Book Review: Five Kingdoms: Crystal Keepers is an amazing blend of fantasy and science fiction

Hi everyone. My prioritizing is still not good. For now I wanted to get this book review up for you. It's for Brandon Mull's new book: Five Kingdoms: Crystal Keepers.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
Cole and his friends are still on the run in the Outskirts. This time, they are traveling to the kingdom of Zeropolis, the most advanced kingdom in this world. This kingdom matches the idea of most futuristic cities, and the magic system of shaping in this kingdom is called tinkering. This skill allows them to use crystals to accomplish their means. However this high-tech place is not a walk in the park. The Grand Shaper in this kingdom is seeking absolute control, and he is on the verge of crushing all resistance. To find Mira's sister Constance Cole will have to travel beyond Zeropolis, make unlikely alliances, and face the wrath of dangerous technology. All the while, the mystery of shapecrafting begins to be unraveled. But will they be able to face all the dangers and save the Outskirts? Or will Cole and his friends be unable to return home ever?
I really enjoyed the way Brandon Mull used magic to power high levels of technology in this book. It really breaks several cliches in the realm of fantasy. He also continues to pull unexpected twists and turns, keeping you on the edge of your seat. Some events happened in this book that I was not expecting until the last book, but I won't say what. His world building skills are really going in new directions in this series. Mull has created fun new games played only in Zeropolis, and unlike most kingdoms there is a way to find out what's going on in our world in Zeropolis. If you want a change from wizards, trolls, and knights, pick up this book.
Caution:
Children are in peril. Men try to capture the characters several times. A person is mentioned as having lost their leg a while ago. Someone is abducted. Some of the action scenes may prove too intense for younger readers. The appearance of a demonic creature might scare some people. A robotic dragon rampages across the city.
Lessons:
When we act out of selfishness we hurt others as well as ourselves. Technology can be used for good purposes as well as bad. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, the past will repeat itself.

Book Review: Inheritance ended things in ways unexpected

Hi everyone. I just got done reading a book, and you know what that means: review time. This book is the fourth and final title in the Inheritance Cycle, Inheritance.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
Story:
The war to end the reign of Galbatorix has begun. As the Varden move through the empire capturing major cities Eragon and Saphira must prepare themselves for the time when they shall face the mad king. Too much is at stake for them to fail, and secrets of the past are revealing themselves. After an attack from the Empire on the Varden, Eragon and Sapphire learn of the location of the Rock of Kuthian, and must travel there in order to become more powerful to face Galbatorix. Will they find what they are looking for? Or will Alagaësia forever endure the rule of the mad king?
People have complained about how the elements of these books are similar to The Lord of the Rings and Star Wars. However people have been pointing out similarities in the Star Wars films to other myths and legends around the world, including but not limited to Japanese. It just shows that Paolini has done an extensive amount of research into old cultures and mythologies to create Alagaësia. The use of magic in this book is fun and exciting, and to be honest I never would've thought of the solutions that the characters came up with. The action sequences are well written and thought out. I also like how we see development in characters like Murtagh and Thorn. Most people would've ended the story with the death of Galbatorix, but Paolini goes on to include chapters on rebuilding Alagaësia after the war. It would've been nice if all the plot holes could've been wrapped up in the last few chapters, but for the most part this is a good end to an ambitious piece of work. 
Caution:
Battles are waged, and men are often killed. Some creatures found in the story may be intimidating to younger readers. A woman is tortured and described as being in a shift. Booby traps kill people. Bones are broken, and blood is seen. Some mild swearing. 
Lessons:
People have a right and a duty to protect their loved ones and their freedom from those who would seek to take them away. We should choose good and wise people to lead us. Our gifts and talents are best used to help and serve others. We can always change who we are. Learning from the past can help us face the future. There is no chance, fate, or destiny that can change or control the firm resolve of the human mind. Like Galbatorix, evil will try to paint its reasons and justifications as right. 

Review: The World of Ice & Fire gives a vast history to a vast world

Hi everyone. I got another book read that I am going to review today. After weeks of reading, I finally finished The World of Ice & Fire.

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
Story:
Unlike most stuff I read this doesn't really have a narrative to tell. However it is still interesting to read what is essentially supposed to be a history book for George R. R. Martin's world of Westeros. Going back to a time before men, Martin tells the history of Westeros and several other lands that serve as the setting for his epic fantasy series. This book also recounts the history of each of the Seven Kingdoms of Westeros, from the time when they were first settled up to the end of the Mad King's reign. We also get to learn of the lands beyond Westeros, and get some of their history as well. The addition of the illustrations helps to create the image of the events of Westerosi history for those who are getting into the books.
I am greatly impressed with the amount of imagination and creativity Martin put into his fantasy world. There are some things about parts of Martin's world that I don't like, but I understand the point that this is a different world. People will have customs and traditions that I won't agree with, just like people in ancient times didn't agree with some of the ideas that other nations had. Since this is the history of Westeros it's no different than if a person were reading about the Pharaohs of Egypt or how people lived in Medieval Europe. Reading this made me reflect on the history I've been creating for my books, and showed me that I probably still have a lot of work to do to make things fun for readers. Probably not for younger readers, but adults who love fantasy and/or are fans of Martin's books or the show Game of Thrones will want to add this book to their library.
Caution:
Incest is part of a family's history, though the effects of such a way of life are shown later in their history. Various kingdoms and people are mentioned as taking people as salt wives and concubines. There is a picture that, although faint and not clear, depicts the worship of a love goddess on an island. Some illustrations show cleavage and some outfits are reminiscent of Princess Leia's metal bikini. Wars and battles are listed.
Lessons:
We have such a vast world with complicated histories and cultures. We should seek to learn as much about the histories and cultures of another nations as well as our own.