald Dahl Read More »
At the conclusion of The Mark of Athena, Annabeth and Percy tumble into a pit leading straight to the Underworld. The other five demigods have to put aside their grief and follow Percy’s instructions to find the mortal side of the Doors of Death. If they can fight their way through the Gaea’s forces, …
Book Review and Writing Lessons: The House of Hades by Rick Riordan Read More »
