GUARDIANS OF GA'HOOLE

Guardians of Ga'Hoole :: Book 1

Guardians of Ga'Hoole is a young adult epic fantasy book series written by Kathryn Lasky and published by Scholastic. The series which ended in 2008 with the publication of The War of the Ember has a total of fifteen books. Apart from the main series there are a few more books and spin offs set in the same universe. The first three books of the series are being made into an animated 3D film Legend of the Guardians: The Owls of Ga'Hoole, directed by Zack Snyder. Soren being snatched by a St. Aggie patrol.This series follows the adventures of Soren, a young Barn Owl. The series begins with The Capture. In the first book Soren, who lives in a nest with his parents and siblings Kludd and Eglantine, is pushed out of the nest by Kludd. Soren is then found and snatched by a patrol of the evil owls from the St. Aegolius' Academy for Orphaned Owls, whose controlling members call themselves the 'Pure Ones' but whose intent is to gain power and control over all owl kingdoms in the world. At St. Aggie's, Soren and other snatched owlets are oppressed by the owls Skench and Spoorn and their followers. In order to keep the orphaned owlets from rebelling, they are given new 'names' (which are really numbers) and are 'moon blinked, ' a condition that arises from marching under the light of the full moon and endlessly repeating their true names so as to lose sense of self and will. In addition to this, on certain nights the owls offer themselves up to Vampire bats who drink their blood. This lessens the urge to use their wings and renders them flightless, thus lowering the rate of escape attempts. While at St Aggie's, the owlets are forced to pick apart pellets for mysterious magnetic particles called 'fleck...

HARRY POTTER : and the Order of the Phoenix

When the government of the magic world and authorities at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry refuse to believe in the growing threat of a freshly revived Lord Voldemort, fifteen-year-old Harry Potter finds support from his loyal friends in facing the evil wizard and other new terrors.As Harry faces his upcoming fifth year at Hogwarts Academy, there are increasing rumors of dark times coming and of Lord Voldemort's return to power, and a secret anti-Voldemort society, The Order of the Phoenix, begins meeting again.

MAXIMUM RIDE - MAX

MAXIMUM RIDE - MAX

James Patterson's bestselling Maximum Ride series is back, with Max and the gang as The Protectors. Someone--or something--is decimating ships and sea life off Hawaii's coast, and Max and her flock find themselves sucked into the Navy's top-secret investigation of the catastrophe. Their objective: Rescue Max's activist mom from a wicked subterranean enemy. The hitch: They must dive deep into dark waters, where gruesome evil dwells... and for high-flying Maximum Ride, could there be anything more terrifying than being trapped in the great abyss? Now in paperback, this soaring new adventure takes Maximum Ride and the Flock into terrifying new territory--fans, hold your breath! 

QUEST FOR ADVENTURE: ultimate feats of modern exploration

Quest for adventure:

ultimate feats of modern exploration

 

 

 

Here's something to stop and think about: the opportunity to be the first to accomplish an "adventure" on land, sea, and air may be gone. In 1999, the attempt to circumnavigate the globe in a balloon which presented one of the last challenges for intrepid explorers was successful. Virtually every major mountain has been climbed, the depths of the oceans have been charted, and the most inhospitable deserts have been crossed. We live in a world where people compete on television programs like Survivor to do things that were unthinkable just a century ago. Bonington, an accomplished mountain climber, presents 17 stories of the most remarkable expeditions of the past 100 years, giving factual accounts of what it was like to be "the first" to cross the polar wastes, fly solo around the world, brave uncharted waters, and reach the peaks of treacherous mountains. Familiar names like Thor Heyerdahl and Francis Chichester are mingled with lesser-known explorers such as Maurice Herzog and Wally Herbert to present a breathtaking account of the people who had the courage to face these challenges. Dynamic and inspiring, this book will attract readers of all ages, including young adults. Highly recommended

THE LORD OF THE RINGS: The Art of the Return of the King

The Lord of the Rings:

The Art of the Return of the King

 

 

 

ith Peter Jackson's Acadamy Award-winning epic motion picture trilogy drawing to a spectacular and triumphant close, Gary Russell's detailed research takes us back into the world of Middle-earth, to relive all the visual drama and excitement of The Return of the King.

The Art of The Return of the King illustrates the creative development of the film from sketch to special effect and features 600 images, most appearing nowhere else. This fully authorized book includes pencil sketches by Alan Lee and John Howe, costume designes by Ngila Dickson, magnificent full-color paintings by Jeremy Bennett, and prop designs, concepts, sculptures and digital artwork from Weta Workshop and Weta Digital. From Minas Tirith to Mount Doom, from the Army of the Dead to Shelob the monstrous spider, all the spectacular landscapes, characters and creatures are covered in stunning detail, including concepts that did not make it into the final film.

To accompany this wealth of imagery, detailed and informative commentaries appear by all the featured artists and designers, together with a special afterword by Peter Jackson. Their personal thoughts and explanations offer unique and fascinating insight into how The Return of the King was brought to life. An artistic journey begun in 1997 reaches its glorious conclusion within these pages, giving the reader a unique chance to witness the creative process that led to one of the most spectacular movies of all time. 

HARRY POTTER : half blood prince

Just a few weeks after the previous book left off, the penultimate entry in the series is, as the author foretold, the darkest and most unsettling yet. The deeds of Voldemort's Death Eaters are spreading even to the Muggle world, which is enshrouded in a mist caused by Dementors draining hope and happiness. Harry, turning 16, leaves for Hogwarts with the promise of private lessons with Dumbledore. No longer a fearful boy living under the stairs, he is clearly a leader and increasingly isolated as rumors spread that he is the "Chosen One," the only individual capable of defeating Voldemort. Two attempts on students' lives, Harry's conviction that Draco Malfoy has become a Death Eater, and Snape's usual slimy behavior add to the increasing tension. Yet through it all, Harry and his friends are typical teens, sharing homework and messy rooms, rushing to classes and sports practices, and flirting. Ron and Hermione realize their attraction, as do Harry and Ginny. Dozens of plot strands are pulled together as the author positions Harry for the final book. Much information is cleverly conveyed through Dumbledore's use of a Pensieve, a device that allows bottled memories to be shared by Harry and his beloved professor as they apparate to various locations that help explain Voldemort's past. The ending is heart wrenching. Once again, Rowling capably blends literature, mythology, folklore, and religion into a delectable stew. This sixth book may be darker and more difficult, but Potter fans will devour it and begin the long and bittersweet wait for the final installment