Monday, May 26, 2014

Breaking Point by Kristen Simmons

[Kristen Simmons] continues the extraordinary dystopian story of Chase and Ember in [Breaking Point]. The concepts of what the US government has become in these books is nightmarish. The evolution of the characters who are coming of age in these books is thought provoking. It was hard for me to put the book down because I became so engaged with Ember and Chase’s struggle. I recommend this book for anyone who likes a well paced story with engaging characters. I will also recommend these books for my school library.

XGeneration: Book 1 by Brad Magnarella


[XGeneration:1] by [Brad Magnarella] was a flashback for me to the 80’s. I was the nerdy kid, like Scott, with the TRS80 and playing Dungeons and Dragons. I was also the girl who played sports like Janis. I could relate to both characters except for special powers thing. [Magnarella] did an excellent job of transporting me back in time. I really felt I was experiencing the events with the characters. I am looking forward to reading the second book.

Friday, May 23, 2014

Southwind Knights by B.E. Priest

This novella is perfect for a short read. [Southwind Knights] by [B.E. Priest] is an adventure where a young boy learns not to always judge someone by their looks. Also, he learns that courage of is needed for following through for good and the love of a friend. Not everyone has good intentions some just want attention.

This was a well written easy read and I look forward to reading a continuance of this story line.

Thursday, May 22, 2014

The Moon Coin by Richard Due

[The Moon Coin] by [Richard Due] was an adventure into childhood for adults like me, and a great trip through imagination for young people. I know as I was growing up I wished that the lands I heard about in stories were real and that I could travel there. What [Mr. Due] has created is worlds of imagination, to which he has allowed his characters travel. Unfortunately, what they find is not exactly what the stories portrayed.

I encourage everyone who has an imagination, and those in desperate need of one, to take the journey to the Moon Realm with Lily and Jasper. Of course, at this point we know more than Jasper so I guess I must read on!


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Sunday, May 18, 2014

Sadie Sapiens by Jeff Bauer

You want a book that will evoke an emotional response? Then [Sadie Sapiens] by [Jeff Bauer] is it. If this book does not cause you to cry, laugh, and want to hurt someone you must be some kind of scary person.


The story of a special bond between a dog and her human takes you on twists and turns. It shows the good of humanity as well as the dark side. Mostly it shows the importance of loving your pack, (aka family), those created by blood and choice.

Now I must go converse with my cats.
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The Orchard of Hope by Amy Neftzger

The quest to save the world from the confusion of lies created by the sorcerer continues in [The Orchard of Hope] by [Amy Neftzger]. The tale of Kelsey, Nicholas and Maggie continues as they work together using their unique talents to save hope from being devoured. They learn of new strengths and the power of friendship as they learn how to use their unique skills throughout the quest. With the help of Roland, Megan, Newton and Moss they make another journey through the kingdom finding challenges and surprises along the way.

[Amy Neftzger] has created a world of exploration in which the characters experience the same pitfalls that all young people experience, just with a magical twist. The idea that hope belongs to everyone is an excellent follow up to nurturing miracles in the first book of the series, [The Orphanage of Miracles]. To really get a sense of the journey and characters the books should be read in order. [The Orchard of Hope] comes out in June 2014 so what are you waiting for? These books should be on everyone’s reading list.


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The Deal with the Grammar Nazi

Ok, so I know my blog is kinda blah. I am not really tech savvy. Long story short, I asked a friend of mine to help spruce it up. The problem is she is a total grammar nazi and will only help if I let her copy edit my posts.

This may take a bit longer and no more "book reviews on Ambien". Sorry to disappoint all. At least those who prefer good grammar will be happy.

Thursday, May 15, 2014

The Orphanage of Miracles by Amy Neftzger


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What an incredible journey [Amy Neftzger] takes us on in [The Orphanage of Miracles]! As a public school teacher as a got to the end it seemed to me an allegory for what is happening to our education system. That even though they have good intentions, the people in charge are stifling "miracles". You can not have success without failure, it is how we learn.

Of course I may be reading too much into this as I have a tendency to do when I am passionate about something. The "quest" of Kelsey helped her to grow. At the same time the "questioning" of Maggie, Nicholas, and Jovan helped them free themselves. 

I definitely recommend this book! Never stop growing miracles

Tuesday, May 13, 2014

Command Authority by Tom Clancy

It is a shame the world lost such a great story teller as Tom Clancy. I have loved the Jack Ryan series and the latest installment [Command Authority] did not disappoint.

The characters are so good they are like meeting old friends and I love how Jack Jr. has grown into his own. Also the plot of this one with the Russians returning as the antagonists, especially attacking the Ukraine, was timely.

As with all Clancy's books a must read!

Wednesday, May 7, 2014

Exile Hunter by Preston Fleming

[Preston Fleming] is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors. With the third installment of his Kamas Trilogy he again kept me up reading late at night. [Exile Hunter] was the strongest book in the trilogy and that is saying a lot since I loved them all. Also in my experience trilogies third book is usually the weakest.

The intertwining character relationships kept you wanting more. I also like how what you read about in the first two books was reinforced and the story truly continued.

I will be looking for more books by Mr. Fleming.

Sunday, May 4, 2014

Toychest by Lance Milham



[Toychest] by [Lance Milham] is an excellent debut novel from a young author. The characters are the main part of the story and they keep the plot moving at a good pace. The way he shows that evil people exist everywhere and even good can become evil is subtle. The idea that everything as consequences is throughout this novel. [Milham] has a very creative mind and I look forward to reading more from him.

I should add that this young man is still in high school. I had the honor to know him in middle school. He is the type of young person that gives us hope for the future. I really recommend reading this debut novel and keeping an eye on this young man for great things.

Saturday, May 3, 2014

The Yanks Are Starving by James Craney

[The Yanks Are Starving] by [Glen Craney] was a very well written book that I really did not want to put down. Which is why I often found my eReader on the floor the next morning where it dropped. As a student of history I am glad to see one of the most glossed over and darkest times in American history addressed. The Bonus Army was a real thing. Our government asked young men to defend democracy overseas but when they returned they were shunned and treated as criminals.

Although some of Craney's characters were fictional(as he states in his notes) they were based on real life people. The hurricane that is referred to at the end of the book where WWI vets were left to fend for themselves is also a true event often called "Hemingway's Hurricane" because of the scathing report he wrote after being one of the first to see it's aftermath.

I think this is a must read book for anyone who wants to learn the truth about American history. Even though it is a fiction story it is purely based on fact and the author really did his research well.