hey, ppl, boy, age 15, from mass, United States, on 11th December 2008. Rating: 10/10
I've read all the books in the incredible stravaganza series, I think every one should read them once they get a chance. I thought they were all great and interesting. I wasnt fond of books but once i read that stravangaza series i just started reading and reading. I use to read lessthen 2books a week, now im reading like 10 books a week. The stravaganza series made me loook at books in a different way, I'm waiting for the 5th Stravaganza book to come out cant waite! Good wishes to all!
Julia, girl, age 13, from Bangor, United Kingdom, on 13th July 2007. Rating: 10/10
City of Masks is a brilliant book. I felt so sorry for Lucien and I think Mary Hoffman also showed people how hard it is to have cancer. The book is amazing and it enchants the reader in the beautiful city. Mary Hoffman is a brilliant writer!
Jocelyn, girl, age 15, from Ontario, Canada, on 3rd June 2006. Rating: 10/10
I have read all three books and Mary Hoffman does an excellent job on writing them. These books are by far, my favourite books and I can't wait until she rights again. Read it, and you won't regret it.
Love AKA Ai, girl, age 12, from cannot say, Canada, on 29th November 2005. Rating:
I absolutely love this book!! it is a wonderful book with lots of love and adventure and it's a very exciting book also!! I would read it 100 times if i could, i actually chase this book to do as a book report on because i loved it SOO much!! i recommend it to anyone who likes adventure, love, and fantasy. this book can be a sad one but i love it, anyhow i must get going now AND READ THIS BOOK!! Love: Love
R. Y. Wardiani, girl, age 11, from Jakarta, Indonesia, on 27th November 2005. Rating: 9/10
This is a good read, I would definitely recommend it. This book tells you how some people are living, and probably of how you would like to live sometimes... How you might want to escape from your real world and dream that you are in a different world. Ms Hoffman is a gifted writer, and I congratulate her.
*arianna*, girl, age 13, from london, islington!!!, United Kingdom, on 12th November 2005. Rating: 10/10
i loved this book! all three of these are amazing, and i cant wait for a forth book to be made. Luciano and Arianna are really moving and important characters in this, and it is so good that they come back in the other books too.
Heather, girl, age 11, from Dumfries, Scotland, United Kingdom, on 7th November 2005. Rating: 4/10
Don't judge a book by its cover! Unfortunately I did and got it wrong! I thought this book would be exciting but it turned out to be a disappointment. It started off well but by the end of chapter 2 it was beginning to deteriorate. I started to find that the story line didn't make sense. When Lucien starts to time travel using the notebook and jumps from place to place, I found it hard to follow. I read it to the end but I wouldn't read it twice.
Liz C, girl, age 16, from Surrey, United Kingdom, on 31st October 2005. Rating: 9/10
This book was amazing, i began it on a ferry from Dublin to Wales and continued it during the car journey back to my house! I didn't put it down until I finished it! The book is amazing, though I found myself predicting the entire storyline right from the start! Mary Hoffman has a wonderful style of writing and creates her characters in so much detail they could be standing in front of you! This is a compelling story and I found it even more interesting because I love fantasy books especially when they incorperate history and people that may actually have existed!
Nia, girl, age 13, from Swansea, United Kingdom, on 26th September 2005. Rating: 10/10
Loved this book! I laughed, I cried, what more can I say? P.S I'd just like to say the 2nd book was a disappointment but the 3rd was much better.
jen d., girl, age 13, from chicago, United States, on 12th September 2005. Rating:
... the book was awesome!!! i thought it was gonna be really stupid but my sister read it and said it was good so i decided i would read it. i read it in 2 days and never put it down. it totally made me laugh and cry. thats how good it was. if like the harry potter books then you'll definitely like this! :)
Kelcey Hess, girl, age 13, from Batimore, United States, on 6th September 2005. Rating: 10/10
I thought this book was really cool. I could'nt stop reading. I could'nt put it down. I will probanly read it again.
Deborah, girl, age 13, from Alicante, Spain, on 28th August 2005. Rating: 7/10
A lovely city,Belleza.
manda , girl, age 14, from Washington, United States, on 27th August 2005. Rating:
When i first saw the book i though it was cheesey & not any thing i would read, but near the end of the year i had heard that it was ok & i needed a book for a book report, & the cover was shiny! (yeah long story) after i started reading it the book wasnt as bad as i thought it would be & i get really into it, my parents had to come in and practicly pry the book out of my hands at night, so in the end i was proved wrong and it was a wonderful book, i couldnt put it down it was great!
Joyce, girl, age 14, from vancouver, Canada, on 25th August 2005. Rating: 10/10
I think this book was awesome! It should be definitely made into a movie! The plot is very interesting it goes up and down like waves! anyways...i haven't read the other two books but i'm going to the bookstore right after i click sumbit and tie my hair! i'm definitely going to buy city of stars and city of flowers. i hope the other two books are as good as this one! i would recommend it to everyone!!!
Emma, girl, age 15, from Oxford, United Kingdom, on 7th August 2005. Rating: 10/10
I thought this book was great i just could not put down. So any director reading this i would make these books into a film as they would be brill
Dang, girl, age 14, from Toronto, Canada, on 15th July 2005. Rating: 10/10
This book is one of the best because when I'm reading this, it makes me look forward to escaping my boring day. I jus hope that Mary Hoffman keeps writing more to this sequel. She's one of my two most favourite authors.
Hen, girl, age 12, from Northumberland, United Kingdom, on 13th July 2005. Rating: 8/10
i loved this book greatly.It was very good for me espesially because i have been to Venice and loved it.Eversince i have wanted to go back and when i read this book i could.The book is my Talisman to Venice.I cant wait to get city of stars.This book is exciting, enjoyable and cryable in some parts.It is a mixture.
Lexel, girl, age 13, from Boston, United States, on 1st July 2005. Rating:
An amazing book- Time travel is an interesting subject, and this is one of the few books I think deals with it in a creative way, almost making it real.
Cianna, girl, age 14, from Oregon, United States, on 20th June 2005. Rating: 10/10
I will read this book over and over and over again! I love Italy and it makes me love it even more! I highly recomend this book to everyone!
Amanda Bates, girl, age 12, from London, United Kingdom, on 24th May 2005. Rating:
I read this book last year and i thought it was very interesting. i hope Mary Hoffman will make other books after the City of Flowers.
Jo the Mad, girl, age 12, from London, United Kingdom, on 21st May 2005. Rating: 9/10
This is a great book, I LOVED it. I had the same prob as Lucien (which I won't reveal now) I really related to ALL of the characters , Lucien, Arianna and absoulutely everyone else.I recommend this book to anyone ove the age of 9 yrs old.I hope that everyone will enjoy it as much s I did.
Merrystar_angel, girl, age 12, from London, United Kingdom, on 21st May 2005. Rating: 10/10
It is one of the best books I have read so far. It's starts off like a normal story then it just...it makes you feel as if you are there and you just want to read it all at once but you need to contain yourself so you understand it.The characters are just so different like each one hides there own secret but revels it more and more as you read the book. Each story is so special in it's own way they link but not to much which is good because there is a whole new adventure to read. They are a good set of books and I can't wait for more to read
Valdemar, boy, age 14, from Hverageri, Iceland, on 12th May 2005. Rating: 8/10
This book is really great! The beginning may be quite boring but the rest of the book is superb! Mary Hoffman did a wonderful job. The characters are great the story is great aswell. it's exciting and funny!
Goose, boy, age 14, from WA, Australia, on 1st May 2005. Rating: 10/10
This is a great book. It plunges you into the world of Bellezza, and you can really connect with the characters. It's even better if you've been to Venice yourself. This is a well researched, well written novel, worthy of all the praise it recieves. The second and third books are also great, and I congratulate Mary Hoffman on her fine effort.
Lua Koenig, girl, age 13, from Roscommon_Paris normally, Ireland, on 28th April 2005. Rating: 10/10
This book was totally amazing...I read a lot and I have not often loved a book this much...The story is so descriptive that you feel you ARE in Talia...I simply cant wait to read the city of flowers...To tell you the truth, I have never cried for a book...but when i read the part in the first book where Lucien suddenly discovered his shadow...I cried!!! This is definitely part of my favourite books..Thankyou Mary Hoffman!!!
olivia , girl, age 13, from london, United Kingdom, on 24th April 2005. Rating: 10/10
this book is amazing and addictive! it has some of the greatest characters in a book that i have ever come across! Rodolfo is one of the greatest. he's a mixture between gandalf (lord of the rings) and dustfinger (inkheart). The ending is great and is sad but happy at the same time. this is now one of my favourite books and im already in the middle of the second one! (hello emmi)
Liv, girl, age 12, from london, United Kingdom, on 21st April 2005. Rating: 9/10
this book is tensing and really interesting for me as I am originally Venetian. I really wanted to play a character and I really felt as if I were the boy swithching worlds every 12hours. I cant wait to read the second book.
Bryn, girl, age 12, from United States, United States, on 6th April 2005. Rating: 8/10
I am almost done with the book "Stravaganza City of Masks." I have to admit the first few pages were a bit confusing to me because of the many charactors and the change of where things are taking place. The book become more interesting by the page, keeping you to read it. This book has amazing detail and gets better farther into it. I like how the whole story comes together near the end. I can't wait to read the surprise ending!
malia, girl, age 13, from london, United Kingdom, on 30th March 2005. Rating: 9/10
this is one of the most interesting and best books ever. it is full of magic and intrigue, and the characters are easy to relate to and lifelike. i would recommend it to anyone, as people of any age can enjoy it. have fun reading it...
Nelly, girl, age 13, from cant say, United States, on 29th March 2005. Rating:
This book was great!Harry Potter use to be one of my favs which is a really popular book but since this theres no comparison!I loved this book and Im almost done with the 2nd!Yesterday I read for 3 hours straight they are very imaginative stories and seeing from different view points really heightens the suspense!I would recomemd this book to anyone even adults1
Salena, girl, age 13, from las vegas, nevada, land Islands, on 25th March 2005. Rating: 8/10
I liked it. it had emotion, and lots of detail in it. i could feel as if i was really in it.
Emma Hoofman, age 9, from Berlin, Germany, on 14th March 2005. Rating: 10/10
ilovw this book and wold like to that my parents Po and LaLa of helping despite my inablitity to read they read tit to me and then taught me to type so i cod write this. i really love the realisticness of this fantsy book and i also love the otter in the series. Love and peace, emu hoofman
jamey benson, boy, age 16, from essex, United Kingdom, on 14th March 2005. Rating: 9/10
i loved the book a bit hard to get into at first but after the spy found out what lucien was i found it hard to put the book down.
CJ, girl, age 12, from New York, United States, on 10th March 2005. Rating: 10/10
I absolutly loved these books! I have red the first and second book and wating for the third. I have suggested this book to my friends, and they have loved it to! Litterally my mom couldn't pry the book out of my hands they are that amazing. I have read many books over the span of my short life and these are most definatly the best.
Astrid Indres, girl, age 14, from Manchester, United Kingdom, on 5th March 2005. Rating: 10/10
OMG! Such a good book. I read it in one day, I just couldn't put it down! Everyone has to read this book. And the next ones (can't wait to get the third!). One of the best books I've ever read and I read WAY too many books. Anyone who reads it and doesn't like it needs putting in a hospital 'cos there'd have to be something seriously wrong with you! he end's soooo sad though:
Kathy, girl, age 13, from Bristol, United Kingdom, on 3rd March 2005. Rating: 10/10
I loved this book!!!! I was the best book i've ever read in my whole life!!!! I read ALOT of books and this is by far the best!!! My friends couldn't get a word out of me while i was reading it- i was either engulfed in thought about it or had my nose in it!! The second one rocks just as much!!! I've reserved a copy of the thirfd one and i'm gonna get it in two days time! I can't wait!! I can just imagine being there, in Talia - i want to go there soooooo much!!! I strongly reccomend all the books ( as they're all out now!) - very strongly, that is!!! You have to love it or you're mad!!!
kathy, girl, age 13, from bristol, United Kingdom, on 3rd March 2005. Rating: 9/10
Oh my god!!!! i love this book so much!!! Although i love it, i think the second one is better (City of Stars). That was one of my most favorite books ever! It's very interesting and the ending of the first is totally unexpected! My favorite charecter is Arianna because i think she has alot of passion. I seriously urge anyone and everyone to read the trilogy!!! The third has just come out!
Book Nerd, Ms. Popular, girl, age 11, from Sherwood, United States, on 2nd March 2005. Rating: 10/10
This is a theriling fast pase book that will keep you on the edge of your seat. I would very highly recomend this book to all.I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!I repeat, I LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!!!!!!
Sar, girl, age 11, from A.C.T, Australia, on 2nd March 2005. Rating: 10/10
I loved this book. I think it is one of the best books i have ever read. Stravagation is so interesting
Nicky Williams, girl, age 13, from California, United States, on 1st March 2005. Rating:
I have only got sven books that I like reading, I havent found any more I can actually finish. This was one of those seven. I LOVED it. All the ideas were amazing. That is exactly how important people should act and look! It drew me inside especially the part where they were with the grandmother sitting outside eating cake. Dont ask me why. It just was captivating. That was only the non action part too!
Sasha, girl, age 14, from Bethesda, MD, United States, on 28th February 2005. Rating: 10/10
this book was UBER FABU!!!!!!!! I love it and have read the second on which was just as good!!! I actually bought the books in Australia and i cant find them anywhere here (they didnt come with us when we packed) so i have two v. important q's~~ 1) WHERE CAN I FIND THESE BOOKS IN THE US and 2) WHEN IS THE THIRD ONE BEIG RELEASED!!!!!!!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?
Andrew, boy, age 12, from Washington, United States, on 17th February 2005. Rating:
I LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVED this book it was SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO good! I think it was better than the second one even though the sencond book was VERY good. That just says how good the first one is. I think that if you havn't read this book that you should because you will not regret it. I even told my teacher to read it! hahaha talk about crazy. Even though i'm not. Hahaha.
Kolton Mason, boy, age 12, from Kirkland, Washington, United States, on 11th February 2005. Rating:
I JUST LOVED THIS BOOK, I READ THE FIRST TWO PAGES AND INSTANTLY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE CHARACTERS! I HAVENT READ THE 2ND ONE YET BUT I HEAR ITS GOOD!!
Shanti O., girl, age 11, from Richmond, Canada, on 10th February 2005. Rating: 9/10
omg! This book rocks! This is the first one i've read but i'm gonna read them all. I chose this book for my bookreport and I have so much to write about, especially in the Critic's Paragraph! Everyone HAS to read this book!
Jordan, girl, age 11, from Isle of Man , United Kingdom, on 28th January 2005. Rating: 10/10
I loved this book so much and I can't wait for the third one to come out!!! I have read both of the books so many times I've lost count. I have recomended it to all of my friends and they all loved it aswell Mary Hoffman is an amazing author!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Danny, boy, age 13, from Oss, Netherlands, on 16th January 2005. Rating:
I have a question when comes the third book?? I want to read it. I hope it is even so beautiful as the first and the second. greetings from Holland (The Netherlands)
Danny, boy, age 13, from Oss, Netherlands, on 16th January 2005. Rating: 10/10
This book is so great!! I can't say anything only that you MUST read it.
Ste.P., girl, age 16, from bonn, Germany, on 8th January 2005. Rating:
I loved this book and also the second one (Stravaganza-city of Stars). It was rally anadventure to read these books. I kept reading till 2a.m. the last week to get to know the ending as soon as possible.
Maki, girl, age 15, from United States, on 2nd January 2005. Rating: 10/10
I absolutly love this book. I first checked it out at the school library and haven't returned it since. I just keep checking it out over and over because it's so good. I've recommended it to so many people I've lost count. And, now that the 2nd book is out I've bought it and read it 3 times. ::I only got the book last week:: I love to read and this book is probably one of the best books I've ever read. ::and that's saying something.... it takes a lot to get that high by my standards.:: I hope more people read this book, not just to read, but to enjoy the "power" The book has.... in a way its your own talismen. Have fun reading this fantastic tale of adventure, romance, danger, and tragety.... all rolled into one book!!!!
CoolzErrolz, boy, age 12, from Quezon City, Philippines, on 2nd January 2005. Rating: 10/10
Hey I think this book is sooo cool. I can't believe it didn't win a prize or something..... I suggest everyone in the known world to read it!!!!! It is so ... cool. There are twists and turns in every page. Lucien's character is so interesting, yet so sad. Well I have to keep reading this marvelous book. See ya!!!!HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!
Nina, girl, age 12, from New York, United States, on 29th December 2004. Rating: 10/10
This book was just amazing. There's no possible way to describe it. I've been reading since 3 years old and have never come across a book that I read so many times. I think it's 7. There are just so many twists and turns that you can't put the book down. Luciano as a character is just amazing. The author puts so much life into the characters that they seem so real. This book is amazing! And the second book rocks too....
Abby Kozyra, Alex Winocur, Lauren Julin, Jamie Reaves, girl, age 11, from Washington, United States, on 11th December 2004. Rating: 9/10
We think this book was soooooooo interesting!! We read it together and we enjoyed talking and waiting suspensefully for the future of Lucien and Arianna. The last 5 or 6 chapters were the best part. If you start to read this and you are discouraged and confused (like we were) stick to it because it will pay off in the end! :)
Candelaria, girl, age 17, from indiana, United States, on 7th December 2004. Rating:
THIS BOOK WOULD HAVE TO BE ONE OF MY ALL TIME FAVOURITES, WHICH IS SAYING ALOT, ESPECIALLY CONSIDERING HOW MANY BOOKS I HAVE READ. I STOPPED READING A TOLKIEN BOOK WHEN CITY OF STARS CAME OUT! PLEASE FORGIVE ME!!! WHATS THIS ABOUT A THIRD ONE?WHENS THAT SUPPOSED TO COME OUT?
aloria , girl, age 12, from evart, United States, on 5th December 2004. Rating: 10/10
This book was the most coolest book i have ever read. It was better that harry potter
Jayde Connor, girl, age 13, from ACT- Canberra, Australia, on 4th December 2004. Rating: 10/10
I love this book!!! I've read a lot of books but this one just stands out above them all. I hate Silvia for what she did to Rodolfo and how he let her get away with being so cruel to him and Arianna though. But i love the city and Arianna's kindness to Lucien. This book is hust SO great that I just simply can't stop reading it, ( I've literally read the book to death), and that I would recommened it to anyone who wants to read a good book.
Jana, girl, age 14, from Levice, Slovakia, on 24th November 2004. Rating: 10/10
This book is great and its one of the best Ive ever read. The city of stars is not translated into Slovak yet so I havent read that but if it was just as good as the city of masks, that wold be great!!! I recommend this book to everyone!!!!!!!!!!
shayla, girl, age 13, from Alberta, Canada, on 24th November 2004. Rating: 10/10
This was the best book I have ever read! the plot came together nicely and I think that Arianna and Lucien make a great couple. I don't really like silvia for what she did to Rodolpho and Arianna though; that was just plain cruel. She could have at least told Rodolpho or even Arianna in secret. And the world of Bellezza was amazing. I wish i could go there. though I kinda feel sorry for Lucien.
Hannah, girl, age 11, from South-East, United Kingdom, on 19th November 2004. Rating: 10/10
I loved this book it was so good and the way that Mary wrote it was so orignal. It made me feel like I was a onlooker as all this happened like I was a new character in the story and it was all happening to me. I also liked the sequel City of stars it was all really exciting. At the end where Lucien got captured was really nail-biting would he be able to not die before they set him free.
Chris, boy, age 14, from Atlanta, United States, on 15th November 2004. Rating: 10/10
I really like this book. This book is in the perfect time period. Mainly because i like the mideaval times... BUT this book is awsome. I loved reading it and am reading the new one. :P I give it a 10/10.& ( No Your not the only guy that reads Stravaganza...I think WE are the only guys that read Stravaganza) lol :)
Lauren, girl, age 13, from Abingdon, United States, on 14th November 2004. Rating: 10/10
Omg! This book is my all time favorite, and I dont even like to read! Belleza is such a beautiful place and I can imagine it right now. The descriptions and detail are perfect. This is a book for all ages, and everyone must love it. It had its ups and downs and surprising twists (like the ending). It did take awhile to get interesting though, so dont stop reading in the middle, you'll thank me later for pushing you to read it farther. ;) *wink*. AN ALL TIME FAV!!!
hanna kermiche, girl, age 15, from helsinki, Finland, on 14th October 2004. Rating: 1/10
I love this book!!!!!!!!!
fiona Greenwood, girl, age 15, from chichester, United Kingdom, on 5th October 2004. Rating: 10/10
i loved this book i read it over and over again! who needs a talisman when you can escape in this book! i recommend it to everyone
Lovsa, girl, age 12, from Reykjavk, Iceland, on 20th September 2004. Rating: 10/10
This is a great book,and everyone should read it. The best part is when Silvia reveals the secret to Arianna.
jordan, girl, age 13, from roanoke rapids NC, United States, on 15th September 2004. Rating: 10/10
I have read the book and it was great. I absolutley loved it, espically how it ends. I think everyone should read it. It's neat how Lucien can go to one world to another. I like mysterious books like that. I love it so much.
Phantom, boy, age 16, from Geetbets, Belgium, on 26th August 2004. Rating: 10/10
i just loved this book not only the story itself but especially arianna, she was so kind to lucian from the first time she saw him, she even risked her life for him. so my rating is 10/10 if you didnt read tis book yet or you don't like reading you should read it any way because its so beatifull (am i the only male person who read this book??????) :)
Jay, girl, age 10, from Somerset, United Kingdom, on 5th August 2004. Rating: 10/10
Fantastic book. I would recommend it to absolutely anyone. I love Arianna. She is just brilliant. And Silvia too.All the other characters are good too, but those two stand out. After all, where would Lucien be without Arianna, and where would Rodolfo be without Silvia? Tthe best Factor:"Pure Duchessa" !!!!!!
Melissa Jennings, girl, age 14, from Limerick, Ireland, on 5th August 2004. Rating: 1/10
This book was BRILLIANT it is definatly one of my favourites because it sucks the reader in and it is so discriptive that it makes you feel like an onlooker to all the wonderful goings on in the magical world of Talia. I could connect with the characters and felt attached to them as i got deeper into the book. READ IT or you will be missing out, big time.
yana, girl, age 12, from brooklyn NY, United States, on 20th July 2004. Rating: 10/10
This book is wonderful! I bought the book at my school fair, and I couldent stop reading from then. I usualy don't like to read but, for this book I'll make a big exeption.
Rachael, girl, age 13, from LONDON, United Kingdom, on 19th July 2004. Rating: 10/10
I loved the book, but that I guess isnt strange its one of the best books ive read in my life. ive read city of stars and i cant wait for city of characters i wonder what new characters will appear in the next book love all Rachael
Jocelyn, girl, age 14, from Ontario, Canada, on 7th July 2004. Rating: 10/10
I would rate the book City of Masks 10 out of 10 because it is just an amazing book. There are some sad parts in it but without a doubt I would defenitly recommend the book to everyone who loves adventure and somewhat romance. I absolutely love this book and am dying to find the book City of Stars to start reading. The parts with Lucien and Arianna in the book, are just great also! During the end of the book, there is a spectacular twist. Stravaganza: City of Masks will always be my favourite book. Truly **Your Greatest Fan**
Tekken, girl, age 14, from Portland Maine, United States, on 5th July 2004. Rating: 9/10
I liked it because of the characters, adventures, and I really loved Talia, its so much like Italy. I am completely hooked on the books!
gekko, girl, age 12, from Ireland, on 10th June 2004. Rating: 10/10
i loved this book. i hated silvia, the duchessa, for what she did to rodolfo and arianna. i think lucien and arianna are a great match. now they live in the same world they can fall in love. william dethridge was kind of annoying, with his wierd talking. i liked the way the merlino fish became alive again. i wrote comments on city of stars too.
