What do you think?
Rate this book
Beautiful City of the Dead: A Supernatural YA Fantasy About a Teen Band and the Four Elements of Power
“Will keep readers turning pages deep into the night.”—The Bulletin “Poetic, wild language, as enigmatic and forceful as rock lyrics.”—Booklist Relly’s band is called Scorpio Bone. Screaming guitars, crusher drums, and a singer who looks like a golden god. Along comes a girl named Zee, with a bass guitar, a notebook full of strange lyrics, and exactly the right attitude.
Zee joins Relly’s band, and immediately their sound is unbelievable; it’s like silence screaming. As the band bonds together, inexplicable things start happening and Zee begins to learn her true role in the group. She finds she is the last piece in a tetrad that, once formed, gives the group supernatural powers—each teen in the group represents one of the four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. At their first gig, she realizes that music isn’t all there is to Scorpio Bone . . .
Zee joins Relly’s band, and immediately their sound is unbelievable; it’s like silence screaming. As the band bonds together, inexplicable things start happening and Zee begins to learn her true role in the group. She finds she is the last piece in a tetrad that, once formed, gives the group supernatural powers—each teen in the group represents one of the four elements: earth, air, water, and fire. At their first gig, she realizes that music isn’t all there is to Scorpio Bone . . .
256 pages, Paperback
First published July 24, 2006
12 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Leander Watts
5 books102 followersLeander Watts is the author of five young adult novels. He lives in the Genesee Valley of western New York State, where he teaches writing and literature (special areas of interest: science fiction, crime novels and YA.)
He owns hundreds of vinyl albums (many still in the original cellophane), twelve fezzes, a ninety year old tenor sax, and the biggest collection of Big Hand Books known to exist.
He owns hundreds of vinyl albums (many still in the original cellophane), twelve fezzes, a ninety year old tenor sax, and the biggest collection of Big Hand Books known to exist.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 29 of 61 reviews
August 9, 2017
What a strange little book! I came across it recently when my daughter was cleaning out her former room here. It doesn't look like she ever got around to reading it. Based on the artistry of the dust cover, the title, and the short review on the back, I decided to give it a chance. In my opinion, it seemed a little bipolar. The story revolves around a group of teens in a heavy metal band, and I enjoyed the musical references, how their original songs were put together, and where they found their inspiration. Where it gets a little crazy is when we find out that the teens are not ordinary kids but are equipped with super powers and that their otherwise normal high school is infested with a set of adults with the same powers, except they use theirs for evil. Yeah. All this in a small book of only about 250 pages with somewhat large print. Some parts of the story seemed glossed over and/or rushed and it was more about a couple of small battles rather than a bigger war. However, it was the juxtaposition of the reality of musically-inclined teenagers with their supernaturally-powered alter egos that was jarring for me.
April 18, 2009
I felt like this book really wasn't thought out. The idea of music and the immortal seems like a good idea in theory, but the author did nothing to explain why they're connected, or even show an instance where the two really had anything to do with...well, anything. A lot of the plot were "quick fixes," events that happened because they needed to, without any explanation. I also didn't really see a distinct beginning, middle and end. The whole story was a messy blur, and it wasn't until the last pinch of pages I felt like there was an actual hook, as week as that hook may be.
The narrator, Zee, didn't actually feel like a real person to me. Her thought were always taking life as a detached surrealist. I think we all have those moments were we can accept what's happening in a very open way...but I hardly think anyone thinks like that all the time. I'm not sure if the author didn't go into enough detail with her narration (like he did everything else in the book), or really just doesn't understand how people, let alone a teen girl, thinks.
The narrator, Zee, didn't actually feel like a real person to me. Her thought were always taking life as a detached surrealist. I think we all have those moments were we can accept what's happening in a very open way...but I hardly think anyone thinks like that all the time. I'm not sure if the author didn't go into enough detail with her narration (like he did everything else in the book), or really just doesn't understand how people, let alone a teen girl, thinks.
September 19, 2013
In Beautiful City of the Dead, Zee moves to a new town. Quickly meeting Relly, the lead guitarist of local "Ghost Metal" band, Scorpio Bone, she makes a place for herself, quickly becoming the bassist of his band. After their first gig, a powerful secret is revealed, one that will change Zee's life forever. Other forces in town will stop at nothing to have her.
I really don't know what I expected from this book. I guess maybe I thought it would be about some kids in a rock band that actually cross over to the land of the dead with their music. What I was met with in these pages was somehow more enjoyable and a better read than expected. The characters were realistic, and the plot was different, yet familiar at the same time. I loved the references back to old metal and rock bands like Black Sabbath, Slayer, and Rush. It helped me relate to the book much more than someone who had been into a different genre of music would have.
I really don't know what I expected from this book. I guess maybe I thought it would be about some kids in a rock band that actually cross over to the land of the dead with their music. What I was met with in these pages was somehow more enjoyable and a better read than expected. The characters were realistic, and the plot was different, yet familiar at the same time. I loved the references back to old metal and rock bands like Black Sabbath, Slayer, and Rush. It helped me relate to the book much more than someone who had been into a different genre of music would have.
July 7, 2009
Teenage heavy metal gods fighting evil.
This book rocks. I read it one afternoon and wished I'd stretched it out, because I was sorry it ended. This book was pretty much perfect, and I'm picky about my books.
I don't even know much about heavy metal, but I loved this book anyway. When the music plays in the book, you don't just see the band, you hear the music all around you, you feel the vibrations in the air, the bass shaking the floor under your feet, the steel strings buzzing against your fingers.
This is a book I'm totally passing on to my brother, who actually is a metal fan and will therefore love this book even more than I did (if that were possible).
This book rocks. I read it one afternoon and wished I'd stretched it out, because I was sorry it ended. This book was pretty much perfect, and I'm picky about my books.
I don't even know much about heavy metal, but I loved this book anyway. When the music plays in the book, you don't just see the band, you hear the music all around you, you feel the vibrations in the air, the bass shaking the floor under your feet, the steel strings buzzing against your fingers.
This is a book I'm totally passing on to my brother, who actually is a metal fan and will therefore love this book even more than I did (if that were possible).
December 16, 2023
The first time I read this book was back in 2008. I was in 8th grade. I hated reading because every book that I ever picked up was not my style/cup of tea. Then one day I saw this little book on my teacher's bookshelf and asked if I could read it. That day was the day I fell in love with reading. This book is unique with a little hint of W.I.T.C.H. elements in there. Ever since 2008, I have been looking for similar books like this. Yet, I have not found any.
I just finished rereading it in 2023, over a decade later. One of the oldest books on my shelf.
I just finished rereading it in 2023, over a decade later. One of the oldest books on my shelf.
June 5, 2015
I thought the book was really good I liked the style and settings of the book I can relate to the characters in the most part of there school life and how they are effected
February 22, 2024
This is a weird book that titers on the edge of reality and fantasy. Throughout the whole book it kept me wondering is there something fantastical happening or is it all in their minds. Relly is made out to be a conspiracy nut with keeps me questioning.
As the story continues fantasy start to blur more with reality. To the point start to accept that there is fantastical elements in this world.
Each chapter is short like a journal entry. However the book is not written to be a journal. Since that the case the chapters should have more detail. The book could of been shorter if the chapters where longer.
I do like the little details about music that woven into the story. Like how the band practice in the attic and do not has to interlace the walls with carpet and mattresses. I remember back in elementary school my music teacher had the class sit on patches of carpet. Which were left over from her husband’s band who practice in a storage unite and has to cover the walls in carpet.
There some famous bands mention like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Slayer. Don’t think I have listen to any of their songs say for Stairway to Heaven from Led Zeppelin.
Beautiful City of the Dead is a weird book that stand out from other YA books. While the main character girl, Zee does not full head over heels for a boy. Zee and Relly do go on a few dates but they remain friends.
I don’t usually read YA anymore. When I do it books that are older and are not part of any trend. Beautiful City of the Dead fits that mold.
Check this book out for its weirdness and heavy metal music.
As the story continues fantasy start to blur more with reality. To the point start to accept that there is fantastical elements in this world.
Each chapter is short like a journal entry. However the book is not written to be a journal. Since that the case the chapters should have more detail. The book could of been shorter if the chapters where longer.
I do like the little details about music that woven into the story. Like how the band practice in the attic and do not has to interlace the walls with carpet and mattresses. I remember back in elementary school my music teacher had the class sit on patches of carpet. Which were left over from her husband’s band who practice in a storage unite and has to cover the walls in carpet.
There some famous bands mention like Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, and Slayer. Don’t think I have listen to any of their songs say for Stairway to Heaven from Led Zeppelin.
Beautiful City of the Dead is a weird book that stand out from other YA books. While the main character girl, Zee does not full head over heels for a boy. Zee and Relly do go on a few dates but they remain friends.
I don’t usually read YA anymore. When I do it books that are older and are not part of any trend. Beautiful City of the Dead fits that mold.
Check this book out for its weirdness and heavy metal music.
December 20, 2017
Watts, Leander Beautiful City of the Dead, 254 p. Houghton Mifflin -
On her first day at a new school, Zee is befriended by Relly - a young man with a rock band that needs a bass player and holds a very large secret. Zee happens to play the bass quite wickedly, plus she has a head for lyrics and is the catalyst the boys need to propel them towards actual gigs. Unfortunately, evil is willing to use Relly to get their hands on Zee - because they need her also.
A great title and a catchy front cover will draw teens in, and they will not be disappointed by the contents.
MS, HS-ADVISABLE
On her first day at a new school, Zee is befriended by Relly - a young man with a rock band that needs a bass player and holds a very large secret. Zee happens to play the bass quite wickedly, plus she has a head for lyrics and is the catalyst the boys need to propel them towards actual gigs. Unfortunately, evil is willing to use Relly to get their hands on Zee - because they need her also.
A great title and a catchy front cover will draw teens in, and they will not be disappointed by the contents.
MS, HS-ADVISABLE
March 27, 2024
This was quite interesting! I actually liked it more than I thought I would. It’s a nice little story about ghosts and gods. I’d recommend it, for sure.
While it didn’t have enough for 5 stars, I still liked it and I think I’ll place it on my Forever Books shelf because I DO want to read it again
While it didn’t have enough for 5 stars, I still liked it and I think I’ll place it on my Forever Books shelf because I DO want to read it again
August 9, 2017
It had potential but very little was explained on how the magic worked and the character development was sub par
Read
December 30, 2019dnf
March 17, 2020
Not worth ur time.
Unless ur 16 years old or less.
As a metal fan i bought the book without thinking. Feels like reading a power rangers book without the action
Unless ur 16 years old or less.
As a metal fan i bought the book without thinking. Feels like reading a power rangers book without the action
May 21, 2020
was a fun and easy read
not much really happened but none the less i enjoyed it
not much really happened but none the less i enjoyed it
May 5, 2025
as much as I love this book I wish it was longer to explain some of the less explained things
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 24, 2009
A story about a teenage girl, Zee, who makes a new friend, one whom she finds both attractive and dangerous, and who introduces her to a secret world within the everyday world. In this hidden world she has mysterious elemental powers. But...with power...comes immense danger. It seems that the skeevy bio teacher is also more than he seems and he has it out for Zee and her new friends.
I found the book somewhat interesting. It had good ideas and some potential to develop into something cool, but I feel it fell short. Rather than being a self contained story it felt rushed and underdeveloped to me, like a failed attempt to launch a series. I felt that the beginning started out well, as a first book in a series, but then the second half of the book (in two separate acts) comprised the second two books condensed into a few short chapters. Things that should have been explained in more detail were rushed through and the reader was forced to assume many things for themselves that should have warranted some explanation by the author.
The characters were shaping up in the first part of the story, but development completely stops at that point and only perhaps three out of six characters have any development at all.
I was also taken out of the narrative by some terminology choices that I felt were poor. For example in the beginning of the story Relly explains to Zee that they are gods. Gods over the four elements, water, earth, fire and air. However, there are apparently many hundreds more people with similar powers to their own. The bands Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin for a couple. If there are so many people with similar powers...how could you call yourselves gods? Gods are individuals with immense powers, who are ageless and have many smaller minions to do their bidding. Although the issue is not huge and didn't greatly affect the reading of the story it still galled me a little. It would have been more effective, I think, if they were called something else. Just about anything else would have worked. Elementals. Mages. Mutants. Even changelings would have been better. I also noticed that the author didn't recall the four horsemen of the apocalypse correctly, which is another mistake, although not huge, that could have been easily fixed and would have made the story that much better. I also was annoyed that whenever the band name was brought up "Scorpio Bone" the characters would say, but scorpions don't have bones...but the band isn't scorpion bone, but Scorpio Bone. Although it's easy to see where the scorpion part comes in there is much more to the word Scorpio than just scorpion. For one in the zodiac it is considered a feminine water sign. Gee, isn't that convenient? Couldn't the author have used that to their advantage in the story? Did Watts do so? No. No one who didn't know that will know that. If, in fact, Watts even knew that.
Another bizarre thing was the connection the book had with the dead. There are many references, including the title, that lead the reader to expect some sort of ghost story. In fact, the only ghost scene comes at the very end and is ...as if it immigrated from some different book. It didn't make sense at all and could have just been the delusions of an paranoid schizophrenic. Other than the references to "Ghost Metal" which seemed to just be a cool name and the use of 'grave poetry' (of the most incredibly insipid nature) the dead seemed to have no place in this bizarre story.
Overall, although I read the entire book (which took only about five hours in total, being very short and simple), I felt that the only part the author really shone in was describing Zee's feelings while she played as part of a band. But having read other books with such descriptions even in that the author fell short of other writers. In the end it was rather short, underdeveloped and rushed. Some parts didn't make much sense and many of the characters seemed like they were replaced by mannequins in the second act. With all I've said (and all that I remembered was odd later) I think Watts should recall all the books and ...treat this publishing as a rough draft. I bet you could do better.
I found the book somewhat interesting. It had good ideas and some potential to develop into something cool, but I feel it fell short. Rather than being a self contained story it felt rushed and underdeveloped to me, like a failed attempt to launch a series. I felt that the beginning started out well, as a first book in a series, but then the second half of the book (in two separate acts) comprised the second two books condensed into a few short chapters. Things that should have been explained in more detail were rushed through and the reader was forced to assume many things for themselves that should have warranted some explanation by the author.
The characters were shaping up in the first part of the story, but development completely stops at that point and only perhaps three out of six characters have any development at all.
I was also taken out of the narrative by some terminology choices that I felt were poor. For example in the beginning of the story Relly explains to Zee that they are gods. Gods over the four elements, water, earth, fire and air. However, there are apparently many hundreds more people with similar powers to their own. The bands Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin for a couple. If there are so many people with similar powers...how could you call yourselves gods? Gods are individuals with immense powers, who are ageless and have many smaller minions to do their bidding. Although the issue is not huge and didn't greatly affect the reading of the story it still galled me a little. It would have been more effective, I think, if they were called something else. Just about anything else would have worked. Elementals. Mages. Mutants. Even changelings would have been better. I also noticed that the author didn't recall the four horsemen of the apocalypse correctly, which is another mistake, although not huge, that could have been easily fixed and would have made the story that much better. I also was annoyed that whenever the band name was brought up "Scorpio Bone" the characters would say, but scorpions don't have bones...but the band isn't scorpion bone, but Scorpio Bone. Although it's easy to see where the scorpion part comes in there is much more to the word Scorpio than just scorpion. For one in the zodiac it is considered a feminine water sign. Gee, isn't that convenient? Couldn't the author have used that to their advantage in the story? Did Watts do so? No. No one who didn't know that will know that. If, in fact, Watts even knew that.
Another bizarre thing was the connection the book had with the dead. There are many references, including the title, that lead the reader to expect some sort of ghost story. In fact, the only ghost scene comes at the very end and is ...as if it immigrated from some different book. It didn't make sense at all and could have just been the delusions of an paranoid schizophrenic. Other than the references to "Ghost Metal" which seemed to just be a cool name and the use of 'grave poetry' (of the most incredibly insipid nature) the dead seemed to have no place in this bizarre story.
Overall, although I read the entire book (which took only about five hours in total, being very short and simple), I felt that the only part the author really shone in was describing Zee's feelings while she played as part of a band. But having read other books with such descriptions even in that the author fell short of other writers. In the end it was rather short, underdeveloped and rushed. Some parts didn't make much sense and many of the characters seemed like they were replaced by mannequins in the second act. With all I've said (and all that I remembered was odd later) I think Watts should recall all the books and ...treat this publishing as a rough draft. I bet you could do better.
October 26, 2011
I read this book when I was in Jr. High. I was really into starting my own rockband and I played the bass guitar, so I really resonated with Zee, the main character. She moves to a new school and her first day is really awkward and uncomfortable. She knows that she's different from other teenagers, and she sometimes creeps other people out. She makes a friend named Relly, and he is the guitarist in a band. He asks Zee to be the bassist for his band. His band plays experimental music that Relly calls Ghost Metal.
He says, "You know how if you turn the volume all the way till your ears almost bleed, how when it's so loud there's a quiet place inside the noise? Loud enough to shake your teeth loose but in there somewhere is a ghost voice, like silent singing. That's the sound I want to get."
After their first gig, Relly starts acting strange and rushes out into the ally. Zee chases him and watches as he bursts into flames. She panics and starts to run, but Relly tells her it's all right. He tells her that he is a god and his element is fire. He says everyone else in the band is a god with a specific element, and that he believes that Zee is the goddess of water.
I suggest this book for any one who likes rock music, super powers, and romance. This is a really cool book and one of my favorites.
He says, "You know how if you turn the volume all the way till your ears almost bleed, how when it's so loud there's a quiet place inside the noise? Loud enough to shake your teeth loose but in there somewhere is a ghost voice, like silent singing. That's the sound I want to get."
After their first gig, Relly starts acting strange and rushes out into the ally. Zee chases him and watches as he bursts into flames. She panics and starts to run, but Relly tells her it's all right. He tells her that he is a god and his element is fire. He says everyone else in the band is a god with a specific element, and that he believes that Zee is the goddess of water.
I suggest this book for any one who likes rock music, super powers, and romance. This is a really cool book and one of my favorites.
April 29, 2011
I picked this book up off the shelf over a month ago at this point. When I finally started it I couldn't entirely remember why I picked it up , but I know that I am happy that I did. When Zee starts her new school she can't find anyone who looks interesting until she meets Relly. Relly has his own band and needs a bassist and he thinks Zee is the perfect fit. The four play ghost metal a sound so big you can hear the silence in it. Then Zee finds out that there is more to Relly, herself and their band than meets the eye.
The prose of this book was extremely lyrical and poetic. It just sounded gorgeous and I loved the different places that Zee went to come up with lyrics for the band. I just felt like the whole book had a gorgeous sound to it, which is always appropriate for a book about music.
I loved the twist in the book. I know it was unexpected but I thought that that was what made it work. This is one of the first paranormal books where a lot of explanation about what is going on why people have certain abilities was left out, but to be honest it didn't feel necessary. I didn't miss it the way I normally do. The book felt full all on it's own.
The music was enough for me. I really enjoyed it and honestly I am not entirely sure I can explain why.
The prose of this book was extremely lyrical and poetic. It just sounded gorgeous and I loved the different places that Zee went to come up with lyrics for the band. I just felt like the whole book had a gorgeous sound to it, which is always appropriate for a book about music.
I loved the twist in the book. I know it was unexpected but I thought that that was what made it work. This is one of the first paranormal books where a lot of explanation about what is going on why people have certain abilities was left out, but to be honest it didn't feel necessary. I didn't miss it the way I normally do. The book felt full all on it's own.
The music was enough for me. I really enjoyed it and honestly I am not entirely sure I can explain why.
June 6, 2011
Zee has never quite fit in, so when she meets Relly, who never questions her name, she finally feels a connection with someone. The friendship deepens when she joins their band as the bass player, and Scorpion Bone starts rockin' the town. But things go a little deeper than the foursome's garage band (or attic, in this case), especially when Zee starts meeting a couple of other suspicious characters. Relly reveals that they are, in fact, gods, and she is the element of water. Now it makes sense to Zee why Relly constantly said 'four and no more' for their band, as all four elements were present. But water is in demand, and Zee must decide how important her friendship with Relly is when he is kidnapped by three other gods who are missing their water.
This is a strange little book, but it is very well written and the storyline is fascinating. I enjoyed Zee's character, and she is drawn as believable. When you are on the fringe anyway, it's a little easier to accept that perhaps you are a god. I really liked that she was a bass player and thought she provided a great alternative image of a girl. The title comes from a nickname for a cemetery, at which Relly and Zee gather song lyrics, and have their showdown with the other gods.
This is a strange little book, but it is very well written and the storyline is fascinating. I enjoyed Zee's character, and she is drawn as believable. When you are on the fringe anyway, it's a little easier to accept that perhaps you are a god. I really liked that she was a bass player and thought she provided a great alternative image of a girl. The title comes from a nickname for a cemetery, at which Relly and Zee gather song lyrics, and have their showdown with the other gods.
July 14, 2009
So yeah, teenage metal band fights evil. *snort* Heck of a tag line.
I liked it, really it's more of a 3 1/2 star book.
Kinda stark on the prose, but most rock songs are, and I can dig it.
Zee plays bass, meets Relly at school - they instantly bond over being in the "parents who named us weird" club.
The creepy biology teacher hates them both, so they have more in common.
Zee joins Relly's band, Scorpio Bone.
Then it gets weird... like elemental magic weird.
But... really, the book is not too heavy (I almost wish it was.) The "I kinda like this boy" subplot doesn't develop, and I'm actually thankful for that, it would have ruined the bigger picture.
Author has a good grasp for teen angst, school suckage and the joys of being in a band. Satisfying but not too epic. Ending is a bit weird, but... meh, no biggie.
It's one of those "recommend for teens who don't wanna read because most of the crap written for them is dumb." Not condescending, not fanciful, not too geeky. Just a book. Not every book has to change the world or win awards. Take it or leave it.
I liked it, really it's more of a 3 1/2 star book.
Kinda stark on the prose, but most rock songs are, and I can dig it.
Zee plays bass, meets Relly at school - they instantly bond over being in the "parents who named us weird" club.
The creepy biology teacher hates them both, so they have more in common.
Zee joins Relly's band, Scorpio Bone.
Then it gets weird... like elemental magic weird.
But... really, the book is not too heavy (I almost wish it was.) The "I kinda like this boy" subplot doesn't develop, and I'm actually thankful for that, it would have ruined the bigger picture.
Author has a good grasp for teen angst, school suckage and the joys of being in a band. Satisfying but not too epic. Ending is a bit weird, but... meh, no biggie.
It's one of those "recommend for teens who don't wanna read because most of the crap written for them is dumb." Not condescending, not fanciful, not too geeky. Just a book. Not every book has to change the world or win awards. Take it or leave it.
February 21, 2012
This is the story of Zee and 3 other teens who start a band, only the leader of the band wants to event a whole new concept for Metal, called Ghost Metal. As Zee and her 3 companions continue to hone their skills and get more gigs, things start changing inside Zee. She later finds out that she is a water god, and the other 3 represent the other elements. This results in a last showdown between another set of gods - very old and powerful ones. Both sets of gods want Zee alive and with them - or not at all.
I found this book very easy to read. I read it more as a time killer than anything, since it's nothing too heavy or thought provoking. That is both it's blessing and downfall. It's a story that you like to read, and can remember clearly what it's about. I would probably read it again to be honest, but it's not something that sticks with you, and makes you sit on the edge of your seat.
It's much like a fairy tale to be honest, only with out the ending of a moral. I recommend renting this from your local library, before you buy it.
I found this book very easy to read. I read it more as a time killer than anything, since it's nothing too heavy or thought provoking. That is both it's blessing and downfall. It's a story that you like to read, and can remember clearly what it's about. I would probably read it again to be honest, but it's not something that sticks with you, and makes you sit on the edge of your seat.
It's much like a fairy tale to be honest, only with out the ending of a moral. I recommend renting this from your local library, before you buy it.
January 21, 2008
This book by Leander Watts is about teens who aren't like any others, but teens with a life of music and magic. These four teens Jerod the god of wind, Butt the god of earth, Relly the god of fire, and Zee the goddess of water. Because they were different people looked at them differently and they were being chased for their powers by older gods with the same power. And they need Zee to make their group whole with the four elements. Besides this craziness they have another life, a life of music where they have their own band and when playing together they can hear a voice a ghost's voice, something deep in their music.
Being different is hard and it's what make up each and everyone of us thats what make each person so special in their own way. You wouldn't want to have everyone the same then the world would just be boring. And maybe real magic does not exist, but on the other hand what makes everyone different is a kind of magic.
Being different is hard and it's what make up each and everyone of us thats what make each person so special in their own way. You wouldn't want to have everyone the same then the world would just be boring. And maybe real magic does not exist, but on the other hand what makes everyone different is a kind of magic.
February 14, 2011
I want to say I actually liked this book... But I have grievances. You start with a loner, bass guitar girl and this crazy kid and some brand of music called "ghost metal". The other characters are interesting in their own right, and you get into the author's rhythm quite nicely. Then literally half way through the book, he smacks you over the head with one heck of a twist you never see coming. Twists are nice when they fit the first half. You have had clues, you kind of suspected it, etc. This book just lays you flat with it. Authors make a kind of contract with their readers in the first chapter or two with how the book is going to go. You don't shift that up half way through. As a writer, I hope to better prepare my readers for sudden twist, so that they seemed inevitable after you find out rather then "why are we only just learning about this on page 250?".
April 12, 2010
I'd really give this 3 and half stars. Great imagery and evocation of a place, time and feelings. But the world building was sparse, and I never really understood the magical powers or why they had them, and who knew about it etc. confusing. Also I didn't understand fully one of the key developments with the main charactar that made her so strong at the end nor did I like the major guilt trip laid on her. What was up with that? Sure, it saved the day, but still. I've never heard of an author approving that take on events.And I really wanted more of the charactars- it was too short to be fulfilling. So, good effort that fell far, far short of what it could have been.
But again- GREAT imagery. I could see it in a movie, easy.
But again- GREAT imagery. I could see it in a movie, easy.
April 6, 2008
I enjoyed it, but there were a lot of unanswered questions and not much build up to the story.
Zee meets Relly one fatefull day on her way to school. She joins his band and and finds that she has joined a group of gods and that she is one herself. The goal is to have a group of 4, one of each element, to become whole. A rival group is trying to recruit her, but their ways are corrupt and they are evil and powerful old gods.
I think this book would appeal to teens who like Fat Kid Rules the World or the Minighters series. It touches on both the supernatural and kids breaking into the world of rock stardom.
Zee meets Relly one fatefull day on her way to school. She joins his band and and finds that she has joined a group of gods and that she is one herself. The goal is to have a group of 4, one of each element, to become whole. A rival group is trying to recruit her, but their ways are corrupt and they are evil and powerful old gods.
I think this book would appeal to teens who like Fat Kid Rules the World or the Minighters series. It touches on both the supernatural and kids breaking into the world of rock stardom.
December 28, 2010
This book was about a bassist who didn't fit in with any given group she was a loner and preffered to be on her own. Until one day she met a boy who wasn't necessarily the most popular boy in town. In fat he was hated by most, except for those who liked his music. His music was even critiscized because he tried making a genre of his own that being Ghost Metal. The final element that he needed in his band happened to be a bassist and guess what the main character was just who he needed. This being a typical male role he was skeptical about allowing her to join the band, but after hearing her play he allowed her to join. This book is more suited for the younger generations.
August 5, 2012
This story was okay. I have a weakness for young adult novels but this one was young even for a young adult book. It was a group of elemental kids who are very unbalanced. Two of the protagonists are detailed the other two just seem to be there as plot devices masquerading as main characters. I had the same feelings for the book when I finished it as when I started. I did not hate it but I did not love it. It was a fairly "meh" creation. I appreciated that the author used metal (music) as a central plot item since its odd to have that used in a teen novel but the writing just did not bring the story to life like it could have.
September 30, 2008
A fiction that i did not know of before and is interesting because of it show another side of how teenager feels during that time.
It is a first person narration, is write from a teenage girl's perspective. Also all the lonely people come together that make a stronge team and help themselves grow. To gain confident from what them as a teenager has-their ability to become a band that make others favored their songs and way of playing the songs.
It is a first person narration, is write from a teenage girl's perspective. Also all the lonely people come together that make a stronge team and help themselves grow. To gain confident from what them as a teenager has-their ability to become a band that make others favored their songs and way of playing the songs.
November 6, 2014
This was quite the odd book. I thought it was just OK. I found it to be lacking. I thought there should have been more background or explanation of "Four and no more". Like the purpose of the group, or the why.It needed more background on how they got their powers. I thought the "battle" they had was disappointing. There was this lead up to be an epic battle and when it came it fell flat in my opinion. I thought it needed something more. It lacked in so many ways.
November 29, 2010
I liked it, but I felt like it could've had more. It's pretty short and when I read it (a couple years ago) it didn't take me long to finish.
I love how he combines music with elemental powers, but he doesn't explain much about the powers. And the ending could've been better if he'd explained some things.
I love how he combines music with elemental powers, but he doesn't explain much about the powers. And the ending could've been better if he'd explained some things.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 61 reviews