Wednesday, April 29, 2015

The Deadly Shipwrecks of the Powhattan and New Era on the Jersey Shore by Captain Robert F. Bennett, Susan Leigh Bennett, and Commander Timothy R. Dring

I was given this book by a high school friend who is related to the author. I love history and disasters so this book was right up my alley. It was well researched and written, as well as filled with information. As a non mariner some of the language was a bit over my head but I could follow it in context. I could almost put myself on the storm swept beaches with the rescuers, perhaps growing up on the Jersey Shore had something to do with that. Anyone who likes maritime history or history of the Jersey Shore should put this one on their list.

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Concealed Power (The Healers of Meligna Book 1) by K.J.Colt


18040401[Concealed Power (The Healers of Meligna Book 1)] by [K.J. Colt] is a story of a young girl who was born with great powers but her parents hid this from her and her from the world. When a trusted relative tries in desperation to take advantage of her powers Adenine's world begins to crumble.


The twists within this story are somewhat predictable but that does not make the story any less enjoyable to anyone who likes the fantasy genre.

Blades Of Magic: Crown Service Book 1 by Terah Edun


22893141[Blades Of Magic:Crown Service #1] by [Terah Edun] had an interesting concept. The idea of a female fighter trying to find out what really happened to her dad who was deemed a traitor and executed after being the greatest fighter. The character of Sara Fairchild was well conceived but the plot itself seemed a bit forced. Overall it was an ok read.

Thursday, April 9, 2015

The Last: A Zombie Novel by Michael John Grist


25366449This will be the fourth book I have read and reviewed from [Michael John Grist] and I have to say [The Last: A Zombie Novel] is by far my favorite. [Grist] has a knack at getting the voice of the character just right. He has done this in all of his novels, even his non fiction memoir.


I love the humanity and roller coaster of moods and emotions that [Grist] takes the reader through. This was not your typical 'zombie' novel, well it started that way but there was a great twist about halfway through. Only thing that may throw some people is that [Grist] is British and this book is set in the U.S. so some terms are British and not what we use here on this side of the pond but use your context clues people! Highly recommend reading this book.

Tuesday, April 7, 2015

King Kwong: Larry Kwong, the China Clipper Who Broke the NHL Colour Barrier by Paula Johanson


25063964This book was a really quick read. As a lifelong hockey fan I was fascinated by the story. As a New York Ranger's fan I was appalled I hadn't heard of this before. 


[King Kwong: Larry Kwong, the China Clipper Who Broke the NHL Colour Barrier] by [Paula Johanson] is a short well written account of the struggle to make it into the NHL if you weren't of European decent. Larry Kwong was a very skilled player but only got to play one shift in the NHL. This did not dampen his love for hockey as he traveled the world spreading this awesome sport wherever he went. I wish I had this in a paper copy so I could give it to my students to read.

Saturday, April 4, 2015

Reality Check in Detroit by Roy MacGregor


22318599The Screech Owls are back with a new adventure and lesson. I love how [Roy MacGregor] mixes hockey with a life lesson in his books. In [Reality Check in Detriot] the team is asked to be on a reality show but they quickly learn that reality tv isn't that real.


The characters that [MacGregor] creates all blend well and keep a good balance in the story. Although I personally can't stand Nish and his ego but he is typical of boys that age. Travis is a good balance. I will be passing this book off to my niece to read and recommending that my school library get it at well.

The Rift by Walter J. Williams


271167[The Rift] by [Walter J. Williams] is exactly the type of book I love to read. I enjoy dystopian that could actually happen such as the Yellowstone Volcano or, in this case, the New Madrid Fault. [Williams] does a great job describing the events that could happen if this fault slipped. Also he does a nice job creating characters both likable and ones you keep hoping will die. The way he brings all the different story lines together is predictable but works. I recommend this book.