The Fire Chronicle (Books of Beginning) (edition 2012)

As wonderful as the first in the series was, this one was even better. Great character development, edge-of-your-seat plot twists and turns, wonderful world building. We've seen the Book of Time and the Book of Life... The final one in the trilogy, dealing with Emma's adventures around the Book of Death, promises to be as enthralling as these first two. ( )

Book three, please! On the double! (please!)

While 'The Emerald Atlas' was Kate's book, 'The Fire Chronicle' is Micheal's time to shine! Don't miss out on this sequel. It is just as cleverly written as its predecessor and will stick with you well after finishing the last sentence on the last page.

Book three can't come soon enough! ( )

Split up as they try to run from their enemies, Kate is sent 100 years into the past and Michael and Emma are off with Dr. Pym to find the second Book of Beginning. As Kate gets to know the people in her new surroundings, she realizes that her life and that of Rafe are connected both where she is as well as in the future. Michael and Emma are sent on a dangerous journey to find the Book of Life that takes them to the south pole and mixes their lives with those of the elves who live there. All the siblings need each other to succeed, and more than they ever thought possible.

I really like this series, but this book had just a few too many twists and turns to be a five star. I am definitely looking forward to the third book! ( )

This second book in the Books of Beginning trilogy does not disappoint! There is lots of action, adventure and excitement. Book three can't come out soon enough. ( )

A ("Harry Potter") flying car
A Dumbledore-like wizard who puffs Gandalfian smoke rings
A ("Narnia") boy who has briefly betrayed his sisters
A Tom Riddle
An Aragorn-like protector, though hunkier and apparently not a king
The orphaned "chosen ones"
Dwarves, elves, an elven princess, and a dragon

A very good story (and a great character in the youngest child, Emma), which is why I give it 4****.

Too derivative, which is why I don't give it 5*****

Occasionally way too cutesy, as in the "Edgar Allan Poe Home for Hopeless and Incorrigible Orphans," another reason why I don't give it 5*****

( )