Children Books

Faye proceeds to tell Diana about Adam and Cassie, twisting the actual truth to suit her needs, making it looks as if the two have carried on an affair behind the coven's and Diana's back. After hearing her "version" of events, Adam tells her to shut up and tells the truth to the coven and Diana; explaining that as far as he knew Cassie was nothing more then an outsider girl that protected him from three witch hunters this summer, even though it got her hurt in the process. Adam thanked her and never expected to see her again after that. Diana says that she's heard enough and the group heads to their homes, Cassie stopping by a neighbor's to check on her mom before heading to Diana's for the night.

At her grandmother's funeral to group meets and recognizes the new form of Black John; it's the new high school principal John Brunswick. Mr. Brunswick makes short work of insuring that the circle can't have free rein of the school anymore and seduces Faye to his side as his assistant. Cassie soon discovers her connection to him, she's John's daughter and he wants her to help him lead the coven in the direction he wants and she also finds out the coven is of his own making, setting himself up as the leader of it.

The coven fights as best it can without Faye and elects Cassie to lead them in her place, since it has become clear where Faye's loyalties lie. As a hurricane that could wipe out the town approaches, John calls to Cassie and the final showdown between good and evil begins.

I first read this book and the two before it as a teenager about a decade ago and still enjoy re-reading them. Through the story the characters change and grow lending an air of conviction and meaning to their actions and their fight. The true "villian" is not Faye, but the same dark force fought by the young coven's parents, with devestating results, the generation before. Cassie, Diana, and Faye come together to fight in the end.

The first time around, I read this trilogy out of order. I picked this book up in a used bookstore when I was about ten, and I loved it so much that I went out and bought the two other books in the trilogy, and every other one that L.J. Smith had written at that point. Eight years later and it's still probably my favorite book by her.

The development of Cassie throughout all three books is fantastic, and so gradual that you almost don't see it until the second or third book, when you suddenly go, "Cassie, my girl! When did you grow a spine?" In the first book she's a mouse, and by the third one she's a heroine in every sense of the word, without being so larger-than-life and perfect that you can't identify her. The development of the other characters is equally fabulous.

As I mentioned in my review for the second book, I absolutely adore the fact that this author can have half a dozen seemingly disparate plots running, then tie them together in a way which is both elegant and believable. In this book, all of the loose ends are tied up: the Master Tools are found, Black John makes his appearance, the murders are solved, and the coven is faced the choice of standing together or falling apart. The final confrontation with the villain is more mystical than violent, and a fitting conclusion to this marvelous series.

The entire trilogy is excellent, but this is without a doubt the best book of the three.

I liked the twist in this book. I really wasn't expecting some of the things that happened, though they may have been right under my nose. I won't say more because I don't want to spoil the book for anyone, but you're going to be surprised.

This book, more than the first two, is very complex. Smith really does an excellent job of playing on many of the central themes of most pagan philosophy. The story is woven around the ideas of balance and sort of yin-yang philosophy. Plus, she obviously did her research on stones and herbs (as with the previous novels). The only complaint I really have is that there isn't a fourth book.

In this conclusion ea. of the characters must really make a choice as to who they want to be. Despite all the characters being sworn into a coven they have never been united. There has always been Faye's gang of wild and reckless witches that like to use their powers to have fun and then Diana's gang of goody-goody brainiacs. Then there's Nick - who's remained quietly reserved about his feelings the whole time.
Now that there is a common evil outside of their group (John Black)they have made a pact to work together to destroy him, with the exception of Faye who is drawn to the power he possesses. Now the time has come. The final battle.
Together the coven must select a permanent leader and figure out a way of stopping John Black and protecting the town of New Salem.
I enjoyed every minute of this book. It was fully of mystery, romance, betrayal, strategic battles, poems, etc. But it really shows what we all experience and must battle (figuratively) while growing up and leaving HS.
I do however have one complaint and what really takes the review down from 5 to 4 stars is Cassie's choice in a mate. The 2nd book hinted at a likeness Nick had for Cassie but he really starts to open himself slowly up to Cassie and it is so sweet because you know how hard it is for Nick to lay openly exposed like that. But Cassie forever stays convicted to this love she has for Adam. I'm totally an advocate for love at first sight, but Adam is just too polite and nice w/o any layers at all. In her third "Dark Visions" book, "The Passion", she has a similar quartet of lovers. Kait and Cassie (the main characters) are very similarly attracted to the nice boy (Rob/Adam) but where "The Passions" ends w/ Kait discovering a true connection of equalness to the "bad boy" Gabriel this book ends w/ Cassie never really feeling any attraction to Nick - only using him as a security blanket while she battled her lust for Adam.
Nick and Cassie have so much in common - personality wise - and I think she could really make him happier and together they'd work so well. Whereas I just see quietness between Adam and Cassie - I think they'll end up just empty.
Despite my dissatisfaction w/ the person Cassie chooses (sorry for giving that away) I strongly reccommend you to read each of the books of this trilogy. They are just incredibly real!!

The Amazon reviews were extremely helpful in selecting this particular editon of Go Dog Go. I wanted the same edition my children (as toddlers) had enjoyed, and without the reviews I may have received an abbreviated, later version.

Go, Dog.Go! by P.D. Eastman, is a great book for young children ages 3-8. it shows children the differences between these comparisons.:big/little, like/dislike, in/out, top/bottom, up/down, over/under, day/night, work/play and different colors. This book is meant for getting children to try to read all by them selves. The vibrant and exciting pictures of different looking dogs will keep young children's attention. This book is a little long for young children's book, it's 64 pages long. I strongly recommend this book for any little kid it's a good one.

This was my 4 girls' favorite book EVER when they were little. I highly recommend it for any and all children out there.

A Seuss-style easy reader just made for dog lovers of all ages. A classic in every sense and a wonderful book to read to little ones just emerging into reading on their own. The colorful illustrations keep your child's attention, along with the dog action! My kids love this book and I recommend it. For the same ages, another colorful easy reader is Ladybug Baby Bug, by Janice and Mark Perkins. I really think you'll enjoy both in your home collection.

I hadn't seen this book for at least 25 years or more, until my mom started reading it to my son (her grandson). I was instantly transported back to my own young childhood, to the point where I remembered pages before turning to them. I remembered where the dogs were going and why they were going fast -- they were going to a dog party, a big dog party!

Our 2.5 year old boy really loves this book, and even more satisfying, I can see it really making him think about language and how to say things. Beyond the little "romance" story line, I personally think the main benefit of this book is that it shows a little one how the English language works.

Think prepositions. If you've ever tried to learn a foreign language or know one, you'll know that prepositions, and how they work are among the most difficult things to master. This book shows how most of them work, for example, "two dogs, in a house, on a boat, in the water," illustrated to demonstrate the meaning.

Our little guy is growing up bilingual (American Dad, Italian Mom), so his speaking is somewhat delayed as he sorts everything out. It was a true joy to hear him the other night say "green up" (well, more like "geen up") and "yellow down" for the page where "the green dog is up, and the yellow dog is down."

So, as the many other reviews have noted, there is so much positive about this book, and I join the others in recommending it very much. Fun, educational, and interesting to look at -- what more could there be in a kids' book?

I purchased this book ahead of time and presented it to my daughter and son-in-law on the night of my granddaughter's birth. It is just a beautiful book with a message so special for any child. I will enjoy reading it to her over and over in the years to come.

I saw this book in Maine and thought i'd wait to get home and order it on Amazon as it was cheaper. I loved the story and how it was put together as my daughter had a beautiful baby girl three months ago and it is her first and last baby and the story just brought me to tears. She has already read it to her a couple times and I know she feels the same way. A very cozy , loving and sweet story for a new baby. I almost bought one for myself. I hope it inspires other Grandparents like it did me.

I bought this book for my grandson's 3rd birthday which is coming up soon.
I'm sure he will love it. I bought a different book for my Granddaughter about the night when she was born. I like this one much better. It is geared more toward the young child.

This book is for any parent who's head over heels in love with their little blessing! The message in this book is great. It reminds your child that they are a beautiful, wonderful, unique gift from God and that there never was and there never will be another child like them.

My son received this as a gift for his 2nd birthday and we both LOVE it! It will be my "go to" book for any baby shower from now on! My son likes pointing out the different animals in the pictures and the loving words always bring a tear to my eye. In fact, I love it so much, I just bought the baby book The Wonder of You by the same author for my 6 month old.

i bought this book for my grand children to tell them just how special they are

This book has the best illustrations I have seen. Me and my 4 year old daughter read this book at least three times a week. She has even memorizd some of the story. This is a must have in any childs library.

I ordered this book as a gift for my 5 year old nephew. He loves this book and reads it at least twice a day. If you have a little buckaroo, he or she will love this adventure.

Wonderful book! Beautifully illustrated, fun story, not scary for a young child. My 4 yr old loved it!

I laugh out loud every time I so much as look at this book! These are some amazing illustrations from David Shannon, and Ms. Long tells a riveting story about a normal soccer-playing boy who up and joins a pirate crew in the most nonchalant manner imaginable. It is funny and wonderfully stereotyping of pirates (not that Disney didn't do enough) while still showing the downsides a young boy who still needs his mom might find. It is hilarious and innocent fun.

Both of my young sons love pirate stories and they took to this one quickly, although the book needed some parental editing.

Two problems:

Jeremy Jacob takes off without telling his parents -- I reinforced with my kids that Jeremy shouldn't leave with the pirates without asking his mother or father.

The author perpetuates an unhealthy attitude towards children eating vegetables, with Jeremy happily announcing that he won't have to eat either spinach or carrots aboard the pirate ship.

One positive:

Jeremy Jacob comes to realize that living like as a pirate means there isn't someone to read him bedtime stories or hold him close when he is scared.

Overall, this is a fun bedtime book but be careful you're not teaching your children bad behaviors and habits along the way.

This is the last in a wonderful series by Robert Stanek. The first three books were really good and I didn't think they would be topped. However, the 4th book is truly the best in the series. It brings closure to the main story arc and answers, and sets up the sequel series, In the Service of Dragons (In the Service of Dragons, Book 1), perfectly.

One thing I must say is by the time I got this book I thought I knew the characters well to predict the ending (how wrong I was). The characters evolved throughout the series and by the end you are surprised in many ways. This book builds on the previous three and is even more adventurous and exciting. I recommend this story to everyone but keep in mind its different than your run-of-the-mill fantasy. Everyone enjoy!

Kingdoms and the Elves #4 is the final book in the first set, and it closes the main story arc of the elves coming to the kingdoms. Another truly excellent read. The best parts are the trios, the dragon king, Vilmos coming into his powers.

Stanek stands with Tolkien and Lewis and his Ruin Mist is the new Narnia. My son loved it, I loved it, and we read it twice! As with Tolkien and Lewis, it is both the invented world and the people that populate it that capture the imagination. Stanek`s characters are fully developed and even minor ones are drawn with detail. The story itself is written in such a way that it is easy reading yet at the same time has the greatest depth. In fact, I think this is a story that must be read several times to appreciate all the nuances. It was only on the second reading that I discovered all the foreshadowed events and all the things that tie together.

What I was surprised to learn is how many readers don`t know the complete story is eight books, not four. Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #4 is the end of the story arc, but not the end of the story. The Kingdoms books are largely about Great Kingdom and the Alder family. The story continues with In the Service of Dragons. The Dragon books are largely the story of the lands beyond Great Kingdom.

Robert Stanek is a very gifted story-teller and he truly saved the best for last. It is in this book, that everything comes together and the whole scope of what is happening becomes clear. An the ending is as good as I expected. The reader gets closure and a promise of what is ahead. If you are new to this series, don`t start here. Start at the beginning with The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales) then read The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales), The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 3) (Keeper Martin's Tales) and The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales).

Don`t miss out on the companion books. Illustrated Encyclopedia of Ruin Mist: The Essential Reader's Guide is excellent as is Keeper Martin's Guide to the Fantastical Beasts and Faerie Peoples of Ruin Mist.

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV
ISBN: 15754550658
Magical ---- Literally!

I became intrigued by the phenomena of Ruin Mist awhile back, and this review is a long time readers perspective. In many respects, I'm probably the last person who would enjoy this book. I'm a cynic by nature, and my reading habits lean more toward more mature series and more literary works. Or at least I should say it used to before I discovered this wonderful series and learned how fun fun reads like this one could be.

As someone who grew up reading C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien, I had a soft spot for a good fantasy tale when I was younger, and tended to read fantasy from time to time. This series however, has made a new fantasy lover out of me. Why?

Robert Stanek has created a delightful world of magic and mystery, with a compelling cast of characters you'll come to love (or hate) almost instantly. He captures the imagination with spare prose that draws his readers in. The concept of a elves and such isn't exactly new, but the ideas of parallel worlds of magic, alternating histories, elves and men as enemies, magic as evil, and more were breathes of fresh air.

There are times early in the series when it is obvious that this is the author's first major work of fiction. His other previous work (as an international bestselling nonfiction author) however, helps him writes tight prose, a balanced amount of detail with a story well-paced and well-plotted.

Overall, this is a very impressive series. Each character in the story as unique and real as their intertwining storylines. Plus, I like to think that some of the wonder and enjoyment I felt reading the pages of the early books came from the sense that the author was also experiencing this world and its characters for the first time while writing them.

The world of Ruin Mist has multiple levels of reality called UnderEarth, MiddleEarth, and OverEarth. UnderEarth is a place without sun, moon or stars. It has bloodred skies and is a dark place where many strange creatures dwell. MiddleEarth is the place of the kingdoms and reaches. It is where men and elves live. OverEarth is place of the skies. It exists above the clouds of the kingdoms and reaches.

The three main storylines provide glimpses into different parts of the world. Vilmos Tabborrath is an unassuming village boy who doesn't want to follow his father's path. He has a dark gift of magic and as magic is considered evil this puts him and his family in grave danger. He tries to hide his gift but one day it slips out when he is surprised by a bear and this is the beginning of the end of his life as a simple village boy.

Vilmos is intriguing becuase he is different from his peer group and mistreated by those around him. He recounts a story of getting beat up by an older boy and the harsh treatment by his father. Children often feel isolated and mistreated, as do adults, therefore most people can relate to this situation.

Adrina Alder is the youngest child of a king. She remains heartbroken over the death of her mother some years ago and longs for change. Her wish for change comes with dark visitors in the night but is not in any way what she hoped it would be.

Adrina is intriguing because she is someon just about anyone can identify with. She feels sad and alone in the world. She's bitter about not being able to do what she wants and longs for adventure. Children often feel sad and lonely, as do adults, therefore most people can relate to this situation too.

Brother Seth of the Red is an elven warrior and sworn queen's protector. He is old in human terms yet at the same time childlike in his ways as he is young for an elf. He doesn't understand what is happening or why he was chosen by Queen Elf to undertake a dangerous journey. His journey takes him to the land of men at a time when men and elves are the bitterest of enemies.

Seth is intruiging because he is so powerful yet so flawed. He is a trained fighting machine. It is all he's known and it is why he knows so little of anything else. He also has the urges of adolescence and finds his first love though he doesn't understand his feelings as he's been isolated from ordinary elves and the lives they live.

Other aspects of the writing itself are:
* The books are unique and readable.
* He takes time to set up the characters, plot, and scenes. He takes care in introducing Vilmos, Seth, and Adrina because of their hardships we know why they act the way they do when they leave their homes.
* He does not talk down to his audience of young adults.
* The same story elements that appeal to a child, appeal to an adult.
* His characters grow, change, and make decisions based on their own motives.
* Life is not simple. People get sick, people die.
* Good and evil exist, as they do in reality, and they have many guises.
* It is easy to read. The text flows naturally, even with strange words and unusual names.
* His creativity and descriptions bring life to the story. He creates mystery and keeps you wanting to know more.

For me, the real test of a book's strength is whether or not I want to read it again. Most books get read once and traded in. I've already read this series three times and have upgraded to the special editions as they've been published. And the best part is that the series gets progressively better with each new volume. As good as book 1 is, book 2 is even better, so if book 3, and book 4 is a real treat.

Younger readers certainly don't need me to point out something they already know, but hopefully this review will help persuade some like me who still cling to the notion that a children's book can't possibly be enjoyable to us adults. Stanek created a marvelous story that has captured readers from all age groups. His writing has been compared to JRR Tolkien, JK Rowling and CS Lewis. He deserves all the success he's achieved. I can't wait to see what he writes next.



Max H.

This incredibly rousing conclusion left me breathless! I started reading this series because my library carries the books on Playaway and it was recommended to me by a librarian as "an entertaining, well-written fantasy story for all ages." I also learned the book was highly recommended by Voya and is something of a pop phenom as it is also mentioned in "Complete Idiots Guide to Elves and Fairies" and "Ancient Art of Fairy Magick".

I listened to the first two books and the audio was so wonderful I decided to buy the entire series. Like the audio, the books are of exceptional quality with its dozens of full-page illustrations and illustrated end notes.

In this fourth book, Robert Stanek doesn't hold anything back. He continues to deliver an incredible story about an imperiled world and those whose destinies are tied to the fate of the world. The story begins with Vilmos in the bizarre underworld. Meanwhile Adrina tries to make her father and her people understand the true meaning of the elves return after their long absence. Emel has his own adventures as he journeys back to the south.

Like the others in the series, this book continues to take the reader to magical destinations spread all across the magical fantasy universe Robert Stanek has created as the backdrop for the stories. I'm amazed at how much the world itself seems like a character and it too becomes a favorite like the characters themslves.

Robert Stanek is an incredibly gifted writer with a true talent for writing believable characters and bringing new worlds to life. He gives enough details to see everything that's going on but not so much to slow the story. The dialogue continues to be excellent as well and it's one of the reasons the story works so well in audio.

I highly recommend The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales) but don't miss the others. You need to start with The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales) and continue to The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales) and The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 3) (Keeper Martin's Tales) to understand the story.

Cassie Blake is the new girl in town. She wouldn't even be here if it wasn't for the fact that her grandmother on her mother's side, was getting on in years, and could really use the help. "Here" is her mother's hometown of New Salem, Mass; a small island off the coast of Mass. The first day of school, Cassie runs afoul of Faye Chamberlain, a girl that lives down the street from her. When it is discovered that Cassie lives on the same street as Faye, it has a curious effect on the student body, instead of being curious as to who she is, they turn away from her, as if they were almost afraid of her. This confuses Cassie to no end; why should where she lives be a big deal?

In the coming weeks Cassie goes from being a social pariah due to Faye and being teased by a few friends of hers, to making friends with Faye's cousin, Diana. Diana is the opposite of Faye. Where Faye is darkness and gloom, Diana is sun and moonlight blended together. Faye terrorizes people into liking her; Diana pulls them in with kindness. As the school year goes on, Cassie slowly becomes a member of the group of kids that live in her neighborhood. After the death of the little sister of two of the boys, Chris and Doug Henderson, Cassie is officially inducted into the group and finds out what they really are.

The group of now twelve teenagers is a coven of witches and are the descendents of another coven that came from Salem, having left right after the witch trials. Cassie makes them a full circle and now their power is complete. That same night Diana's boyfriend Adam comes back and finds that not only was Cassie inducted instead of Chris and Doug's little sister, but that she's the girl that saved him from witch hunters earlier in the summer on Cape Cod. The two remain silent on this little fact and act as if they just met, but there is no denying the fact that there is a strong connection between the two, pulling them together. It is then that Cassie learns that Adam has spent his summer and part of the fall looking for the first coven's Master Tools and he has found one; the crystal skull that belonged to one of the coven's leaders, Black John. Black John was not the nicest person and wanted to use the coven's power for his own gain.

After hearing the coven origins and seeing the skull, Adam brings Cassie home and along the way the two swear a blood oath to not betray each other or Diana with their attraction to one another. Unknown to them, Faye has sent her two kittens to keep an eye on them and now knows that Cassie and Adam like each other and uses this information to black mail Cassie into getting the skull for her; Faye doesn't feel like waiting until the skull is safe to use and wants to use it now.

This is one of the first L.J. Smith books that I read as a teen, I still have my copies and love the whole series, I read it at least once a year, if not twice. It'sone of my favorites and while I know how the story goes, I still take my time in reading it; I like to stay in this universe as long as I can, the story is so wonderful.

I first read these books when I was in 6th grade and every now and then I still reread them and i am 25 now. Even though they are for young adults I have always loved these books and will continue to read them over and over.

I bought this book in a second hand book it is a briellient story and enjoyed reading it very much.

I first read these in high school and now atleast every 2 or 3 years I read them again. This time around (I'm 27 now) when I had the urge to read them I couldn't find them. I really wish they would make them into a movie trilogy! It's just a great read if you love nature and magic and remember being 16 and in highschool. I hope I read this until I am an old grandma and can get lost in time and pretend I am cassie!

I love this trilogy. I've loved it since I was about ten, and I still love it. It has pride of place on my bookshelf, and every now and again, I go back and re-read it.

In this first book, Cassie Blake, a highschool junior, finds herself suddenly uprooted when her mother moves them back to the tiny Massachusetts town of New Salem. They move in with her grandmother, and before long, a girl at Cassie's school has been murdered and Cassie has taken her place in the mysterious 'Club', a group of teenage witches who can trace their lineage all the way back to the days of the Salem witchcraft trials. Add to that is the menacing and beautiful Faye, Cassie's growing attraction to her best friend's boyfriend, and the search for the coven's lost Master Tools, and you have yourself a gripping and fast-paced start to a thrilling young adult trilogy.

That's not to say that the story doesn't have its problems, one of which is the somewhat underdeveloped secondary characters. Even this is excusable, however, given that there are eleven of them in the coven itself, not to mention various relations and townspeople. If nothing else, most of the coven members are clearly defined and given at least a few pages of close attention, such as the bike ride with Deborah in the second novel. Overall, a very satisfactory read, and well worth buying.

I am a clinical psychologist, and I found Sara's Children well worth reading for the personalized insight it provides about the Holocaust. Although this book is poignant and heartrending, it remains well written without going over the top. The five Garfinkel siblings endured far beyond what human beings seem capable of bearing. Out of the war's destruction and nearly complete genocide, this family emerged without bitterness, without anger. That they managed not only to survive but also to rebuild their lives is a triumph of the human spirit.

A touching sad story of brave persecuted peoples caught in the political times and war. It is a story of faith and strength that has a happy ending of freedom with their escape and survival. It is a story that would be a great movie. The message is what happens to all families and groups caught in war and political up heavals still going on today. Ms. Hagstrom has caught and told us of the mood, the times, and emotional moment of the times. History is to be remembered in this book, to avoid being repeated. John Elwell

"Sara's Children" is a compelling story about five siblings who survived the Holocaust. Yet, their immediate family was not untouched: both parents and two other siblings were murdered by the regime.

I read this book after having re-read Viktor Frankl's "Man's Search for Meaning." I followed it by reading "Night" by Elie Weisel. "Sara's Children" tells a story as shocking to the conscience as any narrative.

I can think of any book that portrays in such historical understanding and journalistic flair of what life has been like for these five holocaust survivors siblings.
Sara's Children is not only a compelling biography, it is a revealing personal story about a family caught up in the events for which no one could have prepared them.

I can think of any book that portrays in such historical understanding and journalistic flair of what life has been like for these five holocaust survivors siblings.
Sara's Children is not only a compelling biography, it is a revealing personal story about a family caught up in the events for which no one could have prepared them.

i recommend this book to whoever thinks nothing could happen to them and it can happen at anytime.

This book is funny and sad. It made me want to keep reading to find out what happens next in the story.
Dawn is a 13 year old girl who just started having some tests done to her and when she got the results back the doctor told her she had leukemia a type of cancer kids get. When she found out she had cancer she had to be in the hospital for a while until she reached remission. When she got to her room she found out that she had a roommate named Sandy who also has leukemia. They became very good friends and do everything together. They were with each other when their hair started to fallout. When time pasted Dawn had an infection and had to leave Sandy but she came back weak but good. She found out Sandy was in remission and Dawn got mad. When time came Dawn was in remission too. Dawn was new at this and she wanted to see Sandy again so she took the nurse's offer and went to camp. They got to camp and two guys keep staring at them in a good way and things start to get serious between them. Before they knew it camp was over and they had to go home. Sandy writes a letter to Dawn saying that she is back in the hospital in Mexico. About a week later a telegram came telling Dawn that said "We lost are beloved Sandy yesterday 10A.M she died peacefully-no pain." Dawn started to cry hoping the pain would go away.
I would recommend this book to someone who is 12 or 13 because it is a very powerful book with many sad moments in it.

I liked this book. It was funny and sad. It made me want to keep reading to find out what happened next in the story.
Dawn is 13 and was just tested for cancer. The tests are back and she has leukemia. She has to stay in the hospital until she goes into remission. In the hospital Dawn has a roommate named Sandy. They become best friends and do everything together. The day came and Sandy went into remission. A few days later Dawn went into remission too. Both girls decided to go to cancer came together. They had the time of their life there. Dawn and Sandy met two really cute guys and liked the a lot. Once camp was over Sandy had a relapse.
I would recommend this book to someone who likes to read sad books because the ending is really sad.

Six Months to Live was one of the best books I've ever read.It's about Dawn Rochelle and she's just been dienost with cancer .When she was in the hospitl her roommate Sandy turns out to be her best friend.This book is a real tear jurker.Will Sandy and Dawn survive their cancer?

This is a wonderful book, the whole series is wonderful. If you don't like tear-jerkers then don't read it, or any of them. Together, all of the books work to show an image that many books of this kind leave out. They tell a story.

A great book that relates to everyday life. It makes you think about what's important in life. It's not worth stepping on others to get ahead.

I bought this book to give to a friend. I read it years ago because it was recommended. It holds up well, even now, years later; it makes sense, explaining many things that make little or no sense. It's written as a cartoon-like child's bedtime storybook. As such it plays right to the heart and soul of its intended audience.

Great book and cassette -the title isn't clear in the title (but the product details says paperback/cas) that this ISBN 0809182491 come with the cassette. ISBN:0809117541 is just the paperback.

I'm not good with words, but I'm going to try LOL. This book is so simple, but powerful, a story that will never leave you and one we can all identify with. I find it so hopeful and inspiring, a great read when one "is down". Its not a religious book, but definitely has spiritual themes to it IMO. I read this book in High School and am middle aged now and still adore it, one of my favorites. I read it to my 7 and 5 yo girls and they love it too :)

I received a copy of this beautiful book from my best friend in 1975 as I flew off to join the service. All these years later, I still have my copy and have given out innumerable others to my teenage at-risk students, clients and other people I have encountered. It is a heartwarming tale filled with a huge amount of hope for the future. I especially like to present it to students who have just gone through a devastating relationship breakup, reminding them that it is all part of the process which is preparing them to meet their future life partner.

The 3rd book in the Keeper Martin's Tales is a satisfying read, if slightly darker than the previous two. As other reviewers have stated, the story picks up with the aftermath of what has happened in the kingdoms and the arrival of the elves. Stanek weaves an intricate and complex story that will keep you happily turning pages to the end. The advancement in character development is one of the things I loved about the story. The characters have changed and grown from their experiences. Adrina is less and less a girl and more and more a young woman. Vilmos is coming into his own as a wizard. Seth is dealing with his loss. Other characters grow and change too and several exciting new characters are introduced. Highly recommended and there are plenty of thrills to go around.

I loved the first two, and this third one is even better. In this one, Vilmos journeys through more of underearth where me meets Edward the troant. Adrina and Emel return to Imtal. Truly excellent.

Like C. S. Lewis's Narnia this is one story everyone should read at least once in their life. If you are looking for a good read or listen, I don't see how you can go wrong with this one. I started reading this series because my library carries the books on Playaway and it was recommended to me by a librarian as "an entertaining, well-written fantasy story for all ages." I also learned the book was highly recommended by Voya and is something of a pop phenom as it is also mentioned in "Complete Idiots Guide to Elves and Fairies" and "Ancient Art of Fairy Magick".

I listened to the first two books and the audio was so wonderful I decided to buy the entire series. Like the audio, the books are of exceptional quality with its dozens of full-page illustrations and illustrated end notes.

This third book continues the adventures of Vilmos, Adrina, Emel and Seth. In this book, Adrina returns home to Imtal after a long time away. She has a heavy burden and is having a difficult time dealing with what happened. Vilmos and Xith leave the south and begin a new journey that takes them to the mouth of the world and places beyond. Emel journeys north to Imtal with the garrison and worries about what's to come. The turmoil has shattered ancient alliances and the ancient evil is growing stronger.

This is the only series I've ever read where I had so many favorite characters. Robert Stanek is an incredibly gifted writer with a true talent for writing believable characters and bringing new worlds to life. He gives enough details to see everything that's going on but not so much to slow the story. The dialogue continues to be excellent as well and it's one of the reasons the story works so well in audio.

I highly recommend The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches III (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 3) (Keeper Martin's Tales) but don't miss The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 1) (Keeper Martin's Tales). You need to start with the first one to understand the story. I also recommend The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches II (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 2) (Keeper Martin's Tales) and The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches IV (Reader's Choice Edition, Keeper Martin's Tales Book 4) (Keeper Martin's Tales).

Another amazingly written book by Robert Stanek. He is, in my opinion, the best writer. His writing gives you so much detail, you just keep coming back for more. The main characters in the story are Adrina, Vilmos, Seth, Emel and Xith. In this book, they are dealing with shock from the recent battles and the shattering of a long peace. Adrina makes a big decision about her future. Emel returns thinking he has failed. Vilmos continues his wizard training with Xith. The details in the book make you use your imagination. Each book keeps you on the edge of your seat, wanting more and more. It's great for all ages!

My 14 yr. old son is a huge fan of the Kingdoms books and I must admit I am too. Robert Stanek is indeed America's Tolkien, a gifted story-teller with a knack for creating believable worlds and fully-realized characters. Many of the characters become like old friends and even the minor characters truly are interesting and real. The story itself is detailed and rich but Stanek doesn't allow the action to slow, keeping everything moving at a solid pace.

The Kingdoms and the Elves of the Reaches #3 continues where the first two left off. The kingdomers begin to pick up the pieces of their lives after the battles at Quashan and Alderan broke the uneasy peace between the kingdoms. A new force continues to emerge from the shadows even as the evil king and the shapeshifting queen are being dealt with.

Very highly recommended and you'll want to have all four books on hand.