Feb 192014
 

16150914Into the Dark: The Shadow Prince

Author: Bree Despain

Publisher: Egmont USA

Published: Expected March 11, 2014

ISBN13: 9781606842478

Hardcover: 512 pages

Genre: YA

FTC FYI: Received a digital copy from Netgalley

Reviewed by Mindy

Goodreads Summary

Haden Lord, the disgraced prince of the Underrealm, has been sent to the mortal world to entice a girl into returning with him to the land of the dead. Posing as a student at Olympus Hills High—a haven for children of the rich and famous—Haden must single out the one girl rumored to be able to restore immortality to his race.

Daphne Raines has dreams much bigger than her tiny southern Utah town, so when her rock star dad suddenly reappears, offering her full tuition to Olympus Hills High’s prestigious music program, she sees an opportunity to catch the break she needs to make it as a singer. But upon moving into her estranged father’s mansion in California, and attending her glamorous new school, Daphne soon realizes she isn’t the only student in Olympus who doesn’t quite belong.

Haden and Daphne—destined for each other—know nothing of the true stakes their fated courtship entails. As war between the gods brews, the teenagers’ lives collide. But Daphne won’t be wooed easily and when it seems their prophesied link could happen, Haden realizes something he never intended—he’s fallen in love. Now to save themselves, Haden and Daphne must rewrite their destinies. But as their destinies change, so do the fates of both their worlds.

My Review

Another great book from Bree Despain.  The Shadow Prince starts off strong and doesn’t let go.  In the first chapter we are introduced to Haden and his mysterious life in the Underworld.  He is chosen by the Oracle to bring back the Cypher.  The one who can restore what was taken from the Underlords.  But, she has to go back with him by choice, not forced.  Haden is the rejected son of Ren, the ruler of the Underworld.  His father hates him, so does his twin brother Rowan.  Daphne Raines lives with her protective mom in a small town in Utah.  She dreams of hitting it big in the singing world.  Her long-lost father returns to take her to Olympus Hills High, a school that can help her reach her goals of singing career.  Her father, Joe Vince, is a famous musician who has never been there for Daphne.

I can’t tell much else about the story without giving it away, but know you are in for a treat.  I love the mythical legend behind this story, and the author does a great job of creating mysterious characters who have their own agendas.  I loved Daphne instantly, but Haden took awhile to grow on me.  Bree wrote this bad guy well.  How are we supposed to think that Daphne would go with Haden willingly.  Bree takes time to develop their relationship, while revealing back story carefully throughout the story that helps the reader get to know Haden better.  While Haden has his powers, Daphne has gifts of her own.  There are many exciting events that take place with great twists and surprises that will keep you wanting more when you finish reading.

4 out of 5 stars.  I know this book isn’t out yet, but I am eagerly awaiting the book two.

Author Links

Website /  Twitter / Goodreads

Purchase Links

Amazon / Barnes and Noble

Aug 262012
 

Born Brave

Artist: Katherine Nelson

Producer: Jason Deere

Released by: R Legacy Entertainment

Release Date: July 25, 2012

Format: CD & Digital Album

Reviewed by: Shanda

FTC FYI: I received a copy of the Born Brave CD and two free tickets to The Nashville Tribute Band concert in the Blogger Bag from the recent LDS Booksellers Association Convention

Review

Last night, my husband and I spent a pleasant evening at the Sandy Amphitheater enjoying the music performed by The Nashville Tribute Band. My husband travels a lot for work which complicates our weekly date night efforts. When I received the tickets to the concert I thought, “Eh, why not? It gets us out of the house.”

Sunset as we waited for the concert to begin.

I vaguely remembered something about a tribute to Joseph Smith a few years back and though I’d never listened to it I figured since I enjoy most country music it might be a nice way to spend the evening. A few days after the LDSBA convention I put in the Born Brave CD from Katherine Nelson. The first song, “Born,” is upbeat and catchy. My first thought was that my fourteen-year-old daughter would probably really like this CD. Then I caught myself tapping my feet to the music. Okay, maybe not just her. (Click through to the blog post to watch the video.)

There are several songs like this on the CD, as well as some softer, more emotional songs. Katherine performed a number of songs from the album last night but “Emma” was the one I remembered most distinctly. It’s quickly becoming a favorite.

After Katherine performed a few of her songs, the rest of the group came on stage. Honestly, I had never heard of any of these people before, but by the end of the concert I was seriously impressed. Top on my post-concert to-do list was to check out the group Due West. While they are all great singers, Tim Gates’ voice singing “God is Good” won me over.

The little Scott girls came on stage to sing a couple of songs and though my hubby wouldn’t admit it to anyone else, he had to blink back tears when those cuties sang “Somewhere There’s a Mountain.” Okay, I did, too. (Note: hubby says that he almost cried. He’s such a guy. It’s okay to cry a little, hon. Right, ladies?)

L to R: One of the Truman Brothers, Ron Saltmarsh, Jason Deere, Katherine Nelson, and Due West, with the little Scott girls front and center. These photos are from my iPhone, so not the greatest, but you get the idea.

The most unexpected part for me was when The Jets came out on stage. I didn’t know that The Jets were LDS until last night. My sister had their record when we were growing up.  (Yes, I said RECORD. They still had some of those around when we were little. Our favorite record was Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”)

The Jets on stage singing one of their new songs.

It was refreshing to attend a concert where the performers openly share their testimonies through words and music. I’m grateful to R Legacy Entertainment for the free concert tickets and CDs from the LDSBA convention, and the chance to enjoy a night of excellent music by some talented musicians. I hope you’ll take the time to follow the links in this post and discover them for yourself.

Some of my favorite songs from last night (follow links to listen to previews on Amazon):

Find BORN BRAVE by Katherine Nelson: