City of Bones

Title
City of Bones

Library Link

City
of bones / Cassandra Clare
Clare,
Cassandra.
New York : M.K. McElderry Books, c2007.
1st ed.

10 Second ReviewClary discovers a hidden world of vampires, werewolves, demons and magic users.
Her mother is missing, her home shattered and she is caught in an awkward love triangle.
She also discovers that she was born right in the middle of an ancient conflict.

A bit like Harry Potter but much more mature.
This book has an authentic feel and a fast pace.
Distinguishing the good guys from the bad can be quite a challenge.

Notes
A good choice for Harry Potter fans.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers.

Reading Order
City of Bones
City of Ashes
City of Glass

Dark Reign: Fantastic 4

Title
Dark Reign: Fantastic 4

Library Link

Dark
reign : Fantastic 4 / writer, Jonathan Hickman ; collection editor, Cory
Levine
Hickman,
Jonathan.

10 Second Review
Reed Richards decides to explore alternative realities to discover if recent traumatic events could have been avoided. Meanwhile, the rest of the Fantastic Four are inadvertently sent reality hopping while the kids fight off Norman Osborn.

Above average art and a good story line, this book should appeal to fans and new readers.
It has very little to do with 'Dark Reign' and the story is pretty standard for Fantastic Four.

Notes
Reed reaches some surprising conclusions.

Learning Curve
Low: New readers will probably be able to catch on.

Reading Order
N/a

Lifelike Drawing with Lee Hammond

Title
Lifelike Drawing with Lee Hammond

Library Link

Lifelike
drawing with Lee Hammond / Lee Hammond
Hammond,
Lee, 1957-

10 Second Review
This book takes the reader step by step through the drawing process. Topics include techniques, round objects, square objects, fabric and natural subjects.

This is one of the better drawing books I have seen.

The book focuses on basics that give the reader the tools to master more complex projects.
This book is especially useful for learning shading or value variation.

Notes
If you want to learn how to draw, this book will provide some surprising results.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Might be too much for younger teens.

Reading Order
N/a

Dark Reign: The List

Title
Dark Reign: The List

Library Link

Dark
reign : the list / writers, Jason Aaron ... [et al.] ; artists, Esad Ribic
... [et al.]

10 Second Review
Norman Osborn ('reformed' villain) is now the world's top cop and is using his political power to exact revenge on his enemies.

Art varies from good to standard but the story is interesting.
Osborn has the power and resources to do some serious damage and this book does not disappoint.

While this is part of the 'Dark Reign' story line, this book can be read outside of the series.

Notes
Some surprises for Punishers fans.

Learning Curve
Moderate: Readers new to comics will likely be confused.

Reading Order
N/a

Strangers in Paradise: Treasury Edition

Title
Strangers in Paradise: Treasury Edition

Library Link

Strangers
in paradise treasury edition / Terry Moore
Moore,
Terry, 1954-

10 Second Review
A summary/behind-the-scenes look at the very popular graphic novel series.
The story follows the lives of two very different women who become very close despite overbearing friends, backgrounds and ongoing conflicts.

This book is good for both new readers and old fans. New readers will get a summary of events and old fans will enjoy some rare glimpses into the history of the series.

Notes
A good resource for aspiring artists, lots of expressions.

Learning Curve
Low: Good for new readers

Reading Order
Chronological…sort of… Refer to this book for reading order

Dark Reign Accept Change

Title
Dark Reign Accept Change

Library Link

Dark
reign : Accept change / writer, Brian Michael Bendis ... [et al.] ; artist,
Alex Maleev ... [et al.]

10 Second Review
The first half of this book contains key points in the 'Dark Reign' story line while the last half provides some interviews with the creators and a mini-encyclopedia of the 'Dark Reign' characters.

This book will probably appeal to hard-core fans looking for every bit of information they can collect. Others will likely find this confusing.

Notes
Reading this book is like watching a recap of last weeks 'Lost' episode.

Learning Curve
High: Likely to confuse new readers.

Reading Order
Try reading this after completing the 'Dark Reign' story line.

Repeat Until Rich

Title
Repeat Until Rich

Library Link

Repeat
until rich : a professional card counter's chronicle of the blackjack wars /
Josh Axelrad
Axelrad,
Josh.

10 Second Review
Josh Axelrad tells his story of going from a boring corporate life to living on the edge as a professional gambler.

This is a surprisingly easy and fun read.

The author successfully captures the excitement and fear of trying to beat the casinos at their own game.

You will see Axelrad go from broke, to rich to Gamblers Anonymous.

Notes
Learn to count cards!

Learning Curve
Moderate: Might overwhelm younger readers

Reading Order
N/a