Star Wars-In the Shadow of Yavin (review)

 

Star Wars:  In the Shadow of Yavin (1)

{Star Wars -Dark Horse #1-6}

By Brian Wood

& Carlos D'Anda

Genre: Comic, Sci-Fi
Published Oct 2013
Pages: 152

Publisher: Dark Horse Comics
Buy Star Wars Volume 1: In the Shadow of Yavin

Summary:   "In the wake of the Death Star's destruction, the Empire seems to anticipate and thwart all moves by the struggling Rebel Alliance - which smells like a spy among the ranks. Princess Leia forms a stealth squadron of her best pilots - including Luke Skywalker - to expose the spy and find the Alliance a safe home. In another part of the galaxy, Han Solo and Chewbacca are on their own mission for the Rebels, but that, too, has been betrayed to the Empire. And, over all, Darth Vader watches..."


Review:  For a Star Wars Comic this was better than several others I have read recently. The Dark Horse Star Wars Comics have always been a favorite but I am an old-school-style comic fan so most comics these days seem to be lacking in my opinion. The comic has the Dark Horse creativity but does seem to have some more modern comic touches. A nice blend for all ages of fans.

Blessed Child by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright (review)

 
Caleb Books:  Blessed Child (1) by Ted Dekker and Bill Bright

Genre: Suspense, Christian Fiction
Published May 2013
Pages: 358

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Buy Blessed Child (The Caleb Books Series) or View on Goodreads.








 Summary: ""Whoever said that a straightened hand was more dramatic than a healed heart anyway?"

A young orphaned boy was abandoned in the midst of an invasion and raised in an Ethiopian monastery. He has never seen outside its walls--at least, not the way most people see. Now he must flee those walls or die.

But the world beyond is hardly ready for a boy like Caleb.

When relief worker Jason Marker agrees to take Caleb from the monastery, he unwittingly opens humanity's doors to an incredible journey filled with political intrigue and peril. Jason and Leiah--the French-Canadian nurse who escapes the monastery with him--quickly realize Caleb's supernatural power to heal. But so do the boy's enemies, who will stop at nothing to destroy him. Jason and Leiah fight for Caleb's survival while the world erupts in debate over the source of his power.

In the end nothing can prepare them for what they discover."



Review:  Well done ted Dekker and Bill Bright! This was an amazing, inspirational and very moving story! This book had me grinning from ear-to-ear in one chapter and eyes nearly welling up with tears in another.

Season's Greetings by Kira Snyder- Review and Giveaway!

 

Parish Mail: Season's Greetings (#2.5)

By Kira Snyder

Genre(s):  Mystery, Young Adult, Paranormal, Novella
Published Nov 2013
Pages: 242

Publisher:  Coliliquy

View on Goodreads

  

Summary:  "Celia Macarty is eager to enjoy her first New Orleans Christmas, but school has barely let out for the holidays when she learns that mystery never takes a vacation. Using the clues on a Christmas card from 1933, Celia must unravel a supernatural riddle that takes her all over festive New Orleans—and deeper into her family’s past. As Christmas Eve draws closer, shady community secrets come to light, and Celia enlists an unlikely ally to set things right.

With the help of her witchy best friend Tilly and a trio of to-die-for suitors, Celia navigates a mystery and, in the process, her heart. Because in the Crescent City, Christmas is a time of enchantment and surprises, and a little romance might be Celia’s best present of all.

Celia’s latest Parish Mail adventure is an active fiction title from Coliloquy. Your reading choices will help Celia solve the crime!"

Review:   WARNING!  Potential spoilers ahead if you have not read at least the first book of the Parish Mail series!

This was a great addition to the Parish Mail series. The book appears to take place after book 2 (which I still need to read) and they days are creeping closer to Christmas!

Dead Letter Office by Kira Snyder (review)

 

Parish Mail: Dead Letter Office (1)

By Kira Snyder

Genre(s):  Mystery, Young Adult, Paranormal
Published Feb 2013
Pages: 379

Publisher:  Coliliquy

Buy it or View on Goodreads 

Summary:  "When Celia’s father is killed in Afghanistan, she moves with her mother to New Orleans, the city where her father grew up. Struggling to adjust and haunted by troubling dreams, Celia finds comfort in new friends like Tilly, a practicing witch, and Donovan, the son of a police detective. On Halloween, bizarre supernatural occurrences rock the city. Celia meets the mysterious Luc and finds a letter, over a hundred years old, addressed to her.

The paranormal repercussions continue when Celia learns that Luc is the restless spirit of a young man murdered in 1854, only able to assume solid form at night. And then, to her shock, Celia finds that the letter, which describes the suspected murder of a man in 1870, contains uncanny parallels to the present-day death of Abel Sims, a homeless veteran.

With help from Luc, Tilly, and Donovan, Celia races to solve the murder—and the mystery of the letter—using both magical and forensic clues.

This is an Active Fiction title
"Active fiction" is a new type of e-reading experience that allows the reader and the author to interact with each other and the text in new and different ways.

Kira has written Parish Mail like a TV series–there are over-arching mystery and romantic story arcs that extend between the episodes, while each episode has a smaller case that is presented and solved. Along the way, she asks you, the reader, to make several small decisions as you read. These choices do not impact the overarching storyline, but certain combinations “unlock” clues to the series’ mystery, which are embedded in the text. Kira also asks you to cast a vote at the end of the episode, to get additional feedback from her fans about their preferred love interests in future episodes."

Review:  Dead Letter Office is an interesting mystery novel. Yet this is unlike most mysteries one may have read. In this book the reader helps decide the course of action for the story. For those who enjoyed the 'Choose Your Own Adventure' books as a child (or even teen/adult), then this is the next step up!

The Wishflower Field-Marie's Triumph by Jennifer Fallow (review)

 

The Wishflower Field-

Marie's Triumph (1)

 

By Jennifer Fallaw

 

Genre: Youth

 Published Dec 2011
Pages: 116

View on Goodreads.

 

 

Summary:  Have you or someone you know ever suffered from night terrors? Do you know a child who is letting fear get the best of them? Give them The Wishflower Field: Marie's Triumph and empower them to take control back.

The story of a girl who learns to view fearful situations as opportunities to be strong. Guidance from loved ones and a new found inner strength, help her face her monster in her re-occuring nightmare and find her way to The Wishflower Field, a place of infinite possiblities. Lessons learned and wonderous adventure await her in this heavenly dream land and leave her with a quest to find her way back.

 

 

 

Review:  A cute story about a girl named Marie who has been having nightmares about shadows and being chased by a monster. Now it is affecting her when she is awake. Afraid to open the closet, or be alone. After failing to alleviate her daughters fears, mom calls in reinforcements... Grandma! Grandma tell her of a special place called the Wishflower Field. A special place she can go, if she confronts her fear...

Daughter of Isis by Kelsey Ketch (review)

  

Descendants of Isis: Daughter of Isis (1)

By Kelsey Ketch

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult, Mythology/Lore

 Published Oct 2013
Pages: 272

Buy it or View on Goodreads.

Summary:  "“Her mouth parted slightly, waiting for Seth to breathe life into her own body, just like in the story. She wanted him to awaken her senses.”

Their worlds collide in California’s high desert.

The last thing Natara “Natti” Stone wants to do is to start anew at Setemple High School. She wished she had never left London. Yet the brutal murder of her maternal grandmother has made her life very complicated. The only clue related to her murder is an ancient, encrypted necklace Natti discovered after her grandmother’s death. And if trying to adjust to American life is not enough, Natti is being stalked by a mysterious, charming high school senior, Seth O’Keefe, who is annoyingly persistent in his attempts at seduction.

Seth O’Keefe is secretly a member of the Sons of Set, an order that worships the Egyptian god of chaos. Seth’s blessing from Set, his “charm,” never failed, except with one person: Natti Stone. Her ability to elude him infatuates and infuriates him, and he becomes obsessed with the chase. But the closer he gets to her, the more his emotions take a dangerous turn, and he risks breaking one of the most valued covenants of his order. The punishment for which is a fate worse than death.

The adventure this unlikely couple becomes engulfed in could cost them their lives and their souls."

Review:  This was a fantastic read! When I choose to read this book, it sounded intriguing and I figured I would enjoy it. However, it turns out that this novel was better than I had anticipated!

Voice Over, Vol 1 by Maki Minami (review)

Voice Over!  

Volume 1

By Maki Minami

Genre: Graphic Novel-Manga
Published Oct 2013
Pages: 208

Publisher: Viz Media

View on Goodreads 

A new series by the author of the best-selling S•A! Hime Kino’s dream is to one day do voice acting like her hero Sakura Aoyama from the Lovely?Blazer anime, and getting accepted to the prestigious Holly Academy’s voice actor department is the first step in the right direction! But Hime’s gruff voice has earned her the scorn of teachers and students alike. Hime will not let that stand unchallenged. She’ll show everyone that she is too a voice acting princess, whether they like it or not!! To make matters worse, Sakura’s grouchy son, Senri, is in Hime’s class, and he seems determined to stomp on her dreams. He even has the nerve to call Lovely?Blazer stupid! But Hime won’t be deterred by naysayers, her new nickname (“Gorilla Princess”), or even getting demoted to the Stragglers group. She’s ready to shine, and nothing is going to stand in her way! Reads R to L (Japanese Style) for teen audiences.

Review:  Hime Kino wants to be a voice actor for herfavorite anime. To to so she must sound cute and girly. Yet her voice is anything but cute. She 'somehow' gets into a specialty acting school and is soon the but of everyones jokes and is a straggler in her class. Yet Hime Kino is strong-willed and determined to prove herself worthy. Unbeknownst to even Hime, she CAN do voices. Just not girl voices...

This manga had me cracking up several times. It was lighthearted and amusing. Not a slap-stick comedy. It does have depth too making it a good blend. And just a hint of possible future romances. The first few pages took me awhile to get into. At first I thought this might be a bit shallow, but then she gets a surprise opportunity to show off her talent and the whole story and the characters suddenly click and it comes together. From that moment I was hooked!

Sacrificed (Book 3) by Holly McDowell (review)

 

  King Solomon's Wives: Sacrificed (3)

by Holly McDowell

Genre: Short Story/Novella, General Fiction
Published Oct 2013
Pages: 86

Publisher:Coliloquy, LLC

Summary:  "In this harrowing third episode of King Solomon’s Wives, Hunters have imprisoned Sumarra. Trapped, tortured and missing her final window to become pregnant, she must find a way out or her ancestral line will perish forever. Time and hope might just be running out.

Her rival, Dilara, is the only Wife with the knowledge and resources to rescue her. But Dilara has other pressing problems: Infighting among the clans, the reappearance of a rogue Wife long thought dead, the Hunters’ continuing attacks, and her own haunting mistake. Will Dilara be able to unite the clans and be the leader the Wives so desperately need?

Dilara has always followed and enforced the rules, but in order to save Sonya, Sumarra, and the sisterhood, she must choose to go against everything she believes, even if it means sacrificing her rank, her integrity, and her own life."

 

 

 

Review:  Holly McDowell has continued to bring her story of King Solomon's Wives to life in this third installment. This one was the shortest of the books so far and while I am still not thrilled with how it is put out, bit by bit, I feel this book was more well done than the previous two.

This book goes back to Sumarra from first book, Hunted. She is being held captive along with another Wife/sister and is slowly being tortured. While we do get some insight into her, I was hoping for more. Yet I liked learning what a strong, caring line she comes from. The other character we finally get some insight on is Dilara. Sumarra's clan leader. Actually, she is basically the Leader of all the sisters. While she is a caring person in one way, she is also extremely selfish and deceitful in other ways. Quick to punish others for their 'sins' yet she has a few of her own that start to close in on her. While she is a neat character to learn about, she is far, far, from my favorite.

This story starts to pull some things together from where the previous books left off in a very clean way. The story is still far from over, but I am starting to see loose ends being tightened together. Also, the editing on this book seemed to be a vast improvement from the second two. It seems the longer gap between stories paid off in a fresher book! I look forward to continuing the series! 

 

 

*I received an eArc copy of this book for review.  All Opinion expressed are mine and mine alone. 

 

  

About the Author

 

Holly McDowell lived in Colorado, Georgia and South Carolina before discovering the magical and inspiring city of Chicago. She can be spotted drinking glögg, searching for the world's best tapas bar and writing in coffee shops all over the windy city. King Solomon's Wives is her first novel.

The Shard by Victoria Simcox-Review and GIVEAWAY

 

The (Black) Shard (2)

By Victoria Simcox

Genre: Fantasy, Young Adult

 Published Nov 2011
Pages: 255

Publisher:Two Harbors Press

View on Goodreads. 

Summary:  "Kristina's stay at summer horse camp is horrible to say the least, and it's all because Hester and Davina are there as well, making her life miserable. When Hester's cruel prank goes terribly wrong, it's actually what sends the three girls back to the magical land of Bernovem. In Bernovem, Kristina is very excited to see her former friend, Prince Werrien. When he invites her to sail with him on his ship to his homeland Tezerel, putting it simply, Kristina can't refuse. Reunited with her gnome, dwarf, animal, fairy friends ... and best of all, Werrien, things seem like they couldn't get any better for Kristina. But when Werrien becomes fascinated with an unusual seeing stone, the "Black Shard," Kristina is haunted by a ghostlike old hag. Struggling against suspicion, guilt, illness, and ultimately the one who wants to possess her soul, Kristina will see it's in her weakest moment that she will encounter more strength than she has ever known."

Happy Marriage Vol 1 by Maki Enjoji (review)

 

Happy Marriage Vol 1 

by Maki Enjoji

Genre(s):  Graphic Novel- Manga
Published Aug 2013
Pages: 192

Publisher:  Viz Media

Buy it or View on Goodreads

Summary: "Men - they're the root of Takanashi Chiwa's problems, which is why she never had the time nor the opportunity to have a boyfriend in her entire life. A full-time office lady and a part-time hostess, she works night and day to pay off her dad's debt from his failed business. One night at her part-time job, a high-class customer has her fired. Then the next day, she's called in to see the president - whom she had never even seen before in the office - only to find out she's to marry him! But what kind of guy is Mamiya Hokuto anyway? Will he become one of Chiwa's problems, or will he save her from them? And will this marriage even last?!"

Review:   This was a very cute and amusing introduction manga for a new series! Maki Enjoji started has this set up to be a great story, from what I can tell so far by this first book.

Waterfall (Dragon's Fate 1) by Lacy Danes (review)

 

Dragons Fate:  Waterfall (1)

By Lacy Danes

Genre: Paranormal, Romance
Published Jan 2013
Pages: 153

Publisher: Samhain Publishing, Ltd

  View on Goodreads

 WARNING:  THIS BOOK CONTAINS ADULT CONTENT FOR 18+



Summary: "It’s easy to fall in love. Destiny requires tooth and claw.

Dragon’s Fate, Book 1

Curses are designed to be cruel, but the one afflicting Jordan and his brothers is almost beyond bearing. A dragon born by blood magic, he is an immortal trapped in human form, with only one hope of finding his eternal mate. He must bite her—and pray she lives.

One dark night, he senses the wounded heartbeat of a woman in the shadows, begging him to end her life. Ever the gentleman, he chivalrously obliges her wish. Only to discover three days later that she lives. And has married another.

The Summer I Became a Nerd by Leah Rae Miller (review)

 

The Summer I Became A Nerd

By Leah Rae Miller

Genre: Young Adult, Chick-Lit, Romance
Published May 2013
Pages: 267

Publisher: Entangled Teen

Buy it on Amazon or View on Goodreads

 

Summary: On the outside, seventeen-year-old Madelyne Summers looks like your typical blond cheerleader—perky, popular, and dating the star quarterback. But inside, Maddie spends more time agonizing over what will happen in the next issue of her favorite comic book than planning pep rallies with her squad. That she’s a nerd hiding in a popular girl's body isn’t just unknown, it's anti-known. And she needs to keep it that way.

Dark Souls Book Tour with review, except and Guest Post!

Dark Souls

(Dark Souls Series)

Volume I
Ketley Allison

 

Genre: New Adult Urban Fantasy (OFFICIALLY)

Date of Publication: July 19, 2013

ISBN: 978-0-615-85755-8

Number of pages: 280

Word Count: 103,000

Amazon  BN  Smashwords

Summary:  "19-year-old Emily desperately wants a name for what she is. For what is consuming and torturing her. For what is changing her.

But she’s not crazy like her mother. She’s not.

Emily may not be as crazy as she thinks, because her body is no longer her own. Something is stirring inside her. It is soft, seductive, and tells her what to do to survive. As Emily learns that her world has been infected by demons that consume human souls and fit seamlessly into the bodies they empty, she must also accept that she is one of them. Yet, she is different from the rest, because her darkness didn’t inhabit her, it was awakened. And it doesn’t just want the humans."

My Review:  Great start to a series. Ketley Allison has a great debut novel here! The main character, Emily, is a young woman trying to make it on her own in the big city. While her best friend, Macy (who seems a bit shallow at first but grow on you), is living an easier life of college, parties, etc, Emily is stuck working two jobs just to struggle still to make ends meet.

One day, Emily's life is flipped upside down when Macy's boyfriend transforms into a monster and attacks her. Yet something inside Emily knows how to handle it and soon he is dead. When Macy friends Emily she is alone. No body, no blood...nothing. Emily soon finds herself in a world full of demons. One such demon tells her she is one of them. Or is she? For Emily can do more than other demons...

Emily also meets Asher, who she is drawn to, an his sister Gwyn. These two have secrets of there own. I must say, I could not stand Gwyn. She is just plain cruel and nasty! Asher on the other hand I couldn't decide one way or another. Being the book was all from Emily's perspective it was a little jaded. While there is a romantic element, there is no major romance in this book which was nice. While I wanted them to try and be together, it was sweet to see nothing was rushed for it, especially with everything else going on.

I felt really bad for Emily. Certain people knew more than they were sharing with her as she tries to learn about herself. I could not imagine going through what she goes through all alone. Although this is partly her own fault as she too is not truthful with others. Guess honesty is a two-way street here.

The book started off a bit slow for me and it took awhile until I could get into it. Yet once the pace picks up it doesn't slow down again even for a minute. It keeps you guessing who or what Emily is, dropping partial hints throughout the book. It was a fun thing to do while reading. Yet none of the hints give everything away, so you aren't stuck fully knowing what is going on until Emily herself learns the truth.

The ending left me sitting still, starting at the book, willing there to be more. While the book answers the questions needed to finish, it easily leaves things open enough for a second book. This is a great book for older teens and adults alike.  

Colour Wielders (review) by Dawna Raver

 

Heirs to the Magykal Realm:

Colour Wielders (1)

By-Dawna Raver

Genre: Fantasy, Mythology/Lore, Romance

 Published April 2013
Pages:381

Publisher: Curiousity Quills Press

Buy it or View on Goodreads 

Summary:  "Behind the Faerying Mysts, hidden from Mortal eyes, is a land where gods and creatures of myth and legend dwell. And in the Mortal Realm, their Princess is hidden away.

Quinn Sinclair lives an ordinary life with her less-than-loving mother in Conifer, Colorado, clueless of her true nature. On the night of her birthday, a staggering betrayal sends her life spinning out-of-control. As she struggles to pick up the pieces, a vision of a man with haunting tourmaline-blue eyes begs her for help, and she is transported into a Magykal battle-forever changing her life.

Frostbite

Vampire Academy: Frostbite (2) 

by Richelle Mead

Genre(s): Paranormal, Young Adult, Romance  
Published April 2008
 Pages: 327
Publisher: Razorbill

 Please Note: This book is the sequel to Vampire Academy.




Summary:  "Rose Hathaway’s got serious guy trouble. Her gorgeous tutor Dimitri has his eye on someone else, her friend Mason has a huge crush on her, she keeps getting stuck in her best friend Lissa’s head while she’s making out with her boyfriend, Christian.

Then a massive Strigoi attack puts St. Vladmir’s on high alert, and the Academy crawls with Guardians—including the legendary Janine Hathaway... Rose’s formidable, long-absent mother. The Strigoi are closing in, and the Academy’s not taking any risks. This year, St. Vladmir’s holiday ski trip is mandatory.

But the glittering winter landscape and the posh Idaho resort only provide the illusion of safety. When three students run away to strike back against the deadly Strigoi, Rose must join forces with Christian to rescue them. Only this time, Rose—and her heart—are in more danger than she ever could have imagined."

Review:  I enjoyed this a lot more than I thought I would. This books picks up shortly after the first book in the series. Rose is still in training with Dimitri and feelings run strong between the two but cannot be acted upon, with both of them being Lissa's (a Moroi princess and Rose's best friend) future guardians. There are some attacks on the Moroi royal families. This sends fear of what should be done to stop the Strigoi. Some feel it is time for the Moroi to fight beside their guardians and learn offensive magic, whilst others believe its not their place to fight. While the adults argue, some of the students sneak away to deal with the threat themselves. 

The thought process of Rose is easy to be sympathetic with and believable. The characters are great and very individual to themselves. I continue to enjoy the vampire hierarchy in this book, combined with the differences of Strigoi, vdampir, and Moroi.

 **Mild Spoiler**: There is one character death that was sad to witness but Rose's reaction to it was very well written. I am excited to continue with this series. It has definitely exceeded expectations.