Tag: extra-terrestrial • BookLikes

review 2017-11-24 20:46

E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial: The Classic Illustrated Storybook (Pop Classics) - Kim Smith

I liked this children’s book as it was just like the movie that I loved. The illustrations were cartoon in nature and as I read it, I smiled as I could remember seeing this novel at the movie theater so many years ago. The author tried to include as many of the highlights of the movie that he could and I thought the flow of the novel was great as I didn’t feel that I was missing anything important to make me have to stop reading. I loved the details in the illustrations, they weren’t too cumbersome and little E.T. was cute with his huge eyes and his little fingers.

Elliott discovers something out in the shed and it didn’t look like a coyote. His story of a goblin doesn’t sit well with his family so the next night, using candy he entices the creature into his home while outside some individuals are searching for something using strange equipment. I can hear Gertie scream as she is introduced to Elliott’s goblin and the illustration was perfect for this part in the novel. The story continues with the globe, his solar system model, and his mother’s search of Elliott’s room where E.T. is hidden amongst all his stuffed toys (excellent illustration). There is this anticipation as the story continues as the individuals outside continue to draw closer to Elliott house and this suspense continues as I read, the individuals creeping closer and closer. Gertie dresses E.T. up as they played and she teaches him how to talk, such great movie scenes and the illustrations do a wonderful job also. This really is a fantastic novel, one that makes you relive the movie and one that brought smiles to my face. This is definitely a novel that I will be purchasing for myself. I think kids will love looking at its illustrations over and over again and it will be one that they will love to hear repeated. This novel and my Home Alone children’s novel will be hits! I think now I need to watch the movie, I really do!

review 2015-10-10 16:36

Catholic Science Fiction

Opinioned Tannia Ortiz

Angel Fire, by Mary Marshall, is a science fiction story with elements of religion, espionage, extra-terrestrial activities, prophecies, and mythology.

The story begins with Captain Sorn and the surviving crew members of his battleship, Lieutenant Ont Zejen and the android, Jennex, stranded and lost in space. While lingering in space, they encounter a space anormality and drive the ship through it. Upon exiting, they find themselves thousands of light years away from their home planet, Tethra, and are astounded to be looking at the legendary planet Earth.

After analyzing Earth from their hidden out-of-space location, Captain Sorn and Lieutenant Zejen decide to infiltrate the planet using the identities of Richard Saxon and Frank Nelson, respectively. Once adjusted to life on Earth, they will continue to study the planet, find parts to fix their ship, and go back home.

Once on Earth, Jennex will be their only contact with the ship. The android will stay on board repairing and manning the ship, doing a further research on Earth, and transmitting relevant information to Richard and Frank.

While gathering data one day, Jennex discovers the Research Organization for the study of Extra-terrestrials (ROSET). It hacks into the organization's computer and becomes fully aware of the life-threatening danger ROSET represents to their safety and survival on Earth.

When Captain Sorn meets Selina Devon and Father John Fisk, a spiritual battle begins between the forces of good and evil on heaven and Earth. The Archangels and angels led by the Archangel Michael must protect Richard, Selina, and Fr. Fisk from the evil forces led by Natas, the demon. His evil doers will use all their wicked power and tricks to prevent the fulfillment of an ancient Tethra's prophecy.

Richard Saxon's encounters with ROSET's despicable operative and Natas' puppet Max Traytur will keep him and Selina alert and constantly on the run throughout the story.

Captain Sorn feels torn between two worlds. He must endure pain, loss, and rebirth to discover the truth. He also must grow in experience and knowledge to save his planet Tethra and his newly discovered home, Earth.

One of the biggest weaknesses of the story is its excessive similarity to famous science fiction programs such as Star Trek, Deep Space Nine, and Lost in Space. However, the vivid and grasping scenes involving Max Traytur will allow the reader to feel the pain this character inflicts onto others.

Angel Fire is a book for Catholics looking for an alternative to popular science fiction books. However, its aspects of religion might be, at times, too overwhelming for non-Catholics or readers sensitive to stories with religious content.