The Runaway King by Jennifer A. Nielsen – Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews
Jan 062014
 

TheRunawayKingThe Runaway King (The Ascendence Trilogy #2)

Author: Jennifer A. Nielsen

Publisher: Scholastic

Published: March 2013

Hardcover: 331 pages

Genre: Middle Grade/Young Adult Adventure

ISBN# 9780545284158

Reviewed by: Shanda and Mindy

FTC FYI: received a free softcover ARC in exchange for an honest review

Summary

A kingdom teetering on the brink of destruction. A king gone missing. Who will survive? Find out in the highly anticipated sequel to Jennifer A. Nielsen’s blockbuster THE FALSE PRINCE!

Just weeks after Jaron has taken the throne, an assassination attempt forces him into a deadly situation. Rumors of a coming war are winding their way between the castle walls, and Jaron feels the pressure quietly mounting within Carthya. Soon, it becomes clear that deserting the kingdom may be his only hope of saving it. But the further Jaron is forced to run from his identity, the more he wonders if it is possible to go too far. Will he ever be able to return home again? Or will he have to sacrifice his own life in order to save his kingdom?

The stunning second installment of The Ascendance Trilogy takes readers on a roller-coaster ride of treason and murder, thrills and peril, as they journey with the Runaway King!

Shanda’s Review

From the first sentence I knew The Runaway King would be just as enjoyable as The False Prince, which was an absolutely amazing book.

I love Jennifer’s writing style. I was hooked from the beginning, and didn’t want to put the book down. I had to know how events would transpire. Jaron has such a great voice. I love his cleverness and wit. It was wonderful stepping back into his world.  As with The False Prince, there were some surprises, unexpected twists, and more than a few places that made me chuckle.

The Shadow Throne will be released February 25, 2014, and I can’t wait to get my hands on it. There is a lot hanging in the balance with the kingdom and his friends. I’m in so much suspense over Imogen, and it’s always a blast hanging with Jaron.

As much as I don’t want to say goodbye to these characters and this series, I am so excited for The Shadow Throne. Is it February yet?

Mindy’s Review

Another stunning offering from Jennifer Nielsen.  I was blown away by The False Prince and this book was the same.  So many exciting things take place right from the start.  I will not be able to summarize any parts for you, too many spoilers.  I loved, loved all the little seeds that Jennifer planted throughout to make this book thrilling and fresh.  Jaron is still as smart-alecy as ever, and I think that is what I love most about him.  He is too clever for his own good.  Even when he seems to be at the end of his rapidly fraying rope, he is always a step ahead.  I read this book in a matter of hours.  I could not put it down.  Jaron is a character that you will think about and care for long after you finish reading.  The ending of The Runaway King is brilliant.

5 out of 5 stars.  This is book 2 in a trilogy.  Start with The False Prince.  The Shadow Throne (book 3) will be released February 25, 2014.  I am eagerly waiting to see how this amazing series will end.

Check out Mindy and Shanda’s review of The False Prince.

Visit Jennifer:

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Find The Runaway King:

AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | NOOK | GOODREADS

The Witnesses by Stephanie Black — Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews
Dec 122013
 

The-Witness-Black-ill.The Witnesses

Author: Stephanie Black

Publisher: Covenant

Published: October 1st, 2013

Paperback: 288 pages

ISBN13: 9781621085232

FTC FYI: Received a paperback copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by: Mindy and Shanda

Goodreads Summary

Welcome to New America, where patriots are traitors and religion is a crime. After government agent Daniel Lansbury fakes the executions of three believers on national television, he and the fugitives–Alisa Kent, Ian Roshek, and Ian’s sister, Jill–face the perilous task of outwitting President Amanda Ryce and her power-hungry Council long enough to escape to freedom. While a government reformer is on their side, rigorous new security measures thwart any chance of aid. And Daniel’s estranged father, Marcus, an underground terrorist leader, is hatching plans to sabotage the breakable trust between Daniel and Ian and put himself in power at the head of the nation. As faith and loyalties come under fire, the fugitives struggle to stop Marcus and his zealous terrorists and bring to light the wrongs committed against the citizens of this fragile, fledgling nation.

Mindy’s Review

WOW!  WOW!  WOW!  The Witnesses by Stephanie Black, grabs you fast at the beginning and doesn’t let you go until you’ve read the last sentence.  Every turn of the page brings more suspense and questions as to who you can trust.  The Witnesses picks up immediately after The Believer ends.  Having just finished The Believer a few days ago, I was very eager to see what happened to Ian, Jill, Daniel and Alisa.  (I feel bad for those who had to wait so long in between books:)  It isn’t all good news and happy endings for the four.  Alisa is really struggling with reversions and is having hallucinations.  Daniel is having troubles of his own, while he and Ian are at each other’s throats.  There are suspicions everywhere and many problems that come up.  Where to place the three believers is first priority, but there really isn’t anywhere safe to put them.  Even for a short time.  I loved the POV changes to different characters, even to some characters I didn’t like.  It really added to the severity and drama of the situations, that our heros were in a lot more trouble than they realize.  It was also a great way to move the story along without having the main characters figure everything out.  

5 out of 5 stars.   Stephanie does a brilliant job of ending paragraphs and/or chapters in a way that made me keep reading until the end.  She is so good at what she does.

Shanda’s Review

I’ve been anxious to read The Witnesses, sequel to The Believer, for many years. It did not disappoint. The Believer was Stephanie’s first published novel, and I loved it so much it earned 5 stars and made it onto my taking-with-me-on-a-deserted-island bookshelf. Well, I’ll be adding The Witnesses to that shelf as well.

I was turning page after page, at times wondering how in the world Ian and Jill and Daniel would make it through, who would betray whom, who would live and who would die. I was in suspense to the very end, unsure of how things would turn out as the situation became more and more dire for our heroes. There was an unexpected and fascinating twist that I loved.

I am in awe (though not surprised) at how well-crafted and layered the story is throughout both books, and the way the twist worked into events near the end. While the book had a very satisfying conclusion, I still find myself wondering how things worked out in the long run. I need to sit down with Stephanie and either get her to tell me or convince her to write a follow up because I really want to know. I’m not quite ready to say goodbye to Ian.

I highly recommend both The Believer and The Witnesses. They made me think, kept me reading, and stayed with me for days. Well done, Stephanie. Now get going on that follow up for me. (Please?)

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Deseret Book / Barnes and Noble / Seagull Book

Janitors: Curse of the Broomstaff (#3) by Tyler Whitesides – Blog Tour – Combined Review

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Combined Reviews, Shanda's Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Sep 162013
 

JanitorsCurseBroomstaffJanitors: Curse of the Broomstaff (#3)

Author: Tyler Whitesides

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published Date: September 10, 2013

Hardcover/Kindle/CD/Audible/DB Bookshelf: 343 pages

Genre: Middle-Grade Fantasy

ISBN# 978-1609076054

Reviewed by: Shanda & Sheila

FTC FYI: free digital review copy in exchange for an honest review

Summary

A secret society of Janitors with wizard-like powers continue their battle, and now, the stakes are even higher. The Bureau of Educational Maintenance is after Alan Zumbro and this time they mean business – deadly business. Spencer, Daisy, and their little team of rebels must find the source of all magical Glop and destroy it before it can destroy the world as we know it. No small task with the BEM and their monster toxites at their heels. It’s a wild and dangerous ride as they follow the trail of clues all the way to the hiding place of the mysterious aurans: guardians of a secret landfill. What they discover there will change the way Spencer sees himself, not to mention the fate of the rebels.

Shanda’s Review

In the Janitors series, Tyler Whitesides has created a magical, adventure-filled world that middle-grade boys and girls will enjoy visiting again and again. With humor and lots of Glopified action, Spencer and Daisy continue to battle threats to education and learn to use even more magical cleaning supplies as they form new alliances and new enemies.

Germaphobe Spencer must deal with an increased level of gross in order to overcome the new challenges facing him and Daisy as they battle the BEM. From a week at an exclusive school to trekking through an expansive landfill, it seems that Spencer and Daisy will never defeat the BEM and find what they seek. They don’t know who to trust when betrayal follows betrayal.

Though this third book is over 300 pages, it reads quickly. The Janitors series is great for 8-12 year olds who love adventure and magic, but parents might enjoy it just as much. There is a fair amount of disgusting (they deal with a lot of garbage after all), and readers are introduced to a fun character who takes trash-obsession to a whole new level.

Spencer experiences some self-discovery about his abilities, as well as learning what Daisy is capable of beyond her sweet, somewhat gullible personality. Even Dez’s character experiences a little growth. I was concerned that in Book 2 (I have the ARC, so this might be different in the final version), Dez bullies Spencer in front of Spencer’s mother (both emotionally and physically by pinching him) and she says nothing while he and Daisy sit there and take it. I wouldn’t want kids to think that if they are bullied and their parents don’t notice or say anything that they should just accept it. There are times, though, that Spencer does stand up to Dez. In Curse of the Broomstaff, Spencer is learning to stand up to Dez more often, and even shows some maturity when he is concerned for Dez’s welfare without subjecting himself to more bullying.

Fans of the first two Janitors books will enjoy Curse of the Broomstaff. I’m curious about how many books are planned for the series, because the story definitely isn’t finished yet. I suspect many young readers are happy to know that there are more Janitors books to come.

Sheila’s Review

Janitors has become one of my favorite Middle Grade series. As a teacher, I’m often asked by students and parents what books/series I recommend they read. Janitors is one that I highly recommend and often do.

There is so much to love about this third book. (I also strongly advise you read the first two books in the series because it will make your read so much more enjoyable.) The main characters, sixth-graders Spencer and Daisy, have grown into their roles as true heroes and rebel fighters. They prove over and over again how much they have learned, and save the day quite often in this book. They are awesome using their magical weapons/tools: flying brooms, Glopified mops,and plungers. The action escalates in book three and is as messy as ever. (This is in reference to the world’s greatest school cafeteria food fight!)

What is truly funny is the message from the author at the beginning of the book.

“Dear Reader,

Here it is: the third installment in the JANITORS series. And I must admit, this is definitely the trashiest book I’ve ever written. No, literally. This book is full of garbage.

This time, our young heroes must venture deep into an enchanted landfill. They will battle heaps of living garbage and hike through distorted trashscapes as they discover a mysterious group of kids living among the refuse, harboring a centuries-old secret that could save the future of education. As you can see, I take garbage very seriously.”

It is so true! Poor Spencer who hates germs and getting dirty has his hands full. I loved all of the new characters and creatures that were introduced. Tyler really hiked up the intensity of the action and suspense. It was also a plus to see more interaction between Spencer and his father Alan. I think they both learned a lot in this adventure about themselves and each other.

As with the other books, the ending leaves you wanting more with Spencer’s new title and mission. What is that title and new mission? I’m not saying anything, except that you need to read Janitors Book 3: Curse of the Broomstaff to find the answer. With engaging and bright characters, beefed-up energy and action, and written especially for elementary age kids, (even though teens and adults will love the books too!) the Janitors series needs to be put on your children’s to-read list today.

Visit Tyler Whitesides:

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Find Janitors: Curse of the Broomstaff:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK | SEAGULL BOOK | GOODREADS

janitors 3

Finding Sheba by H.B. Moore – Combined Review – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews
Aug 262013
 

Finding-ShebaFinding Sheba

Author: H.B. Moore

Publisher: StoneHouse Ink

Published Date: August 2013

Kindle: 375 pages

Genre: Mystery-Suspense

Reviewed by: Shanda and Mindy

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

Summary

An ancient legend is reborn . . . One that might prove the Bible false.

For centuries, historians have theorized the Queen of Sheba as only a seductive legend, and scholars have debated over the legitimacy of King David or King Solomon. When undercover Israeli agent, Omar Zagouri, stumbles onto a tomb in Northern Jerusalem he unknowingly finds the final clue that threatens to overthrow government claim to the Holy Land, pits wealthy collectors against one another, and sends ruthless archaeologists scrambling to find the queen’s secret burial place. An assassination attempt on the Coptic Pope, His Holiness, Patriarch Stephanus II, is only the first in the chain of lethal crimes. Omar must find a way to prevent the greatest discovery of the century from becoming the most deadly.

Shanda’s Review

Heather (H.B.) Moore is well-known for her ability to write excellent fictional retellings of the lives and events surrounding Book of Mormon prophets who lived thousands of years ago. Recently she has also written contemporary women’s fiction as part of the Newport Ladies Book Club series, as well as a few romance novellas for the A Timeless Romance Anthology collection.

As much as I have enjoyed Heather’s previous books, I think her venture into international intrigue with Finding Sheba is her best work yet. The story moved quickly and kept me turning pages, and, except for a few chapters in the middle where there was a lot of driving around the desert that slowed things down just a bit for me, the pace of the story kept me engaged and wondering what would happen next.

Each of the main characters were well-written, interesting individuals with depth and history. The story is told from four main points-of-view: Omar, Amel, and Jade in the modern-day setting, and Nicaula, the queen of Sheba, in the historical setting. The way Heather weaved Nicaula’s chapters in with current-day events worked great for me.

While there are several characters that play a large role throughout the entire story, the reader is introduced to them one or two at a time, so it isn’t overwhelming. I did get a little lost with some of the travel back and forth to different cities and countries (mainly because I don’t know Middle East geography very well) but I didn’t worry about that so much and just let the story flow.

Finding Sheba is full of intrigue, suspense, love, sacrifice, loss, and history, with a little bit of politics and religion as well. (Biblical, etc. – as pertains to historical events and plot – this isn’t what some consider “LDS fiction.”) There is a small amount of mild language (heck, dang), some violence (hands being cut off as punishment, battles/fights), and some adult themes (references to wedding nights, inferences about violence against a woman prisoner in historical events).

I really enjoyed Finding Sheba, and recommend it to anyone who enjoys a good international intrigue. I look forward to reading more like this from Heather. Well done!

Mindy’s Review

I may sound like a broken record when it comes to Heather’s books. Every book from her is solid and engrossing. I thought Finding Sheba is one of her very best (and that says a lot, because I have loved every book I have read of hers). This story is so well-crafted. I could tell that this book took some time for the author. The characters and plots are amazing. I loved all the jumping around from character to character that this book does, too. It really kept me on my toes. I love it when a book challenges me and keeps me guessing and I never know what is going to happen next.

5 out of 5 stars. This book has everything for every reader. Action, suspense, romance, and mystery. You will not be disappointed.

 Visit Heather:

WEBSITE | BLOG | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

Find Finding Sheba: 

AMAZON | GOODREADS

 

finding-sheba-tour

A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection – Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Shanda's Reviews
May 062013
 

TIMELESS darkerA Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection

Authors: Josi S. Kilpack, Annette Lyon, Heather Justesen, Sarah M. Eden, Heather B. Moore, Aubrey Mace

Published: February 1, 2013

Publisher: Mirror Press

Format: ebook

FTC FYI: Received an ePub copy in exchange for an honest review

Reviewed by: Mindy and Shanda

Goodreads Summary 

Six Award-Winning Authors have contributed new stories to A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection. Readers will love this collection of six sweet contemporary romance novellas, centered on a Spring Vacation, all with one thing in common: Romance.

In Moonlight Kiss, a delightful story by Josi S. Kilpack, Sarah is looking forward to the company retreat, namely because she’ll finally meet Clint—the man she’s been Instant Messaging for a few months. As a single mom, Sarah gets out . . . well, never. So adding vacation days onto the retreat so she can spend time with Clint is daring, yet exciting. She just hopes that the suave on-line Clint will live up to the man she hopes to share her heart with.

In Annette Lyon’s charming novella, Chasing Tess, Tess had been patiently waiting through three years of law school for James to pop the question. The night has finally arrived—at his graduation party. But his big announcement turns out to be completely unexpected . . . and devastating. Tess flees the party, promising herself she’ll never let herself waste time on James again. But as she makes a desperate cross-country drive, James makes his own plans on how to win her back.

Dancing at the Flea Market is a sweet romance by Heather Justesen. Mara, fresh out of the cold North Dakota tundra, spends her spring break in Texas with close friend, Anna. When the two women run into Carter, an impatient man with a painful past, it takes hearing Mara’s stunning voice at the local Karaoke club to thaw his heart. But as Mara gets to know Carter, she has to decide if the distance between their lives and homes is worth trying to bridge.

In Sarah M. Eden’s captivating novella, The Best Laid Plans, Madison gives up a vacation to Cancún with her office friends to return home and babysit her mother, who is in another sketchy relationship. The only problem with returning home is running into Derek, her ex-boyfriend who she decided to break up with before he could break up with her—Madison believes in always being one step ahead. When Derek teams up with Madison to investigate whether her mother is dating the right guy, Madison has a hard time ignoring what her heart is telling her about giving Derek another chance.

Picture Perfect, an exciting story by Heather B. Moore, follows Gemma who has never done anything out of the ordinary, until her boyfriend Randy starts to ignore her. But even cutting and dyeing her hair doesn’t get his attention. She decides to join her old high school friends for spring vacation, only to be faced with Drew, her best friend who suddenly seems interested in her as more than a friend. Gemma must determine if her heart is on the rebound or if it’s finally met its true match.

In Aubrey Mace’s enchanting romance, The Science of Sentiment, Rosie will do anything to forget Kevin, his completely perfect kisses, and the fact that he dumped her. When she arrives at her grandfather’s mountain cabin for a spring getaway, she discovers her worst nightmare—Kevin has been invited to stay the weekend too. Since there is only room for one in such a small space, Rosie is determined to kick Kevin out. But Kevin has other plans . . . which might include a reminder of why he’s the perfect kisser.

Mindy’s Review

This is a very enjoyable book full of six well-written and fun short stories.  Each one is very unique, and most importantly, clean romances with awesome characters.  I was quickly taken into each story with their fun plots and spring settings.  As I was reading each story, I was sure it was my favorite, then I would start the next one, and it became my new favorite.  Each story has its share of great kisses.  The kiss in Heather Moore’s Picture Perfect… WOW!

5 out of 5 stars.  As you finish each story, you will be happily wanting more.  I can’t wait for Summer Wedding Collection in May.  

Shanda’s Review

The A Timeless Romance Anthology series has proven that a short love story can still be big on romance. I enjoyed each one, amazed at how well each author packed a full story into a smaller page count without making it feel rushed or incomplete.

My favorite was Sarah Eden’s The Best Laid Plans. I’m going to quote my notes directly: “Sigh (big smiley face). Loved it. Maddi & Derek – great couple. Good story. Nice romance.” I agree with Mindy about the kiss in Picture Perfect. I was pleasantly surprised with the little turn the story took in Chasing Tess. It was happily not what I expected.

If you like a good romance, check out A Timeless Romance Anthology: Spring Vacation Collection. I’m anxiously looking forward to the next installment, A Timeless Romance Anthology: Summer Wedding Collection. I got a sneak peek at Melanie Jacobson’s Love Bytes and, well, I loved it.

 
Purchase Links:

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Anthology Links:

BLOG | GOODREADS |  FACEBOOK

Author links are listed above.

Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret by Chad Morris — Combined Review

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Combined Reviews, Mindy's Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Mar 202013
 

Cragbridge-Hall-695x1024Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret

Author: Chad Morris

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: March 5th, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-60907-326-8

Hardcover: 326 pages

FTC FYI: Received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy and Sheila

Backcover Summary

Imagine a school in the year 2074 where students don’t read history, but watch it happen around them; where running in gym class isn’t around a track, but up a virtual mountain; and where learning about animals means becoming one through an avatar.

Welcome to Cragbridge Hall, the most advanced and prestigious school in the world. Twin siblings Abby and Derick Cragbridge are excited as new students to use their famed grandfather’s inventions that make Cragbridge Hall so incredible. But when their grandfather and parents go missing, the twins begin following a trail of clues left by their grandfather. They must find out where their family is, learn who they can trust, and discover what secrets are hidden within Cragbridge Hall.

Abby and Derick soon realize they are caught in a race with a fierce adversary to discover their grandfather’s greatest secret–a dangerous discovery that could alter both history and reality.

Mindy’s Review

5 out of 5 stars.  Oh my goodness, where do I start?  I loved everything about this book.  Cragbridge Hall: The Inventor’s Secret is one of the biggest reasons I love reading and reviewing middle grade.  It is one of my favorite reads of the year so far.  Everything about this book is so exciting and fun.  It is a non-stop thrill ride.  You will not be able to stop reading until you are finished.  My favorite thing about The Inventor’s Secret was The Bridge.  To be able to see events from history unfold before your eyes, but be amazing.  There is another great message in this book about facing your fears, and being brave.  Abby is faced with many obstacles when she arrives at school.  She already feels that she shouldn’t be there.  She feels out of place for not being magnificent at something, like her super genius brother Derick.  Her grandpa gives her some advice before school starts.  

Grandpa slammed the bottom of his cane onto the floor.  “Abigail Cragbridge, you are just as good as, if not better tan, every other student in that academy.  When they said “no”, I had to prevent them from making a terrible mistake.  you’ll be one of the best things that every happened to that place.”

“You don’t have to–”

“I’m completely serious,” Grandpa interrupted.  He grabbed Abby’s face by the chin.  “You have heart, Abby.” page 7

Abby learns right away that she is not “welcome” because she only got in to Cragbridge because her grandfather made it so.  She finds a friend, Carol, who accepts her for who she is.  By the way, Carol ends up being one of my favorite characters.  This book has humor, heart, and is tons of fun.  I recommend it anyone who loves a great adventure.

Sheila’s Review

Cragbridge Hall Book 1: The Inventor’s Secret is about a school for intelligent kids in the year 2074.  Here they don’t just read about history, they live it! There are so many things in this book that made me wish I could teach at a school like this.  They truly make learning fun by being able to virtually experience their lessons.
Our twin protagonists, Abby and Derick, are excited to go Cragbridge Hall, because this is their inventor, Grandfather’s school. There is an adventure around every corner. Soon the fun turns into a race against the clock, as they have to discover their grandfather’s hidden secrets. These secrets could save the lives of their parents and grandfather who have been kidnapped by a very dangerous enemy.The coolest thing in the book is “The Bridge”. This is what enables someone to experience history firsthand, and even to ultimately travel in time! I have a particular love for time travel books.

Even though this book is written for a middle grade audience, it doesn’t feel like it when you read it. Every age can read and love this book! Though there are great lessons for the reader in this book, they are not preachy or too blatant. I can’t wait to get back on track so I can read it out-loud to my 2nd grade class. I know that they will LOVE it! My own kids are vying to see who can grab it first when I’m done writing this review. This book will someday make a very awesome movie! I predict…yes I’m looking into the future…that this series will become very popular and will find it’s own place in literary history.

Author Links

Website / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook / Publisher / Blog

Purchase Links

Deseret Book / Amazon / Barnes and Noble

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