Fearless Joe Dearborne by Lisa Whitney Mitchell (review)

 

 

Fearless Joe Dearborne

 

by Lisa Whitney Mitchell

 

Genre(s): Youth/Middle Grade, Adventure

 Pages: 198

Published: July 2014

 

 

 

 

Summary:  Some might say he’s courageous, while others would say he’s daring, maybe even a little crazy. But when Joe Dearborne risked his life and ran into a burning building to save a puppy, the local newspaper referred to him as “fearless”—and that’s a pretty big title for a sixth-grader to live up to.

Plus, Joe already has plenty else to worry about. After other daring feats in the past, Joe promised his father he wouldn’t do anything dangerous again, and, alas, he’s just broken that promise.

But whatever trouble he expects to get into with his father, and despite the dangers he’s triumphed over in the past, nothing could prepare Joe for what he’s about to encounter when a cold, bitterness creeps into his home.

A mysterious and peculiar woman named Mrs. Chill has just been hired to care for Joe while his father is away on business. In no time, however, Joe discovers that she’s up to more than cooking and cleaning, and she has plans to destroy his family. Joe’s effort to save them results in perilous, sometimes humorous, encounters, and leads him on a journey through the threatening wilderness where he faces his greatest challenge yet. 

 

 

Review:  Good book for middle graders (or ages 9-14). Joe Dearborne has earned a reputation for being fearless. Fearless...but not necessarily brave. Can you guess what he needs to do in this book? When a reckless boy needs to learn about boundaries, safety and bravery there is a lot to cover here.

Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop

 

Welcome to my stop on the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Hop!   

For this stop, you can win any winter (or winter holiday) themed book.  So if it involves the cold, snow, ice, yet or involves Christmaas, hanukkah, New Year's etc as it's focus you can win it.

The winner can chose any book they want from The book Depository!

OR

Winner can win 2 surprise ebooks with a chilling atmosphere!

Giveaway is open INTERNATIONALLY!!!

All giveaway rules can be found here.

Bout of Books 12-Sign Up link and statement of participation

"The Bout of Books read-a-thon is organized by Amanda @ On a Book Bender and Kelly @ Reading the Paranormal. It is a week long read-a-thon that begins 12:01am Monday, January 5th and runs through Sunday, January 11th in whatever time zone you are in. Bout of Books is low-pressure, and the only reading competition is between you and your usual number of books read in a week. There are challenges, giveaways, and a grand prize, but all of these are completely optional. For all Bout of Books 12 information and updates, be sure to visit the Bout of Books blog. - From the Bout of Books team"

The first read-a-thon of 2015 is almost here and I will be participating!!

If you want to join as well, be sure to click the link above and sign-up!  

I have no idea for reading goals or what I plan to read but stay tuned for an update from me closer to the event week! 

Gabriels Clock by Hilton Pashley (Review)

 

 

Gabriel's Clock

by Hilton Pashley

 

Genre(s):  Youth, Paranormal

Pages: 304

Published: October 2014

Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers

 

 

Summary:  "onathan Smith thinks he’s a regular twelve-year-old living a normal life in England with his parents. His first clue to the contrary is the faceless monsters in suits and bowler hats that crash into his family’s cottage. It’s not until he wakes up alone in the unfamiliar village of Hobbes End that his true identity is revealed: his mother’s a demon, his dad’s an angel, and his grandfather Gabriel is the village’s angel-turned-clockmaker. As Jonathan’s one-of-a-kind angel-demon powers start to kick in, he wonders if he can prevent the archdemon Belial from taking over Heaven and Hell . . . let alone round up his parents. A swashbuckling fantasy debut!"

 

 

Review:  This is a fun paranormal novel for youthful readers. With a menagerie of characters including demons, angels, werewolves, gargoyles and talking cats!

Best of 2014 Giveaway Hop

 

Some awesome books I read that came out this year are:

 

There are many others but these are the ones currently jumping out at me the most.  

What I am offering: Winner may choose any TWO  books published in 2014 that i have given 4 or 5 stars on Goodreads.com

So you can pick from these or check the link above for more choices. 

Giveaway is INT.  Books will be email format via Amazon, B&N or smashwords (depending where I can find the format you prefer).  

Tis the Season for Giveaways Hop

brought to you by The Hopping Bloggers & Up All Night Blogging

 So in the season for giving I have a box of goodies to give away

Goodie Pack with 3 surprise Christmas novels, and a large stocking full of misc items, tasty holiday treats and more!)= Total value $50+

 *Winner will even get to give me some ideas for what to put in their stocking!

 

This is a rare time for which I am willing to ship internationally for a prize  but I want everyone to have a chance at this.  

Hex Hall by Rachel Hawkins (review)

 

 

Hex Hall (1)

 

by Rachel Hawkins

 

Genre(s): Young Adult, Paranormal

Pages:  323

Published: March 2010

Publisher: Hyperion

 

Summary:  "Three years ago, Sophie Mercer discovered that she was a witch. It's gotten her into a few scrapes. Her non-gifted mother has been as supportive as possible, consulting Sophie's estranged father—an elusive European warlock—only when necessary. But when Sophie attracts too much human attention for a prom-night spell gone horribly wrong, it's her dad who decides her punishment: exile to Hex Hall, an isolated reform school for wayward Prodigium, a.k.a. witches, faeries, and shapeshifters. By the end of her first day among fellow freak-teens, Sophie has quite a scorecard: three powerful enemies who look like supermodels, a futile crush on a gorgeous warlock, a creepy tag-along ghost, and a new roommate who happens to be the most hated person and only vampire student on campus. Worse, Sophie soon learns that a mysterious predator has been attacking students, and her only friend is the number-one suspect.
As a series of blood-curdling mysteries starts to converge, Sophie prepares for the biggest threat of all: an ancient secret society determined to destroy all Prodigium, especially her."


Review:   When I first started reading this I was not sure I wanted to finish it. It came across as VERY young adult. The first person narration style we get for Sophie is bona fide teen speak. So while I could quickly see this appealing to teens (13-17) I had a hard time thinking of anyone over the age of 20 that would enjoy being stuck in her head. Luckily I gave it a few chapters and it does mellow out a slight bit enough to tolerate. Through in some her snarky personality and it made the book reasonably enjoyable.

Orphan Blade by M Nicholas Almand and Jake Myler (review)

 

 Orphan Blade

 

by M. Nicholas Almand & Jake Myler

Genre: Graphic Novel

Pages: 160

Published: Dec 2014

Publisher: Oni Press

Summary:  "Hadashi is a boy with simple dreams... but his life changes when a horrific accident maims his hand! Unable to hold a sword, he's kicked out of his dojo home. But the Orphan Blade is no ordinary sword. When Hadashi comes across the abandoned blade, he finds that not only is he able to wield it - the sword seems to be wielding him! He's not the only one interested in the Orphan Blade, though, and his ownership draws the attention of the Five Fingers of Death - a deadly group of mercenaries who have their own magical and deadly weapons.

 

 

 

Review:  Almost 2.5 stars but not quite there. I wanted to like this, I really did. The artwork is fun and playful and reminded me a bit of Avatar: The Last Airbender. Sadly the story did not live up to it's end...

The first thing that hurt this was right at the beginning. The prologue. I could not read it! The font style and size caused my eyes so much pain attempting to read it I just skipped it. So this comic and I were not off to a good start. One I get past that however, it seems to pick up. Playful artwork, expressive characters....I was happily reading along for awhile

Black Friday Book Bonanza Giveaway!!!

 

Time for a quick weekend giveaway!

The Prize(s):

One winner (open International) can win a book of their choice from the Book Depository.  Any title available, up to $15.

A second prize is available in the US.

I have a swag pack  and other goodies (including books)ready to find a new home.  Includes a magnet, poster, several bookmarks, & stickers.  Plus I will be throwing in some 2 Holiday books (or if you do not celebrate Christmas, let me know and I can remove them), some holiday drink mixes and candies!

For rules of my giveaways click here.  

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Also, feel free to check out these other giveaways I have running (many entries can be used on both giveaways)

• Pawn by Aimee Carter -ebooks- Ends Dec 15, INT
• New release Giveaway Hop- Ends Nov 30

 And be sure to check out the other Hop participants!!

Top Ten Tuesday 28-Winter 2014 TBR

 

Okay, so this is up a day late.  Sorry.

Anyways, here are Ten  of my top books on my winter TBR list.  

 I love this particular TTT but I always fall short when I choose a lot of books I want to read the most.  So this time I kept a more practical list of books.  Mostly review books (especially ones I am behind on from netgalley...), or some from series I am working on.

New Job

Hi everyone,

     Just thought I would give you a quick update.  I have a new job!  Which is mostly good except that it is a LOT of hours.  Long, hard, physically exhausting hours....

     What this means is, as you may have already noticed, that there is a decreases in weekly posts.  Especially various Meme, Blitzes, etc.  I  have limited time to post and I would rather deliver quality content with less filler for the time I have to give.  Some weeks I may be good completely.  Things should settle after the holidays but until then I beg you for for patience and understanding as I adjust to this new challenge.  I will do my best to be around, visiting other blogs and chatting in groups still as well, but that too is limited now.  

    In the meanwhile I hope everyone is finding fantastic books to read this Holiday season!

-Jamie  (AKA Jay Riv)

Pawn by Aimee Carter review and GIVEAWAY

 

The Blackcoat Rebellion:  Pawn (1)

by Aimee Carter

Genre(s): Dystopian, Young Adult

Pages: 347

Published: Nov 2013

Publisher: Harlequin Teen

Summary:  "For Kitty Doe, it seems like an easy choice. She can either spend her life as a III in misery, looked down upon by the higher ranks and forced to leave the people she loves, or she can become a VII and join the most powerful family in the country.

If she says yes, Kitty will be Masked—surgically transformed into Lila Hart, the Prime Minister's niece, who died under mysterious circumstances. As a member of the Hart family, she will be famous. She will be adored. And for the first time, she will matter.

There's only one catch. She must also stop the rebellion that Lila secretly fostered, the same one that got her killed …and one Kitty believes in. Faced with threats, conspiracies and a life that's not her own, she must decide which path to choose—and learn how to become more than a pawn in a twisted game she's only beginning to understand."  -Taken from Goodreads

Review:  This book has me a bit torn. I immensely enjoyed the plot as it unravels and the characters were nicely done. The writing moves at a rapid pace that constantly left me wondering where things would go next. And on the flip side was an inadequately built world around them.

Kitty has grown up in a world where people take a single test that determine what kind of life you will have. A six is the best (government officials, etc), a four is average and a one gets you sent Elsewhere, never to be seen of heard from again. However there is one class above it all. The elite sevens- of which only the Hart family members are privileged enough to be. When Kitty tests out as a three and is to be separated from her boyfriend she makes a few frowned upon choices and winds up with a very strange "offer" to become a seven. Next thing she knows she is Lila Hart! To protect those she loves she is enticed to become Prime Minister Hart's pawn.

Through the early parts of the book I wanted to knock some common sense into Kitty. She is very naive and oblivious to a lot going on. She is the perfect pawn, never asking questions. I often found myself disappointed with her. On the flip side, the other characters seemed very well done. There is room for doubt as I was stuck inside Kitty's head for the duration of the book but from what I read, each of them has hidden depths and multiple sides that are periodically revealed to the reader.

The world in which Kitty lives makes no sense. How did America become ruled over by a single family? How have they remained in power? The explanation is weak and filled with holes. For some countries that have always lived in government fear, this might have worked but I don't see America ever accepting such a thing. Revolts and riots would be way out of hand and overthrown such a concept. In many ways, the government system is similar to the one used in Kiera Cass's 'Selection' series. Yet it bothers me more here with what the plot focus is. Political games is much higher in this book.

There are several twists and turns in this book. Each character has their own agenda and secret(s). Everyone. Alliances seems to alter. Some real, others false and each time you think a character is going to zig, they zag. This had be distrustful of the characters and not quite sure how things would turn out. Some twists were obvious but some of the personality ones in particular were intriguing. People's motivations especially.

Overall, the book is an enjoyable read. I just need to pretend that the setting is somewhere other than the US. It is a fast read (seems shorter than it is) and is easy to get through. I will be continuing this series. The ending left enough to continue on that my mind will not put this series at rest. So while not an overly heavy cliffhanger awaits, there is enough of an edge to leave me wanting more.

 

(almost 4 stars)

*I was given a copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Giveaway:

I am offering up 2 ebook copies of Pawn.  I will gift you the book via Amazon.com or B&N.  Your choice.  I will just need an email address that I can gift to.  

For giveaway rules click here.

Have fun!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Divergent by Veronica Roth (review)

 

Divergent (1)

by Veronica Roth

Genre(s): Dystopian, Young Adult

Pages: 487

Published: April 2011

Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books

Summary:  "In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles to determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes infuriating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers a growing conflict that threatens to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her."

Review: A very active, captivating story of young Tris. While lacking on some of the world building and original creativity, this character's narration keeps you reading through the good and the bad.

Beatrice was suppose to grow up selfless but she never quite fit in with her family. Instead was wants to live her own live, to be brave...Dauntless. When her faction test results are given it sends her spiraling into the world of the unknown, and she gets the change to change her future. But her choice leads to her to some truths that will change everyone's lives.

One Piece Vol 21 by Eiichiro Oda

 

 One Piece Vol 21

by Eiichiro Oda

Genre(s): Manga, Graphic Novel

Pages: 200

Published: June 2009 (Original Japanese release 2001)

Publisher: Viz Media

 

 

 

 

Summary:    The Straw Hats are keeping the Officer Agents preoccupied while Vivi makes her way to the palace. Sanji's got his hands full with Mr. 2 Bon Clay while Zolo battles mano a mano with Mr. 1--or rather sword to sword body in this case! That leaves Nami on her own with Ms. Doublefinger--a prickly predicament with only her wits and Usopp's special weapon to depend on. Can the Straw Hats prevail against the best of the Baroque Works?!

 

 

 

Review:    This volume focuses on some great one-on-one battles! And what fights they are! They really put some of the favorite characters through some rigorous tests.

Grave Mercy by Robin LaFevers (review)

 

His Fair Assassin: Grave Mercy (1)

by Robin LaFevers

Genre(s): Historical Fiction, Fantasy (very light), Romance

Pages: 549

Published: April 2012

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt

Summary:  "Why be the sheep, when you can be the wolf?

Seventeen-year-old Ismae escapes from the brutality of an arranged marriage into the sanctuary of the convent of St. Mortain, where the sisters still serve the gods of old. Here she learns that the god of Death Himself has blessed her with dangerous gifts—and a violent destiny. If she chooses to stay at the convent, she will be trained as an assassin and serve as a handmaiden to Death. To claim her new life, she must destroy the lives of others.

Ismae’s most important assignment takes her straight into the high court of Brittany—where she finds herself woefully under prepared—not only for the deadly games of intrigue and treason, but for the impossible choices she must make. For how can she deliver Death’s vengeance upon a target who, against her will, has stolen her heart?"

Review:  I have very mixed feelings about this book. For the most part I enjoyed it but there were a couple parts where it nearly hit rock bottom. This book is a mix of history with a few new characters tossed into the mix to add some unique spice. Mostly positive thoughts on this new series so far.

November New Release Giveaway Hop!

 

Welcome to yet another monthly New Release giveaway.  Returning friends, you know the drill so just jump below.  

To new arrivals, you can win any book that has been or will be released this month. 

Any book published between November 1-30, 2014 could be yours.  Well, any book up to $20 that is. You can get a print book from The Book Depository OR 1 ebook via Amazon or B&N

There are some options below but don't let it limit you.  Fiction, nonfiction, Y.A, Adult, childrens, graphic novels...you name it, you can pick it!

Giveaway in International as long as The Book Depository can ship to you. 

Here are a few options.  You do not have to pick one of these, they are just ideas.  Plus check out the banner for more ideas!

 

Ruination by Amanda Thome

 

Worlds Apart: Ruination (1)

 

by Amanda Thome

 

Genre:  Dystopian

Pages: 338

Published: April 2014

 Publisher:  Athena Allie Press

Summary:  "What if everything came down to a single test? If your life was defined at seventeen, could you handle it? Could you accept your fate leaving the ones you love, or would you risk it all and stay?

One test stands between Vanessa and Central. One chance to make the leap across the walls to a better life. At seventeen, Central considers Vanessa an adult. Her labor role, marriage, and housing divisions will be dictated by her performance on the leap.

Dedication and unfaltering friendship has bonded Vanessa to Garrett as they fight for their chance to leap into Central. But what happens when love overtakes reason? When defiance in the name of love creates an unintentional fracture in their nation.

Without warning Vanessa is at the mercy of the nation that’s supposed to protect her. Exiled and abandoned she must fight but she find’s she’s not alone. With her heart divided she seeks her revenge, but will her stand be enough?"

 

 

Review:  Fans of Dystopian novels-here is a new book to check out. Fans of the Hunger Games and Divergent will be able to quickly relate to parts of this new series.

Nessa is a teen girl in a harsh world. The book starts off with her as a young girl and entails one of the saddest first chapters I have ever read. With her mother gone, she is forced to grow up quickly to protect her younger sister. She lives in s survivalist world where school lessons include things like how to make snares and track animals.

Skip Beat Vol 31 by Yoshiki Nakamura (review)

 

Skip Beat Vol 31

 

by Yoshiki Nakamura

Genre(s): Graphic Novels, Manga

Pages: 192

Published:  June 2013

Publisher: Viz Media

Summary:       "A bestselling romantic comedy!
Kyoko Mogami followed her true love Sho to Tokyo to support him while he made it big as an idol. But he's casting her out now that he's famous! Kyoko won't suffer in silence--she's going to get her sweet revenge by beating Sho in show biz!

     Ren is fighting to keep himself under control, but living as Cain Heel and simultaneously building the character BJ are really wearing him down. Kyoko is getting really worried, but even President Lory can’t do more than encourage her to support Ren. Can Kyoko’s own dark side give her the insight to help her friend, or will she be forced to watch as he self-destructs?!"

 

 

 

**On  a personal note- I was organizing my review index and noticed 31 was not there.  SO here you go.  Sorry about skipping ahead before!**

 

Review:       This series is starting to take a darker route. The summary concept: "A bestselling romantic comedy!" is not so accurate on the comedic side. While there is some humor, is is less a focus than past volumes. This really sets the stage for a more mature plotline.

Book Blitz- The Spirit Heir by Kaitlyn Davis- Giveaway, Free book links and Guest Post!

The Spirit Heir (A Dance of Dragons #2)

by Kaitlyn Davis

Release Date: 10/30/ 14

Summary from Goodreads:

From bestselling author Kaitlyn Davis comes the second book in the thrilling A Dance of Dragons series--perfect for fans of Throne of Glass, Graceling, and Game of Thrones!

Drenched in darkness and surrounded by the echo of screams, Jinji waits deep in the dungeons of Rayfort, haunted by the memory of the knife stabbing Rhen, plagued by a foreign voice whispering through her mind. A few floors above, Rhen rests trapped in a coma, about to wake to a changed world—a world where his best friend is a woman, his nephew is the king, and an enemy army surrounds him on all sides.

But human wars are insignificant compared to the darkness gathering unseen. Memories of lives she never lived flash through Jinji's thoughts, hinting at a past that cannot be repeated. A mysterious phantom visits Rhen, carrying cryptic messages of the future. And somewhere out there, the shadow continues to lurk in silence.

Uncertain of their relationship and tempted by new feelings, Rhen and Jinji must find a way to work together. The fate of humanity rests on their shoulders and the real battle has only just begun...

Buy Links:

Amazon│Barnes & Noble│iTunes│Kobo│Smashwords

Book One:
(Currently FREE!)

Children's Book Reviews- Sweet t and The North Wind & Mother's Love Ca Conquer Any Fear

Illustrated chapter book for early readers
Grades 1-4


Last time a powerful North Wind blew across the lakes, strange things happened. And the winter when Tara turns ten years old, the North Wind blows sharp, and the lakes freeze solid by Thanksgiving. Old-timers from the village warn everyone to take care.

Tara, or Sweet T as Grandma calls her, is tired of being cooped up indoors on this coldest winter day, and she tries to make the best of the situation.

But when Tara makes a wish that is dearest to her heart, T's ordinary afternoon leads to an hour of magic that takes her on a journey of discovery and a ride she’ll never forget.

This tale of a family across the generations weaves enough magic and whimsy to keep children turning the pages. It also gently raises real-life issues about aging. "Sweet T" entertains while opening the door for children to discuss, in age-appropriate ways, the illness of a beloved family member.

Review: A sweet read. I think this book can work for a good reminisce on happy times for adults, as much as be a good read for the kids.

Splintered by A.G. Howard (review)

Splintered (1)

by A.G. Howard

Genre(s): Retellings, Young Adult, Fantasy

Pages: 371

Published: January 2013

Publisher:  Amulet Books

Summary:   "This stunning debut captures the grotesque madness of a mystical under-land, as well as a girl’s pangs of first love and independence. Alyssa Gardner hears the whispers of bugs and flowers—precisely the affliction that landed her mother in a mental hospital years before. This family curse stretches back to her ancestor Alice Liddell, the real-life inspiration for Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland. Alyssa might be crazy, but she manages to keep it together. For now.
     When her mother’s mental health takes a turn for the worse, Alyssa learns that what she thought was fiction is based in terrifying reality. The real Wonderland is a place far darker and more twisted than Lewis Carroll ever let on. There, Alyssa must pass a series of tests, including draining an ocean of Alice’s tears, waking the slumbering tea party, and subduing a vicious bandersnatch, to fix Alice’s mistakes and save her family. She must also decide whom to trust: Jeb, her gorgeous best friend and secret crush, or the sexy but suspicious Morpheus, her guide through Wonderland, who may have dark motives of his own."

 

Review:   I had mixed feeling going into this. I have been curious about it for some time but the feedback I kept hearing was very mixed. I ended up on the side to enjoy this twisted retelling, as additional telling to the story of Alice in Wonderland.

     We should, by now, all know the story of Alice in Wonderland (if you do not go read the book or watch one of the many renditions of the movie). What we do not know is how some of the points are a bit...skewed, to say the least. There is no White Rabbit. There is a Rabid White. Yes, I said Rabid..you know the crazy, foaming at the mouth, don't let it bite you... Yep. and that is only the beginning as Alyssa finds herself traveling further into Wonderland.

Book I'm Grateful I read!

 

There are so many books I ended up reading.  Some I almost overlooked.  Here are a few like that:

There are so, SO many more!!

For you I am offering A $10 Amazon Gift Card or a book of choice (up to $12) from The Book Depository.  Giveaway is INT so ling as Amazon and TBD ship to you.  Happy Reading!!!

Dystopian Giveaway Hop 2014

 

Kathy @ I Am A Reader and April & Kat @ My Shelf Confessions are the wonderful hosts for this hop!

I love dystopian novels!  

In honor of this fantastic genre, I am offering the winner their choice of any TWO Dystopian novels.

Winner can pick up to TWO books from the book depository or TWO ebooks from Amazon or B&N

 $25 maximum value!   Giveaway is INT so ling as Amazon and TBD ship to you.  Happy Reading!!!

Some great choices may include (but are not limited to):