River of Time: Torrent

Bookworm's Ranking - 3.5 Worms

Storyline - Book 3 - Returning to medieval times once again, they find it has been longer than they wished since they departed their men but they are happy to see each other again and quickly celebrate. But that happiness soon ends when an opportunity comes to save Fortino, Marcello's brother, who was captured by Firenze. Unfortunately, that cost for Fortino is Gabi and Lia. They devise a plan to rescue him, the Bettarini women as bait. When things go wrong, Gabriella finds herself potentially being forced into marriage with someone she does not love. Can she escape and return to Marcello? And will she be able to convince her family to stay with everything life threatening that has happened and the plague only a few years away?

Author - Lisa Bergren

Publisher - David C. Cook

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - All of the character defend each other and try to save others even at the cost of themselves. Gabriella and Lia are willing to put themselves at risk to save Marcello's brother and Gabi is willing to be with the one she loves and to protect others from harm. A priest had some good advice in the book. There was some sexual stuff from the bad guys and Gabriella hinted at being together before marriage.

Personal Opinion - It was good but I was disappointed about the representation of the priest in the story. He was excommunicated and performing duties that he could no longer do and which would not be recognized by the church, such as marriage.  Considering that Marcello is suppose to be the guy who really follows his faith and loves God, this was strange that he was okay with it and would be going along with it. As a family member pointed out, though, in the situation where the priest was administrating at the wedding, it could be argued that it was an extreme circumstance and it was going to be made valid later but I still see holes from what I read about excommunication.When you add this to the one time Marcello complained about the Pope and one man said that his father was a priest, I wasn't very happy, feeling every example was in some way negative to the Catholic Church. I will not deny that there was abuses within the church but that is still not an accurate picture of the Catholic faith. There were good along with bad. Another thing that I wish had been different in the book was Gabi's faith walk. I thought she would grow more in her faith since she not use to going to church except on Christmas and Easter and didn't really pray. All that happened was she prayed a bit more. It didn't seem that she grew that much in her faith or came to any big connection with God. This was all unfortunate because it was an exciting book with some fun time travel. But I will hesitate in recommending this series from here on out because of the excommunicated priest. If the view of Catholicism had been balanced and the priest had been faithful to his superiors, no matter their decision, it would have been better to me.

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

Links - Learn more about the books and author here.

Books 1 and 2, Waterfall and Cascade, Review.

Special Notes - Book releases September 1, 2011.

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Updated - May 13, 2012

Quest for the Truth: Taken

"Five-Four-Three-Two-One!

We're Out of Here!"

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Book 1 - After  Oliver, Tiffany, Mason, and Austin's parents are kidnapped by the Ubel who believes they know where to find the Ursprung, the origin of mankind, which has been lost and sot after for generations, it is up to them to discover where they were going and what they were up to. It is a race to the prize. But they must make a stop for repairs as well as find their parents' partner. Waylaid on a planet, the two younger Wikks have a run in with strange natives whose skin is blue. And intent on keeping them on their planet.

Author - Brock Eastman

Publisher - P & R Publishing

Age Group - 13 (give or take) and up

Content - The kids care about one another but they do hide a lot and fight with each other often. Oliver (the oldest) wants to do the right thing like his parents taught him to and use the skills he got from the Academy. Each of them (except one) thinks highly of themselves but I think this is an issue among the siblings that will be covered later.

Personal Opinion - Good start to the series but I wish it had gone deeper into the story of what the parents were after and what Ursprung was. Also, I wanted to go deeper into the kids' motives, wants, and feelings. It seemed they went from one feeling to the next too quickly without enough happening to change those feelings except for taking a deep breath. But then you would think he/she would ruminate about it more in his/her mind or it would keep coming up. But, I see much promise for this series and it prepares you for what happens next (by the way, I don't know what that is but I want to find out). I enjoyed the sci-fi parts of the story like the ships that travel from one planet to another, what the character's e-reader look like (I want one), and the mysterious blue people. This book promises a great futuristic adventure building upon the mysteries of man's origin, the Alliance and how it started, and multiple planets with different life forms (kinda like in Star Wars). Much truth is still to be found and many exciting things are promised. Having left me with wanting to know what happens next, I for one will be getting book 2. Just have to find out when that one will be out.

Links - Learn more about the books and author at: http://thequestfortruthbooks.blogspot.com/ and http://www.brockeastman.com/

Special Notes - Won this copy on the publisher's website. It is also signed, which I didn't realize until I got it. You can order signed copies off the author's site.

Updated - December 28, 2011

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Stained Glass Hearts

"Seeing Life From a Broken Perspective"

Bookworm's Ranking - 3 Worms

About - Life is tough, leaving you broken and wanting. But, if you shine some light through the broken pieces of your heart, they are like stained glass. You can find light in many things, be it books, art, poetry, or nature, you just have to find it and accept yourself for who you are, even broken. And God can make it beautiful.

Author - Patsy Clairmont

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Age Group - 16 and up (but would be appreciated by an older age group)

Content - There were stories to show the beauty all in the world and a section at the end of every chapter called the Art Gallery that had picture, poetry, scripture, and/or music suggestions to further the point.

Personal Opinion - Good but could have been better. There were good stories throughout that were interesting but not much advise on how to incorporate this stuff and view it in your own life. It was mostly telling you to see the beauty in everything and even things broken, like stained glass, can be beautiful when put together and looked at and have light shinning through it but very little advise on how to go about doing that. Certain chapters might mean more to some people than others because they have an interest in that particular thing. I liked the "book" chapter because I like books but some might like the chapters about "nature" (I like this one too) or the "poetry" or one of the others more. The last few chapters did seem a bit more helpful in a way and brought the books concept together better than the other chapters. I wish, though, that there had been an epilogue to bring all the information together. It was good but didn't speak to me as much as others have. Perhaps fans of Patsy Clairmont might like it more.

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

Links - Learn more about the book and author at: http://www.patsyclairmont.com/

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Destruction Series: Imperial Hostage

Bookworm's Ranking - 1Worms

Storyline -Book 1 - "From the moment 12-year-old Prince Erechtheus docks in Poseidia, capital of the Empire, to be a hostage for 13 years, nothing in his life is easy - or safe. An unexpected and foreboding prophecy, uttered by a blind seer, puts the prince immediately in the crosshairs of Al-Jinn, the powerful and paranoid High Priest from the Temple of Bel. Only last minute intervention from Kul-Kan, High Priest of the rival Temple of One, saves the prince from a gruesome fate. Erech gains exceptional fighting skills and an understanding of the natural world as he matures, but he suffers a series of crippling, heart-breaking losses - most as a result of the many attempts on his life. At the twilight of his captivity as a hostage, the 25-year-old prince encounters one last trial, a trial that could very well lead to war between his native land and the Empire."
(Took this from the back of the book)

Author - Phil Cantril

Publisher - Journalstone

Age Group - 17 and up

Content - The good characters help Erech out a lot and looked out for him as attempts on his life was made. One even helped him learn to fight to protect himself. Unfortunately, this book had a lot of stuff that contradicted what I believe such as saying there is no God and we are all connected. Once when the prince proclaimed something as a miracle, someone said there are no miracles and it was just science.  And this is from the good guys. The bad guys believed in a god and were very creepy. There was also some sexual content that made me uncomfortable but it was mostly from the bad guys but about two things from the good guys. I don't believe that it is natural for two men to be together and yet two from the good guys were. It was strange how the the good guys said we are all connected and yet they had priests and ceremonies and had spirits.

Personal Opinion - Creeped me out in first chapter and didn't go away. It didn't help I miss read the back and thought it was something other than what it was (also for some reason I thought this was a young adult book, probably because the main characters are like 12 when the book starts). The book taught stuff I don't believe are true such as the good  temple that saved the main character didn't believe in a god, they actually say there is no God and we are all united as one, and the guys who did believe in a god were evil and gross. The bad guys also used words and phrases that I am familiar with my own religion so that made it uncomfortable. There was some good behaving characters who did good things, knew right from wrong, and protected and cared for someone who couldn't protect themselves but it wasn't enough. They also kept harping on the bad thing that happened at the temple to the main character and it was made clear what happened with this word they used in a later chapter (I like to think of this blog as PG-13 if not PG so I wont repeat it). This book upset me so much that, even though at first, because I won the book through a giveaway, I tried to force myself to read it, but couldn't do it any more. Didn't even make it to 100 pages before decided to just stop reading it. There are too many books I want to read that I know I will like more than this one to spend time on it since I wasn't enjoying it. Did learn one thing though; be careful of the giveaways you enter.
Disclaimer - I received this book for free from Goodreads First Reads.

Links - Learn more about the book and author at the publisher's website at: http://journal-store.com/fiction/imperial-hostage-book-1-of-the-destruction-series/

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How Huge the Night

"When Had God Ever Stopped a War Because a Teenager Asked Him To?"

                                                         Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Julien doesn't want to live in his dad's old, small home town. And he doesn't want to board the Jewish boy, Benjamin, that his parents took in. All he wants it to play soccer, be excepted at his new school, and go home to Paris. What is the big deal? The war wasn't going to come to France with their great army protecting them. But, as the war moves closer to his new home and two young refugees from Austria show up, Julien has to make some big decisions and, as his world changes, he has to see what God wants him to do and his will not only for himself but others.

Author - Heather Munn and Lydia Munn

Publisher - Kregel Publishing

Age Group - 14 or 15 and up

Content - Julien learned a lot about God, forgiveness, and love. He also wanted to protect others against opposition against them because of race or religion. I really liked the parts when he saw the truth about himself and want to change and then does. Some people are not willing to change or have excuses about not changing. This was refreshing and a wonderful example for others.

Personal Opinion - Good book. I really liked it. The only things that bothered me were technical aspects within the book, such as when the word "he" is used to start every sentence in a paragraph. I also wish there had been more on Nina and mentioned the sister more because there were several times that I forgot Julien had a sister because she didn't show up where I would expect her to be at least mentioned. Lists were also given to show what the character was doing from a day to day bases. This should how things changed from before the war affected them to how it changed everything but I don't think it was the best way to relay the information. The only other thing I wish there had been was a guide in the back of the book on the French words. Sometimes they would use a word and I would forget what it meant from when they said it earlier in the book. I like how the main character was portrayed and developed in this book. Main characters are sometimes seen as bigger or better than the other character, somehow more right or better. But, in this book, the main character is the one who has lots to learn and is even shown the error of his ways by those who might surprise you. It was a refreshing take, more human like or real is perhaps a better word. It was such a moving story about WWII and the people who lived through it. It shows persecution and how the war affected different people. I will definitely read next book by the authors. I will also recommend it to friends and family but I see why some people might not be able to read it because of how much they heard, or experienced, during the time it was happening. It could bring back memories of those who lived it (there really wasn't anything graphically described but there was enough to give an idea of what happened and could bring back memories). The book had a sobering affect on me and what happened in WWII.

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Links - Learn more about the book and authors at:

Special Notes - Apparently there will be another book. Don't know if there will be any characters from this book to that one but it will take place during WWII.

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Young Samuria: The Way of the Warrior

Bookworm's Ranking - 2 Worms

Storyline - Book 1 - In 1611, Jack Fletcher is on a voyage with his father to find the Japanese and trade with them. But when ninja assassins attack the wounded ship, everyone on board is killed except Jack who is rescued by a Japanese family and then adopted by a samurai. Not understanding the language or customs is difficult but, as he is learning, Jack also starts to pick up the bokken (a wooden version of the katana) and gets attacked again by the ninja who killed his father. Eventually, he is take to a samurai school to learn the Way of the Warrior. As he's there, he has to over come people who resent him because he is not Japanese, learns Bushido, and must defend the school's honor.

Author - Chris Bradford

Publisher - Disney Press

Age Group - 12 or 13 and up

Content - There were so many honorable lessons in this book (one of them being honor). The students would talk to the teachers and learn from them and one of the teachers, Sensei Yamada, was shown to be wise and very helpful (he had the best advise). This Sensei also told Jack not to seek revenge and that one day the ninja who killed his father would pay for what he's done, even if it has to be in the next life. Forgiveness was a big thing among the Japanese and apologies were seen as taking responsibility for ones actions. A student told the truth once to help Jack when he got in trouble because of another student, putting himself in trouble with the bully as well. Another student told the truth to give Jack a honor that he was going to give up to help him. Bushido, or Way of the Warrior, is very interesting. It consists of rectitude, courage, benevolence, respect, honesty, honor, and loyalty (I took this right out of the book but can't remember the page number). These are all good things to have and support and, if everyone did them, I think our world would be a better place. The book also showed that girls are tough and gave a good example of a strong girl who was also a samurai (did anyone else know girls could be samurai back then?). Unfortunately for all the good things in this book, it was very tit-for-tat with negative behavior or happenings. A fellow student of Jack's constantly picked on him so when the bully got in trouble, Jack and his friends enjoyed his predicament. One of the characters you are supposed to like gets drunk once, even though he knows not to. God's name was used in vain once (if I remember correctly) and Jack told someone to go to h***. Jack also lied a couple times to keep something safe and to help out a friend. A friend tried to kill himself but Jack saves him and talks some sense into him. Some things that might make others uncomfortable but I saw more as historical stuff that was a lot of killing, the mention of ritual suicide, and Buddha was mentioned on occasion (there was a hall called Buddha Hall and a monk said "even Buddha will wait"). But, my biggest problem with the book was that it painted the Catholic faith in a bad light. I found it very insulting how it was depicted and, if the author tried at all to redeem the look he gave it, it didn't even become lukewarm. More details about this in the 'Personal Opinion' section because this is getting a little long.

Personal Opinion - I would have really enjoyed this book if not for my faith being put in such a bad light which kind of ruined it for me. First, a sailor called a Jesuit a devil and someone said that the Catholics could have "poisoned the minds of" the native Japanese so then, since the sailors were Protestant, they might be killed for being heretics. When Jack meets a priest, he is very insulting to Jack because he is a Protestant and English (the priest was Portuguese. There was some sort of conflict between the two countries at the time I guess). The priest was made out to be not a very great character and kept you second guessing what the man's motives were as he started being kind to Jack. Also, when the priest kissed a cross once, it was called a talisman. Now, there have been Catholics who have made mistakes because we are still human and, also, hostility between Portuguese and English and Protestants and Catholics might have been true during that time period, but it being the only example of Catholics is insulting and misleading. Not all Catholics are like that and it's not fair how that is how they are portrayed. The book showed even two sides of the samurai and the Japanese people but didn't even give Catholics a fighting chance. It is unfortunate how my faith was depicted because Chris Bradford is a good writer. He kept the story going well without losing any details but it didn't drag either. The 'Pronunciation Guide' in the back was very helpful in understanding Japanese words and one of the best I had ever used (in fact I learned a few with the book and I now how to speak Japanese a little. Whether I pronounce them right is another matter. A little interested in learning that language now but that is besides the point). The characters are diverse and interesting, too. You can understand how they feel and could identify with them. But, because of how my faith was shown in the book, it's because of this, and this alone, that will probably keep me from reading the rest of the books in this series. And keep me from recommending it. I could have over looked everything else, but this.

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Links - Learn more about the books and author at: http://www.youngsamurai.com/ .

Awards - On the author's web site it says the series is an award winner but I can't find exactly what awards they have won.

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The Homelander Series: The Final Hour

 "You're Not Alone. You're Never Alone"
  Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

Storyline - Charlie is in jail and waiting word from one of the people who put him in the Homelanders to uncover their secrets. Soon, he hears that all the Homelanders are in custody except for Prince, the leader of the terrorist group. Unfortunately, there is nothing they can do to clear Charlie's name of murder and thus have his sentence revoked. While trying to survive prison and find a legal way out, a memory comes back to him which reveals that the danger of the Homelanders is far from over. Desperate to reach someone and stop this final attack, Charlie has to make a major decision in order to save the US from another devastating attack but it could cost him his life and freedom. How far is he willing to go to save the country he loves and will he even be able to succeed in preventing Prince from his final plan?

Author - Andrew Klavan

Publisher - Thomas Nelson

Age Group - 15 and up

Content - Charlie just wants to do the right thing even though sometimes it is hard to do it or see what is the right decision. He makes a great observation on how easy it is to make a choice from a safe place and not when you are in the middle of it. He is also willing to place everything on the line, his life and freedom, to save countless people who are in danger. I loved how he pointed out it was not his duty to judge or hate the bad guys, it is to stop them. I think so many people are taught, or at least think it is okay, to be angry, or hate, someone who is bad or someone they don't like so the example in this books in an encouraging thing to read and gives hope that it might teach others how to see the enemies of life.

Personal Opinion - What a good book and great ending to the series which I have been following since the first book, The Last Thing I Remember, came out in 2008. It was exciting and encouraging and a great wrap up for the series. A good series for teen, espessially those who like action, things blowing up, and lots of danger. Girls will enjoy the books too. The characters were nicly developed with different personalities and the storyline is new and exciting. The author has a nack for being able to carry on a story well. A couple of time I thought, "Where are they going to be able to go from here?" then, several pages later, I go, "Oh. That's how." There is one little thing I wish I had seen differently about the ending but, because I don't want to give it away (it is the ending part of the ending) that I can't really say it without potentially spoiling it. Part of me would like to re-read the series, starting at the beginning and seeing how it all goes now from start to finish but some more time should go by before I do that.

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

Links - Learn more about the books and the author at: http://www.thehomelanders.com/

Special Notes - Check out my review of the previous three books here: http://bookwormreading.blogspot.com/2010/11/homelanders-series.html

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