The Next Door Boys by Jolene B. Perry

 Posted by  Mindy's Reviews
Oct 052011
 

The Next Door Boys

Author: Jolene B. Perry

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: October 2011

ISBN13: 9781599559100

Softcover: 272 pages

FTC FYI: I received a PDF  from the publisher which did not affect my review

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary: With her body still recovering from last year’s cancer treatments, Leigh Tressman is determined to be independent. Despite the interference from her overprotective brother, the ever-expanding line of young men ready to fall in love with her–not to mention the physical frustrations and spiritual dilemmas Leigh discovers what it actually means to stand on her own and learns that love can be found in unexpected but comfortable places.

We meet Leigh and Jaron Tressman on their way to BYU for the start of school.  Leigh is very anxious to get there, mostly to start living her life away from her mother’s worried eyes.  Leigh’s cancer is in remission, and everyone is still worried for her.  At home Leigh is known as: “Jaron’s little sister” or “the girl who sews” and “the girl who sings” so she is excited to start fresh.  The only way she could go to school this semester was with the stipulation that her brother Jaron would be next door to keep an eye on her.  Brian lives with Jaron even though he is a few years older.  We also meet Stuart and his wife Julie.  Stuart served with Brian in Iraq, and they are all very close.  Luckily Leigh’s roomates Megan and Kim are easy to get along with too.  Soon they all become fast friends.  Although, Leigh is leery of Brian with his tattoos and late hours, she starts to develop a friendship with him.  A friendship that she starts to need.

I instantly loved Brian.  As soon as he ran up to Leigh and Jaron’s car to welcome them, he did so into my heart.  As Leigh’s story is told, I loved it when Brain would stop by.  Truly a great character with heart, brains, and good looks.  I loved the relationship between Leigh and Jaron.  They have many traditions: always stopping in Cedar City for pizza, walking arm in arm, and going to the temple together.  Their family has had some struggles, but they’ve always had each other.

The Next Door Boys is very enjoyable!  Leigh is a great character, but she has many things to work out for herself.  She has an incredible support system with her family, roommates and especially Jaron.  I was happy when she finally realized it.

4 out of 5 stars.  Thank you Jolene for asking me to review your great book, and to Laura at Cedar Fort for the PDF.

For purchase information and to learn more about the author, click here.

 

 

Into The Gauntlet by Margaret Peterson Haddix

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Oct 072010
 

Into the Gauntlet
By: Margaret Peterson Haddix
Publisher: Scholastic Inc.
Published: August 31, 2010
Hardcover: 327 pages
ISBN 13- 9780545090681
FTC FYI: Borrowed from library
I thought since I reviewed 39 Clues #1, “The Maze of Bones”, it would be fitting to review the last in the series. First of all, I really enjoyed this series. It’s a great series for kids, and for anyone, adults included, who enjoy a fun, quick read.
Throughout this series, Amy and Dan Cahill have traveled all over the globe in search of the 39 Clues. In previous books, the kids find out what branch of the Cahill’s they belong to, and in book nine, “Storm Warning”, Amy and Dan learn what the true mission of the 39 clues is. The secret of the “Madrigals” is revealed in “Storm Warning” as well. The other clue hunting teams are still unsure of the Madrigals and what they could do them.
In the start of this book, Amy and Dan are discouraged and scared. They end up in London along with the Holts, Kabras, Alistair, Jonah, and a surprise team that we thought was taken care of earlier. And don’t forget about the evil Isabel Kabra… How are Amy and Dan going to accomplish all that they need to and still try to win?
A couple of the books in series, I gave three stars. However, the last four received four. I really enjoyed how different authors wrote each book. With that we are able to get a fresh voice on the clue hunt. Also, there is a surprise at the end of “Into the Gauntlet” that leads to a whole new set of books. I will read those as well.
Happy Reading Clue Hunters: Purchase the series here

The Necromancer by Michael Scott

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Aug 052010
 


The Necromancer

Author: Michael Scott
Publisher: Delacorte Press
Published: 2010
Hardcover: 385 pages
ISBN: 978-0-385-73531-5
FYC FYI- I bought my own copy
“The Necromancer” is the fourth book in the ” The Secrets of The Immortal Nicholas Flamel” series. This book was awesome, held my attention, and left me wanting more. “The Warlock” will be the next released and last in the series is “The Enchantress”. I did some research to try and find a release date for “The Warlock”, but I was unsuccessful. (So, if you find anything, let me know.) I’m sure it’s because “The Necromancer” was just released :). That’s what is so hard about loving a series, is you have to learn to wait.
I would not read this book without reading the other three. Only a week has passed since the start of the series. And, a lot has happened. You might ask yourself, “Why is she reviewing book four then?” And, I really don’t have an answer, only that I would want you to read the whole series. You won’t be sorry.
Here’s the basics on the story: Josh and Sophie Newman are twins. Josh works for Mr. Fleming at his book store and Sophie works at a coffee shop where Mrs. Fleming is a customer. However, The Flemings have a secret. They aren’t who they say they are, and the two have been searching for the twins of legend… for centuries. There is an enemy of “Fleming’s”, his name is John Dee, he is also searching for something. Something that will help him complete all his plans of destruction and earn him favor with the Dark Elders.
There isn’t much else I can say without revealing anything spoilerish. However, every book brings interesting problems, magic, power, mystery, and mind-blowing characters. I love this series. It is very fast-paced and well written. I didn’t want to read it too fast in order to savor every detail slowly, but I couldn’t put it down. I love how the author executes the chapters. They are short, but you jump back and forth from one exciting situation to the next, and there’s always a cliffhanger that makes you continue reading. There wasn’t anything I didn’t like about this book, or the series for that matter.
4 1/2 stars for “The Necromancer” and the other three in the series.
I cannot wait for the next and I would read anything from this author.
Reviewed by Mindy

39 Clues: The Maze of Bones by Rick Riordan

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
May 202010
 

Book One The Maze of Bones 39 Clues
Author: Rick Riordan
Publisher: Scholastic
Published: 2008
ISBN-13: 978-0-545-09054-4
Hardcover 220 pages

Reviewed by Mindy
FTC FYI: borrowed from library
Grace Cahill was a rich, powerful, and mysterious woman. Right before her death she changes her will and that change starts a fast-paced exciting adventure. Grace’s grandkids Amy and Dan are orphans, their parents died years ago in a fire. They gather, along with many crazy members of their extended family, for the reading of Grace’s will. In her will, Grace selects only certain members of her family to either take a million dollars each, or exchange it for a chance to find the “39 clues”, which will lead to a source of unimaginable power. Amy and Dan decide to take the challenge, along with some ruthless and crazy family members. The first clue is given, and the race is on to find the second. Since their parents died so young, the kids don’t know much about the mysterious Cahill family. They’re hoping this quest can also give them the answers they need as well. Grace’s butler William McIntyre has known the kids for years, and can not give them any help. However, he offers a couple words of advice and warns them not to trust anyone along their journey. Of course, Amy and Dan make rookie mistakes, like, trust those they shouldn’t. And, it seems that whenever hints are discovered or they find a new lead, there is always a bad guy conveniently around to hear. That was what bothered me the most, but it didn’t make it so I didn’t enjoy the book any less.
“The Maze of Bones” is very clever, fun, and a very fast read. There is humor, action, puzzles, loyalty. I found what I liked the most was the relationship between Amy and Dan. Amy is older, shy, and smart while Dan is funny, mischievous, but very smart too. They really watch out for each other and when it comes to protecting each other, they would give it all up to do so.
What is think is neat about this series of books is that each book is written by a different author. The author of this book, however, wrote the outline for the rest of the books. So far there are eight in the series released, and there will be 10 total. Book 9: Storm Warning will be released May 25th 2010, and Book 10: Into the Gauntlet is set for Aug 31, 2010.
3 1/2 stars out of 5
I recommend Book 1 and have read Books 2: One False Note and 3: The Sword Thief. Started Book 4: Beyond the Grave yesterday.
Mr. Riordan also wrote the Percy Jackson series, which I loved.

Over Sea, Under Stone (The Dark is Rising Sequence Book 1) by Susan Cooper

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
May 132010
 

Reviewed by Mindy

I love goodreads. This is where I get most of my books to read. My friend Kelli gave this series five stars and she said these five books are up there on her favorite books of all time. And, for those of you who know my good friend Kelli, she has a hard time remembering what book she read last week! Right, Kell? :) So, when I saw how much she enjoyed this, I was interested.

“Over Sea, Under Stone” is the first book of five and was originally published in 1966. Interesting tidbit: Book 2 “The Dark is Rising” is a Newbery Honor Book and book 4 “The Grey King” is a Newbery Award Winner.
It starts with three siblings Simon, Jane, and Barney who are visiting their Great Uncle Merry in Trewissick, along with their parents, for a get away so Mom can paint and Dad can fish. Great Uncle Merry is a mysterious man who doesn’t like to answer questions and disappears for long periods. They are staying in the borrowed Grey House, which holds many of it’s own mysteries. While exploring in the house, the children find a map that while intriguing, is also a dangerous thing to have. In their quest to figure out what the map really is, they meet some menacing people, well actually, the bad people find them. Who can they trust and what they find, I won’t tell you, but it’s a great adventure, that takes them over sea, and under stone.
I’m accustomed to fast paced books, and this fit right in. I enjoyed the mystery of the map, what it eventually led them to, and the adventure it took them on and why. Also, finding things out along with the kids. (Even though there was one event I figured out before they did:)
There are some exciting events that take place: burglary, kidnapping, mind control, lies, deception, cave-exploring, a link to King Arthur, the mystery of him, and a fun surprise revelation of a character at the end.
There wasn’t anything I didn’t really dislike about this book. I would of liked a little more information on the kids. But, it didn’t bother me enough to be discouraged or not want to read more of the series.
What I liked the most was the mystery of map, (which actually is called something else) and how Simon, Jane, and Barney figure out the next step. I also enjoyed how they would work together and how they treated each other.
Four stars
I would read it again.
Will I read more from this author: Yes, I want to finish the series.
Over Sea, Under Stone

Author: Susan Cooper
Publisher: Simon Pulse
Published: 1966
ISBN13: 978-1-4169-4964-0
Paperback: 196 pages
FTC FYI: checked out book from library