Someone Was Watching by David Patneaude

I just finished listening to this book on CD. A young adult book, if it was made into a movie I'd definitely see it. It would be more exciting if I knew this was based off a true story I almost want it to. It is about an eighth grade boy who lost his little sister, she disappeared one day presumed drowned, but.... you'll find out, but just so you know it does end well, if it didn't think I could have read this book if I didn't have the hope it would end well. A fun clean, wonderful adventure. Not an overly complex book with tons of layers, more simple and sweet. I'd give it three to four stars. Would recommend it to anyone, a nice read.

The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wrobleski

This was an interesting retelling of Hamlet by William Shakespeare. The uncle's name is even Claude (like in Claudius). You don't realize it's Hamlet until the tragic ending, you might have hints earlier, but it is different enough you don't know it is a true parallel until the end and then it all comes together in your mind. I thought parts of it were very well written and engaging. Other parts were written well enough but had too much unrelated detail that didn't apply to the story. You'll especially love this story if you love dogs. My sister Mary might like the references to sign language and communication without voice. It is about a young boy whose voice hasn't worked from a babe, so he and his parents use sign, though he can hear. (Parallels to Hamlet and his feelings of being unable to voice?). There is ghosts, mysteries, confused feelings and observations. I'd give it three or four stars, and feel like I could recommend it. I did skip some of the letters about breeding dogs and parts that had too much detail not directly related to the story, but in a whole good character development, I do like how the author writes from several different perspectives. Over all a good read.

Raven's Gate by Anthony Horowitz

I just finished this book, wow was it intense. It was probably the darkest book I've read, much darker than Harry Potter, but the same idea of good vs. evil. The real battle against good and evil. It had dark magic in it that was pretty intense and creepy. I was surprised it was a young adult book, but very well written, quite violent and graphic like his Alex Rider's series but covered some interesting subjects. Would I recommend this book? Yes and No. If it was made into a movie I don't know if I could handle it. I will probably continue onto book two, but probably wouldn't recommend it to myself years ago when I was less calloused. I would give it four or five stars, well written put together adventure/action novel.