Jess N

As a short story, The Next Shakespeare was a quick and enjoyable read. We meet Tristan, Astra and Chris briefly and get a glimpse into their lives. Just enough of a glimpse to satiate the reader, without too much information. It actually was kind of refreshing. Things get really interesting when Tristan wins an award that Chris has been coveting. What ensues is a sweet, short, and lesson filled story that I really liked.

At it's core this is a story about friendship. Chris is used to winning awards and being praised, so of course he is upset when Tristan takes his coveted award. I actually really disliked Chris as a character, but I see how he fits into the story. It is only by this event happening that Chris really takes a look at himself and reassesses where he's going in life. Right now his parents dictate his choices. Is that what he really wants for himself? Ernstberger manages to fit a very important life lesson about forging your own path into a short story.

The writing is very well done in The Next Shakespeare and, although it might seem a bit rushed, I also thought the ending was just perfect for the situation. Keep in mind that this was written, and published, as a short story. The characters are as vivid as they can be without pages upon pages of explanation into their lives, and I actually think it is perfect that way.

Long story short? I enjoyed this a lot. If you love short stories, or even just need a respite from 400 page books, this is the perfect read for you.

How do I even begin to describe the way that Youth and Other Fictions affected me? In all honesty, I've read books that deal with school shootings before. I know the harsh reality that comes with the discussion of this topic, and how much it hurts to read. I've seen it discussed from all the different perspectives that there can be. Still, no matter how many times I read about this topic, it never gets any easier.

In Youth and Other Fictions we meet a main character who could be any one of our students, children, or even next door neighbors. Jack is just trying to get by. He isn't that well liked, but he isn't despised either. He kind of just coasts through life, trying his best to blend in. That nagging voice in his head? Nothing he can't deal with. Sometimes he's sure that voice might even be right. Just a normal kid, nothing special.

Cook allows us to get into the mind of his characters, and it brings a vividness to this story that is startlingly easy to fall into. When everything heads south, you'll know exactly why. The reader is given an up close and personal look at the daily life of these students, at the cruel way kids can act towards one another, and at the frustration and anxiety that comes with feeling utterly alone. Even when the world falls apart for these characters, you'll still find yourself rooting for them. They are too believable for me to really explain.

What is really interesting about Youth and Other Fictions though is the fact that the second half of the book is told from an adult's perspective. One of the students who witnessed the shooting comes back as a teacher, and we get to see the new batch of high school students through his eyes. I liked the way that Cook showed the stark contrast between the kids of Jack's youth, and the kids of today. It's alarming how much life has changed for kids, and yet there are still similarities. Especially the ones that lead someone to commit a murder that seems so atrocious to everyone else.

I can't say much more without spoiling the book, and so I'll stop here. What I will say is that even if you think you know what happens in this book, you'll still find yourself at least partially wrong. Watching the events unfold really took my breath away, and I found myself reading at a manic pace to find out what ultimately happened. Cook definitely shows his prowess at writing characters that will pull you in and keep you there. Youth and Other Fictions definitely isn't an easy read, but it's one that I enjoyed. I highly recommend it.

Matchbox Girls threw me a loop, I tell you what! Not in a bad way at all. It starts off a bit like a book from the Series of Unfortunate Events. Two precocious young girls (who are eons ahead of other people their age in terms of intelligence) wake Marley out of a dead sleep to come and save them. Their Uncle has vanished, and they were instructed to call her if that ever happened. Doesn't bode well does it? Well rest assured that if that was your assumption you are right! What ensues is a story filled with dark corners, deep secrets, and all manner of angelic and demonic creatures. It's pretty fascinating!

Let's start with what I loved about this book. The characters. Marley is so sweet and broken. She feels like madness is constantly pressing in around her, and yet when the girls need her she finds the strength to press on. I adored her character. She was so mothering. The girls themselves are adorable, albeit slightly creepy at times. They are so smart. I was engrossed by them alone the majority of the story, trying to uncover their secrets. Add in all the other characters who flit in and out of the story, and you have a well rounded group. Tsavelas allows the reader plenty of time to get to know this group, and it is easy to fall in love with them.

What I didn't enjoy so much is the over abundance of information that is often thrown out at the reader in certain parts of this book. There are a lot of different creatures that correlate with the angelic hierarchy in this book. While I respected the want to share them all with us, and help us form connections between them, it was all very confusing. There were pages that I had to read, and then re-read, just to make sure I was really understanding what I was meant to. After a while, especially towards the end, I found myself just skimming to get the parts that were really important and pushed the plot forward.

At the end of the day, Matchbox Girls was a book that I enjoyed. I can't say that I would have picked it up on my own, but I'm glad that I gave it a chance. This is a different look at the paradigm between good and evil, and it is given a deliciously mysterious twist. Despite some flaws, I think it is a unique book! I'd say that if you are looking for a new read, something a little different, give this a shot.

Summer's story continues in Forsaken Harbor and this time it sets off at a wild pace. From the very beginning, Kreitzer throws her characters into the fray and there isn't a moment to breathe. Summer, Gage and the rest of the crew all make an appearance in this installment. I think thought that they were more vivid than ever. However the reader is also introduced more in depth to a new character named Julian. Being another Society experiment, Julian adds a very different twist to the book. I won't spoil, but I will say that his story is fascinating and rather sweet as well. I'll admit it, I swooned over him just a bit.

Any unanswered questions that you may have had at the end of Phantom Universe are answered in this book, and so much more about Summer's lost history is unraveled. I loved the way that Society's master plan was slowly unveiled in pieces throughout the overall story. Treachery, love, and despair are just a few of the emotions that fill this book. It's exhausting, in a good way of course, how often the feelings of these characters are elated and then dashed to the ground. I felt for them so much.

In my opinion, the writing in Forsaken Harbor is also much better than the first book. Everything is crisp and clean. The chapters flow into one another beautifully. It's extremely easy to get lost in Summer's manic quest to stay alive. My one gripe, and it's a very small one, is that some of the chapters were a bit wordy in their descriptions. It didn't take away from the overall story, but it did slightly slow down the pace of the action. Small gripe, as I said. Still an amazing book!

To wrap things up, this second book in the Summer Chronicles really impressed me. I was hoping for a lot from Laura Kreitzer this time around, and I'm happy to say that I wasn't disappointed. I strongly recommend that you give Forsaken Harbor a place on your reading list.

I have been trying to type up a review of this book for about the last two hours. As I sit here, having erased what I wrote yet again, I realize that I can't write this like a normal review. Wiping the tears in my eyes as I try to figure out exactly what to say has made me realize that I'm just going to have to write exactly what I feel. I hope you don't mind, dear readers. Try to keep up, and I'll promise not to ramble too much.

From the moment that I opened Planning to Live, I was at one with Rhiannon. In fact, I'm fairly sure that all of us out there can find at least a bit of us who is just like her. Always working. Setting goals. Never feeling like what you do is good enough. Down on yourself for one reason or another. Truly I saw so much of myself in Rhiannon that it scared me a bit. I wondered how on Earth someone out there could mirror me so perfectly. What I liked is that she isn't written like an “every woman” though. Rhiannon has her own personality, her own self, she just happens to be going through a life that is similar to most of us out there.

This book is all about living life for the journey, not for the destination. It reminds us, rather jarringly, that you need to focus on the little successes and be proud of those. It's easy to forget that in the normal hustle and bustle of life, especially when you live in a world that pushes success as the norm. Rhiannon's story struck me most of all because I am slowly pulling myself out of the same hole that she was trapped in. It made me realize that I'm not alone, and that it is important to try no matter how hard it hurts. Am I rambling? I'm quite sure I am, it's hard not to, but I'll wrap it up.

Once in a blue moon I stumble upon a book that touches me so deeply it alters my thinking. This book did that for me. I can't say for certain how it will touch any of the rest of you, since I don't know what parts of your life you are currently in, but I can say for certain that no matter what this is a fabulous read. Rhiannon is amazing, her story is touching, and you'll be moved. Make sure you have a big box of tissues though. I recommend this book 200%!

A huge thanks to Heather Wardell for allowing me to read this amazing book. I'm a whole hearted fan and I can't wait to see what she writes next!

Can I just start by saying that once again I'm blown away by the Indie author movement? It seems every time I turn my head, there's another fabulous self-published book for me to read. It just goes to show that it doesn't matter how it gets published, it matters how well it is written.

Andor Awakening sated my recent deep need for some good, old-fashioned fantasy. You know the kind. A sweeping world, filled with small towns and bustling cities. Described beautifully so that you can almost see yourself walking down the cobblestone paths. A bloody war that is sweeping over the land. The epic battles, filled with an even amount of might and magic, that are a part of the aforementioned war. These are the things that keep me coming back to the fantasy genre, and Brendan O'Keeffe reminded me of all of that.

I absolutely loved Andor and his companions. They are the epitome of what it means to be a warrior. Brave, strong, loyal. The type of people who I would be more than happy to have surrounding me. Written so perfectly, that I could picture them in my mind. Andor especially really shines in this story, which makes sense as he is the person we follow. Waking up with no knowledge of where (or who) he is, the reader tags along as he discovers his broken past and his uncertain future. To say that Andor is brave is actually a bit of an understatement. I won't spoil, but let's just say that the sheer determination he shows is enough to put him in my book of favorite characters.

What really pushed me over the edge into loving this book were the perfect descriptions. You might have noticed that I opened up with that above. O'Keeffe knows just how to give you enough to keep you immersed in the world of Shae, without being overbearing. I found myself walking the same paths as the characters, cringing at the bloody battles that they faced, and even feeling my breath taken away when a perfect kiss ensued. Let's be honest. The most important part of a fantasy novel is feeling like you're a part of it. Andor Awakening will give you that.

Despite a few minor grammatical hiccups, this book is also very well edited. You might catch them while reading, but I know that on my end it didn't hamper my enjoyment of the story. I am so thrilled to have found this new author and a new series to love! To all my fantasy loving friends out there, please go pick up a copy of Andor Awakening. You'll quickly find that you should have done it long ago.

Heirs of Prophecy left off at a climactic moment, so I was interested to see where Michael A. Rothman would pick up in this sequel. Sure enough, the beginning of Tools of Prophecy whisks readers right back into the heart of the story line. If you haven't read book one, you'll still be able to pick things up here. Rothman gives a quick synopsis of what happened before. The Rivertons are back, and with them comes the epic adventure that they set off on before. Danger, magic, mayhem. It's all here and better than ever.

In this installment the Riverton brothers are more mature, and have a much better handle on their powers. What I loved is the way that Rothman shows their young selves hiding beneath the surface of their older bodies. They are still growing boys in more ways than one, and much of this story shows their progression. The brotherly love between these two is still palpable. It's interesting to see these two characters in older situations. They are still so sweet!

My one gripe about the first book was that I wanted more world building so that I could immerse myself in the story. I was therefore really happy when I started reading Tools of Prophecy. Where book one was spent mostly building back story, this installment focuses much more on the world itself. This is a darker story, full of twists and turns. It kept me reading fervently. The only thing that kept me from fully falling in love was that there are some slow pieces. I know, I know. Complete opposite of last time. That didn't stop me from adoring this book as a whole though.

At the end of the day, Tools of Prophecy was an extremely satisfying second book in this series. If you haven't started Michael A. Rothman's journey yet, now is a great time to start! You won't have to wait for the second book. If you have a young reader that is looking for adventure, or even if you are an older reader who feels the same way, this is a book for you. Get ready for an epic journey.

In this second installment of the Galstanberry Girlz series, all of the girls are at the academy together. I was excited about this as a reader, because they all come from different walks of life. I was really wondering how they would all interact when they were put under the same roof. Let's just say, I wasn't disappointed! Drama abounds, and these girls learn more about themselves and others than they could have imagined.

I greatly enjoyed the interactions that G.S. Wolff allowed the girls to have in this book. These ladies aren't perfect. They have flaws, worries, shyness, and all of that comes out when they are presented with new challenges. Yes, there are times when they might seem a bit catty. However that's the way that life really does go. I just kept thinking about my experiences as a young girl at summer camp. When you put girls from different backgrounds in the same location, you're bound to see them have much different attitudes and experiences. We learned to get along, and so do the girls after a few trials and tribulations.

The one thing that made this installment a bit harder for me to read, and I think that younger readers might notice too, is the use of special spellings to indicate accents and speech patterns. For instance spelling the word “store” and “stawre” to indicate the accent of the girl from New York. While I liked the authenticity, after a while it just became a bit overbearing and was hard to read. I think younger readers (if not familiar with it) might find these spellings offputting or just confusing since they aren't necessarily correct. I could be wrong, I admit. I just know it bothered me. I'm a bit of a stickler when it comes to grammar I'll be honest.

Overall though this is a lovely addition to the series! I don't know what's coming next but I do know that I am eager to find out! If you have a young reader at home and you are looking for something to empower them and help them connect, this is it. G.S. Wolff really should be commended on her ability to write such varied and vivid characters. These girls are amazingly realistic, and I am happy to have been introduced to them.

Jennet was a character that I fell in love with instantly. She is a girl who loves video games, has a great sense of competition, and is just tough enough without being overbearing. Strong in the face of danger, Jennet is my kind of girl. I'll admit that I absolutely loved both Jennet and Tam in this story. They meshed perfectly as a duo, playing off strengths and weaknesses. Their stories were both built up beautifully alone, but it was when they came together that Feyland shined.

I had never heard the story of Tam Lin before reading Feyland, but of course I had to research it once I was finished. Sharp has taken an age old fairy story and turned it into something that pulses with new life. Ready for a confession? I'm a gamer. A total nerd who loves MMO immersion and the story lines that come along with it. However I can honestly say that even if you aren't into the video game scene, the world that Anthea Sharp builds for her characters will easily come to life for you anyway. Her writing is fluid, easy to read, and definitely something that you'll be able to get lost in.

Feyland definitely isn't hurting in the action department either. I personally think that this is one of the more perfectly paced stories that I've read lately. In fact I actually read this book straight through from beginning to end, simply because there just wasn't a good place to stop. I needed to know what happened to Jennet and Tam. That's how invested I was in their fight to save themselves, and ultimately all of humanity.

If you enjoy fantasy stories, with a bit of science fiction thrown in, this is a read to pick up! I adored it and recommend Feyland wholeheartedly. I desperately hope that there is more in store for Jennet and Tam. I can't wait!

First off you should know that romance novels aren't usually my thing. However, every now and then one catches my eye and I give it a shot. I'm happy to say that What the Heck, Dec?! was one of those random reads. Even happier, it turns out that it was a great choice! I thourougly enjoyed it!

Still not convinced? Think romantic comedy, because that is what unfolds between these pages. Martina (Marti) Karnawski is one feisty female lead! From the moment I first met her, I knew I was destined to love reading about her. Witty, sarcastic, and downright scandalous at times, Marti is a pleasure to follow! Trying to land her first teaching position is hard enough, even navigating the two Dawns was tough, but getting by while there's a smoking hot guy in your periphery? Now that's torture!

When Declan comes into the picture, things get spicy. One of the things that makes Marti's point of view so much fun is her blatantly honest, and always humorous, descriptions of things. I know I had a crush on Declan Reed, so I can see why Marti did too. The story that develops between these two is pure book candy! Add in another gorgeous guy for Marti to swoon over, and you have a recipe for fun!

This is good old fashioned chick lit at its finest. Great characters, smoldering scenes, and tons of witty observations that will have you giggling out loud. As I said, I'm not generally a fan of this genre. However Elizabeth Dudak's book had me chomping at the bit for more! Marti alone makes this read entirely worth while. If you're a fan of romantic romps, give What the Heck Dec?! a shot!

Strap yourself in my friends, you're in for a wild ride! Nightingale is the whole package. Bron Jones is an orphan. Shipped from home to home over the years, he's never quite figured out what it is about him that is different. Try as he might he just doesn't seem to fit in with any family. Is it just bad luck, or is it fate? Bron's character isn't a confident one, he isn't comfortable in his own skin, at least not at the beginning. After so much heartache and disappointment, he's still managed to become a caring and sweet individual which really endeared me to him. There's a lot of hurt hiding there, but a lot of strength too.

Every character in this story, from those that steal the center stage for a bit to the more supporting ones, is extremely well written. David Farland shows his expertise at creating characters who are vivid and believable. There honestly wasn't a moment while I was reading that I wasn't fully immersed in the story. I cared about these characters. I loved, I loathed, I shivered with disgust. The evil and the good, it all bleeds off the page and into your heart. It was almost as if I was watching a movie unfold in front of me except, in this case, it was all happening in my mind as I read the words on the page. If you are a reader who craves character development, welcome to your Eden.

Nightingale just further proves to me why David Farland is considered to be a master of this genre. Bron's story navigates all types of twists and turns, and there is so much to fall in love with in every chapter. Perfectly paced, this is the type of book that will keep you reading fervently until the very end. Add in the stunning enhancements that the book provides to the readers, and this isn't just a story, it's an experience. Each chapter has it's own graphic novel page with moving characters, sound effects, and even a music track that fits the tone of where the story is going. I found myself excited to start a new chapter, just to get a glimpse at what was going to happen next.

Even without all the bells and whistles that Nightingale hides within its pages, I can assure you that this is one hell of a story. The animated pages at the beginning of each chapter were amazing. The music that fit just perfectly with that particular chapter drew you in. However when it comes right down to it, David Farland's uncanny ability to write an engrossing story is really what really brings it all home. I can promise you that Nightingale is unlike anything you've ever read or experienced before. It's an all encompassing, immersive experience that will draw you in and make you forget reality. If you aren't a David Farland fan yet, you will be. You will be.

Let me start out with just one statement: Good lord almighty. As soon as I opened the pages of Luthecker I knew was in for the long haul. This, my friends, is the perfect example of fabulous Indie writing. It's polished, has completely amazing characters, and contains a plot that will blow your mind and keep you reading. Long story short? I totally devoured this book.

The first thing that struck me about Luthecker was Alex himself. Here we have a lone wolf character, but with a huge heart. Blessed (or cursed as the case may be) with the power to see patterns in the lives of others, Alex can essentially see the past and future in an instant. Unfortunately this puts him on the radar of some pretty bad people. I loved Alex's character so much. Honest and kind, all he wants is to figure himself out. His vulnerability made him likable and his strength made him an amazing protagonist.

That's not to say that the other characters aren't well formed also. Each one has their own vivid personality, and lends just the right amount of help or hindrance when it comes to Alex's journey of self discovery. I have to add here that I was completely enamored with the way that light is pitted against dark here, in so many ways. Alex's story has many levels to it and, once you factor in a lightning fast plot, you have a book that will beg you to read it to completion.

The absolute only reason that I gave this book 4 stars rather than 5 was because of the amount of detail it goes into at times. I know this is likely because I'm just getting into thrillers, but a lot of the very descriptive attention to guns, cars, and military items kind of went over my head. I am more than certain that veterans of the genre will shake their heads at me, but hey, I need to be honest. It didn't matter in the long run anyway. I still latched on to the overall story with a white knuckled grip, and powered on. Yes, it's that good.

So if you are a fan of this genre, Luthecker is a story that you need to get your hands on! Once again I'm proven right. It doesn't take a big publishing house to put out a great story. Keith Domingue is an extremely talented writer and I cannot wait to see what's coming around the bend. Strap yourself in and hold on tight. Luthecker will take you for a ride.

Definitely not my favorite Palahniuk book, but there is actually a lot to Damned that I did in fact love. First off, Madison. Her attitude about Hell was hilariously glib and she was an enigma for most of the story. It might have been because the narrator of the audio book was so good at portraying this young and very matter of fact girl, but I loved her almost instantly. Madison definitely makes the book.

Also, when the synopsis says that this is “The Breakfast Club” in Hell, they really aren't kidding. Palahniuk has given the reader a wide array of characters to enjoy while exploring this dark, damp (and often gross) land of the dead. You have your punk rocker with a heart of gold. The jock who isn't as brave as he seems. Even the perfect cheerleader type, complete with fake blond hair and white shoes after labor day, makes an appearance. These characters take the reader on a wild ride.

What was a miss for me in this book was really the ending. I know a lot of people disliked Damned entirely, but I was honestly extremely invested until the ending of the book. It almost felt like a cop out to me. I get that Palahniuk is unpredictable. In fact, that's usually what draws me to his books. However I felt like I was missing something important that left a hole in my reading of this book. Not sure what, but it's definitely not there.

Anyway this rambling is simply meant to share that I did actually really enjoy listening to Damned, despite any flaws that it might have! Madison and her motley crew take the reader on a ride unlike any other. The ride through Hell itself. Don't go into this one expecting anything stunningly poignant, but rather go into it expecting the unexpected. Do that, and you'll enjoy it as much as I did.

I think the synopsis might have made my expectations a little too high for such a short book. The Necromancer's Apprentice is much more of a novella than anything else. Still, I felt like there could have been a lot more character development and a lot less plot holes.

In terms of things I liked, the story did keep me reading. The mystery surrounding Master Dagg and his sinister experiments was intriguing. I can't say that I liked him as a character per say, but he did add a nice element of suspense to everything that was going on. I also liked that Prioleau wasn't afraid to be a little dark in her writing. The experiments definitely aren't pretty.

The biggest thing I didn't like was actually the main character herself. Jasmine is completely flat emotionally. Although she admits that to the reader, it makes it very difficult to care about anything that happens to her. In her mind, she's already dead and nothing is worth fighting for. The other issue I had was in plot holes. I'd love to see more work on getting everything to flow.

I see definite potential in this story. With more editing and polishing I think Jasmine's story will come through better.

What first struck me about The Moon Coin above all else, was the illustrations. Even before I read the synopsis, even before I tried the first page, I fell in love with the hand drawn illustrations. Call me old fashioned, but I really miss the days when all illustrations looked like these. Computers are a fantastic invention (without them this ebook wouldn't exist) but I sure do miss the gorgeous fruits of someone talented's labor. Carolyn Arcabascio's illustrations really bring the story to life. They are that little link that makes all the difference in becoming immersed in the story.

I'll honestly tell you that this book drew me in once I did start reading. Similar to a lot of fantastic middle grade reading out there, we start out the book by meeting the characters, and it's easy to fall in love with them right away. Lily and Jasper are precocious children to say the least. They love solving puzzles, getting into mischief (although not always on purpose) and going on adventures. The wonderful part about them is that they really defy their age. Both of them are malleable enough to fit into any child's imagination. Even as a reader who isn't necessarily the target audience, I fell in love with them as well.

The worlds in this story are vivid and beautifully descriptive. I really felt like I was transported to all of the places that were presented to me. New races pop off of the page, and the reader is swept away into far off lands inhabited by some of the most wonderful and unique characters. However, this is also why I am not entirely sure that this book should be labeled Middle Grade. The story itself is definitely Middle Grade friendly, what with the adventures and fast moving plot. A lot of the descriptions though are very word heavy and boast some vocabulary that might not fit into this label. That's not to say all Middle Grade readers won't appreciate them. I just wonder if a lot of the imagery might be lost on a younger reader. This does make The Moon Coin a great choice for a family read in my mind though!

Overall this was definitely a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. Although it took me a little while to become absorbed in my reading, once I was I wouldn't have wanted to quit reading. The ending to The Moon Coin leaves just enough to the imagination to open it up to a sequel! I for one cannot wait to see where Richard Due takes us next. If you have a young reader who enjoys Fantasy, loves to be lost in a good story, or just wants something new, give them this book. You won't regret it!

As a reader who is not generally a fan of angel based books, I was a bit wary going in to Until Next Time. They have a tendency to be a little heavy handed in the religion department most times. I'm happy to say that Amy Lignor's book was an exception to that rule. Although Matt and Emily's story is of course religiously based, it doesn't overshadow their own intriguing plot line. Lignor allows the reader to meet some of the more prominent names in the bible, each in their own interesting and sometimes even adorable ways.

What I really liked about this book is that it is actually two stories in one. The point of view skips between Matt and Emily when they are in heaven, and their human counterparts on Earth. Each one keeps a small part of themselves when they are sent down, but it is only at home that they are truly themselves. I loved seeing how the things they learned on Earth changed them inside. Having an angel's point of view on what happens in our own day to day lives was interesting, and sometimes even heartbreaking.

The romantic elements of this story are perfectly done and believable. Lignor gives her angels the opportunity to experience free will, and the choices they make really shape the story line. I loved both of the men who come into Liz and Faith's lives. They compliment each one just wonderfully. The true love that blooms between Liz and Jason is beautiful and honest. It is these true emotions that let the story really shine off the pages.

In a nutshell, I really did enjoy Until Next Time. I had a few gripes with some small things, mainly dealing with point of view. It's tough sometimes to feel comfortable switching between heaven and Earth with the angels. However there is so much more in this story that really allows it to shine. If you are a fan of angelic lore, or if you enjoy a good love story, this is one to give a shot.

Where do I start with this? Seriously, I wish that Jack Blank had been in my life when I was a young reader! The Accidental Hero (originally titled Jack Blank and the Imagine Nation) is such a brilliantly written book. Complete with an fabulous world, amazing characters, and tons of positive messages, this is the type of book that I would put into the hands of reluctant readers. I guarantee that they will fall in love!

I absolutely have to start with the original world that Matt Myklusch builds in the Imagine Nation. This is the type of place that dreams are made of. A world populated with superheroes and villains. With more futuristic technology than you can wrap your head around. The type of world where a young boy can thrive, especially one with a huge imagination! Super fights are common. Cars fly. I can't even explain to you how much I loved the Imagine Nation! I wonder if I believe hard enough, if I might be able to move there myself.

Then there is my love for Jack himself. I really enjoyed watching him grow from the quiet, scared boy in the orphanage into the brave and strong character that he ultimately becomes. Jack is the perfect role model for both boys and girls of any age. He knows his limits, he admits when he's scared, but he chooses to fight anyway. He's selfless, kind and so witty. Best of all though, Jack's character is written so vividly that it's easy to believe that he might just be your best friend. Following him through his adventure is made all the more amazing, simply because Jack is so amazing himself.

Finally, and I feel like this is a big part of why I loved this story so much, The Accidental Hero has so many fabulous messages to share with young readers. Jack's story isn't always happy. It isn't always easy. Still, along the way he meets some amazing people who teach him important life lessons. To be strong. To be brave. To be a friend. It is so inspiring! My all time favorite? “Never underestimate the power you have over what happens today. Never forget the power today has over tomorrow.” (pg 467) All of these come into the story without feeling preachy. It's magical.

If you couldn't already tell from my raving review above, I give this book my highest seal of approval! The Accidental Hero is the whole package. If you have a reluctant reader at home, boy or girl, put this book in their hands. I see so much potential for this to become their new favorite series. Skeptical? I have one word for you to say as you hand it to them: Robo-Zombies. Get this book. You won't regret it!

This is going to be a really tough review to write, since I all but flipped out praising Kendare Blake's first book, Anna Dressed in Blood. I was so very excited to see what happened to Anna and Cas after the cliffhanger that Blake left for us in the last book. As soon as I was able to get my hands on a copy of Girl of Nightmares I did! I was eager for more of the stuff of nightmares that drew me in the first time around.

What I found though was a much different book. Anna and Cas are both back. However this time they're so different, and I'll admit that it threw me off a bit. If you'll remember from my review of the first book, I loved Cas' cocky demeanor and lone wolf attitude. What can I say? I'm a sucker for boys like that. The Cas that comes through in this book is a much more lonely and sad boy. Broken, sad, a little like a lonely puppy. Where was my Cas? In the same respect, Anna was there, but also not. I can't explain without spoiling, but I missed her so much.

After a few chapters I finally got used to Cas' new attitude, and was okay with it. Blake does a great job of showing his deep need to find Anna. So I kept reading on, hoping for some scary scenes to keep me up and night and sadly nothing happened. Seriously. There are multiple chapters where nothing exciting happens at all. Now, yes, I understand why. Kendare Blake spends a lot of this book explaining the history behind Cas' athame. She also introduces a new threat in the form of a sinister society with tons of secrets. However without the visceral imagery, the haunting happenings, and the Anna/Cas interaction, I found myself bored. It made for a slow read.

It's actually not surprising to me that I didn't love Girl of Nightmares as much as Blake's first book. I loved Cas as a ghost busting bad-ass. I adored Anna as a vicious yet gorgeous apparition. Everything that I loved about Anna Dressed in Blood was missing here. I applaud the character development, and can't deny that I enjoyed learning about the athame's past. Still, this wasn't my favorite sequel. This is worth a read for closure alone though, especially if you were waiting as eagerly as I was.

When I was first asked to review the first installment in The Seraphym Wars series, I was more than happy to accept! Fantasy, as you probably well know, is my favorite genre of all time. Add in the battle between Seraphym and Demons, and the addition of Steampunk elements, and you have a book that firmly holds my interest. I desperately hoped that this would be a book that was as good as it sounded. I opened to the first page and was immediately immersed in Myrna's journey. I will admit that the beginning of this story is a little confusing. However keep in mind that Myrna is thrown onto a planet that she has no recollection of, and so she is a little confused as well. Keep reading and you won't be sorry!

Told in third person, and mostly from Myrna's point of view, Odessa is a rollicking adventure and fantasy novel that has a little bit of something for everyone. Complete with Christian undertones, you'll notice that the battle between Seraphym here doesn't disappoint. Mentions of Tartarus, evil shape-shifting dragons, snippets of Fey and other mythical creatures, it's all there in lovely detail. I'll admit that there were times when the third person point of view threw me off slightly, since sometimes I wasn't entirely sure at first who was talking. Once I got to know the characters better however, I was able to distinguish them much easier.


Lovers of fantasy are generally big on whether or not the world that is built in a new story is vivid and sticks to its own rules. Rebecca Ryals Russell definitely fills those two requirements! Dracwald has an amazing back story that emerges as you read on, and the landscape that is shared with the reader is written in gorgeous detail. As the entourage make their way across thick, dark jungles and bleak, desolate plains, the world of Dracwald opens up beautifully. The darkness that has surrounded the land oozes off the page. I was so happy! A new fictional place to fall in love with.

Story wise, the plot moves along at a rather nice pace. Since there is a lot of travelling going on in this first book, there are points in which things may seem a little slow. The banter between the characters eases this somewhat, and Russell seems to know just when to throw in a new twist, or a terrifying chase scene to keep the reader on their toes. As beautifully written as the world of Dracwald is, I must warn you that it is also a rather violent place. Readers who have an issue with that may find themselves a little squeamish. It isn't anything garish or gory, but rather Russell uses it as an opportunity to show, in sharp contrast, what the world once was compared to what it has become. Dracwald is mirrored with our world, and if you read carefully you may see a deeper message there.

This is all I can really share without giving too much away. Dracwald is a place that you need to experience for yourself to truly appreciate it. I'd love to delve more into the characters too, but that would take eons and by then you might disappear! I'd rather leave you to meet them on your own.

If you are a lover of fantasy, or even looking for more Christian fiction in your life, this is a great place to start! Be warned, the ending is a bit of a slight cliffhanger. I cannot wait for the next installment to see what happens with Myrna and her friends.

Narrator Review:
Overall, I thought that Keith Nobbs did a pretty fair job at narrating this book. His girl voices could use a little work, but then again it's tough to be a girlish girl when you have a deeper voice :). I accept that. His pacing is spot on, and I loved the way that he would pause for dramatic effect at important points. Nobbs also does a great job at intoning danger and excitement.

Audio Book Rating: 4/5 - It's a great listen!

****

Book Review:
First off I find it only fair to say that I wasn't really paying attention to the fact that this was the third book in the series. I'm a long time fan of Andrew Clements, and when I saw The Whites of Their Eyes I knew I wanted to read it! So, I picked it up. Unfortunately for me that meant I came in at the middle of the story. I'll warn you, this is not a stand alone book. I had to go back and pick up pieces from the other two in order to understand what was going on. If you're looking at this series, make sure to start from the beginning!

That being said, I was pleased to see that Ben and his friends fit so wonderfully into the world of Clements' writing. They are vivid, funny, and smart. His characters always know how to hold their own. In particular (and I may be a little biased) I loved Jill. She not only has the wit to keep up with Ben, but a lot of the good ideas they come up with start with her. These two are fun to follow, even when they head off into dangerous situations. It's nice to see a female and male main character who both shine so boldly off the page.

The story does move a little more slowly than most books geared toward this age group generally do. There is a lot of historical background, and Ben does a lot of explaining about what his mission is. I had no problem with it as an older listener/reader, but I'm not sure that the younger audience would be as patient. Still, once the story picks up it does it very well! Clements' writing shines as Ben and Jill take off on a hunt for the ultimate treasure, and try to find a way to save their school from being torn down.

As a last comment, I really think that this installment should be coupled with the other two in one entire book. This was a short read, and it would be nice for readers to be able to get the entire story in one fell swoop. Despite everything though, I really did end up enjoying the story overall! If you have a young reader who loves adventure, pick up a copy of The Whites of Their Eyes and Ben's previous two adventures.

I must say that I am wholly impressed by Leigh T. Moore's newest book! Rouge is one heck of a read. I came for the story, and fell deeply in love with everything about it. By the end my mouth was gaping open, my eyes were a little teary, and all I wanted was more book. Indie fans rejoice! This is a gem, and I know you're going to want to snag a copy for yourself.

Our narrator, Hale, is portrayed vividly and is easy to fall in step with. Growing up in the back wings of a cabaret, Hale has quickly learned that the only way to survive is to play the game. Her plan is to shine as the star of the show, snag a rich man, and have him take her away forever from her old life. Everything is going perfectly, until Beau comes into the picture. A sweet stagehand with nothing to offer but his love, he throws a gorgeous wrench into Hale's story and it brings everything to life. Truth be told, all of the characters in Rouge are wonderfully rendered. There isn't a single one that I didn't enjoy and think sped the story along.

Reader be warned, this is marked Upper YA and Adult for a reason. There are some steamy scenes and some colorful language. Then again, keep in mind that this is a story about a 1890's cabaret. In my honest opinion there wasn't anything that didn't belong there. Each aspect that Moore writes into Hale's world brings the cabaret to life. The costumes, the crowd, even the seedy goings on backstage, all conspire to draw you in, and keep you hooked until the inevitable end. And what an end it is!

If I'm being honest, there is really nothing that I didn't love about Moore's story! The characters are well written, the setting portrayed with sumptuous perfection, and the plot is compulsively readable. It's the type of read that flies by, and then leaves you wanting so much more. I can promise that is you enjoy historical fiction that is on the lighter side, this is for you! Rouge comes at you highly recommended from this bookworm.

I'm honestly not sure where to begin when talking about Undead Reckoning. It's hard to pin down to just one genre for it, because this book hops all over the place. Eddie Griffin starts out in a zombie apocalypse, just like any other. Dead roaming the streets, terror, the standard. I was comfortable in this world, ready for some epic fighting, and then...all hell broke loose. Green men, knights in shining armor, crazy undead motorcyclists. The list goes on and on. There are so many pieces to this book that it's kind of like putting together some type of crazy puzzle.

That's not to say that it's not entertaining. Mike Slabon has a very descriptive form of writing, and if you're a fan of violent deaths then you'll be sitting pretty! Eddie Griffin is a hilarious character, and one that's very easy to connect with. He's brave, funny, and smart. Along the way he meets so many different types of characters and they bring new facets to his personality. I liked Eddie. He's honest. He's not afraid to get his hands dirty, and he's funny as hell.

My real problem with this book was just the craziness of the plot. A mix of fantasy and zombie book it was truly difficult for me to figure out exactly what was going on. The parts of it that I understood kept me reading. Eddie's personality kept me reading. At the end of the day though I was just too confused for words at the end of the story. I can't even honestly tell you half of what happened, because I'm still trying to figure it all out.

The nice thing is that Undead Reckoning doesn't take itself too seriously. It has the spark that needs to be there to keep you reading. It has hilarious scenes, and epic fights. The absurdity of some of it will make you laugh out loud. I'm not entirely certain how to explain this to you any better, so I'll leave it at this. Give this a shot if you're looking for something different. Something enjoyable. Something new.

What first drew me to Kelly Keaton's Embers in a Dark Frost was that it seemed to walk the line between YA and Adult fiction. I've recently discovered that this is New Adult. YA at heart, with older characters and even some sex. I have to say, I rather liked this! I quickly settled in for the read.

Keaton sweeps the reader away into a land rich with myth and magic. There are elements of Celtic legend here, wrapped up in a world on the brink of being lost. I loved that Deira's life wasn't perfect. Caught between two different worlds, she just never seemed to fit in. That is, until Balen.

Ah, Balen. I will swoon here and now. Rough on the exterior but with so much heart, he's s character that is hard not to fall for. The relationship between Balen and Deira was wonderful. Each of them had so much depth, and I appreciated that they didn't automatically fall for one another with no reason. Balen proves himself. Oh yes he does.

Perhaps my favorite part about Embers in a Dark Frost was that Deira isn't a strong heroine or a wilting flower. She's both. That doesn't happen often in books like this. There is no hard, fast distinction between the two halves of Deira. She is both strong and weak, and it makes her decisions all the more believable. I felt for her.

Despite a few minor issues, I fell in love with this book. I recommend it to anyone who enjoys getting lost in a rich and magical world. I will be eagerly waiting for more.

There were some very funny parts in this story, and a lot of potential. However the plot felt very linear and forced sometimes. I kept waiting for a big climax that never came.

A full review will come soon.

I Hate Picture Books! is one of the most adorable stories I've read in a long time. Max is tired of his picture books and ready to throw them away! Why? Well, they just keep getting him in trouble. Like the time he tried to draw on the wall like that Harold kid. Or the time he ate green ham. That didn't end well! However as he slowly remembers all the books he loves, he realizes just how important they really are to him.

I loved that Timothy Young pays homage to some of the most popular picture books out there. Adults, and the young readers they share this book with, are sure find some favorites in Max's story. The best part is definitely the illustrations though. Young uses bright colors and vivid pen strokes. The pictures come to life on their own, and weave a giggle-worthy story

The humor is sweet, the message is simple, and this is the type of book that is sure to become a fast favorite! Just keep your little one away from the fridge and any green ham. Ha. Too cute!