The Real Force: A 40-Day Devotional

"What lessons may we learn from this galaxy 

far, far away and how do they relate to the beliefs we hold so near, near to our hearts?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms
 

About - Star Wars is a rich experience of cultures, morality, and action. But, can this beloved series represent and teach us more about the Christian faith? Paul Kent takes readers on a 40 day journey through the saga, using characters and events of the Star Wars realm to show Christian teachings and Bible verses to bring readers deeper in their faith in God. Everyone might want to be a Jedi and use the Force and visit Tatooine and Cloud City, but Kent shows us who the real Force is in this world.

Author - Paul Kent

Publisher - Worthy Publishing

Age Group - 14 and up

Personal Opinion - 40 days of seeing connections between Star Wars and Christianity. For this devotional, I did only read one chapter a day and it was really nice. I just got to focus on that and got to examine my faith through this great story. Since someone at my church has made a Bible study using Star Wars, there were a couple of times the author would take a different approach to the same situation than that study took so I would start thinking "what about this interpretation?" I was just stuck with that other idea, not that what the author was saying was any less pertinent. I did enjoy this. In the beginning, though, there seemed to be times where the chapter, beginning quote, and the information in the chapter didn't seem to go together very well. Like, it started with one idea but covered another. Somewhere within the middle of the book, this mostly went away but made enough of an impression that I still remember it. It also seemed to cover the original three more than the prequels (but the original three were better). It is also too bad the author couldn't have incorporated anything from the new movie (I believe this book was published before the movie was release or really close to). So, if you love Star Wars and want to see your faith through the lens (or, maybe, parable) or the films, check out this book.

Video - This is a video interview with the author about the book and Star Wars films.

 
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Dancing on the Head of a Pen

"The Practice

of a Writing Life"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms
 

About - Writing is a way of life and an adventure. Robert Benson has been living this life for twenty years, struggling with the work and thriving. With lessons of his own life and quotes for other writers, Benson takes readers on a journey of living and writing.

Author - Robert Benson

Publisher - WaterBrook Publishing

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - This book was unusual for a writing book. While most books about writing cover fundamentals, are how-tos, this one was about living the life of a writer and living with, and working with, your book. It has a mix of devotional/advice book that was poetry while being read. Each chapter covered a different aspect of living and writing, usually starting with an event in the author's life, moving on to general ideas for the reader to think about and consider for their own writing, and a lesson at the end. What did bother me was the short bursts and the a section break before the next part. I felt it would have been smoother to remove the section breaks but that is a stile difference. It was a beautiful read and one I will keep around and want to share with my fellow writers.

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Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through Blogging for Books.

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How to Train Your Dragon: How to Fight a Dragon's Fury - Book 12

 

 (Hiccup and Toothless from the movies decided to fill in for Squirmy)

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - The end is near. Doomsday of Yule is approaching and Hiccup is in trouble and Alvin is about to be crowned king. And the dragon Fury is preparing his army for battle. As the Vikings prepare for a king and war, Hiccup will have to not only get to Hero's End without getting killed, prove he is the king without any of the Lost Things, and be crowned king without getting killed by Alvin and his mother, but also figure out how to overcome Fury without destroying the dragons once and for all. And if that wasn't enough, there are a few more surprises waiting in this conclusion to the How to Train Your Dragon series.

Author - Cressida Cowell

Publisher - Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
 
Age Group - 13 and up
 
Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Several death and battle scenes, not really graphic but the deaths are sad. Hiccup is faithful and true to his quest and responsibilities. He tries to defend and help those he can and forgives those who ask for it.

Personal Opinion - Wow, what a great ending. It almost makes me want to go out and look for dragons. I don't think I will ever be the same after reading this series, and isn't that what great books do? They change you? Take you on a journey, or go on your journey with you in life, and change how you see and think of the world? That is what the end of How to Train Your Dragon is for me. Considering anew, just what I love about books, how I see my world and want to react to it. The end is sad yet hopeful, wanting to make the reader cry yet smile at times. Sometimes at the same time. It also leaves the reader with hope. While dragons aren't real, there is a message at the very end, one I wont share for spoilers, that makes you consider things differently and what you are doing and seeing in this world. If I have one issue with the story, it is the repetition of the same message or very close sentences several times throughout the book which make it longer than it needed to be and was a bit overkill. Yet, I almost hope to read the story again, keep it with me over the years, and hope it has changed me for the better.

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Other Reviews for this Author - How to Train Your Dragon - Books 1-7
                                                    How to Train Your Dragon - Book 8
                                                    How to Train Your Dragon - Books 9-11

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The Complete Guide to Self-Publishing Comics

"Taking Control of Your
Comics-Writing Destiny"

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

 

About - From concept to marketing, everything changes when writing and self-publishing. Many books cover the ins and outs but how about for comics? Comfort Love and Adam Withers, wife and husband team having written and self-published their own comic book series, present a guide on self-publishing comics, giving their advise for writers, artists, colorers, and letters on creating their story.  With advise from top members in the industry and step-by-step details on creating a comic, this book delves into all areas of the creating process and marketing and selling process, giving a complete guide to self-publishing your comic.

Authors - Comfort Love and Adam Withers

Publisher - Watson-Guptill; an imprint of Crown Publishing Group
 
Personal Opinion - It doesn't matter where you are in your comic creating process, conceptualizing, crafting, or marketing, or who you are in the team, writer, artist, colorer, or letterer, this book will help. Each chapter not only gives insight into not only each persons area but also so each member of the team knows what is needed and problematic for everyone, preparing all members for the challenge ahead. Reading not only their experiences and advise but also the industry experts really revealed the world and business of creating a comic. Even though this is a non-fiction, how-to book, it was not dry, but used images and side bares that makes comics special within the book to illustrate and expand on their lessons. Some of the chapters go really into detail that isn't needed if you don't do Photoshop or Illustrator but those chapters do provide great insight into what members of the team are going through and expected of them. One thing I wish they had gone more in depth on was setting up the script. As they mentioned, they didn't have the time nor was it the point to give advice on the writing process (other books exist for that) but they did cover on setting up the script's format. Yet, I felt it was really general and could have had more details especially considering the details given in the artist, illustrator, or letterer chapters. Anyone interested in creating comics, even if they are just beginning, would find this book helpful and a great resource.

Video - Okay, so this isn't a trailer but fun, right?

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Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through Blogging for Books.

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Winter's Child

"'Once Upon a Time' is Timeless."

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Deirdre was just a child when she became the Winter Child, destined to right a wrong not of her own making that would take her across the world. Ky and Grace grew up together as close friends even though Ky is open to possibilities and likes to fix things while Grace focuses on reality and dreams of journeying to the horizon. When these three cross paths, it will take strength, determination, and faithfulness to their task to find love and their place in the world.

Author - Cameron Dokey

Publisher - Simon and Schuster

Age Group - 14 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* A couple of the characters lie to escape dangerous situations. The meaning of love and sacrifice and friendship are tried. The faithfulness to their missions are tested.

Personal Opinion - A fabulous retelling of The Snow Queen while keeping close to the original story yet being different and its own tale. All the characters struggle for what it means to love selflessly and sacrificially. Each is struggling with understanding this and has to live with the consequences of their choices and the choices of others. The author had several character points of view but also used the first person narrative for each person yet was able to keep who was speaking straight with chapter headings similar to those from the original story. Unfortunately, the ending was partially not set up so it felt like it came out of no where, making seem like it was just thrown into the story. This is a unique and beautiful tale of friendship, determination, and love that, while based off the same story as the movie Frozen, is its own story while still keeping close to the original fairy tale.

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Note: This book is difficult to find in paperback for a reasonable price in a good condition. You can find it cheaper for worse condition.

Other Reviews for this Author - Golden - Review
                                                    Wild Orchid - Review
                                                    The Storyteller's Daughter - Review

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Very Good Lives

"The Fringe Benefits of Failure and
the Importance of Imagination"

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

 

About - In 2008, J. K. Rowling gave the commencement speech to Harvard graduates which is now reprinted in this book. In it, she tells them the importance of failing (and that they will) and how that can help you. With personal stories, she encourages them to face that failer as they also find success. Imagination will also see each person through those difficult times as they struggle to find their path. With accompanying art, the message of the speech comes alive on the page to pass along her advice to a whole new audience.

Author - J. K. Rowling

Publisher - Little, Brown and Company

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - This book reproduces J. K. Rowling's Harvard commencement speech in book form with all her advice, personal lessons learned, and words along with pictures to deepen the message. I liked the advice she gave and the pictures just added to the thoughts presented in the speech. Each page had a small section of the speech and, while it was written in order, the book reminded me of a table top book that you can pick up and just read a page from. I think the only thing that got to me about the book was how much it cost for it being so short and only having one of her speeches. I guess I wish it was longer. But, this book would make a nice graduation gift for high school or college students but can also be enjoyed by who ever picks it up.

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Other Reviews for this Author - Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone

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Video Game Storytelling

"Unlock Your Game's Narrative Potential!"

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms
 

About - Video games are unique story telling systems. Not only do they have the basics of story, characters, plot, theme, etc., but also of being interactive, the player choosing what happens and how to react to situations. Yet, story is not always given the attention it needs in video games. In Video Game Storytelling, the basic principles and systems of writing story is given and also presents how narrative experts work in each section of game creation. Anyone who is working on video game narration will find this book helpful and insightful to give basic, beginning information.

Author - Evan Skolnick

Publisher - Watson-Guptill

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - Evan Skolnick, a video game writer who has worked on Marvel, Star Wars, and other such games, shares detailed yet simple basics of story writing as well as how each section of the games creation team needs to welcome that narrator. Have read multiple writing books before, this one did present good, beginner information of writing as well as new terms for certain concepts that I know be never heard by those names. This section is really good for those who work on the technical side of the video game to understand what the writer is doing and thinking. The second half of the book talks to the technical workers of the video game such as the animators and programmers revealing how the writer will benefit their section and needs them to welcome them into their group to get the best result possible for the story. This book is a wonderful help to those working on a video game who is expecting a writer to come on board and is also helpful to writers to know what to expect and some of the troubles of working on these types of stories. I usually don't play video games (okay, almost never) but have thought about creating educational type games so thought this book might be insightful. The first half made me confident as a writer, believing I could work on these teams. The second half was more helpful because it revealed how the industry worked and created games, and also showed that I need to know more about games before I could get a job writing them (which makes sense). This is a perfect book for anyone working on a video game and would be helpful for everyone to read to see how and why they should collaborate closely in order to create the best narrative possible for their games, making them stand out.

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Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through Blogging for Books.

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Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Visual History

 

 Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

About - In the early 1980s, two men shared comic drawings of a turtle with  a pair of nunchaku as a joke between friends which grew into one of the most popular team of ninja warriors. From comic books to an animated series to the silver screen, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles have been battling crime and their arch foe the Shredder for several decades and are still loved by many. If you are a new or old fan of the turtles, this book contains the beginning and growth of the Turtles to current day, learning all about how they changed, affected the people who worked on them, and influences a couple of generations of fans.

Author - Andrew Farago

Publisher - Insight Editions

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: The Ultimate Visual History is a great source not only to learn how the Turtles began and changed over the years but also to get the stories of those who worked on them. Each chapter was fun and I loved the pictures and inserts (except a couple of times I was afraid I might pull one out by mistake). All through the book, everyone told their stories and journeys with the Turtles and I liked how no one was villainized when things and relationships changed between the people (I don't know why they would but it just seems to happen in some books). The book comes with a poster and a copy of the original comic. I was first introduced to the Turtles by TV Teddy and the 1980's series episode where Leo thinks he is a Musketeer. Years later, I looked into them again and found the 4Kids version running on TV and really got to know them and loved the adventures. After reading the original comic, I was surprised how dark it originally was and wonder if I would have continued to have an interest in them if I had read that first (I honestly don't see the difference between vengeance and revenge which is a big part of the first comic). But, I think I will continue my interest in the turtles and will read the comics. One thing I wish had been done differently (and this is just a personal opinion) was the chapter on the 4Kids TV Series. I would have liked to have known more about the creation of that series and the work behind it and I would have preferred the images been taken from seasons 1-6 instead of the last season's. This is my preference because it is the version where I really got to know the Turtles so it is kinda important to me. Beautiful, colorful, and detailed book on the history and growth of the Turtles and I am looking forward to where they are headed next.  

Video -

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52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables

"There is One Spectacle Greater than the Sea:
That is the Sky;
There is One Spectacle Greater than the Sky:
That is the Interior of the Soul."

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

 

About - Author Bob Welch takes readers on a journey through the popular book, beloved musical, and famous movie, Les Miserables and examines some of the deeper lessons it shares. From sacrifice to loving your enemies, 52 Little Lessons from Les Miserables compare God's word with this Victor Hugo tale and how it calls readers to live a better life and see others as God sees them. The poor can teach us more than one might think.

Author - Bob Welch

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - Wow, what a great book. A perfect devotional-type book that takes the story of Les Mis and examines lessons and examples that we can take and learn from for our own lives. Each chapter begins with a quote and summary before leading into what Jesus has taught us and/or personal experiences. It made me think of my own life and how I treat or react to others and what I could do to change. One chapter I am still debating over on some of its points but I was very happy with the whole book. A read for those who love Les Mis or using books/movies/popular culture as examples to dig deeper into their faith.

Video -

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Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through BookLook.

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Ruby's Tale

"A True Rags to Riches Story"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

About - Ruby defies the stereotypes of pit bulls and shows the true nature of the breed. When adopted by her new home, she loves everyone she meets and goes on to host a radio show, perform in stage productions, and be a finalist in a Milk Bone competition. Her love abounds as she works as a service dog visiting others in nursing homes. Ruby might be a pit bull but she is not what someone would expect.

Author - Patrick Bettendorf

Publisher - Tasora Books

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - With charm, humor, and honesty, Ruby's Tale is full of wonderful tales and lessons on dogs and their abilities. It made me laugh at her antics, happy at the change of people, and furious at the behavior of some people to dogs. Through her adventures, Ruby defies her breed's stereotype and inspires her owner and fans though her exploits on stage, radio, and service work. Ruby's tale is not the only one to grace the pages but also that of her owner, other dogs, and the experiences around them. This, though, at times made me wonder why Ruby's story was chosen to tell over one of the other dogs in their life and seemed to derail from what the point of the book was. But this is becoming one of my new favorite books and would gladly share it with friends and family.

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Awards - Indi Excellence Winner
                Book of the Year Finalist

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Unglued

"Making Wise Choices

In the Midst of Raw Emotions."

(Picture to Come)

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Abou - Ever blow up when stressed or angry? Stuff everything down so deep that no one knows what's worng yet it affects your relationships? Ever feel guilty for these things and your angry feelings? Lysa TerKeurst has felt the same way but is also learning how to make "imperfect progress" in overcoming these struggles. She wants you to come along on this journey and find God's healing and change into a better human being. Start learning to stop coming unglued today.

Author - Lysa TerKeurst

Publisher - Zondervan

Age Group - 18 and up

Personal Opinion - I enjoy TerKeurst's funny, insightful, and true to life writing so much. Not only is she engaging but also shares to true life examples that others can understand. Also, the Biblical answers are really good and make great impressions on the memory. I previously read her Devotional of this same book and found that it had a lot of the same information with only a couple differences. Not that that is a bad thing (I bet the same could be said about the Devotional). I did like how figuring out how you either explode or stuff was done differently in this book and how the information was more put together in a block than just a few pages a day. So I think this book is great but so is the Devotional. So I would recomend that if you like smaller sections at a time, read the Devotional. But, if you like more information at a time, read this book. But, if you want to read both, I wont stop you. :) 

Video -

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Other Reviews for this Author - Unglued Devotional - Review

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through Booksneeze.com.

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Outlining Your Novel

"Map Your Way to Success" 

Bookworm's Ranking - 5 Worms
 

About - Ever wished you had a way to organize all your notes for your next novel? Have an idea for a novel but have no idea how to plan it? Think that outlining is just that boring system you learned in school? No worries. K. M. Weiland discusses these and much more. She has you forget that old way to outline and introduces ways that are just as creative as writing itself but also give a guide to follow on your next writing excursion. Weiland introduces basic ideas for plotting your story as well as a look at her system as well as advice from other writers in the business. Discussing ways to go deeper into your character and story world as well as ways to discover new ideas for your novel, Weiland writes simply and understandingly and practically for experienced and new writers. Go a head and take a look at this new tool for creating your next story.

Author - K. M. Weiland

Publisher - Pen for a Sword Publishing

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - I have watched K. M. Weiland's youtube videos on writing before and found them insightful. So when I saw this book, I had to get it and this book gave me some great ideas on future outlining. I tried not outlining (big mistake) before so it didn't need to convince me that it is important and helpful to outline. I have also tried using outline systems taught in school (works pretty well). But this books suggested technique sounds a lot funner and challenges you to not just know what event will happen next but plan characters, setting, and consider multiple events before writing out what will happen. K.M. Weiland's examples to demonstrate what was being discussed were excellent and really gave a concrete situation to think about to grasp the concept. Her writing style is also engaging and kept my interest. I will be reading more of her books in the future. This is something I will be referring back to and using in the future. I might change a thing or two in my process but that is encouraged and will help me the best.

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Marvel Essentials: The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 3

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Peter Parker juggles home work, caring for his Aunt May, hanging with his friends, and getting pictures for the Daily Bugle as best he can. But add to that being a super hero named Spider-Man battling crazy criminals and it is almost more than he can bare. Despite his best efforts to protect people, many citizens hate him and think he is the cause for their troubles. But Peter only wants to help others through it might become to difficult to continue and he struggles to keep his identity hidden from his friends. How long can the amazing Spider-Man keep fighting the criminals and keep his identity hidden from those he loves?

Author - Stan Lee

Publisher - Marvel Comics

Age Group - 14 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Lots of battles between good and evil. Peter works on thwarting the bad guys who want to steal, control mankind, and other crimes. Taunting the bad guys with fighting them, Spider-Man does his best to thwart them and then hands them over to the police. He lies to his friends and family because he doesn't know how else to protect them.

Personal Opinion - This was so fun. I have never read a comic book before (the closest ever being the funnies in the paper) but I wanted to give them a try so didn't pass this up when I was it at my library say a couple weeks ago. And I've been glued to the thing ever since. I liked seeing Spider-Man's original story. I also liked seeing his inner story from a new perspective, his feelings and concerns of trying to be Spider-Man yet struggling to be a student, good nephew, and spend time with friends. The only thing strange about it was how the characters described what they were doing before or during the time they did it. But that is probably because there are pictures instead of descriptions which I am more use to. Also, the names Peter's friends called each other was strange to me but the comic was published in the 60s so that is just a culture/time difference. Will be getting the next volume of The Amazing Spider-Man! Just hoping my new interest in comic books doesn't detract from my Bookworm standing. :)

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Chokepoint: Mini Mission 1.5 and GIVEAWAY

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

 

Storyline - Spencer is home and back in school but danger seems to have followed. While earning a place on the basketball team, learning LCT with Beth, and trying to find a homecoming date, strange men are coming after Spencer which is making the agents consider moving him and his grandma to a new location with new aliases. Spencer won't let that happen, even if it means agreeing to new precautions by the agents. When a chance comes up to catch the men, Spencer is willing to take it but he could end up in their hands instead.

Author - Jill Williamson

Publisher - CreatSpace

Age Group - 14 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Choices are made on weather to fight or avoid danger and weather to return to old habits or continue with his new ones. One crazy party were people are kissing, drinking, and smoking pot (the description is about as detailed as what I just wrote). Spencer is a little clueless about girls and their feelings but starts to learn a little bit more by the end. A boy is very protective of his sister.

Personal Opinion - This book lives up to the usual Jill Williamson standard of writing. It hits you off with a great adventure and builds to a fabulous, thrilling conclusion all the while creating realistic characters with their own concerns and subplots. And checkout that cover. The only thing I'm wondering about was how close to the climax the ending came. It wasn't bad, it was actually a great ending that still contained mystery and some great advice to Spencer, but I think it could run the risk of being a little abrupt for some readers. But it is a perfect story for those who read book 1 and are anxiously awaiting book 2. Another plus is that all the money from this book, bought either as an ebook or paperback, goes to help friends of the author to adopt a girl named Sydney! So read this because it is a great story AND a good donation. :)

You can also donate directly to Sydney's fund or go to the blog.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher,

GIVEAWAY -

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Links - Jill's Website
            By Darkness Hid - Review
            To Darkness Fled - Review
            From Darkness Won - Review
            Replication: The Jason Experiment - Review
            The Mission League: The New Recruit - Review
            The Mission League: Project Gemini - Review (Coming Soon)
            Captives - Review (Coming Soon)

Special Notes - This novel happens between book 1 and 2.

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Halfling Series: 2 Enovellas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 - 4.5 Worms

Storyline -

11:15 The Making of a Hafling - As Raven and Mace wait for their next assingment, they train Vine for when he will come into his gift. When a mission comes up, Vine goes with his Halfling brothers to stop a deadly fire just to watch but soon Vine get in trouble and he might not make it out alive.

A Halfling Rescue - The Halfling group go on a mission to rescue a movie star and her friends who have been taken hostage by gunmen. Under constant threat of being discovered, the Halflings work to subdue the captors but they might also get caught.

Author - Heather Burch

Publisher - Zondervan

Age Group -  15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Raven is his usually rebellous self and Mace is just as frustrated with him. The Halflings put themselves in danger to save others, even at the risk of their own lives.

Personal Opinion - 11:15 is the story of Vine I've been waiting for! It fits perfectly with the beginning of the series. A Halfling Rescue is a fun adventure that takes place between books 1 and 2. It was a bit slow but was a great story about sacrifice. Both were not as serious as the main series but cool adventures and were separate from the rest of the books so don't feel like you might have missed something if you haven't read them. I loved the comic like pictures sprinkled within the text (somehow, it fit but I don't know what I would think of them if there were in the main series. Then again it might be fun). If you are planning on reading the Halfling series, or already have, read these too. They will just add a bit more fun to the series.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBook, Publisher (all the novellas are free at each of these places)

Links - Halflings - Review
            Guardian - Review
            Avenger - Review (Coming Soon)

Special Notes - 11:15 The Making of a Halfling takes place before Haflings and A Halfling Rescue takes place between books 1 and 2.

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A Hobbit Devotional

"Drama... Humor... Insight...
What More Could You Ask from a Book?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Discover God's message and truth infussed in the beloved classic, The Hobbit, as Bilbo, Gandalf, and the Dwarfs on their journey to reclame their treasure. Filled with humor and relevent lessons from the Bible, A Hobbit Devotional takes readers on a journey of faith while Bilbo goes on his adventure and discovers his own strength and faces his fears. With Bilbo and company as examples, readers get a chance to see how fantasy reflects their ralities as they learn important values from the Bible.

Author - Ed Strauss

Publisher - Barbour Books

Age Group - 14 or 15 and up

Personal Opinion - One insightful, enjoyable, fun read. This was such a great devotional. Each one was filled with truth, as well as some ocasional humor, and great conections to the Bible. Loved, and really appreciated, how it covered what was happening in The Hobbit after the introductory quote so it didn't require me going back and reading the book to understand everything. The Biblical conections were thought out, clear, and soul lifting as well as challenging me to think about my own life. I enjoyed each minute of the book and will have to pass it along to friends and family. Only one denominational difference but it was wonderful and it will sit proudly on my shelf.

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Isle of Shadows

"Enslaved in a World

of Money and Power,

Tessa Dares to be Free."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Tessa is a hetaera, a woman who is allowed and trained to accompany men to parties and entertain. But Tessa knows she is truly a slave to her master, Glaucas, and sees her only chance at freedom is through her death at the feet of Helios, the statue of the god in the harbor. But, when an accident causes Glaucas's death, she sees a chance to live and gain her freedom from men's uses of her. With the help of a Jewish servant, Simeon, and a mysterious man, Nikos, who is not like any man she has ever met, Tessa sets out to hid the death and escape Rhodes. But, a member of the government, Spiro, has a mind to over throw Rhodes democratic system and become king, even if it means taking a few lives to achieve it. His plan puts Tessa's arrangements in jeopardy and could seal her fate to continue in her painful life. The ground is shifting and things are about to fall in ways no one foresaw.

Author - Tracy L. Higley

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Age Group - 17 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Tessa is a hetaera and is often lusted after by man. Life has disappointed so much, Tessa wishes to feel nothing at all but learns of God's love and forgiveness. Nikos is an honorable man who respects women and does everything in his power to protect Tessa. Simeon is just awesome. Some men are creepy, lusting after women and others but nothing is detailed.

Personal Opinion - One of the most engaging books I have read this year. Isle of Shadows is a re-publication of Shadow of Colossus which completely took me back in time to Rhodes just before the earthquake that would topple the statue of Helios. Each character was wonderfully developed and grown throughout the novel (in the note at the end, the author mentions that she did a lot of editing before re-releasing this book and she did a fabulous job). Action, romance, suspense, and an engaging story filled these pages. One thing that I wish had been done differently was more of a build up before Tessa found God. It just seemed to quick for how few times she had been introduced to Him during the novel. But, loved the Seder Meal incorporated in the story. It made me think of the times I participated in them at my church. The stuff about redemption was great too. Highly recommend this book if you like ancient history, Christian fiction, and action/romance novels with wonderful storylines and terrific characters.

Read the "Story Behind the Story... And Beyond" at the end of the book, too. It has some great and quick facts of Rhodes and the statue as well as how Tracy Higley came to write the story.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher

Links - Tracy Higley's website
             Petra: City in Stone - Review

Special Notes - Previously published as Shadow of Colossus

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher through Booksneeze.com.

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First Date

"The Last Thing Addy Davidson Wants

is to be on a Reality TV Show

Where the Prize is a Prom Date

With the President's Son."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Addy is selected to appear on a reality TV show to win a date with American hunk, the President's son. But she wants out. With no way of bailing on the show and her friends and family believing God wants her to do something there, spread His word she goes. All she has planned, though, is to get kicked off as soon as possible. Soon, she meets the presidents son. Who knew that he was so nice and cute. Maybe it wouldn't be so bad to win. But things begin to heat up on the show with the host hating her, the other girls believing she is trying to steal the spot light, and frightened to reveal her belief in God. Can Addy do what needs to be done before the show's finally and her chance is gone?

Author - Krista McGee

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Addy wants to share her faith in God but is afraid and tends to be angry with other people with her predicament of being on the show than showing his love. The host hates Addy for some reason as well as the other girls and they make that very clear to her. Addy prays for God to help her in what she is there to do.

Personal Opinion - So I started this book for something more light hearted and simple than my more intrigue, action, lots-of-little-details-that-you-have-to-remember books and found myself in a whirlpool of a charming, engaging, funny book that I couldn't put down. I found myself identifying with Addy in a number of ways; nervous about talking about my faith, shy, tend to think and not respond to the person I'm with. I also loved her friends and could identify with them as well. It was realistic and well put together. Something I didn't like was sometimes events, important events, would get jumped over and recapped latter. I would have preferred reading about them even if they made the book longer but this is definitely a book I have fallen for and will eagerly be searching out this author's next book.

Buy - Amazon, Christianbook.com, Barnes and Noble, Publisher,

Links - Learn more about the books and author here.

Special Notes - USA Today Review.
                          Starring Me - Review
                          Anomally - Review

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The Quest for Truth: Risk

"Oliver! Oliver!...

Come in, Oliver!"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Oliver, Tiffany, Mason, and Austin finally make it to their new destination. Using the clues they have, they explore the planet, finding strange messages they have to interpret and find a forgotten city. But things don't go smoothly. The become separated, each encountering different adventures, some almost costing them their lives. The danger mounts when the Ubel arrive. Will the Wikks get back the parents? Will they find the next clue of finding Ursprung? Will the be able to avoid capture?

Author - Brock Eastman

Publisher - P & R Publishers

Age Group - 10 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* The kids fight on occasion and one is disobedient. They care about each other but, as the adventure goes on, the care and respect becomes deeper. Each Wikk does what they can to look out for one another and try to protect each other.
Personal Opinion - When I reviewed book 1, Taken, I said this series had a lot of promise and that it could be exciting in the future books. Book 2, Risk, did not disappoint in any of those regards, even going to the points of excelling. I felt I got to know the Wikk kids more and the quest was fast paced and danger filled, the action beginning quickly and lasting through the whole book. The Christian element was also coming out more. Loved it. Just saw some telling, a technical element in storytelling, errors while reading but I didn't mind them much. This is my favorite book so far of the series and can't wait to read book 3, Unleash, coming out later this year. Wish I could have it now.
       
Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher, Author (signed copy option)

Links - Learn more about the books and author here.

Special Notes - Book 1, Taken, Review
                         Book 3, Unleash, Out in October 2012
                         Books 4-5, Out in 2013

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Bull Rider

"Eight Seconds of Danger...
A Lifetime of Honor."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

Storyline - Cam O'Mara's family has a history of bull riding, but thinks you would have to be crazy to get on one of those animals, preferring to stay on his skate board. But when his older brother, Ben, returns home from Iraq, injured from an IED, Cam would do anything for him. Even if it means getting on the one bull no one has ridden, with fifteen thousand dollars being offered to the first one who can stay on for a full 8 seconds.
Author - Suzanne Morgan Williams

Publisher - Margaret K. Mcelderry; Imprint of Simon and Schuster's Children's Division

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Cam wants to hate the people who hurt his brother but is encouraged not too. He tries to help his brother in anyway he can but wants to run too because of how hard it is to see him after the attack. Lies multiple times, sometimes even encouraged and supported by other adults, but usually gets in trouble. Tries to commit fraud, as well as attempts to purchase a fake ID, and isn't rewarded for it but isn't punished much for it either.

Personal Opinion - When I saw the cover, I was intrigued. When I heard what it was about, I was excited. When I read it, I was blown away. I read this book within days of starting it, finding it hard to put down and wanting to know what happened next. I used to love to watch bull riding, still do, even though I tend to cheer for the bull and not the rider, which is what initially made me want to read this. But it is so much more than just bull riding. It is about a young man's struggle to handle life after his brother gets hurt and what he is willing to do to help him. This book was wonderful, my only complaints being I wish the friends had been developed more earlier in the book and some St. Jude medals were used more like a good-luck charm instead of how they really should be used (but any other time God or Christian stuff was brought up, it was very respectful and accurate, so I don't think the author means anything negative with this use). A great book with a wonderful story, action, growth, learning, and characters. Oh, and bull riding.

Buy - Amazon
Links - Learn more about the book and author here.
Special Notes - A list of awards and articles are available too on the author's website.

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