About - Christmas is full of hubbub that it is easy to lose the reason we celebrate with all the rush. Yet, from the ugly Christmas sweaters to the expectations of the new year, reminders of why we celebrate the season is all around us.Covering from December 1st to 31st, this devotions cleverly takes usual Christmas events and symbols to remind us of the reason for the season and deepen your relationship with God as we await for the birth of Jesus.
Personal Opinion - This short devotional dedicated to the season of Christmas was a poignant read. Each day had a theme related to our usual experiences with Christmas, such as special meals, shopping, and ugly sweaters, and relating them back to the message and events of Jesus and his birth. While each read for the day was only a couple pages long, the message in them was short, sweet, to the point, and full of meaning. The book is so focused on its message there isn't even an attribution as to who the author is, focusing on the book itself and not who wrote it. If you are looking for a something to read that focuses back on Christmas, this one might be a good one to take a look at. Not only will it lead you up to Christmas Day, but to the end of December and a new beginning.
Storyline -
Cat and Ann are about to be married. At least, they were engaged but the author never wrote the wedding, which has Kaylie Keaton, a Dreamtreader, upset. While wishing she could read more of their adventure, Kaylie suddenly finds herself aboard the Robert Bruce, with no idea how she got there or how to get home. The good news is, the wedding is not far away. The bad news, they are currently chasing a mad pirate who is in search of the Isle of Stars, an island filled with glowing gems said to be the last corner of Eden untouched by man. Not only is Kaylie now involved in a story she loves, but it might just cost her life as the danger mounts. Author -
Wayne Thomas Batson Publisher - Spear Head Books Age Group -
13 and up Content - *May Contain Spoilers*Fights and skirmishes ensure between the pirates but no gory details. A man it tortured but the there are only screams. Kaylie is willing to risk her life to help her friends and save others. Forgiveness and willing to change is also a theme.
Personal Opinion -
We returned to the Robert Bruce. Yay! This was short read but fun to see another enlightening adventure with these pirates on the high season. One interesting part was that is wasn't completely just a Isle Chronicles story but also a Dreamtreaders (another novel series by Batson) story too. In fact, the story was short enough and had both these characters in them that the book could be considered a 0.5 story in both books' series. Most of the story was from the view point of Kaylie, a Dreamtreader, who somehow ended up with the crew on board their ship. It made for an interesting reading experience and the reader got to see characters from both series and a few quick walk-ons from other books (I didn't identify them all but I enjoy when authors write those cameos). While this was fun, I could see a couple negatives (experienced one of them) form this. One, I didn't get to see as much of Ann and Cat or their perspectives and thoughts as much as I wanted to (but the book ended making me think that there might possibly be another full length story someday so here's hoping [I know, the author finally writes another pirate story and, after finishing it, I'm asking for another. I guess I can't be satisfied]). Second, if the reader hadn't read the Dreamtreaders series before this, they might not appreciate it as much (maybe even lost). Still, it was a fun little adventure with an interesting and deep lesson inside it. Anyone who has read the The Isle Chronicles will want to read this and anyone who has read the Isle Chronicles and Dreamtreaders will really enjoy it.
Storyline -
The cats are off again into space with Hearth Books newest anthology, Space Kitties 2. In this collection, cats fight aliens, fly spaceships, and save their world from various dangers. A puuurrrfect lazy read for the beach (or curled up on the couch in a blanket once the snow hits) for cat and space readers. Editor - E. Kaiser Writes
Authors -
A.J. Bakke, Lesa McKee, H.L. Burke, Faith Blum, Rachel Ann Michael Harris (That's me!), Jamie Mortensen, Publisher - Hearth Books Age Group -
All Ages
Personal Opinion -
This was a charming read. Some had me smiling, some in an adventure, and some just enjoying cats in space. I think this anthology is almost better than last year's (no, I'm not being biased), not to say last years wasn't good, but I engaged with this year's stories better. Some of my favorites is the Operation Space Cats book 2 story and the one that is reminiscent of Star Trek and the beautiful poem at the beginning. If you want a simple, quick read or just to get a full story in short snippets of time, this is fun, charming, and full of various types of cats.
Storyline -
The world is falling apart; cliffs fall into the sea, a town is swallowed by water, a thriving city sinks into the ground. The king believes more human sacrifices will save them. His son, Wilek, believes other wise. But this is just the beginning. The five kingdoms are raging with their own problems, beliefs, and wars. Yet, they might soon all face a devastating disaster if something doesn't change. Author -
Jill Williamson Publisher - Bethany House Age Group -
17 and up
Content - *May Contain Spoilers*Sex, at least for the first third, was mentioned every few pages whether is was about concubines, teasing about being with a female (this was done by the males), being (or fear of) taken advantage of, or who was with who, it was everywhere. There is also a scene at the beginning were a man is sacrificed to a god and also a short history of past sacrifices. Magic with the use of contacting spirits and doing rituals. Now, none of what has been listed so far is suggested in anyway as a good thing to the reader. The characters, in their own opinions on certain items, don't see the issue but it is clear to the reader. A lot of the characters do want to do right, love others, and fight to help someone in need, all while doing something listed above. They are real people struggling in this world on a journey to the truth. Personal Opinion -
If I had to choose one word to describe King's Folly, it would be intense. At least, that is how I felt. There are numerous characters of all different personalities (some are more likeable than others) and the darkness in the world is very much the same as the trials and dangers of our world. The story, while having a very Biblical feel to the story, almost a retelling from on of its books, and the situations the characters face, I couldn't help but make comparisons to our current world and times. Themes also of sexuality and its use were very prevalent in the story and made me think of how people see and use it today. How much sex was focused on really bothered me. Yes, I will give that it isn't supposed to be a positive thing the characters are doing even though they don't know that yet, but I found it stressful and irritating to be running into it so much. It felt over emphasized when the human sacrificing or other issues could have been discussed too to see the peoples' sinfulness that is leading to the destruction of their world. It has a part in the story and the message it is sending but I had a hard time dealing with it. It got to the point that I would see whose point of view I was heading for and would dread it, wanting instead to jump to a character I was more interested in instead.
Actually, that was some of the redeeming qualities I found in the book, the characters I liked so much that I couldn't wait to get back to them and their interactions and struggles. I personally loved the characters Mielle, Trevn, Onika and her cat, Kal, and Grayson. I know I'm forgetting some because their were so many in this highly developed world. Strangely enough, while the plethora of characters expanded the story and brought it to life, there were also times I didn't like it because there were too many points of view and also made the book seem long and more drawn out than it need to. This had two affects on me. One was the too many characters, over whelming aspect, and the second was a world believable and come to life, breathing into it something not always caught in stories. If I had one more thing that I didn't like (yet worked in an interesting, almost teaching way) was that I had no idea who was supposed to represent God in this story for over half the book because their were so many different gods the characters followed. Being a Christian book, I thought it would be clear and I would get this right away. In the end, while I still wished I had known sooner, I think it taught something interesting in my not pinning it down so fast. In life, we get distracted by so many things, our wants and desires, and the various voices of the world, that we lose track of God and not always sure where to turn. Also, someone who isn't Christian, might think He sounds so much like all the other religions that it is just another in the pot. It made me think on how others might see the world and see God and religion.
In short, this book deals with some dark and serious matters yet the characters are understandable, relatable, and connectable where the reader wants them to change or become better or their circumstances to become better in a world that is terrifyingly like our own. It is a book that makes you think, especially when you start linking it to our world. It was a book which I had a hard time liking it but would recommend to anyone who like high fantasy and loves these types of stories. I also apologize for my novel length review but a book this size and this much depth requires more. Video - This is a song inspired by the book and is beautiful.
Storyline -
Pearl has always dreamed going to see the people on land, even if that means leaving behind the merman, Keel, who wishes to marry her. But, when he decides to give her what she's always wanted, it is a dream come true and ignores the warnings of the dangers of land. When she get there, will it be everything she ever dreamed or will the warning of her loved ones prove true? Author -
Jenni James Publisher - StoneHouse Ink
Age Group -
14 and up Content - *May Contain Spoilers*Pearl and Keel lie to their families. Pearl is a bit gullible which get her and Keel in trouble once. Some fighting. Pearl and Keel are willing to make sacrifices to save each other. The both learn the truth about the world, changing their perspectives and being open to more then they originally thought. Personal Opinion -
This retelling of The Little Mermaid had a lot of the hallmarks of the original tale with a few twists. And isn't that just a beautiful cover? Keel, the leading merman, is a real prince in shinning... ah... scales, while Pearl's curiosity tends to get the better of them. While Pearl is curious and determined to live her dream of visiting land, there was one moment in the story I thought she was kinda dumb but don't want to go into details because of spoilers. Mostly, this story is well told and well built but I did have a couple of things that I wish had been different. This book had a lot of kissing and cuddling and it seemed over kill. It also took long time for them to get on land, like half the book. The people were presented as cruel and the reader doesn't get to know what the people are saying (because Pearl and Keel can't understand their language and vice versa) which can be good but it makes me wonder what was said and if there was a miss communication that blew out of proportion. I wish there had been more on land time and mix of people and maybe a point of view of someone who knew what was going on that the merfolk didn't. For a lot of the book, the world is full of terrible people who only look out for themselves. But, at the end, there was some hope when one character showed kindness. This was close to the end with very little time to get to know that character and have hope that there is some good. I like Jenni Jame's writing, this being the third book of hers I've read, and I will read more but this one is not my favorite and could have been better.
Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble,
Other Reviews for this Author - Jenni James Faerie Tale Collection: Beauty and the Beast - Review
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Storyline -
Elizabeth is the second daughter of King Henry the VII and unlikely to ever receive the crown or be remembered. Shunned by her family, she feels alone and wishes to be great. Yet, when she starts seeing a flying sailing ship, she begins to worry that she is going insane like her father is rumored to be. When the ship lands atop the palace and the man called Captain invites her aboard, she begins an adventure where animals talk, travels through time, and meets the other children invited on board like King Tut, the boy king of Egypt, Neal Armstrong, an adventurous boy who jumps into everything, and Coaxoch, a shy Aztec princess. But, their adventures are interrupted by someone taking children out of their time and abandoning them. As they race to stop whoever is doing this, the hunters become the hunted and they will have to find a way to send the world's and time's children back to where they belong and find in themselves all they can be. Author -
Emily C. Burger
Publisher - Howling Wolf Age Group -
12 and up Content - *May Contain Spoilers*Elizabeth decides to go with a man on a sailing ship that flies who she just met. Coaxoch struggles with right and wrong. Each child has to face their fear and doubt to overcome the evil they are facing and use their talents. Personal Opinion -
I've been jumping between rating this book at 3.5 or 4 stars because, while it is good and interesting and the characters are great, there were some questions and concerns I had. The story was really good and engaging, having a Doctor Who feel with the Captain and the Explorer and the strange items aboard the ship as well as picking up people who are fantastic (the biggest difference here is in Doctor Who, the companions are just normal people while each kid in this book is a recognizable figure from history but the sentiment is the same for the people who come along). That is one cool thing, that the every kid is an important person from history, which really shows that, "Every child has the ability to make history," as Captain says, and there are hints of how these children do so while reading this book. Speaking of history, while it was fun seeing different people from various cultures and historical time periods, I did question the historical accurateness at times. The reader gets to see Elizabeth in her home for several chapters before she meets the Captain yet there were times I thought, "Is that right? I thought it was different." It makes me want to do research. That being said, the issue of accurateness also comes into play with point of view. It seemed it was mostly from Elizabeth's POV yet sometimes the author would seem to speak to the reader director, and then, again in the description, an item would be described by being compared to something else, something Elizabeth would not know anything about because of the time period difference. It made me wonder who was telling this story. There were also several POV changes without a scene break or chapter change that went from one character to another with only the change of a sentence. For the antagonist, I am still not clear is what his motivation and goal was. Lastly, and this is more personal, I would have liked to have seen Elizabeth at home longer at the end of the story, had seen how she changed, especially after how long the beginning was before even before a hint of the flying ship. But, this story was good. It wasn't a, "I have to get back to this right now!" story for me but, when I was reading, I was interested and engaged, enjoyed the various characters, human and animal, and seeing how these historical people before they were famous were brought into the story. I think there is a lot of room for it to become a series and continue on but it also works well for a stand alone. This is a good book, maybe one I would not say, "You have to go buy this," but, if someone was interested in it, I would say good things and support them picking it up. The author, Emily C. Burger, has a great future in writing if she wants to continue and work on it some more. I would keep an eye out for her next book.
Buy -Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher,
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"Claws Raised. Mouth Open. It Was Coming for Her!"
Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms
Storyline -
The adventure continues as Oliver, Tiffany, Mason, and Austin unravel the mystery surrounding their parents kidnapping and Ursprung. As they journey from planet to planet, more clues are found, more enemies are made and secrets are revealed. While struggling with all this, They also learn of an ancient truth of one who sacrificed himself to save the world and of those who still hold that truth. As thing get more dangerous and the come closer to their destination, their lives are in even more at risk then before. Can they stay out of the hands of the Ubel and Corsairs, save their parents, and discover the secret to eternal life? Author -
Brock Eastman
Content - *May Contain Spoilers*Lots of shoot outs as they fight to stay free and various enemies try to capture them. The kids lie at one point so those who took over their ship would not know what they had discovered about the mystery. The Wikks never leave each other behind and defend one another even when it could get them captured or in danger. Once they even put themselves on the line to save one of their enemies from death. Personal Opinion -
This was a nice edition to the story. The characters have grown, more determined and more capable of facing danger and always looking out for their friends, even when it might derail them from their journey. The is also a lot of action. That being said, this particular book felt like they were just running around from one spot to the next without much headway in the finding of Ursprung. *SPOILER* It was also not very believable when they shut the door in the face of a bad guy who had taken over their ship, held it shut until all the clues they had gathered were hidden and talking with each other on what to do with them, and then open the door and it was almost nonchalant as the bad guy walked in, found some fake clues they had hid and everything was find. This guy was supposed to be smart and devious and it barley phased him and he did very little to the kids who were obviously hiding something from him *END SPOILER*. So, there were believability issues and a lot of planet jumping. One thing that also just gets to me, and maybe this is just me, but, in stories where people convert who have never heard of Jesus in any way, convert on the spot with only a paragraph of explanation given to them, they just believe and it makes a difference to them, and the story they are given of his love and sacrifice is so general it isn't even specific on what happened. Those are not believable and even people who have believed in God for years find it difficult, challenging, and even face doubt. While this story gave me plenty to irritate me, I enjoy the adventure and think the idea of them finding the truth about eternal life intriguing also because I can see the hints dropped that the characters don't because I know the Bible and they don't. I look forward to reading the last two books and seeing how this wraps up.
Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBook, Publisher, Author,
Storyline - Harry Potter is continuing his schooling at Hogwarts and learning more about his past and facing more dangerous. In Chamber of Secrets, the school is being terrorized by a monster that is petrifying students and it is only a matter of time until someone is killed. In Prisoner of Azkaban, a notorious inmate escapes and is linked to Harry's past and it is taking everything Harry can do to survive the Dementors, guards of the prison looking for the escapee, around the school and control his anger when he learns the truth about this man. In Goblet of Fire, the Triwizard Tournament is underway and visitors from other wizarding schools come together to compete in these dangerous and deadly games, and someone has added Harry as a contestant! Fun magic, action and adventure, and friendship fill the pages of books 2-4 as things become progressively darker and more serious for Harry and his future.
Content -*May Contain Spoilers* Disobedience and rebellion is something of a staple of the series as well as fighting (and, most recently, hexing) with the bullies. In book 3, when Harry hears of someone who was involved in killing his parents, he want to kill them but comes to willingly giving them to the Dementors instead. In book 4, Hermione begins to black mail a reporter, handling the illegal actions of the woman herself instead of seeking assistance from an adult. The return of Voldemort is creepy. While they are disobedient and try to handle things themselves, they usually come to turning to a teacher they can trust and learn important lessons in the end. Lessons of friendship, justice instead of revenge, and standing up for what is right even when you might get hurt.
Personal Opinion -
Harry, Ron, and Hermione are in more adventures and danger as usual. While the characters do make bad choices that never seem to get addressed in the series of them being right or wrong, there is a lot of good in them. Yet, there is definitely actions I would not condone or support. The characters are constantly coming face to face with evil and doing the right thing. Harry especially keeps putting his life on the line to save others. I think the series also shows well how kids think and feel. The characters are realistic and trying to solve puzzles, especially when they can't get teachers to tell them everything, is normal. Also, the main thing of this series is right vs. wrong and good vs. evil. I think the characters keep learning the deeper into the series the books go. Of course, right now the books are still fairly light hearted, making me laugh out loud and chuckle and a lot of charming magic. Yet, I've also moved on to the later books and they get darker, more serious. I think there is meaning in that. While I can see caution with these books and discussions on some of the actions the characters take that are never addressed, it is a good series that I think can teach a lot about good, friendship, and standing up for what is right.
Storyline -
The Rift between the Waking and Dream World is open. Dreams are coming real and devastation is sweeping the world. It is up to the Dreamtreaders to stop it. But, when the devastation seems to disappear and everyone is in some hallucinative state where they can't see what is true and Archer is up on charges for misusing his Dreamtreader gifts, repairing the damage might be harder than they thought. Yet, help is found, in some of the most unlikely sources.
Content - *May Contain Spoilers*The characters, more than just Archer, have to look back on the wrongs they have done, whether or not it was completely their fault, and take responsibility for those actions. Creativity abounds, even to the down right silly. Darkness and destruction is filling the world yet people don't see the danger and terror around them, blissfully ignorant of what their actions are doing to the real world.
Personal Opinion -
A really great ending to the series. I even didn't mind 3-5 pages of resolution after the major battle (I usually like a few more pages of rap up after the major event at the end). I think the best part was the change of the characters. Archer didn't just get away with the wrong he did in the previous books but took responsibility for them and even Kara and Rigby ended up being complicated characters by struggling with greedy wants and hurts and yet not completely evil. Makes if more realistic and challenging in this way. Something I personally found while reading it was an allegory to life. The people only say the good they wanted to see, were unwilling to see that they was trouble and danger, it being covered up by a Veil. I think our would, and even ourselves, can be like that. We try to ignore the unseen costs of our actions and want to believe in what see only. The only trouble I had with this book was at the beginning. For some reason, I had trouble connecting the last thing from the previous book to the beginning of this one. I'm not really sure how to explain it. There wasn't anything wrong with it, I just seemed to be going "What's going on here?" It took a little while for it to come back together again. Anyway, a good ending to a thought provoking series (one of which I still need to read book 1. Read this series in order. That would be helpful).
Storyline -
A rose to mark the enchantment that turned men into beasts and only a woman can free them. The second collection of fairy tale retellings from Rooglewood Press takes the traditional tale of Beauty and the Beast and sets in in various and strange settings. Sailing on the high seas is a pirate ship curse by mermaids. A castle is threatened by the underworld and stone. A ballroom is filled with stone guests while the cursed master and lady-in-waiting must find who did this. Deep within the jungle, a Jaguar watches over one in danger. A Wulver in Scotland is running out of time to break an enchantment done out of jealousy. With each is unique, the collection brings back the story of healing love when all that is seen on the outside is an ugly beast. Editor - Anne Elizabeth Stengl
Age Group -
16 and up Content - *May Contain Spoilers*Almost each story had some jerk trying to attack the main female protagonist. The women were strong in their morals and stance on the situation and stood their ground, loving and, sometimes, forgiving the beastly men who were cursed. Defending the innocent and doing what was right was popular in the stories. Personal Opinion -
A great collection of five retellings of Beauty and the Beast told by some up and coming authors. The range of these stories followed the traditional tale to unusual. My personal favorite was a paranormal take of the tale which surprised me because I usually don't go for that genre. Even though they each told the same story, each was unique in who was a beast, why they were cursed, and how it was broken. They were beautifully brought together and gave new light on the situation and message a traditional fairy tale. A couple of times I felt some content in the story was reflective of Disney's movie more than the original tale. Also, guys were leering (or even came close to attacking) the heroine almost in every novella. That was a bit irritating and unnecessary in my opinion and makes these retellings for an older teens and up. Those are perhaps my biggest dislikes about the collection. Yet, this is a great read especially if you want to read a whole story in a day and read multiple versions of a fairy tale. Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher, Other Reviews Concerning These Anthologies -5 Glass Slippers
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Storyline -
Eamon has returned to the King after failing in his vow and received in return a miracle, forgiveness. But, finding the King and His grace once again will not make his path easy. Still spying for him under the ruse of serving the Master, Eamon has to return and do what he can for the people, being the King's hand, until he reclaims the city. But with the Master watching and the Right Hand ever so close to him and ever decision plagued by what might happen to those he has come to care for, can Eamon truly make a difference for other and not be found out or give up when the worst happens to the ones he tried to protect?
Content - *May Contain Spoilers*Couple of times women were spoken of in a derogatory way. Gruesome deaths that are a bit detailed. Lost of spirituality and power in those in the side their lean upon. Determination to stay with the King despite difficulties and despair.
Personal Opinion -
The return to Eamon and is struggles was a captivating and insightful event. While this volume didn't have many action scenes with battles and such, it delt with a great struggle, the spirit of man. Eamon struggles with staying strong and true to the King when one thing goes wrong after another and also needs to find a way to do the King's will, helping the people, while still hiding is allegiance and under the Master's watchful eye. It reminded me how we need to find a way to serve God and care for his people in out world when it seems so much of it has drifted away from him. Yet, the good works brings peace and glory to the One who truly deserves it. The only down side of this book is that it has some swearing in it and it can deal with some intense issues which makes it more suited for an older audience. This book deals with a great idea while also setting up and bridging books 1 and 3. Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBook, Publisher,
Storyline -
Rapunzel has lived her whole life peacefully with a witch who has loved her like a daughter, despite her ever bald head, the one thing she wish was different. But, when things get difficult in town, it is the witch they blame and they have to run with the help of the Tinker and his assistant, their only friends. That is when Rapunzel learns the truth of what the witch wishes of her, to help her free her real daughter who is imprisoned in a tower. As time begins to run out, Rapunzel will have to dig deep to find the truth of love and beauty before the witch's daughter with the long golden hair is trapped forever.
Publisher - Simon Pulse; an imprint of Simon and Schuster
Age Group -
15 and up
Content - *May Contain Spoilers*Some magic spells and curses. Needing to over come jealousy and own self concerns. Accepting who oneself is and helping others.
Personal Opinion -
This is a unique way of retelling the fairy tale of Rapunzel. I think it did a good job of examining love, what it truly is outside of the whimsical way we think of it, and even beauty. It really did a fine job of challenging those ideas into something real. I would recommend it for that reason. Yet, I found the beginning long to finally get to the tower and then not enough time spent there to truly develop clearly and perfectly the ideas that were being brought out. I also didn't like the lie the two girls made and never cleared up. That is an issue. But, this was a fun retelling and has a great amount of potential and beginning talking points on love and beauty
Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher,
Storyline -
The turtles are living in New York and falling into one dangerous event after another. Mysteries from feudal Japan and scientific troubles fill their days, putting them and their friends Casey, April, Angel, and more in situations where they have to fight back. While each character deals with their own personal issues, they come together as a time to protect their home and each other.
Content -*May Contain Spoilers*
Bloody fights and some swearing. Reincarnation. Abusive father situation early in the series and conflict because of it continues to cause tension. World domination later in the comics. Staying true to family and what you believe in. Following a code and protecting friends.
Personal Opinion -
The turtles are fighting crime against old and new enemies while making friends and discovering their past. A lot of things have changed in the story with this new publication yet nodes to and brings in elements of the original tales and parts to the TV shows and movies. It all blends together seamlessly and continues being a tale of family, right and wrong, and fighting for what you believe in. Each month, a continuation of their adventure is released so readers only have to go a short time before a new story is published (by the time this post will publish, I will have read at least one new comic in the series). The art work is great too. There is some content that I could do without, swearing for one, it is still a great story and not as bad as it could be. It is pretty violent and bloody so not for young readers. If you are a turtles fan, start picking this comic up at your local comic shop and enjoy a new phase of the story. (If you are picking up in the middle of this series, there are books with the past comics available for purchase that have about four comics to a book. I am using these to catch up so I have questions that I hope will be answered from where it began to where it is now. Example: the art has changed a little.)
Also, check out the Casey and April comics which is a brief side story for only a few months.
Storyline -
Izzy's world is turned upside down, her once joyous life with her mother and evenings dancing with the mythical fey folk in the woods, is destroyed when her mother dies. Yet, her father brings back some of that happiness until he marries someone else. Determined not to share with her father with anyone else, Izzy deplores her stepmother and sister, even when a budding friendship with the woman's daughter. As tragedy continues to strike, she can find very little to be happy about and is alone. Can Izzy truly open her heart and trust someone else, especially the secret of her friendship with the fey, with someone else or will this be destroyed as well? Author -
Ashlee Willis
Publisher - Dewdrop Books
Age Group -
15 and up
Content - *May Contain Spoilers*Jealousy and vengeance is often on the mind of Izzy. Overcoming past hurt and regret is a battle within each person. Love for each other and finding happiness in other's joy is found.
Personal Opinion -
After being a host for the cover reveal of this novella, I really looked forward to the release. Now, having read it, it is a magical retelling of Cinderella with a twist, SPOILER it is not from the view point of Cinderella but the stepsister END SPOILER. While dark and heartbreaking at times, this version explores the motivations behind the main characters, making the ones usually disliked sympathetic and human, not just evil and vindictive. The one thing I did not like about it was how much it was told to the reader. While it was in a first person point of view and revealed a lot of how this character felt and saw the situation, a lot of it was kinda straightforward. But, it had a beautiful message and an unusual, and interesting, take on a well known story which suggests a rethinking of how the reader understands the events and idea of unfairness while keeping to the original themes.
Buy - Amazon
Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the author.
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"One Beloved Story Five Exciting Writers A Collection to Cherish"
Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms
Storyline -
The tale of Cinderella is timeless and beloved. In this collection of five novellas, her story is revisited and retold in surprising new ways: 1) she has no interest in the prince or going to the ball, 2) the slipper fits the wrong girl, 3) reclaiming the throne from an imposter prince, 4) drilling on an alien planet when a ship arrives with a famous captain, and 5) freeing those imprisoned in an enchanted circus. Each is unique yet faithful to the original. Enjoy the magic once again on these spellbinding tales.
Personal Opinion -This collection of Cinderella stories, all varying in style, mood, and even genre, really bought out the character and story in a variety of ways. She is shy, a dreamer, and even someone who faces her fear. She lives where magic exists, the real world, and even outer space. She is also loved, hated, and even disliked by her step-mother and sisters. Talk about a wide vision of Cinderella and, yet, each story was special, unique, and fun in its own way. I particularly loved A Cinder's Tale in this collection. Not only did I get to read great versions of this tale that goes in depth of the story with each one being able to read in about a day, but also get to know new authors, some of who it was there first story published. I will keep this collection and re-read the story for a while and am looking forward to the next collection by Rooglewood. Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher,
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Storyline -
The dragon Furious has returned leading the Dragon Rebellion with one goal in mind, destroy the humans, especially Hiccup. As the dragons attack, the Vikings strike back, knowing only one can survive. Mean while, Hiccup has to survive and accept that he is to be the next king of the Wilder West. Yet everything is falling apart. He is losing everything, his tribe, his friends, and his family. Alone, he needs to find a way to stop the dragon rebellion before one side or the other is defeated forever. It is up to Hiccup to save the dragon and Vikings, and stop the wrong man claiming the throne. The dragon rebellion has begun.
Content -*May Contain Spoilers*
Honor and loyalty is tested and choices are made on how to treat one another. Friends are determined as well as how far they are willing to go for each other. How faithful one will be is tested. Death even comes to one.
Personal Opinion -
If the summary is a bit dark for this usually tongue-in-cheek series, that's because that is the turn the books have taken. Hiccup struggles with his calling and protecting those he loves as well as achieving his goals. He is devastated by the idea of losing dragons forever and is determined to save both them and the Vikings but as Alvin and his mother work on making Alvin king, they are determined to destroy the beasts. Right and wrong will be determined and loyalty as well as friendship will be discovered. Sacrifices are made, lives lost, and stakes are falling. There is only one book left in the series and I can only see a bitter sweet or a depressing (filled with tears and sadness) ending based off what has been hinted at Old Hiccup's writings. Yet, I'm looking forward to its release this fall. But, also sad at it ending. Here is to a great, crazy, funny, charming, and fantastic series of dragons, adventures, and growing up while becoming a hero.
About -
We all compare ourselves to others, and usually not positively. In the end, we become jealous, depressed, and upset when someone else's life is going better than ours and worry about how others are judging us. This leads to an unfulfilling life and rotten relationships. In her book, Kay Wills Wyma relates her own experiences from comparison, finding contentment with where she is, and trusting God to leader her. While it is easy to fall back into comparison and we all still struggle with what we do and don't have, we are reminded that God has a special plan for us, that we are not better or worse than others, and to be happy for others when good things happen (even though it can be hard).
Personal Opinion -
This book is insightful to the constant comparison we do in various parts of our lives. While the author tended to focus on comparing herself and what kind of mother she is when examining how other mothers seem to be, I still understood with much of this book. I particularly enjoyed the ending chapters because they seemed to bring everything together and was a bit of "what to do about this" where a lot of the beginning chapters brought more of an awareness of how and where we tend to compare and how it affects us. I loved the idea of contentment (something I read about and its importance in a different book) and that it was discussed in this book beyond just not comparing ourselves with others. With the personal stories of the author and quotes by others concerning comparison and being yourself, this book really shines a light on the issues and troubles of measuring ourselves against others and how we need to appreciate and be genuinely happy for others while pursuing our own goals and not to look down on ourselves just because someone else is in a different place in their lives. Because things are not always what they seem.
Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBook, Publisher,
Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through Blogging for Books.
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Storyline -
The Trade Federation has taken over the peaceful planet of Naboo, trying to force its queen, Amidala, to sign a treaty to make their occupation legal, allowing innocents to die. With the help of two Jedi knights, the queen escapes but their ship is damaged and has to land on the lonely planet Tatooine for supplies. While there, the Jedi meet a boy, Anakin Skywalker, who might be the one to bring the Force into balance. As the Jedi try to help Anakin and take them with them, Naboo is in desperate need but it is unknown if the Republic will send aid in time to save its people.
Content - *May Contain Spoilers*Queen Amidala, Anakin, and the Jedi are determined to protect Naboo and do the right thing, even at the cost of their own lives. Jar Jar is a bit manipulative. Many of them just want peace. They call on the Fates and the Force of support and help on numerous occasions.
Personal Opinion -
A great retelling of the film in Shakespearian form. The known dialogue and actions are contain within the story as well as going into the thoughts and feelings of the characters as well as adding some small, additional arcs, such as Jar Jar Binks aside dialogue. I also appreciated two Jedi's who talked about seeing a pattern in the Force, mostly because it related to an observation my mom made about the movies but, if I say more I'll spoil it. I think the only thing I would have liked different is knowing what the prophesy is. For everything that is added and expanded upon, this explanation is still missing like it did in the movie. I hope someday to hear what the prophesy actually says besides people just referencing it. Still, a great read for those who like the movies yet would enjoy them told a little differently. (In fact, Squirmy, the Ty, enjoyed it so much, he tried using the force to levitate the book for the picture. Please don't tell him you see his tale.)
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