Lizzy's Library
Greetings and Salutations!
As a voracious reader, I know how tragic it is to read half a book...and then something happens and you think, “How I wish that I had known that this was in it. If I had, then I would not have wasted time reading it!” I don’t think I need to elaborate on the ways that an author can ruin a book.
The following reviews contain a summary of the book, and note violence, romance, and scary themes. They do not contain a suggested age range because every reader is different. I have tried to avoid spoilers, but a few may have made their way in. They are noted by “SPOILER!” I often review only the first book in each series, if the series is similar in all essential points to the first book. (my ratings include points from following books) I hope you find these reviews helpful in your literary adventures. (Click on the book to read the corresponding review)
~~Lizzy
P.S. Here are some links to other book review websites (not by me):
Reviews by Date
Reviews by Title
About the Genres
High Fantasy
Books set in a different world than ours where magic is a part of life, usually including dragons, elves, and epic adventure. Popular books include The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien.
Low Fantasy
Books set in our world, but with magic. This can mean that magic comes into our world from another world or that magic has been hidden. The Genre name isn't an insult. Popular books include The Chronicles of Narnia by C. S. Lewis and The Neverending Story by Michael Ende.
Adventure
Books with an event-driven plot, usually including fights, gruff mentors, and impetuous main characters. Popular books include Treasure Island by Robert Lewis Stevenson and Ivanhoe by Sir Walter Scott. This genre often crosses into other genres like fantasy and hsitrical fiction.
Science Fiction
Books set in perhaps our world, perhaps not, usually with advanced technology, multiple planets, and spaceships. Popular books include A Wrinkle in Time by Madeline L'Engle and The Hunger Games by Suzzane Collins. (I don't recomend that one)
Steampunk
Books where all the technology is clockwork and steam powered, often with blimps, automatons, and adventurers. Popular books include The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznik and... well, let's just say clean books of this genre are hard to find.
Historical Fiction
Books set in a specific time period, usually during an important event like the Great Awakening, World War Two, or Medieval Europe. The main characters are fictional, but they may meet historical figures. Popular books include The Book Thief by Markus Zusac and Number the Stars by Lois Lowry.
Gaslamp Fantasy
Fantasy books set in the Victorian Era or in an alternant world that is in the equivalent era. Popular books include The Secrets of Ormdale by Christina Baehr. This is a moderately new genre.
Space Opera
Books that are science fiction, with an emphasis on relationships and diplomacy, rather than battles and fights. This genre can have a bad connotation, due to "Star Trek," which is as opera as a space opera gets.
Alternant Reality
Books set mostly in a world that is similar to ours...but different in some way, usually falling into another category such as Fantasy or Science Fiction. Popular books include Greystone Secrets by Margaret Petterson Haddix and A Connecticut Yankee in King Aurthor's Court by Mark Twain.
Realistic Fiction
Books set in our world, usually about a particular event or circumstance in the main character's life. Popular books include Henry Huggins by Beverley Cleary and Star Girl by Jerry Spinelli. In fifty years, some of these books will be historical fiction.
Allegory
Books with a plot which is a reflection from a spiritual truth, usually with a figure representing God (often the King) and a journey for the main character. Popular books include Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan and Hind's Feet on High Places by Hannah Hurnard.
Biography and Autobiography
Books that are written about a person (for Autob. by that person), usually a well-known figure. They can be completely accurate to life, or slightly fictionalized. Popular books include Little House in the Big Woods by Laura Wilder and Mornings on Horseback by David McCullough.
Supernatural
Books in which angels and demons are characters and play an active role. Often a little terrifying. Popular books include This Present Darkness by Frank Peretti.
Cozy Romance
Books that are like a Hallmark movie. Popular books include...well, I don't know.
By the way, none of the books I review contain inappropriate scenes.
Inspirational Nonfiction
Books that are well, inspirational. They are usually centered around a true story and are written to be an encouragement to the readers.
Fan Fiction
Books that are written by fans of a certain book or movie (as opposed to the original author) and expected to be read by other fans. Popular books include Mansfield Revisited by Joan Aiken and The Other Bennet Sister by Janice Hadlow.