Books : The Star of Kazan

Rating: - Amazing......
This is probably the best book I have ever read. I read Journey to the River Sea and loved it and then this one was recommended to me and I thought it was amazing. The book is all about this girl called Annika who lives in Vienna with her foster mum Ellie, Ellie's best friend Sigrid and three professors. However as a baby Annika was left in a church and Ellie took her in. One day Annika's mother comes to fetch her and Annika is swept on an adventure of discovery and unexpected danger. I would recommend this book to anyone aged 10-12 particularly as I think this is the age the book is really good for. However older or younger readers may also enjoy this story. It suits pretty much everyone from the ages of 10-12. It has an historical part to it, good characters, adventure and the growing up of a teenage girl. This book was a real page turner and really addicting, do read it and Journey to the River Sea as well.

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Rating: - GREAT READ!!!!!!!
I would definitely recommend The Star of Kazan. I have read it twice and it lost none of its original thrill the second time round. readers should not be put off by its length. The descriptions are excellent but by no means boring. One can really feel each characters emotions and the plot is well thought out and full of surprises. A MUST!!!!!!!!!!

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Rating: - A Book For Every One
This Is One Amazing Book.

I Have Read It And I Think It Is Very Good.

I Would Recomend Buying It For People Who Like Quite A Long Read.

With Adventure In It.

It Is Very Exciting!

Sez Baybee xxx

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Rating: - not just for girls
This is a wonderful book for anyone - a gripping story with wonderful characters, both child and adult. My 11-year-old son and I both enjoyed it from page 1 to the end.

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Rating: - Sweet and Simple
This is such a sweet story about a little girl trying to discover her true identity and where she belongs. It's lovely and it's simple.

For myself, it's a little predictable in parts, but that doesn't take away the credibility. I realise that the story is aimed at a slightly younger audience- but after reading "Journey To The River Sea" I had much higher hopes because that novel easily applies to all different age ranges. I would suggest that if you are new to Eva Ibbotson then you should read "Star Of Kazan" before "Journey..." so that you can really appreciate each properly.

The story itself is great and the characters are good, although at the end you do wish for a little more continuation. I think in the attempt to allow the reader to fill in the blanks Ibbotson has perhaps left too many, which is a shame. Readers will definitely sympathise with Annika, the protagonist, and I guess that if a writer manages to make you adore the main character then she's done a brilliant job just for that.

So I do reccommend this book. It might not be what you expect, but it's worth it, and it is really well written. I give it 4 stars because, to the right audience this is a little gem.