The Afterlife Academy by Frank L. Cole

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Sep 302015
 

 

23528089The Afterlife Academy

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Delacorte Books for Young Readers

Published: Sept. 8, 2015

ISBN13: 9780385744812

Hardcover: 288 pages

FTC FYI: I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

For fans of “Because of Mr. Terupt, “Mr. Terupt Falls Again,” and” Escape from Mr. Lemoncello’s Library, ” this funny, suspenseful adventure is about two very different twelve-year-old boys who must save the world from demons while dealing with parents, school, bullies, and girls.

Walter Prairie knows how to deal with bullies. He just has to beat them to the punch. But he doesn’t see the biggest hit of his life coming when he is struck dead by a bolt of lightning. Before Walter even knows what’s happened, he is sent to a Categorizing office, fast-tracked through the Afterlife Academy, and assigned as a Guardian Agent to protect a High-Level Target.

Walter’s HLT, Charlie Dewdle, isn’t exactly the most popular kid in school. He’s what you might call paranormally obsessed. When Charlie finds an ancient book with spells that can be used to open the Gateway for demons to wreak havoc on earth, it’s up to him and Walter to fight an eclectic horde of enemies and protect humankind at all costs.

But saving the world isn’t so easy. Especially when your protector doesn’t know the first thing about the Underworld, bullies like Mo Horvath are trying to hunt you down, pretty and popular Melissa Bittner is suddenly talking to you, and your parents think you’re going crazy.

My Review

The Afterlife Academy is another very enjoyable book from Frank Cole.  I am a big fan of his books, and I was thrilled for this new adventure.  Frank writes perfectly for his audience (and for the adults, like me, who enjoy his books).  His writing truly reflects his personality.  He is a super fun guy with lots of humor and heart, and this book is a great example of that.  This story is so much fun and the characters are awesome, even the bad guys.  Walter and Charlie couldn’t be more different, but I loved how their friendship develops.  There is tons of fun and adventure with every turn of the page.  The twists and turns were enjoyable.  There was one scene with Charlie and his parents that had me laughing out loud!

5 out of 5 stars!  This is the perfect middle grade book, and I loved it!

Author Links

Goodreads / Website / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Guardians by Heather Frost — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Book Reviews
Jul 242013
 

9781462110353_p0_v2_s260x420Guardians

Author: Heather Frost

Published: July 9th, 2013

Publisher: Sweetwater Books

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1035-3

Hardcover: 384 pages

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

Backcover

Kate Bennett has escaped captivity, but she has not escaped the hunt.  The Demon Lord has one million dollars on Kate’s head, and every bounty hunter around is just waiting for the chance to break through her Guardian force.  Kate’s only shot at staying alive and protecting her loved ones is to lead the Seers on a mission to the past and kill the Demon Lord before he comes to power.

But Patrick, Kate’s immortal Guardian and the love of her life, knows what happens when she travels back in time:  he has seen her die in his arms.  With Patrick keeping a protective watch over her, Kate knows she can never accomplish this mission, but she cannot wait around to be captured by Demons again, either.

The final installment of the Seer trilogy bring Kate Bennett’s tale to a surprising and exciting conclusion filled with love and heartache, danger and triumph, loss and redemption.

My Review

Wow!  What can I say.  This book was the perfect ending to a series that just got better and better with each book.  So many thrilling and exciting things happen is this book.  One thing in particular that I thought was done brilliantly by the author.  (But I can’t tell you what it was)  What I loved most about his series was it was clean with exceptionally writing.  I grew to love Kate and Patrick.  And there will always be a special place in my heart for Tony, too.  I can’t summarize anything that happens because it will give too much away, but be warned.  Once you stop reading, clear your schedule.  You won’t be able to stop until the last page is turned.  Another aspect I thought the author handled well was the beginning.  *Possible Spoiler*  At the end of Demons you are left hanging as to what happens to Kate, but I liked how Heather gradually brought that in, making you hungry for more.

5 out of 5 stars.  I loved how the everything wrapped up at the end.  There were smiles and tears.  Guardians is Book 3 of this series, so start with Seers and then Demons.  

Author Links

Goodreads / Facebook / Website

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Guardians-blog-tour

Demons by Heather Frost – Countdown to Christmas 2012

 Posted by  Countdown to Christmas, Special Features
Jan 162013
 

 

I want to express my gratitude and appreciation for the patience of our wonderful LDSWBR readers as I mourned the sudden passing of my mom. It was incredibly difficult to lose her just three days before Christmas, but the kind words of consolation as well as the thoughts and prayers offered on behalf of my family were felt and brought comfort and peace to us through the sadness of the days following her death. 

We have modified the contest rules so that entries will be accepted until 12:00 Midnight (Mountain Time) on Saturday, January 19, 2013. Winners will be announced the following week. 

*    *    *

3 days until Christmas

 

Heather Frost was born in Sandy, Utah, and raised in a small Northern Utah town. She is the second oldest of ten children, and she loves her family very much. She graduated from Snow College with an associate of science, and she is currently pursuing her bachelor’s degree in English at Utah State University. Heather has always been an avid reader, and reading and writing are among her favorite things to do. She also enjoys playing the flute, listening to all types of music, and watching a wide variety of movies. She is the author of the Seers Trilogy.

Visit Heather:  WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | GOODREADS

* * * * *

LDSWBR: Do you top your Christmas tree with a star, angel, or something else? Does it have special meaning to you?

HEATHER: We use a star at my house–the same star that’s been used for as long as I can remember. There are colorful lights inside a gold frame; the old star matches our family tree perfectly. Lots of personality, memories, and love. It’s the most beautiful tree in the world.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas movie? Why is it your favorite?

HEATHER: I have lots of favorites, but “White Christmas” is at the top of the list. My parents forced us to watch it every year growing up, and as a kid I thought most of it was boring. But then I grew to love the songs, the story, and the spirit of Christmas the movie invites.

LDSWBR: What Christmas gift have you been most excited to give?

HEATHER: I remember years ago all of my siblings got together and bought a new Lazy-Boy chair for my dad. We hid it in the boys’ room until Christmas, because their room was such a wreck hiding a boxed up chair was a piece of cake.I think that’s honestly one of the only times we’ve ever managed to surprise Dad. It was awesome.

LDSWBR: “White Christmas” is a very popular Christmas movie! Thank you, Heather!

* * * * *

Purchase Demons (Book 2 in Seers trilogy): 

AMAZON | BARNES & NOBLE

Kate’s life is far from normal. She can see Auras, her boyfriend is immortal, and her powers make her a target. But now that the Demon Lord is hunting her, things are about to go from dangerous to truly deadly. Packed with action, mind-blowing plot twists, and characters you can’t get enough of, this is a fast-paced, heart-pounding read from cover to cover.

 Do you have a creative hiding spot for Christmas presents? 

* * * * *

To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012, leave a thoughtful comment below.

Be sure to comment on each Countdown to Christmas 2012 post for more chances to win. Please click through to the website as only comments submitted directly on this post will be accepted.

Prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and the author-donated books listed below. This is raffle-style drawing where all entries throughout the contest period are entered into the same “hat” for all prizes. US only. 18 years and older please. See all contest rules and restrictions below.

If you don’t already follow LDSWBR through email, Facebook or Twitter (those cute little book buttons on the sidebar) you may want to consider doing so during the contest so you don’t miss any posts or chances to enter the drawing. Following LDSWBR is not required but it is nice to know that our book reviews are useful to other readers. :)

If one of our LDSWBR reviews has ever helped you find a book you enjoyed, perhaps you would consider helping us spread the word about the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2012. A link posted to your friends and family either in email or on your favorite social network would be so greatly appreciated. Thanks!

By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2012, you agree to the contest rules below:

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY; entrants must be 18 years or older; open to residents of continental US only; giveaway begins December 3, 2012 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 2012 Mountain Time (updated to 12:00 Midnight January 19, 2013 Mountain Time); to enter, complete the required entry on each post and any additional entries of your choice if listed; LDS Women’s Book Review reserves the right to determine what is considered a thoughtful comment as per each posts required entry; giveaway prizes include a $50 Amazon gift card and a variety of book prizes donated by featured authors; the number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning; LDS Women’s Book Review is not liable for technical problems which may affect entry into the giveaway; winner identity will be verified by email address; winner will be selected December 27, 2012 (updated to the week of January 20, 2013) by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 3, 2013 (updated to January 26, 2013) to claim their prize; if any prize winner forfeits or does not claim prize, prize will be re-awarded to next winner in sequence; all prizes will be awarded; limit of two prizes per entrant; this contest/giveaway is not associated with Facebook, Twitter or any other entity unless otherwise specified; by entering the giveaway you give LDS Women’s Book Review the right to publicize your name on the LDS Women’s Book Review blog; winner agrees to release LDS Women’s Book Review from any liability as a result of winning; email comments & questions to LDS Women’s Book Review – ldswbr (at) gmail (dot) com; giveaway subject to Utah regulations; VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Book Prizes (as of December 21, 2012 – more to be added to this list!)

  • Tres Leches Cupcakes by Josi S. Kilpack (signed paperback copy)
  • Not Your Average Fairy Tale by Chantele Sedgwick (paperback or ebook)
  • Deadly Undertakings by Gregg Luke (personalized paperback)
  • Turning Pages by Tristi Pinkston (personalized paperback)
  • Athena by Heather B. Moore (autographed paperback)
  • The Kindling by Braden Bell (paperback, signed if desired)
  • Sudden Darkness by Margot Hovley (personalized paperback)
  • Code Word by Traci Hunter Abramson (paperback)
  • The Reluctant Bachelorette by Rachael Anderson (ebook)
  • The Ugly Stepsister Strikes Back by Sariah Wilson (ebook- PDF/.mobi)
  • Lady Outlaw by Stacy Henrie (signed paperback)
  • A Note Worth Taking by Lu Ann Staheli (Kindle)
  • When Hearts Conjoin by Lu Ann Staheli (paperback)
  • Paige by Annette Lyon (signed paperback)
  • All Fall Down by Julie Coulter Bellon (personalized paperback)
  • Smart Move by Melanie Jacobson (signed & personalized paperback)
  • Shadowed by Stephanie Black (personalized paperback or ebook)
  • Demons by Heather Frost (signed copy)

Previous Countdown to Christmas 2012 posts:

 

Demons by Heather Frost — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 052012
 

HARDCOPY GIVEAWAY!

Demons

Author: Heather Frost

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Publish Date: September 11, 2012

ISBN13: 9781462110346

Genre: YA Fantasy

Hardcover: 432 pages

FTC FYI: Review PDF copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Kate’s life is far from normal. She can see auras, her boyfriend is immortal, and her powers make her a target. But now that the Demon Lord is hunting her, things are about to go from dangerous to truly deadly. Packed with action, mind-blowing plot twists, and characters you can’t get enough of, this is a fast-paced, heart-pounding read from cover to cover.

My Review

I was so excited when I was asked to participate in this blog tour.  I really enjoyed Seers, and I was anxiously awaiting the next chapter in Kate and Patrick’s story.  There is still the danger of Kate being hunted, but knowing who to trust is a big challenge.  There are secrets, and many twists and turns.  I really, really enjoyed how Heather took this story to many levels.  Kate is a Seer, she can see auras, but there is something special about her that makes her wanted by the Demon Lord.  Far Darrig is back, and he has a secret too.  Toni is back too, and is still a favorite.  Even in serious situations, he’s cracking the jokes.  Demons gives the reader more to enjoy with Patrick’s and Kate’s relationship.  There is a great mystery involving the Guardians.  It is rumored that some Guardians are getting sick, and dying off.  How can an immortal being die?  The climax of this book is a gripping page turner, and the epilogue had me shocked, it BLEW ME AWAY.

5 out of 5 stars.  I got to a point where I could not stop reading, and I’ll say it again.  The ending of this book is one of the best I’ve ever read.

Read more about Heather on her website.  Follow her on Facebook, and her Facebook Fan Page, and Goodreads.

Pre-order Demons at AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE

I am very pleased to announce that I will be giving away a Hardcover copy of Demons (US Only). Thank you Cedar Fort!  Just leave a thoughtful comment below, and you’re entered! Good Luck.  Contest ends September 12, 2012.

Cover Reveal for DEMONS by Heather Frost

 Posted by  Book News, News
May 142012
 

I (Mindy) have some exciting news! I was asked by Heather Frost, the author of Seers, to be one of the blogs revealing the cover of her new book Demons, Book 2 of the Seers Trilogy, before it is officially released in September.
Here is the link to the review I did for Seers.

“Kate’s life is far from normal. She can see auras, her boyfriend is immortal, and her powers make her a target. But now that the Demon Lord is hunting her, things are about to go from dangerous to truly deadly. Packed with action, mind-blowing plot twists, and characters you can’t get enough of, this is a fast-paced, heart-pounding read from cover to cover.”

Here is the gorgeous cover…

Seers by Heather Frost — Blog Tour

 Posted by  Blog Tours, Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Sep 212011
 

Seers

Heather Frost

Publisher: Cedar Fort

To Be Published: October 2011

Hardcover: 330 pages

ISBN13: 9781599557922

FTC FYI: I received a free copy from publisher/Netgallery

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads summary: “For Kate Bennet, surviving the car wreck that killed her parents means big changes and even bigger problems. As she begins to see auras and invisible people, Kate must learn to trust Patrick O’Donnell, a handsome Guardian, or risk her life being overrun with Demons. She soon realizes that both she and her heart are in big-time trouble.”

I was really excited to be a part of the Blog Tour for Seers.  For those of you that read my reviews, I really enjoy a great YA fantasy, this book definitely fits that category.

Kate is just getting back to school after a devastating car wreck.  She is having a hard time getting back to normal.  Her boyfriend, Aaron, tries to do all he can.  But she just doesn’t feel normal.  The only person she can really talk to is her best friend Lee.  Kate has told her that since the accident she has become psychic, and can see people’s auras.  Every day Kate picks up Lee to go to school, after they drop off Kate’s twin sisters.  Every day is the same until Kate suddenly slams on the brakes, and almost hits a young hispanic kid.  There is something off about him, he has a slight silver aura, and most importantly, Lee doesn’t see him.  Great, now she is seeing ghosts.   At school, a new student arrives.  Patrick O’Donnell, but he has a silver aura too.  What does this mean for Kate and her new ability?  She can’t help wondering if she is in danger…

I thought this book was great, and well written.  This is the author’s first book, and I was very impressed.  Find out more about Heather here.  The characters were well written, and enjoyable.  My favorites were Toni and Kate’s Grandpa Henry.  Toni had some really funny things to say, and at times I even laughed out loud.  Grandpa even has some surprises of his own.  Kate too is a great character.  As she gets to know Patrick, she is torn between her feelings for him and Aaron.  It was hard for me as well, because Aaron is a great guy too.  Sometimes in books, the current boyfriend is a jerk.  This time he wasn’t, resulting in a tough choice for Kate.  I was happy with the end result though.

4 stars out of 5.  I am excited for book 2!

I would like to thank the author of Seers, Heather Frost, for doing a quick interview with me:

How long did it take to write ‘Seers’?

The first draft was completed in the space of two weeks: seven days spent researching, another seven to crank out 300 pages. It was an awesome writing experience.

I really enjoyed your book, how many are in the series?

There will be three in the Seers series. I’m planning for the second book, “Demons”, to come out sometime next year.

What was your inspiration with seers and guardian angels?

I love creating puzzles to solve in my writing, and before I’d even thought about writing Seers I wondered about immortal people, and how I could write a unique take on YA immortality. (i.e. no vampires, werewolves, etc.) I mulled the dilemma over, and eventually got the inspiration for Guardians and Demons. But then, I needed a way to introduce them in the story, and I developed the idea of Seers. That way I could pull in the reader while I was pulling my protagonist (Kate) into the fray as well. And it’s really as anticlimactic as that.

I loved Toni, will he be around a lot in the next book?

Toni is one of my favorites as well. :) I’m always trying to stick him in more places, just because I never quite know what outrageous thing he’ll say or do next! I’m happy to report that he’ll get a bit more attention in the next book, and he’s going to have some killer lines for us.

Do u have any Irish relatives?

Not that I’m aware of. My family is more English and Dutch. But I love Ireland all the same, and Irish accents . . . Don’t even get me started!

Did you ever think because of your age, it would of been harder to be published?

Certainly. The publishing world is very competitive, and intimidating enough without adding the fact that I’m younger than most authors. I was worried that my youth would be a red flag that screamed: inexperienced! Luckily, I’ve been extremely blessed, and my hard work has paid off.

Click on these links for more blog tour information.

Seers Book Cedar Fort Books Follow Cedar Fort on Facebook