Melody J. Bremen

This is the sequel to "The Quest for the Luminae". This was just as action packed as the first one. The tension was definitely tight in this one. The Prince of the Above Ground has decided to do whatever it takes to get control of the country. If that means he must get rid of the people below ground he will. When Milo and Rod return from their quest to find the luminae, they are attacked. They have brought back the potion that will heal their people, but are met at the dock by soldiers who bust up the barrels of the cure. Rod is arrested and Milo gets away.

He seeks an audience with the King only to realize how crazy the man has become. Lady Mariel sends him with a message to the Prince's castle to give the message and explain to the Prince's granddaughter. She is not what Milo expects. There is a rebel in her that wants to save the people and she is willing to join Milo in whatever mission is necessary to do so.

There is danger all around those involved. Another legend turns out to be true, the legend of the Giant Balakrik who came to the area collecting gold and fell asleep underground. Lately there have been a lot of earthquakes to add to the tension of the story. After reading the first one you definitely need to read this one.… (meer)

I just discovered this author's books. Milo is the apprentice to a Bounty Hunter. He helps capture criminals. His bounty hunter master, Rod found him beside his dead parents and took him to his sister's house to be raised. One day Rod and Milo are summoned by the Prince of the Above ground kingdom. They are also summoned by the King of the underground kingdom where they live. A sickness his wiping out the people who live underground. Both want them to go in search of something called the Luminae. This is a legendary creature that has the ability to heal the sick. Rod doesn't believe in them, but he will do anything when his sister get the illness. So the two of them set out in search of the legendary lunimae. But, not everything is as it seems. Someone doesn't want them to succeed?

I read this in one sitting. I stay up into the night to finish it because it was that good. The world building is awesome and the different lands are so well described you feel like you are there. The adventure is so tension filled you find yourself leaning forward and sitting don't he edge of your seat to find out what is next. Here is another book I will recommend to my local and my school library.… (meer)

Ivory hears music in everything–in birdsong, and wind chimes, yes, but also in the noise of traffic and the rhythm of a dishwasher.

There is also music in her heart, making sense of the world and her feelings–much more sense of these things than she can make without it.

I liked this look at Ivory’s world, though I found it difficult to get into the story-in-verse form at first. Perhaps that is a good thing, though–it helped create a sense of disorientation that might be a bit like what Ivory felt all the time.

All in all, a good story, well told.… (meer)

This book takes a very unexpected and original approach, allowing the reader to sink into a girl's world and join her on her personal journey.

Ten-year-old Ivory sees the world differently from those around her; her world consists of rhythm and music. While she goes along with the daily life expected of her, others around her notice that she's unique. When Ivory is introduced to her first piano through chance, new possibilities open up to her—something which perfectly harmonizes with who she is and how she expresses herself. But not everyone understands how trapped she really is or what she really needs.

Upon opening to the first chapter, it's immediately clear that this book takes a different approach to the story than most. The entire thing is written in verse, each line on a few words, sounds and thoughts. The author submerges the reader into Ivory's world and through direct and carefully laid phrases, allows it to come to life in amazing emotion and detail. Through this artistic style of writing, the author keeps the reader in the palm of her hand and leads them exactly down the path Ivory goes.

It's an easy read and short enough to grab even reluctant readers. The sounds and sights have a simple flair, which even readers who usually stumble over vocabulary will understand. Despite Ivory's differences, she still leads a life familiar to readers of that age group and is simple to connect to.

The purpose of this book is clear—the acceptance and understanding of those who differ from the norm. In this case, Ivory is autistic and struggles to express herself, and discover her direction. As a mother of an autistic child and with several more in the surrounding family, I find the portrayal of Ivory's thoughts and her sudden talent...as well as the lateness which her situation is discovered...away from reality, which does bother a bit. But I don't think the purpose of this book is to necessarily produce a close study of autism, but rather allow the reader to get a glimpse at a different way of thinking. Not everyone views the world in the same way. Obviously, a real life Ivory wouldn't constantly have her mind running in verse or such disconnected thoughts, but this poetic approach goes a long way in bringing across emotions in a personal manner, making it easy to grasp and understand.

It's an intriguing read, which delivers a beautiful story in a touching and lovely way.… (meer)