Books I've Read (and What I Thought)

These are books I have read and short reviews of each one.  My opinion only and you may differ, but that's okay.  

Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince by J. K. Rowling

Book 6 of the Harry Potter series and this one is the darkest and saddest yet.  As we enter Harry's sixth year at Hogwart's, things are not going well in the battle against Voldemort.  So much so, that even the Muggles are beginning to be affected.  Wizards and witches are being killed by You-Know-Who's forces daily, the Order of the Phoenix can't stop it, and even Dumbledore is absent from Howart's for long periods.  But life at the school goes on: the sixth years are teenagers now and have their share of the usual teen anxieties- flirting, fighting, falling in love.  Classes are more difficult than ever, although Harry gets a significant amount of help from the mysterious Half-Blood Prince.  And he will begin to uncover the story of Lord Voldemort's past- and perhaps a clue to his vulnerability.  As good a read as any of the other Harry Potter books.  It will leave you saddened by the losses, cheered by even the smallest triumphs and certainly eager for more!

The Voyage of the Jerle Shannara: Antrax by Terry Brooks

This is book two of the Jerle Shannara series, and picks up where volume one left off.  The band led by the last Druid, Walker Boh, are still pursued by the Ilse Witch on their quest to find the magical Elfstones lost many years ago in the far realms of unexplored lands.  Bek Rowe and his companions are being sought by the Ilse Witch, and Bek and the Witch will learn long-hidden secrets that will change both their lives.  Meanwhile, Walker is trapped beneath the ruined Castledown, in a maze controlled by an unseen enemy.  It is not human or fey, but it is hungry- hungry for magic of all sorts and will stop at nothing to feed its needs.

As usual, Brooks comes through with a fine tale.  There is plenty of action, along with the more inner conflicts that are so much a part of his stories.  Still, the story keeps up its pace and draws you in.  And leaves you wanting to get on to the next installment.