Current Update:
Added Maximum Ride series, and age rating.
Here is a list of books I have read and enjoyed, and are now listing for anyone looking for something interesting to read. These are all fiction, mind you, so unless you enjoy the weird and fantasmical, you might want to consider something else.
Or not.
I've rated each book so you can determine for yourself what sort of content it might contain. Based on violence, language (if any), and various other elements that I deem relevant for a rating. You may think otherwise in some cases, but this is how I would rate these books. They are rated similarly to movies.
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1. A Series of Unfortunate Events - by Lemony Snicket
Now, I know this series is very widely known, with a movie and everything, but I'm talking about the books. If you haven't read the series but think you know the story... well, read the series. It's remained one of my favorite series of books for years, and is something I, personally, would consider a modern classic.
My Rating: PG
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2. The Books of Ember - by Jeanne DuPrau
These consist of The City of Ember, The People of Sparks, And The Prophet of Yonwood. The later being a prequel. The story begins in the dying city of Ember. A place with no sky and no natural light. It's about a girl named Lina and her friend Doon who learn the secrets of the city and attempt to save the people living there. I don't know how to explain the next two books without spoiling the ending of the first one, so I'll just leave it at that.
My Rating: G
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3. The Larklight Trilogy - by Philip Reeve
This trilogy consists of Larklight, Starcross, and Mothstorm. I've only read Larklight so far, but I'm looking forward to reading Starcross. (Mothstorm has yet to be released.) Larklight takes place in an alternate victorian era. It's about a boy named Art and his older sister Myrtle who live in a house they call Larklight. A building that floats in space orbiting the moon. When giant six-legged spiders invade, they get thrown into an adventure with pirates and aliens. Traveling the solar system in hopes of putting an end to the invading spiders, and for answers to the many mysteries that surround the universe.
- Mothstorm will be released next October.
My Rating: PG
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4. Airborn & Skybreaker - by Kenneth Oppel
Airborn and Skybreaker are another two of my favorite books. They're about a boy named Matt Cruse who works as a cabin boy on the luxurious commercial airship known as the Aurora. He meets a girl named Kate, and together the two confront pirates and discover some of the many secrets of the sky.
My Rating: PG-13
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5. The Kingdom Keepers - by Ridley Pearson
This book was very interesting. It's like Disney World meets Night at the Museum. It's about a boy named Finn who was one of five kids chosen to be recorded as a new type of holographic tour guide for Disney World's Magic Kingdom. But every time he goes to sleep, he finds himself as his hologram in the middle of Magic Kingdom, where at night, the rides and attractions come to life! And Finn and the other four hologram kids have to save Magic Kingdom from the villains who are loose.
- There's a confirmed sequel set to be released this September.
My Rating: G
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6. His Dark Materials - by Philip Pullman
Now, I am fully aware of the controversy of these books, but that will not be discussed here. I have yet to make a final decision as to how I view the series' deeper matters. I must say that I do not agree with Pullman's view of Christians. (Very biased). I'm probably going to regret adding this trilogy here, but this list is about my favorite books and the stories they hold. Not the authors. The reason I'm adding His Dark Materials to this list is simply that I enjoyed the story. The story starts out with a girl named Lyra who sets off to rescue her kidnapped friend. The trilogy consists of The Golden Compass, The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass. Though I feel I should advise, those of you who are Christians, or Catholic, or the like, should approach these books, as I have, with a cautious and open mind.
My Rating: PG-13
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7. Endymion Spring - by Matthew Skelton
Endymion Spring takes place in two time periods. 1452-53, and the present. When a chapter is taking place in the past, it's written in first person as a mute boy who's name is Endymion Spring. Most of the book however, is about an American kid named Blake who, with his mother and sister, are staying in Oxford for his mother's work. Blake finds a book in one of the old libraries that is entirely blank, but it seems to be alive; occasionally revealing riddles that only he can see.
My Rating: PG
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8. The Chronicles of Narnia - by C.S. Lewis
This series tells the chronicles of the land of Narnia. From it's creation, to it's destruction, these books tell the stories of the children who enter the world of Narnia, and the adventures that they have while there. My personal favorites in this series are definitely The Magician's Nephew, and Voyage of the Dawn Treader. The only thing I didn't like about this series, is the ending in The Last Battle. It gives me mixed feelings of opposing emotions that just makes me feel... something I find very difficult to explain.
My Rating: G
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9. Bridge to Terabithia - by Katherine Paterson
This book is one of my favorites. I first read it when I found out it was going to be a movie, after I saw the trailer. So I expected it to be a Narnia-esque story. Well, this is definitely not a fantasy story, and I was far from prepared for what happened near the end. I took me completely by surprise. Now that it's a movie, I'm sure most of you know what I'm talking about. But if you don't, I suggest you read this book.
My Rating: PG
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10. Artemis Fowl - by Eoin Colfer
I'm not quite sure what I was expecting of these book, but I'm happy with what I've found. I have yet to read the rest of the books in the series, so I'll just summarize the general concept of the story. Artemis Fowl is about a twelve year-old criminal mastermind (of the same name) who attempts to exploit fairies for personal gain. Very interesting concept, and an enjoyable read. Thanks for the suggestion BioHero!
My Rating: PG
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11. The Lightning Thief - by Rick Riordan
The Lightning Thief is the first book of a series called Percy Jackson and the Olympians. Think greek mythology in the 21st century. It's about a boy named Percy Jackson who discovers he's the son of a greek god and becomes the target of several monsters of the underworld. He goes to Camp Half-Blood, a training camp for demigods, and is sent on a quest to find and return Zeus's stolen lightning bolt. Thanks for the suggestion Keyblade Master of Light!
My Rating: PG
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12. Maximum Ride - by James Patterson
I really liked this book. It's about six kids who were part of a genetic experiment to implement avian DNA into humans. The result? Each of those kids have wings. When the youngest of the group is kidnapped, the rest set out to rescue her, and end up on the run from the organization that mutated them. Full of action, violence, and witty humor, this was definitely an enjoyable read. I can't wait to read the rest of the series!
My Rating: PG-13
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I hope this list could help out those who want to read something, but can't seem to find anything interesting. That happens to me all the time, but I eventually come across a book I'll enjoy. These are some of those books.
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