The Enchantress by Michael Scott

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

Finally, I could move on after I finish reading this last installment of the book series. I was quite surprised that it was Josh and not Sophie who save the modern world and destroyed the Danu Talis. I was really rooting for Sophie to be the chosen one because I don't like Josh's attitude on the 4th and 5th book. But after contemplating on Josh's journey, I think it really suits him to make the biggest sacrifice and become a hero.

Josh experienced a lot of emotions such as anger, jealousy, uncertainty, and pride. But after all of these, Dee made him realized that whenever he was in doubt; he should always use his heart. The biggest revelation, I guess, is that Josh became Death or also called Marethyu and who gave the book of Codex to Nicholas.

I am curious about what happened to Sophie who isn't really related to him by blood, which was also revealed in this last book. If it's true that the author will be writing a sequel to this series, hopefully, there could be a chance that Sophie and Josh will meet again.

Flowers For Algernon

AUTHOR: Joseph Wurtenbaugh
PUBLISHER: Mariner Books
PUBLICATION DATE: May 1, 2005 (first published 1966)
PAGES: 311
SYNOPSIS FROM GOODREADS:
The story of a mentally disabled man whose experimental quest for intelligence mirrors that of Algernon, an extraordinary lab mouse. In diary entries, Charlie tells how a brain operation increases his IQ and changes his life. As the experimental procedure takes effect, Charlie's intelligence expands until it surpasses that of the doctors who engineered his metamorphosis. The experiment seems to be a scientific breakthrough of paramount importance--until Algernon begins his sudden, unexpected deterioration. Will the same happen to Charlie?

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MY RATING: Flowers For Algernon is undeniably one of the saddest or heart-wrenching novel I've read so far. There are numerous times that some parts of this book that made me teary eyed, especially on how Charlie was maltreated by his own mother and younger sister, and by his colleagues in the bakery. This novel was first published on the late 50's, thus the people narrated during that time treated people with down syndrome differently. I cannot say that those who had this genetic disorder nowadays no longer experienced discrimination or maltreatment, but perhaps people are more considerate and open-minded now because of the massive information that we can access regarding this. If you're not into reading sad novels, then you should skip this one. However, don't fail to read this if you can handle distressing stories such as this.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice

SYNOPSIS:

Beloved by millions the world over, Pride & Prejudice is delightfully transformed in this bold new manga adaptation. All of the joy, heartache, and romance of Jane Austen's original, perfectly illuminated by the sumptuous art of manga-ka Po Tse, and faithfully adapted by Stacy E. King.

 

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ I confess that I still haven't read the novel Pride and Prejudice, but I've already watched the movie version of it. Just like the other classic books, Pride and Prejudice is quite long to read and I must devote a lot of time to be able to finish it. But thanks to this graphic novel because I felt like that I was able to read the novel through this. Thank you Udon Entertainment for making it possible to published a graphic novel of this classic.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Manga Classics: Les Misérables

SYNOPSIS:

Adapted for stage and screen, loved by millions, Victor Hugo's classic novel of love and tragedy set in 19th century France is reborn in this fantastic new manga edition!

Gorgeous and expressive art brigns to life the unforgettable stories of Jean Valjean, Inspector Javert, and the tragic Fantine in this epic adaptation of Les Misérables!

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ This is one of the best classic stories I've read so far. and thanks to this graphic novel that I was able to read the entire story of Les Miserables. I watched the movie, and have read the story; and now, I'm looking forward to be able to see in person the musical in the future. I may also add that while reading the part of Eponine's unrequited love, I can't help myself from singing On My Own – my favorite song in the musical – especially on the part where she always see Cosette and Marius together. Just like me, I think a lot of readers would be able to sympathized with her because once or twice in their life, they have experienced Eponine's predicament.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Manga Classics: Great Expectations

SYNOPSIS:

Great Expectations has it all: romance, mystery, comedy, and unforgettable characters woven through a gripping rags-to-riches tale. Naive Pip, creepy Miss Haversham, beautifully cold Estella, terrifying Abel Magwitch, and the rest of Dicken’s fantastic cast are perfectly envisioned in this new adaptation in this 300-plus page volume featuring artwork by artist Nokman Poon. Manga Classics editions feature classic stories, faithfully adapted and illustrated in manga style, and available in both hardcover and softcover editions. Proudly presented by UDON Entertainment and Morpheus Publishing.

 

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ Whenever I visit a bookstore, I always check the classics book corner and the story of Great Expectations always catch my eye. I want to purchase a copy but what's holding me is that aside that it's thick – the size of the font is quite small – which made it hard to read. Thanks to this graphic novel, I've finally read the beautiful and poignant story of this classic.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Manga Classics: Sense and Sensibility

SYNOPSIS:

Impulsive Marianne Dashwood and cautious Elinor are as different as two sisters could be, yet both are shattered by their father's sudden Death. Elinor's attachment to the reserved Edward Ferrars is torn asunder by family opposition and his own dark secret, while Marianne's brilliant romance with the dashing John Willoughby comes to a tumultuous end in a devastating public betrayal. Can the two sisters overcome these trials to find true, lasting happiness?

Jane Austen's beloved first novel, filled with romance, redemption and social critique, is brought to life for a modern audience in this gorgeous manga-style adaptation!

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ I'm giving this 5 stars not because of the story; but because of how the illustrations done by Po Tse, and on how good Stacy King was able to squeezed into 300 pages the entire tale of this classic story. The story of Sense & Sensibility is a typical romance story, which we could still read on some pocketbook novels nowadays. If I could the story alone, I would only give it 4 stars. I neither like it nor hate it; but I admit that I like some characters in the story especially Elinor and Colonel Brandon. I was even rooting for them but in the end, Austen still paired Colonel Brandon with Marianne.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Manga Classics: Scarlet Letter

SYNOPSIS:

A powerful tale of forbidden love, shame, and revenge comes to life in Manga Classics: The Scarlet Letter. Faithfully adapted by Crystal Chan from the original novel, this new edition features stunning artwork by SunNeko Lee (Manga Classics: Les Miserables) which will give old and new readers alike a fresh insight into the Nathaniel Hawthorne's tragic saga of Puritan America. Manga Classics editions feature classic stories, faithfully adapted and illustrated in manga style, and available in both hardcover and softcover editions. Proudly presented by UDON Entertainment and Morpheus Publishing.

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ How odd that they keep on mentioning the Man in Black and how peculiar Pearl's personality is; not to mention that Chillingworth is really creepy. I still haven't read the novel of Scarlet Letter, and thanks to this graphic novel, I became aware that there's a sect or religion of Puritan that practices purity and simplicity. I gave this 5 stars because while reading the story - particularly the characterization - I was able to guess that there is some kind of magic or witchcraft going on; and I even suspect that Illuminati or the New World Order is involved. Moreover, the bittersweet conclusion to the love story of Arthur and Hester is a little heart-wrenching. Lastly, it also shows us some moral lessons such as no one's perfect, being honest, practice empathy, and always be forgiving.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Manga Classics: Jungle Book

SYNOPSIS:

Heavily influenced by his childhood in British-ruled India, Rudyard Kipling created some of the most well-read children s stories in Western Culture. Book One of The Jungle Book(s) includes Mowgli s Brothers, the story of Mowgli, the abandoned man-cub who was raised by animals in the Indian jungle, Rikki-Tikki-Tavi the heroic mongoose, and Toomai of the Elephants, the tale of a young elephant-handler, and in The White Seal, we meet Kotick, a rare white-furred northern fur seal as he searches for a home where his family will not be hunted by humans. Originally published as a series of short stories for magazines in the late 1800s, the Nobel Prize-winning Rudyard Kipling would eventually publish the classic The Jungle Book in 1894."

 

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ Thank you to the effort of those who are behind the publication of this graphic novel of The Jungle Book because through this, I've finally got to read this awesome classic book. Before, I thought that the story of The Jungle Book is only about the boy who grew up in the jungle; instead, it is a compilation of short stories. Aside from the first story, which is the well-known tale of the jungle boy, Mowgli, there are several stories that I like in this book: the story of mongoose Rikki-Tikki-Tavi, and The White Seal.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Manga Classics: Jane Eyre

SYNOPSIS:

As an orphaned child, Jane Eyre is first cruelly abused by her aunt, then cast out and sent to a charity school. Though she meets with further abuse, she receives an education, and eventually takes a job as a governess at the estate of Edward Rochester. Jane and Rochester begin to bond, but his dark moods trouble her. When Jane uncovers the terrible secret Rochester has been hiding, she flees and finds temporary refuge at the home of St. John Rivers.

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ Two years ago, I was able to read the unabridged story of Jane Eyre. I fell in love with the story right away and I've finished reading it within a week without skipping any parts or pages; I even consider it number one on my favorite classic books. I also got to watched several movie adaptations of this novel: from the latest 2011 version, 1983 and yes — even the 1973 version. That shows how much I admire this classic. When I saw that there's a graphic novel published, I didn't waste any time to check out if they made a good adaptation of this well-loved novel. Thumbs up for all those who are behind the publication because everything about this is magnificent. I would definitely recommend this to my friends or acquaintances, especially those who still haven't read the book, to check out this graphic novel; so they will be also included to the the millions who got enchanted with the story.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon:

Manga Classics: Emma

SYNOPSIS:

Just in time for the 200th Anniversary, Manga Classics: Emma brings Jane Austen's classic tale of youthful folly and romantic exuberance to a modern audience with this beautiful, new manga adaptation. The impulsive match-making of Emma Woodhouse delivers both humor and heartache through the gorgeous artwork of manga-ka Po Tse (Manga Classics: Pride and Prejudice). - Manga Classics editions feature classic stories, faithfully adapted and illustrated in manga style, and available in both hardcover and softcover editions. Proudly presented by UDON Entertainment and Morpheus Publishing.

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MY RATING: ★★★★★ I'm grateful that the publisher has given me an opportunity to download and read these amazing adaptations to manga of some of the classics. I admit that I still haven't read my copy of the novel of this particular classic book; so this manga version is a big help because I was able to read on how amazing this story is. Reading the novel version would take me at least a week or more to be able to finish because they are really long. But this manga adaptation/graphic novel really made it easier for those who want to read it because we're able to read it for several days only.

If you are interested in this book, you may buy it from Amazon: