Alexander Book Reviews

Homestuck originated as a webcomic and I wouldn't recommend it to people without any prior knowledge of the series beforehand as it is notorious for having a ridiculously complex plot. The first book follows John Egbert, Rose Lalonde and Dave Strider: Three kids each with their own separate jokes, gimmicks and quirks. On his birthday, John receives a beta copy of a game called Sburb, which affects the real world. Rose and John play it, and then everything spirals into madness. The book is rather funny though some of the humour has aged a fair bit  considering it has many pop culture references from the noughties which aren't exactly as relevant now as  they were when Homestuck was conceived. The paper is really good quality and it's very hardy and durable (you really seem to get your money's worth). At the bottom of each page there are notes based on the panels  above written by Andrew Hussie and they remind me of post-dev-notes sometimes they add to the comedy, but

This autobiography is a fascinating look into the life and the mind of the incredible man who designed almost all rides, in particular roller coasters in Alton Towers and Chessington World of Adventures, two of England's best theme parks.  This is a really good book, it not only gives a detailed insight into theming, special effects and the theme park industry, it sheds light on all forms of the entertainment industry, from the circus to the James Bond film sets to the invention of Charlie Pluckett, a revolutionary animatronic which inspired the first at Madame Tussauds.     Though it is mainly focussed on the authors incredible career (seriously, he performed magic, created special effects for films and stage shows, engineered animatronics and finally designed some incredible world-first and world-class coasters!) this is a really insightful read for anyone interested in the entertainment industry.  177 Pages 8/10 ABR Rating: B (for info about ABR Ratings, Plea se Visit

This is an extremely gripping and exciting book which at some points will send shivers down your spine. This story is about a boy by the name of of David, a boy enraptured by books, a trait which he inherited from his late mother, whose passing away disturbs his life and he begins to have seizures. All the while the mysterious and conniving Crooked Man watches from afar as a deadly plot unfurls. This book is a thrilling rollercoaster of twists and turns exciting exploits and strange cover-ups, dark secrets and one huge overlapped mystery.  This book explores many ideas and themes, and are often told by the way of stories, making the exposition just as interesting as the overarching story. The fairytale world represented in the book is fantastic; everything is slightly off and a bit twisted. (though by no means as twisted as the original tales!). The cast is a really interesting mix of intriguing characters, all with distinctive personalities and little things which make them unique.

If you thought the books were good, wait until you watch these! I usually don't think that movies based off books are as good as the actual books, but this is an exception. These movies are actually pretty good, because in the books, it is mainly Katniss's thoughts, but in the films, these are non-existent, and instead, clever suspense and music is used, and creates an effect like no other. Though the books  are superior, one problem I had with the book was the fact that it wasn't clear at first that it was base in the future, but the films really kick this issue out of the way. I really think  these films are worth a watch and would recommend them to anyone willing to give them a try. 7/10 ABR Rating: C (for info about ABR Ratings, Plea se Visit the  About  Page) For the Original Book Review, Click  Here

These are incredible books that really blew  me away. In a dystopian future, Katniss Everdeen, is living a normal life at district twelve, when she is forced to participate in the Hunger Games, a battle to the death. These books are so great because of the brilliant concept, characters, and storyline, and though Mockingjay has some bad points, as it is entirely different to the other two, the good far outweighs the bad. You really want to know what happens next in the story, and you really want it to keep going forever. Suzanne Collins really knows  how  to write a novel. About 450 Pages Each 8/10 ABR Rating: C (for info about ABR Ratings, Plea se Visit the  About  Pa ge)

This is a brilliant take on Michael Crichton's Jurassic Park. After scientist brought the dinosaurs back, 99.9% humanity was destroyed, and forced into underground bomb shelters, originally made for the chance of a nuclear fallout. Sky, a resident of one of these shelters, receives a message from her disappeared father, and she needs to deliver it. Sky is an interesting character, as she sometimes even pity's the dinosaurs, which is unlike all the other characters. Laura Martin really manages to somehow make earth seem so alien, and weird, and I love it. This is a great read, and I expect lots from the author in the future. 353 Pages 7/10 ABR Rating: B (for info about ABR Ratings, Plea se Visit the  About  Pa ge)