imperfectletter | 71-79 (Reply)

Originally posted in June of 2007 in

fiveforsilver (accidentally numbered two books 71):

71. A Wizard Abroad by Diane Duane (332)
72. The Wizard's Dilemma by Diane Duane (403)

The 4th and 5th books in the Young Wizards series. In the former, Nita is sent to visit family in Ireland and is put on call there. In the latter, she faces a terrible choice.

73. *Uglies by Scott Westerfeld (448)

I was surprised by this book. I'd heard a lot about it, but nothing really specific, and I hadn't really heard how good it is. If this one book is anything to base my opinion on, that Scott Westerfield really knows how to write. I'm impressed and I look forward to reading the other books in the trilogy.

74. A Wizard Alone by Diane Duane (320)

The 6th book in the YW series. This, along with the first three, is one of my favorites. It deals with the aftermath of Wizard's Dilemma, along with new problems, and very realistic tension between Nita and Kit.

The books in this post and the next one are not in order, because I remember what books I've read but not what order I read them in.

75. Wizard's Holiday by Diane Duane (416)
76. Wizards at War by Diane Duane (551)

Currently the final two books in the Young Wizards series (although there is a 9th book in the works). Holiday is a fun book. Because of all the stress and issues in the previous couple of books, Dairine decides to sign herself and her sister up for a sort of wizardly student exchange program during spring break. She gets in trouble for signing them up without asking anyone first, so instead of her and Nita going, Nita and Kit go, while Dairine stays home to help her dad deal with the exchange wizards that come to stay at her house. Hijinks ensue...and some saving the world, too.

Wizards at War is a lot more serious, although there are less-serious bits to lighten the mood. This is only the second time I read this book, and I liked it better this time, but part of it still reminds me too much of another book related to the series, and that bothers me.

77. *Pretties by Scott Westerfeld (384)
78. *Specials by Scott Westerfeld (384)

Sequels to Uglies, which I read not too long ago. I was at first turned off by the titles, and even the plot, of these stories, but it turns out that they are extremely well-written YA science fiction books, with interesting characters, engaging plots, and a credible world. I was impressed by the writing in the first book and am still impressed; I plan to read more of this author's work.

79. The Android's Dream by John Scalzi (394)

This is a very funny humorous science fiction novel that is actually has nothing to do with Philip K. Dick or has any references other than the title (in fact, it is becoming a trilogy, each of which will have a Dick-ian title). It's about...well, saving the world. And the girl, too. Through unconventional means.