Quest for Truth: Unleash

"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

Publisher - P & R Publishing

Age Group - 14 and up

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.  

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Other Reviews for this Author - Quest for the Truth: Taken - Review
                                                    Quest for the Truth: Risk - Review
                                                    Sages of Darkness: Howlsage - Review

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Chew on a good book today!

The Knight of Eldaran: The King's Hand

"Any Man Can Deceive.
But There is a Price."
 

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

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?

Author - Anna Thayer

Publisher - Kregel Publications

Age Group - 16 and up

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.

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Other Reviews for this Author - The Traitor's Heir - Book 1

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

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Chew on a good book today!

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.

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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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Chew on a good book today!

 

Yawning at Tigers

"You Can't Tame God,

So Stop Trying"

Bookworm's Ranking - 5 Worms

About - We often talk about God's loving kindness, mercy, and companionship. Yet, in making God a buddy, we tend to bring God down to our own understanding, taming the tiger that He is. Beautiful and majestic yet capable of being ferocious and dangerous. With detailed sources from the Bible as well as scholars, Drew Dyck takes readers though an adventure of seeing both sides of this loving yet dangerous God that we call Abba, follow, and love.

Author - Drew Nathan Dyck

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Age Group - 17 and up

Personal Opinion - The premise of this book, that we shrink God down to a size we understand thus remove his awesomeness, hit home because it is something not only have I done but have seen in similar instances that Dyck cited. I loved how he used personal and media stories to introduce the topic of each chapter, bring it home, and the quotes he used to support his points. I also love that, despite this book is about not shrinking God to being your best bud but also seeing his wonder and power, it was not fire and brimstone either but brought back to the contradiction, near and fare, merciful but just, loving and wrathful, He has always been. This book was true to life and made me think of God in a new way but not contradictory to my faith. Instead, renewed the view of him. One thing I wish this book had done more was give ideas of how to renew that image and relationship with God. It mostly brought an awareness of what was happening but maybe that is a good start to changing how we approach and treat our Lord.

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

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Wars of the Realm: Cloak of the Light

"Drew is Caught

in a World of Light -

Just Inches Away from Dark."

Bookworm's Ranking - 3 Worms

Storyline - Drew and his mother has suffered terrible afflictions all his life. Death almost seems to be just a step behind him. Then, one day, he suffers a terrible accident and goes blind. When miraculously his sight returns, he begins seeing people, or invaders, that no one else seems to see. The invaders seem interested in humans, but why? Drew has to figure that out with his friend Ben, who is missing, all the while trying to not get caught by the invaders or to reveal that he sees them, as well as learn is God is real, or just a myth.

Author - Chuck Black

Publisher - Multnomah Books

Age Group - 17 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Two deadly car accidents and several snering Invaders are featured through out the novel as well as one kid and a couple girls almost getting attacked.
A school shooting takes place. Drew doesn't believe in God but in interested in a girl who does. Characters try to look out for each other even if it means getting themselves in danger. 

Personal Opinion - I read Chuck Black's Kingdom Series years ago and it was really good. In Cloak of the Light, I like how Black developed his character and gave him a history of trouble and struggle to make him believable. Drew's trials help the reader identify with him and his experiences which showed him be a good person who made mistakes and bad things happen to. The Invaders were well portrayed to in how they influenced people or tried to strike out at them. Yet, I had trouble finding this book as a whole interesting because of how long it took. Drew's high school experience had to completely be depicted even though the catalyst event didn't happen until he was in college, one hundred pages into the book. Lastly, I was a little disappointed on how the issue of not believing in God was handled making Drew's reasons for disbelief make him look like he was stupid (Drew's disbelief wasn't brought up until he was in college either). I didn't feel that it was portrayed well and, if I had given this book to someone who didn't believe in God, they would have been insulted by how their view point was displayed. Cloak of the Light does hold promise, though, because the pace picked up speed halfway through and Drew is a good person who wants to protect others and fights for those who cannot.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Christian Book, Publisher,

Special Notes - This author previously wrote The Kingdom Series which I recommend.

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

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Limitless

"Devotions for a Ridiculously Good Life" 

Bookworm's Ranking - 5 Worms

About - Nick was born without arms or legs, was bullied while growing up, yet knows the love of God and that he was made with a purpose. He had felt the highest hope and deepest despair and travels around the world sharing his story and encouraging others to not give up and to find a purpose in their life. Now, Nick shares this same massage in 50 daily devotions to encourage readers to over come their obstacles, find hope and love in God, and to find their purpose in life.

Author - Nick Vujicic

Publisher - WaterBrook Press

Age Group - 15 and up

Personal Opinion - This book was so wonderful. I loved Nick's story and message before from watching his youtube videos. And this book incorporated everything he talks about and I found it so encouraging. Using his own experiences and journey and other's stories, he gives advice for overcoming your difficulties, for finding your purpose and living your dreams, and to remember that God loves you. Nick truly found his calling in what he does because he delivers those messages perfectly and it speaks to the heart. I wish there had been a spot to write my own thoughts but perhaps that is normal for devotionals. Will be reading this again and giving it as a gift. Perfect for encouragement and inspiration.

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Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.

Rank this Review - 
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So Shines the Night & Mini Author Interview with Giveaway

"On an Island Teetering

at the Brink of Anarchy,

Daria Finds Hope

Among People of The Way."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline -Daria is without home or employment. Chased from Rhodes, she has little choice but to accept the offer of a strange, yet charming, man, Lucas, to go to Ephesus and be his Persian tutor. But his demeanor changes upon their arrival to the city and she sees there is something dark stirring inside him. Slowly, she begins to uncover the mysteries of his wife's death and his need for vengeance, but ghosts from her past has followed her to Ephesus. As the city struggles with fraction with sorcerers, being faithful to the goddess Artemis, and the new fraction of believers of One God who call themselves Christians lead by a man named Paul, both Daria and Lucas will have to choose their way. But darkness is on their heels, waiting to take not only their souls, but lives as well.

Author - Tracy Higley

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Age Group - 16 or 17 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* The characters regularly run across Sorcerers and one tries magic. Lucas is filled with guilt and the desire for revenge but slowly sees the error of his ways. Daria tries to use her mind to make decisions but grows in relying on God after she meets the Christians. Paul and the other Christians speak of God's love and desire for everyone to turn to Him.

Personal Opinion -While twists and turns travel through this novel in the plot and the characters, Tracy Higley draws beautiful messages of God's love for us into its core. Daria and Lucas were true to life characters with genuine struggles. The plot was detailed and complex, a danger to an unskilled author but Tracy pulls it all together with no loop holes. Beginning the book in Rhodes was fun because that was were the last book of Tracy's I read left off. It kinda brought the two together yet this book still can be read as a stand alone. I didn't see many of the plot twists coming and, despite its length, never bored with bits of new information given at perfect intervals to keep me interested and coming to understand better what was haunting Lucas and Daria. My favorite part was how much was got to know and spend time with Paul and the Christians. It made the changes in Lucas and Daria more believable because I got to see how their lives slowly change because of what they were learning. The book is a bit dark at times but that is because of the sorcerer subject matter, which is never detailed by is still creepy (at least for me). Tracy's books always do a great job in creating 3D characters and engage plots and So Shines the Night is no exception.

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Mini Author Interview - As part of the Caravan blog tour, I was able to ask Tracy some questions. Enjoy!

What made you interested in writing ancient history fiction?
I’m not sure! It evolved in my mind, and I suppose it was the tie-in to biblical history, to the time period which informed my faith and held so many stories I already knew and loved. But I’ve never been content to look at Scripture through the single historical lens of the Judea. I’ve always wanted to see the Old and New Testament periods through the eyes of the world outside the Jewish people, from the pagan perspective.
 
How do you do your research?
It’s a multi-tiered approach, with very basic research at first (sometimes even juvenile non-fiction), to get a high-level view, then going deeper into the specific days/years I’ll be writing about, and then getting a broad view of the daily life and culture through dusty textbooks. All of this goes into my “notebook” and inspires specific plots and scenes. As I am actually writing the first draft, I often leave placeholders where more specific research is needed, like an XX where a number or detail should go. At the end, I go back and find all those placeholders and research the details, often online where it’s much easier to search for very specific information.  

Can you share anything about your future projects?
The best way to get a sense of what I’m working on now would be to visit this page: http://tracyhigley.com/books/work-in-progress/  Although, don’t hold me to all those thoughts about the book I haven’t started yet – who knows where that will go!

Make sure to enter the giveaway Tracy is hosting during the blog tour by going here. Be sure to enter my giveaway too at the bottom of this review.

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Links - Petra: City in Stone - Review
            Isle of Shadows - Review

Giveaway - Enter to win not on So Shines the Night but Isle of Shadows too!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

CHECK OUT TRACY'S GIVEAWAY TOO! 

READ THROUGH THE MINI AUTHOR INTERVIEW TO FIND THE LINK! 

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

To read or comment on this and other reviews, stop by Bookworm

Chasing Jupiter

"When the World Around You Falls Apart,

Dreams are all You Have."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - It is the 1960s, man has launched into space and walked on the moon and Scarlett is having trouble fitting in with her strange brother, Cliff, and awkward grandfather which causes people to stair and whisper. A loner at school and stressed from her parents fights and her sister lies, Scarlett does what she can to take care of the house and her brother. But when he brother requests her help in building a rocket to Jupiter, she can't disappoint him. Making her specialty, peach pies, and with the help of the perch farmer's son, Frank, Scarlett and Cliff sell the pies to earn money for their rocket. As the summer progresses, Scarlett's family is falling more and more apart. And then a tragedy shakes her world. Seeing no hope, Scarlett will have to make the decide if she will trust the God she has ignored and find peace.

Author - Rachel Coker

Publisher - Zondervan

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Scarlett's sister goes out all night with a hippie boy friend and is clear that she is not making good decisions but the book doesn't go into detail on what she is doing. Scarlett is taught about God and His love and faithfulness. Scarlett tries to do the best by her family and on occasion stumbles.  

Personal Opinion - Chasing Jupiter is one of the most moving books I have ever read. I might not be completely fond of the ending but it speaks on a level of trusting in God's love and His purpose, even when you can't see it. It also speaks on loving others, not judging someone just because they are different, and helping your family. I think a lot of people can identify with the broken family aspect even if the novel is placed in the 1960s. There were several points where this book had me bawling but it ends with hope and trusting in God. Even though I felt that the novel could have gone deeper with some of the side characters by spending more time with them and the ending isn't my favorite, I will be looking into more books by this author who is incredibly talented in story telling and character creation.

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Blog Tour -

ADD Librarian

Becoming More Like You

Book Nook 4 You

Blooming with Books

Christian Book Review Blog

CTF Devourer

Gillian Adams

Jessica Laurie

Jill Williamson

Labor Not in Vain

Rachelle Rea

The Ramblings of a Young Author

A Slightly Nerdy Bookworm

Shadow Writer World

Surrendering All of Me

Worthy2Read

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Chasing Jupiter by Rachel Coker by clicking on the links above, and check out www.NovelTeen.com for more information about Team Novel Teen.

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Links - Rachel's Website
            Talking about Chasing Jupiter

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher/author through Team Novel Teen.

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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.

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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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Starring Me

"Kara McKormick is Told She's Auditioning
to Star in a New Teen Variety Show.
It's What She isn't Told
that Could Change Her Life."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Kara gets the chance to finally chase her dreams when she's invited to audition for a new TV show. But as she gets to know her competition, she wonders if she has what it takes to make it in the world of acting. When tragedy strikes her family, she will have to choose how much she really wants to live her dreams and see if the God she has always denied is truly there.

Author - Krista McGee

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Catish girls willing to claw , lie, and back-stab others to get the part they are auditioning for. Kara is unwilling to stoop to that level but also wonders how she will make it in the acting world then. Chad is willing to listen to God and his parents even thought it might mean disrupting his dreams. Addy and Flora wants to share God and are kind and gracious as they do.

Personal Opinion - Another completely engaging book by Krista McGee. Had a hard time putting this down and enjoyed it the whole time. The characters were real and I liked how the author had Kara come to know God, which wasn't rushed and was pretty believable. Chad was a pretty cool guy and I appreciated seeing the story from his point of view too. God's complete love, no matter what, was a favorite message to me in this particular book and loved how Addy told Kara about it (Yes, we get to see how Addy and Jonathan are doing after First Date). The only thing I would have liked differently was having Kara and Chad interact more in the story. This is seriously a new favorite author and can't wait until I can get my hands on her next book.

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Special Notes - First Date - Review
                         Anomaly - Review

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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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The Mission League: The New Recruit

"Mission 1: Moscow"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms
 

Storyline - Spencer Garmond loves basketball more than anything and is willing to do anything to play. So when he is presented with either going to Military school or joining the Mission League, a group of Christians who think they are spies, he picks the churchers. Caring less about God, he puts up with these crazy Christians and goes on the mission trip to Russia. While in Moscow, Spencer meets Pasha, a boy with a strange tattoo and who is involved with a scary cult. As the summer continues and Arianna, a Mission League girl, tries to convert him and surrounded by other devote Christians, Spencer will have to make a choice about the gift God has given him and if he wants God in his life.

Author - Jill Williamson

Publisher - Marcher Lord Press

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Spencer swears but the actual words don't appear in the book but switches to substitute swear words when he can no longer use real ones. He has no interest in God or the Christian thing and thinks/says insults towards the other Mission League members but begins to see them differently and wants to learn about God by the end. There is a cult and it is wondered if demon possession is involved but non of the protagonists like it. A character in her past has had a hard life, there are no details but it is known that she was attacked and has a kid.

Personal Opinion - What first attracted me to this book was 1. Jill Williamson (fantastic author), 2. spies (can rarely go wrong with this kinda plot), and 3. Russia (have a strange fascination and obsession with Russia since the movie Anastasia. Even have a book in Russian yet I can't read a word of it). While reading The New Recruit, I enjoyed the opportunity, like many of my fellow reviews, to see from the point of view of someone who doesn't practice their Christian faith while surrounded by those who do. It gave it gave me, the reader and a practicing Christian, a chance to see my behaviors towards someone who doesn't think, or believe, like I do. Spencer did begin to change before the end of the book and will be digging deeper, I'm sure, in later books into who God is. The action in the story was good and the cult that Spencer and Pasha got mixed up in was realistic. ***SPOILER*** For a literature class, I read an author with similar ideas of looking inside yourself for power and truth as the cult in the book thought (I don't think there are any conection between the two). ***END SPOILER*** The beginning was a little slow to me and I thought I saw a couple of telling situations but that faded as the book went on and I found myself picking the book up when school needed to be done from curiosity as to what would happen next. Looking forward to the next books in this series and all the adventure and character journeys to come.

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Links - Visit the Mission League here. Visit Jill Williamson's webpage to learn about her other books and read her reviews. Read an author interview and enter the giveaway.

Special Notes - This is book 1 in the Mission League Series. Read about the others on The Mission League

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the publisher/author through Team Novel Teen.

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Serpent of Moses

"Moses Built and Lifted Up the Brass Serpent,

Healing the Afflicted Israelites of Snakebites."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

 

Storyline - Jack Hawthorne has traveled to Libya to procure a Biblical artifact long since hidden, and even believed to be destroyed. Unfortunately, he is not the only one looking for it and is captured. After not returning home three days after he said he would, everyone thinks Jack is just being Jack. Until Esperanza gets a feeling more is going on than meets the eye and starts to retrace Jack's steps with her brother and one of Jack's old friend's help. Jack is determined to make out with the artifact, but is it worth the price he might have to pay with his friend's lives at risk?

Author - Don Hoesel

Publisher - Bethany House Publisher, a division of Baker Publishing Group

Age Group - 16 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* People come after and try to kill some of the main characters and others (some people do die but it is not graphic). Jake serious about keeping the staff but has to make a choice when the ones he loves are in danger.

Personal Opinion - The mystery, action, excitement, and protagonist (even the antagonists) were crafted excellently. I was transported into the story, believed every character, and was wondering how everything worked together and was pleased by the result. I was left with a couple of questions in the end but I'll live. Saw a few point-of-view and showing vs. telling errors but having trouble thinking of an example so they didn't make a huge impression. In fact, the only thing I wish was changed is kinda small. On the cover of the book, the Bronze Serpent is depicted and the description in the book says that it has green eyes. I would have loved it if it had the green eyes on the cover. It would have made the cover pop way more than it already does. Lastly, A previous book to this one was mentioned a few times but this can be read stand-alone and understood completely. This book will have a happy place on my bookshelf and I will be looking into Don Hoesel's other books.

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

Links - Learn more about the book and author here.

Special Notes - Elisha's Bones, another book by Don Hoesel, has the same characters in it and came before Serpent of Moses but I was able to read and understand everything without reading Elisha's Bones first. They can be read separately in my own opinion.

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from Bethany House Publishers.

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The Last Temple and GIVEAWAY

"The Beast is Dead,
Yet Lives On."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Vitas is able to leave is slave disguise behind and continue his quest in conquer Nero, the man who threatened his wife and lead him to his current predicament. Unrest and rebellion is happening in Jerusalem, causing Roma to take up arms against the city. Can Vitas understand the Revelation the disciple John left him and come to the Christos who his wife serves so faithfully? Can he save the Temple from destruction by Roman hands?
Author - Hank Hanegraaff and Sigmund Brouwer
Publisher - Tyndale House Publishers
Age Group - 17 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Nero is a creep and gave me the shivers just mentioning some of the stuff he did. Something gross was mentioned almost every time he was (that is all I can say if I want to keep this blog post PG-13). Vitas had much hate for Nero because of what he tried to do to his wife so Vitas carries desires for revenge with him. Many spoke of God and the new Christians, giving advice when needed. Vitas yearns to have the faith of those people. Many are invited to comit suicide instead of being executed. Vitas tries to do the honorable thing in all situations and is faithful and loyal to those he loves.
Personal Opinion - Before reading this book, I had heard only two interpretations of the Book of Revelation. The dominate one I heard was the end of the world for us and it hadn't happened and the Left Behind movie (I also heard Catholics don't believe in the Rapture theory so I never thought about that one much). I had also heard that there was a theory that Revelation was about the 2nd fall of the Temple. I didn't know much about that event so I just listened and had no idea what I thought, founding Revelation confusing but willing to hear the theories. After this book, I might be more inclined to the Revelation prophesying the fall of Jerusalem but will still study the different ideas.

Now about the book. The story really pulled me in. Vitas was a sympathetic, honorable hero that I just connected to. He, as well as all the other characters, was well developed and realistic. The building of the story as also good, slowly working up to the exciting, action parts and mystery unfolding just enough to keep the reader wondering what was going to happen. There were times I got confused and didn't understand all the connections but the intricacy kept me involved. I was almost not happy with the ending. The action went really close to the final page and I thought there wouldn't be enough time for a wrap-up. But, it was done beautiful and left with some hope for the characters in the future.

Video -

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Links - Learn more about the books and authors here.

Special Notes - This is Book 3 in a series.
                          Book 1, The Last Disciple, Review - Coming Soon
                          Book 2, The Last Sacrifice, Review - Coming Soon

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from the Tyndale Blogger Network.
GIVEAWAY - Courtesy of the publisher, I receive a certificate to give to one blessed winner to receive a copy of The Last Temple by either go to their local Christian retailer with the certificate to redeem or sending to Tyndale where they will mail the book. This giveaway is only open for a week because the certificate expires on October 1, 2012 so I want to get this to the winner as soon as possible. The winner has 24 hours to respond to the email I send out announcing that they won before choosing a new winner if I don't hear back from them. Enter using the Raflecopter below and please read the Terms and Use before entering. Good luck to all who enter and make sure you chew on a good book today. :)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Merlin's Immortals: The Orphan King

"The Future of the Immortals

is in the Hands of an Orphan."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Thomas has spent most of his life with the only person he has ever loved, a woman named Sarah, or monks who worked him hard. But he knows he is destined for other things and escapes. After freeing a knight, a silent girl, and a grinning pickpocket from hanging, he sets off to reclaim the castle Magnus from an evil tyrant. But there is more to the knight than meets the eye. A long time conflict is just beginning to rise up again. And, unawares, Thomas is in the middle of it.
Author - Sigmund Brouwer

Publisher - WaterBrook Press
Age Group - 15 and up
Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Thomas does trickery to get what he wants and threatens some monks who have raised him yet abused and used him. The monks are greedy and do things against the church and wish to keep it hidden from others. The church and its people are shown as those who make their own choices instead of the Catholic church being corrupt. William protects those around him. Characters look to God for help but Thomas wishes to ignore Him, which seems to be changing by the end. Thomas respects women and tries to defend them.

Personal Opinion - Sigmund Brouwer created an interesting book with an array of different
characters, a honorable knight, a determined orphan, a giddy pickpocket, and a shadowy girl, while playing with history and hinting to some fantasy. It had good action/adventure and some building of a deeper mystery that is still hidden. That might be my biggest thing about this book, I wish it had built more on what was the series was about and Druids and Immortals. I got some hints but wish there had been more. How Catholicism was handled was something I appreciate being a Catholic because I have read books where it seems it is spoken of in general terms and that religion is corrupt or hypocrites instead of just being people's own choices and not living the faith they profess. They may not be how other authors mean to portray it but it just feels like that sometimes. This book didn't do that in my opinion. Only once did it seemed something was said in a general term but, at the end of the book, the human choice aspect still there. I am looking forward to what happens next and will defiantly be getting book 2, there is a lot of promise for some action and mystery to abound. Can't wait!

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher

Special Notes - There is a cool PODCAST interview here that gives some background information of the series and his writing.
Book 2 coming out 2013.

Disclaimer - In exchange for an honest review, I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group.


The reason for the email address in this rating system is because some people were rating reviews more than once. I never see or have access to the emails and they will be kept private. After you confirm your email (you only have to do that once), you will not receive anything more unless you leave the check mark for receiving updates from the publisher. I would very much appreciate you ranking my review.

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On Tour: Books 3-4

"What is Parker Hiding?" - The Secret
"What Defines True Love?" - The Songwriter

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - *The Secret* Parker has high hopes for his band that proclaims God's love. After finding God eight months ago though, he is still having trouble with old temptations. As a big gig gets closer, several secrets Parker is hiding are going to have to come out but what will happen when they do?
*The Songwriter* With her parents marriage in shambles and a boy seeming to only like her because she is "in the band," Darby is doubtful she will ever find true love. Perhaps she is only meant to concentrate on her music. As the band begins to move up and is offered the chance of a lifetime, Darby will have to learn what true love is and that there is One who loves her the way she is.

Author - Barb Huff

Publisher - Barbour

Age Group - 14 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Parker had a sinful past but he is working hard to over come it. He learns to forgive someone for their past deeds and stands up for what he believes in. Is obedient even when he doesn't want to be. Lies for a while to his friends and family. His family isn't interested in religion.
Darby wants to believe in love but her parents make it hard to do so. She doesn't let herself be used to be popular. Still getting use to the goth Christian girl.

Personal Opinion - I found myself pulled into Parker's story and the character's struggle. It was so believable and the story is well developed for being less than 200 pages long. What Parker learned about sharing his faith and how other will respond to it was great (it even had the verse in there that I was thinking about) and what he learned about purity was lovely. Also, his conviction towards is faith was fabulous for our world today of teens who thinks it is no big deal to be intimate with a girl or who don't take their faith too seriously.

I had a bit more difficult time with Darby though but I did understand a few things with her story. I really connected on the character's struggle with her parents fighting and her not being able to shut off her song ideas (this happening with my story ideas). Still getting use to the goth girl who was Christian idea but all the characters were wonderful role models for Christian teens. *Spoiler Alert* My biggest problem with it was the situation with the parents seemed to get resolved too quickly. *Spoiler End*. But it was still good.

A great book and a series I will have to get my hands on for the rest.

Buy - Amazon
Links - Learn more about the books and author here.
Special Notes - The Secret is book 3 and The Songwriter is book 4 in the series. I hope to get the first two books soon.

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