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.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble,
(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.

Video- Sorry, can't seem to upload the video on here so please check out the link.
 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
                                                    Guest Post

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

Team Novel Teen is a group of bloggers dedicated to spreading the word about clean teen fiction. Check out other posts about Storm by Evan Angler by clicking on the links above, and click here for more information about Team Novel Teen.

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Failstate: Legends and GIVEAWAY

"A Young Superhero.

A Legend Reborn.

And a Whole Mess of Zombies."

Bookworm's Ranking - 4 Worms

 

Storyline - Rob/Failstate finally has his vigilante license and can help the citizens of New Chayton. But things instantly fall apart with meeting zombies. Literally, yet no one believes him. As Rob works to bring down the zombies, he has to deal with the VOC, other heroes, no one believing he can do the job, and girls. But when a legendary hero returns, it is up to Failstate to discover where he stands as well as discover how to stop the zombies.

Author - John Otte

Publisher - Marcher Lord Press

Age Group - 16 and up

Content - *May Contain Spoilers* Several fights between good guys and bad guys. Rob tries his best to do what is right and help others. At one point, he and another hero go to a night club where there is some promiscuous dancing but not detailed. Drugs are also brought up as well as another serious topic, again, not detailed. The heroes are willing to sacrifice themselves to save others.

Personal Opinion - It was fun reading about Failstate again and meeting more heroes. I especially liked Dr. Olympus (she was so funny). I also liked Etal'el, who had some great advice. Failstate learning more about is powers was a treat because I had been wondering if more would be discovered. I also liked how the story brought in "history" of the heroes, which was creative and added to the world of the superheros. The story was a bit more grown up (maybe even a little dark) in one spot, such as stopping drug lords who also did other crimes. Even though the story was good, I felt  it was a bit slow at times and that some of the side stories could have been mixed a little more with the main story. A couple of times it seemed like to big a break between events with the zombies. But, the story was interesting and I think Failstate, as well as some of his friends, learned some good lessons.

Video -

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Publisher

GIVEAWAY -

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Other Reviews for this Author - Failstate, Book 1

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

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Terrible Reviewer... But Forgive Me with a Giveaway

Hey Bookworms,

So sorry, but I didn't get the book I'm in the middle of this week. Feeling better bad about this. But, maybe I can make up for it with starting the next giveaway planned. Now, lets try something fun to enter until I get the Rafflecopter up with the review. Now, there's a riddle below and the answer to the riddle is the name of the book that will be given away. To enter the giveaway, email me at bookwormreading(at)yahoo(dot)com with the subject line "riddle answers" with your answer, your name, and email address for me to manually add you to the Rafflecopter for 5 entries. I will ONLY accept email entries, DO NOT leave a comment here. If I don't receive any guesses, I will leave a comment here on Wednesday with a hint. Now here is the riddle:

Now don't you Fail

To answer this riddle

For you don't want to be left in that State.

Try to be a hero

For this book will be the stuff of Legends.

As you ponder the riddle, enjoy one of last years reviews, Failstate by John Otte. Have a good week.

Marvel Essentials: The Amazing Spider-Man Vol. 3

Bookworm's Ranking - 4.5 Worms

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

Author - Stan Lee

Publisher - Marvel Comics

Age Group - 14 and up

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

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

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble,

Easter!

Happy Easter Bookworms!

Today I'm celebrating with family so there won't be any reviews. Hope you have a great day with your loved ones. If you want something good to read for today, I suggest the Bible and Resurrection story. Remember Jesus today and His gift to you.

He is Risen!

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.

Buy - Amazon, Barnes and Noble, ChrsitianBook, Publisher,

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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