READ IN DUTCH

When I finally found this book last year in the library, I was curious. I really liked the first books in the series, but also felt it started to drag a bit.



I was a bit disappointed. It was not a bad book, but it felt like there was a lot of repetition in this book. At this point in the story there are so many people travelling back and forth that it's in one way or another both complicated and easy. It's hard to keep track of everyone, and just how they it in the story, but on the other hand, they have so many people helping out now, that it feel simple.

I've now only one book to go, so I'll definitely go and read that one as well, just to finish the series. ( )

You know those books that stay with you, even when you've closed them for the night? 'City of Ships' by Mary Hoffman is a perfect example of a book that does just that. 'City of Ships' is written drastically different from the other books in the Stravaganza series.

MORE AT BROOKE'S BOX OF BOOKS:
http://brookesboxofbooks.blogspot.com/2010/08/review-city-of-ships-by-mary-hoffm... ( )

This is the fifth book in the Stravaganza series. This one follows a new Stravagante called Isabel who is one of twins. She appears in Classe just as it is about to be invaded by the Chimichi family and finds out what effect that will have on Talia as a whole.

The writing is up to its usual standard, with breaktaking descriptions of the city and the people who live there. There's certainly a vibrant feel to the world and it seems big and bright and amazing. Each book is set in a particular place and there's a reason for each Stravagante to be there. Isabel is very much in the shadow of her bigger, brighter and better twin and has issues around her self-esteem. This is obviously something that a lot of young people can identify with and it's handled very well in this book. Her growth to confidence and to become her own person out of the shadow of her twin is well portrayed. Obviously she has the benefit of her double life where she can be treated as her own person, but it's still something that people can understand.

On top of that is the continuing story of Talia and the fight to remain independent, with the return as well of certain familiar figures. It's nice to see each book growing into this complete storyline and how it all fits together. ( )

Reviewed by Steph for TeensReadToo.com

Isabel is about to join a secret club called the Stravaganti. The Stravaganti are a group of high school students in London who travel back in time to a place similar to Italy.

Each student has a talisman, or an object that the student must hold while sleeping to travel back in time. But this time travel isn't a mysterious vacation - each Stravaganti is called for a certain reason.

This time Isabel is called to Classe, the City of Ships. The city is about to have a sea invasion by the Gate People, and the city must prepare for war. Isabel, with the help of the other Stravaganti, must help save the city before it falls into ruin.

Mary Hoffman adds a great addition to the STRAVAGANZA series with CITY OF SHIPS. The story is full of twists and turns that keeps the reader enchanted throughout the entire process. This book is highly recommended for anyone who wants to go to another world...even if it is just for only one hour. ( )