Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban by J.K. Rowling

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

What's amazing about this book is how fresh it is. It was a thrilling addition to the series and filled with magic and wonder. Harry meets his godfather, Sirius Black, who is a great character to add to the series because he is mysterious and fun. Suspense is found in this novel too, and, as in the first two, it is well written. Rowling creates strong characters that are lovable and deep. No reader can find this book boring or the plot lacking because there are werewolves, the marauders map and secret school passageways, and a strengthening of friendship between the main characters. Not to mention the escaped prisoner searching for Harry. Then there's the regular homework and bullies. All in all, this book is a fantastic read and I recommend it to everyone.

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets by J.K. Rowling

Book two in the series is even more amazing than the first. The book starts with the introduction of one of the most likable and adorable characters of all time, Dobby the house elf. This book has the same sense of magic and danger as the first, which makes for a fast and enjoyable read. Harry suffers more trials and receives more glory when he overcomes them. Even though the reader already assumes that the main characters will not die, the story is exciting and keeps the reader in suspense because of Rowling's fantastic writing. It's a wonderful addition to the series and makes the reader eager for the next book.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone by J.K. Rowling

I picked up this book when it was still relatively unknown. I fell in love with it from the beginning. Poor Harry was mistreated by his extended family and I sympathized with him. Then he found out he was a wizard and I was so happy for him. The entire book is a roller coaster of action and adventure. It made me feel like no matter what troubles come your way, good times are just around the corner. Rowling's strong point is her characters. They are realistic and fantastic, and always entertain. They have a depth and life that form an impression on your mind and do not fade. The magical world is beautiful and dangerous. This book is very popular now and even made into a somewhat decent movie. In mainstream American culture, you can't live without knowing about it. Still, I believe this book has the strength and durability to exist through the decades and into the future. If you haven't read it, I would recommend it for you in an instant.

Revenge of the Witch by Joseph Delaney

This is book one of The Last Apprentice series. It was recommended to me by my nephew, and I thought it was going to be a young adult book. It is, essentially, a young adult novel, but there are many reasons why an adult would like this story as well. The main character is a boy who needs a job to help his poor farming family. He takes on the role of a spook, a man who scares away evil creatures like ghosts and witches. He lives in a dark and cold world, and I honestly felt scared for the characters in the novel. Delaney is an excellent author, and the themes and emotions in this novel translate wonderfully. The world he created with this book is haunting and beautiful. This book should be recommended for anyone who loves books like the Harry Potter series, that is books of adventure, danger, and magic.

The Last Child by John Hart

I wasn't sure what to expect from this book when I first started reading it. As I read the novel, I began to like it more and more. It's a thrilling dramatic tale of families, loss, death, and justice. Parts are very heartbreaking, especially when the truth behind the missing girl is revealed. The main character Johnny is very easy to relate to and also has a uniqueness. I recommend this book to everyone, because it is an enjoyable book despite its dark and chilling plot line.

Jonathan Strange & Mr. Norrell by Susanna Clarke

This book was recommended to me by my mom. I didn't expect much from it, or if I would even finish it because previously the biggest book I had read was Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. At one thousand pages, Clarke wrote one intimidating masterpiece. Masterpiece, indeed. After about one hundred pages into the novel, I couldn't put it down. Jonathan Strange and Mr. Norrell are the most fun and interesting characters that I have ever known. The world that they live in, an alternate nineteenth century full of magic and magicians, is realistic as it is fantastic and surprising. Friendship, apprenticeship, love, "The Raven King", and more are all weaved beautifully into a wonderful story. I was never bored in the book despite its length, and even the minor characters were charming. Clarke has admitted that the characters were mainly of the upper class and in her sequel she wants to focus on the lower class, and I can not wait until it is complete. I believe this novel should be among the great science fiction epic series such as Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter. There are also plans to make a movie, which I look forward to as well. In any case, this book is guaranteed to be memorable and enjoyable for readers of any kind.

Jane Eyre by Charlotte Bronte

I love this book because it contains a very sweet love story. There is so much to be said about this book, and that is why it is a classic. The themes and meanings are very deep and intertwined beautifully. The book is a great depiction of life in Victorian England and family roles of the time. Jane Eyre herself is very outgoing for her time period. This novel defined Charlotte Bronte as an excellent author because she truly captured the reality that is Victorian society.  I would recommend this book for everyone, but I know not everyone enjoys fiction and especially period pieces. It's a fun read anyway, and it's easy to discuss the different aspects of the novel and argue about feminism and social class portrayal. All I want to say is, Jane and Rodchester are adorable together.