Book Review: His Majesty's Dragon

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His Majesty's Dragon book jacket
Title of Book
Author
Novik, Naomi
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

His Majesty's Dragon follows British Navy Captain William Laurence after he captures a dragon egg from a French ship. This book takes place during the Napoleonic wars, and instead of airplanes European air forces use dragons. Laurence must leave his comfortable life behind when he is required to become the dragon's master. Laurence befriends the dragon (named Temeraire) and together the two learn how to fight alongside other dragon's and their riders against France.

I found this book very enjoyable. The characters, the plot, the writing style, and of course the dragons made me enjoy the story as I was reading it. However, it had a slower pacing compared to other books I read which sometimes made it hard for me to pick up the book. I also found the descriptions of how the dragons are ridden into battle confusing, and I wish the author had used a more clear explanation.

If you are a fan of historical fiction and fantasy, I think this is a great mix of both genres. It is slow at times but still an interesting read, which is why I rated it 4 stars.

Reviewer's Name
Reagan, Grade 10

The Other Bennet Sister

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A blue background with a portrait of a young woman
Title of Book
Author
Hadlow, Janice
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

Calling all Jane Austen fans! See the world of Pride and Prejudice through the eyes of Mary Bennet, the oft-overlooked, bookish, and socially awkward middle sister. Watch as she steps out of the shadow of her more charming sisters forging her own path as an independent woman. Loved that I could dive back into the Austen world and that Mary Bennett got the story she deserves!

Reviewer's Name
Tatiana

The Signature of All Things

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The Signature of All Things
Author
Gilbert, Elizabeth
Rating
4 stars = Really Good
Review

The magical story of Alma, who sees the world with childlike wonder. Living in a simpler world around the turn of the last century, her fascination and passion for working with moss is a unique backdrop for a tale of a woman's growth, empowerment, and reflection amidst a burgeoning world of scientific advancements and great changes in world philosophies.

Reviewer's Name
Nora

Book Review: The Remains of The Day

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The Remains of The Day Book Jacket
Title of Book
Author
Ishiguro, Kazuo
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

I loved this book! The writing is excellent and it has a very unique storyline. The main character of the novel is Williams, a butler that takes care of a wealthy manor. However, Williams struggles to separate his work and life. While he is very proud of himself and the work he accomplishes, he struggles to obtain things that other humans find joy through such as: hobbies, a lover, a family, etc. I’ve never read a book like this before, and I can see why it’s so well-known and critically acclaimed!

Reviewer's Name
Edda, Grade 12

Book Review: Grenade

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Grenade
Title of Book
Author
Gratz, Alan
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

Hideki is living in Okinawa Japan when America is invading. All he knows is that they are monsters who will try to kill him and his family. All he has is two grenades and the orders to use one on the Americans and the other on himself. Ray is part of the American army, and he has to attack the island of Okinawa on D-day. He is told to try to save the citizens but how easy could that be when she is in the middle of a war?

Grenade by award winning author Alan Gratz is a great look into the grim truths of war. It is an example of how fear and conflict can create a monster of a person. This novel is a historical fiction gem and has amazing philosophical undertones with well thought of characters and a carefully crafted story. This is an amazing book, and a lot of people would enjoy reading it.

Reviewer's Name
Drake
Awards

Book Review: Ground Zero

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Ground Zero
Title of Book
Author
Gratz, Alan
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

Brandon and Reshmina have both been affected by the attacks on 9/11. He was in the north tower elevator when the first one hit. She was born in Afghanistan faced with constant war, now the Americans were inside her country too. Both of them have been hurt by the events on 9/11 but when the bigger picture will eventually arise, they will be tested to think, is revenge the right way to go?

Ground Zero by award winning author Alan Gratz is a masterwork in historical fiction. It has extensive details into the tragedy of 9/11 and the hardship during the war in Afghanistan. It has well-built characters with unique ideas and traits. Ground Zero can get you to reflect on war and revenge and is an amazing book for an assortment of people.

Reviewer's Name
Drake

Book Review: Prisoner B-3087

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Prisoner B-3087
Title of Book
Author
Gratz, Alan
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

The nazi’s are gaining power and are starting their travel through Europe, starting with Poland. In the city of Krakow, Yanek will be plunged into the terrible truths of World War 2 as it unfolds around him. Houses are raided as the nazi party are looking for supplies and Jews are beaten. Yanek will have to persevere through perilous feats to stay alive, he will be mentally challenged in grit and his will to live.

Prisoner B-3087 by award-winning author Alan Gratz is a bone-chilling jewel with a deep look into the past. It is incredibly immersive and intense with great scenes throughout. The book is a great show of history and human brutality and a masterwork in historical fiction. I believe this is an amazing book for a variety of individuals and many people should read it.

Reviewer's Name
Drake
Awards

Book Review: Projekt 1065

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Projekt 1065
Title of Book
Author
Gratz, Alan
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

November 9th, 1938 was nicknamed the night of broken glass, and it was on this day that Michael’s eyes were opened to the horror that was the nazi’s. Shops were destroyed, Jews were beaten, killed, and arrested. Soon Michael discovers that his parents, the ambassadors for the Irish embassy in Berlin, are secretly collecting information for the allies against Germany. With his photographic memory and determination to bring justice to a Hitler ruled Germany, Michael will help with the cause however can even if it means becoming the most convincing nazi youth. He will uncover secrets that the nazi’s are hiding, that only he can prevent.

Projekt 1065 by award winning author Alan Gratz is a masterpiece in writing giving an accurate representation of World War 2. He shows the terrible truths of the time and the way the citizens were brainwashed in a captivating plot and immersive story. With perfect descriptions and thrilling plot twists you will be interested in the book the entire way through. This book is an example of an amazing historical fiction book, and I believe that many people will enjoy this novel.

Reviewer's Name
Drake

Book Review: I Must Betray You

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I Must Betray You
Title of Book
Author
Sepetys, Ruta
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

Christian is living in terrible conditions inside of communist Romania, and as the citizens of surrounding countries revolt for a change of government Christian might house the power to alert everyone not directly involved. Every day he is starving, tired, and paranoid, every Romanian is being watched, and any secrets will be uncovered. Soon his whole world is forced to change when he is pulled out of school and has to make a deal to preserve his family's lives. I Must Betray You by Ruta Sepetys Is a beautifully crafted story with an eye-opening plot. It has unique insights and a variety of interesting characters. Every chapter is equally as impressive with a storyline that keeps you reading. I Must Betray You is an amazing historical fiction book that I recommend to everyone.

Reviewer's Name
Drake

Refugee

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Cover of Refugee by Alan Gratz
Title of Book
Author
Alan Gratz
Rating
5 stars = Bohemian Rhapsody Awesome!
Review

Nazi Germany, 1938, Josef, a Jew, is given the chance to leave on a boat, and it may be his only chance for survival. Cuba, 1994, Isabel must voyage to America on a raft, leaving everything behind. Syria, 2015, when the civil war almost cost Mahmoud his life he has to flee the country. The three children must face many hardships on their treacherous journeys to try and reach salvation. From sharks to bombs it will take every bit of dedication and hope they have. Refugee by Alan Gratz is a masterpiece in historical fiction and a perfect demonstration of the past. The book does a phenomenal job at exploring different perspectives and getting you involved with the characters. This book has great descriptions that easily get you immersed in the story. Refugee is an impeccable novel that everyone should read.

Reviewer's Name
Drake
Genres
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