Stardust by Neil Gaiman.

Author: Neil Gaiman
ISBN: 978-0-7553-3751-4
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Pages: 216
Format: Paperback
Publisher: Review

"There is a way into Faerie, beyond the fields we know, and it lies in a village called Wall, somewhere in the early Victorian era. Every nine years there is a fair on the other side of the wall, where Faerie sells its wares to the mundane. Farmer Duncan Thorne had his moment of mad love with a witch's bondservant; Tristan, his son, turned up in a basket nine months later. Now Tristan is old enough to fall in love, and promises Victoria a falling star... This is a fairy story in the tradition of George MacDonald and Hope Mirlees; a book of passion and terror and wit which reminds us that Faerie is not a safe place, or a fair one. And at its edges there lurk other stories--Neil Gaiman's work in comics and television has previously shown his capacity to evoke mystery and glorious magic by telling us just enough and no more, but he excels himself here. Charles Vess's illustrations, (Vess collaborated with Gaiman on key episodes of The Sandman), have charm and occasionally more--the stars dance, Pan looms from the forest, a witch queen rides a chariot driven by goats and Tristan journeys by candlelight leagues at a step."

This is another book, my eldest son bought me for Christmas. I had seen the movie which I thought was good, but the book is so much better. In the movie they had changed some things and left some important other factors out which are included in the book.

This novel was magical and fun to read, it was the first of this kind I have read. I enjoyed being taken into the world of faerie and reading about unicorns, goblins and witches, and stars ;)
I put this down as a young authors book, from teenage upwards, the reason for this is, there is some sexual reference in the beginning chapters, not much though.

This story is about how a young boy Tristian Thorn, promises to collect a fallen star for his love Victoria Foster, he sets out on his travels as she promised him, his hearts desires if he brings back the star for her. He has to cross the Wall into faerie land, and his adventures begin.

If you like fantasy, you will enjoy this book.

The Magic Shop by H. G. Wells (Audio Book)

Thought Audio.com

"This is a charming tale from H.G. Wells about a young boy named Gip who visits a magic shop for his birthday with his father. But this is not just any magic shop – the shopkeeper insists that this is a genuine magic shop. The story is an entertaining adventure as Gip, like any young boy of his age, experiences the pure enjoyment of true magic while his skeptical father grapples with having to draw the line between slight of hand and genuine magic"


I listened to my first Audio Book, today. I searched on the net for some 'free' ones and found a few sites with them. So I downloaded The Magic Shop by H.G. Wells, narrated by Michael Scott.

I wasn't sure what sort of book it was and realised it was a child's book, this didn't put me off as I like reading Young authors books anyway. It was really quite charming. It's about how Gip goes to a magic shop with his father for his birthday, and strange magical things happen. It's a short story and only last half an hour. So it's not the sort of book I would be drawn into, with it being so short and also aimed at young children. I'm glad I listened to it though, it was good cooking dinner and being told a story at the same time. The narrator is American and I enjoyed listening to him tell this story. I wouldn't say it was the best but being my first I am sure to find better ones. I want to look out for some English ones, and audio books that I can get gripped with, ones that have emotion and that can make you feel as though you are there.


It is my first H.G. Wells book and I would look for some more. I think if my 11year old son Joe, would like to listen to this.

Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince

Author: J.K Rowiling
ISBN: 0-7475-8108-8
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Pages: 607
Format: Hardback
Publisher: Bloomsbury


"In the sixth and most recent book, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the last chapter, titled "The Second War Begins," started:
'In a brief statement Friday night, Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge confirmed that He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named has returned to this country and is active once more.
"It is with great regret that I must confirm that the wizard styling himself Lord - well, you know who I mean - is alive among us again," said Fudge.'
Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince takes up the story of Harry Potter's sixth year at Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry at this point in the midst of the storm of this battle of good and evil."


I decided to re-read this book so that I could refresh my memory for the new coming and last installment of Harry Potter. Having enjoyed this book the first time I read it, I enjoyed it much more the second time around. I have enjoyed reading the journey with Harry and the rest of the guys, it's like you get to be apart of what's going on. This book is much darker than the others but so enjoyable. I had tears in my eyes at the end. The only part I'm not convinced about is Harry and Ginny. The saddest part is no more of a certain lovable character :( .
Although I loved this book, my favorite HP book so far remains to be The Order of the Phoenix.

My Rating: Loved every minute of it.

The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien.

Author: J. R. R. Tolkien.
ISBN: 0-00-675402-3
Genre: Fantasy Fiction
Publisher: Collins

"The classic story of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures through Rivendell, Mirkwood, and Erebor; released in a new paperback format. Easily one of the most famous children's books of modern times, "The Hobbit" is a must read and this edition will bring it to life for a whole new generation of readers. Bilbo Baggins enjoys a quiet and contented life, with no desire to travel far from the comforts of home. Then, one day, the wizard Gandalf and a band of dwarves arrive unexpectedly and enlist his services - as a burglar - on a dangerous expedition to raid the treasure-hoard of Smaug the dragon. Bilbo's life is never to be the same again. "The Hobbit" became an instant success when it was first published in 1937, and nearly 70 years later, Tolkien's epic tale of elves, dwarves, trolls, goblins, myth, magic and adventure, with its reluctant hero Bilbo Baggins, has become a timeless classic. This new children's edition of "The Hobbit", with a refreshed cover, will bring this classic story to a whole new generation of readers."

This is a book I've been meaning to read for ages, especially after being a fan of the Lord of the Rings movies. As I was reading this, it made me wish I had loved to read as a child, as I would have totally loved this book back then too.
I'm currently trying to get my 10 year old son to read it, but sadly like I was at his age, he doesn't want to read. Hmmm.

Anyway, I totally loved this book, it was better than I thought it would be. It was an exciting read and very enjoyable. It wasn't long until I was lost within the pages and hooked. I've not read much in the way of fantasy fiction, and if I can find more books like this then I'd be hooked.

Now I have to read The Lord of the Rings series!

My Rating: An Exciting Fantasy Novel!