tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-53234248723421506302024-03-13T03:35:20.511-07:00O. Scarlett! ReviewsO.Scarlett Reviews is the collaboration between cousins in support of talented, independent authors. Reading and authorship are no "fiddle-dee-dee" matters in this family! We offer reviews with a rating system to assist readers in choosing their next great reading experience. (Rating System listed in sidebar)
Rachel is a very detailed reviewer. Tenya is never a spoiler. Kendra's a tough critique. Want to know more about us? Click the "meet us" page tab for an unique introduction.Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.comBlogger94125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-5152124414655755292018-06-27T02:08:00.001-07:002018-06-27T02:08:19.724-07:00Sarah Allerding - Swords of Time<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXwV-Fwt5hQ/WzKcNt9Lq9I/AAAAAAAAEwM/z4KmTkjIpaYTM4XH9_97VaFCns7TIhxRwCLcBGAs/s1600/SwordsofTime_KINDLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1067" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-nXwV-Fwt5hQ/WzKcNt9Lq9I/AAAAAAAAEwM/z4KmTkjIpaYTM4XH9_97VaFCns7TIhxRwCLcBGAs/s200/SwordsofTime_KINDLE.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Swords of Time</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="https://amzn.to/2twDK6B">Sarah Allerding</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://amzn.to/2txlvhj">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon)</u></span></span></strong></div>
<br />Braden has one goal: knighthood.<br /><br />Unfortunately, he lives on a horse farm in modern day America with his uncle, his younger brother, and an aunt who absolutely hates him.<br /><br />Against all odds, Braden and his brother, Jamie, stumble across a pair of special swords that sweep them back into medieval times. They land near a castle whose lord has a task for them.<br /><br />His older son is lost somewhere in time, and only someone who can control the Swords of Time can save him.<br /><br />With the goal of knighthood suddenly in sight, Braden's not sure he wants to leave, but he wishes to impress the lord. Can he protect his brother, find the lost heir, and fulfill his dreams, or will the lord's younger son ruin everything?<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
No Author Bio available</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
It's been a while since I last read a book that took me so strongly back to my childhood as <i>Swords of Time</i> did.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I was a lover of fantasy, as a kid. But my mom, the sensible person that she is ... wanted me to read <i>educational </i>stuff. But since she wasn't adverse to fantasy, there was an easy compromise - the "kid times travels back to the historical era" stories. Magic Tree House was my favorite, but there were others. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This story, though a stand-alone, felt like reading one of those books.<br />
<br />
As with most kids books, it didn't really feel that stand-out or amazing. The characters could be shallow and frustrating, and the plot was simplistic, but I only got annoyed at Braden a couple times. He'd led a hard life, though, and being bullied by someone who should be a parental figure is devastating, so he has excuses.<br />
<br />
Really, my only qualm with the book is that the characters tend to be rather one-note and caricaturized. There is character growth, but only for Braden and Darren, and their characters still aren't very complex.<br />
<br />
But such is typical of these stories, and I still enjoyed the book. It was a great trip back into my childhood of time travel fantasy that made learning fun.<br />
<br />
(Also, I'm not sure that we have orphanages anymore in modern-day America. Not many, at any rate. I think a threat of the foster care system would have been more realistic.) </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Historical Fiction, Fantasy, Time Travel</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">CHILD</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- children's literature</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> Some fighting and a non-graphic close call with a torture device </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-91507482112013290112018-01-01T14:54:00.000-08:002018-01-01T14:54:19.438-08:00Jaye L. Knight - Exiles <div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NuOykoOFB80/WiX_iTIVuoI/AAAAAAAAERc/I66HVqymTjMZCbssHKjImpsc2N282VSeQCLcBGAs/s1600/ExilesCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="748" data-original-width="500" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-NuOykoOFB80/WiX_iTIVuoI/AAAAAAAAERc/I66HVqymTjMZCbssHKjImpsc2N282VSeQCLcBGAs/s200/ExilesCover.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Exiles</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Ilyon Chronicles #4</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
By Jaye L. Knight<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2iBElOk">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<br />
Exiled after their defeat in Samara, the Resistance struggles to find allies in their quest to restore King Balen to his throne and put an end to the emperor’s tyranny. When the crete people refuse to lend their aid, Balen leads a group to Dorland to reason with them and win their support. However, enemies prove to be everywhere, and they find themselves in a fight to keep Dorland from becoming Daican’s latest conquest.<br />
<br />
Back in Landale, the arrival of a new enemy forces Trask and Anne to tread more carefully than ever. Tensions are rising, and the enemy is determined to test Anne’s loyalty and root out the location of Trask and the Resistance once and for all.<br />
<br />
Feeling trapped within the walls of Valcré, Prince Daniel must contend with an ever-eroding relationship with his father. As their clashes escalate, the situation becomes potentially life-threatening when his loyalty is called into question. His sister seems bent on branding him a traitor and actively seeking to condemn him to the fate of those put to death in their father’s new arena. Daniel is certain his father would never execute his only son and heir, but with other forces at work, it might not be that simple.<br />
<br />
One small misstep could prove fatal for all.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<br />
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that, even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
SQUEE!!! SQUEAL. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
So, earlier this year, Jaye contacted me and asked if I'd be willing to beta the latest book in the Ilyon Chronicles. She'd made me this offer with the King Scroll's, but I'd had to turn it down, due to time constraints. This time, while my plate wasn't exactly empty, I determined to get through as much of it as I could. Which was about a quarter to half of the book. I'd like to think I helped.<br />
<br />
And then, when she asked for volunteers for reviews, I jumped at that opportunity and devoured the whole book just as quick as you please. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to put it up during her release blitz, as I was releasing a book of my own that week, and the next few months were literal mayhem for me...<br />
<br />
But here I am, now, reviewing it. Because, WOW, this was an awesome story. I'm actually not sure whether it or The King Scrolls is my favorite ... but it might just win out. It was a roller coaster from start to finish, so much changed. And I do mean CHANGED. Pieces are sliding into place for the end game, and I'm positively thrilled to see how it comes together.<br />
<br />
It starts with a wedding ... I'm not going to say whose, but it wasn't Jace and Kyrin's, though there were several jabs at that couple asking when they would be the ones getting married. And then the plot splits up. On one trail, you have Daniel's story ... Daniel being the son of the Emperor oppressing the believers in Elom. Things have Changed for him since we saw him last, but I'm not going to say much about them. Just that things go Down in the palace. Second plot thread is Trask and Anne holding things down in Landale as the ante is raised against the believers. Third, we have Jace, Kyrin, and a number of other characters going to Dorland, the country of the Cretes, with Samara's exiled king who's seeking allies to take his country back.<br />
<br />
All three plotlines are tense, two avoiding discovery and persecution, the third dealing with outright war.<br />
<br />
I'm not sure what else I can say about it, other than the fact that it was awesome, and the game has changed completely. Also, the issue of whether or not Ryriks have souls has been resolved once and for all (not that I was ever worried about this conclusions.)<br />
<br />
If you haven't read this amazing series yet, go pick it up now - because did I mention that it was amazing?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Fantasy, Christian</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Mature TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- high school to college</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">SUBTLE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- hinted, but not explicit</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Violence and adult themes noted as necessary</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-74282685634639259232017-12-03T21:20:00.000-08:002017-12-03T21:20:06.190-08:00Hope Ann - Burning Rose<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9A6GQzPOhwE/Wg3doJuqOWI/AAAAAAAAEQA/sSfGLYB5tfkH8oUScZgW0Lr9RN2WxrHfwCLcBGAs/s1600/36104776.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="475" data-original-width="297" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9A6GQzPOhwE/Wg3doJuqOWI/AAAAAAAAEQA/sSfGLYB5tfkH8oUScZgW0Lr9RN2WxrHfwCLcBGAs/s200/36104776.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Burning Rose</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Legends of Light 1-3</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2ihrmVC">Hope Ann</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2ij9fyu">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><br /></u></span></span></strong></div>
A forbidden rose and deadly sacrifice.<br />
A glittering sword and living melody.<br />
A stolen stormestone and detestable pardon.<br />
The war in Aslaria, founded in ancient legends, changes the lives of those it touches forever.<br />
<br />
<i>Fairy tales retold as you have never heard them before.</i><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span></div>
Hope Ann is a speculative fiction writer who lives on a small farm in northern Indiana. She has self-published three Legends of Light novellas and writes regular articles for Kingdom Pen as the Writing Team Captain. Reading since the age of five, and introducing herself to writing at age eight, she never had a question that the author’s life was the life for her. Her goal is to write thrilling Christian fantasy and futuristic fiction — stories she longed for while growing up. After graduating from homeschool, Hope now teaches writing to several of her eight younger siblings. She loves climbing trees, archery, photography, Lord of the Rings, chocolate, and collecting shiny things she claims are useful for story inspiration.<br />
<br />
You can follow Hope at <a href="https://authorhopeann.com/">https://authorhopeann.com/</a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A year or so I reviewed The Song of the Sword, a beautiful retelling of Rapunzel. I can't say that it's my favorite retelling of that tale that I've ever read, but it's one of the three vying for that position.<br />
<br />
So, when she announced that she was releasing the first three books + the prequel of this series in one shiny volume, I was needless-to-say enthused, and I volunteered to review the book for her.<br />
<br />
It took me a while to get to it, and then I devoured the whole thing in a day and a half. Ish. Somewhere in there. In short, I loved it. This is the best series ever. Everyone and their dog should read it.<br />
<br />
So, quick breakdown:<br />
<br />
<i>Rose of the Night: </i>The prequel story to the Beauty and the Beast tale. This was an intriguing tale. I have an obsession with reimaginings of the Fall, and this was a pretty good one. It really fit well with the mythos of this world, and was pretty good set-up for <i>Rose of the Oath, </i>which followed it. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i>Rose of the Oath: </i>Of the books in this set, this is the one I'm mixed on. And it's largely because it replaced a different retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It's the rare retelling of B&B that I can get excited about (I don't have anything against them, I just ... they don't appeal to me), and I had actually liked <i>Rose of Prophecy, </i>as the previous version had been entitled. And I hadn't actually realized that she'd replaced RoP until several pages into RotO.<br />
<br />
In defense of RotO, it was a stronger story and fit better with the world's mythos ... but, on the other hand, while RoP had been a breath of sweet air by following the <i>original </i>version of B&B, RotO ... hit more of Disney's beats. And that's one of my biggest peeves when it comes to any retelling period: retelling Disney (Disney is, itself, a retelling, and therefore copyrighted!). But it was only a few beats, so I <i>think</i> that I have forgiven it. Not my favorite in the collection, but it was a beautiful story.<br />
<br />
And also the only romance.<br />
<br />
<i>The Song of the Sword: </i>I love it and you can read my review for it here: http://oscarlettreviews.blogspot.com/2016/08/song-of-sword-legends-of-light-by-hope.html<br />
<br />
<i>Shadows of Hearsweald</i>: Now <i>this</i> was an interesting story, and probably, of the collection, the book that followed its fairy tale the loosest. After all, H and G (can't remember their modified names off the top of my head and I'm too tired to look them up), are older - she's already engaged, and he's had time to be an ex-soldier of Tauscher's. There's no candy house or witch to eat them ... and H and G are step-siblings - the stepmother is H's actual mother. They're also cousins, though, but I failed to catch which of the deceased parents had been siblings.<br />
<br />
I rather liked this one, though, due to the loose approach it took to the fairy tale and how condensed the story world was ... there were a lot of details that I didn't catch, and thus I'm confused on a lot of issues (Such as, again, whose sibling was whose in the parental department.) That said, it was a strong and powerful story of forgiveness and the Peace that can come of it.<br />
<br />
On the whole, I'm thoroughly in love with this collection. Fairy tales + the fruit of the spirit? Wait, didn't I mention that each of the stories was centered around the various fruits? Love, Joy, Peace. Each beautifully illustrated. I loved it. Also, allegory.<br />
<br />
I think, really, the only quibble I have with the collection (beyond those I've already mentioned) is that all four stories use the same plot twist. But they're plot twists that made sense for the tales they were telling, so ... I'll let it be. They were awesome. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Christian, Fantasy, Retelling, </span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> Quite a bit of fighting, scars, people die.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-3897166475070281652017-11-09T09:58:00.001-08:002017-11-09T09:58:45.771-08:00Morgan Elizabeth Huneke - Twisted Dreams<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpbU5eBFi1U/WgPtwXJhT8I/AAAAAAAAEPc/Zkt-kniqV7gs3SRr8Q-Vvu1r2l3osBltgCLcBGAs/s1600/Twisted%2BDreams%2BCover%2Bfront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1022" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RpbU5eBFi1U/WgPtwXJhT8I/AAAAAAAAEPc/Zkt-kniqV7gs3SRr8Q-Vvu1r2l3osBltgCLcBGAs/s200/Twisted%2BDreams%2BCover%2Bfront.jpg" width="127" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Twisted Dreams</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2hmqiiM">Morgan Elizabeth Huneke</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2hn5ck7">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<b><u>Product Description (from Amazon)</u></b><br />
<br />“I, Calandra, of the Wingans, do bestow upon you, the Princess of Hanover, a gift. You have been given long life. I cannot interfere with that, but when you are sixteen years of age, you will prick your finger on the spindle of a spinning wheel and fall into an everlasting sleep.” She stepped closer so that she could be heard only by Liesel and her parents. “Then you will at last see the truth. Be wary. Be wise. Your fate rests upon yourself.”<br /><br />On her sixteenth birthday, Princess Liesel Rosanna falls victim to a sleeping curse—but wakens in another world, a prisoner of war. As the bait in a trap for her fiancé, the crown prince of Hanover, Liesel longs to escape back to the fairy tale world. The world where she is only wanting a true love’s kiss to set everything to rights.<br /><br />As situations quickly grow dire, Liesel must choose which story to live, which life is real. The fate of her country rests on her decision.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<br />Morgan Elizabeth Huneke is a homeschool graduate who lives in Georgia. She has enjoyed creating characters and writing stories since early childhood. Books have always been a big part of her life, never more so than when working at the local library. Her other interests include reading, playing the piano and violin, and politics. To learn more about Morgan and her work, visit: www.morganhuneke.com or www.morganhuneke.blogspot.com<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra E. Ardnek</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
When Morgan announced that she was working on a Sleeping Beauty retelling for the Rooglewood contest, I was excited. I love Morgan's writing, and I love retellings, so I was eager to see how they combined.<br />
<br />
Unfortunately, her book didn't win ... but that meant that we got the story later, all on its own with its own brilliance. Quick disclaimer here - I did beta read the book for her, which, for me, meant that I gave it a stiff edit. So I've read the story multiple times, and in multiple versions.<br />
<br />
And Twisted Dreams is delightfully brilliant and twisted. It starts as a traditional retelling of Sleeping Beauty - with an opening that rather reminded me of Sonora and the Long Sleep by Gail Carson Levine - but even within that opening, you quickly realize that there is something very wrong. The Catileens giving gifts are the ones who seem sinister, while the Wingan granting the curse ... seems benevolent.<br />
<br />
Things grow even stranger when the curse comes about and Liesel wakes up in a cell in a sci-fi world, now remembering a very different past. And a fiance who's the prince of the planet/country that is at war with her captors. They're holding her for extortion.<br />
<br />
But which is the true reality?<br />
<br />
I loved this story, it's morals, message, and twists. I'll admit that there are a few blandish characters ... but there was Matthew, the hero's younger brother. Oh, the dear, enthusiastic boy. Read the book just for him.<br />
<br />
The worldbuilding was brilliant. For the shortness of the story, there's a surprising amount of worldbuilding in it - and as someone who loves worldbuilding, it made me so happy.<br />
<br />
And then the theme - Sacrificial love. I love a good story of sacrificial love.<br />
<br />
In short, go read this lovely little story. You won't regret it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Christian, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Fairy Tale Retelling</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Fighting, torture, characters are drugged.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-89498386023800619082017-05-26T16:46:00.000-07:002017-09-19T21:11:18.401-07:00Amanda Tero - The Secret Slipper<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zz_P9jPL5y8/WSe2lhaph3I/AAAAAAAAD6s/Lo47WS0P2eI8zHOmv7PTiia58BthI_N3gCLcB/s1600/WhereShe.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="210" data-original-width="136" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Zz_P9jPL5y8/WSe2lhaph3I/AAAAAAAAD6s/Lo47WS0P2eI8zHOmv7PTiia58BthI_N3gCLcB/s1600/WhereShe.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Secret Slipper</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Tales of Faith</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2qVl5R7">Amanda Tero</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2jJqhG0">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><br /></u></span></span></strong></div>
Being a cripple is only the beginning of Lia’s troubles. It seems as if Bioti’s goal in life is to make Lia as miserable as possible. If Lia’s purpose is to be a slave, then why did God make her a cripple? How can He make something beautiful out of her deformity?<br />
<br />
Raoul never questioned the death of his daughter until someone reports her whereabouts. If Ellia is still alive, how has she survived these ten years with her deformity? When Raoul doesn’t know who to trust, can he trust God to keep Ellia safe when evidence reveals Bioti’s dangerous character?<br />
<br />
As time brings more hindrances, will Raoul find Ellia, or will she forever be lost to the father she doesn't even know is searching for her?<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<br />
Amanda Tero is a homeschool graduate who desires to provide God-honoring, family-friendly reading material. She has enjoyed writing since before ten years old, but it has only been since 2013 that she began seriously pursuing writing again - starting with some short stories that she wrote for her sisters as a gift. Her mom encouraged her to try selling the stories she published, and since then, she has begun actively writing short stories, novellas, and novels.<br />
<br />
If something she has written draws an individual into a deeper relationship with Jesus Christ, it is worth it!<br />
<br />
"Trust in the Lord with all thine heart, and lean not unto thine own understanding." (Proverbs 3:5)<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Have you ever read a fairy tale and had the thought, "You know what? This would be so much better without the romance. And, hey, while we're at it, let's toss out the magic, too!"?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, those aren’t thoughts that I’ve ever had, specifically, but I am always looking for fairy tales told in new and intriguing ways. When I heard of Amanda Tero’s Befriending the Beast, a story where the “beast” was the heroine’s father, rather than love interest, I knew I needed to read it. There aren’t many B&B retellings – much less B&B retellings stripped of magic – that I actually like. This twist, though, was unique enough to intrigue me. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Then the author contacted me asking if I’d like to participate in the blog tour for the sequel, a retelling of Cinderella where the prince was Cinderella’s father. I signed up to review, as well receive a copy of the first book, which I loved just as much as I thought that I would, then I plunged eagerly into Secret Slipper.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This story directly follows the events of Befriending the Beast, but is about Lord Raoul, the uncle with whom Belle had lived following her own mother’s death. He had lost his wife and only daughter to a plague years before, and while he had remarried, his second wife provided him with no children. For a time, Belle had filled that hole in his heart, but now she has returned to her own father and Raoul's home is empty again.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Until he receives a message that states that his daughter might be as dead as he'd believed. That she had instead been spirited away by a spiteful servant who blamed Raoul for her husband's death. Raoul immediately begins his search, dropping everything for the chance at having his child back.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Meanwhile, Lia has led a pretty miserable life as her "stepmother" has continued to take her annoyance for Raoul out on her. They've run short on money, and Lia is the one forced to get a job to support them. Even though she has a club foot and can barely hobble about.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This was a delightfully unique take on the fairy tale. There's no ball, no glass slipper scene, but it's touching and heartfelt all the same. The rags-to-riches story of redemption is ever so much stronger and more powerful when it's the father stepping in for his daughter than it is when it's a love interest that the girl meets for the first time in a rushed ball. Amanda tells her stories without shame for her faith, and the story of redemption is told clearly, even as it's shown. The characters are diverse and interest, with many different motives and struggles.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
While this is the second book of the series, and it does directly follow the events of <i>Befriending the Beast, </i>it can be read first without majorly spoiling its predecessor. It was a delightful tale, and I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys Cinderella retellings and stories of faith. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Historical Fiction, Fairy Tale Retelling, Christian </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Kidnapping, bit of fighting, a guy gets killed. Lia is mistreated, but such is normal for Cinderella.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-85137521720660415632016-12-15T01:43:00.000-08:002017-09-19T21:12:32.447-07:00Jeffrey A. Davis - Revenge of the Ninja<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wkR_YCvm6U/WENuPY0dSOI/AAAAAAAADTw/y-LwFZYXRikAI1nR1PpT3ISFvlRGmfj_QCLcB/s1600/NINJIEEEEEE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/--wkR_YCvm6U/WENuPY0dSOI/AAAAAAAADTw/y-LwFZYXRikAI1nR1PpT3ISFvlRGmfj_QCLcB/s1600/NINJIEEEEEE.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Revenge of the Ninja</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Adventure Chronicles #1</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="https://www.amazon.com/Jeffrey-A.-Davis/e/B003UTPRBU/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0">Jeffrey A. Davis</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2ycK1UD">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Jamie and Yoshi are late twentieth century members of the Funakoshi ninja clan who were trained by Yoshi’s uncle, Tanemura Funakoshi. When the Waruiyatsu, a sinister clan with an ancient grudge, attack Jamie’s high school and hold his classmates hostage in an effort to bring Tanemura and his two students into the open, Jamie and his clan sister are forced to attempt a rescue. </span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Going along are a close group of friends, each with his own interest in the fighting arts. From Dave, whose muscle-bound frame and love of a good scuffle are overshadowed by his cheerful personality and kind heart, to Buster, whose Bible is his greatest weapon, each of their friends has a loyalty to them and each other that is stronger than the Waruiyatsu can ever fathom.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">This is a story of courage, friendship, and faith ....</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Jeffrey Allen Davis was born on March 2, 1975, in St. Charles, MO.The youngest of three boys, he was sheltered by his loving mother. Instead of going out to parties when he was in high school, he stayed at home and watched 80s ninja movies or played RPGs with his fellow geeks (a term that he uses affectionately). These experiences have found their way into his writing. His first book, "Invasion of the Togakura", was released in 2003 by Publish America. It's sequel, "Klandestine Maneuvers", was published by the same company in 2005. After a five-year hiatus from publishing, Davis founded a new press for his third book, "Lily's Redemption." A rewrite of his first book, retitled "Invasion of the Ninja," was released in 2013.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; box-sizing: border-box; color: #111111; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #111111; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Davis is a licensed Baptist preacher and lives in the St. Louis area with his wife, daughter and two stepchildren. http://www.jeffreyallendavis.tk</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A few years back, Jeffery Davis contacted me, asking if I would review his book, and I agreed, since the premise of a Christain Ninja novel appealed to me, not so much because I enjoy ninjas, but because I have cousins who do, and I wanted to see if it was a book that I could give to them.<br />
<br />
I started the book right away, and finally finished it a few months ago, feelings very mixed. It wasn't entirely the book's fault that it took me so long to read it - I switched kindles in the middle of it, and since it was a review file, it wasn't easy for me to skip ahead through the book to where I'd left off. It wasn't until late last year that I was given my old kindle back and was able to finish the book. Still, since I wasn't interested in burrowing through the book to find my place, it meant that I wasn't invested - and I was halfway through the book. I should have been invested by that point.<br />
<br />
Honestly, I think that the premise still holds a lot of promise. A ninja tribe converted to Christianity, but decide to retain their traditions and skills (the ones that don't involve mysticism, that is). I've been toying with a people group who did the exact same thing in one of my own books. The further premise that they're being attacked by one of their old rivals, I loved that, too. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
The problem with this book is a problem I see in many Christian books. It tries to do too much. Address all of the issues. As a result, the characters are molded to bring issues, rather than the issues brought up in response to the characters. There was a huge cast, but the only one whose name I can remember is Yoshi, and there are only a few distinct personalities that I can pick out from the rest of the crowd. I have a good memory when it comes to books. I don't forget people. But I was so meh about all of these characters that only the main character and the preacher kid, and the preacher kid's love interest stand out in my mind. Oh, and Yoshi's ... uncle, I believe it was.<br />
<br />
The main character, Jamie (just referred to the book's description to get his name...), is an American kid who was honorarily adopted by Christian Ninja tribe after a run-in with thugs a few years back where he showed fighting promise. Now he keeps quiet about his ninja skills at school ... until a bully pushes him over the edge. Oh, and then the rival tribe shows up and besieges them in school.<br />
<br />
After that, the book alternates between action scenes and conversations about Sensitive Topics.<br />
<br />
Topics like swearing, salvation, domestic violence, saving yourself for marriage...<br />
<br />
Granted, these are important topics that need to be addressed, but this wasn't necessarily the best book for them. It felt as though the characters were built for the sole reason of talking about these issues. In short, it came out preachy. Even for a book with a preacher kid in it. There was even an awkward jab at abortion at the end that just ... fell flat.<br />
<br />
I might have forgiven it, if it hadn't ignored the glaring issues that the book was MADE to address. Violence and the dangers of mysticism. There was a LOT of fighting. Sure, the characters would express remorse for outright killing, but they had no problems with knocking characters unconscious, which, contrary to popular belief, can potentially kill someone. If a knock to the head is hard enough to render you unconscious, it's enough to kill you.<br />
<br />
Don't get me wrong, I'm not anti-fighting, and I knew what I was getting into. Giving that the enemies were trying to kill our characters, I don't blame them for fighting back. I just wanted there to be more than just a few moment's remorse, and an acknowledgement that they'd not come out of the incident the same when it was over.<br />
<br />
Mysticism was addressed even less. A bit at the front of "oh, we don't follow those ways," and then at the end when a prophecy popped out of nowhere and uncle claimed that it might actually have weight.<br />
<br />
And then the villains were ... faceless. They were there for no reason but to be fought. Oh, and they're trying to kill the main cast, and traumatized Yoshi when she was younger, but they had no individual personalities.<br />
<br />
My other issue was the flashbacks. They're clearly marked, but I failed to notice and was seriously confused on the first one. Normally, I'd forgive them, since they're marked, but almost of the information you learn in the flashbacks is either pointless or it could have been just as easily conveyed in a three minute conversation elsewhere. I'm not a huge fan of flashbacks, though - I've rarely found a book with them that I felt handled it well - so this may be a me-issue.<br />
<br />
I don't hate this book, and I don't feel that the time reading it was wasted. I'm just very meh about it. And I don't want to feel meh about a book.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme:</span> Action/Adventure, Christian, Contemporary</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language, as far as I can remember, though glancing through the other reviews, it is stated that a character does swear, but his words aren't given.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">SUBTLE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- hinted, but not explicit. Two of the characters have a discussion about waiting until marriage to have sex.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">There is a LOT of fighting. I forget how graphic it was, though, because I tend to skim action scenes. </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-86323556873052273232016-12-01T10:14:00.000-08:002020-05-09T22:39:03.002-07:00Jennifer Freitag - Plenilune<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JT9SW4uji6o/VPI7BEL8wYI/AAAAAAAACNQ/8yLEKUpYbR0/s1600/Where%2Bare%2Bher%2Beyes.jpg" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JT9SW4uji6o/VPI7BEL8wYI/AAAAAAAACNQ/8yLEKUpYbR0/s1600/Where%2Bare%2Bher%2Beyes.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Plenilune</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2wFdKVo">Jennifer Freitag</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2ynNsch">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
The fate of Plenilune hangs on the election of the Overlord, for which Rupert de la Mare and his brother are the only contenders, but when Rupert’s unwilling bride-to-be uncovers his plot to murder his brother, the conflict explodes into civil war.<br />
<br />
To assure the minds of the lord-electors of Plenilune that he has some capacity for humanity, Rupert de la Mare has been asked to woo and win a lady before he can become the Overlord, and he will do it—even if he has to kidnap her.<br />
<br />
En route to Naples to catch a suitor, Margaret Coventry was not expecting a suitor to catch her.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
JENNIFER FREITAG (1990 - ) is the author of Christian historical fiction (THE SHADOW THINGS), and planetary fantasy (PLENILUNE). She was born and raised in the piedmont of South Carolina, and lives there with her husband and daughter. Her literature opens up brave new worlds to her readers, and she continues to dedicate her time to the pursuit of writing.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Having read Jenny's historical fiction <i>The Shadow Things</i>, and since her blog is one of my favorites to read, I knew I was going to love her newest book. I bought pre-order and plunged in as soon as it appeared on my Kindle.<br />
<br />
It's a big book, and thus it took me a good few months to read properly. Jenny's writing isn't to be read in great gulps, and I had to ration myself properly. This isn't a story for the faint of heart.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I had known from <i>The Shadow Things</i> that Jenny doesn't shy away from the stark ugliness of human depravity, and this book was no exception. It's not a story for young readers, and there are a number of shocking incidents, some of which I'd have rather she'd left out.<br />
<br />
The plot, at face value, seems to be that a Beauty and the Beast formula. Margaret is kidnapped and held captive by a less-than-kind fellow, who expects her to marry her. But then the fox shows up.<br />
<br />
I can't say much about the fox, but he's one of my favorite characters. I might have been biased, because he shares many similarities with a fox character that I have in my own writing, but I agree with many of the other readers - this book is worth a read just for the fox.<br />
<br />
The book takes place on the moon - though apparently not the moon that the Apollo astronauts visited, for, scenery-wise, the place is little different than earth. There are plants, forests, animals - indeed, it seemed to be the same plants, forests, and animals that we have on our own sphere - and there are houses and people and wars. Really, the only difference between the world of Plenilune and our own is that Plenilune has magic.<br />
<br />
So I was a bit disappointed in the world building, though you really won't notice with the thickness of the writing.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
I recommend this to older readers who are willing to slough through thick writing and have a stomach for some pretty nasty situations. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Planetary Fantasy, Romance, Christian</b></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Mature TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- high school to college</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> to</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">ADULT</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- self-explanatory</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">MODERATE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- It get worse as the book goes through</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: rgb(255, 229, 153);"> <span style="color: #3366ff;">Obvious</span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffe599; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">- Rupert kisses Margaret several times, once biting her in the process. There is a strong </span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px;">reference</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> to the actual act, and towards the end a man is condemned for a pretty nasty sex crime (basically, the girl was dead).</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">It ... gets gory, especially the further the story goes. There are wars all through the final third, at which point I began skimming, so I'm not entirely sure exactly HOW bad it was - though I distinctly remember a guy getting his face sliced off - but I do know it didn't shy away from the ugliness of war.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-75542582874693658162016-11-12T22:49:00.001-08:002017-09-19T21:13:20.797-07:00Morgan Huneke - Crannig Castle<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psWZAOclqIA/V-j9gga-guI/AAAAAAAADPY/TVeUUc6VDf86RT9C0t1ch_feC87WHrQRACPcB/s1600/Castle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-psWZAOclqIA/V-j9gga-guI/AAAAAAAADPY/TVeUUc6VDf86RT9C0t1ch_feC87WHrQRACPcB/s200/Castle.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Crannig Castle</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Time Captives Trilogy</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2ynLNDz">Morgan Elizabeth Huneke</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2jJqWas">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">God, please look after Adriel. Keep him safe and keep him from acting foolish. And please help him to be able to find me.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Rae knew she could trust God to look after both of them. It was all she had now.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">The Time Captives have been reunited. The rightful king has been freed. Now all that remains is to defeat the strytes who still hold a tyrannical rule over the people of Calhortz. But with their lack of soldiers, it’s a task that is easier said than done. They need allies, but are they worth it when it requires facing ghosts from their pasts?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Returning to his home country only brings the loss of Adriel’s family to the forefront of his mind. His determination to find Rae has never ceased, but now that determination could potentially destroy all that he and the Time Captives have been working towards. And his new-found faith may not be able to withstand the challenge.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Will they be able to set aside their personal struggles for the sake of the freedom of all or will they allow their pasts to consume them? Will they manage to win back Crannig Castle from the rule of the strytes? The fate of Calhortz hangs in the balance.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Crannig Castle is the final book of the Time Captives trilogy, a tale of faith, family, fantasy, and a fight for truth and freedom</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Morgan Elizabeth Huneke is a homeschool graduate who lives in Georgia. She has enjoyed creating characters and writing stories since early childhood. Her other interests include reading, playing the piano and violin, and politics. She is the author of Across the Stars and The Experiment. To learn more about Morgan and her work, visit: www.morganhuneke.com or www.morganhuneke.blogspot.com</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, here it is, at last, the final volume of the Time Captives trilogy. Please pay no mind to the shattered pieces of my heart that are scattered over the floor.<br />
<br />
The Time Captives is one of the most unique portal fantasies that I've ever read. So much so that I have harped on the author for the "next book" since I read the first one, and she has obligingly sent me beta copies in exchange for my feedback. This book was no exception, and then she also sent me an ARC to review. (Which I then ignored and just preordered the book and read it again as soon as it appeared on my kindle.)<br />
<br />
It's hard to believe that this series has come to an end already, and while I'm thrilled to finally know how it ends, there's a large part of my that's in denial that it's over. And I might be plotting a fanfic.<br />
<br />
The story begins directly after the events of the previous book, and it's time to do what the Time Captives were sent to Calhortz to do - free the people from the strytes' oppresive rule and instate the true king. Of course, there is the fact that the strytes have a large army and that will be an issue.<br />
<br />
The first half of the book deals with gathering allies. Some are easy to convince, but are small in number, such as the elves, merfolk, and kalicans. The events of the companion novel, <i>Espionage, </i>come into play as they seek the aid of the neighboring country of Briznom. Then there are the true people of Briznom - who have been made slaves.<br />
<br />
The second half of the book deals with what happens when things go terribly wrong while seeking the aid of the slaves.<br />
<br />
There were some intense moments in the previous books, but this final volume took it to a whole new level. Since the Time Captives are all together now, it is no longer necessary for them to be held in place in time, so now they can change, age, be injured, and ... unfortunately ... die. If you're an emotional reader, bring tissues.<br />
<br />
There are a LOT of characters in this trilogy, but most of them are well develloped and have their moments to shine. Most of them go through excellent character devellopment. Some will annoy you, others are endearing, a few will break your heart.<br />
<br />
The message was excellent, though I think that the worldbuilding surrouding how Christianity fits into the world could and should have been stronger. It wasn't bad, and fine for younger readers, but it was never really explained - you were given the general notion that it's simular to how it is in our world, but it was never explained why. My take is that the people came from our world originally and the customs carried over, but it was never discussed.<br />
<br />
However, while the history of the world could have been much better (you learn practically nothing past when the strytes came in and conqured Calhortz), all other aspects of the worldbuilding were much better. Diverse cultures and rich landscapes and geography abound. It's well worth a visit.<br />
<br />
If you love Christain Fantasy or Portal fantasy, this is a book you don't want to miss.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Fantasy, Portal Fantasy, Christian</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">CHILD</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- children's literature</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> to</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">There's quite a bit of fighting in this book. Nothing is really described, but injuries, and even deaths, happen.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-40434560345599780772016-09-11T09:04:00.001-07:002017-09-19T21:14:53.024-07:00Kirsten Fitcher - The Rose and the Balloon<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wpSN6goYtc/V8ihWlHw9mI/AAAAAAAADOA/BX_4bicVMREo6iiFKPG2k03gPu074ss0ACLcB/s1600/Loony.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3wpSN6goYtc/V8ihWlHw9mI/AAAAAAAADOA/BX_4bicVMREo6iiFKPG2k03gPu074ss0ACLcB/s1600/Loony.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Rose and the Balloon</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Once Upon a Twist #1</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
By Kirsten Fitcher<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2yohqwC">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<br />
In a kingdom where fauna and flora are held in higher esteem than breakfast, Dmitri is a prince who yearns for change and plans it in a single daring act that will alter his life forever. However, when his demented mother accidentally causes the destruction of a prized garden of roses, Dmitri is horrified when she proposes his hand in marriage to make up for it. Not only will a wife hamper his glorious plans, he doesn't even want one.<br />
<br />
Janelle has spent her whole life on her father's rose farm, tending the roses and staying simple. But she really yearns for something greater than the flower beds. But now there's a wrench thrown in the works – the crazy Queen Maeva wants her to marry the prince, and all for ruining her father's beloved roses.<br />
<br />
This is Beauty and the Beast with a twist like you've never seen it before.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
No author description available<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Have you ever watched Disney's Beauty and the Beast and thought to yourself, "This could use a bit less magic."? If so, then this is the book for you.<br />
<br />
Anyone who has known me for any amount of time knows that I love fairy tales. However, Beauty and the Beast is that one fairy tale that's very hit and miss for me, and I've so far only found a handful of retellings of if that I actually liked, and one was a Hidden Object Adventure game.<br />
<br />
However, having read a good deal of the author's unpublished work and absolutely loved it, when she told me that she wanted to publish her Beauty and the Beast story, I was willing to give it a try and encouraged her to publish it, and then signed up for the review.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Well, I didn't dislike it. And, perhaps, I would have liked it more had I not then followed it up by reading an absolutely amazing retelling of Rapunzel that very day. In fact, I highly recommend this story to anyone who enjoys the story of Beauty and the Beast.<br />
<br />
If this hadn't been labeled with Beauty and the Beast, I probably would have loved it, despite a slightly awkward rushing of the conflict's resolution and a slight lack in backstory setup - this author was made to write long books, and I would have loved to have seen this story been given a bit more space.<br />
<br />
There was one glaring problem that I had with the story: It's not a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. It's a reimagining of the Disney movie.<br />
<br />
I don't dislike the Disney movie. It's not my favorite, but it's not bad, either. However, it does bother me when people forget that it IS ITSELF A RETELLING. It's not the original fairy tale, in fact, it's VERY different from the original tale.<br />
<br />
However, there were really only one or two moments where the similarities were very glaring, and they were only made obvious by the inclusion of "Beauty and the Beast" on the cover, so as I said, I don't dislike the story, and I do recommend it. If nothing else, read it for the antics of the prince's mother who's a bit ... touched in the head, and his twin younger siblings, Nicolas and Nicolette. Those younger two made the story, and I'd love to read a book all about them.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Fairy Tale Retelling, Steampunk</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">CHILD</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- children's literature</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffe599; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="color: #663300;"><b>Other:</b></span></span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Violence and adult themes noted as necessary</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-73735173194408483272016-08-06T22:14:00.002-07:002017-09-19T21:16:22.377-07:00Hope Ann - Song of the Sword<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RSdavunjw8/V6XqHHA_oII/AAAAAAAADMM/jguuJo9Av9AZkRqTwY9Bf4Q5HO0SKea3wCLcB/s1600/Why%2Bis%2Bit%2BGREEEEEN.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7RSdavunjw8/V6XqHHA_oII/AAAAAAAADMM/jguuJo9Av9AZkRqTwY9Bf4Q5HO0SKea3wCLcB/s1600/Why%2Bis%2Bit%2BGREEEEEN.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Song of the Sword</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Legends of Light</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2yo3TVO">Hope Ann</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2fhX7MD">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/o.scarlettbooks-20/detail/B01HYSADK2"><br /></a> <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/o.scarlettbooks-20/detail/B01HYSADK2"><br /></a> <a href="http://astore.amazon.com/o.scarlettbooks-20/detail/B01HYSADK2"><br /></a>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
A glittering sword.<br />
An ancient oath.<br />
A blackened rose.<br />
And a melody which ties it all together.<br />
<br />
Evrard and Roinette, twins separated at birth, are caught in a battle beyond their own limited powers. With their ability to walk in the melody realm, catching glimpses of the light and darkness underlying Aslaria, comes even more danger.<br />
<br />
Deadly mistbenders. Writhing walls of blankness. Hateful drumbeats. As a warrior in the Melody, Evrard has seen it all. But his own ability in the melody realm pales in comparison to the Prince’s melody, the legendary prowess of past Wingmasters, and even the depth of his sister’s song.<br />
<br />
To rescue Roinette and evade the trap almost certainly set for him by those who want his power, Evrard knows he’ll have to be careful. Even if he can find the Wingmaster’s sword, there’s no assurance he’ll be able to defeat a mistbender on his own. In the end, will his and Roinette’s efforts matter if the Prince brings an ancient oath to fulfillment, shaking the very foundation of Aslaria?<br />
<br />
Perfect for those who love fantasy, but don’t have the time to sit down for a full-length novel, this second novella in the Legends of Light series presents the story of Rapunzel as you have never read it before. A fantasy saturated story, with mist covered Shadowfens, ancient oaths, and a legendary sword, this is more than a mere retelling of a favorite fairy tale.<br />
<br />
Each novella focuses on one of the nine aspects of the Fruit of the Spirit while also following the conflict between the Prince and Tauscher and retelling popular fairy tales in a clean, exciting, and inspiring manner.<br />
<div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
Hope Ann is a Christian wordsmith, avid reader, and dedicated authoress. With the help of her resident realm leapers, Kirin and Elena, she loves to research published legends, like Lord of the Rings, as well as recount her own tales of undiscovered lands.<br />
<br />
Her time is taken up with writing, reading, archery, knife throwing, playing with inspirational photos, helping care for the house and eight younger siblings, and generally enjoying the adventures of life on a small farm at the crossroads of America.<br />
<br />
You can follow Hope, find out more about her realm leapers and join their Legend Seekers Guild at <a href="https://authorhopeann.com/">https://authorhopeann.com/</a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I love fantasy, but there are two facets of fantasy that, done well, rise above all the others in my humble little opinion. Fairy tale retellings and Christian Fantasy. So when the two genres are combined, of course I want to read them.<br />
<br />
<i>The Legends of Light</i> is a series of fairy tale retellings based on the Fruits of the Spirit. I haven't read the first book yet even though it's sitting on my kindle. (It's Beauty and the Beast and ... I don't know why, but that's the one fairy tale that I don't enjoy having retold) However, when the author revealed that the second book was a retelling of Rapunzel and focused on joy, I volunteered to review it at once.<br />
<br />
I read it in one afternoon. Sure, it's a short book, but I've also been in a reading slump.<br />
<br />
It's a very loose retelling of Rapunzel, choosing to take the core themes of the tale - singing, the tower, long hair - and weave it into a beautiful allegory infused with the central theme of joy. This story isn't a romance, instead it's the story of twins separated at birth.<br />
<br />
Evrard is a wingmaster, a hereditary position of great power - he's the one man who can enter the Melody, a realm of spiritual warfare, and communicate with the Messenger Falcons. Which are sentient birds who fully exist in both the tangible world and Melody at the same time. However, he lacks the power of the wingmasters before him. Andrinian, the head of the Messenger Falcons, thinks it's because he has a twin.<br />
<br />
Which he does. Roinette has been hidden away in a swamp since her childhood. Not necessarily <i>in </i>a tower, she can come and go as she wishes, but there is one nearby that she can retreat to for safety. When she enters Melody one day to find the battle raging between the Prince and Tauscher, she rescues and heals Andrinian, thus alerting them to her presence - for such is a power only possessed by the wingmaster family.<br />
<br />
Though Evard has been skeptical of the twin theory up until this point, now that it has been confirmed, he resolves to do everything he can to reunite with her.<br />
<br />
What follows is a fast-passed, twisting adventure imbued with rich truths. There were more than a few plot twists, though none were wild enough to blow my mind. The characters were engaging. My favorite was Punzel, Roinette's ... well, pet isn't the right word ... companion fen-hopper, which is a sort of winged cat. Which also talks.<br />
<br />
This is an allegory, which I didn't know going into the book, but I quite liked that aspect of the story. It wasn't the most powerful I've ever read, but the book's focus was more on joy rather than salvation, so I can forgive that.<br />
<br />
The worldbuilding was intriguing, though due to the condensed size of the book, I did feel lost at times. Perhaps I would have had a better idea if I had read the prequel, but I do feel that this story should have been a bit longer - though that's my <i>only </i>complaint.<br />
<br />
This was an excellent book and I highly recommend it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Fairy Tale Retelling, Christian Fantasy, </span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">CHILD</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- children's literature</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">There is fighting on physical and spiritual levels, but there aren't any details that would leave you with nightmares.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-22051376984971244412016-07-14T16:09:00.000-07:002017-09-19T21:19:20.875-07:00Kendra E. Ardnek - Water Princess, Fire Prince<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBXs0BR6d08/WcHsBAwferI/AAAAAAAAEIs/GeAxOMTGtdUxPkMndppZbOXxFhFyX6zkACKgBGAs/s1600/wpfp%2B2017%2Bformatted%2Bcover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1006" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rBXs0BR6d08/WcHsBAwferI/AAAAAAAAEIs/GeAxOMTGtdUxPkMndppZbOXxFhFyX6zkACKgBGAs/s200/wpfp%2B2017%2Bformatted%2Bcover.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Water Princess, Fire Prince</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Rizkaland Legends</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2xlPA5T">Kendra E. Ardnek</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2ycoFqJ">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">When the Lady Dragon does come, <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Hold fast, do not fear, do not run. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Your Water Princess will fight <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Fire Prince will set all to right <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Each shall come from a fall <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Their Union will save you all. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">Despite the fact that she's on track for competing in the Olympics, and he's practically raised his younger brothers since they lost their mom in a car accident, Clara Mandras and Andrew Stevenson are pretty much normal teens. They have normal hopes, normal dreams, and they live in a normal world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">All this is torn away from them when they are thrust into another world and declared Water Princess and Fire Prince. With no experience ruling a country, meeting each other for the first time, and being expected to fight the Lady Dragon – an evil sorceress plaguing the world of Rizkaland – Clara and Andrew are underprepared and inexperienced. Unless they learn to work together despite their standing opposition, Rizkaland's hope will be lost. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif";">What is to come will change their lives forever.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
Kendra E. Ardnek has been writing her own stories since she was a toddler. She fell in love with books, drama, and fairy tales at a very young age - and has been filling notebooks with her stories for years. Joining NaNoWriMo gave her an opportunity to be a published author at 16.<br />
<br />
She writes her own blog (<a href="http://knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com/">knittedbygodsplan.blogspot.com</a>), homeschools, cooks, knits, and crafts when she isn't writing stories and acting them out with her younger cousins and siblings.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Tenya</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="MsoNormal">
This is a well-crafted story by a maturing author about young people who are snatched from reality and thrust through a portal into a fantasy world which is dependent upon them for its very survival. The book is full of spiritual allegory and symbolism which gives the tale another facet of meaning that goes deeper than the mere plot. Miss Ardnek has created a truly unique and fantastical realm from the topography of the land and many colors of water to the somewhat frightening and fantastic wildlife and varied people groups which inhabit this place called Klarand, an island in Rizkaland. This world is populated by magical creatures, elves, awesome flying and talking equines, and some particularly fascinating bug children, along with one curiously illusive time traveler. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The description of the land, animals, and people unfolds piece-by-piece throughout the story which prevents one from becoming bogged down with too much descriptive narrative all at once, a fault which makes some fantasy books difficult to wade through as a reader. The main characters are also revealed layer-upon-layer by the author which is a good writing ploy to slowly introduce the reader to the strengths and weaknesses of each while naturally peeling back the surface to demonstrate the metamorphoses necessary for the main characters to become the Legends (what histories are called in Rizkaland) for which all the inhabitants of Rizka have been anxiously awaiting. Experiencing the changes of each character, not just the main characters, but supporting cast as well, is one of the most enjoyable parts of the story because it gives a tangible human element to the book to which a reader can intimately relate.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Clara, the Water Princess, is a confident, sporty, and athletically talented young woman who is presented as no-nonsense and even arrogant at the beginning of the book. The Fire Prince, Andrew, on the other hand, lacks a bit of confidence particularly in physical pursuits and with girls, but he has other talents, particularly on the practical and scientific side of things. Together, Clara and Andrew must save Klarand from the evil Lady Dragon who has ravaged the land for years. Therein lays the problem, this togetherness matter. The Legends speak of it taking BOTH the Water Princess and Fire Prince to defeat the dragon, and Andrew and Clara must learn to work together as one to accomplish the daunting task and win the battle which lies ahead of them.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
The romance between the main characters is handled beautifully by the author with just the right push and pull to keep drawing the reader into the mix. The deep understanding of marriage and relationship is approached maturely by this young author. There is nothing about the romance which could be embarrassing or inappropriate for any reader, but this reviewer would only recommend the book for middle school age through adult because some of the relationship issues are a bit complicated and may need a more mature understanding. This differs from Kendra Ardnek’s <i>Bookania</i> series, which I would highly recommend as family reading.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
It is true that by the fourth or fifth chapter of this book, I had difficulty putting it down. There is a lot to be said for that as I have been known to give up on books because they ‘bore’ me. If you like fantasy and symbolism, <i>Water Princess, Fire Prince</i> is a going to thrill you!<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
And, this is only Book 1 of the Rizkaland Legends!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Portal Fantasy, Christian</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> to</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Mature TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- high school to college</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">MILD</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- descriptions of affection/desire</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> - Handholding, hugging, kissing, discussion of holding off on more serious stuff.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">There is some fighting, characters do get injured.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-42520436241837306762016-05-19T17:57:00.000-07:002017-09-19T21:20:42.597-07:00Jaye L. Knight - Samara's Peril<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_h-e6TUT220/Vz09yZkCmYI/AAAAAAAAClo/Awj6Eg5zs9oNjVtliQgsMdLrijVRmgZCwCKgB/s1600/SPCover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_h-e6TUT220/Vz09yZkCmYI/AAAAAAAAClo/Awj6Eg5zs9oNjVtliQgsMdLrijVRmgZCwCKgB/s200/SPCover.jpg" width="133" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Samara's Peril</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Ilyon Chronicles </span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2wFP8eS">Jaye L. Knight</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2xlyN2M">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink">When news arrives that Emperor Daican has been in contact with his chief war strategist, it signals potential doom for the country of Samara. Determined to intervene, the resistance in Landale, headed by Lady Anne, embark on a covert mission in hopes of unearthing further information. However, a shocking discovery leads to complications no one could have foreseen. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<span class="MsoHyperlink">Armed with their newfound knowledge, they set out for Samara to warn the king. War is inevitable, and they must face two desperate battles—one on the walls of Samara’s great stronghold, and the other on the battlefield of Jace’s heart, where victory might only be achievable through great sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Jaye L. Knight is an award-winning author, homeschool graduate, and shameless tea addict with a passion for Christian fantasy. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God’s love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
You can connect with Jaye on her <a href="http://www.jayelknight.com/">website</a>, <a href="http://jayelknight.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, <a href="http://www.facebook.com/jayelknight">Facebook</a>, <a href="http://google.com/+JayeLKnight">Google+</a>, <a href="http://www.twitter.com/jayelknight">Twitter</a><span class="MsoHyperlink">, and </span><a href="https://www.etsy.com/shop/JayeLKnight">Etsy</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Ilyon. Have I talked about my love of Ilyon before?<br />
<br />
Jaye has just released the third volume of her exciting series, so of course I signed up to review. And let me say up front: If you're not reading this series, what are you doing with your life????<br />
<br />
The book begins with a ceremony based on the Jewish holidays, the Day of Atonement and Passover ... and with a return of Jace's insecurity over his soul. It doesn't help that one of the newcomers to their settlement lost his wife in a ryrik attack, and sees Jace as the epitome of everything he hates.<br />
<br />
If you haven't read the previous books - ryriks are an extremely cruel and violent race, rumored to have been the first to rebel against Elom, and to not have souls, hence Jace's uncertainty.<br />
<br />
Of course, in a world of persecution and political warfare, one doesn't have much time to sit around wondering if they have a soul or not, because war is brewing, and if they could just get their hands on the letters that the emperor has been sending... which sends our party to the home of Dacian's chief strategist in hopes that Kyrin might be able to get a good look at them - if only for a moment. Kyrin has a perfect memory and even a moment would be enough to implant the contents in her mind forever.<br />
<br />
Of course, things never go as expected when it's a book, and when a Highly Anticipated Big Reveal occurs, we end up spending half the book at the knight's home. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
The second half of the book is the trip to Samara, a meeting with New Character who is Very Important, and then a bunch of battle scenes.<br />
<br />
I loved the first half of the book. As in, completely and utterly adored it. So much fangirlly squealling occurred, and I could NOT put it down. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy the second part quite as much, as it frequently felt like I was just rereading Truth and Courage - the first two books of her Makilien Trilogy she wrote as Molly Evangeline.<br />
<br />
I can't say much because most of what disappointed me were spoilers, but basically, there were a lot of action sequences ... and call me a strange reader, but I don't like action scenes. Setting up for the action - fun and glorious. Reading the action - tedious. Also, there was a huge element involving the New Character who is Very Important that I'd hoped would be handled differently. Not that it was handled badly, and it was powerful for what it was, but I was hoping to see something different.<br />
<br />
Still, there was also a TON of character development, and relationship development, and tension packed conversations, and awesome new characters in the second half (King Balam!!!!!!!!!!!), so I still loved the book.<br />
<br />
Jace grew so much in this book. Sure, at times I was utterly frustrated with the rut he'd allowed himself to fall into (especially when he'd been doing so well in the previous book!), and his refusal to admit to himself that he liked Kyrin (seriously, he would have spared himself so much trouble if he'd just admitted it to her). Yet though it all he remained so sweet, devoted, and protective of those he loved.<br />
<br />
Kyrin didn't grow much in this book, but I loved seeing her interacting with her brothers. Seriously, you can tell that the author grew up as an only girl in a household of boys. It was awesome. Kaden did some growing up, though, when he was given command over Landale's fleet of dragon riders, and it was awesome. Marcus and Liam got some development too, and I think I may have swapped my fictional crush from Kaden to Marcus.<br />
<br />
Also, Holden. I don't remember him much from the previous books, but he was awesome in this one. Seriously awesome.<br />
<br />
As for new characters, there were many awesome ones. Like Samara's young king, who's a sort of a David/Aragorn character. I'm really looking forward to seeing what Jaye does with his character in future books. Lady Rachel had such a tragic backstory, but she emerged such a beautiful, graceful woman because of it. And there were many other characters that you're just going to love to meet ... and some characters you probably will regret meeting, such as our new villain. Let me just say, I'm willing to see almost every other Ilyon character repent and be redeemed, but this fellow has to die.<br />
<br />
There were so many great lines and popping dialogue, some of which tore at my heart, other's had me fangirling so wildly.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
Why are you still here reading this review? Go buy the book! Unless, of course, you haven't read the previous books yet, in which case, buy them first, read them, and then read this one. You won't regret it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Note: As this series goes, it is getting more mature. Most older teens should be able to handle it, but it's not a children's story.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Christian, Fantasy, Persecution</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Mature TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- high school to college</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">SUBTLE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- hinted, but not explicit</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> - There are a few minimally-described kisses, and a few references to rape, </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> There's a nice bit of battle at the end, some torture scenes, and execution, and some other odd fights. Also, the opening scene involves the sacrifice of a lamb and its blood. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-60340324908045331662016-05-17T05:43:00.000-07:002017-09-19T21:21:39.494-07:00Morgan Huneke - Espionage <div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elpNNWRWgiE/VvlJ_5O7LvI/AAAAAAAACkc/alzCUA3hPxsvjY8apinKbuxXkfoDJv6DACKgB/s1600/Hi%2521%2521%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-elpNNWRWgiE/VvlJ_5O7LvI/AAAAAAAACkc/alzCUA3hPxsvjY8apinKbuxXkfoDJv6DACKgB/s200/Hi%2521%2521%2521.jpg" width="129" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Espionage </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>A companion to the Time Captives</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2hfRUBS">Morgan Huneke</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2xlwsVr">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Sir Roland has invited us to visit for the Autumn Feast.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">“Do we have to go, Papa? I couldn’t feast with the most crooked politician in all of Briznom.”<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">As the daughter of a Briznomian vassal lord, Vannie Cumberland has spent her childhood immersed in the world of politics. Relations between Briznom and the neighboring country of Calhortz are strained due to the tyrannical rule of the strytes. A proposed alliance could calm relations between the two countries, but would come at the cost of Briznom’s freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">When her father’s political archenemy invites them to the Autumn Feast, Vannie uncovers an evil scheme endangering the life of someone close to her. Personal enmity comes to a dangerous head as Vannie struggles to expose the corruption and stop the alliance. Time is running out. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Events are becoming too big for her to handle. Will Sir Roland’s son help or will things finally spiral out of control?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Morgan Elizabeth Huneke is a homeschool graduate who lives in Georgia. She has enjoyed creating characters and writing stories since early childhood. Books have always been a big part of her life, never more so than when working at the local library. Her other interests include reading, playing the piano and violin, and politics.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
You can connect with Morgan on her <a href="http://www.morganhuneke.com/">website</a>, <a href="http://morganhuneke.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, <a href="https://www.instagram.com/authormorganhuneke/">Instagram</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Morgan-Elizabeth-Huneke/376392442478067">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MorganHuneke">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://plus.google.com/u/0/115630293390533172729/posts">Google Plus</a>, and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/morganhuneke/">Pinterest</a>.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Having read and loved the first two books in the Time Captives Trilogy, I eagerly awaited the final volume ... but then the author went and announced that <i>first</i> she had to publish a companion story set in the same world, but in the neighboring country.<br />
<br />
Of course, I read it.<br />
<br />
<i>Espionage </i>is a sweet little story, with a healthy dose of tension, centered around a very young heroine. Vannie has grown up surrounded by politics, as her father is one of her country's vassal lords (Their ruling system is something of an Oligarchy), and one of the few said lords who bothers to bring his children with him to court. When her father's arch-rival, Sir Roland, invites them for a friendly meeting at his castle, she smells a rat, but since she's only nine, and her father agrees to it, there's really nothing she can do to protest.<br />
<br />
Once she reaches Sir Roland's estate, she meets Kyle, Sir Roland's son, who seems to be nothing like his father. Together they uncover a devious plot that involves a Stryte - which readers of the main Time Captives series would recognize as the invasive tyrannical ruling class Calhortz.<br />
<br />
It was a good story, it really was, but I wasn't captivated by it like I was the main series. It was a nice addition to the world, but I didn't feel wowed by any high-concept ideas or great world-building. You meet a stryte and a few Merfolk, and that's it for the other races in the world, and there were only two or three mentions of the Time Captives. So while it was a good story, making it part of the Time Captives world almost felt forced.<br />
<br />
It also had a very different feel from the rest of Morgan's work that I've read - instead of grand, sweeping tales with lots of characters and interspersed flashbacks, it's a very focused story, entirely from Vannie's point of view, since it's first person.<br />
<br />
(It didn't help that I read this while reading another book which I found to be far more high-concept and kept me closer to the edge of my seat.)<br />
<br />
This doesn't mean it wasn't a great book, it just wasn't quite the story I'd wanted.<br />
<br />
Espionage is a story of faith, family, trust, forgiveness and resourcefulness. Vannie and Kyle are both great characters, as are their surrounding family and friends. The plot is tight and cohesive, and since there are fewer characters, they all seem far better developed. Things do get tense enough to keep you on the edge of your seat for a bit. It <i>is </i>a good addition to the world, even if it isn't as spectacular as the main series, and I'm pretty sure you could read and love it even if you had no plans at all to read the main books. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Note: I do recommend this story to younger children, as the cast itself is younger.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Fantasy, Christian</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">CHILD</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- children's literature</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> There is some fighting and an attempt at murder. Nothing gory, though.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-72859145115373189802016-03-14T08:36:00.000-07:002017-09-19T21:27:53.816-07:00C. F. Fruzzetti and M. I. Pearshall - The Light Bringer's Way<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPkRgbQu5n8/VubZty2V6tI/AAAAAAAACi4/GEeZaTLhvOI3wSZ76KlULiQJiLqGdACPA/s1600/Ooh%2521%2BLight%2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OPkRgbQu5n8/VubZty2V6tI/AAAAAAAACi4/GEeZaTLhvOI3wSZ76KlULiQJiLqGdACPA/s1600/Ooh%2521%2BLight%2521.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Light Bringer's Way</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(The Light Bringer's Series)</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2xkXnka">C. F. Fruzzetti</a> and <a href="http://amzn.to/2wFRgDA">M. I. Pearshall</a><br />
<br />
<a href="http://astore.amazon.com/o.scarlettbooks-20/detail/B008LN4V12"><br /></a> <a href="http://amzn.to/2fAsuPJ">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<br />
In book two of the The Light Bringer series, THE LIGHT BRINGER’S WAY, Whitney and Reid arrive home after their first mission and Whitney is left wondering if and when her eyesight will return. More of Reid’s secrets are revealed and Whitney discovers together they can accomplish more than she ever imagined. THE LIGHT BRINGER’S WAY deftly weaves a physical journey of adventure through Africa rife with dangerous obstacles to obtain an ancient spear of pure energy with an emotional journey of love, trust and belief. The dark and deadly path she must travel down calls on Whitney to use her strengths to survive but will she once again be able to turn adversity into advantage? Each second counts in this young adult adventure as more truth comes to light and Whitney finally discovers Karen’s hold on Reid...or does she?<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b><br /></b></u></span></span></div>
Best friends since childhood, Carolyn Fruzzetti and Meghan Pearsall always knew that they would work together on a creative endeavor. In 2011, they formed Pure Energy Books and released SUNDIAL, the first novel in a young adult series.<br />
Originally from Alexandria, VA, Carolyn currently resides in Arlington, VA with her husband and two daughters. Carolyn has a B.S. in Public Administration from James Madison University and is a professional culinary graduate of L'Academie de Cuisine.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Rachel</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Overall, I enjoyed book 2 of this series almost as much as the first one. The romance department rivets up a notch or so, and so does the action and adventure. The story picks up almost immediately at the closure of book one, so there is no interruption of the story line. In fact, the entire book takes place in very few weeks times and culminates on Halloween where the book ends with a bombshell of a discovery. The foreshadowing of this discovery is throughout both books, but believe me, you will probably miss it just like I did! Of course, the authors already have their third installment available, so no waiting to see how this will move the story along.<br />
<br />
The story has the same setting, with another overseas adventure, this time stylized after Indiana Jones. There is even a mine train ride! The plot was excellent, speed without being too rushed, details without drowning in them, info dumps were kept to short clips in a fashion that made them seem natural. There were tons of new information that will thrill and amaze and keep you riveted at the edge of your seat for most of the story.<br />
<br />
<br />
Basic Plot<br />
<br />
<br />
The story opens with hours of the last books ending. The mission has been completed, but Whitney is now blind. Of course, she doesn't let that stop her. She may be blind, but she still has her intuition and she is perfectly healthy otherwise. She finds herself in a fight with Reid and manages to best him, proving to herself and others that she will manage life being blind if she needs to.<br />
<br />
The group returns home and life resumes right where it picked up. Everyone in the high school believes Whitney was absent due to an allergic reaction to nuts, if only they knew the truth. But things don't really go back to normal, events have been set in motion, and nobody is safe, especially not the ever independent Whitney. Reid certainly has his hands full trying to keep her safe. Whitney isn't very sure she can trust Reid yet either, just what kind of hold does Karen have on him, rumors have it that she is his girlfriend and she wants him back.<br />
<br />
But life is not going to drift back to "normal", by Chapter 3 there is a family emergency that has Reid whisking Whitney as well as her best friend Blair and Patrick off to the yacht. There they meet Reid's aunt, and she has a job for the 4 teens. The plane leaves in two weeks. She also drops some history and background into Whitney's lap and is shocked that she had no idea any of this was happening. Imagine discovering that most of what you thought was true about your life and the world around you was just a cover up for a whole sub world of people with special talents like Whitney and Reid.<br />
<br />
The four teens arrive at their destination, where the adults will keep an eye on them as best they can, and begin to work their way toward the retrieval of a special artifact. Of course, the plans go awry almost as soon as they get settled. Que the Indiana Jones music, because shortly after they leave the plane in Chapter 8, the action will involve deep caves, molten rivers, poison darts, melting floors, mine trains, secret riddles and much more. Time is ticking. Nothing is as it seems. And everyone must face fears and learn to work together. The only other option is failure and death deep inside of the mountain puzzle.<br />
<br />
<br />
As a whole, I enjoyed the "old world" explanations of history and how whole races of secret people with amazing talents have been manipulating legends and history from the earliest days of history. Peoples who hear more than others, see more than others, can predict time, and many more. Whitney was in for more than a few shocks and surprises.<br />
<br />
The genre stayed true to the first book. A lot more kissing, but about the same as far as action, no gore - although their were bones. Language was mostly clean. Self Control was still a big theme, and so was learning to trust others and the importance of good communication. Whitney had a lot to learn about keeping secrets, and when it was important to share feelings rather than keeping them secret.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Genre/Theme: </span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></strong><b style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.4px;"><i><span style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"> </span></i></b><b>Paranormal, CIA, Adventure, High School, 1980s, Sci-Fi</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<b style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.4px;"><i><span style="color: #6aa84f; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"><b>Reading Level:</b> TEEN</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"> - middle school and up</span><br style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;" /><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"><b>Profanity:</b> Usually None</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"> .... but occasionally leans toward</span><br style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;" /><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"> MODERATE</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"> - mild words & a few stronger expletives (the text is really quite clean)</span><br style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;" /><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"><b>Sexuality: </b> MILD</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"> - descriptions of affection/desire (lots of kissing) some skimpy clothing and some wet clothing</span><br style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;" /><span style="color: #6fa8dc; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;">OBVIOUS</span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"> - </span></i><span style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"></span></b><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: medium; line-height: 22.4px;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 13px; line-height: 12.1333px;">there is a shower seen that is "interesting", it's an outdoor shower, so Whitney is fully dressed. Quite a bit of snuggling and touching. Also one accidental nude scene at the beginning - no descriptions - but to explain would be a plot spoiler, it involves a shared shower and accidentally walking in on the other person.</span></span><b style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: large; line-height: 22.4px;"><i><br style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;" /><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"><b>Other:</b></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 13px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 12.1333px;"> The last several chapters are very intense – </span></i></b><i style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8px;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; color: #cc0000; font-family: "georgia" , "utopia" , "palatino linotype" , "palatino" , serif; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; line-height: 22.4px;">Indiana Jones adventure style, ESP and other skills</span></i></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-5828191997056879112016-03-09T10:01:00.001-08:002017-09-19T21:27:56.383-07:00Claire Banschbach - Adela's Curse<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgUOHCMfjtA/VuA9Rp4TvFI/AAAAAAAACiM/6MTyEjN5vWQ/s1600/51WLiy6T3kL._SL210_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PgUOHCMfjtA/VuA9Rp4TvFI/AAAAAAAACiM/6MTyEjN5vWQ/s1600/51WLiy6T3kL._SL210_.jpg" /></a></div>
<b><i><span style="font-size: large;">Adela's Curse </span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Faeries of Myrnius</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2xl9yNS">Claire Banschbach</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2fAsD5J">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
A curse. A murderous scheme. A choice.<br />
<br />
A witch and her master capture a young faery and command her to kill their enemy. Adela has no choice but to obey. If she does not, they will force the location of her people’s mountain home from her and kill her. To make matters even worse, the person she is to kill is only a man struggling to save his dying land and mend a broken heart.<br />
<br />
Count Stefan is a man simply trying to forget the woman he loves and save a land crippled by drought. When a mysterious woman arrives at his castle claiming to be a seamstress, he knows she is more than she seems.<br />
<br />
Adela enlists the help of Damian, another faery, to try and delay the inevitable. He insists she has a choice. But with the witch controlling her every move, does she?<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
Claire Banschbach was born and raised in Midland, TX, the fourth of eight children. She was homeschooled through high school and is now a proud member of the Texas A&M University class of 2014. An avid reader of Lord of the Rings, Narnia, and many other adventure novels, Claire was prompted to begin writing her own fantasy novel at seventeen after several years of daydreaming.<br />
<br />
She continues to write in her spare time (and often when she doesn't have spare time). When not scratching out stories and homework with pen and pencil, Claire partakes in the joys of watching the Boston Red Sox, Aggie football, and playing volleyball. She hopes her strong foundation in God will continue to guide her writing.<br />
<br />
She is currently working on her Doctorate of Physical Therapy at Texas Tech Health Science Center.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I love fairies, have always been fascinated by magical people with wings, so when when Claire asked me to review Adela's Curse, I naturally jumped at the opportunity to read a new spin on the magical, mysterious folk.<br />
<br />
Admittedly, it wasn't until last night that I actually sat down and devoured the book, but it wasn't the story's fault that I delayed so long. I was looking for a block of time that I could fully devote to reading, since it was in PDF format, and I didn't want to loose my place.<br />
<br />
Reading this story was like coming home. It wasn't a grand, epic adventure, but a sweet fairy tale that can almost trick your mind into thinking you've read it before, yet still remain completely original. It's not a long story, though longer than your average fairy tale. Personally, I think Claire's writing style suits this sort of story better than the epic.<br />
<br />
Adela was a sweet heroine. Considered average at best among the fairies, she prefers to spend her time in the forest, caring for the plants, for that's where her talent lies. However, when an act of kindness traps her in a witch's power, she finds herself forced to act as no self-respecting fairy ever would - lies, schemes, murder even.<br />
<br />
There is a bit of a love triangle in the story, but one that made sense. Adela is forced to win the heart of Stefan, but at the same time, she and Damian grow closer as he tries to help her out of the magical entanglement.<br />
<br />
The worldbuilding was excellent. I loved Claire's take on fairies, and I just wish I could have seen more of the world.<br />
<br />
I'd recommend this story to anyone who enjoys fairy tales and fantasy.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Fantasy, Christian</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level: </span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">CHILD</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- children's literature</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> to</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity: </span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> - a few kisses, but that's as far as it goes.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">There's a lot of magic, of both the dark and light variety. Also, there's a nice battle scene at the end and people get hurt.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-15877017333824857612015-10-21T22:32:00.001-07:002017-09-19T21:29:49.743-07:00Morgan Elizabeth Huneke - The Crossways<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZPvlHgIyGM/VgC-551Q64I/AAAAAAAACYs/vhWVTpHc-js/s1600/The%2BCrossways.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-MZPvlHgIyGM/VgC-551Q64I/AAAAAAAACYs/vhWVTpHc-js/s200/The%2BCrossways.jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Crossways</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Time Captives</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2hhueNO">Morgan Elizabeth Huneke</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2wxlwFk">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description</u></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>“M’lady, it has been fairly well confirmed that the Redona was hidden away by the merfolk at the conclusion of the Great War instead of destroyed as was commanded. My brother has confirmed to me Joseph’s belief that it was concealed at the Crossways.”<o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-align: center; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"><i>Toarna pressed her fingertips together in thought. “It must be recovered and destroyed as was at first intended.”</i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Emily, Allan, Jill, and Joey have been reunited with their long lost ancestors. But with that reunion comes the true beginning of their quest: free the rightful king of Calhortz so that he may be restored to his throne. The Redona, the only object that can free him from his long imprisonment, is rumored to be concealed in The Crossways, a mountain across the sea which cannot be entered.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">A slave since birth, Adriel’s resentment and hatred towards the strytes only grows as his family is continually ripped from him. He longs for the freedom the Time Captives are prophesied to bring, but he doubts their existence, just as he doubts God’s love. Circumstances in Calhortz are so dire. How could they ever improve?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Who can enter The Crossways? Will the king ever be freed? Or will the slaves of Calhortz lose all hope of freedom before it is even offered to them?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 0in;">
<i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">The Crossways</span></i><span style="font-family: "times new roman" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;"> is the second book of the <i>Time Captives</i> trilogy, a tale of faith, family, fantasy, and a fight for truth and freedom.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
Morgan Elizabeth Huneke is a homeschool graduate who lives in Georgia. She has enjoyed creating characters and writing stories since early childhood. Her other interests include reading, playing the piano and violin, and politics. She is the author of <i>Across the Stars</i> and <i>The Experiment</i>.<o:p></o:p></div>
<div align="left" class="MsoNormal" style="text-indent: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<span style="font-family: "garamond" , "serif"; font-size: 13.0pt;">You can connect with Morgan on her <a href="http://www.morganhuneke.com/">website</a>, <a href="http://morganhuneke.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Morgan-Elizabeth-Huneke/376392442478067">Facebook</a>, <a href="https://twitter.com/MorganHuneke">Twitter</a>, <a href="https://plus.google.com/111449906380180778526/posts/p/pub">Google Plus</a>, and <a href="https://www.pinterest.com/morganhuneke/">Pinterest</a>.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Having quite enjoyed the first book of the series, I automatically shot an email to the author complaining about why I couldn't just read book 2 already (she and I had been chatting quite a bit - I don't normally do this with authors!), and she asked if I'd like to beta read book two. I said yes, and I loved it even more than the first book, despite tearing it to shreds with edits. I then read an edited ARC version.<br />
<br />
While this series still doesn't quite make it to my "favorites of all time" shelf, it has the distinction of being one of the most unique portal fantasies I've ever read. Fourteen children, not all from one time, but all from the same family, had been brought to the world of Calhorz, in twenty-year increments, and frozen at the age of twelve, thus earning themselves the name "Time Captives." Now that they're all here, things are finally set in motion and they can begin freeing the land from the oppressive Strytes, starting with rescuing the true king, who is trapped on an island by a thing called the Bresmi, which can only be deactivated by a thing called the Redona, which is hidden a place called the Crossways. Lots of fun adventure going on there, as they escape from the Crannig Castle dungeon, and make their way across the sea.<br />
<br />
But the true heart of this story is Adriel. A slave of the strytes, Adriel's life has anything but easy, and he's earned the title of a rebellious slave. The one bright point in his life is his younger sister, Rae, his only remaining family member - but even she is stripped from him when they're both sold, she to be a playmate to a young stryte, he to be a gladiator. His struggle with faith is so real and raw ... it might have brought tears were I a more emotional reader.<br />
<br />
The backstory involving Eleanor was also intriguing, and heartbreaking, though I honestly wanted to throw her against the wall and tell her to wake up and count her blessings. Still, as her arc isn't finished yet, I suppose I can withhold my judgement a wee bit longer.<br />
<br />
Worldbuilding was exciting. The author took more of a scientific approach to the fantasy world, which is something I always enjoy, and the world itself was such a delightful mix of eras, and peopled with interesting races. I enjoyed getting to know more about the world.<br />
<br />
And ... I really don't have anything negative to say about the book (beyond throwing Eleanor against that wall). The writing style is a bit stiff, but it's been a vast improvement since the author's first book. Since I had the opportunity of beta reading the story, I was able to bring the issues I had directly to the author, and she dealt with them for the final version.<br />
<br />
In short, this is a sweet little story that is another wonderful addition to the portal fantasy genre, and one that kept me up way past my bedtime reading multiple times. (And has me up way past my bedtime writing this review!) I enjoyed reading it both times, and I wish I had had this series back in my pre-teen years.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Genre/Theme: Fantasy, Christian</span></span></span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">CHILD</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- children's literature</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> to</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-size: 10.6667px;">Some fantasy fighting and death, but nothing gory</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-68196867042680415082015-06-11T20:00:00.000-07:002017-09-19T21:30:11.456-07:00Morgan Elizabeth Huneke - Creighton Hill<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utL8hetJffw/VXoJMB2QFxI/AAAAAAAACSY/7UO-MpvTLi0/s1600/It%2527s%2Ba%2BHouse.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-utL8hetJffw/VXoJMB2QFxI/AAAAAAAACSY/7UO-MpvTLi0/s200/It%2527s%2Ba%2BHouse.jpg" width="124" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Creighton Hill</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Time Captives</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2hhueNO">Morgan Elizabeth Huneke</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2fi9SXE">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<br />
<i>“No one can mysteriously disappear leaving no trace. It isn’t realistic.” <br />“You’re right, Emily,” her grandfather said thoughtfully. “It isn’t realistic. However, a good many things happen in this world that are not realistic, things supernatural.”</i> <br />
<br />
Emily, Allan, Jill, Joey, and Anna have grown up on their grandfather’s tales of ancestors who mysteriously disappeared from Creighton Hill, the plantation home that has been in their family for centuries. When Grampa’s death forces them to move into Creighton Hill, the truth about the supposed disappearances is the first thing on their minds. Allan, Jill, Joey, and Anna’s, that is. As for Emily, why must they keep at their supernatural hogwash?<br />
<br />
Could it be that their family really does just have an unusual history of early deaths? Most people seem to think so. But Grampa’s research has uncovered something different.<br />
<br />
When mysterious writing matching descriptions found in ancient accounts begins appearing to the children, they know something’s up. They must find out what really happened to their ancestors, and work together to discover the reason behind the mysterious writings.<br />
<br />
Creighton Hill is the first book of the Time Captives trilogy, a tale of faith, family, fantasy, and a fight for truth and freedom.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
Morgan Elizabeth Huneke is a homeschool graduate who lives in Georgia. She has enjoyed creating characters and writing stories since early childhood. Her other interests include reading, playing the piano and violin, and politics.<br />
<br />
To find out more, visit her website: <a href="http://www.morganhuneke.com/">www.morganhuneke.com</a><br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Portal fantasy is one of my favorite subgenres of fantasy. I love exploring fantasy worlds, and getting to share the culture shock with the main character is always nice. Unfortunately, I very rarely come across one that truly sticks out with a brilliant new twist.<br />
<br />
<i>Creighton Hill, </i>with the Time Captives the series itself is named for, did.<br />
<br />
I've been following this author for a while now, and quite enjoyed her first novel, <i>Across the Stars</i>, though there was definite room for improvement, so when she asked for ARC reviewers for <i>Creighton Hill, </i>I volunteered.<br />
<br />
The heart of the story is pretty typical of the genre, a group of kids are pulled from this world into another one, and at the bidding of a prophecy, sent to fight some terrible evil with some really neat weapons. However, instead of all of the kids coming from the present day, saving the world, then popping back to discover that no time has passed at all, the Hubbard family has had a child go missing every generation since the 1800's.<br />
<br />
Even more interesting is the fact that once the children arrive in Calhortea, time looses all affect on them, leaving them frozen at the age of twelve, and impervious to most injuries.<br />
<br />
Most of the book is about Joey and his siblings, who are the modern generation of Hubbards. They're your typical Christian family, apart from the fact that they've had aunts and uncles disappearing for the two hundred years. However, there are flashbacks to George and Abigail, who had been two of the first to disappear.<br />
<br />
The world itself was delightfully unique and well-built. We mostly get to know the Strytes and Kalicans in this book, but I'm looking forward to meeting more interesting creatures in the sequels.<br />
<br />
I think the only issue I had with the book was that, at times, the conversations were a bit stiff. However, the sheer high-concept idea more than made up for it in my mind.<br />
<br />
Also, a few of the characters were a bit flat, but with the sheer number that were in the book, it was hard to give them all proper development - I look forward to getting to know them better in the successive books.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Note: Based on writing style, I would recommend this more to younger kids, as I think I would have enjoyed this even more had I read it at ten or twelve myself - it's certainly the sort of story I would have loved!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Fantasy, Christian, Historical</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">CHILD</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- as a readaloud, </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">There was some fighting, including some death and an execution, but nothing was ever described</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-63657309731179812532015-03-31T06:00:00.000-07:002017-09-19T21:33:00.612-07:00E. D. Phillips - Midnight Captive<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Mtq4NG__30/VRhwlJNTulI/AAAAAAAACPA/ldZclASu6r4/s1600/Midnight_Captive_Front%2B(2).jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-7Mtq4NG__30/VRhwlJNTulI/AAAAAAAACPA/ldZclASu6r4/s1600/Midnight_Captive_Front%2B(2).jpg" width="125" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Midnight Captive</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By E. D. Phillips<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2jIqcm4">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
Phaedra is cursed to sleep until true love wakes her. Hermione has a dark secret.<br />
<br />
When Prince Sheridan discovers the two princesses wandering the woods outside the castle at night, he begins to wonder if there is more to Phaedra's curse than is readily apparent.<br />
<br />
With the help of a minstrel out to prove a point, they must discover the secret before the princesses are trapped forever in the night.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
No description available.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm always on the lookout for good, new fairy tale retellings, so when a friend of mine contacted me asking if I wanted to take part of the release of <i>Midnight Captive</i>, I was thrilled ... though a bit wary. The three fairy tales it retells are <i>Sleeping Beauty, The Pied Piper </i>and <i>The Twelve Dancing Princesses,</i> three potentially darker tales, and its title and description didn't promise much light. As much as I love fairy tale retellings, I don't like it when they're dark and twisted.<br />
<br />
I needn't have worried. After putting off reading for nearly two months, I sat down and read it in three sittings, in less than twenty-four hours. It isn't a long book, but I haven't been in a reading mood these last few weeks, and it takes a good book to keep me interested. I'm happy to report that <i>Midnight Captive </i>was one. Even in the darkest moments of the story, light shone through, and the effect was beautiful.<br />
<br />
Of the three stories it retold, <i>The Pied Piper </i>remained the most intact, as the book was actually more a sequel to the tale. The other two were blended together, twisted by the Piper's strange magic and whims. Every night he summons the two princesses to dance with him from midnight to early morning, and neither can say a word about it during the daylight hours. Phaedra, because she sleeps though the whole day, Hermione, because she gets faint, or even sick when she tries to confess.<br />
<br />
Princes have been coming from throughout the land in attempt to awaken the sleeping Phaedra, but few even suspect that Hermione is also caught by the curse. Prince Sheridan only realizes it because he sees them on their way back one morning, and Alyn, the minstrel, has his suspicions roused by Hermione's hatred of music.<br />
<br />
Overall, I really enjoyed the book, it twisted beautifully, and I honestly had no idea where it was going when I first opened it (partly because I had forgotten the description, other than the fact that it was about Sleeping Beauty and involved a few other tales). Even though it blatantly stepped away from the plots of both Sleeping Beauty and the Twelve Dancing Princesses by the end, I still quite enjoyed it, because at its heart, it was a sequel to the Pied Piper. I quite enjoyed the nods to a few other tales, in particular Cinderella and Rapunzel. And I'm quite sure that Alyn the minstrel was inspired by Allan-a-Dale from Robin Hood's Merry Men.<br />
<br />
However this was the author's first book, and a NaNo novel (as the acknowledgement implies), and it showed. The conversations could be brilliant, but sometimes they became redundant, as could the internal monologues. Hermione had to describe in great detail every dress she wore - which was possibly interesting if you're a dressmaker or fashionista - but I'm not. Some of the plot could have been strengthened, and there were a few plot elements, that, though they were brilliant, could have either left out and the story not missed them, or should have been mentioned sooner.<br />
<br />
Also, I would have liked to see a bit of closure for the romance. It was well done, and I really liked the emphasis on sacrifice, but there wasn't any closure.<br />
<br />
But I don't hold any of that against this lovely story. Indeed, I'd recommend it to pretty much anyone who loves fairy tale retellings. It's not something I'd read aloud to my younger siblings, but it's certainly something I would have adored as a younger teen.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Fairy Tale Retelling, Fantasy</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Hermione sometimes throws up after attempting to tell others about the midnight escapades. Violence-wise, it's pretty clean until right at the end, which involves battles with harpies and the pied piper himself. </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-83516707548616401742015-03-06T08:42:00.000-08:002017-09-19T21:33:49.940-07:00Claire M. Banschbach - Rise of Aredor<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fZHvCi-Ow8/VPlFFw8AxBI/AAAAAAAACOc/YTX2_Jnsgrk/s1600/Is%2Bthat%2Ba%2BSword.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7fZHvCi-Ow8/VPlFFw8AxBI/AAAAAAAACOc/YTX2_Jnsgrk/s1600/Is%2Bthat%2Ba%2BSword.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Rise of Aredor</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Rise of Aredor</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2jIRI2P">Claire M. Banschbach</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2xlJMcn">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
Lost in a foreign land and separated from his family, Corin does his best to survive as a slave in the household of a Calorin lord. With newfound friends he fights for survival in ambushes and wars. For one act of bravery, he is awarded his freedom and returns to a home that has been invaded and ravaged by the Calorin armies. When Corin sets foot on Aredor's shores, he has one goal in mind: find his family. He is driven into the forest, where he is reunited with childhood friends. From the shelter of the woods, they begin a spirited rebellion against Corin's former cruel master, who now holds sway over Aredor. Follow Corin's path in his quest to free his imprisoned brother, find a father who has vanished, and ultimately free his country in The Rise of Aredor.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
Claire Banschbach was born and raised in Midland, Texas, the fourth of eight children. She was homeschooled through high school and is now a proud member of the Texas A&M University class of 2014. Though she loves reading and writing, her professional goal is to become a physical therapist in order to assist people in leading a full life. When not scratching out stories and homework with pen and pencil, Claire enjoys watching the Boston Red Sox and Aggie football, as well as playing volleyball. She hopes her strong foundation in God will help to guide her writing.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
From the first time I heard about this book several months ago, when the author posted in a forum I frequent asking for reviews, I wanted to read this book. Unfortunately, I was rather overwhelmed at the time, and had to turn down the offer. However, last month she contacted me again, and since my plate was relatively emptier, and she's about to release the sequel, I agreed to it.<br />
<br />
I read it in one night, staying up well past midnight to do so, but more because I was reading a PDF file and didn't want to loose my place, than because of the story itself. I was thoroughly intrigued by the premise, but it jerked awkwardly, especially at the beginning, </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
The basic plot? The book's description did a pretty good job of sharing it. I don't know if I could do any better without telling you the whole book. The first half was a lot of set up and battle scenes, and could probably have done without a few of the chapters. The second half was about how Corin frees his native country from the oppressive power of the country that enslaved him. So, in a way, it's kind of a Joseph story, but more fighting.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
A lot of reviewers are comparing the story to <i>The Horse and His Boy</i>, and it's a comparison it fully deserves. After all, if you have a missing prince named CORIN, made a slave in an Arabian-esque country called CALORIN (Calormen, anyone?) ... yeah, obvious connections can be made there, yes? However the writing style was very different from Lewis. It read more like a Henty novel, save for the fact that it didn't take place in actual history, and our hero wasn't married at the end. Good characters that can be sometimes hard to connect with, and an intriguing, twisting plot that took forever to get going.<br />
<br />
A lot of readers are comparing the second half to Robin Hood, and I can see that ... but it reminded me more of William Wallace, since they weren't fighting off an oppressive government, but rather oppressive invaders.<br />
<br />
But as much as I love Henty and Narnia, they didn't mesh well in this book. The magic of Narnia is the delightful world, and the rich truths that Lewis conveyed. The magic of Henty is the in-depth history and all of the historical figures that the hero rubs shoulders with. <i>Rise of Aredor</i> had neither, as its world is quite fictional, though realistic. While God - called Lleu - did have a presence in the book, He was usually only mentioned when things were going terribly wrong and they could no longer do it on its own. I would have liked to have seen the characters ask His guidance when making their troubles, to have seen a bit stronger faith. It made sense in the first half, but in the second, I would have really liked to have seen the characters asking Lleu's guidance BEFORE they made all of their grand schemes.<br />
<br />
I did like the book, not enough to put it on my list of favorites, but enough that I'm tempted to buy a copy for my cousins (three rowdy boys who would love this sort of story) for Christmas, and enough that I'm eager to read the sequel, which is waiting for me on my Android. The author has a lot of potential, and I can't wait to see where the series goes.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Note: For some weird reason, I thought there were going to be eagle riders in the book. (Not sure where I got the idea, <i>might </i>have been the fact that I didn't look at the cover closely enough, and it got confused with another picture I'd also seen about that time). There were none. So ... yeah, slightly disappointed there.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><b style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </b><b>Adventure, </b></span></span><b style="font-family: serif, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 14.6666669845581px;">Non-magical </b><b style="font-family: serif, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 11pt;">Fantasy, Christian, </b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at. Not really any romance, either.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: #ffe599; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;">There was some drinking, including some drunken enemy soldiers, however it was no more </span><span style="font-size: 10.6666669845581px;">prevalent</span><span style="font-size: 8pt;"> than in a typical medieval historical fiction.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> QUITE a bit of fighting, and torture (including, but not limited to, whipping and a poisoned knife), and the main character spends most of the book injured. Nothing graphic, but there's a LOT of it.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-17077849586373343692015-02-25T14:03:00.000-08:002017-09-19T21:42:52.389-07:00Rachel Rossano - Honor<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5d5k3kdqqKk/VO4U8IgmiYI/AAAAAAAACM0/ILbbqWT8mg4/s1600/Conceal%2C%2Bdon't%2Bfeel!.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5d5k3kdqqKk/VO4U8IgmiYI/AAAAAAAACM0/ILbbqWT8mg4/s1600/Conceal%2C%2Bdon't%2Bfeel!.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Honor</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Novels of Rhynan Book 2</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2ycPZF8">Rachel Rossano</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2fikGFp">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
The Earl of Dentin excels in his position as Securer of the Realm. But the king’s order to pluck an orphaned child from a loving home unsettles Dentin. When a dark-eyed woman challenges his honor regarding the mission, Dentin finds himself unable to justify his actions or get her out of his mind. Something about her lack of fear intrigues him.<br />
<br />
Lady Elsa Reeve attempts to avoid the marriage of convenience her brother and mother demand of her. She understands the need to pay off her brother's massive debt. She only wants her family to consider her wishes in the process.<br />
<br />
As Elsa becomes further entangled in a snare of her brother’s creating, only one man defends her. But can she trust Dentin, her unlikely champion, and his motives? With a murderer on the loose, Elsa’s fate in jeopardy, and a traitor plotting against the king, Dentin finds his priorities shifting in an unexpected direction.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
Rachel Rossano specializes in clean romantic fiction set in historical-feeling fantasy worlds. She also dabbles in straightforward historical romance and not-so-strict speculative fiction.<br />
<br />
A happily married mother of three small children, she divides her time between mothering, teaching, and writing. She endeavors to enchant, thrill, entertain, and amuse through her work. A constant student, she seeks to improve her skills and loves to hear from readers.<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After reading and reviewing <i>Duty</i>, the first novel of Rhynan, I was eager to learn what happened next, and was thrilled when the author offered me a review copy. It did take me a while to actually get to read the story, but that was not for lack of eagerness. I just had a VERY busy last two weeks.<br />
<br />
Once I opened up the book and immersed myself, I couldn't put it down ... except that I had to go to bed. First thing the next morning, I was reading again, and was finished by noon. The plot twisted here and there, and while I'll admit that I could see where it was going by the time I was halfway through the book, things were just so convoluted, I still couldn't put it down!<br />
<br />
Dentin, the hero, is not a young man, nor does he have many friends. As the Securer of the Realm, he holds many secrets, and has gained more than his share of enemies as he performs the king's bidding. And, as the book opens, he fears making an enemy out of one of the few friends he has, as the king desires to take custody of the child Sir Irvaine and his wife have been fostering, and thus gain a level of control over him.<br />
<br />
Elsa, the heroine, is caught in a situation typical of medieval heroines. Though her father has promised her choice in her marriage, her brother wants to marry her off to pay his "debts of honor," and her mother is pressuring her to marry soon - after all, her younger sister has just been married, why hasn't she?<br />
<br />
Normally, their paths wouldn't cross, nor would he take especial notice of her ... but she has taken interest in the young boy he must pluck from his foster parents and - though she doesn't know it - has become entangled in a plot involving the princess herself. Although he's just trying to keep her safe, he finds himself caring for her - as he has never cared for a woman before.<br />
<br />
When her father's murdered, the game changes completely. Her previous marriage choices disappear as her brother promises her to one of the most despicable men in the kingdom, thus dooming her to a life of misery.<br />
<br />
Compared to the previous book, this story had the better plot. As much as I loved <i>Duty</i>, there were a few moments I lost track of what was going on. With <i>Honor</i>, I was frustrated by the multitude of secrets, but I always had a firm grasp of what was going on. Part of this was the fact that we had narration from both the hero and the heroine. I would have preferred it if the author hadn't used first person for both of them, but it was well marked, and there were only a few times where I lost track of who "I" was.<br />
<br />
I will say that I preferred the romance of the first book, however. Elsa and Dentin were sweet, but I think it went a bit too fast, especially for two people who didn't fall in love easily. Also, Dentin called himself "unmarriagable" because of something in his past, but I don't think we ever learned exactly what it was. I would have liked a bit more closure in that area.<br />
<br />
Worldbuilding was well-done. It's set in a fictional medieval set of countries that, apart from the fact that didn't actually exist, could well be our own world. We see more into the politics and power-play in this book, and I enjoyed seeing how she built the laws of her country.<br />
<br />
I loved the story, just as I have loved everything else of Rossano's work that I have read. I'm thoroughly looking forward to the next book!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Note: A sweet romance for those who love romance, and filled with lots of political intrigue if that's what you prefer.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Romance, Christian, Non-magic fantasy</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Mature TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- high school to college</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language. Several distasteful characters swear, but we're never told what, exactly, they say</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">SUBTLE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- hinted, but not explicit. Kissing and a few veiled references to the marriage bed.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Lots of fighting, including a duel to the death. There are no battles, as in the previous book, most of the power-play is political. Elsa receives some abuse from her potential husband.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-43355514106745795272015-02-20T12:43:00.000-08:002017-09-19T21:35:21.888-07:00Jaye L. Knight - The King's Scrolls<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQyogNnsLb4/VOZkolz991I/AAAAAAAACLg/6nSlVxw-XzI/s1600/Quill%2Band%2BInk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bQyogNnsLb4/VOZkolz991I/AAAAAAAACLg/6nSlVxw-XzI/s1600/Quill%2Band%2BInk.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The King's Scrolls</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Ilyon Chronicles</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2hhBY2f">Jaye L. Knight</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2wFHXUb">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon)</u></span></span></strong><br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><br /></u></span></span></strong> Following the harrowing events that brought them to Landale Forest, Jace and Kyrin have settled comfortably into their new lives and the mission of protecting those under the emperor’s persecution. The fast approach of winter brings with it the anticipation of a quiet few months ahead. That is until the arrival of four mysterious, dragon-riding cretes who seek aid in a mission of great importance—not only to their own people, but to all followers of Elôm.<br />
<br />
Hidden in the vast mining valley north of Valcré, a faithful crete has spent years sharing his knowledge with the destitute miners and their families and is known to possess what may be Arcacia’s last surviving copies of the King’s Scrolls—the Word of Elôm. Joining the cretes, those in Landale must find the crete teacher and bring him to safety, but it is a race against time. Should Daican’s men find him first, execution and the destruction of the Scrolls is certain.<br />
<br />
When disaster strikes, all seems lost. Could Elôm have a plan even in the enemy’s triumph?</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
Jaye L. Knight is a mid-twenties homeschool-graduated indie author with a passion for writing Christian fantasy and clean new adult fiction. Armed with an active imagination and love for adventure, Jaye weaves stories of truth, faith, and courage with the message that even in the deepest darkness, God's love shines as a light to offer hope. She has been penning stories since the age of eight and resides in the Northwoods of Wisconsin.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I'm honestly not sure where to start with this review. I've loved Jaye's books since she was Molly Evangeline, and her Ilyon Chronicles are next to the Chronicles of Narnia for my favorite fantasies - even after having read one book. I didn't know how book two could be any better, but when Jaye asked if I would review it for her, I naturally jumped at the opportunity.<br />
<br />
I had NO idea what would happen in the book, but had assumed that the plot of looking for the mysterious Crete and the scrolls he possesses, would be most of it. I was wrong, they actually found him fairly early on. This is a story of the importance of scripture, its value in strengthening a Christian's walk, as I had anticipated, but it was also the story of how God is still in control even when things are spiralling into a mess and seem to be going horribly wrong.<br />
<br />
The characters in this book were amazing, both the ones that we already knew from the first book, and the new faces. Jace and Kyrin are adorable, and I had a moment of hyperventilation when her father asked what the status of their relationship was. Kaden was so wonderfully protective of Kyrin, and I loved the fact that he got a dragon of his own in this book. I was expecting him to do that some time in the series, but not quite this soon. Technically, other characters received dragons, but Kaden's the only one who matters. And I loved the scenes with Prince Daniel. Poor fellow, I hope he finds Elom, and soon!<br />
<br />
As for new characters, I loved the Cretes, especially Tallas and Timothy. They were both so sweet, each in their own way. Leetra was very interesting, and even though she rather annoyed me at the beginning, by the end, she'd grown on me. Also, I loved getting to know Kyrin's family. Kaden's still my favorite of her brothers (because he's her twin, and twins are awesome) but they're all amazing, each in their own way.<br />
<br />
The villains were amazing as well, the sort that you just have to hate, though feel sorry for at the same time.<br />
<br />
If there is any complaint I have, it's that one of my favorite characters died (can't say who, though!). I was in denial until the last moment, and even several moments after that, as I hoped and prayed that someone would be able to rescue him in time. BUT ... it was necessary to the plot, and really, in this genre, it's not realistic for characters to not die. After everyone survived book one, I knew that someone would have to go down in book two ... didn't keep me out of denial, however.<br />
<br />
Also, I got lost a bit in some of the action sequences, particularly at the end ... but action sequences get me lost frequently, so it probably was just me. The end itself was so very sweet, and I'm really looking forward to book 3, whenever it comes out.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Note: I recommend this to anyone who loves Christian fantasy, or inspirational stories of life under persecution. There is no magic, if that's something that you watch out for.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Genre/Theme: Fantasy, Christian, Persecution</span></span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> to</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Mature TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- high school to college</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality: </span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Characters die, get whipped, get burned by dragons, and are otherwise injured</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-62304908102244440142015-01-22T13:34:00.001-08:002017-09-19T21:37:43.503-07:00Vicki V. Lucas - Toxic<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9x2thmfKFrw/VEnSPmUJaNI/AAAAAAAACFE/U-w_M-_3-KY/s1600/Liquid%2BSword.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-9x2thmfKFrw/VEnSPmUJaNI/AAAAAAAACFE/U-w_M-_3-KY/s1600/Liquid%2BSword.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Toxic</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Trap Series</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2fAtL9t">Vicki V. Lucas </a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2ycrM1P">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
In a fantasy world, a reckless teen must join forces with a determined student and an insecure musician to fight terrifying armies and powerful sorcerers to purify the poisoned water that is sweeping across the land. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
While facing global annihilation from toxic water in Eltiria, Kai is trying to save his sister from death. But when he seizes his only chance to make enough money to pay for healers, his plans are torn to shreds, and he finds himself battling monsters as he is chased farther away from his family. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Lizzy travels to a nearby city for safety, only to watch her older brother dragged away from her by monsters from myths. Running for her life, she must find a way to reunite her family as she is thrown into choices that lead her further from what she wants. Taryn knows it is his destiny to save the world through magic and is on his way to begin his journey to greatness. But then his beliefs are challenged as he is thrown off the path he has chosen for himself and into a life he never desired. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Guided by a mysterious winged horse named Eladar, they discover that the world is not what they thought and everything they believed was wrong. Can they locate the source of the poison and find their faith as they battle to find the truth in a world of chaos and destruction?<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vicki V. Lucas has always struggled with the question "What are you going to be when you grow up?" She received her Bachelor's in Psychology...only to find herself with no desire to counsel people. She obtained a Master's in Teaching English as a Second Language. Teaching at universities and colleges gave her incredible experiences and unforgettable friends from many different countries. However, the distant mountains called, and she responded. After traveling through quiet places, she settled in Missoula, MT with her family. She has begun to write the Christian YA fantasy stories she heard on the wind. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
Toxic is the first of these stories. Set in the fantasy world of Eltiria, it is the tale of a young untrained warrior who has been sent on a quest to purify the poisoned water of the world. Together with the help of Lizzy and Taryn, they seek to find a solution for both their world and their own problems. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
Vicki loves to hear what you have to say. Please leave a review or visit her webpage at www.vickivlucas.com. But if she doesn't respond very soon, just remember that she may be off in the lonely mountains.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I picked this story up for free at least a year and a half ago. I sent it directly to my android app, since I loved the cover and thought the theme sounded intriguing. I gobbled down the introduction and first chapter or so, and then the POV changed to a completely different character who I didn't identify with ... so I put it down and read something else.<br />
<br />
Ever so often I would pull it back up and read another chapter, but for some reason, I couldn't connect to the story. It was following three very different characters on three very different paths, and I couldn't stay interested.<br />
<br />
The other day, however, I stumbled across it on my new kindle, and since I <i>really </i>wanted to finish the book, pulled it up, prepared to plow through another chapter - except that suddenly the three stories converged and I was now interested! I finished the book that very day.<br />
<br />
The three main characters are Kai, Lizzy, and Taryn. Kai is the son of a crippled race jockey, and his younger sister is sick with the plague. He wants to find a cure for her, and also achieve the fame that his father lost. Lizzy is the daughter of traveling musicians, who doesn't measure up to her older brother. She desperately wants to prove herself to her parents and earn their love. Taryn wants power. He thinks he has natural magic - and some of the people from the temple he talked with seemed to confirm it. There's also a wind spirit named Foehn, who was an interesting character.<br />
<br />
The uniting issue they face is the fact that the water is poisoned. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Kai seemed to be the main character, but unfortunately, I didn't connect to him, much preferring Lizzy's and Foehn's stories. So I kept wandering away from this book.<br />
<br />
And then the three protagonists met, and from that moment on, I couldn't put the book down, and by the time I'd finished, it was on my list of the best Christian Fantasies I've ever read. The worldbuilding was amazing, though weird at moments (Zombie - I mean, Untwanted army anyone?). The plot moved quickly, and twisted enough I couldn't tell how it was going to end. And the Christian message was well done.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
This was not an allegory. Yes, there was a Jesus figure, but he belonged to the world's history. I was really impressed with this, since prior to this book, I don't think I'd ever read a fantasy that had dealt with our Lord's Sacrifice and had chosen to treat it as history. It didn't loose any of its power for that, and it still played a huge role in the plot.<br />
<br />
I thoroughly recommend this book to anyone.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Christian, Fantasy, Adventure</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity: </span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at, although one young man, after being stabbed in the stomach jokes that, had it been any lower, he wouldn't have been able to father any children.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Lots of fighting. Some dabbling in magic, but it is portrayed as bad.</span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-46036787648296302362014-10-23T11:58:00.000-07:002017-09-19T21:45:01.423-07:00Sarah Holman - Destiny of a Few<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J91U8cQvr7w/VB3ZnPvg1VI/AAAAAAAACDM/OIgtjVIA_kk/s1600/Crown%2BHighfive.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-J91U8cQvr7w/VB3ZnPvg1VI/AAAAAAAACDM/OIgtjVIA_kk/s1600/Crown%2BHighfive.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Destiny of a Few</i></b></span><br />
<b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The Destiny Trilogy</span></i></b><br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2fxQbYD">Sarah Holman</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2ycHtpJ">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<div style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: auto; text-align: start; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; tab-stops: 445.7pt; text-indent: 29.5pt;">
On her quest to find the crown prince, Maria Morris faces an abundance of obstacles. Now a marked Christian, it will be difficult and dangerous for her to travel. The USF follows her every move. (as the vibrating chip in her arm irritatingly reminds her.) Yet knowing all of this, Maria puts her trust in God and, with the help of a few new friends, refuses to give up her mission. She must find the crown prince. The Destiny Of A Few depends on it.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; tab-stops: 445.7pt; text-indent: 29.5pt;">
Sarah Holman, a homeschool graduate, lives in central Texas. When not pursuing her passion of writing, she can be found taking long walks, reading, sewing or spending time with her family. You can find out more about her at her blog, <a href="http://www.destinyofone.blogspot.com/">Destiny of One.</a><o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
After reading the first book of the series, I despaired of ever getting to know what happened next. While the first had only been 99 cents, and I had been able to buy it with a gift card, I had other books on my list of want to buy that were higher priorities.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
But I put them on my wishlist and to my surprise and delight, the author, with whom I had been chatting with back and forth, sent me the kindle versions of the next two books. Needless to say, I gobbled them down.<br />
<br />
Book two begins right where book one left off. Maria is headed to Rio with her friend Quint, in search of the girl who owns the passport she had been mistakenly given in the first book. Amazingly, the girl, Winter, belongs to a Christian family, though she herself denied being one, to avoid being branded. And, it just so happens, she has connections to the planet where Maria wants to go - the planet where the prince was said to be taken - which turns out to be the capitol planet.<br />
<br />
So she and Winter take a visit to the girl's aunt, and Winter gets suspicious as she realizes that Maria didn't come here to sight see. She keeps trying to guilt out of Maria the real reason, and finally takes her out of town, where they get caught in a sandstorm and get lost. They get shot at by soldiers, Winter gets injured, and they're rescued by a farmboy, who takes them to his far, where we spend pretty much the rest of the book.<br />
<br />
I really enjoyed the book, and the message is one that I don't see tackled very often in Christian works. Yes, it's easy to risk your own life for the greater good. But what happens when it's not your life you're endangering, but that of your friends, even a stranger? It was well handled.<br />
<br />
For the most part, the book was fast paced, and moved smoothly. The cast of characters were brilliant, mostly new faces. I loved Winter, for her reluctance to give her beauty is one with which I myself can identify.<br />
<br />
But once they reached the farmhouse, and Maria started suffering from the guilt of Winter's injury, the plot stalled. Yes, it was a necessary emotion for her to work through, but she was finally receiving answers to her riddle - and she wasn't even paying attention. Maria was supposed to have memorized the riddle - having read it multiple times every day - but she still didn't pick up on things, even when they appeared right under her nose.<br />
<br />
Also, I was confused by why the planet the prince was hidden on what just so happened to be the capitol. In the first book, I had been under the impression that that it was an out of the way planet that was hard to get to. Maybe I just read wrong and it had been specified that it was the capitol, and I just didn't pick up on it, but I was really thrown for a loop when I realized that the prince had been hidden under the noses of those who want him dead. I mean, why? It just felt sloppy to me. And if they just "happened" to make it the capitol after he was there, that would have been too much of a coincidence.<br />
<br />
But that aside, I really enjoyed the book, loved seeing Maria grow, and it didn't feel like a middle book. It could have been paced a bit better, but I still would recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good sci-fi adventure.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Sci-fi, Christian, Adventure</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language. One of the characters does bad language when in stressful situations, but we aren't told what, exactly, those words are.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-size: 11px;">Quite a bit of fighting with guns. Some characters are injured. Christians are branded with a fish symbol on their cheeks.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-49057717392746114982014-09-20T11:12:00.000-07:002017-09-19T21:43:43.391-07:00Rachel Heffington - Fly Away Home<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-kzDDC2GW8/VBcYE5pnzAI/AAAAAAAACC4/F4uq5oiOE0E/s1600/Calida%2BHarper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-v-kzDDC2GW8/VBcYE5pnzAI/AAAAAAAACC4/F4uq5oiOE0E/s1600/Calida%2BHarper.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>Fly Away Home</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2fA4Gvf">Rachel Heffington</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2jHZ5Y5">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 36.25pt;">
Self Preservation has never looked more tempting. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 36.25pt;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 36.25pt;">
1952 New York City: <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 36.25pt;">
Callie Harper is a woman set to make it big in the world of journalism. Liberated from all but her buried and troubled past, Callie craves glamour and the satisfaction she knows it will bring. When one of America's most celebrated journalists, Wade Barnett, calls on Callie to help him with a revolutionary project, Callie finds herself co-pilot to a Christian man whose life and ideas of true greatness run noisily counter to hers on every point. <o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 36.25pt;">
The new friendship sparks, the project soars, and a faint suspicion that she is fall for this uncommon man grows in Callie's heart. When the secrets of Callie's past are exhumed and hung over her head as a threat, she is forced to scrutinize Wade Barnett and betray his dirtiest secrets or see her own spilled. <o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 36.25pt;">
Here there is space for only one love, one answer: betray Wade Barnett to save her reputation, or sacrifice everything for the sake of the man she loved and the God she fled. The consequences of either decision will define the rest of her life.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 36.25pt;">
Rachel Heffington is a Christian, a novelist, and a people-lover. Outside of the realm of words, Rachel enjoys the Arts, traveling, mucking about in the kitchen, listening for accents, and making people laugh. She dwells in rural Virginia with her boisterous family and her black cat, Cricket.<o:p></o:p></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-pagination: widow-orphan; text-indent: 36.25pt;">
Rachel released her debut novel (Fly Away Home) in February, 2014, and is looking forward to the publication of her Cinderella-inspired novella (The Windy Side of Care) in the Five Glass Slippers collection being published by Rooglewood Press in June, 2014.<o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
Historical Fiction is one of my favorite genres. I love visiting the years gone by, tasting the memories I came too late to experience for myself. However, most Historical Fictions are either stuffed so full of historical facts they become dry, or they're just overly sappy romances set in a different era, and half of the (few and far between) facts are inaccurate. Also, I prefer stories set at least two hundred years ago, preferably in some exotic country like China or Germany.<br />
<br />
So it was with great trepidation that I approached this story. I had heard great things about it from my friends, some of whom had had the privilege of beta reading it, so I was willing to give it a chance. The fifties aren't my favorite era, and this was also a romance, but I still purchased a kindle copy as soon as it came out, and then sat down to read it.<br />
<br />
I can't say that I read it in one sitting, or even completely in order (because I did skip ahead at one point to glance at the ending), but I was soon sucked into the rise and fall of the the story. Since I skipped ahead at one point, it obviously was dragging at one point, but I honestly don't remember where it was dragging. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
Callie was an interesting main character to follow, a mix of stubborn naivety, and jaded cynicism. It's clear that she has been hurt somewhere in the past, and she's trying to leave that past behind her. She wants happiness and success, goals the reader can't help but wish her the best, but she thinks she can find them in the wrong places. Paired up against her is Mr. Wade Barnett, who is the personification of her ideals. He already moves through the circles she wishes to reach, already seems to have the respect she hungers after, and most importantly, he seems content - even happy - with his place in life.<br />
<br />
I love the format the author used for the story, first person from Callie's point of view for the most part, but at the end of many of the chapters we get a letter from Mr. Barnett to some friends of his giving his side of the story. Dual first person is usually a pet peeve of mine, but this - this was done right, and I loved it.<br />
<br />
The story begins with Callie trying to write obituaries for the paper she works at when her boss walks in with the news that she, the dispensable employee, has been chosen to work with Wade Barnett on one of his more experimental projects. We learn from his letters that he was looking specifically for her, as she was the last of her family, and he feels the need to find closure with this family for some reason.<br />
<br />
Contrary to what her former boss had expected, their magazine, <i>Ladybird Snippets, </i>flourishes. What's more, she and Mr. Barnett get along very well, despite the fact that she finds him rather old-fashioned. She finds his insistence of talking about Christianity annoying, but he does introduce her to all sorts of famous people she had always dreamed of meeting.<br />
<br />
Her path to greatness seems set and sure, until Jules, the non-dispensable worker who didn't get to work with Mr. Barnett, becomes jealous. He doesn't realize that her move had been meant as a demotion, and thinks that he should have gotten it instead. He threatens Callie, telling her that if she doesn't dig up some dirt on Mr. Barnett, her own great secret, the past she's been running from, will be brought out into the open for all to see.<br />
<br />
She doesn't want to do this to him, because she's come to genuinely respect him despite his oddities, but self-preservation has been the name of her game for years. However, digging up dirt proves harder than she thought, since the man's life is pretty much spotless.<br />
<br />
This book felt like I was watching one of those old 50's movies. I had honestly been transported back to that day and age, and I loved how the fictional characters interacted so easily with the truly historic. The conversations snapped with wit, and only once did we get one that felt preachy. The plot was simple, yet complex, and though I didn't quite understand why Callie's secret was so horrible, it may be because I don't live in that era. It did serve as a way to tie a few backstories together, and for that I give it points.<br />
<br />
I thoroughly enjoyed this book, and I look forward to more from the author.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Historical Fiction, Romance</span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level: </span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">LOW</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- few mildly offensive words, mostly at the beginning</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">SUBTLE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- hinted, but not explicit,</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="background-color: #ffe599; font-size: 11px;">References to murder, some smoking, and drinking.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5323424872342150630.post-5205465344348498662014-09-11T12:05:00.000-07:002017-09-19T21:46:04.481-07:00Melody Jackson - The Dragon Within<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bm5CQq5kfXw/VA_T439WG5I/AAAAAAAACCk/ztEHJUjsUS0/s1600/Dragon%2BThing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-bm5CQq5kfXw/VA_T439WG5I/AAAAAAAACCk/ztEHJUjsUS0/s1600/Dragon%2BThing.jpg" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><b><i>The Dragon Within</i></b></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
By <a href="http://amzn.to/2xlbO7O">Melody Jackson</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="http://amzn.to/2ycN0MP">Available on Amazon</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
<br />
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u>Product Description (from Amazon) </u></span></span></strong>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Are dragons good...or evil? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Kaena Armae doesn’t really care either way. No one’s seen a dragon in over twenty years, so why should she even care? </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But when she comes face to face with the shocking truth in the forest near her home, she is forced to choose sides in a feud that </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">started centuries ago. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">And the real war is just beginning. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Now, Kaena must convince opposing sides to join together to combat an ancient evil, or face the destruction of their whole world, forever. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc;"><br style="font-family: verdana, arial, helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: small;" /></span> <span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">But what if they’re fighting the wrong enemy?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><u><b>About the Author (from Amazon)</b></u></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
<span style="background-color: #fff2cc; font-family: "verdana" , "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif; font-size: x-small;">Melody Jackson lives in the unbearably hot state of Arizona, (well, at least it's a dry heat) and enjoys writing, singing, playing guitar, and, well, more writing. She lives with her crazy family, as well as a menagerie of animals, including her four siblings, cats, and one grumpy chinchilla.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>O.Scarlett! REVIEW by Kendra</b></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
I have mixed feelings about this book.<br />
<br />
For an author's first book, it wasn't bad, In fact, I found it to be a very clever slant on dragons. The character cast was engaging, the worldbuilding delightful, and the spiritual truths well done. The plot kept me on the edge of my seat, and I had NO idea how things could possibly sort themselves out. However the characters also had a habit of falling flat, and the plot jerked uncomfortably in places, and there were formatting issues.<br />
<br />
The book begins with a Kaena trying to catch a chicken that has run into the forest - dragon territory. When she actually runs into a dragon and finds herself able to communicate telepathically, and, when men attack and she's able to use a sword despite - as far as she can remember at least - never having picked one up in her life, she begins to question everything she thought she knew. Then the dragon gives her an egg, which hatches in her bedroom, and she then has to conceal the cute baby dragon that grows, as is typical of dragons, rather quickly. The common opinion on dragons is that they should be eradicated.<br />
<br />
Her brother, Jarden, is of that opinion. In fact, he's working with the guy who's at the head of dragon eradication, who he thinks is his uncle. He discovers her baby dragon, and tries to get her to give it up. When she refuses, he feels he has no choice but to bring the matter to the "uncle."<br />
<br />
With help from her father, who has also realized that she has a dragon, but is on the dragon's side, she escapes, and flies away to the house of someone who he told her would help her. While there, she discovers that her memory had been wiped as a child, and that her real parents are leaders on the dragon's side, and that she used to come here as for sword training. But even here she isn't safe and she and Toran, the son in this household, have to run again. Eventually, they end up where her parents are, and then in the middle of a war.<br />
<br />
It was a very detailed world, and I can tell that Melody put a lot of time and effort into it, though I found a few details, such as timing, hazy. Also, one of my favorite characters, Treya, is obviously half dragon - she has a pair of blue wings - but when you meet her parents, both appear to be human. Also, I would have liked a scene where she and her half brother actually sat down and talked about their relationship once he found out about it, but it never happened.<br />
<br />
As for the spiritual side, while I really liked how she managed the theme of how everyone has an evil nature, "the dragon within" per se, and especially Jarden's struggle. However the Sacrifice scene, while it isn't the worst allegory ever done, there was a high level of "blink and you miss it," and I think I blinked. Also, the Jesus character was a bit too fond of "bending the rules" for me to be comfortable with.<br />
<br />
And, finally, the formatting. I don't like to bring formatting into reviews, but this one had two big issues. I read the Smashwords version, and I don't know if Kindle has the same issue, but first of all, the book is in the file twice. Literally. Part of the reason I had no idea what was going to happen next was that, I thought I wasn't yet half-way through the book when things started to tie up. And then it ended and went into character lists and such. And then the story started over. The other problem was that, in the first go-round of the story, the first line of every chapter was missing. The same didn't seem to be true of the second go-round when I skimmed over it to confirm that, yes, the book was here twice.<br />
<br />
But all that aside, this was a very good book for a first-time author, and I enjoyed my journey through this world that Melody created. The plot was thought-provoking. And, while I went into the book hoping for a story about half-dragons (for some reason, I had that theme on my mind when I came across the book), I wasn't disappointed in the plot I found. I fully intend to read the sequel when it comes out.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="font-family: "serif" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Genre/Theme: </span>Fantasy, Dragons, Adventure, Christian </span></span></strong></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Reading Level: </span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- upper elementary to middle school</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Mature TEEN</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- high school to college</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="color: #006600;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">ADULT</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- self-explanatory</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Profanity:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #663366;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- no offensive language</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Sexuality:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: #3366ff;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">NONE</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">- not even hinted at. I think there was a kiss at the wedding at the end, but that would be as far as it went.</span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> </span></span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><br /></span></span></span><strong><span style="color: #663300;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;">Other:</span></span></span></span></strong><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 8pt;"><span style="background: #ffe599;"> Lots of fighting and people dying. At one point, Teran goes to a </span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
Kendra E. Ardnekhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03593051552921296108noreply@blogger.com0