King's Folly

"Their Battle for the Throne has just Begun.

But Will it Matter if the World They Rule

Collapses into the Sea?"

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

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.

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Other Reviews for this Author -

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

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Dreamtreaders: War for the Waking World

"Would you be willing

to fight

for your dreams?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

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.  

Author - Wayne Thomas Batson

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Age Group - 14 and up

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).

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Other Reviews for this Author - The Pirate Series: Isle of Swords
                                                    The Berinfell Prophesies: Books 1 and 2
                                                    The Dark Sea Annals: Sword in the Stars
                                                    The Dark Sea Annals: The Errant King
                                                    Dreamtreaders: Search for the Shadow Key

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

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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 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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How to Train Your Dragon Series: Books 9-11

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

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.

Author - Cressida Cowell

Publisher - Little, Brown and Company

Age Group - 13 and up

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.

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Other Reviews for this Author - How to Train Your Dragon: Books 1-7 - Review
                                                   How to Train Your Dragon: How to Break a Dragon's Heart - Review

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William Shakespeare's the Phantom of Menace

"O Threepio,

O Threepio, 

Wherefore Art Thou Threepio?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

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.

Author - Ian Doescher

Publisher - Quirk Books

Age Group - 15 and up

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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Other Reviews for this Author - William Shakespeare's The Jedi Doth Return

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The Looking Glass Wars - Book 1

(Picture from Goodreads)

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 3 Worms
 

Storyline - Alyss is the princess of Wonderland until her family is destroyed by her own aunt, Redd, and she escapes into our world. Yet, no one believes her story. Then Alyss meets the one man who seemed to consider it true and then retells her tale incorrect, not even getting her name right. It seems the only way to survive is to forget. But Wonderland is deteriorating under Redd's control and the rebellious force is struggling to survive. When Alyss is finally found, will she have the strength to take back her throne after years of suppressing the memories?

Author - Frank Beddor

Publisher - Scholastic

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Lots of killing and blood spurting. Some characters search for revenge for what Redd has done. Alyss is determined to remember her true home but has trouble believing when everyone doubts her in our world. The characters are determined to save Wonderland and bring back White Imagination; staying faithful to their cause when things get tough.

Personal Opinion - While this book has an interesting take on the Alice in Wonderland story, I'm afraid I found it long and slow. Alyss's story is fun and the changes were creative from the story we know and the story that is presented here. The story is also heartfelt and makes one think what is right and wrong as it presents the White and Black Imagination that becomes a center of the struggle. Yet, I found the author spent a bit of time and description that wasn't needed and then on instances where I would have liked to see the events happen they were summarized. This made it long. The reader too was irritating sometimes so I can't tell if my dislike for the story was because it was read to me or the story itself. Anyone who really likes the original tale might enjoy this book the most.

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The First Principle

"If Inalienable Rights Begin with Life Itself,
Will Vivica have the Courage to Defend them,
No Matter What it Takes?"
 

 

Bookworm's Ranking - 3 Worms

 

Storyline - Vivica is an average teenage girl whose mother is a governor of the accepting, reformed world, were population is managed, exclusory views in religion are eradicated, and teenage girls don't have to worry about being pregnant because they are required to terminate. But when Vivica sees a fellow classmate try to hide her pregnancy and, later, discovers she's pregnant herself, she begins to question if she truly wants to follow through with the law and if it is really killing as the father says. She also has to decide if the rebels who follow the old Christian traditions are dangerous and bigots as the government says they are, or if there is more to them than meets the eye. Will Vivica protect her child and discover if the rebels are who they say they are, not what the government claims?

Author - Marissa Shrock

Publisher - Kregel

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Teenage pregnancies happen. There is a shooting and bombing. Christianity is considered narrow minded and exclusory and promotes bigotry. Christians stand up for what they believe in. Vivica asks important questions to determine the truth, doesn't just accept a view point because the government says so.

Personal Opinion - While this novel did a fine job of presenting beliefs and ideas of pregnancy for teenagers and women who already have two children, it didn't display why Christianity and its beliefs are discouraged, bigotry, and exclusivist. Vivica asked good questions and her questioning the government vs. religion which were believable. Something that really secured why Vivica question having an abortion more than just the father didn't want her to was that she was one of three triplets.  Some advice she also received about how God works in answering prayers was right on and beautifully told. But, the negative attitude toward Christians and the Bible was almost too straight forward, bordering on preachy. Something just seemed to be missing in how this information and the governments feelings toward Christians was missing. Still, others might find this novel more enjoyable than me and the author did create a good world where Christian beliefs are regulated, controlled, even changed, and pregnancy and "termination" is the norm if not also required under certain guidelines.

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

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The Songkeeper Chronicles Book 1: Orphan's Song

"Who Will Keep the Song Alive?"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

 

Storyline - Birdie has always been different and hears a mysterious song only she can hear keeps her company. Suddenly, her world is turned upside down because of this song, a curse as her closest friend calls it and is whisked away from the only life she has ever known. Now she is hunted by the Khelari, dark soldiers, meets new creatures, and fight for her life. Meanwhile, Ky, a street boy who is part of the Underground, a group of orphan children, becomes mixed up in a ploy by the leader to wage war on the Khelari. Will Birdie discover what the song really is and why it is so powerful?

Author - Gillian Bronte Adams

Publisher - Enclave Publishing

Age Group - 14 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Lots of fighting and bloodshed. Several characters seek vengeance and they also fight the desire to give in to evil ideas. Ky fights within himself to see what is the right thing to do for others. Birdie struggles weather to ignore the song or if there is something good to it. Amos struggles with his past and if he should reveal the truth.

Personal Opinion - Orphan's Song by Gillian Bronte Adams is a fun, adventure filled, mysterious book that takes some good twists and turns. There were a couple of long battle scenes yet they remained interesting and progress the story well. Ky was a fun character and I loved Amos's use of language, his strange words of exclamation and calling Birdie and Ky "lass" and "lad", giving the book a more Scottish feel then English like most fantasies. Birdie was a quiet, not tough, kind of girl yet was brave and determined. Wish there was more in of the Gryphon in the book but is seems like book 2 will have more of him. The beginning was a bit long and the breaking of the story between Birdie and Ky was confusing at first because I couldn't see how they would come together. When they did, it moved great, revealed some much craved for information, and ended with a cliffhanger. Looking forward to the next book and this is a good start to a new fantasy series.

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William Skakespeare's The Jedi Doth Return

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Luke, Leia, Han, Chewy, and the droids are preparing to face their final battle against the Empire. Luke is struggling with the truth of his father while also discovering a secret that he has a sibling. Leia and Han work with local inhabitants of a planet to help the rebellion. Darth Vader will face a choice: his son or his master. It all comes down to this but will it be enough or will all fail?

Author - Ian Doescher

Publisher - Quirk Books

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Luke ponders an old tale that resembles Oedipus. Internal turmoil affects all the characters on what they should or should not do. Each character has to decide to give up or stand for what they believe in and the ones they care about, even if it means their life.

Personal Opinion - Honoring the story while also paying tribute to William Shakespeare, this book is funny, accurate, and, as others have put it, insightful. Trying to read R2 D2's noises and seeing beloved lines put into Shakespeare style made me laugh out loud. The story moved just like it did in the movie yet also provided a new lens to view the characters. Their monologues and when they spoke in their minds, gave new depth and insight into what the characters were thinking and feeling during different parts when they originally didn't have lines in the movie. So want to read the first two book and hope the Anakin arc will also be written in Shakespeare form.   

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Halfling Series: Avenger

"Sometimes Facing Your Destiny

Means Risking Everything." 

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Nikki is growing into her true self since learning that she is a Halfling. As the group hopes for a resite, a dark creature is discovered to be hunting Nikki, one that has never been known to be killed. Raven and Nikki run to head off the creature and save their friends, but they still have to find a way to over come it, discover Vessler's next move, and overcome his plans. But when a dear friend is in trouble, Nikki will have to make hard decisions, including ones that could not only cost her life, but others as well.
 

Author - Heather Burch

Publisher - Zondervan

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Occasional kissing between Nikki and guy characters. Several fights scenes but not detailed or graphic. A couple characters are beaten but is not detailed. Nikki faces her opponents straight on and leans on faith and God to over come them. Raven begins to grow.
 

Personal Opinion - Great continuation for the series. Nikki picks her guy and grows so much more in her faith in God and learns to lean and trust in Him. The world also came alive like in the previous books and the characters changed and grew with the story. I loved how Raven started growing as well and I'm so glad that I learned there will be another book about him because I can see Raven growing so much more. The characters sacrificed and did so much to protect each other. The only complaint I have is the climax was a bit quick for me, I thought there would be more. But, I look forward to Raven's story and seeing where they go next.

P.S. Make sure to read the author interview with Heather Burch.
 

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Other Book Reviews for this Author - Halflings, book 1, Review

                                                              Guardian, book 2, Review

                                                              2 Halfling enovellas Review

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

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The Wizard Test

"The Last Thing He Wants

is to Pass This Test"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - The Wizard Test is one test Dayven does not want to pass. His grandmother was a wizard and a traitor to Tharn so he is determined to bring honor to his name. But to his horror, he passes. No Dayven is called upon the Lordowner to discover what the wizards do and find some honest answers to these people and their knowledge of Tharn's enemies, the Cenzar. As Dayven discovers more about magic and the Cenzar, he begins to see that things are not always what they seem, that there is more to the story than he thought, and is faced with a choice to complete his duty or choose a new side.

Author - Hilari Bell

Publisher - Eos, an imprint of HarperCollins Publishers

Age Group - 13 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Dayven just wants to keep his word and do the honorable thing and is willing to sacrifice what he wants to help another. The wizards are dishonest sometimes which they try to rationalize.

Personal Opinion - For being a small book (under 200 pages), the characters and storyline were well developed. This book could have been made much longer and would have still been just as interesting but would have gone deeper into the main conflict. It was very creative in the names of people and places and yet still pronounceable. It did a very good job on teaching that just because someone is different from you doesn't mean you can walk all over them or that they are less of a person or a "barbarian." Magic was used in the book to mostly to heal others, it was a power inside each individual, not something that was called upon. There was one thing that bothered me but it would give away the ending if I tried to explain. There was just one decision a wizard made to help other that purposefully hindered others (sorry I can't give more detail). But it was a pretty good story and I would read other books by this author.

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(Looks like paperback copies are out of print so these are ebook links. Could probably find paperbacks used somewhere) 

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Swipe Series: Storm

"When the Storm Breaks,
No One Will be Able to Stop It."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms
 

Storyline - The Dust's biggest battle is about to start. Logan, Hailey, and Erin search for a cure to the coming sickness that is already infecting one of their own, but are waylaid by another threat, the lack of water, and head off to Lahoma to try to correct the problem. Blake and his gang are determined to find and save their friend who was taken by Acheron but are called upon to help solve the cause of the sickness. And the relationship between the world leaders is not what it appears. As the Dust race against time, everything is about to fall, but can they stop it in time?

Author - Evan Angler

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Age Group - 13 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* The friends stand by each other and fight for what is best for others. Several deaths take place.

Personal Opinion - Logan and the group keep fighting for truth and what is right, for the protection and safety of those not marked in the government. Many conspiracies are happening in this book and many people and stories are mixed in. There is one new character and story that was added that I wish had been introduced and followed from the first book. This book was pretty well told but I also felt there were too many summaries which made it a little slow and some of the characters acted in such a way that I didn't find believable. For being the final book in the series, I don't like it is over. Perhaps that is because I prefer happier endings than I felt this one had and it all came together a little too close to the end. But it is also a dystopia so I probably can only expect so happy an ending. If you have read Swipe and Sneak, you will want to know how it all comes together. I personally hope the story goes one, if not in this series, than a spin off one.

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 http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=78DHtGhR3Rw

Other Reviews for this Author - Swipe - Book 1 in the Swipe Series
                                                    Sneak - Book 2 in the Swipe Series
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Merlin's Immortals: Fortress of Mist

"The Throne is Redeemed

But the Battle is Just Beginning."

Bookworm's Ranking - 3 Worms

Storyline - Thomas is Lord of Magnus but now he must keep it. As he goes off to fight the Scots, he most be cautious of Druids haunting him, wanting Thomas to become a member of their group. But he is determined to do things his own way. When his rule to Magnus is threatened with strange events happening all around him, Thomas will have to find a way to battle these strange forces. But does he have enough strength on his own or will he have to find aid from another?

Author - Sigmund Brouwer

Publisher - WaterBrook Press

Age Group - 14 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Thomas feels he can only depend on himself and his own strength  but begins to see he might need help. He is even trying to figure out who God is and if he can believe in him after only ever seeing religious be greedy and untruthful. Some creepiness from the bad guys with them threatening Thomas, branding and torturing people (this is heard about after it is done so no details), and one guy wanting to marry a girl.

Personal Opinion - I usually like Sigmund Brouwer's books but I couldn't get into this one. Thomas's plans are still interesting and I enjoy reading how he wins a battle using his wit because it is so creative. I also liked how he had a mouse and, eventually, a dog. But, I felt this book was a bit slow and the majority of it had to do with a battle when the ending had to do with something else (sorry for being vague but I don't want to give away spoilers). The chapters didn't seem to flow together well either with one ending with Thomas hold council and the next him walking somewhere. I also don't know anymore about what "Merlin" or "immortal" has to do with this series than the first book. I feel more could have been in this book.

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Other Book Reviews for this Author -
    Merlin's Immortals: The Orphan King, Book 1 - Review
    The Last Temple - Review

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

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Books of the Infinite: Judge

"Kien Lantec,

You Will Bear Witness

to my Followers in ToronSea."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Kien has heard from the Infinite... and so has Ela. They are both sent on missions to bring others back to Him. But Kien has trouble looking below the surface of those who wondered away and Ela is terrified of what the Infinite has revealed to her and what may come to pass. As Kien tries to save a city and return to Ela to protect her and Ela is desperately trying to save her beloved home from judgement, both will have to look to the Infinite for guidance or all will be lost.

Author - R. J. Larson

Publisher - Bethany House Publishers

Age Group - 15 or 16 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* People come after Ela with evil intentions but she gets through with the help of the Infinite, the instances are not descriptive. Both Kien and Ela turn to the Infinite for help and have to learn to see things as He does. A group of characters worshiping another god are seen cutting themselves along with behaving inappropriate with one another, nothing descriptive. Some women dress scantily, this is also not described. The Infinite teaches how He loves even those who sin and wishes for them to return to Him, giving unconditional love.

Personal Opinion - Just as book 1, Judge was fun and made me think of the prophets of the Old Testament (I was able to place one Old Testament story with this one, still trying to figure out the other. Apparently, I don't know them well). This book also did a beautiful job on teaching about the Infinite’s (aka God's) love and forgiveness for his people. Loved that because it is easy for us, just like the characters, to look at the outward appearance of someone and judge without knowing the heart. Judge seemed a bit more serious than Prophet but it still had some good, funny spots with Pet, the Destroyer, which made me smile. Still like Ela and Kien and their struggles in various aspects of their lives. The only thing I wish were different are the descriptions of the feelings of characters. I didn't always feel emotionally connected to what was happening and some of the descriptions were just a bit straight forward and interpreted for me. It felt a bit slow, too, but that might have been me because I've been tired lately. But, looking forward to King, the third and final book of the series, and how everything will turn out for the characters.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChristianBook, Bethany House,

Links - Learn more about the author and series here. Also there are some fun pictures on the site. I specially like the Scaln, gives me an image to what I read in book 1.

Book 1, Prophet - Review
Book 3, King - Coming Soon

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

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A Breed Apart: Trinity: Military War Dog

"An Ex-Green Beret and His War Dog

on the Greatest Mission of Their Lives.

And Probably Their Last."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

 

Storyline - Heath Daniels only ever wanted to follow in his families footsteps and serve his country. But after a mission gone wrong, his dream to continue to serve is shattered by his inability to work in the field and has left him floundering for what God wants him to do. Left only with the one girl he could rely on, Trinity, his military war dog who could not function after he left the service, Heath receives an invitation to become part of the Breed Apart, a program ran by an old friend to inspire others. Soon they head to Afghanistan to speak at bases and troops. But Heath didn't expect to start falling for a beautiful girl, Darci, who he doesn't realize is an United States operative who is undercover. But when her past comes back to haunt her in the form of a man she played and betrayed in one of her missions, it is going to take Heath and Trinity to find and rescue Darci before she is killed or taken out of country. On the way, Heath and Darci are going to have to face God and learn what he wants for their lives.

Author - Ronie Kendig

Publisher - Barbour Publishing

Age Group - 17 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Heath works on trying to do what God wants but pushes for what he wants, ultimately coming to see that he needs God to lead and not him to lead God. Darci wonders about God after all the tragedies in her life. She also has regrets in her past but wants to help her country and do the right thing. Trinity is loving, caring, and protects the one she loves. Was totally dog ;). The antagonist is one vile man, beating and torturing happens when he is around, nothing is described but is understood.

Personal Opinion - What can I say? I was very pleased with this book. I loved Trinity. Some books have a synopsises that hints at animal involvement but then they are minimally in them. Not so with this book. Trinity was perfect. She had a real character and was completely realistic in her personality. The author would write a behavior and/or the human in the story would give something for the dog to say and each time I would see it in my mind because it was realistic. Just look at that cover for the cuteness. Trinity was the best... But I should probably say something about the people too. They and their struggles were realistic, with Heath trying to find God's path for him now that he is out of the Military and Darci being undercover and dealing with demons of her own past. They were people you could meet on the street. Each and every character, no matter how big their role in book, had a complex back story and were real people. My only complaints would be that there seemed to be scenes that were not needed and the info in them could have been transferred somewhere else. Trinity's personality, also, wasn't as prevalent towards the end. Lastly, maybe one or two too many plot twists for the story. But, Trinity all came together nicely and this is sure to be a book I will be recommending in the future and tossing peoples' way.

Video -

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Links - Learn more about this book and author here.
            Book 2, Talon - Review, Coming Soon
            Book 3, Beowulf - Review, Coming Soon

Special Notes - Book one in the A Breed Apart Series.

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The Hunger Games: Mockingjay

"The Final Installment!"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms
 

Storyline - Katness Everdeen has escaped from the Quarter Quell and has been taken to the rebel's base. But she has no interest in helping their cause, especially with Peeta in the hands of the Capital. Yet they want her to be the symbol of their rebellion and motivate the fighting. As the rebellion escalates and the Capital become fiercer, she will have to make many choices on what she will do as the fighting rages around her, people she loves being threatened, and freedom on the line.

Author - Suzanne Collins

Publisher - Large Print Press, a part of Gale, Cengage Learning; Published in 2012 by arrangement with Scholastic, Inc (Info from Copyright page)

Age Group - 16 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Lots of killing. Katniss kills in cold blood once or twice and is unsettled by at least one. She wants to preserve life and doesn't like the idea of treating the Capital people the same way they treated her. Gale is ready to take down the Capital, no matter the cost or way he has to do it. Katniss begins to come to peace and leaves behind the hate and revenge she desperately wanted throughout the book.

Personal Opinion - The final book in the Hunger Games Trilogy and it is a doosy. A lot of killing, not terrible graphic but some of it got to me, and Katniss filled with hatred and revenge. Definitely darker than the first two. I get that people do really feel those things but I wish she had come around to peace for a long time (just within the last few pages) which is what redeemed it a bit for me. I was getting really frustrated with her and even came to a point of not liking her but Katniss seemed to come to a satisfactory conclusion in the end for me. But I did like how, even though they were at war, she believed in a limit to the killing and how where others were going far and willing to act how the Capital acted to over come them. Katniss's respect for life was something I really appreciated, not just for this book but for the whole series. The thing I disliked for the series was how Katniss turned to the idea of suicide as a good means to a problem on multiple occasions. Something about this book didn't grab me like the last two and I wish I had a chance to see Katniss a bit more healed before the book ended.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher,

Awards - Click here for a list of awards.

Links - Learn more about the series and author here.

Special Notes - Book 3 in The Hunger Games Series
                          The Hunger Games, Review
                          Catching Fire, Review
                          The Hunger Games, Movie Review

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