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Author Bruce Coville booklist (click here)

Book Review By Michael Jung
The Monster's Ring by Bruce Coville

After learning the weird ring he bought from creepy Mr. Elives can transform him from a boy into a hideous monster and back again, Russell Cranaker uses the magic to terrify school bully Eddie. Gradually, however, Russell finds the ring is awakening monstrous instincts within him, a problem that gets worse every time Russell uses the ring. Despite this, Russell becomes addicted to the thrill of changing into different monsters.


Plot & Themes
Tone of book - suspenseful (sophisticated fear)
FANTASY or SCIENCE FICTION? - fantasy story on current Earth
Lifeform altered? Yes
Kind of alteration:
Is this an adult or child's book? - Kid's book (ages 7-14)
Descript. of chases or violence - 30 %
planning/preparing, gather info, debate puzzles/motives - 20 %
Feelings, relationships, character bio/development - 40 %
Descript. of society, phenomena (tech), places - 10 %

Main Character
Identity: - Male
Profession/status:
Age: - a kid
If magical mental powers: - can change shapes - super strength - can fly - is very quick

Main Adversary
Identity: - Male
Age: - a kid
Profession/status:
How much of work is main antagonist actually present in: - a moderate amount
How sensitive is this character?
Sense of humor - Cynical sense of humor
Intelligence - Average intelligence

Setting
Earth setting: - 20th century
Takes place on Earth? Yes

Writing Style
Accounts of torture and death? - no torture/death
How much dialogue? - roughly even amounts of descript and dialog
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