Excellently discussed last month by alannahbee2, this week mariakozhuhar wrote a superb review of a twentieth-century classic - The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald. In her critique Mariakozhuhar praised the storyline and challenged alannahbee2's contention that the ending 'left something to be desired':

'After reading this book I was left completely speechless. I wasn't sure if I felt happy because of reading such a thoughtful book or because I was shocked by its ending... The plot itself is extremely gripping: the numerous twists made the action unpredictable and interesting to follow... I strongly recommend everybody to read this book because I truly consider it as a valuable addition to your "to do list" in life.'

Meanwhile another classic novel with a touch more magic - The Hobbit by JRR Tolkien – was discussed this week in a fantastic review by site member tintin. This book follows the story of young hobbit Bilbo Baggins as he accompanies thirteen dwarves and Gandalf to reclaim the dwarves' stolen gold from the selfish dragon Smaug.

'This book has got to be one of the greatest books I have ever read. While the Lord of the Rings was targeted at a much older audience, I think that The Hobbit appeals more to younger people because it is less complicated and a whole lot shorter... This is an adventure of a lifetime. You will not be disappointed. I would give this book a solid 9/10 because it was just a great read overall. Being at the same level as the Lord of the Rings is no mean feat, but this book manages it with ease!'

With similar wizardry and fantasy, amethysthuntress wrote a magnificient review of Wizard's First Rule by Terry Goodkind. In this novel 'Richard Cypher, Kahlan Amnell and Zeddicus Z'ul Zorrander - along with a boundary warden, a dragon and a little girl, must stop the evil tyrant Darken Rahl from claiming the ancient magic of Orden'.

'Wizard's First Rule is an action-packed, fantasy-filled epic, full of mystery and danger... My favourite character is Scarlet, the dragon, because her character is so strong and humorous... One of the best books I've ever read. It's the first in a series of 12 books. I suggest only 12 year olds and older go for this one.'

Moving to a more sombre disaster tragedy set in modern times, ravenpaw wrote a terrific review of The Last Minute by Eleanor Updale. This book is about the last minute before a series of bombs destroys everyone in London - with each chapter living a new second. Ravenpaw however, found the book 'lacked the 'oomph' that I was expecting'.

'Personally I found this book extremely difficult to get into. Each chapter was like a freeze frame that was carefully described. Because of this I found it surprisingly lacklustre and not action-packed at all. Instead of seeing the book come alive in my head, it was like looking at a separate, stationary picture every chapter... I'm sure that if you have the patience you could find this book very enjoyable but, unfortunately, I doubt I'll be picking it up to read again.'

Site member Safah sent in a wonderful review of Killing Rachel by Anne Cassidy. This detective novel is the second in the Murder Notebook series, continuing Rose and Joshua's quest to find clues to explain the disappearance of their parents.

'The entire story is full to the brim with suspense, action and constant conspiracy over the happenings of Rachel's death. No doubt the reader will be forever playing detective - working out motives of different suspicious characters and how they might have had the opportunity to carry out the crime. Amongst it all is the mystery of what had happened to Rose and Joshua's parents: are they really alive and, when the police finally come with the answers, is there more to it? ... I found every chapter mesmerising. I find myself unable to criticise the book.'

And last - but by no means least – we're ending on a happier note: Dragonflame sent in a delightful review and illustration of the side-splittingly funny Eleanor's Eyebrows by Timothy Knapman and David Tazzyman. In this book Eleanor's eyebrows jump off her face and go on their own amusing adventures!

'I like the way the letters look the page. I like the crazy ideas for what the eyebrows do to make use of themselves: particularly the false legs on the ant who wants to be a spider!'

Thank you all for your wonderful reviews, that's it for the roundup this week! If we've mentioned your review email in - childrens.books@theguardian.com - and you will receive a small (or not so small!) book-shaped present from our cupboards. Happy summer reading!

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