Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George – Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews
Nov 222011
 

Tuesdays at the Castle

Author: Jessica Day George

Publisher: Bloomsbury

Published Date: October 2011

Hardcover; 228 pages

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy

Reviewed by: Shanda, Sheila & Mindy

FTC FYI: purchased own copy

Shanda’s Review

I have been anxiously awaiting Tuesdays at the Castle since Jessica first told us what she was working on back in March 2010. A magical castle that changes every Tuesday (or more often if it feels like it) and an 11-year-old princess that can communicate with it? What a fun idea.

I have yet to read another author with Jessica’s particular talent in fairytale storytelling. Tuesdays at the Castle will appeal to girls and boys- girls because the main character is the youngest princess in a royal family, and boys because Rolf, the second oldest son and the castle’s choice for heir to the throne, must take over and rule the kingdom in the absence of his father.

Prince Rolf, Princess Delilah, and Princess Cecilia fight to keep the castle in the family once their father, mother and oldest brother are attacked on the road and are presumed dead. With the help of the castle (and sometimes the maids) the royal children must fight the evil prince from a neighboring country and the Royal Council who are trying to force Rolf into relinquishing the right to rule.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading Tuesdays at the Castle. Not only did it bring out the little girl in me, I also enjoyed it from an adult’s perspective. Jessica has taken the seemingly simple story of royal children in a magical castle and added layers of good vs. evil, integrity, hope, humor, obligation, faith, sorrow and loyalty.

Tuesdays at the Castle gets 5 stars out of 5 from me as a well-told story that made me smile and feel young again. I would happily recommend Tuesdays at the Castle to anyone ages eight and older.

Sheila’s Review

Tuesdays at the Castle is a great addition to the writing of Jessica Day George. This book was written for the Middle-Grade group, 8-12, but even I enjoyed it as an adult reader. As a teacher of the targeted age group, I know that they will love this book!

I have always loved castles, especially magical ones. This castle is like no other one, because it is alive. It will do things for the royal family, especially the young Princess Celie. When she wishes to go somewhere or have a door appear, the castle will honor her request.

With the King and Queen of Glower, and their oldest son, Bran, missing and presumed dead, enemies come calling and try to slowly take over the castle and the kingdom. The remaining siblings, Rolf, who will be the new King, and sister Lilah and Celie, will do what ever they can to keep their beloved Glower castle safe.

The things that happen next are exciting and also quite funny. I love the many humorous things that the castle does to protect itself and the royal siblings. It will change and add rooms, hallways and secret passageways. I especially liked when the castle was able to change where many of the rooms were located. The castle would also furnish the rooms, lavishly to almost bare, according to how well it liked the occupants.

I loved many of the characters in this novel, but especially main character, eleven-year-old Princess Celie. She is brave, spunky and downright likable. You bond with her right from the beginning. Celie is a force to reckon with and the bad guys can’t handle her.

All readers will love this new, fun-filled fantasy. It is a fast read that will leave you wanting to read more of Jessica’s work.

Mindy’s Review

Princess Celie is Castle Glower’s favorite. It does things for her that it won’t do for anyone else, opening rooms for her that even her siblings can’t find. All the rooms that open or close in the Castle are for a reason. Whether it is delighting in certain guests by putting them in the lap of luxury, or kicking out (literally) ones it does not like.

Celie takes it upon herself to get to know the in, outs, and arounds of Castle Glower by making an atlas. And after her parents and oldest brother are ambushed, there is never a greater need to know where to go. The Castle is alive, and helps Celie and her siblings escape many dangers and sneak around without being seen. The Castle and Kingdom is in danger of being overrun with the King and Queen presumed dead. In it’s own way, Castle shows Celie, her sister Lilah, and her heir to the throne brother, Rolf how to save themselves.

Jessica Day George is one of my favorite authors, and this book keeps her status very high in my eyes. TUESDAYS AT THE CASTLE is very cleverly written, full of fun, and lots of heart. Celie is of course my favorite character with the Castle a close second. Celie is a caring princess who is loved by all in the Castle. I loved reading what clever things Castle would do next. What clever room was added, what book would appear for the siblings to read, or what cloak would appear that helped muffle sound.

5 out of 5 stars. I loved every page. I love that when I finished, I had a huge smile on my face. Jessica, you can write no wrong!

 

 

Variant by Robison Wells – Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews
Nov 032011
 

Variant

Author: Robison Wells

Publisher: HarperTeen

Published Date: October 2011

Hardcover; 356 pages

Genre: YA Dystopian

Reviewed by: Shanda, Sheila, and Mindy

FTC FYI: purchased with own money

Shanda’s Review

Variant begins with Benson, a 17-year-old foster kid who has moved from home to home since he was five, as he is dropped off at Maxfield Academy. Benson is excited, hoping that this is his opportunity for a quality education. It doesn’t take long for Benson to realize this school is not what he thought it was and he wants out.

I have heard people mention both Lord of the Flies and Ender’s Game in reference to Variant. I haven’t read either of them, so this review will be free from any comparisons to those books. My experience with what is considered YA Dystopian is limited to The Hunger Games (which I loved) and The Maze Runner (not as much), as well as Matched and Possession, so I will also not be comparing Variant to other YA Dystopian-type novels as a genre.

What I will tell you in this review is how I felt about this long-awaited novel by Robison Wells as a 30-something mother who is looking for entertaining and clean books for both herself and her teenager to read.

I would hand Variant to my (nearly) 14 year-old daughter without hesitation. If my nephew was a little older, he would get a copy for Christmas this year. Maybe I’ll buy one for him now anyway and give it to him in a couple of years.

I started to read Variant and didn’t put it down, even for dinner. I found the writing smooth and engaging. Both the characters and the story were intriguing to me. I appreciated the lack of swearing, both traditional and “made-up.” (There was one instance of “b—-rd” after a character is killed, but that is all that I can remember.) There is violence but it never felt excessive or pointless to me. There is no sex or gratuitous content.

There is desire. Desire for freedom, something Benson never really appreciated before. For friends and acceptance, things he didn’t know he would like having so much. For normalcy, which takes on an entirely different meaning halfway through the book.

Thinking back, there is nothing that I “tripped” over or that pulled me from the story. I had no problem suspending a little belief about foster kids disappearing from the system with no one noticing. Stories like that have been in the news several times in the past few years. I hear about a number of run-aways each year as well.

I really liked Benson and the other Vs, especially Jane, Mason, Curtis and Lily. The other key characters were easy to like or despise depending on your position.

There is a scene with Benson, Jane, Dylan and Laura that is seriously intense. I’m pretty sure I read it with my mouth open in shock. What followed was a twist I did not see coming.

I found the ending to be an effective cliff-hanger that definitely made me want more but did not leave me overly-frustrated at having to wait for the sequel.

I give Variant 5 stars out of 5 for going above and beyond what I expected, which honestly was a lot.

Young adult fiction is the genre I am the most picky about after being disappointed in content and quality several times. I don’t read much YA so I am thrilled to have enjoyed Variant as much as I did. I recommend Variant to teenagers (boys AND girls) as well as adults.

Sheila’s Review

Benson Fisher is looking for a brand new start at a brand new school. He is not prepared for what awaits him when he gets there. Strange happenings are occurring at Maxfield Academy where the students are running the school, with no adults in sight.

From the very beginning you realize that Variant is not going to be like other books out there. I found I was drawn in from the minute he pulls up to the front doors of the school. Students standing at the windows are screaming at him, making this a very strange welcome to a new school. Oh yes, later Benson finds out it had been a warning for him to run while he had the chance.

From this point on it is such a wild ride. Every day, Benson finds more and more weird things about the school. He also plans every day how he is going to escape. The people that he thinks he can trust, he finds their friendship is all a facade.

Variant leaves you guessing through the whole book. I can guarantee that you will not guess about nor believe some of the things that are revealed. The end IS as shocking as everyone has been saying.

This book is such a great mix of a dystopian theme and a surprising dash of sci-fi. The writing is clean and the characters are distinct. I can’t wait to find out where the story will go from here. It all reminds me of mice in a cage running through tubes, they never realize that they are not getting anywhere. Is this what Benson is going to find out? If you are curious as to what I mean…well, you are just going to have to read the book.

It is a five star, totally fantastic YA book that I will read again and again.

Mindy’s Review

I need to say this first—Variant blew me away. I loved every page. I started on a Saturday afternoon and finished that night.

Variant starts off very strong and doesn’t let go until the last sentence. Even then I was left with my mouth open. This book is so well-written. The characters, whether good or bad, were amazing. The surprise twist had me screaming and saying, “No way this is happening!” My husband was teasing me while I read because I had my hand to my mouth and gasped many times.

Benson Fisher is headed to Maxfield Academy. He wanted this school to be the ticket out of his disappointing life. He couldn’t have been more wrong. As soon as he arrives at school, he knows something is wrong. Immediately when the gates open, two kids try to run to freedom.

Benson doesn’t know what to think when he meets Becky who explains how things works at the school. No teachers. Students attend classes on weird subjects and earn points. Benson finds out from Isaiah that he is “expected” to join a gang—The Society, Havocs, or the V’s. Each gang is in charge of certain jobs at the school. Benson chooses the Variants. He tries to escape, making quick enemies of Dylan and Laura from the Society. He eventually makes friends in his gang, but escape is always in his mind.

I don’t want to give anything away so I’m going to stop there. So many amazingly cool things happen, your jaw will be dropping, too. It is violent in spots, so younger readers beware.

5 out of 5 stars. Absolutely superb. Smooth writing and non-stop action.

 

 Have you added Variant to your to-read list yet?

 

Obsession by Traci Hunter Abramson – Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews
Oct 262011
 

Obsession

Author: Traci Hunter Abramson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: Sept 2011

Softcover; 220 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-60861-392-2

Reviewed by: Shanda, Sheila & Mindy

FTC FYI: free review copy in exchange for an honest review as well as a library copy.

Water shimmered behind her, nearly the same color as her dress. Only a sliver of light cut through the darkness, but it was enough for him to see her delicate features and the way her blonde hair flowed past her shoulders. A slow smile crossed his face, one of appreciation and anticipation.

He took a step forward.

She took a step back.

His voice was low and eerily calm. “Don’t be afraid.”

Obsession, page 1

Shanda’s Review

How creepy is that?

Kendra, a famous music star and daughter of an even more famous actor, is tired of the bodyguards that have hovered over her all of her life. When a small bomb explodes back stage during a performance, she knows the chance of any privacy in the future is gone.

Kendra calls her grandfather, a former FBI agent, desperate to get away from everything. He sends her up to the Arizona mountains where she can get some privacy at the family cabin, but secretly arranges for the “son” of a “friend” to stay at their cabin across the street.

Those who read Traci’s first books will recognize Charlie Whitmore, the FBI agent who is assigned to watch over Kendra, as the brother of Matt Whitmore (Undercurrents, Ripple Effect, The Deep End) and Amy Whitmore (Freefall). There is no need to read these books first as Obsession does a great job standing on its own.

I really enjoyed both Kendra and Charlie’s characters. The romance between them developed naturally with a maturity and perspective I appreciated. Kendra possessed a certain naiveté in regard to romantic relationships that was believable and endearing without being immature.

Charlie’s own past experiences dealing with the limelight as a senator’s son gave he and Kendra common ground on which to build their friendship. He wants more but knows that a romantic relationship with Kendra will distract him from his duty to protect her. Though Charlie does his best to keep their relationship on a certain level while on the job, Kendra slips easily through the barriers of his past and right into his heart.

Obsession was definitely a page-turner for me. The pace was consistent, and I was always wondering what would happen next, whether in the serial killer investigation or Kendra and Charlie’s relationship. I had a suspicion of who the killer was but didn’t feel confident about it until closer to the end.

I give Obsession 4.5 stars out of 5 and recommend it to anyone who likes a clean, well-written mystery-suspense with a nice romantic element. I look forward to reading it again.

Sheila

Obsession is another great novel written by Traci Hunter Abramson. This book is more mystery than action. It also is a novel about relationships and learning to love and trust again.

Some of the things I liked the most in this novel were the main characters Kendra, the pop singer being stalked and Charlie, the FBI agent assigned to protect her. Both characters have baggage in their past that threatens a possible romance between them.

Traci always does a great job with character development. She writes characters that the reader learns to care about quickly. Kendra, even though she is famous, is sweet and vulnerable. Charlie, though deeply hurt in the past from a failed engagement, is caring and willing to open his heart. Watching Kendra and Charlie interact is not only fun, but you will be cheering them on to connect.

Traci sets up many possible people as the stalker and possible serial killer. Either I am getting better at figuring who the bad guy is, or this one was easier to solve. But I knew over half way in who Kendra’s stalker was. Fellow reviewer, Mindy, told me she had also figured out the stalker early on. The main mystery for me was how he would attack and if Charlie would be able to protect Kendra. There is great action at the end that resolves the novel nicely.

I recommend Obsession to readers that love a novel filled with a blooming romance, mysterious stalkers, FBI agents and finding God again in your life. Nice job to Traci on another well written novel that her fans will not want to miss reading.

Mindy

Kendra Blake is in danger, and she doesn’t even know it. She is a beautiful, talented singer from a Hollywood family. She is used to being the spotlight, and being watched under a microscope. Kendra knows all about security and the privacy invading problem is it. That’s why when a bomb goes off at her concert, she flees to her ex-FBI agent Grandpa, who will protect the best way he can, in secret.

Kendra’s dad is a famous actor and has distanced himself from the LDS church. She always adhered to the gospel’s teachings and values. Kendra loved visiting her grandparents and going to church with them when she was younger.

Charlie Whitmore is an FBI agent in need of an escape as well. Because he is a member of the LDS church, he is given the special assignment to “guard” Kendra. Only she doesn’t know it. The two develop a friendship that is much needed for the two of them. Only Charlie feels guilty, should he tell her the truth? And what will happen when he does?

While this is going on, we also have the psycho that is after Kendra. Several girls have been killed and authorities are thinking their deaths may be involved in the Kendra Blake case. This guy is very creepy, and he gave me the chills.

Traci can sure write crazy well! The stalker was very disturbing and determined to have Kendra at all costs. All the characters jump off the page, were written well, and believable. There is action, romance, and a nut job possible serial killer, what else do you need in a book?

4 out of 5 stars for me. All the book’s I’ve read of Traci’s are awesome! This one is no different.

 

Do you have a favorite Traci Hunter Abramson book?

Hang ’em High by Tristi Pinkston – Combined Review – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Combined Reviews, Special Features
Sep 272011
 

Hang ’em High (Secret Sisters #3)

Author: Tristi Pinkston

Publisher: Walnut Springs Press

Published: July 2011

Softcover; 258 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-59992-800-5

Reviewed by: Shanda, Sheila & Mindy

FTC FYI: free review copy for honest review except for Mindy who purchased hers :)

***Tristi’s giving away a free manuscript evaluation! Read on for details.***

Shanda’s Review

In Hang ’em High, we meet Keith, Ida Mae’s long-time estranged son. Keith invites Ida Mae up to visit his dude ranch in Montana in the middle of winter and welcomes Arlette and Tansy as well. When Keith’s prize stud is found dead under suspicious circumstances, Ida Mae convinces her son to let her do some investigating.

The Secret Sisters are soon joined by Eden, Kevin and Ida Mae’s beau, George. What follows is an entertaining tale layered with hilarious adventure, mystery, rebuilding family connections, and a hint of romance.

While I knew I would like the Secret Sisters series, I didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I do. I’m surprised at how much I’ve come to care about and appreciate these three older ladies, their quirky personalities and crazy antics. I know that when I sit down to read a Secret Sisters mystery, I am guaranteed an entertaining story, intriguing mystery, and a good laugh or two.

I give Hang ’em High 4 stars out of 5 for helping me see that you’re never too old to learn and change, for making me smile, and for leaving me excited for the next book in the series.

Mindy’s Review

Hang ’em High had me smiling and laughing from the start, and for that I knew I was going to love this book. Ida Mae and her grown kids are estranged, have been for years. Arlette secretly wrote to Keith and Kim to tell them about Ida Mae’s accidents (see Dearly Departed). Keith was the only one that responded; he was thrilled and invited Ida Mae to his dude ranch for a visit. Ida Mae couldn’t be happier, there has been some unresolved issues with her kids and she was glad that she could try to clear the air with one of them. Ida Mae gets her courage and calls Keith to see if the offer was still there for her to come see him in Montana. At a shopping spree in Walmart, Ida Mae invites Tansy and Arlette to come along too. They make it to Montana just in time to beat the big snow storm knocking at the door, and just in time for a mystery involving some breeding horses at the ranch.

I loved this book. Every page had something witty and funny. Tristi’s writing is so consistent, and her characters are so full of heart and humor. Ida Mae is my favorite, but I love how all the characters are written in their own unique and special way. I won’t give away too much, but my favorite part is when the ladies are trying to break in a window. Laugh out loud funny.

4 stars out of 5. Hang ’em High is a fast paced, quick read. Very funny. I finished fast and it left me hungry for the next one. Luckily I don’t have to wait long. Targets in Ties comes out in January of next year!

Sheila’s Review can be found her personal blog: Why Not? Because I Said So!

Hang ’em High is available for purchase from Deseret Book and Amazon.

Visit Tristi’s website: http://www.tristipinkston.com and blog: http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com

Contest Info!

To celebrate the release of Tristi’s eighth book, she’s holding a contest! If you leave a comment on this review, you will be entered into a drawing for a free manuscript evaluation, done by Tristi Pinkston Editing http://www.tristipinkstonediting.blogspot.com. In fact, you can leave comments on all the blogs participating in this virtual book tour! Go to Tristi Pinkston’s blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com for a list. The deadline is October 5th at midnight MST. If you win and you’re not a writer, you can give this evaluation to a friend.

Have you read any of the Secret Sisters Mysteries yet? If so, do you have a favorite character?

Bloodborne by Gregg Luke – Combined Review – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Combined Reviews, Special Features
Sep 072011
 

Bloodborne

Author: Gregg Luke

Publisher: Covenant

Published Date: August 2011

Softcover; 325 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

ISBN# 978-1-60861-366-3

Reviewed by: Shanda, Sheila & Mindy

FTC FYI: LDSWBR received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review

Shanda’s Review

Bloodborne has everything that makes a suspense novel great. The threat is terrifyingly believable. The protagonists are imperfect and relatable. Close calls and unknown elements keep the reader turning pages. There is the black and white of right and wrong along with plenty of gray in between.

While the story is told mainly from Erin and Sean’s viewpoints, the reader experiences a significant amount through the villains’ points-of-view as well. The story carries smoothly between each character. I love that the reader gets to know one of the nicest characters in the book through the eyes of the main bad guy, who isn’t quite as unfeeling as one might expect.

Because suspense novels are very plot-based, I was not expecting the depth with which Gregg wrote Erin and Sean. Don’t get me wrong, Gregg is great at writing 3-dimensional, believable characters (if you’ve read Blink of an Eye, you know what I’m talking about). Bloodborne went well beyond my expectations, not just with characterization, but with the interaction between the two main characters as well. Erin and Sean’s relationship (don’t assume I mean romance here) is multi-faceted and complex.

I give Bloodborne 5 stars. I’m headed straight over to the Whitney Award website to nominate it for the Mystery-Suspense category. Well done, Gregg!

Sheila’s Review

My first thought after reading Gregg Luke’s Bloodborne was, “Move over Dan Brown, Gregg Luke is in the house!!” Gregg has written a novel that plays out like a movie in your head. At times I forgot I was reading a book. The action is great, the suspense is high and the characters keep you wondering who they really are and how they fit into the big picture.

The many storylines in the book seem at first to be disconnected, but soon you can see how all of the pieces start fitting together. The other amazing thing is that the whole story takes place over a period of only four days. There is A LOT that happens in those four days.

Some of the things that intrigued me in Bloodborne were the research done by Dr. Erin Cross, the main female character, the bad guys being members of the Order of Benjamin’s Blood with a Grand Illuminate at the head, and the strange background of the hero, former special ops agent Sean Flannery. Mosquitoes also play a huge part in this story (They also got front cover status!) I didn’t like these insects before and I hate them even more now. My skin kept itching every time I read about Jacob, the “Mad Scientist” breeding his deadly bio-weapon bugs.

I have read most of Gregg’s books and I feel that this book is his best!! He was on fire when he wrote Bloodborne. The storyline is so compelling that you cannot put this book down. I know that you hear this often from reviewers, but it is 100% true when you read Bloodborne. I stayed up late so I could finish this book. I really wanted it to continue and not end. I am wondering if Gregg could get more from this storyline and these characters. I am always impressed with the extensive research Gregg does for his novels. This book is no exception. You can tell he spent a lot of time gathering information.

Nice job, Gregg!! I gave this book 5 stars on Goodreads.

Mindy’s Review

I was very excited to read this book after talking with Gregg about it at Storymakers. Right away, I was drawn in by the cover. Unfortunately, mosquitos love me. With my red hair and fair skin, I am always the first to get bit. I was very excited to see where this book would take me.

Bloodborne grabbed my attention from the first page. Dr. Erin Cross is at a deli when she receives a threatening text message telling her she is about to die. She looks around the deli wondering if someone there was playing a sick joke. Erin views the number and it is all zero’s, untraceable. Then, another one comes through, and another. She looks around and sees a middle aged, good looking guy, texting. Erin runs over and immediately accuses him of being the guilty sender. At that same moment, a man runs in the deli, guns drawn and shoots up the place. When confronted by Sean, the texter, he pulls out a knife, says some Latin phrases and stabs himself in the neck. Why does someone want to kill her? Eric is a scientist. Recently, she had a disastrous H1N1 trial, so she has been trying lie low since then. Could this have something to do with that?

See what I mean by “grabbed my attention?” I love Gregg’s writing style, and I really love his shorter chapters. They have a sneaky way of making me read just one more chapter. Before I know it, it’s midnight and I have finished a lot more then just one more chapter.

Bloodborne blew me away. I loved it. I read most of it with my mouth wide open. 4 1/2 stars out of 5. Excellent job, Gregg!

Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon by Dennis Gaunt – Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews
Sep 012011
 

Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon

Author: Dennis Gaunt

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: August 2011

Softcover; 251 pages

ISBN# 978-1-60908-058-7

Genre: Religious Non-Fiction

FTC FYI: LDSWBR received a free review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Shanda’s Review

Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon swept me off my feet. It is entertaining, funny, honest, understandable, applicable and inspiring.

I passed our review copy on for Mindy and Sheila to read and then purchased my own copy of Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon so I could go back and highlight the sections that inspired me the most.

Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon is clearly written for the youth but in a direct and intelligent voice that both teens and adults will appreciate. The author presents this study of Book of Mormon bad guys with a secret agent “gathering intelligence” approach–we can learn about Satan’s tricks and deceptions in the latter days, and thus outsmart him, by studying how he tricked and deceived people in the past.

…we have many advantages over Satan. One of the greatest of these is the Book of Mormon. In its pages we have access, in a sense, to some of the greatest spy work ever done. (page 5)

The summaries at the end of each chapter include “Lessons Not Learned” and “Lessons to Learn,” asking questions that would be great discussion starters and lesson material for Family Home Evenings.

A continuing theme, mentioned several times by the author through scripture references and examples, is the message of repentance. These bad guys could have received blessings on earth as well as eternal life, if only they had learned the lessons Heavenly Father was trying to teach them. Some of the bad guys did repent and there is an entire chapter discussing those who turned back to the Savior.

I give Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon an enthusiastic 5 stars. I recommend it to all Latter-Day Saints. Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon has added new depth to my understanding of the scriptures. I plan to purchase another copy for my teenage daughter so she can read and mark the sections that are meaningful to her as she studies the Book of Mormon.

Sheila’s Review

Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon turned out to be something I wasn’t expecting. This book is full of humor and teaches young adults, as well as adults, gospel lessons in a way that you will not forget. I also truly loved the way that Dennis Gaunt presented each “bad guy” found in The Book of Mormon.

It is so easy to dismiss all of these bad guys as just that, they were bad and didn’t live the gospel. Though that statement could be proven true, he also reminds the reader that all of the bad guys were also human. These people were more than the one dimensional wicked bad guy, there was so much more to them. Many had trials in their lives where they also had to make a choice of good or evil.

In this book Dennis brings forward to the readers that there are lessons to be learned from the mistakes that these sinners made. Every chapter is ended with 1) Lessons NOT Learned and 2) Lessons to Learn.

This book is a must read for youth. You can tell he wrote it with them in mind. This doesn’t detract at all from adults enjoying the way the messages are presented. Dennis relates so much of the gospel in language that teens of today can understand. There is a chapter about Nehor and Amlici called “Popular Like Me.” The chapter starts with what the being popular is like for teens today; sitting at the cool table, sitting with the football players and cheerleaders etc. Gaunt then goes on to tell how Nehor was very much like the “popular” person and became a celebrity with the Nephite people. With his humor he adds, “I wonder if he was on the cover of Nephite People magazine, topping their 25 Most Beautiful Nephites list”

My favorite chapter has to be chapter 11 about Alma and the Sons of Mosiah. It is the best story to show us how people can go from bad to good. The overall message is that there are many miraculous stories of repentance and change in the Book of Mormon. What a great message to share with the youth of our church. I look forward to reading more books by Dennis Gaunt.

Mindy’s Review

My LDSWBR gals and I ran into Lisa Mangum at the Book Bloggers Social and she told us about her brilliant brother who sat down to write a book about the bad guys of the Book of Mormon and it only took him a month. I was impressed that someone, first of all could do that, but also I was so intrigued by the title. How cool to write a book about Book of Mormon bad guys.

When I sat down to read it, I was already excited. Right at the beginning there was a reference to one of my favorite bad guys of all time, Darth Vader. I knew right away I was going to love this book, and anything Dennis was going to tell me. What the author did with the bad guys was explain their side of the story. He didn’t justify their actions, but related their lives in a different way. And explained some scriptures that I have just skipped over in my past readings of the Book of Mormon.

There were so many great quotes from prophets, members of the twelve, present and past, and from other officers of the church. Most of my favorite quotes were from the author himself. I can tell that Dennis is a very smart and clever guy. He shared many of his own personal experiences throughout the book, telling the reader that he too has had a life of ups and downs. Some of the downs were from his own making. He turned his life to the direction it needed and served a mission in New Zealand. (My dad also served there on the north island.)

I also loved the other movie references: Star Wars and even Mary Poppins. At the end of each chapter there is a lesson learned and lesson to be learned section, giving a brief and sometimes funny summary of what the bad guys needed to know then.

The “yearbook” chapter was one of my favorites. The biggest lesson was, how do others see you and how do you want to be seen by others. Around page 160, the author talks about CPR–church activity, daily prayer, and reading scriptures. The basics of our beliefs and religion. If we fail to do those small and simple things, we could be at the mercy of the baddest bad guy of all, Satan.

July was a really hard month for me personally and my family as well. I went through many health struggles and trials that seemed never ending. My dear husband kept reminding me to pray and read my scriptures. At times I was praying about 20 times a day, needing the Lord with me at all times. Now that I am better, I still need that spirit with me, and I remember that I need CPR everyday to keep me and my family strong.

During my reading of Bad Guys of the Book of Mormon I was blown away. This is one of the best books I’ve read all year. I couldn’t put it down. I kept quoting phrases to my husband and teenage daughter. They are reading too! I wrote down so many awesome references that touched me. However, the last five pages were mind-blowingly awesome. The author made me excited about the scriptures.

Dennis talked about Christ being the master artist:

The Lord does things a little differently. He views us as eminently designable. Changeable. Moldable. His vew of us is as one looking at something with limitless potential for greatness. There is no end to the beauty and perfection that He can make us into. And yet, the greatest of all artists, the Master Artist, begins His work on us by signing His name first, before He ever lays a single drop of paint on our canvas, before he ever picks up a tool.” (page 231)

Christ is my Savior and Redeemer, without His influence and love I would be lost.

5 stars out of 5.

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