Races of Eberron (Dungeons & Dragons d20 3.5 Fantasy Roleplaying Supplement) Review

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(More customer reviews)Despite being part of the "Races of" series, this is an Eberron book, but don't let that stop you from buying it because it does provide information on how to introduce these new races into other settings.
The new Eberron setting introduced several new concepts to D&D, including several new races and this book greatly expands upon them.
The Warforged are basically "fantasy robots", and as a living construct they are very different from the "normal" races of D&D. This chapter expands how this very young race lives day to day, their psychology, culture and rather short history.
Next we have Shifters, they are belived to be children of those infected with Lycanthropy (werewolves). As such, they inherit several bestial traits, and this book adds several new ones based on other types of lycanthropes.
The best chapter IMHO, is Changelings, the descendants of Dopplegangers that had infitrated Eberron in the past. There are three basic types of Changelings, Becomers: who maintain a bunch of alternate identites, Passers: Who try to live their life under one identity and Reality Seekers: Who live openly as a Changeling.
Lastly we have the Kalashtar, a psionic race who are actually two beings in one. If you are a fan of the Soul Knife class from the Expanded Psionic Handbook, you will love all the new feats and prestige classes introduced in this chapter.
My one and only complaint of these chapters is the lack of a "How to fight this race" sidebar. In the Eberron setting, you are not just going to be playing these races, you will be fighting them as well. How do you ID an Chageling in disguise?
The next chapter covers the basic races of D&D, but with as they exist in Eberron. If this book is truely considered part of the "Races of" series, it would have been nice if the new races in those books and the psionic races had been included here as well.
Next we have feats, prestige classes and racial substitution levels, and it does include Psionic & Tactical feats and Psionic substitution levels. The book ends with new spells, artificer infusions and psionic powers as well as magic items crafted for these races.
Overall, a very good book, even the matrerial that might not directly fit your world can be adapted to work quite easily.

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A new D&D sourcebook detailing the major races of the Eberron™ world.Races of Eberron™ provides Dungeons & Dragons® players and Dungeon Masters with an in-depth look at the new races of the Eberron Campaign Setting, including changelings, the kalashtar, shifters, and the warforged. The book includes extensive information on each race, plus new race-related feats, prestige classes, spells, and equipment. In addition, this book highlights the other major races of the Eberron world, including elves, dwarves, halflings, gnomes, half-elves, half-orcs, and drow.AUTHOR BIO: Jesse Decker is a designer for Wizards of the Coast, Inc. whose recent roleplaying game design credits include Races of Stone™ and Unearthed Arcana™. Before joining the RPG R&D team as a designer, Jesse served as Editor-in-Chief of Dragon® Magazine.AUTHOR BIO: Matthew Sernett is the Editor-in-Chief of Dragon Magazine. He has written several roleplaying game books for Green Ronin and Wizards of the Coast, Inc. His recent credits include d20 Menace Manual™.AUTHOR BIO: Keith Baker is the creator and co-author of the Eberron Campaign Setting. A foremost expert on the world of Eberron, he wrote Shadows of the Last War™ and co-authored Sharn: City of Towers™.AUTHOR BIO: Gwendolyn F.M. Kestrel is a managing editor for Wizards of the Coast, Inc. In addition to editing several D&D books, she has co-authored Underdark™ and Planar Handbook™, for Wizards of the Coast, Inc.

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Princess Academy Review

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(More customer reviews)"So what won the Newbery this year?"
"Criss Cross by Lynn Rae Perkins".
"Uh-huh. Is it any good?"
"Yep. It's nice".
"So what else got awards?"
"Well, there was something called Whittington by Alan Armstrong, Show Way by Jacqueline Woodson, Hitler Youth by Susan Campbell Bartoletti, and of course The Princess Academy..."
"The PRINCESS Academy? Oh, ick, yuck, puke!"
"...by Shannon Hale. You've read it?"
"Well...no, not exactly. But how good could anything called The Princess Academy be?"
And that, ladies and gentlemen, is a rough equivalent of several conversations I've had with various people in regards to Shannon Hale's latest little nugget of gold. Say the words "Princess Academy" to the well-read and instantly their faces scrunch up and either the word "ew" or the word "ugh" emits from their lips. Ask them if they've read the book themselves and you'll undoubtedly get a quick shake of the head. It isn't the actual book they don't like. It's the title. I imagine there must have been some long conversations over at Bloomsbury Children's Books when this title was proposed. On the one hand, if you put the word "Princess" in a title you can link it the oh-so profitable "Princess Diaries", Disney "Princess" line, and even the "Royal Diaries" line of books. On the other hand, you're going to lose numerous parents, educators, librarians, masculine readers, and other members of society who take one look at the title and brush it off. I gave the book a long hard look before I plunged into it. This I admit freely. And while I wouldn't go handing it silver medals just for existing, it's certainly an intelligent and well-written little story that's bound to be adored by fans of Hale's previous "The Goose Girl", not to mention Gail Carson Levine's, "Ella Enchanted".
It is a well-known fact that Mira is useless. That is to say, it's well-known to Mira. Every day she wants to go off and work in the quarry with all the other village girls so that she can contribute something to her little mountain village. And every day her father refuses to let her set even one toe near the quarry lines. Short for her age with little to do but speak to her sister Mara and her old childhood friend Peder, fourteen-year-old Mira is mired in her own shame when who should appear in the village but a representative from the king himself. It seems that the prince is in need of a bride. Sounds simple. Unfortunately the royal priests have declared that the woman chosen will have to be from Mira's tiny mining village. Which means, of course, that an academy must be set up for the ladies ASAP. Before any of the girls know it, they've been whisked off to study under the harsh tutelage of one Olana Mansdaughter. Far from her home and her previous assumptions, Mira thrives in an atmosphere of entirely new knowledge. Yet as she grows more self-aware, it becomes perfectly clear to all of the girls that only one of them will earn the prince's favor. And Mira does not entirely want it to fall onto her.
I just read the bookflap of my copy to figure out whether or not the bookflap writer (oh most unrewarding of jobs) had a better grasp on showing you some of the book's subtleties. No such luck. Rereading my own summary, the book sounds kind of cutesy. I despise the term "girl power" to the marrow of my bones, but this is certainly a tale of empowerment, no question. And telepathy. Empowerment and telepathy. We're in fairy tale country here, but aside from the occasional I-can-speak-to-you-through-the-rocks moment, the story is straightforward and sensible. Hale keeps her characters and emotions on a tight reign, never giving away too much or allowing too little. Attentive readers will probably guess at the prince's choice long before Mira does, but for others it will come as a pleasant and well-crafted little surprise. As a heroine, Mira herself undergoes the necessary growth and changes required of her. At the same time, she has a sense of humor. The book doesn't go in for many laugh out loud moments, but at least we're not watching a humorless EARNEST hero in the making.
I'm just waiting for the review of this book that decries it to be a Communist screed (which, obviously, it isn't but Amazon.com reviewers love making that accusation). You see, the girls often work as a whole to beat their enemies when they can't do it singly. They form a kind of insipient princess union so that their professor will lay off the harsh punishments and give them their basic human rights. It works like gangbusters (due in no little way to some fancy negotiating) and is a lovely little lesson in sticking together against a common enemy. The book also shows how a village that is seemingly doing well for itself can still benefit from a good education. In some ways, "The Princess Academy" is so practical in its system of checks and balances that you forget that the places mentioned in this tale don't actually exist. Hale excels at selling you an entirely new reality.
Chalk this book up to a nice little surprise. If you were to grab me by my lapels and demand whether this book should have gotten a Newbery Honor or "Each Little Bird That Sings", I would of course indicate the latter. But since "Little Bird" did NOT win and "Princess Academy" did, don't go scoffing at this book sight unseen. Bad titles aside, Hale has conjured up a nice little story and a worthy addition to any and all library systems.

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The Two Princesses of Bamarre Review

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(More customer reviews)The Two Princesses of Bamarre is about two completely different princesses. The older one, Meryl, is courageous, brave and valiant, always wanting to fight dangerous creatures, such as: Vollys the dragon, specters, monsters, and even ogres! The other one, Addie, is the opposite. She is afraid of everything, starting with spiders, and will not let Meryl leave her side until she is happily wed. One day, the most terrible thing happens. Meryl was sick with the Gray Death, the most feared illness of them all. Many hundreds die of it every year. Addie, inspired by Drualt, her hero, realizes that she must go find the cure, to save her beloved sister and lots of others. Along with the help of her friend Rhys, the young sorcerer and many gifts from Bella and her late mother, she sets out on her quest. She comes across ogres, dragons, specters and many other dangers. Will Addie be able to save her sister? Will she survive? What will become of Rhys? What will become of Meryl? You'll have to read the book to find out! I recommend this book to children ages 9 and up. I rate it five stars because it's the best book in the world!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal (Rowan of Rin) Review

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(More customer reviews)I thought this book was almost as good as the first Rowan story (on the mountain). I liked this story because it had things that happened when I least expected it. It had riddles, which i really like. It gave me a good reason to stay up late! It took me about a week to read. My brother and I both think Rowan is a great series.

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Rowan and the Travelers (Rowan of Rin) Review

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(More customer reviews)I am Rowan Quinain, Jr. I am 8+ years old in third grade.
I read the latest Rowan book for my fiction report at school. Every month, we have to read a book, then do a written report or make a project of the book we read.
My mom suggested, that I read Rowan and the Keeper of the Crystal because she reads the review and she told me that it was a very interesting book.
We had difficulty getting the book through bookstores. My mom was told that it will be available this summer yet.So, my dad went to amazon.com and he was able to order it from amazon.
I like the story because the main character has the same name as me and my dad. Also, the story is about a boy's courage, his love for his mom, and his adventures. Rowan is an intelligent boy, because being a chooser of the Keeper of the Crystal is a difficult task. I also learned team-work among the candidates.

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North Review

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(More customer reviews)Think about how cold it gets in the winter in places like Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. It's so cold there in January that when you walk outside, the liquid in your eyes and nose freezes. Multiply that cold by two or three, add in a few polar bears, and you might start to get an idea of what Alvin is facing as he travels from Washington, D.C. towards Baffin Island in Canada. His goal is to follow the trail of his hero, African-American Arctic explorer Matthew Henson. Alvin doesn't have Henson's knowledge of the dangers of the Arctic, but he does have bravery, brains and a lot of luck.
He is rescued from a near-death experience by an Inuk man and ends up traveling across the Canadian Arctic in a dog sledge, eventually coming to live with a man named Idlouk Tana. Idlouk teaches Alvin how to live in the Arctic, complete with bear-fat cookies! Alvin returns home the following spring with a new sense of independence and appreciation for adventure.
Get ready for a cold, thrilling journey that takes Alvin to places where the sun only shines for an hour a day in the winter and seals are essential to survival. Life in the Arctic is harsh and even deadly, and Donna Jo Napoli makes it come to life with simple imagery that perfectly portrays, in Matthew Henson's words, the "fierce beauty" of the land there.
--- Reviewed by Carlie Webber

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Here's How I See It--Here's How It Is Review

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(More customer reviews)This book is a delightful read for 'tweens and early teens. Junebug is "almost 13" and though she adores her family's summer stock theater, she is feeling a little put upon with her list of chores and wishing (maybe) she could have a bigger part not only in the shows, but also in her parents' affections. It doesn't help that her mother has sort-of moved out and her father is making eyes at his co-star. Did I mention her father has taken on a 12-year-old theater apprentice, and expects Junebug to teach him the ropes?
What I liked best about the book: the clever fantasy/reality set up of the chapters (reflected in the title: HERE'S HOW I SEE IT/HERE'S HOW IT IS.) Junebug, Trace and the parents grapple with real problems in real ways, without being too heavy handed. The "backstage" view of theater life. The way Junebug explains theater terminology to readers who might not be as well versed. Plenty of parts to make you smile. Great (sometimes purposely fractured) lines from plays. And now, Anon, my friends. Pick up this book if you desire some fun.

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Safe-Keeper's Secret Review

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(More customer reviews)As a huge Sharon Shinn fan I felt compelled to pick up 'The Safe-Keeper's Secret'.
Unlike most of her other novels this book is written with a teenage audience in mind. The writing is simplified, and the story is easy to follow. Regardless the book can be enjoyed by anyone.
The setting is a fantasy world where every town has a safe-keeper, and a truth-teller. Furthermore this world also has a dream-maker.
This is the story of a safe-keeper and her two children. The safe-keeper is a person who can hold on to secrets no matter how horrible they may be. One of her children happens to be a secret, the boy was mysteriously dropped off in the middle of the night, and she raises him as her own.
The rest of the book follows the two children, Reed & Fiona. They discover themselves; learn of what they want to be, & that bloodlines don't truly matter. During this period of time they suffer the loss of a loved one. To reveal more of the plot would be to ruin the story.
While this was an overall good novel, I found it somewhat difficult to become attached to some of the characters earlier on. I would therefore recommend the 'Samalia' books or 'Summer at Castle Auburn' if you're looking to try a Sharon Shinn fantasy.

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Firegold Review

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(More customer reviews)If Dia Calhoun continues writing such works as this and "Aria of the Sea," she may become the next Robin McKinley! This book is wonderful, emotional, deep, but all wrapped in simple prose and style.
It centers around Jonathon, a teenage boy who has something that no one else in his native Valley has: blue eyes. Rumors flit about his mother, by the people who live in the valley and suspecy that the young boy is a Dalriada. The Dalriada are viewed as barbarians by the Valley folk, with their horses and astounding powers. They have blue eyes -- and, according to others, they also have horns from their foreheads. The Valley inhabitants fear that, as Jonathon reaches adulthood, he will go insane -- and mysterious welts are rising on his forehead, where horns would be...
These rumors reach their peak when Jonathon's mother dies, and he is accused of bringing a blight down. He must leave his home for his future, among the Dalriada. He will go to the ends of the world and back again, with the Firegold apples that will help him -- and those he loves -- to their destiny.
This book is elevated from a usual coming-of-age novel via Calhoun's beautiful prose and style. Her fantasy world is very similar to ours (a reference is made to a grandfather clock) yet the mythos and mystical experiences are different. It also brings to the forefront the disgusting bigotry and prejudice, without being heavy-handed in the execution.
Jonathon is a wonderful character, growing in strength and complexity as the book progresses. Some of the people who oppose him are a bit too narrow-minded for outright believability, but that is a very small flaw in a very good book.
I advise all admirers of good fiction -- fantasy or otherwise -- to check into this book. (I also advise you to read her second novel, "Aria of the Sea," which I am half done with)

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Girls in Love (Girls Trilogy, Book 1) Review

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(More customer reviews)Jaqueleine Wilson is fantastic. There's never been any question about that in my mind. And I'd also like to note that I'm a staunch believer in children's books not being censored. However, even my liberal mind was a little surprised. Most of the books scenes are fine and what I would expect from this excellent author. A parents death, irritating siblings, worries about the opposite sex are what I would expect for girls aged thirteen (the ages of the three heroines) But a couple of places in the book did surprise me somewhat. When one of the girls, Nadine, meets Liam, all three thirteen yea olds go to a nightclub where they are offered drugs (E's and whizz, in Magda's words) and Nadine even takes some "to relax her" to enable her to sleep with Liam (she doesn't.) I fully realise that, sadly, this is a world many thirteen year olds live in, but by writing about it this implies that it is normal. I do think if Wilson's heroines had been, say, sixteen, I would have been far more happy with it. Had I read this book at thirteen, I do wonder if I would have belived clubbing, sex, drugs and parties to be the morn in my age group. Hopefully not. But possibly some thirteen year old somewhere, might. The main reason WIlson's books are applauded is that they are realistic. I would reccomend any parent giving this book to a child to chat with them first and assure them that what the girls in the story do is not by any means what their peers do.
These scenes aside then, this book is excellent. The girls are realistic and strangely likeable. All in all it is a good story but unlike many of Wilson's other books, that is all it is. I did not pick up on any undercurrents of concern here. Give it t your child by all means and read it yourself - just be prepared for "But in this book.." comments!

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Simeon's Gift Review

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(More customer reviews)The imprint of the 'umbrella' under which this beautiful book was published, "Words, Wisdom and Wonder", fits it all the way. It is a beautiful story, wonderfully told and handsomely illustrated. I'll not retell it here. The editorials have already done that. I would say simply, that Simeon's story belongs in every household that has a child to be enwrapped by it and in any other household that appreciates good things. The book "Simeon's Gift" is definitely one of those 'good things'. I'm a grandmother, with grown grandchildren now...but I got the book for myself and find it a sheer delight to look at and to read. The CD that comes with it is a supersized bonus. Read so clearly and beautifully by Dame Julie and acompanied by lovely and appropriate music, it's a joy to listen to. Thank you Julie! I highly recommend it.

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Ice Review

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(More customer reviews)...
One of the things I liked best about the book was the gradual development of Chrissa's character. Her motives were conflicted, as in real life, but minor triumphs gradually blossomed into real convictions and abilities.
I also enjoyed the boy-girl sub-plot. It is nice to see teens becoming friends before they get involved in a boy-girl relationship.
All in all, this was a very enjoyable book to read.

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Foundling (Monster Blood Tattoo, Book 1) Review

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(More customer reviews)"Monster Blood Tattoo: Foundling" is being pushed by its publishers as a great original: "fantastical without conforming to the generally accepted notions of fantasy" (by which they mean that it isn't peopled by wizards and unicorns living in a vaguely European, mock-medieval setting.) The book certainly achieves this goal, although fantasy readers will probably take offense at the insinuation that the genre has nothing but princesses and dragons to offer. Even if this isn't the first fantasy world you encounter with "tri-corner hats and flintlock pistols", there is no denying Cornish's originality. The Half-Continent is a world at war: humans and monsters have been fighting for centuries. Biotechnology supplies light, engine power and even, in some cases, superhuman powers. Our hero, Rossamund, leaves the protected, if not fully comfortable, world of the orphanage where he was raised to start a career as a lamplighter outside the city walls. Early in his travels he is diverted from his true path and we discover the Half-Continent and its inhabitants through his adventures. The world is rendered with thoughtful and convincing detail, complemented by the author's own illustrations and an extensive set of appendices (the "Explicarium".)
In truth, "Foundling" is more of a first act than a first book: characters are introduced, mysteries are suggested, the scene is set; but the arc is not complete. I, for one, eagerly await, Act II.

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Alyzon Whitestarr Review

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(More customer reviews)Alyzon Whitestarr (2005) is a standalone SF novel. It is probably set in contemporary Australia somewhere along the coastline.
In this novel, Alyzon Whitestarr is the middle kid among five children. Unlike the others, Alyzon has no special attributes.
Zambia Whitestarr is the mother of Alyzon and her siblings. She is an artist, although not wellknown.
Macoll Whitestarr is the father of Alyzon and her siblings. Mac is the lead guitarist for Losing the Rope, a local band.
Jesse Whitestarr is the eldest child. He plays a blues guitar in the bathroom and thinks deep thoughts.
Mirandah is the second child. She plays the saxophone. She loves Ricki, but has frequent lover's spats. Maybe that has something to do with her lack of tact.
Serenity is the fourth child. She plays the cello. Lately she has been telling people to call her Sybl. She has also adopted black as her color, but isn't into goth.
Luke is the baby. He is only a few months old, but has a very calm disposition.
Gilly Roundtree is a classmate of Alyzon. Her mother travels a lot, so she lives with her grandmother.
In this story, Alyzon has an accident. A car hatch closes on her head and she gets a concussion. She also has enhanced perceptions and a bit of synesthesia. She notices that everybody has a consistent scent that differs between individuals. She begins to believe that these scents are indicative of their character.
Some people have rotten scents, literally smelling like garbage or other foul stuff. She first notices such a smell from a Dr. Austin at the hospital. Then she smells such an odor from Harlen Sanderson, a widely admired guy in her school.
She also smells transient scents that seem to indicate various moods. Yet these scents differ among individuals. Her Da has an ammoniac scent when he is upset.
Her doctor tells Alyzon that the stronger perceptions will fade away, but they continue for a long while. Alyzon develops mental tricks to shield her from these strong sensations. Mathematics seems to work the best in reducing these effects.
She finds that she can communicate with animals through scents. Wombat -- the family cat -- begins to have long sessions with her. She also makes strong impressions on other animals.
When Alyzon returns to school, she finds that these scents change her feelings for some persons. Her English teacher -- Mrs. Barker -- smells as great as Alyzon expected and Gilly becomes her best friend. But Alyzon tries her best to avoid Harlen.
Alyzon begins to worry about her sister Serenity. Normally she has a violet scent, but her Sybl persona has a licorice odor. She also sounds paranoid, asking if Alyzon is following her.
This tale introduces Alyzon to friends of Gilly, who become her friends as well. They discover that Serenity is meeting with a poetry group at the library, but this group seems to have gang connections. Alyzon also meets Davey, a sweet man with an unseen companion named Simon.
This story has a scientific rationale behind the enhanced perceptions and the evil scents, but the storyline reads more like a dark fantasy. The disease that causes the sickening scents appears to amplify the Id, the least civilized part of the mind. Then it drives these sick individuals to spread the infection.
Highly recommended for Carmody fans and for anyone else who enjoys tales of strange powers, evil influences, and young heroines.
-Arthur W. Jordin

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Family Therapy: An Overview Review

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(More customer reviews)This is one of the oldest and most classic family therapy text. Many experienced counselors have benefited from previous editions of the book. I read it several years ago, and I am also the co-translator of the Chinese edition of this book (4th ed.). It took us a LOT of time in the translation process. Because the language is full of jargons and the sentences are very long. It's a bit difficult for non-English speaking people. However, it has some good points. First, it has almost everything a biginner needs to know about family therapy. Second, it includes updated information. For example, it now has a single chapter on cultural diversity and ethnicity, which is an important topic in this field. And the popular theories like narrative and solution-focused therapies are also included. One weakness is that many old and less-used approaches occupied much space only for their historical importance. Besides, some information on the chapter of research does not catch up with latest trends. Overall, I think it is suitable for introductory family therapy courses, especially at the undergraduate level. But I think it could have more clinical examples to more clearly depict the theories.

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This current, engaging, and practice-oriented text is your complete resource for mastering the many facets of family therapy. In this Seventh Edition of their respected text, Irene and Herbert Goldenberg examine and explain traditional and evolving viewpoints, perspectives, values, intervention techniques, and goals of family therapy. The authors provide practice-oriented content that will help you become an empathic and effective family therapist. The new edition includes the latest references and contemporary thinking on central issues such as family resiliency, alternative forms of family life today, gender, culture, and ethnic considerations. This edition also contains the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy Code of Ethics-a great reference that will help you understand the importance of ethical practices.

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Ethnicity and Family Therapy, Third Edition Review

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(More customer reviews)I first read this book several years ago. I am a professional computer scientist/applied mathematician, and have no training at all in any social science aside from history, government and anthropology courses taken in college (lo these many years ago). My interest in this book arises from the illumination that its chapters on the English, the Irish, the Italians and the Jews (the main ethnic groups in the town in which I grew up) have given to otherwise inexplicable bits of my life. For example, I could never understand why one of my Yankee friends would go into paroxysms of anger when, after inviting his daughter to Sunday dinner, she would accept, and then call with a (legitimate) excuse on Saturday; or why one of my mother's best friends, a woman of Irish descent, drove me wild for over 40 years with her teasing manner, although she clearly meant very well towards me. The pathways of social and familial relationships passed from generation to generation through the filter of ethnic heritage appears to be remarkably powerful, even in these post-melting-pot days. Read this book with an eye to self-discovery if you don't believe me!

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Missing Magic Review

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(More customer reviews)Eleven-year-old Ned Truso would love to tell you about his ability to float around a room, or turn a person into a frog. But, alas, it's not possible; for Ned lacks all magical ability. While his family is gifted magically, it appears that the magic did not extend to Ned. This, he blames on his father, a farmer who is only slightly magically gifted. Ned wishes more than anything that his cousin, Kelver Truso, was his father. Kelver, one of the most powerful magicians known, vied for his mother's affections for years, but lost her to Ned's un-gifted father. Luckily, that hasn't made Kelver too bitter, and, under the title "Uncle Kelver," he is still a large part of Ned's life. Which is how Ned finds himself being enrolled as a student at Leodwych School. Leodwych School, a place for budding magicians to learn the magic ropes - from history to spells, and everything in between - doesn't come cheap. But, determined to help Ned develop magical abilities of some sort, Kelver shells over a lump some of money, as well as the cash needed to make certain repairs to the school. Ned believes that, with a little help from educated magicians, he'll be able to learn everything he has ever wanted to know about magic. Unfortunately, it is quite evident from day one that magic is, most likely, not going to be a part of his life. Sure, he can read all the books he'd like to about it. And he can sit in on classes with kids his age who can do all sorts of interesting tricks. But it doesn't seem that Ned will ever be able to follow their lead. Sadly, the other Leodwych students seem to know this, for, from day one, Ned is tormented by his classmates. Some work to drag him flying across the room; while others steal his "overpriced" pencils. Ned is absolutely miserable, and loathes his new situation. But, with his parents far away, there's little to nothing that Ned can do, aside from runaway. And, as he loves the food he receives at Mrs. Bolsher's place, he doesn't see running away as an option. Then, just as Ned's books are turned into a pile of heavy bricks, and his hair is turned into an assortment of squirming snakes for the last time, he realizes that enough is enough. And, as much as he doesn't want to disappoint Uncle Kelver, he contemplates escaping the confines of Leodwych School. Then tragedy strikes! Necromancers - magical pirates of a sort - have been kidnapping magical children left and right. When Ned falls into their clutches, he realizes that his lack of magical ability may just earn him a one-way ticket to an untimely demise. But when the Necromancers learn of his odd normal-ness, they decide that he's too bizarre to dispose of, and decide to keep him around. But if Ned and his classmates don't escape from the Necromancers' clutches stat, they may be forced to work for them...forever.
It seems like every book being released for children nowadays is part of the fantasy genre. Luckily, most present new ideas that make each story stand-out from all the others. MISSING MAGIC falls into this category. While many fantasy novels involve a student with heightened magical powers, Emma Laybourn presents a tale about a boy who is missing all magical ability, and must function in a world and environment, where he is surrounded by those who are gifted magically. Ned is a fun character, who appears mischievous, but really has a good head on his shoulders. His lack of magical ability truly makes the reader feel for him, as he is surrounded by those who have the powers to do whatever they please - including torment him at the drop of a hat. It's extremely difficult not to sympathize with Ned as he traverses the school hallways on foot, while others fly; and figure out math equations in his head, while his magical counterparts simply request the answer, and watch it appear. However, as much as Ned appears to be the victim, Laybourn does not allow that title to stick with him, and works to make him a hero to readers, as well as the additional characters found within MISSING MAGIC. Laybourn also strives to mix various components to create a truly original, off-beat fantasy, which definitely leaves the reader curious to learn more. While I have read many fantasy stories, and have encountered the term "Necromancer," Laybourn is the first to present a story of what, exactly, Necromancers are. According to Laybourn, Necromancers are a type of magical pirate, who float among the clouds and stars on a ship rowed by magical children and slaves. I found this inclusion within MISSING MAGIC to be quite interesting, as it mixes fantasy with pirates, and weaves a story that will, ultimately, appeal to readers of all genres. Laybourn proves herself to be fairly adept at creating characters, and bizarre storylines, which make her one to watch in the children's literary world. The only thing missing from this magical new fantasy is a sequel!
Erika Sorocco
Freelance Reviewer

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