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

Dec 202013
 

CD2C-2013x250

5 days until Christmas

 **Entry deadline has been extended to Midnight Mountain Time on Christmas Day. Merry Christmas!**

FrankColeFrank L. Cole has lived in such exotic places as the Philippines and Kentucky, and currently lives with his wife and three children out west. While he strived for years to earn his publishing credits, Frank considers sharing his message of “Exercising Your Imagination” to over 45,000 kids across the country as his greatest accomplishment. Frank has 7 published books to date with his next one releasing in 2015 from Delacorte Press.

Please take a minute to visit Frank at one of the links below:

BLOG | TWITTER | FACEBOOK

* * * * *

LDSWBR: What is your favorite Christmas song/hymn? Does it have special meaning to you?

FRANK: As traditional songs go, I’ve always loved “The First Noel”. No real reason, I just like the way it sounds. My overall favorite is “The Christmas Song” by Dave Matthews. It just surprised me one year. I was listening to the radio and it came on and at first I had no idea it was a Christmas song. Then I really listened to the lyrics and I was moved a little.

LDSWBR: Do you get together with friends/family to play board games on Christmas or New Year’s? What games do you like to play? Do you have a favorite game from your childhood?

FRANK: Christmas Eve we usually play games with my wife Heidi’s family and hang out. New Year’s Eve we try to party somewhere. I think we’re doing a Masquerade Ball this year and we have to wear masks. I’m going to wear a Justin Bieber mask.

LDSWBR: If you could recommend only one book from those you read this year, what would it be and why?

FRANK: The 5th Wave. It’s rough and shocking at times, but man! It sucked me in. It’s the first book I’ve read in a long time where I’m eager for the sequel.

LDSWBR: Thank you, Frank!

* * * * *

The Guardians of the Finisher’s Fury

GuardiansOfFinishersFury

AMAZON | KINDLE | BARNES & NOBLE | DESERET BOOK

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.

 Have you attended a Masquerade Ball?

* * * * *

**To enter the LDSWBR Countdown to Christmas 2013, leave a thoughtful comment below.**

Because this is a raffle-style drawing, commenting on each Countdown to Christmas 2013 post will give you 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.

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By leaving a comment and entering the Countdown to Christmas 2013, 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, 2013 and all entries must be received by 12:00 Midnight December 23, 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 post’s 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 28, 2013 by use of a sequence generator on random.org; winner will have until January 4, 2014 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 and 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 12/20/13 – more to be added to this list!)**

  • Rocky Road by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)
  • Shannon’s Hope by Josi S. Kilpack (personalized copy)
  • The House at Rose Creek by Jenny Proctor (signed copy)
  • Penumbras by Braden Bell (signed copy)
  • The Reluctant Blogger by Ryan Rapier (personalized copy)
  • Just Ella by Annette K. Larsen (personalized paperback)
  • Longing For Home by Sarah M. Eden (signed copy)
  • Mile 21 by Sarah Dunster (ebook or signed paperback)
  • Blackmoore by Julianne Donaldson (audio CD)
  • Finding Sheba or Ruby’s Secret by H.B. Moore (winner’s choice; format of choice)
  • Pocket Full of Posies by Julie Coulter Bellon (or other Hostage Negotiation novel of choice in either paperback or Kindle)
  • Hadley-Hadley Benson by Jody Wind Durfee (personalized copy)
  • Lock & Key by Traci Hunter Abramson (personalized copy)
 Previous Countdown to Christmas 2013 posts:
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

Apr 102013
 

HB$Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-tastrophe

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Bonneville, an imprint of Cedar Fort

Published: April 9, 2013

ISBN: 978-1-4621-1056-8

Paperback: 122 pages

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

Reviewed by Mindy

Back Cover

“If you knew what was good for you, you would’ve stayed in your precious little tree house.”  She reached over to stick a piece of paper into my hands.

“What’s this?”  I asked suspiciously, reading the paper.  It was a flyer announcing tryouts for underwater ballet.

“I just figured once we cream you tonight for the championship, you’re going to need a new sport to play.”

I wadded the paper into a tight ball and clenched my teeth.  “Just you wait.  Tonight’s going to be different.”

Hashbrown Winters is still living in the shadow of Melanie Thumbs, who he can’t beat at anything, not even laser-tag.  But when he turns to the Oracle for guidance, he is given some unexpected advice that could change the game forever.

Let the fourth installment in the bestselling Hashbrown Winters series transport you and the tree house gang to another dimensions.  This action-packed page-turner will have you asking an important question:  “Would I go thorugh a portal and steal the identity of someone in another dimension just to become a winner again?”  Crack open Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-tastrophe to find out!

My Review

Hashbrown finds himself, where he never has before.  On the losing end of everything.  Melanie is on a roll and Hashbrown consults the Oracle (Fibber himself) to see what can be done to beat her.  After a test, Hashbrown finds the Oracle speaks in opposites, and Whiz is absolutely, not supposed to play in tonight’s laser-tag game.  Right away, Hashbrown knows what he is supposed to do.  But, how can Whiz play if he is banned from Laser World?

Oh, Hashbrown.  What am I going to do without you?  Hashbrown Winters and the Whiz-tastrophe is the end of an era.  I have really enjoyed reading this series.  This installment does not disappoint.  It takes a funny turn with portals and stolen identities, and is full of laughs.  I think my favorite character is Pigeon.  I love how Frank has written him, head bobs and all.

4 out 5 stars.

Author Links

Blog / Goodreads / Twitter / Facebook

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Cedar Fort / Deseret Book

 

 

 

 

Feb 132013
 

The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters

Author: Frank L. Cole

Published: June 2009

Publisher: Bonneville Books (Cedar Fort)

ISBN: 978-1-59955-303-0

Paperback: 99 pages

FTC FYI: Checked out from the library

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Meet Hashbrown Winters. Like any typical Pordunce Elementary fifth grader, he’s got a story. Actually he has several. There’s the story of how he got his nickname, the story of how his treehouse club became one of the most popular groups at school, and, of course, the story of his untimely demise after a mishap with the beloved pet cockroach of Pordunce’s walking death dealer, Hambone Oxcart. Will Hashbrown be able to convince Pordunce’s own mob boss, Cordovo Figanewty, to offer him protection? Or are his days at Pordunce about to come to a swift and painful end? In this hilarious debut novel from Frank L. Cole, every kid who’s any kid has a nickname, and half the fun of the story is figuring out how they got it. The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters will keep kids and parents alike laughing out loud, groaning in sympathy, and turning pages until well past bedtime.

Back Cover

There I stood, hiding next to the vending machines, disguised as a potted plant.  I brushed the plastic leaves from my face and stared down the hallway toward the front double doors.  Snow Cone always said this ridiculous costume would come in handy one day.

Fifteen minutes had passed since the last student left for the buses, but I wasn’t about to take any chances.  Not with my life hanging in the balance.  Leaning forward, I peered around the corner just as the sound of footsteps echoed down the hallway.  Was this it?  Could this be him?  Was I about to be pulverized by Hambone while wearing an emergency disguise I had just pulled from my locker?

My Review

The Adventures of Hashbrown Winters is the first book in the Hashbrown series.  Book 4 is coming out soon, so Frank is touring all of these books before it’s release.  Watch for my reviews for all 4 books!

Hashbrown is quite the character.  Pordunce Elementary is school full of kids with nicknames.  You have to earn your nickname in this school.  I thought Hashbrown’s friend “Whiz” had the best name (for obvious reasons).  As the story progresses, Hashbrown finds himself in trouble with the school bully and his hissing cockroach.  The things that Hashbrown has to do to fix his problems are hilarious, even consulting with the school’s mafia.  Yes, mafia.

This book is darling.  I had a smile on my face the whole time I was reading.  It is perfect for your middle grade reader, even you.  Frank Cole is a pal, and I know that he is a funny guy.  You can tell that in his writing.  There are many phrases where I was laughing out loud.  I can’t wait to read the rest of the series.

4 out of 5 stars.  Frank is also the author of Guardians of the Hidden Scepter and Guardians of Elijah’s Fire series.  They are also very good as well.

Author Links

Website / Blog / Facebook / Twitter

Purchase Links

Cedar Fort / Amazon / Barnes and Noble / Deseret Book

 

 

 

May 302012
 

The Guardians of Elijah’s Fire

Author: Frank L. Cole

Publisher: Cedar Fort

Published: June 2012

ISBN13: 9781462110575

Paperback: 272 pages

FTC FYI: Review Copy

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary: Just when they thought they were safe, Amber Trendon, and their classmates get yanked back into the action. With the Tebah Stick in enemy hands, Amber becomes a target, and it seems even her closest allies can’t be trusted. Now the gang will have to travel through enemy territory to protect a deadly ancient weapon that could cause the earth’s utter destruction.

This thrilling tale ups the action and doubles the danger. Bestselling author Frank L. Cole delivers an addicting read for adventurers of all ages.

My Review

Amber just celebrated her 15th birthday, and the gifts are still coming in.  One in partiuclar is puzzling to her.  There is no note telling who is was from.  It was a box with two old leather books inside.  The 1st and 2nd book of Kings.  Why was someone sending her books from the Bible.  Amber has her suspicions as to who sent it.  To top it all off, Amber keeps having dreams, nightmares really that come every night.  In these dreams, she feels that someone or something is haunting her.

This book picks up right where the first ended, and it’s just as exciting with non-stop action as in The Guardians of the Hidden Scepter.  I really, really enjoyed this.  Amber finds out some information that is shocking, and she doesn’t really know who she can trust.  Old friends and foes are back in the book, and I loved her journey.  Amber has a power, one that she isn’t sure how to use.

4 out of 5 stars.  This is a great series for kids and adults.

Find out more about the author here.  Follow Frank on FACEBOOK and his Author Event Page.

The release party of The Guardians of Elijah’s Fire is June 12 at 6:00 pm.  Fort Union Deseret Book – 1110 E Fort Union Blvd. Midvale, UT

AMAZON / BARNES AND NOBLE