Ranger's Apprentice #1: The Ruins of Gorlan ~ John Flanagan

In Araluen, the Rangers are regarded as strange men, keeping to the shadows and silently going about their duties to the king. People say the Rangers have uncanny powers to become invisible.

For fifteen year old orphan Will, invisibility would be a wonderful power to hold. As well as becoming an apprentice in the Battle school to become the elite knights of the king. But his size, rank, and even his name stand in the way. The only thing Will holds is the skills of a ranger.

Left without a future, Will must rely on his courage, skills, and good character in order to become the great man he wishes to be like; the brave knight his father was.

Unknown to Will, a Ranger is watching him with interest, and a plan. His life is about to change forever.

With the eminent threat of the dark Lord Morgarath and his menagerie of terrifying beasts threatening his kingdom, Will's lot in life must soon be chosen. And he must learn his trade well. For the battle of Araluen is about to begin.

This book was wonderful in upholding many biblical morals, and the young men in the book are expected to cultivate good character and manliness. These adventures make the boys grow up quickly and become responsible. It was refreshing to see that expected in a fifteen year old. Young boys I think will be encouraged and can relate to Will.

Indecency: One kiss exchanged.
Violence: Moderate, though mostly in fighting with enemies. Some bullying occurs.
Language: 3 uses of d**n, one exclamation of "Good God in Heaven"!
Age Interest: 13-18

The Westing Game ~ Ellen Raskin

Sixteen people. All strangers. Living in one apartment building. And coincidentally, all heirs of the late Samuel W. Westing gathered as one to listen to his last will and testament. But it's not as simple as everyone getting their equal share. They must play a game for it. Broken into pairs, the eight team members must work against each other and time in order to solve the mystery of who murdered Sam Westing and win the ultimate inheritance-$200 million dollars!

Each clue is linked to lyrics of a world famous song, which in the end tells the sad fate of beloved Westing. What starts out to be an average fiction tale, ensues into mind blowing mysteries. Join the occupants of Sunset Towers to solve the mystery!

Despite its cheesy appearance (but hey, we shouldn't judge a book by its cover, right?) I enjoyed this intriguing mystery akin to the works of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.

Indecency: Two married couples are split into separate teams, causing some tension and awkward behavior at times.
Other:  Relationships are strained between a daughter and mother.
Violence: Talk of the murder, poisoning, bombing occurs. Nothing gory.
Language: None
Age Interest: 14-18

Guest Review: Agatha Christie's Mysteries

As the most beloved mystery writers of all time, Agatha Christie holds a special place of her own

in the history of literature. Her works appear on bookshelves all across the country. Other works of fiction and non-fiction are peppered with references to Miss Marple and Hercule Poirot

(fictional heroes created by Christie). Her stories intregue the minds of all ages and walks of life.

Long time Sherlock Holmes readers find reading material of equal worth in the pages of

Christie's novels. Still other readers who hesitate on the brink of the pool of British literature find themselves happily entangled in the lives of Christie's famous characters.

As one of the most prolific writers of all times, Christie's books are full of geniuses including the

great Hercule Poirot with his egg shaped head, the observant Miss Marple with her unequaled

eye of observation, and the witty husband and wife team of Tommy and Tuppence. Each of these detectives takes a turn in the spotlight as they solve all types of dastardly crimes.

Agatha Christie is not for the faint of heart. With a few rare exceptions, her novels are full of

danger and mystery. Murder and bloodshed hold the reader entranced as the detective races time against overwhelming odds.

Christie weaves her many elements of humor, suspense, and

unforgeteble characters to tell her famous stories. She is known for long and thrilling novels

(such as Murder on the Orient Express and Then There Were None), her suspenseful short stories ( Yellow Iris), and her thrilling short stage plays (The mousetrap - the longest running play in history).

With such a large cast of wonderful characters and a huge library of literary works, Agatha

Christie deserves special recognition as one of the most loved authors of all times.

Review by Jessica Pritchett of Plant and Pillars & Living Books