Category: Book review

The heat is on for Hiccup as he is called to save the day once again. Someone has stolen the Fire-Stone. Now that the volcano on Volcano Island has become active, the tremors are hatching the eggs of the Exterminator dragons! Can Hiccup return the Fire-Stone to the Volcano, stop it from erupting, and save the Tribes from being wiped out by the terrible sword-claws of the Exterminators?

This book is the 5th book in the How to Train Your Dragon Series. And I need to be honest here and say that the more books I read in this series, the more I fall in love with this series in a way.

This book continues to captivate me personally with its blend of humor, adventure, and heart felt moments. Which is very reassuring theme in this whole series so far at least.

The story in this book begins with a seemingly routine dragon-herding exercise that quickly spirals into chaos when a volcano erupts, threatening the safety of Berk. Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, our clever and unlikely hero, discovers that the eruption has awakened the legendary Exterminator dragons. To save his home, Hiccup must embark on a daring quest to find the lost Firestone, the only thing capable of stopping the volcanic threat.

Cowell’s depiction of Berk and its surrounding islands is as vivid as ever, creating a dynamic and perilous backdrop for the adventure. The volcanic landscape adds an element of urgency and danger, heightening the stakes for Hiccup and his friends.

Hiccup’s character continues to shine as he navigates the challenges of leadership and bravery. His intelligence, quick thinking, and empathy set him apart in a society that often values strength over wit. This book highlights Hiccup’s growth as he learns to trust in his abilities and make difficult decisions for the greater good.

Toothless, Hiccup’s dragon companion, remains a delightful presence, adding humor and depth to the story. Their bond is central to the narrative, showcasing themes of friendship and loyalty. Fishlegs and Camicazi, Hiccup’s loyal friends, also play crucial roles, each contributing their unique skills and personalities to the quest. And toothless continues to still be my favorite character in this whole series.

This book explores themes of courage, responsibility, and the power of teamwork. Hiccup’s quest emphasizes the importance of facing fears and taking responsibility for one’s community. The story underscores the idea that true bravery often involves making sacrifices and standing up for what is right.

The Firestone symbolizes hope and the possibility of overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. Cowell uses this element to highlight the power of perseverance and the belief that even the smallest actions can make a significant difference.

Cowell’s writing style in this book is engaging and humorous, perfectly capturing the adventurous tone of the series. Her witty dialogue and playful narrative voice bring the characters and their world to life. The illustrations scattered throughout this book enhance the storytelling, adding visual humor and enriching the reading experience.

The pacing itself in this book is well-managed, with a balance of action-packed sequences and quieter, character-driven moments. While some plot points may be predictable, the overall narrative remains compelling and which has kept me personally eagerly turning pages.

Cowell excels in expanding the Viking world of Berk, introducing new locations and challenges that enrich the story. The volcanic setting and the introduction of the Exterminator dragons add depth and intrigue, immersing me personally in a world where danger and discovery go hand in hand.

The author’s imaginative descriptions and attention to detail create a vivid and immersive setting. The dragon lore is further developed, enhancing the magical and adventurous atmosphere of the series.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

Reluctant hero Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III must rescue his best friend, Fishlegs, from the deadly disease Vorpentitis. The only cure is rare and almost impossible to find…a potato. But where will Hiccup find such a thing? He’ll have to dodge the terrible Sharkworms, battle Doomfangs, and outwit crazy Hooligans if he’s going to be a Hero. Again.

This book is the 4th book in the How to Train Your Dragon Series. And I need to be honest here and say that the more books I read in this series, the more I fall in love with this series in a way.

This book continues to enchant me personally with its blend of humor, adventure, and heart felt moments which is very relevant for this whole series. 

The narrative in this book kicks off with a dire situation: Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III’s best friend, Fishlegs, is gravely ill, suffering from the deadly disease known as Vorpentitis. The only cure is a rare vegetable called a Potato, believed to be mythical by the Viking community. Hiccup embarks on a perilous journey to find this cure, facing numerous challenges along the way.

Cowell vividly depicts the Viking world of Berk, filled with treacherous landscapes and mythical dangers. The setting is brought to life with vivid descriptions, creating an immersive backdrop for Hiccup’s daring quest.

Hiccup continues to shine as a protagonist, demonstrating intelligence, empathy, and resilience. His determination to save Fishlegs showcases his loyalty and courage, highlighting his growth as a leader. Hiccup’s journey emphasizes the importance of friendship and selflessness, qualities that make him a relatable and inspiring hero.

Toothless, Hiccup’s mischievous dragon companion, provides humor and heart, reinforcing themes of loyalty and teamwork. Their bond deepens as they face challenges together, illustrating the strength found in true friendship. Fishlegs, despite his illness, remains a key character, adding both comic relief and emotional depth to the story. I need to admit that toothless is starting to become my favorite character out of all the characters in this series so far.

This book explores themes of friendship, courage, and the power of perseverance. Hiccup’s quest to find the mythical Potato underscores the importance of hope and determination in overcoming seemingly insurmountable challenges. The story highlights the idea that true bravery often involves putting others before oneself.

The Potato, a seemingly simple object, symbolizes the elusive nature of hope and the lengths one will go to for those they love. Cowell uses this element to emphasize the power of belief and the impact of small actions.

The writing itself in this book is lively and engaging, perfectly capturing the adventurous tone of the series. Her witty dialogue and playful narrative voice bring the characters and their world to life. The illustrations scattered throughout the book enhance the storytelling, adding visual humor and enriching the reading experience.

The pacing itself in this book is well-balanced, with a mix of action-packed sequences and quieter, character-driven moments. While some plot elements may be predictable, the overall narrative remains compelling and which has kept me personally eagerly turning pages.

The author of this book excels in expanding the Viking world of Berk, introducing new locations and challenges that enrich the story. The journey to find the Potato takes us as readers through diverse landscapes, adding depth and intrigue to the narrative. The author’s imaginative descriptions and attention to detail create a vivid and immersive setting.

The dragon lore is further developed, enhancing the magical and adventurous atmosphere of the series. Cowell’s creativity in crafting the world ensures that it feels both fantastical and believable, inviting us as readers to explore alongside Hiccup and his friends.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

Haddock III was an awesome sword-fighter, a dragon-whisperer and the greatest Viking Hero who ever lived. But it wasn’t always like that. Hiccup’s memoirs look back to when Hiccup was just an ordinary boy, and finding it very hard to be a Hero. Climbing on to a Roman Dragon Rustling ship by mistake in your first ‘Boarding an Enemy Ship’ lesson is bad enough. But to then discover that Alvin the Treacherous is also on board proves to Hiccup he couldn’t have been more wrong, especially when he steals his copy of How to Speak Dragonese. Can Hiccup save the dragons and the day? 

This book is the third book in the How to Train Your Dragon Series. And I gotta admit that the deeper I get into this series the more fun I am having with this series.

This book transports us as readers to the captivating world of Vikings and dragons. Because this book (as the 2 previous books in this series) blends humor, adventure, and heartwarming moments which makes me enjoy this book and this series a lot. 

The story in this book begins with Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, our clever and unassuming hero, participating in a Viking training exercise gone wrong. Instead of capturing a ship for practice, Hiccup and his friend Fishlegs accidentally stumble upon Roman soldiers plotting a nefarious scheme. This unexpected encounter sets off a series of events involving a daring rescue mission and a quest to thwart the Romans’ plans.

The depiction which this book gives us of the Viking world is as vivid as ever, with expansive seas and treacherous landscapes that create a thrilling backdrop for the adventure. The introduction of Roman characters adds a new dimension to the setting, expanding the series’ universe and introducing fresh conflicts.

Hiccup continues to grow as a character in this book, showcasing his intelligence, resourcefulness, and empathy. His ability to communicate with dragons, a skill few Vikings possess, is central to the story and highlights his unique strengths. Hiccup’s journey in this book emphasizes the importance of understanding and compassion, qualities that set him apart from the more traditionally minded Vikings.

Toothless, Hiccup’s dragon companion, remains a source of humor and affection. Their bond deepens as they face new challenges together, reinforcing themes of friendship and loyalty. Fishlegs, Hiccup’s loyal friend, also plays a significant role, providing comic relief while contributing to the story’s emotional depth.

Additionally this book gives us new characters which in a way expends the universe of this series, because it is introduces new dynamics and challenges for Hiccup. These interactions test his ingenuity and bravery, adding layers to his character development.

This book explores themes of courage, communication, and understanding. Hiccup’s ability to speak Dragonese becomes a metaphor for bridging gaps and overcoming differences. The story underscores the idea that true strength lies in empathy and the willingness to see the world from others’ perspectives.

At the same time the conflict with the Romans introduces themes of cultural clashes and the dangers of misunderstanding. Through Hiccup’s interactions with both Vikings and Romans, this book encourages us as readers to consider the value of peace and cooperation in a world often divided by conflict.

The writing style itself in this book remains engaging and accessible, filled with humor and charm that appeals to readers of all ages. Her witty dialogue and playful narrative voice bring the characters and their adventures to life. The illustrations scattered throughout the book enhance the story, providing visual humor and enriching the reading experience.

The pacing of this book is again well-balanced, with a mix of action-packed sequences and quieter, introspective moments. While some plot elements may be predictable, the overall narrative remains compelling and which has kept me personally eagerly turning pages.

The author of this book continues to excel in world-building, expanding the Viking universe with new locations and characters. The introduction of Roman culture adds depth and intrigue, creating a rich tapestry of interactions and conflicts. The dragon lore is further developed, enhancing the magical and adventurous atmosphere of the series.

The author’s imaginative descriptions of dragon communication and the challenges of understanding different cultures contribute to the story’s immersive quality. Cowell’s attention to detail ensures that the world feels consistent and vibrant, which had drawn me personally deeper into the narrative.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III was a Viking Hero–dashing, brave, and ever so clever. But even Viking heroes have to begin somewhere. In this rip-roaring adventure he recounts his early days–when he still had a lot to learn about swordfights, shipwrecks, and homicidal dragons

This book is the second book in the How to Train Your Dragon. And I need to admit here that the deeper I get into this series the more I seem to enjoy the series. But without making this into longer than it needs to be, lets get into the details and go through this book review.

This book continues the delightful adventures of Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, offering us as readers an engaging blend of humor, adventure, and heart. This second book in the series capturing my imagination and attention with its vibrant storytelling and lovable characters.

The story in this book picks up in the Viking world of Berk, where Hiccup, the unlikely hero, embarks on another rite of passage: learning the ways of a pirate. The plot kicks into high gear when Hiccup and his friends discover a mysterious map leading to the fabled treasure of Grimbeard the Ghastly. This treasure hunt takes them on a perilous journey filled with unexpected twists and turns.

This book vividly paints the world of Berk, capturing the rugged landscapes and treacherous seas that set the stage for this adventure. The blend of danger and discovery creates a thrilling atmosphere, inviting us as readers to delve deeper into this fantastical Viking realm.

Hiccup’s character continues to shine as he grapples with his identity in a society that prizes brawn over brains. His intelligence, creativity, and empathy make him a relatable and inspiring protagonist. Throughout the story, Hiccup learns valuable lessons about leadership, courage, and the importance of staying true to oneself.

I personally love the dynamic between Hiccup and his dragon, Toothless, because it is truly a highlight of this series for me personally. Toothless’s mischievous antics and evolving bond with Hiccup add humor and depth to the narrative. Additionally, the introduction of new characters, such as Alvin the Treacherous, adds complexity and intrigue to the story, challenging Hiccup in unexpected ways.

This book explores themes of bravery, friendship, and self-discovery. Hiccup’s journey emphasizes that true courage involves using one’s unique strengths and thinking creatively in the face of adversity. The story also highlights the value of friendship and teamwork, as Hiccup relies on his friends and allies to navigate the challenges they encounter.

The treasure map topic of this book serves as a symbol of the unknown and the allure of adventure. It represents the quest for identity and purpose, a recurring theme as Hiccup seeks to prove himself in a world that often underestimates him. This symbolism enriches the narrative, offering layers of meaning that resonate with me personally.

The writing style itself in this book is lively and engaging, perfectly capturing the whimsical tone of the series. The use of humor in this book is particularly effective, with witty dialogue and amusing situations that entertain readers of all ages. The illustrations scattered throughout the book enhance the storytelling, adding a visual dimension that brings the narrative to life.

The pacing of this book is well-balanced, combining action-packed sequences with moments of reflection and character development. While some plot points may feel predictable, the overall experience remains enjoyable and engaging, which has kept me personally invested in Hiccup’s adventures.

The expanding the world of Berk in this book, introducing new locations and challenges that enrich the story. The pirate training and treasure hunt add exciting elements to the narrative, immersing readers in a world where danger and discovery go hand in hand.

The author’s imaginative descriptions and attention to detail create a vivid and immersive setting. The Viking culture, with its traditions and values, is intricately woven into the plot, providing a rich backdrop for Hiccup’s journey.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, the quiet and thoughtful son of the Chief of the Hairy Hooligans, tries to pass the important initiation test of his Viking clan by catching and training a dragon. Can Hiccup do it without being torn limb from limb? Join his adventures and misadventures as he finds a new way to train dragons–and becomes a hero. This action-packed, hilarious, and perfectly illustrated novel is a modern classic beloved by millions across the globe.

I need to admit here that I was pretty skeptical about starting this series, since the main audience for this book are Middle school kids and am a 23-year-old female so am well past my middle school era (thankfully). But I decided to give this book and this series a shot because some of the Booktubers I like watching and spoken pretty highly of this series. And I forgot to mention that this book is the first book in the How to Train Your Dragon Series. But without making this into longer than it needs to be, lets get into the review of this book. 

This book is a pretty delightful foray into a world where Vikings and dragons coexist in a tumultuous yet enchanting relationship. Because it blends humor, adventure, and heart which I liked a lot in this book. At the same time this book offers a captivating and interesting read for children and adults alike.

The story in this book follows Hiccup Horrendous Haddock III, a rather unlikely hero, as he navigates life in the Viking world of Berk. Unlike the typical Viking warriors around him, Hiccup is small, thoughtful, and not particularly fierce. This sets the stage for a charming underdog tale as he embarks on his journey to become a dragon trainer.

I personally love a story where a underdog is the main character and he shows everyone who didn’t believe in him wrong. So of course there is a part of me which really really liked the plot in this book. At the same time Hiccup’s adventure begins with a rite of passage: capturing and training a dragon. The setting of Berk, with its rugged landscapes and dragon-infested skies, is vividly brought to life through the descriptive writing. This world is both perilous and fascinating, providing a fitting backdrop for Hiccup’s growth and the book’s central themes.

Hiccup is an endearing protagonist whose relatability is one of this book’s greatest strengths. He is not the typical Viking hero, which makes his journey all the more compelling. His intelligence, empathy, and wit set him apart in a society that values brawn over brains. The author of this book does a fantastic job of illustrating Hiccup’s internal struggles and gradual acceptance of his unique abilities.

When it comes to Toothless, Hiccup’s dragon companion, provides both comedy and heart. Their evolving relationship is central to the narrative, showcasing themes of friendship and understanding. Toothless is as much a character as any human in the story, with a distinct personality that adds depth and humor to the plot.

This book explores themes of identity, courage, and acceptance. Hiccup’s journey is not just about training a dragon but also about discovering his own strengths and the value of being different. The story encourages us as readers to embrace their uniqueness and underscores the idea that true bravery comes in many forms.

The dragons themselves in the book are very typical Fantasy trope of course, but they are also symbolic of the unknown and misunderstood. Through Hiccup’s interactions with Toothless and other dragons, the narrative challenges preconceived notions and highlights the importance of empathy and open-mindedness.

The writing itself in this book is pretty lively and engaging, perfectly suited for the intended younger audience. Her use of humor is particularly noteworthy, with witty dialogue and amusing situations that will elicit laughter from readers of all ages.

This book has also its fair share of illustrations and drawings which makes this book a very quick read because it has roughly 200 pages with a lot of illustrations and drawings. I personally read this book in one sitting which was a pretty cozy read. 

The pacing of this book is generally well-handled, with a good balance between action-packed sequences and quieter, character-driven moments. While some parts of the story may feel predictable, the overall experience is enjoyable and it has kept me personally invested in Hiccup’s adventures.

The world building aspect is also very good, because it feels both fantastical and believable. The Viking society, with its traditions and customs, is richly detailed, providing a solid foundation for the story. The dragons, each with unique traits and characteristics, add an exciting element to the narrative and enrich the world-building.

I Give This Book 4 / 5

For as long as she can remember, Evangeline Fox has believed in true love and happy endings until she learns that the love of her life will marry another. Desperate to stop the wedding and to heal her wounded heart, Evangeline strikes a deal with the charismatic but wicked Prince of Hearts. In exchange for his help, he asks for three kisses, to be given at the time and place of his choosing.

I gotta admit that I didnt have a lot of expectations and hope for this book (or this series) before starting it because I thought it was just one of many overhyped books. But now that I have read it I gotta admit that it was very good. There is something about this book which makes it a mesmerizing journey filled with enchantment, mystery, and emotional depth. But as always I will explain everything in this review. So if you are interested in hearing my thoughts about this book then keep reading this review, my dear reader.

The story in this book introduces us as readers to the main character who of course is Evangeline Fox, a young woman who finds herself entangled in a web of magic and deception. Evangeline’s world is one where fairy tales and reality blur. The author of this comic book very amazingly creates a setting that feels both otherworldly and vividly real. The Northern Kingdom, with its enchanted castles and whimsical charm, serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama.

The plot in this book is very good. There is something fairy tale-y but the author of this book is able to make it unique enough to not feel like a generic fairy tale wanna be book which of course this book isn’t. The plot in this book is very interesting, fun and enjoyable. The plot in this book was able to grab my attention and not let it go until the very end of this book.

Evangeline is a standout protagonist. Because she is very relatable, flawed, and endearing. Her journey from a hopeful romantic to a determined and resilient heroine is beautifully executed. This book does an amazing job portrays Evangeline’s internal struggles and growth, allowing me personally to connect deeply with her experiences and emotions.

Jacks, the enigmatic Prince of Hearts, is equally compelling. His motives are shrouded in mystery, and this book expertly balances his charm and danger, making him a fascinating character whose true intentions are never fully clear. The dynamic between Evangeline and Jacks adds tension and complexity to the narrative, driving much of the emotional weight of the story.

Themes of love, sacrifice, and destiny are intricately woven throughout this book. This book  explores the idea of broken hearts and the lengths one might go to mend them. At the same time this book delves into the consequences of choices and the unpredictable nature of destiny.

Symbolism is richly embedded in the narrative. The concept of broken hearts is both literal and metaphorical, representing loss, hope, and the pursuit of happiness. In a way the author uses symbols to enhance the emotional depth of the story, creating layers of meaning that invite deeper contemplation.

The writing itself in this book is very good. Because it is lyrical and immersive, drawing readers into a world where magic feels tangible. Her descriptive prose paints vivid imagery, making the fantastical elements of the story come alive. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, capturing the essence of each character’s personality and motivations.

The pacing of this book is expertly managed. The author of this book is able to balance moments of intense action with quieter, introspective scenes, allowing the story to breathe while maintaining momentum. The twists and turns are well-timed, which has kept me personally on the edge of my seat throughout this whole book without feeling rushed or contrived.

I Give This Book 5 / 5

Lucy is the first to find the secret of the wardrobe in the professor’s mysterious old house. At first her brothers and sister don’t believe her when she tells of her visit to the land of Narnia. But soon Edmund, then Peter and Susan step through the wardrobe themselves. In Narnia they find a country buried under the evil enchantment of the White Witch. When they meet the Lion Aslan, they realize they’ve been called to a great adventure and bravely join the battle to free Narnia from the Witch’s sinister spell.

I need to admit here that this my first read from the Narnia series, which I have very mixed feelings about because every time I tried to watch the Narnia movies even as a kid, I didn’t like them and never watched a single Narnia movie to the end. But I wanted to give this book series a shot because of the many good things people say about this series. 

The plot in this book is pretty decent. I need to be honest here and say that I almost DNF-ed this book at the beginning, just because of how slow the plot was at the beginning and that I started finding this book interesting enough to not DNF it in the second part of this book. However I need to admit that I’m kinda curious about what will happen next in this series, which of course I’m gonna continue reading because I did like this book overall.

I need to admit that I have pretty mixed feelings about the plot in this book because its very slow at the beginning and the plot made me work for it in the few first chapters of this book. The action in this book takes a long time to actually get interesting and enjoyable. At the same time the plot in this book feels pretty generic fantasy book plot to me personally. It feels like any other fantasy book meant for young adults / children to me personally. I personally tend to me very harsh to fantasy book because I either love them or hate them with no in between those 2, so it could very well be that am too harsh for this book than I need to me. 

However the plot does have some fun, enjoyable and interesting moments throughout this book, which made me want to continue reading this series which of course I’m gonna do as I said above in this review.

This book is a very short one for a fantasy book, since currently most of the fantasy books being written now are well over 600 pages long but this book is roughly 200 pages long. And because this book is as short as it is, it gave me the opportunity to being able to read this book in one day which of course I did, if I remember correctly  I have read this book in like 4 or 5 hours while also taking regular breaks from it.

The characters in this book are kinda all over the place for me personally. We get plenty of characters in this book and looking at the fact that this book is roughly 200 pages long means that we don’t spend long enough time with the characters for me to actually form my own opinion about this characters for myself. 

But I gotta admit that I didn’t like Edmund in this book because of the betrayal he does in this book. At the same time I wasn’t a big fan of Susan and Lucy in this book because they are written in a very sexist way in this book, they don’t do anything in this book other than cry when something bad happens and all the action we see in this book from the 4 siblings comes from Edmund and Peter. But I guess I cant exactly complain about the sexist aspect of this book because it was written and published in 1950 and back then the sexist thing was still going strong back then.

The writing style in this book is pretty old timey which is the main reason why I have so many mixed feelings about this one. Because the old timey language and writing style in this book kept pulling me out of the story at times and made me bored at times. But it could be just me because I’m from Poland and English is my second language and I like to read books in English to improve my skills and English and get used to using it, while reading, writing (like this review) and even speaking it when im at vacation in a different country.

I Give This Book 3 / 5

Persephone’s relationship with Hades has gone public and the resulting media storm disrupts her normal life and threatens to expose her as the Goddess of Spring. Hades, God of the Dead, is burdened by a hellish past that everyone’s eager to expose in an effort to warn Persephone away. Things only get worse when a horrible tragedy leaves Persephone’s heart in ruin and Hades refusing to help. Desperate, she takes matters into her own hands, striking bargains with severe consequences.

This book is the second book in the “Hades x Persephone” series. And I need to admit the further I get in this series the more I love it and the more I want to keep going in this series.

I gotta admit that this second book wasn’t as good as the first one in this series, but it was still very interesting and enjoyable to read. But at the same time the further I get in this series the more interested I get in the greek mythology which is very surprising to me personally because before reading this book I tried getting into the greek mythology and I just couldn’t but this book is awakening my interested in the green mythology in a way.

The main thing which has stopped me from giving this book a 5 star rating was Persephone herself at times (which was also relevant in book 1) which is that at times she does very stupid stuff which made me question how many brain cells she had left. There are also times when Persephone jumps into very heavy conclusions without knowing the whole context which is the cause of why she does some of those very stupid stuff in this book and in the first book in this series. While other times she makes those very stupid decisions solely based on making herself feel good and just doesn’t care about the consequences her stylus decisions will have on others. 

But don’t take it as me hating on Persephone. I personally think that 90% of the time she is a very good character. But there is still the 10% of time where she acts like a impulsive child throwing a tantrum because she couldn’t have the cake and eat it at the same time. Which made me have some very mixed feelings and thoughts about her.

When it comes to Hades, where should I start with him ? With each book in this series I fall more and more in love with him, because he is an incredible character. The relationship between him and Persephone gives him huge personality which makes him more than the “god of death”. 

This book and the first book in this series, also gives us knowledge on the greek mythology without overwhelming us. Which makes this book so much better because it gives this book (and the whole series) a rich backstory and history of the universe which this series takes place in. 

The writing style in this book, plays very well with the plot of this book because both the writing style and the plot in this book has the cozy and fantasy-ish vibe to them. The writing style in this book is very simple and easy going which makes it very easy for me personally to get sucked into the plot of this book and makes me want to continue reading this series. 

I Give This Book 4 / 5