Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright and Kevin Wasden – Countdown to Summer 2011

 Posted by  Countdown to Summer, Special Features
Jun 102011
 

11 days until summer!

Julie Wright has written over a dozen books, but especially loves writing about the fantastic. She enjoys speaking to writing groups, youth groups, and schools. She loves life and everything life has to offer, except mayonnaise and mosquitoes. She especially loves reading, eating (especially ice cream), writing, hiking, playing on the beach with her kids, and snuggling with her husband to watch videos. Julie’s favorite thing to do is watch her husband make dinner.

Visit her at her website: www.juliewright.com

Kevin Wasden has an overactive imagination, is unable to sit through meetings without drawing, and tends to be silly at the most inopportune moments. He is an advocate of creativity in education and enjoys speaking to youth, writers, artists, and educators. He studied illustration at Utah State University and has studied figure-drawing and painting from the exceptional figure artist, Andy Reiss, in New York City. Kevin teaches visual art at DaVinci Academy of Science and the Arts.

Website: www.kevinwasden.com

Blog: kevinwasden.blogspot.com

Julie Wright has published 6 books and Kevin Wasden has done professional illustrating for 17 years.

Learn more about Hazzardous Universe on www.hazzardousuniverse.com and on Facebook.

LDSWBR: If you had an entire day to read (on the beach, at the lake, by the pool, etc.), what book(s) or genre would you reach for first?

JULIE: Young Adult fantasy or Science Fiction.

LDSWBR: What book(s) do you look forward to reading the most this summer?

JULIE: The Guardians and the Hidden Scepter by Frank Cole, Tuesdays at the Castle by Jessica Day George, and My Unfair Godmother by Janette Rallison.

LDSWBR: What is your favorite outdoor cooking recipe? (Can be grill, campfire, Dutch oven, etc.)

JULIE: Take out. :)

LDSWBR: How would you describe the perfect summer day?

JULIE: Sunshine, ocean, sand, and a book.

LDSWBR: Thank you so much. Enjoy your summer!

Hazzardous Universe (Covenant; March 2011) is available for purchase at Amazon.

Where do you get your favorite summer take-out?

***

***Countdown to Summer 2011 Contest***

LDSWBR will hold a drawing on June 25, 2011 for a $50 Amazon gift card, as well as a variety of books being offered by some of the LDS authors featured in the Countdown. This will be a raffle-type drawing, so more entries means more chances to win. There are several ways to enter the Countdown to Summer 2011 contest. See details below.

Book prizes generously donated by the authors:

  • The Upside of Down by Rebecca Talley
  • Gifted by Karey White
  • Bumpy Landings by Donald J. Carey
  • Captive Heart by Michele Paige Holmes
  • The Perfect Fit by  Michele Ashman Bell
  • River Whispers by Kathi Oram Perterson
  • Hazzardous Universe by Julie Wright & Kevin Wasden
  • Hearts Through Time by Marie Higgins
  • Double Deceit by Stephanie Humphreys
  • The List by Melanie Jacobson
  • The Forgotten Locket by Lisa Mangum
  • The Kiss of a Stranger by Sarah M. Eden
  • Blackberry Crumble by Josi S. Kilpack
  • **Bonus Prize** An autographed copy of BLOODBORNE by Gregg Luke (released August 2011)

Do ANY of the following to enter:

  • Post a thoughtful comment on the Countdown to Summer 2011 author posts. Comments can be added on any of the author posts anytime during the contest period (June 1, 2011 through June 24, 2011). Only one comment per person per Countdown to Summer author post will be entered into the drawing. Feel free to comment more than once per post if you’d like, but only one comment will be accepted as an entry.
  • Send LDSWBR an email to ldswbr AT gmail DOT com telling us which of the following you have completed. If you already do these things, email us and let us know. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow LDS Women’s Book Review on Facebook
  2. Follow @LDSWBR on Twitter
  3. Subscribe to LDSWBR by email (see top right sidebar on website)
  4. Follow LDSWBR with Google Friend Connect (right sidebar beneath “Follow LDSWBR”)
  • On each Countdown to Summer author post, leave a comment telling us which of the following you completed or already do. Each item gets you 1 entry.
  1. Follow the author’s blog (if they have one)
  2. Follow the author on Twitter (if they tweet)
  3. Follow the author on Facebook (if they have a Facebook page)
  • Tweet this message each day. One entry per day. Just copy and paste into your twitter message window to send it (LDSWBR must be able to see the tweet): LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw @ldswbr
  • Blog about this contest on your blog then send us the link to your specific blog post. You can find the Countdown graphic badge/button to include in your blog post here. (5 entries)
  • Post the following on your Facebook page (3 entries) then send us an email (ldswbr AT gmail DOT com) telling us that you did: LDSWBR Countdown to Summer 2011 – Enter to win a $50 Amazon gift card & great summer reads! http://bit.ly/kZ5jXw

Here are the rules:

  • Contest ends at 12:00 Midnight MDT on June 24, 2011.
  • Drawing winners will have until 12:00 Midnight MDT on July 2, 2011 to claim their prize. After that time, another name will be drawn to receive the prize.
  • Book prizes can only be shipped within the contiguous United States.
  • LDSWBR reserves the right to decide what determines a “thoughtful” comment.

Let’s keep counting down to summer with some great reads!

The Difference Between Middle Grade and Young Adult Novels by Sheila

 Posted by  Sheila's Reviews
May 162011
 


As we look for books for our children, grandchildren, nieces or nephews etc., it is good to know what to look for. I have had many people ask me what the difference is between Middle Grade and Young Adult novels. Laura Backes of Childrens Book Insider gives the inside information. “It’s often difficult for writers to know whether they’re creating a middle grade novel (ages 8-12), or a book for young adults (12 and up). Because many of the themes and situations are similar for the two age groups, authors go by the age of the main character: if the protagonist is under 12, it’s middle grade; over 12 means young adult. But the differences are more complicated than that.”

What really defines a Middle Grade book? Laura goes on to explain, “Middle grade novels are characterized by the type of conflict encountered by the main character. Children in the primary grades are still focused inward, and the conflicts in their books reflect that. While themes range from friendship to school situations to relationships with siblings and peers, characters are learning how they operate within their own world. They are solidifying their own identity, experiencing the physical and psychological changes of puberty, taking on new responsibilities all within the boundaries of their family, friends and neighborhood. Yes, your character needs to grow and change during the course of the book, but these changes are on the inside. Middle grade readers are beginning to learn who they are, what they think. Their books need to mirror their personal experience.” One example of this type of book is Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White.

What defines a Young Adult novel?
Many of the same elements found in Middle Grade novels are found in Young Adult novels. Laura explains next how characters are also very important in these novels. “Characters are also a key element to young adult novels, but these books often have more complicated plots than those for middle grade. Protagonists experience an internal change, but this change is triggered by external events and fits into a bigger picture. They begin to step outside themselves and see how they influence, and are influenced by, the larger world. They go beyond their backyard and encounter adult problems for the first time. In Suzanne Fisher Staples’ novel Dangerous Skies, 12-year-old Buck Smith is suddenly made aware of the racial hatred and prejudice entrenched in his small Southern town when his best friend is a suspect in a murder investigation. By the end of the book, Buck has lost his innocence and his eyes are opened to the ethical shortcomings of his family and the neighbors he has known all his life.”

How do you go about picking the best book now that you know the difference between the two genres of books?
1. Pick a topic that your tween/teen is interested in.
2. Give books that highlight characters her/his same age or biographies of her/his hero.
3. Look for books that mesh with topics and eras the she/he studies in school.

Most importantly, choosing the right book for each child shows you know his interests and want to further his/her love of reading.

Pillage by Obert Skye

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Jan 062011
 

Pillage

Author: Obert Skye

Publisher: Shadow Mountain

Published: 2008

Hardcover: 312 pages

FTC FYI: I purchased my own copy

Beck Phillips is kind of a trouble maker, he’s been to many schools in a short periods of time and this time, he wants to start off “buzzing.” Things don’t go as planned, but instead of getting in trouble, Beck hears some sad news. His mom has died, and he is shipped to Kingsplot to live with an uncle he has never meet. On his long train ride, he meets Kate, who isn’t very friendly. She is his age, and is headed to Kingsplot too.

Beck wakes up from a 12 hour rest, and notices that they are the only ones left on the train. Beck thinks it’s strange, but Kate isn’t too worried about it. When he arrives, Beck meets Thomas, who drives him to his new house, oops, I mean mansion. Seven floors, with stables, and a huge garden. Right away, Beck is told to stay away from certain places for his own safety. Do you think he’ll stay away? If you answered no, you would be right! Beck meets Milo who asks many questions about the manor, mostly about the basement. But, there is no basement…

At school there are some boys who pick on Beck and Milo. Milo is new to Callowbrow, too. However, Beck can do some weird tricks with plants that makes his life easier. Beck’s family has a secret, and if you look at the front cover, you’ll be able to figure it out. But, what happens with the secret is really exciting and page turning.

I really enjoyed this book. Full of exciting twists and surprises! I liked the history of Beck’s family a long the way too. A gloomy, but interesting history full of plants, stones, and pillaging.

4 out of 5 stars.

Obert Skye also has written the sequel to Pillage. Choke was released in June 2010. I have read that as well and it’s just as great as Pillage. Mr. Skye also wrote the Leven Thumps series. There are five books in that series, all of which I read and enjoyed. Purchase them here.

Peter and the Star Catchers Series by Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Mindy's Reviews
Apr 292010
 


Shanda told me about this series, and I was intrigued. I love Peter Pan. (It’s also one my favorite rides at Disneyland.) It originally was a series of three, but fans wanted more, so the authors released Peter and the Sword of Mercy last year.

The first book is Peter and the Star Catchers. Peter starts his journey in an orphanage. He and a bunch of boys are put on a boat headed to the Rundoon to be slaves to the king. In Starcatchers we are introduced to many key players in the books. And the mysterious starstuff, which carries the plot of Peter’s books. Molly Aster, her father Leonard, Fighting Prawn (leader of the Mollusks tribe), Slank, Mister Grin, Smee, and Black Stache (aka the future Captain Hook) are introduced. So many exciting things happen in this book. There are explanations as to the mysteries of Peter, how he flies, mermaids, the Lost Boys, why Peter doesn’t age, how Neverland gets its name… Too many to name. And, at the end, a special character is born. There is a little bit of unnecessary language, and references, but not in the others.
The second is Peter and the Shadow Thieves. It takes place shortly after Starcatchers. It’s a little darker (which I liked) and really exciting. Peter needs to make it to London to warn Molly of some danger coming to harm her. It takes a couple unnecessary turns that I didn’t love. But, during it, Peter runs into a gentleman named James Barrie (the original writer of the Peter Pan story). He gives some directions that are reminiscent of finding your way to Neverland. The villain, along with others, is Lord Ombra. A shadow thief, that steals shadows to get others to do his bidding. I can’t really go into too much detail without revealing the plots from this and Starcatchers. The end is so exciting, that I had to finish, even though it was 1:00 am.
The Secret of Rondoon grabs you at the start, and doesn’t let go. There is so much action and excitement. Peter is in trouble with The Others, and is wanted in the city of Rundoon because of his “special abilities”. In this third book, you find out about Peter’s parents, and why Peter survived a certain event that took place in Starcatchers. Molly is back, along with George Darling who helped in the second book. Mollusk Island is in trouble and is taken over by a vicious tribe of savages called the Scorpions. This book is in a slight lead for my favorite, closely followed by the fourth. Rundoon has great action and suspense, we are introduced again to characters that were in the first, but not mentioned again until this book.
Peter and the Sword of Mercy takes place 23 years after Rundoon. An old nemesis is back and causing trouble in the palace. He’s after a key to finding more starstuff. We’re introduced to the Skeleton, who is a very intense and scary character. Molly and George married, and get themselves in a pickle, so this time around it’s Wendy (their daughter) who needs Peter’s help. Who can they trust? The police are corrupt and there is danger everywhere they go. Peter is afraid, and seems sad in Mercy. But, creative and surprising things happen on this adventure and old friends are in need of help too. Great ending. I hope there is a Book 5.
What got old for me: In the first three, Lord Aster is, understandably, protective of his daughter and doesn’t want her coming along, or getting herself in trouble, but she always does, and helps save the day. I just wanted him to accept the fact that she is capable of helping, and didn’t need to be held back.

What I liked the most: Each book have many different sub plots going. Peter’s activities, Molly’s, the island, Hook. Each plot is exciting and page turning.
Four stars for the series.
I would definitely read it again.
I would and have read others from these guys. Actually, just Ridley Pearson. He wrote The Kingdom Keepers series, which I really enjoyed.
Peter and the Starcatchers/Peter and the Shadow Thieves/Peter and the Secret of Rundoon/Peter and the Sword of Mercy
Authors: Dave Barry and Ridley Pearson
Publisher: Disney Edition/Hyperion Books for Children
ISBN: Starcatchers 0-7868-5445-6 Published 2004 451 pages
Shadow Thieves 0-7868-3787-X Published 2006 556 pages
Rundoon ISBN -13: 978-078683788-5 ISBN-10: 078683788-8 Published 2007 482 pages
Mercy 978-142312134-3 Published 2009 515 pages
Hardcover
FTC: all books were checked out from the library.

Fablehaven 5: Keys to the Demon Prison by Brandon Mull

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Sheila's Reviews
Apr 162010
 


Title: Fablehaven Book Five: Keys to The Demon Prison

Author: Brandon Mull
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Published Date: March 2010

ISBN#: 13 978-1-60641-238-1

Hardcover: 593 pages

“Since ancient times, the great demon prison Zzyzx has protected the world from the most dangerous servants of darkness, including Gorgrog, the Demon King. After centuries of plotting, the Sphinx is on the verge of recovering the five artifacts necessary to open the legendary prison.

Facing the potential of a world-ending calamity, all friends of light must unite in a final effort to thwart the Sphinx’s designs and find a safe home for the five artifacts. To this end, Kendra, Seth, and the Knights of the Dawn will venture far beyond the walls of Fablehaven to strange and exotic magical preserves across the globe, where the end of every quest becomes the beginning of another. In this explosive series finale, allegiances will be confirmed and secrets revealed as the forces of light and darkness collide in a desperate struggle to control the keys to the demon prison.”


Brandon Mull has done it again. He has written an action packed fantasy novel, with many mysteries that are finally revealed. I have to admit, I was looking forward to this book being released and hating the fact that it was finally being released. I have loved reading the Fablehaven series. I was hooked from the first book. As each book came out the stories became better and more interesting.

One aspect of the Fablehaven books is, once you start reading them it is hard to put them down. It is not any different with the fifth book, Keys to The Demon Prison. One thing that you will notice soon after you start to read, is that Seth and Kendra truly take center stage in this last book. They have grown up and are taking on the roles of hero and heroine.

Many new characters were added to the story this go around. They were essential to the storyline, but I missed some of my old, favorite characters. Tanu, is one of my favorites and he wasn’t in this final book very much. Grandpa and Grandma Sorenson were only here and there a few times. Of course we learn many new things about the Sphinx and the motivations behind his actions. Brandon Mull also includes so many twists and turns in this book, it is hard to read without feeling some anxiety! He also really knows how to bring everything together at the end that you have been wondering about. I truly was surprised a few times at things that were revealed.

Do you notice how vague I am being? I am doing it on purpose because I do not want to ruin the book for you.Let’s just say, this is a must read for anyone that has read any of the other Fablehaven books. You will not be disappointed at the ending, except for the fact the series is ending. I would have been happy with four or five more books in the series. Unfortunately, I do not think Brandon Mull would agree. He has many great ideas for a new series and other books. I look forward to seeing what else Brandon will create and I will happily dive in to whatever he writes next.

My Rating: 4 1/2 stars (Because I did not want the series to end.) 5 for the content.

-Read it again? Yes, many times in the future.

-Recommend it? Yes, to everyone who likes a great fantasy with lots of action and well developed characters.

-Read more of Brandon’s book? You can count on it!

Purchase Fablehaven Book 5: Keys of the Demon Prison here.

You can visit the Fablehaven’s website here.

To learn more about Brandon visit his website here.


Hashbrown Winters by Frank L. Cole

 Posted by  Book Reviews, Hillary's Reviews
Apr 142010
 

Hark! Hillary here. It is Wednesday, therefore I must write.

Just an FYI- For those just DYING to hear/read more of me, I will have my blog, “It’s me Hillary”, coming soon! It will be a little bit of everything including but not limited to; books I’ve read, fun craft projects and family stuff/ideas/antics.

This week I read something new and different, for me anyway. I read a children’s book (gasp). My second oldest daughter has resisted the sci-fi/fantasy craze, refusing to read about lightening rods or dementors. Due to such resisitance, I have had to do some searching. I found out that she really likes funny, ha-ha books. So the hunt of course led to “Diary of a Wimpy Kid”, but there are only four of those, and she read each one in about three hours, so I really had to do some looking. In the process, I happened across “Hashbrown Winters,” by Frank L. Cole.
“Hashbrown Winters” is a first novel for Frank Cole. He writes a charming, fun character with Hashbrown. Hashbrown AKA Flinton Deanderbow Winters-but no one calls him that- in fact no one in the school goes by their actual names except the girl he has a crush on, who’s name happens to be “Misty”, but as Hashbrown puts it “Misty was her real name and her nickname because that’s what it felt like whenever she walked into a room.” Anyway, so Hashbrown and his pals Snow Cone, Whiz and a bunch of other kiddos, work pretty hard to keep the school bully from beating up Hashbrown when an accident occurs involving the bully/man-child- whose “real” name is actually his name, Hambone, (hmmm, I guess there’s two) and laugh out loud, entertaining chaos begins.
Frank tells a fun, cute story. It is a quick read! I read it in under an hour. I was not overly fond of how Whiz got his name and how he continually managed to keep it (I’m sure you can guess) BUT, this is a kid’s book, so I imagine kids would find that funny. Oh wait, and I’m not a boy, and we all know that boys AKA men, think that bodily functions are funny. In spite of that, I will probably read the second book, Hashbrown Winters and the Mashimoto Madness. Overall, I think anyone who enjoys the Diary of a Wimpy Kid type book would really enjoy this one.
FYI-FTC- Library
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