Crusader

Rating:
Summary: Wow! An awsome second book by Bloor
Review: I completed this page turner less than an hour ago. It was started fresh off the shelf about six hours earlier. One thing that made me upset though, was when I found it in a bookstore, it was in the CHILDREND's section, near the Babysitter's Club and Judy Blume books. To me, that is a horrendous oversight by an employee of the chain. Nevertheless, I had anticipated my purchase of "Crusader" and was happy to take the lone copy off their shelf. The parallel themes between this and "tangerine" were astounding, yet Bloor still managed to keep the plot original, despite the fact that there countless subliminal similarities. I can't wait for someone I know to read this so we can engage in the intelligent and insightful conversation that follows the reading of a mutually enjoyed novel. Wow that book is great!

Rating:
Summary: Bloor does it again!
Review: Edward Bloor has a gift for storytelling. "Crusader" starts out slowly, with little seeds being planted for the future. Bloor weaves his complex characters into a tale of mystery, terror, friendship, family, and morality. But he is never "preachy" or untruthful with a character's strengths and weaknesses. I'm a great fan of "Tangerine", and will now enthusiastically share "Crusader" with my older students. Can't wait for more for this author.

Rating:
Summary: This Book is Great for kids 9 and up!
Review: Crusader is based in a failing mall in Florida. Roberta is facing some tough challenges and needs to get out of them. Edward Bloor tackles those problems in an amazing way. This book shouldn't get into the hands of someone under 9 years old, this book includes some racism.

Rating:
Summary: Not for children
Review: Those who loved Tangerine and were eagerly awaiting Edward Bloor's second novel will want to get their hands on The Crusader, especially after seeing the spectacular cover. Warning! Even the author cautions that this look at the seamy underside of life in Florida is not for elementary school children. With a murder, a suicide, skinheads, and talk of leg-breaking loansharks, this is world children should not enter. How about for teenagers? Once you get past the fact that the Crusader thing never really happens, Bloor scores another look at humanity's darker side. As I read this book, I became progressively annoyed waiting for the Crusader to become central to the story. It never does. The virtual reality game always remains a colorful backdrop to a world of goths, racism, and backroom politics. If you can hang on through the extended middle, the conclusion hammers home with some powerful observations about life in America in the 21st century.

Rating:
Summary: Great book! Needs to be marketed to adults, too!
Review: CRUSADER is an impressive novel with a page-turner plot andwell-drawn, believable characters. I agree this is comparable to HUCKLEBERRY FINN. It should be marketed toadults and would probably do well on the paperback lists. Young adults will find it fascinating but I would say most high school teachers should be assigned it. Then they might know what is going on with their students.

Rating:
Summary: A Thriller with a Message
Review: It is not often that a novel works both as a murder mystery and a morality play. Edward Bloor's "Crusader" does, and magnificently so. Plainly, it is the story of a young girl's quest to solve the mystery surrounding her mother's violent death. On that level alone, the book is a page-turner, building the suspense in a deceptively leisurely fashion until the shattering resolution. But along the way, the 15-year-old heroine meets up with an array of vividly drawn characters of various generations. There are the drifting, nihilistic teens, trapped in drugs and crime. There are the adults, some good, some awful. Bloor masterfully weaves them all into a tapestry the more provocative and often disturbing because it depicts the dark side of our time with the ring of truth. This is a thriller with a message that transcends the usual genre. That Bloor delivers the message without preaching is further proof of the author's splendid talent, already evident in his first novel, the widely praised "Tangerine". The book is being marketed as "juvenile". It bears about as much resemblance to that category as, say, Huckleberry Finn.

Rating:
Summary: Masterfully written, totally enthralling
Review: I really loved this book! What a gift for readers of all ages. If you appreciate a good mystery, human failings and triumphs, history and marvellous dialogue, then this is a 'must read' book for you! The author captures the reader on this fascinating journey into the lives of his large cast of colorful characters. 'Crusader' is Edward Bloor's second novel. His first novel 'Tangerine' received high praise from many literary circles and readers. 'Crusader' will surely earn the same accolades.

Rating:
Summary: To Tangerine fans:
Review: Crusader is for a slightly older audience, teenage and up. I get nice letters from elementary school students who tell me they read Tangerine in class. That would not be a good idea for Crusader.

Rating:
Summary: Wow.
Review: This book is AWESOME! You won't put it down (I would know-- I stayed up until 5:00 AM for two nights reading it.) The story is amazing and you never know what's gonna happen next. The characters' personalities are all so different, but they all tie into the main theme (which I won't say just incase that is a "spoiler". WHATEVER.). I recommend this book to anyone who.. knows how to read.

Rating:
Summary: ...wow.
Review: I found this book in my local library and decided to check it out. I ended up reading it in one day, sitting up into the early morning, because I just couldn't put it down. I enjoyed the characters, the story, everything.

...in fact, yesterday, I went back to the library and checked it out again, a few moths after the first reading.

The characters are down-to-earth, and you feel like you could actually have talked to one of them before. This is a story you can lose yourself in, but not one that will take you out of reality itself. It's well-grounded, and I enjoyed it very much. I'm looking forward to getting my own copy SOON.