Pre-Release Review of Witch Born, by Amber Argyle

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Aug 242012
 

Product Details:

Title: Witch Born (Book #2 in The Witch Born Series)
Author: Amber Argyle
Paperback: 330 pages
Publisher: Starling Books (September 5, 2012)
Genre: YA Fantasy
ISBN-10: 0985739401
ISBN-13: 978-0985739409

FTC FYI: I was given a review copy in exchange for an honest review.

Book Description:
Publication Date: September 5, 2012
Brusenna thought it was finished. She defeated the Dark Witch, saving the Haven Witches from imprisonment and death. She found love and a place to belong. She was wrong. Haven is not the sanctuary it appears to be. Even love is in danger of slipping away like water through cupped hands. Some things can’t be saved. A new threat merges with the old as the Witches’ dark history begins to catch up with them. Only Brusenna knows the extent of the danger and how to stop it, though doing so might cost her everything. Including her life. Will Brusenna be required to make the ultimate sacrifice?

 

Product Details:

Title: Witch Song(Book#1 in the Witch Song Series)
Author: Amber Argyle
Reading level: Ages 11 and up
Paperback: 325 pages
Publisher: Rhemalda Publishing (September 1, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1936850168
ISBN-13: 978-1936850167

Book Description:
Publication Date: September 1, 2011 | Age Level: 11 and up | Grade Level: 6 and up

The world is changing. Once, Witch Song controlled everything from the winds to the shifting of the seasons-but not anymore. All the Witches are gone, taken captive by a traitor. All but Brusenna. As the echo of their songs fade, the traitor grows stronger. Now she is coming for Brusenna. Her guardian has sworn to protect her, but even he can’t stop the Dark Witch. Somehow, Brusenna has to succeed where every other Witch has failed. Find the traitor. Fight her. Defeat her. Because if Brusenna doesn’t, there won’t be anything left to save.
I was so lucky to be able to read both books, one right after the other. If I hadn’t been able to, I would have gone a little crazy! I had to start book two immediately to see what would happen. I let the author know how I felt about her books when I sent her a message on Facebook, here is what I said…

“There is something missing in your books…a warning at the beginning that your stories are so addicting that you won’t be able to put the book down.”

When I wrote this to Amber I truly meant it. I took my Kindle to work and it was so hard not to sneak a peek when I shouldn’t during the day. I did read it during Silent Reading Time and during my lunch time. That is my warning to you also, once you start reading this series, you won’t want to stop reading.

Things I Liked:
–Beautiful Writing Style: Amber has such a beautiful way with her words. The Witches in this series cast spells by singing. I loved the words sung by the witches as they cast protection spells. I hate to admit, even when they cast spells to hurt their enemies. Here is an example of main character Brusenna’s, or Senna as she is called mainly in the story, her spell casting…

“Let not the curse of Witches
Destroy a land of natural riches.
Plants, preserve life in thy roots,
Seeds sleep in earth, send forth
no shoots
Until the Witches shall disperse
This terrible and unjust curse.”
I am a singer, so I loved that singing was the method of yielding the Witches power. To cripple a witch and put a stopper to her powers, they gag her. But, you will be amazed at everything the witches can do with their powers.
-Great Main Character Senna: Here is why I loved this character;though she is a truly powerful witch, she is still very “human” in many of her actions. She is not perfect. She has doubts about herself and what she can accomplish. She has feelings and often puts them on the line. In other words, she is very relatable. I like this in a character. It is very easy to put yourself in her place with what she is thinking and feeling.

–Interesting Magic System and History: I loved figuring our how the witches gain power, and what the power is. I also was intrigued with how the witches could control the natural elements.  The history also unfolds in the second book, Witch Born. By no means does this make the book boring. It only enhances the story as events unfold.

Gorgeous Covers: 
Do I need to say more???

–Great Love Story: 
Senna and her Guardian, Joshen, have a very sweet, but normal relationship. They share a great love, but they also have their share of arguments. Through most of both books there is no love triangle; and that is all I am going to say. ;)

–Refreshing and Original Storyline:
I have been reading a lot of fantasy and paranormal stories the past two years. The Witch Song Series is very different from other stories that have witches in them. If you’re tired of vampires, this is a great choice! The author states at the beginning, “The Author wished to use America’s resonance with the Salem Witch Trials. Therefore, the technology and setting for Nefalie are loosely based off of seventeenth century New England” and this time period has always fascinated me. There is also a lot of action that leaves you sitting on the edge of your seat, from chapter to chapter. I couldn’t read fast enough!

Overall, I really loved this series full of interesting characters with such a refreshing and unique storyline. I recommend Witch Song and Witch Born to ages 11 and up. With a main character that grows and matures, you grow to love and admire her. This is a fantastic read which I will read again!

We are excited to announce that we will be participating in the “First Five Chapters Free”” event that author Amber Argyle will be hosting on September 5th. That is the day that Witch Born is officially released. You will be able to go to several blogs to read the first part of Witch Born. Make sure that you come back to get a first look at this exciting second book.

If you are feeling lucky, you can go here to enter to win an e-copy of Witch Born. The contest is going on through September 5th.

 

About this author

Amber Argyle grew up with three brothers on a cattle ranch in the Rocky Mountains. She spent hours riding horses, roaming the mountains, and playing in her family’s creepy barn. This environment fueled her imagination for writing high fantasy.

She has worked as a short order cook, janitor, and staff member in a mental institution. All of which has given her great insight into the human condition and has made for some unique characters.

She received her bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education from Utah State University.

She currently resides in Utah with her husband and three small children.

Purchase your own copies of Witch Song and Witch Born at Amazon.com.

Broken by C.K. Bryant

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Aug 232012
 

Broken: Book 2 in the Crystor Series

Author: C.K. Bryant

Publisher: Dragonfly Press

Published: June 3, 2012

ISBN13: 9781477603000

Paperback: 365 pages

Genre: YA Fantasy

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary:  With Kira injured and dying, Octavion’s last hope is to plead with the king of Panthera for a cure. But King Ramla’s magic isn’t free. The price he asks Octavion to pay goes against everything he’s fought so hard to protect and could destroy his bond with Kira. Will Octavion trade his crown and swear allegiance to a kingdom feared by all, or will he sacrifice the woman he loves to remain faithful to his father and Xantara? Find out when BROKEN takes you on a journey into the savage and unpredictable world of Ophira.

My Review

This book starts off right where Bound ends.  Octavion makes a sacrifice for Kira that he hopes is worth it.  Wait, I need to stop there, I really don’t want to summarize the story, because I don’t want to spoil anything.  There are so many awesome things that happen, I can’t give it away.  There is suspense, romance, heartache, humor, and action.

I loved this book.  I could not put it down at times.  I would look at the clock, and it would be well past midnight.  Broken is very well written, and each character is so unique.  I love Kira’s strength.  She has a stubborn streak in her, but that is what I liked most.  We are introduced to many more of Octavion’s family.  Including his father, the king.  Many secrets from the past are revealed and Kira will need to find her “inner” strength to get through it.

4 1/2 out of 5 stars.  The last half of the book had me quickly turning pages and the ending was awesome!  I can not wait for Book 3.

Content

There is some violence, and kissing scenes.

Find out more about C.K. Bryant through her blog, and Facebook.  Her first book Bound is free.  Check out this awesome series with these links.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / SMASHWORDS

Jacob’s Journal of Doom by Kenneth Pike and Isaac Stewart

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Aug 212012
 

Jacob’s Journal of Doom

Authors: Kenneth Pike & Isaac Stewart

Publisher: Deseret Book

Published Date: July 2012

Hardcover; 208 pages

Genre: LDS Middle Grade

ISBN# 978-1-60907-016-8

Reviewed by: Shanda and two of her daughters

FTC FYI: review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

It’s not easy being eleven. Just ask Jacob Young. He has big plans to create the best video game ever, but between church, Scouts, and his family, Jacob is having a tough time.

Things are rough at school, too. The Beast bullies Jacob at lunch, and Jenny Hayes calls him a baby in front of everyone.

It’s a good thing Jacob still has his best friend, Eric, by his side. But would they still be friends if Jacob invited Eric to Scouts? Or even to church?

Jacob’s Journal of Doom records the ups and downs of Jacob’s life&the good, the bad, and the hilarious.

My Review

I may be thirty-something years old but I found Jacob’s Journal of Doom to be well-written, enjoyable and highly entertaining. I laughed out loud several times, knowing there were probably a few things that my kids were too young to realize were funny. (From before they were born, not maturity level.)

Woven into the story were themes of justice, mercy, forgiveness, missionary work and family unity. These are presented through Jacob’s experiences, frustrations, and lessons learned. I think a lot of children can relate to these things based on their own experiences and see how maybe they can try to handle things differently if  necessary. These themes are subtle and simple, not in-your-face or preachy.

I can’t wait to give a copy to my 12 year old nephew and 9 year old niece. I know they will love it. I highly recommend Jacob’s Journal of Doom to LDS children and their parents. I’m not embarrassed to say I loved it!

11 year old daughter’s review:

“I liked Jacob’s Journal of Doom a lot because it was really funny. I read it really fast. I knew when I saw the cover that it would be funny and I would like it. My favorite thing about the book is the story but I really like the drawings, too. His dad’s jokes made me laugh. Jacob, Amity and Rory are my favorite characters. I keep reading my favorite parts of the book. There are lots of girl characters so girls will like it and not just boys.”

14 year old daughter’s review:

“I read Jacob’s Journal of Doom because I enjoyed Diary of a Wimpy Kid and it looked similar. It was better than I expected because he is a young man who belongs to my same church. It was interesting to see a young man’s point of view about bullying, girls and inviting his friend to church. I love how Jacob always considered himself a ninja and drew pictures of himself as a ninja in his journal. My all-time favorite part is when Jacob is talking about what life will be like when he is a grandpa and he drew a funny comic of his own grandpa as a kid inviting his friends to play with sticks. I think boys, girls, teens and adults will like this book because it’s well written and talks about things kids have to deal with in an entertaining way.”

Find Jacob’s Journal of Doom: 

GOODREADS | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

The Fault in Our Stars by John Green (see Content Warning)

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Aug 202012
 

The Fault in Our Stars

Author: John Green

Publisher: Dutton Books

Published Date: January 2012

Hardcover; 336 pages

Genre: YA Contemporary Romance

ISBN# 9780525478812

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: borrowed from my local library

Summary

Diagnosed with Stage IV thyroid cancer at 13, Hazel was prepared to die until, at 14, a medical miracle shrunk the tumours in her lungs… for now.

Two years post-miracle, sixteen-year-old Hazel is post-everything else, too; post-high school, post-friends and post-normalcy. And even though she could live for a long time (whatever that means), Hazel lives tethered to an oxygen tank, the tumours tenuously kept at bay with a constant chemical assault.

Enter Augustus Waters. A match made at cancer kid support group, Augustus is gorgeous, in remission, and shockingly to her, interested in Hazel. Being with Augustus is both an unexpected destination and a long-needed journey, pushing Hazel to re-examine how sickness and health, life and death, will define her and the legacy that everyone leaves behind.

Review

Though YA is not my usual genre choice, I was very curious about The Fault in Our Stars after reading the summary above. It was a fascinating read for me and provided a glimpse into a world I know absolutely nothing about. The story of Gus, Isaac, Hazel, her parents, and a bitter, alcoholic author named Peter Von Houten pulled me in and kept me reading.

I knew about the emotional aspect ahead of time so I kept the tissues nearby. I used them more than once. The first time was during one of Hazel’s flashbacks with her parents when she was really sick at first and they were getting ready to say goodbye. As a mother, I couldn’t help it.

I wondered why I kept reading when I knew this couldn’t end well (meaning happily ever after, right?) and yet I kept turning pages. Is it worth the read? In the end, it just depends on how the reader feels about what is lost vs. what is gained. Is love worth the agony? Would the reader rather have “painless” ignorance or experience once-in-a-lifetime love that can only end in heartache?

While this is a YA novel, if my 14 year old were to express a desire to read it I would ask her to wait a year or two and then we would discuss the content issues below and decide from there. Some of the LDSWBR adult readers may hesitate if they prefer to keep their reads very clean. The story was strong enough to carry me past the content issues because I really wanted to see how things would end.

I haven’t read any other novels by John Green so I don’t know how this book compares. I will not make any recommendations about who might enjoy this book because it is such an individual choice with stories like these. I don’t know if it is a book I will read again or not at this point, but I do know that it will stick with me for a long time.

Content Warning

Language: Some swearing, there may have been one F-bomb near the end (I’ve read a few books since this one so I can’t say for sure)

Sexual: One instance of premarital sex, no description; one vague, brief mention afterward of a condom problem

Other: The tone of the book is more mature than might be expected considering the age of the main characters; some blunt references to body parts and functions but nothing explicitly coarse.

Defined by Christ by Toni Sorenson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
Aug 192012
 

Defined by Christ: Seeing Yourself Through the Eyes of the Savior

Author: Toni Sorenson

Publisher: Covenant Communications

Published Date: August 2010

Hardcover; 147 pages

Genre: Religious Nonfiction

ISBN# 978-1-59811-969-5

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: borrowed from the library

Summary

So many of us stretch our faces with smiles wide enough to mask the pain we hide. So many of us go through the motions, attending church, giving service, nurturing our families, learning and doing, while inside we feel empty, broken, doubtful, and even guilty for the way we feel. We tell ourselves that if we’d only work harder, we would somehow earn the blessings of peace, security, and unconditional love that we hunger for. But are we ever wrong! Simply by the virtue of being a child of God, each of us is already loved beyond comprehension, without boundaries or conditions. Yet sadly, many of us leave this heavenly gift unopened. Using the scriptures, words of prophets, insightful analogies, and stories drawn from poignant personal experiences, author Toni Sorenson illuminates the pathway toward opening this gift of divine love and finding lasting peace even amidst the shadows and storms of life. As we come to focus on God’s goodness rather than our own weakness, we will recognize our own infinite worth, develop confidence in the plan of happiness, strengthen our ability to identify and overcome the lies of Satan, discover the power within us to find wholeness and help others heal, and experience for ourselves how good trumps evil. No matter what our disappointment of failure or loss may be, allowing ourselves to be defined by Christ will lift us out of the darkness and into His light.

Review

Shortly after I started working with my trainer last year, she recommended that I read Defined by Christ. It had changed her life during an incredibly stressful and discouraging time. With all of the books on my to-read list, I never got around to reading it. However, since I was lucky enough to interview Toni Sorenson for Utah Book Month, I moved it to the top of the list.

Too often we place the value of ourselves on things or situations we can’t control and people whose opinions don’t really matter. It’s easy to lose confidence when we allow ourselves to be defined by these things that are changing, unpredictable and flawed. When I was younger I tried so hard to be what I thought everyone else wanted me to be while struggling to remain true to myself. It was an impossible goal and I failed all around. As I grew older and closer to my Savior, I realized many of the truths that Toni shares in Defined by Christ.

Here are some of my favorite quotes from the book:

In the Doctrine and Covenants we are told, “Remember the worth of souls is great in the sight of God” (D&C 18:10). We are not told to learn that the worth of souls is great in the sight of God. We are not told to understand. We are told to remember. That can mean only one thing: at some point we knew our worth in the sight of God. (page 19)

I never thought of that scripture in that way until now.

God would not have sacrificed His Son to save us if these two principles wer not true: (1) We need saving; and (2) We are worth saving. (page 68)

I love this truth!

We cannot trust others to determine our worth. We can’t even trust ourselves to determine our worth. We have to train ourselves to listen, believe, and act on the only voice that matters–Christ’s voice. (page 72)

At 147 pages, Defined by Christ is a fairly quick read, but you’ll want your own copy to highlight and refer back to when you are feeling doubtful or discouraged. When I told my trainer about my interview with Toni Sorenson, she shared with me that she had just dropped off a copy to a friend who needed it.

As a woman, I know that we can be way too hard and critical of ourselves, often doubting our abilities and our worth. While I highly recommend Defined by Christ to all women, anyone would benefit from reading it. I am going to purchase my own copy and let my daughter read it. As a young woman, she is still trying to discover who she is. I want her to never doubt who she is–a precious daughter of our Heavenly Father who loves her and values her more than she can possibly comprehend.

Find Defined by Christ: GOODREADS | AMAZON | KINDLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK

 

 

Developing Good Reading Habits for the New School Year

 Posted by  Sheila's Reviews
Aug 172012
 

By John-Morgan (from Flickr.com)

“The greatest gift is the passion for reading.
It is cheap, it consoles, it distracts, it excites,
it gives you knowledge of the world and experience of a wide kind.
It is a moral illumination.” — Elizabeth Hardwick

What are some easy things you can do in your home to help your children develop good reading habits, regardless of their age? Here are some things that will help your children become better students and stronger, and more competent readers. These habits will also help your children develop a more positive attitude towards reading at home and at school.

 

Here are some simple suggestions you can use to help your child develop reading skills:

  • Make sure that your children observe you reading on a regular basis. What you read is not important — when your child sees you reading recipes, magazines, newspapers, books, telephone directories, and other reading materials, it will reinforce the importance of reading.
  • Take the opportunity to read to your children often. This not only develops great child/parent bonding time, but also develops solid reading habits for you and your children. There are SO many wonderful books that are out there now. picture books and chapter books.
  • Make yourself/child comfortable :Reading improves concentration. Also, concentration is needed while reading. So whenever we are reading any books we should make ourselves comfortable in a chair or on our bed so that we can concentrate on the book we are reading.
  • To stimulate reading, keep reading materials throughout the house. This will increase your child’s access to books and printed material. Help them understand that reading doesn’t only happen at school — it can happen anywhere. Studies suggest that learners who read outside of school are more successful readers and students.
  • If you are not a good reader,talk about the pictures in books, magazines, and newspapers with your child. It is important for your child to observe your efforts in acquiring reading abilities. In addition, ask them to read aloud to you or to tell you about what they have read in their own words.
  • Visit your public library often, and take advantage of the resources that are available there. Make this a fun weekly activity.
  • Make it a rule that your  children can’t watch television until they have done their daily reading. No exceptions!
  • As your child becomes a better reader, talk about what he/she is reading. When your child finishes a new story or reading assignment, discuss the main ideas, new words and concepts, and your child’s favorite section. This will help strengthen your child’s reading comprehension skills. Have them also write down their favorite parts of the story. This will also encourage good writing skills.
  • Set a goal as a family to read so many books in a month or a year; say five a month or 50 in a year. This will bring some excitement as you work together towards your goal.
  • Let your child know, that to be a good reader, you must read EVERY day! Reading just one or two days for a long time, does not develop good reading habits. Again, show your child that reading is important to you by reading daily.

By taking these steps in your home, you will not only encourage your children to read — you will help them succeed in the classroom and beyond!

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