The Guardians of the Finisher’s Fury by Frank L. Cole — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Nov 132013
 

Finisher's Fury CoverThe Guardians of the Finisher’s Fury

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Cedar Fort/Bonneville

Published: November 3rd, 2013

ISBN13: 9781462112210

Hardcover: 265 pages

FTC FYI: Received a hardcover copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Book jacket summary

Amber and Trendon are on summer break, and life seems like it’s finally back to normal.  However, their vacation ends abruptly when a mysterious messenger summons them to Egypt.  Dorothy and her team have found an ancient artifact, the final Weapon of Might, and they need Amber’s connection with the Shomehr to recover it.

The mission goes smoothly — until they obtain the artifact.  Then everything goes wrong — very wrong.  Friends become enemies, and enemies become allies.  Now Amber and Trendon must race against time before the Weapons of Might are united and the Finisher’s Fury is unleashed.

This action-packed adventure from bestselling author Frank L. Cole promises entertainment, excitement, and enigma as it brings the Guardians series to an electrifying conclusion.

Back Cover

Silence settled in the room as I thought through my options.  Who was I kidding?  I needed to be back in the hunt to be truly happy.  I could rest once we found the final artifact.

“Okay.”  I tucked the tickets back into the envelope.  “I’ll do it.”

“You’ll go to Egypt?”  he asked, clapping his hands together.

“I’ll go to Egypt.”

My Review

I feel like I’ve been holding my breath since I started reading!

Frank has save the best for last in this exciting series.  Amber and Trendon (who is still a favorite) are taken to Egypt to help Dorothy for the last time.  Only, Dorothy doesn’t really seem like herself.  Even her appearance has changed.  Her temper is always right on the surface and snaps at everyone.  Right away there are snags in their journey to find that last artifact.  Something happens to Dorothy, the Architects (bad guys) are closing in and Amber finds out some interesting things about her “gift” (having the ability to talk to the Shomehr).  On old enemy makes an appearance and throw everyone and everything into more confusion.  This awesome conclusion is action-packed with humor (lovingly from Trendon), mystery and lots of adventure.

4 out of 5 stars.  Frank’s Guardians series is one that I will enjoy over and over.  My kids, I know, will enjoy this as much I did.  I have loved all of Frank’s books and very excited to read more from him.  I am happy to say that Frank is a pal and when I read his books, I am reminded what a cool guy he is.  Frank is also the author of the Hashbrown Winters series, which I also loved.  And, his agent just sold his new series The Summoner’s Handbook to Delacorte of Random House!

Author Links

Goodreads / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 192012
 

Tres Leches Cupcakes

Author: Josi S. Kilpack

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: September 10, 2012

Paperback: 384 pages

ISBN13: 9781609071707

FTC FYI: Review copy which did not effect my review

Reviewed by Mindy

Backcover summary: For Sadie Hollmiller, going undercover as an informant for the Bureau of Land Management on an archeological site in Santa Fe, New Mexico, seems like the perfect way to stay safe and busy while a threat against her life remains unsolved.  Sadie’s days are spent digging up artifacts in the middle of nowhere, but she’s also digging up information on her fellow “dirt geeks.”  With the help of her baking prowess and Pete’s cousin, Caro, who takes to the detective work wholeheartedly, Sadie is finding herself again.

But when recent burials are found on an ancient site, Sadie finds herself in the middle of an unexpected–and unwanted–investigation. The more she digs for the truth, the more secrets she uncovers–secrets that people would kill to keep hidden.

Before Sadie knows it, she’s arrested for starting a bar fight (which was totally not her fault), her new friend is missing, and she’s worn out her welcome in Santa Fe in more ways than one.  A trip to the annual hot air balloon fiesta in Albuquerque is supposed to give her a brea, but before long, she learns that when you’re dealing with the black market antiquity trade, you’re not really safe anywhere.

My Review

What I am going to do when Josi stops writing this series?  I love these books, and Tres Leches Cupcakes is no exception.  I enjoyed the whole book immensely, but the last half, there was excitement on every page.  When Josi throws in Sadie’s humor and inner voice, which I love, I can’t stop reading.  Add a little Pete to  the mix, and you’ve got yourself another awesome Sadie Hoffmiller thriller.

Sadie almost is back to her old self in this book, and I missed her.  But, I did appreciate the journey that she has taken in each book, and her experiences have made her a better person.  I loved reading about the things she has learned, and when she’s in situations similar to past adventures, she can get keep her head and focus.  I loved everything about this book, and I can’t wait for Baked Alaska next Spring.

5 out of 5 stars.  You will be on the edge of your seat, and finally able to breath again when you reach the end.  I loved Pete’s cousin Caro.  She was a delightful character, and a great new friend for Sadie.

Josi S. Kilpack is the author of the 6 other books in the Sadie Hoffmiller series, and several other novels.  Including Daisy, from the Newport Ladies Book Club series.  Find out more about Josi on her blog, Facebook, and Twitter.

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE / DESERET BOOK / SEAGULL BOOK

Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island by Steve Westover – Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Mindy's Reviews
Feb 222012
 

 Crater Lake: Battle for Wizard Island

Author: Steve Westover

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: March 13, 2012

Hardcover: 256 pages

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

Genre: Middle grade fiction

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary:  While visiting his crazy Uncle Bart at Crater Lake National Park, thirteen-year-old Ethan’s world collapses when all the adults at Crater Lake disappear, including his parents. Now Ethan must rally his new friends and decipher the legends of Crater Lake to find the key to rescuing his parents from their earthen prison before he’s captured too and their captivity becomes permanent.

Ethan is visiting Crater Lake with his parents and sister.  After they get the “rules” and story about the legend of Crater Lake from “crazy” Uncle Bart, they decide to go on a walk along the trails.  A young couple, a boy scout troop, and another family with a daughter Ethan thinks is pretty, are doing the same thing. Suddenly vines trap the young couple, make them disappear, and the ground sucks up Ethan’s and Allie’s parents.  Leaving all the kids younger then 16 alone.  Including two of the boys, Jacob and Brady, from the boy scout troop.  After, they are approached by Che-tan a magical being who tells them he needs their help to keep an ancient, evil spirit captive.  He also can help them free their parents and the other’s trapped.

I really enjoyed this book.  It is a great adventure story that I can suggest to my daughters without any hesitation.  I also think adults will like this as much as I did.  I loved how the kids work together.  Jacob was a favorite.  Always thinking quickly to help in tough situations.  There are a lot of twists and turns everyone will enjoy.

4 out of 5 stars. Learn more about the author here.  This book will be available soon!

BARNES AND NOBLE / AMAZON