Book Review of Kidnapped by Robert Louis Stevenson

Kidnapped

written by Robert Louis Stevenson
288 pages
originally published in 1886

When the story begins, it finds a young man in Scotland, who is named David Balfour. He is seventeen years old, and he has lost both his parents. David is told to journey to the House of Shaws'this was his late father's wish. The House of Shaws in famous for its wealth. David, who comes from a somewhat poor family, cannot fathom the reason of why he must visit this mansion.

Once he sets foot on his way, he is met by shady strangers, and he never knows which ones to trust. David gets a ride that he didn't expect, and it ends in devastating tragedy. He is caught in a trap of secrets that he doesn't even understand himself, but he must (at all costs) keep quiet about what he knows. Otherwise, his life and his friend Alan Breck's life are at stake. These two new comrades, even when not in agreeable moods, must stick together if they are going to survive their trek through the lowlands and highlands of Scotland.

I'd recommend "Kidnapped" to all ages over 13. During certain parts of the the story, it seemed to be harder to read because of the old English language being used. My copy of the book handily had a word glossary in the back. (and I used it frequently!!)

From the very first page, the story had me locked into it. Set sail with David Balfour, and be prepared for adventure, intrigue, and a surprise or two along the way.

Book Reivew: The Hound of the Baskervilles

The Hound of the Baskervilles, by Sir Aurthur C. Doyle.

This is my favourite Sherlock Holmes adventure so far.  There's a mysterious legend about a wild hound that haunts Baskerville Manor, but no one really believes in it...until Sir Charles is killed, with giant paw prints beside his body.  Young Henry is the heir to Baskerville Manor, but Dr. Mortimer fears for his life and asks Sherlock Holmes and his friend Dr. Watson to help out.   What follows is a chilling adventure on the wild moors of England as Sherlock tries to find this hound and unravel the mystery...without getting killed in the process.

One of the best Sherlock Holmes stories, Doyle has woven a gothic mystery that will leave you guessing until the end.

Recommended for ages 13 and up. 

~Hannah Grace
Ps: I realize I was supposed to post on Friday, but it was very...hectic.  So here it is now.

Book Review Of "Heartless" By Anne Elisabeth Stengl

Heartless is a tale of a Princess.

In the land of Parumvir there lived a princess named Una. The princess had a brother named Felix and a father whose name was Fidel, but her mother was dead. She lived near a wood, called Goldstone Wood, and there she and her brother went to play when they were children. Now she is of age to wed. Una, the princess, wants to marry, but who will have her?

Soon she is offered marriage by the Prince of Farthestshore, Prince Aethelbald. From the moment they meet he seems plain, making him not the most noticeable of suitors. This makes it hard for him when other princes, who are more interesting come to take, or attempt to take, her heart.

When Prince Aethebald comes, Una begins to have strange things happen to her. Her nights have strange dreams, and her hands burn. Prince Aethelbald says he can help her, but Una refuses his aid.

Join Una, prince Felix, king Fidel, and her cat named Monster, as they venture through trials, heartache, and love.

Can anyone stop the Dragon king, the one who seeks Una, before it is too late?

My Review: Heartless is one of the nicest fantasy books I have read. Yes, it is long, but once you get to the end, the pages and pages of reading are about worth the time you spent to find out what will happen to Una, her family, Prince Aethelbald, and her cat.

The story is an allegory. Prince Aethebald, I believe, represents Jesus. As he says when Una is called stubborn about her decision of not accepting him, he says something like "I Am Stedfast." No matter what, he loves Una, even when she is unlovable.

I think this would be a nice gift, Christmas or just to give, for teenage girls. It has a storyline where you can just see the love of Jesus for an ugly soul.

The good LORD willing, I look forward to the next book : Veiled Rose, which sadly is not scheduled to release for months.