The Bell, the Book and the Spellbinder

Rating:
Summary: A page turner!!!
Review: I am a loyal and long-time fan of Bellairs' works. When he died, my heart broke at the thought of his characters being forever retired. My hope was rekindled when I discovered a copy of "The Drum, the Doll, and the Zombie" and found out that Strickland was attempting to step in for the late author. With "Drum," he succeeded, but only because he was writing a book based on a plot concept of Bellairs'. When left to forge his own stories, he produces dull, cheesy books that shy away from the terror and suspense Bellairs mastered. In this story, Fergie becomes the main player, which is a poor decision in itself, as the Fergie character can't carry a story the way Johhny and the Prof can. Secondly, the tale of an evil man out to steal Fergie's youth could work, but it is poorly executed. The concept of an evil book with Fergie's name embossed on it and the power to reapear after being discarded is both hokey and hackneyed. I'm sure that Bellairs would've appreciated Strickland's gesture, but would have preferred he let it go.

Rating:
Summary: Brad, give it up...
Review: I am a loyal and long-time fan of Bellairs' works. When he died, my heart broke at the thought of his characters being forever retired. My hope was rekindled when I discovered a copy of "The Drum, the Doll, and the Zombie" and found out that Strickland was attempting to step in for the late author. With "Drum," he succeeded, but only because he was writing a book based on a plot concept of Bellairs'. When left to forge his own stories, he produces dull, cheesy books that shy away from the terror and suspense Bellairs mastered. In this story, Fergie becomes the main player, which is a poor decision in itself, as the Fergie character can't carry a story the way Johhny and the Prof can. Secondly, the tale of an evil man out to steal Fergie's youth could work, but it is poorly executed. The concept of an evil book with Fergie's name embossed on it and the power to reapear after being discarded is both hokey and hackneyed. I'm sure that Bellairs would've appreciated Strickland's gesture, but would have preferred he let it go.

Rating:
Summary: A page turner!!!
Review: This book was REALLY GOOD! I <3 John Bellairs books, and I reccomend other John Bellairs books. It has an adventurous plot and is impossible to put down! You never know what's going to happen to Fergie next. I also reccomend The Curse of the Blue Figurine, The Spell of the Sorcerer's Skull, and The Mansion in the Mist. Read it!!!!!

Rating:
Summary: Great Adventure
Review: When Fergie takes the mysterious book from the library he doesn't know what he's getting himself into. His whole life starts changeing when he gets brainwashed by the evil spellbinder Jarmyn Thanatos. Until his friends discover what was really going on and save his life.