Kyra Bredenhof

I don't describe myself as a real fantasy person. I find often when I read fantasy, I'm just quite disappointed, because everything feels so fake. It feels like every chapter, a new type of creature or random cultural rule of the fantasy world appears, and I just end up confused and annoyed. There are only a few fantasy books that I've truly enjoyed. On the top of this list (and on the top of my top favourite books list as well) is the Lord of the Rings. And that's because this fantasy world is truly well-thought-out. (I also love Keeper of the Lost Cities, because Shannon Messenger has also developed her world amazingly.) Tolkien spent years crafting an entire history for Middle Earth. It is such a powerful book to read. The Silmarillion tied everything together in my mind with Tolkien's other works - the Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. I found myself wanting to write down good lines, to take notes on what I was reading, to shout out with an exclamation of another connection, something new I discovered. It was so cool to see Tolkien's ideas behind the whole world, and to see how Tolkien's faith inspired his writing. The Valar and their work in creation and throughout time, Melkor rebelling and causing evil in the world, the constant battle between bad and good, the Grey Havens - they all echoed the greatest story of all time: Scripture. Some people say the Bible doesn't even compare to this book, and of course, I can't agree with that. But it was an amazing read, and I find myself wanting to read it again already, as well as Tolkien's other works. Middle Earth feels so much more real to me now. I would recommend this to any Tolkien fans. It's not an easy book to read, but trust me, it is so worth it.

Well, it was really captivating and interesting, and it kept me turning the pages till the last one, but I was completely disillusioned by the end of the book. The problem was not solved at all. It seemed as if the author didn't know how to solve the problem so she just gave up. And with no promise of a sequel, I wouldn't declare this book worth the read. However, the writing style was wonderful and the storyline was exciting and unique.

A haunting, tragic book, with such deep hidden meaning. Golding reminds us of the depraved human nature of man, and how even the most civilized people can become monsters. Frightening from the first page, and not a totally happy, made-up story. It is truly what would happen if boys were stranded on an island. One of my favourite characters is Simon, a boy who was killed although he was innocent, a boy who is a symbol of Jesus. Another favourite - Piggy. He was so kind, so clever, although nobody saw it in him, a reminder of civilization and adulthood, but he died such a horrible, cruel death. And of course, Ralph, whom you learn to love through the story, who grows and flourishes and learns how truly horrible man could be. The story stayed with me for months after I read it, and I would heartily recommend it.