Daniel X: Game over by James Patterson (Audiobook, unabridged, 4 CD's)Narrated by Milo Ventimiglia
Target audience: Young Adult
Audiobook Rating: Wizard
Book Rating: Fairy

The fourth volume in the alien hunter series begins in a video arcade in Tokyo where Daniel is in pursuit of numbers seven and eight on the alien outlaw list. Milo Ventimiglia deftly portrays Daniel’s easy, comfortable banter with family and friends as well as the sarcastic repartee he saves for his alien prey. The suspense rises exponentially as the plot to brainwash addicted video gamers into becoming non virtual killers unfolds. The narrator transforms the very short chapters that would be distracting in book format into edgy layers of anticipation for the listener. Although Ventigmiglia's expert performance sets the perfect pace for this non-stop action adventure punctuated by explosive battle sound effects, his efforts cannot compensate for the implausibility of the story. Daniel’s abilities – manipulating matter to recreate anything he can visualize including his dead parents and friends who can fight, invent, interact with others all from his own brain, broadband internet in his head, ability to download a degree in engineering directly to his cerebellum, to transform into anything, time travel, enhanced senses - to name but a few referred to in frequent asides to the reader are over the top and far fetched even for the science fiction genre. There is virtually no character development making the story just a laundry list of alien battles. The “Maximum Ride” series by the same author would be a much better choice. (Audiobook provided for review by Children's Lit - www.childrenslit.com).

 

 

 

The Call of Eirian by C. Aubrey Hall

311 pgs.
Target audience: Young adult
Rating: Fairy

 In the second installment of “The Faelin Chronicles,” Cynthe and Diello make their way to their mother’s homeland, the realm of the Embarthi. Here they will seek refuge with their uncle, deliver the dangerous and powerful sword, Eirian, and rescue their kidnapped sister, Amalina. Dogged at every step by goblin attacks, the small group finally arrives in Embarthi to an unenthusiastic welcome. This is in part due to their mother’s betrayal to the royal crown and birthright. Could their journey have led them to a place no safer than the Antrasian realm of their childhood? Their family reunion takes a back seat to the intrigues of the royal court. More than half of the book recounts their journey to Embarthi which is cluttered with chatty and superfluous dialogue drowning the author’s attempt at character development. By the time the pace picks up, many readers will have lost interest. The cast of characters and map do serve as helpful storyline tools. For a more suitable choice in a quest  fantasy, recommend “The Great Tree of Avalon” series by T. A. Barron.
(Book provided for review by Children's Lit  - www.childrenslit.com)