Hangman's Curse :

Rating:
Summary: Morals Meet Mystery
Review: I was glad to see this book because I was a big fan of "The Cooper Kids Adventures" --at least when Peretti had written the first 4. I've tried to read the second set of Cooper Kids Adventures & I think I'm just too old now. :) But Hangman's Curse succeeds in that respect: it's readable for anyone over the age of 13. I happen to agree with "opheliainlove", though: some characters feel way too typical (dare I say, Disney-ized?) But the dialogue btn Elisha and Elijah and their teachers is definitely worth the read. For those of us who remember evolution is *theory* and not *fact*, it's good to hear the kids debate philosophy with philosophy and science with science. However, I don't agree with opheliainlove that this should be shelved with Christian fiction, because that means opheliainlove has just missed one of the main points of the book. Kudos to Mr. Peretti on a well-written, exciting adventure!

Rating:
Summary: A good lesson
Review: The Springfield family (Nate, Sarah, Elijah, and Elisha) is very Christian. They try to help whoever they can. And they work without being too judgmental.

This is a strength because teens like to do the opposite of whatever they are told, especially if being PREACHED to. It becomes a minor weakness, though. The religious aspect is a tiny part of the novel; but when it comes in, a reader will notice that the author and his editors have held back...the novel may be too politically correct.

The novel begins as the Springfields bust a drug ring. Then they are asked to investigate weird incidents at Baker High School. They accept the assignment and begin separating the truth from the legend of Abel Frye (a student who committed suicide in the 1930s and is now helping the weaker students exact revenge on their tormentors).

Children and teens will enjoy this novel because it not too preachy. Parents will appreciate the good message taught by HANGMAN'S CURSE. Other adults will be intrigued as well.

While aimed for the 12+ crowd, okay for 9+.

Rating:
Summary: Too religious...but a good story/plot
Review: I bought this book at a local supermarket, so I had no idea what the reviews were. The back cover text really interested me. Overall, I really enjoyed the story. Peretti is a good author for the most part. (There could be some minor improvements)

The thing that urked me the most was the Christian viewpoints and stereotypes. If I'd known it was a Christian book I never would have bought it, but by the time I found out, I was into the plot and hated to quit.

Witches are portrayed in a very disrespectful manner. The characters are constantly talking about praying and asking for guidance. As other reviewers said, it would have been nice to at least see other religions in it, but as I now know, this is a Christian book, and it can only be expected. The author even went so far as to mention in one chapter that a character didn't have a husband, and how this didn't help matters any. He mentions that the character smells of cigarettes and alcohol, and how run down she looked, as if all single mothers are alcoholics and the only way to lead a good life is to have a husband. Ha.

If you're looking for a good Chrisitan book, this is it. If you want to read a good thriller/mystery and could careless about religious undertones, then pick this one up. It's a good read, but not for everyone.