Saturday, June 29, 2013

Harold the High Knight and Princess Megan: Review



Harold the High Knight and Princess Megan
Author: Micheal Andrisano
Publisher: Outskirts Press
Pages: 222

Summary:

A Beguiling Adventure in the World of Fairy... Things just haven't been the same for Harold and Megan since their father mysteriously disappeared. But one night, a ghostly visitor tells Harold that his father is being held captive by a mad gnome named Gagledormius, somewhere in Ireland. To find the lair of the mad gnome, Harold must solve a riddle. Harold loses all hope; he hates puzzles of all kinds. But a magical box that belonged to his father may hold a clue. When Harold relates his strange tale to his family, his mother refuses to believe it, and thinks Harold is making up stories to console him for the loss of his father. But Megan knows there's more to it. Against their mother's wishes, Harold and Megan turn to their classmates for help. But when nobody can solve the riddle, they must convince their mother that their father is in danger, and that they must travel to Ireland to seek the help of his relatives and friends. Little do they know what awaits them on the Emerald Isle: the mad gnome is the enemy of fairy folk, and they receive some special help from the Mayor of the Leprechauns, as well as from a surprise visitor who appears when hope is lost. Will Harold and Megan find their father, and can they rescue him before time runs out? Follow them across the ocean and into a magical world as they explore the realm of enchantment. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

Harold and Megan's father mysteriously disappeared. One night, a ghost comes into Harold's room and tells him that he must save his father who is being held captive by a gnome in Ireland. After convincing their mom that what they are saying is true, Harold, his sister Megan, and their mom meet up with some family members in Ireland to try and solve the riddle and get their dad back.

This story has mysterious riddles, fairies, gnomes, and leprechauns. The making of an awesome fantasy story. It was a very cute idea but needs some major editing. Some of the paragraphs would run on and on for pages. Sometimes I wouldn't know who was speaking because the dialogue mixed right in with the narration, it would switch back and forth between points of view and between speakers but it wasn't broken up into separate paragraphs and sometimes there weren't any quotations. This was very distracting and confusing. The storyline was fantastic. It's a very fun and imaginative story so I think with a lot of editing this story has a lot of potential and would be amazing.

* I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Wednesday, June 26, 2013

Hearts Are Not Ticklish: Review

Hearts Are Not Ticklish
Hearts Are Not Ticklish
Author: Rich Baron
Illustrator: Marina Roselli
Publisher: iUniverse
Pages: 148
 
Summary:
 
Life in the land of Desmonia, despite the fact that each person possesses the ability to fly, has become completely regimented. Rules are automatically adhered to; the King's mysterious illness is never questioned; all jobs are dutifully performed; even the pursuit of fun has become routine. Interestingly, the citizens of Desmonia are very content with this complacent, uneventful, rule-regulated life style...

During her first flying lesson, a ten year-old girl unknowingly violates one of Desmonia's oldest, most obscure rules. When the girl, as a result of her action, faces the cruelest of punishments, the typically upbeat mood in Desmonia takes a somber turn. Will either the esteemed Professor Swatit, torn between conscience and compassion, the King, struggling within a world of private torment, or the citizenry, all-accepting in their response to authority, be able to save the girl? Or, does this child have to suffer a horrible fate before the stagnation that has gripped Desmonia becomes a thing of the past? (Goodreads)
 
My Thoughts:
 
In Desmonia, all of the citizens have the ability to fly. Life in Desmonia is regulated by the many, many rules but nobody thinks twice about them until one day, a ten year old girl breaks a rule. She giggles during her first flying lesson, a rule unknown by most everyone, and she faces a harsh punishment. Will she be saved or will she have to suffer this horrible consequence?
 
This book was definitely different. They all live in this world with all these rules and they never question them. That's just the way it is. That's the life they have always known and they also know that's why they are able to have such a nice, safe, peaceful life. But some of the rules are ridiculous and the one the little girl is going to be punished for nobody even knew existed. The punishment will ruin her and her family's life forever. It really makes you think if it's good to question authority sometimes if you really believe in something. Just because it's against the rules does that make it wrong? Or does that make the punishment right? Something to think about I guess. This was a cute little story. It would be interesting to hear a child's opinion on the book.
 
* I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 


Monday, June 24, 2013

The Breeders: Review

The BreedersThe Breeders
Author: Matthew J. Beier
Publisher: Epicality Books
Pages: 414

Summary:


The storm has come. The homosexuals, once an ostracized social minority, have taken over the world. They understood the dangers of an overpopulated planet, usurped government power, and created a culture of perfectly engineered families. But Grace Jarvis and Dex Wheelock are heterosexuals--part of the government’s highly controlled backup plan for reproduction--and they have a problem:

Grace is pregnant. Dex is the father. It is a crime that has only one consequence: banishment to the Antarctic Sanctuary, an isolated biological reserve where reproductive criminals are allowed to exist in peace, without disrupting the rest of civilization. Yet there are rumors that genocide has already begun and that the homosexuals are finally setting natural breeders on a path to extinction. This leaves Grace and Dex with only two choices: to succumb to the tyrannical regime, or run.

They choose to run.

Matthew Beier’s debut novel tells the intimate story of two people bound by the force of life itself as they set out to protect their unborn child and find value for themselves in a world that has rendered them worthless. This rainbow-tinted reflection of our own society--part political satire and part dystopian thriller--is a novel you won’t want to miss. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

In this book, homosexuals have practically taken over the world and they are able to genetically engineer humans. The heterosexuals are now a minority and are basically only there as a backup plan. They have realized how much damage has been done to the planet due to overpopulation. Now they may be trying to get rid of heterosexuals completely. So when Grace finds out she is pregnant and Dex is the father, she runs and attempts to join the Opposition.

When I read the summary of this book I knew that I had to read it because I have never read anything quite like this before. It was definitely different and it sucked me in right away. The point of view changes from Dex to Grace and also includes memories from both of them. It was definitely interesting. There is sex, violence, and some language so I would only recommend it to a mature audience. It really makes you think about what it would be like in the world if everything was different from the way that we know it.

The ending was kind of depressing, I don't want to spoil it, and I was left wanting to know more. As disappointing as a sad ending is, it was nice that the ending wasn't like every other happy fairytale ending. That's life. It's not all rainbows and butterflies. If I learned anything from this book it would have to be not to piss of the homosexuals. They may be running the world one day. *haha* I'm just kidding! I also have to add that the cover of this book is beautiful in my opinion. Check this one out if you are looking for a dystopian that's a little different. I could completely see this book as a movie and I think this author has a bright future in writing ahead of him.

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Sunday, June 23, 2013

Divergent: Review

Divergent (Divergent, #1)
Divergent
Author: Veronica Roth
Publisher: Katherine Tegen Books
Series: Divergent #1
Pages: 487

Summary:

In Beatrice Prior's dystopian Chicago world, society is divided into five factions, each dedicated to the cultivation of a particular virtue--Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent). On an appointed day of every year, all sixteen-year-olds must select the faction to which they will devote the rest of their lives. For Beatrice, the decision is between staying with her family and being who she really is--she can't have both. So she makes a choice that surprises everyone, including herself.

During the highly competitive initiation that follows, Beatrice renames herself Tris and struggles alongside her fellow initiates to live out the choice they have made. Together they must undergo extreme physical tests of endurance and intense psychological simulations, some with devastating consequences. As initiation transforms them all, Tris must determine who her friends really are--and where, exactly, a romance with a sometimes fascinating, sometimes exasperating boy fits into the life she's chosen. But Tris also has a secret, one she's kept hidden from everyone because she's been warned it can mean death. And as she discovers unrest and growing conflict that threaten to unravel her seemingly perfect society, she also learns that her secret might help her save those she loves . . . or it might destroy her.


My Thoughts:

There are five factions in Beatrice's world: Candor, Abnegation, Dauntless, Amity, and Erudite. When they are 16 years old they choose which faction they want to spend the rest of their lives with. The results of her aptitude test make her question which faction she wants to be a part of and her choice is surprising to everyone. Once in her new faction she changes her name to Tris and tries to fit in with the rest of the group and succeed in all of the tests and simulations.

I absolutely loved this book and it has to be one of the best ones I have read this year. This book is packed full of action so if you like dystopian and action then I'm sure you will love this book. This book covers the whole series of initiation tests and simulations so I'm excited to read the next one to see what happens after initiation. The characters in this story are easy to love, hate, or be creeped out by and it's really easy to visualize everything. The author did a wonderful job with describing the world. I think that this would make an awesome movie. I absolutely have to get my hands on the next one. There are people who love this book and people who hate it. If it sounds like something you would enjoy then by all means take a gamble!

Have any of you read this book? If so what are your thoughts on it? :)

*I borrowed this book from the library.

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Saturday, June 22, 2013

If You Were Me and Lived in Mexico: Review

If You Were Me and Lived In... Mexico: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World

If You Were Me and Lived in Mexico
Author: Carole P. Roman
Publisher: CreateSpace
Series: A Child's Introduction to Cultures Around the World #1
Pages: 28

Summary:


"If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico - A Child's Introduction to World culture," is the first entry in this educational series that takes children on a journey to our exciting neighbor to the south... Mexico!

Perfect for children from Pre-K to age eight, this little book is a ground breaking new experience in exposing children to the joy of cultural differences.


My Thoughts:

This is a nonfiction book that teaches kids about other cultures. It tells them what names are common in Mexico, what kind of food they would eat, what kinds of things they would play, and things like that. I think that it is informative but still fun and shows children what it would be like if they lived somewhere else. The pictures are nice, colorful, and fun to look at.

 I think this would be a great book if you want your kids to be culturally aware. It would also be a great book to read if they are learning about Mexico or the Mexican culture. It would fit right in with that theme. The kids are excited to see what it would be like to live in France next!

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Thursday, June 20, 2013

Dr. Fuddle and the Gold Baton: Review

Dr. Fuddle and the Gold Baton


Dr. Fuddle and the Gold Baton
Author: Warren L. Woodruff
Publisher: Story Merchant
Pages: 220

Summary:

When the dark musician Jedermann gains control of the legendary Gold Baton, Tyler, his sister Christina, and their friends are drawn into a dangerous, mysterious adventure. Guided by the mythical Dr. Fuddle, these explorers journey to Orphea, saving the land from chaos and destruction, and return to earth with the gift of harmony.

Twelve year old Tyler Harrington and his younger mute sister Christina have been living with a bone-chilling mystery. After nearly giving up hope, Tyler finally receives the clear, unmistakable sign his mother had promised him. The sign leads Tyler, Christina and three of their friends into the town’s most mysterious residence. There they meet a former resident of the manor, Dr. Fuddle, who offers them the solution to the mystery, but at a great price: they must leave earth and enter the land of Orphea and help him find the legendary Gold Baton.

Once in Orphea, Tyler and the others learn that their mission had been foretold in a prophecy, that they are the Messengers of Music, destined to save Orphea from the dark forces of Jedermann, who is quickly gaining control of Orphea, replacing all harmony and beauty with discord and chaos. Turn by turn, the mission becomes more dangerous, and their only weapons are sacred instruments which they must master, harnessing their secret powers against the enemy. At the final battle, Tyler discovers the solution to the mystery and meaning of his mother’s final words. (Goodreads)


My Thoughts:

Tyler and his mute younger sister Christina lost their mother and she promised them there would be a sign. When Tyler is on his way home he finds that sign and they end up venturing into what they thought was an abandoned house. While in the house they go through a portal to another land and search for the Gold Baton in hopes of saving the mysterious land of Orphea. Armed with their magical sacred instruments they are ready to fight whatever lays ahead before the land is destroyed by the evil Jedermann.

This was a cute little story. When it started out I thought it was going to be a ghost story but it was actually more of a fantasy book. This would be a perfect book for children who are really into music but I'm sure even kids who aren't would still enjoy it. I think that this was a very entertaining read. Check this book out if you would like to introduce classical music to your children with adventure, mystery, and excitement.

* I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Wednesday, June 19, 2013

Kathryn the Grape's Piece of Love: Review

Kathryn the Grape's Piece of Love
 
Kathryn the Grape's Piece of Love
Author: Kathryn Cloward
Illustrator: Christine Winscott
Publisher: Kandon Publishing
Series: Kathryn the Grape Affirmation Series #3
Pages: 32
 
Summary:
 
Did you know you are Love? Join Kathryn the Grape and her classmates as they connect their puzzle pieces together. Maggie helps Kathryn the Grape get into the flow of her creativity to share rippling loving kindness. Everyone has a piece to contribute. What’s yours? This is the third book in the Kathryn the Grape Affirmation series. In this book, children will learn that everyone is love, and learn through Kathryn the Grape the affirming statement, "I am love." Kathryn the Grape is a messenger of love purposed to help children develop authentic self-love, and help inspire people everywhere to ripple loving kindness throughout the world. The characters in this book are based on real people! (Goodreads)
 
My Thoughts:
 
Kathryn and her friends love to play pirates and circus at school and she has a wonderful imagination. But when it comes to her most recent assignment at school her mind draws a blank. Kathryn started to get worried and asked her best friend, Maggie the magical butterfly, what she should do. Maggie reminded her that worried thoughts interrupt her creative energy and helped her get back into the flow by breathing slowly and clearing her mind. Maggie became calm and was able to complete her assignment. She told the class how positive thoughts, nice words, and kind actions ripple loving kindness into the world and help others and the planet.
 
I have not read the first two books in this series. My 4 year old daughter really loved this book. I like how it showed kids that when they start to worry and doubt themselves it really does make things harder. When you can calm down everything is so much easier. It also teaches kids that being kind and loving makes this world a better place. If everybody would be a piece of love in this world everything would be so much better.
 
*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
 
 
 
 

Tuesday, June 18, 2013

The Keeper of the Diary: Review

The Keeper of the Diary
 
 
The Keeper of the Diary
Author: Judith Diana Winston
Publisher: Chewut Press
Pages: 498
 
Summary:
 
The Keeper of the Diary, a Gripping New Novel Takes Readers on a Transformational Journey that Uncovers Vital Keys to the Real-life Problems Facing Our World

— A mysterious diary turns out to hold secrets for unraveling the ancient mysteries needed to save the world. Readers will find themselves empowered as they follow an
unsuspecting photographer on a dangerous and revealing journey that puts everything she knows at risk —


Nothing and no one are what they appear to be in The Keeper of the Diary the new novel from visionary artist and writer Judith Diana Winston.

This book makes us question everything we think we know about our world.It reveals – in an unexpected way – the truth behind the incomprehensible events in our planet’s long,hidden history – and the ancient relationship between Earth and its earliest and most powerful, helpers and teachers.

Circumstances force a young woman photographer named Cassie to take an unlikely assignment in Egypt, where a diary mysteriously appears in her camera case. Inexplicably drawn to its content, Cassie begins to discover a surprising connection to the diary’s writer. She doesn’t know whether to believe it, but if the diary is true, it means not only that its writer is in mortal danger but also our entire world.

The discovery of the diary starts Cassie on a journey that takes her to some of the world’s most ancient and enigmatic sacred sites, and leads her to uncover some of the planet’s
largely hidden, primeval and powerful knowledge—including the surprising secret of her past.

As her startling mission becomes clearer, Cassie finds herself and the diary’s distant (or not-so-distant) writer tapping into a potent stream of knowledge and energy that has flowed through ancient civilizations from Atlantis to Egypt and Israel, to South America and the South Pacific. It gradually becomes clear that understanding the secrets that
underlie our world and these civilizations is not just a stop on a tour bus, but rather it is essential to battling the forces of darkness, ignorance, fear, and separation that threaten our very planet.

To find the diary’s owner and save him, Cassie must overcome her own self-doubt, and come to terms with her gifts and passions, and with a purpose she never knew she had.

Both heartfelt and intense, the book shows us what is at stake at this critical point in time. Winston offers both an important warning for mankind and a profound belief in
humanity’s potential. (Goodreads)
 
My Thoughts:
 
Cassie is a photographer who ends up going to Egypt for a job. While there, a diary ends up mysteriously in her possession. She is determined to find out who the diary belongs to and return it but after reading it she realizes that this diary was meant to be in her hands. There are people who would kill to get this book from her and she quickly realizes that this diary has put her in danger. Her main focus now is to unlock the mystery within these pages and fulfill her destiny before it is too late.
 
This was a really interesting story. It was a lot of fun to be able to travel with Cassie to all of these sacred sites and learn more about them. That was probably the best part of the book for me. It felt like it took me forever and a day to finish this book but I really did enjoy it. You get to read the contents of the diary, which I sometimes found to be a little long, but it really added even more to Cassie's story. This book has it all. It's mysterious, mystical, mythical, and suspenseful. It has good vs. evil, extraterrestrials, spirituality, energy, etc. There is so much in this book but if I tried to add it all into this review it would be a book itself. You'll just have to read it for yourself!
 
*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
 
 
 
 
 

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Stuck in the Doldrums: Review

Stuck in the Doldrums

 
Stuck in the Doldrums: A Lesson in Sharing
Author: Carole P. Roman
Publisher: CreateSpace
Series: A Captain No Beard Story #3
Pages: 36
 
Summary:
 
When the wind stops blowing, Captain No Beard and his crew, including First Mate Hallie, Linus the Lion, Fribbet the Frog, Mongo the Monkey and Polly the Parrot, are stuck on a desert island. Maroon with nothing to do, they begin to play and enjoy themselves. However, Captain
No Beard has other ideas, bossing his crew around and making playtime cheerless for everyone. Soon, Captain No Beard decides he has had enough and storms off. When his ship is attacked by a giant squid, he realizes he needs his crew more than ever.
Captain No Beard and his crew show young readers that's it's important to cooperate and share your belongings. The crew teaches us that if you want to have friends, then you must be a  friend too. (Goodreads)
 
My Thoughts:
 
Today I am back with another book by Carole P. Roman. We are absolutely loving her books so far! In this story, Captain No Beard bosses around everyone on his crew and is not fair to the others. He thinks because he is the captain of the ship that everything should be his way. The rest of the crew have had enough with the way he has been treating him and did not want to play with him if he was going to be mean to them. Captain No Beard took off back to his ship alone until something happened that made him realized he couldn't do this alone. He needed his shipmates.  
 
The kids and I loved this book and like most of these stories, it teaches a valuable lesson. (Those are my favorite kind!) Captain No Beard learned that, although he was the captain, his crew was just as important and he couldn't do his job without them. It teaches kids that when they are bossy and mean, nobody is going to want to play with them. They need to share and be fair and nice to their friends or they will end up not having any. Nobody wants to be treated that way and they might not be there when you need them the most if this is how you treat them.
 
I am in love with the way the artist illustrates these books. I think they are fabulous and my kids love them as well. Another imaginative, fun, and lesson-filled book by Carole P. Roman. You should definitely look into these books for the munchkins in your life!
 


 


Monday, June 10, 2013

Paranormalcy: Review

Paranormalcy (Paranormalcy, #1)


Paranormalcy
Author: Kiersten White
Publisher: HarperTeen
Series: Paranormalcy #1
Pages: 335
 
Summary:
 
Evie’s always thought of herself as a normal teenager, even though she works for the International Paranormal Containment Agency, her ex-boyfriend is a faerie, she’s falling for a shape-shifter, and she’s the only person who can see through paranormals’ glamours.

But Evie’s about to realize that she may very well be at the center of a dark faerie prophecy promising destruction to all paranormal creatures. (Goodreads)
 
My Thoughts:
 
Evie was a foster child until the IPCA (International Paranormal Containment Agency) took her in at a very young age. Living in the Center is the only life she's ever really known. She is able to see through glamours, but other than that she had always considered herself a "normal" girl. Evie discovers that there are some secrets that the IPCA has been keeping from her and the whole idea that she is normal is turned upside down.
 
One of the things that I enjoyed about this book is the huge variety of Paranormal types. There are fairies, water elementals, hags, vampires, mermaids, werewolves, etc. It isn't just about one type. This book truly is YA. It's one of the few books that are considered YA that appeal specifically to that age group and is totally and completely appropriate for people of that age. The romance in this book isn't hot and steamy, it's typical teenage stuff. This did kind of make it difficult for me to relate to since I am older but I think that it's great for younger people.
 
One thing that I really liked about Evie was her sarcasm and wit. She was always saying something funny. She's also always ready to fight, she isn't scared and weak. This book isn't as dark and heavy as most paranormal books. It's really cute. The things that Evie really wants and gets excited about are things such as getting a license or having a locker at school. It would totally make her life if she would just get to experience prom. So if you are looking for something a bit lighter, you may want to consider this one. I really did enjoy reading this book, I just couldn't relate that well. I would really like to read the next book in this series but it won't kill me if I don't.
 
* I borrowed this book from the library.
 
 
 
 
 
 
 




Sunday, June 9, 2013

Billy and Monster: The Superhero with Fart Powers: Review

Billy and Monster: The Superhero with Fart Powers

Billy and Monster: The Superhero with Fart Powers
Author: David Chuka
Publisher: CreateSpace
Series: The Fartastic Adventures of Billy and Monster #2
Pages: 24

Summary:

Join Billy and Monster in this second episode of the series -The Fartastic adventures of Billy and Monster.

Billy and Monster love going to school as they learn so much stuff like the different planets, counting to twenty-seven and spelling chewing gum. However, most afternoons, school gets a bit boring and they both end up sleeping in class. At such moments Billy wishes he could be a superhero.

If he was a superhero, Billy could save stray cats from trees, help old ladies across the street and make sure his class had a constant supply of chocolate. He could also count on Monster to confuse the bad guys with his fart powers!

One day at a fancy dress party, Billy and Monster come in contact with a thief whose been stealing people's jewelry. Will they let him get away or will their superhero powers save the day?

Get your copy today and find out how fart powers can be used for good in this funny book for kids of all ages. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

Billy and Monster go to school and learn all kinds of things but they find themselves growing bored as the day progresses. They wish that they could be superheroes rescuing cats and helping the elderly cross the street. Monster would be the side kick with fart powers.

One day, Billy's dad tells them about a criminal who is going around stealing people's jewelry. Billy and Monster go to a party when they see the thief. Will they be able to catch him in time and save the day?

This was a very cute and silly story. It had my daughter laughing. She keeps asking me "Mommy, can we read that book about magic farts again?" haha. We haven't read the first story about Billy and Monster yet but I'm sure my kids would enjoy it just as much as they did this one. Superheroes, fart powers, very cute illustrations, and a lesson about stealing . . . what more could you ask for in a children's book?! ;)

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Wednesday, June 5, 2013

Flying in the Past: Review


Flying in the Past (The Phoenix Heritage #1)

Flying in the Past
Author: Claude Nougat
Publisher: CreateSpace
Series: The Phoenix Heritage #1
Pages: 202

Summary:

FLYING IN THE PAST is the first book in Claude Nougat's series THE PHOENIX HERITAGE, originally entitled FEAR OF THE PAST when it was first published in 2011.

Both a contemporary coming of age story and a family saga set in Sicily, the Phoenix Heritage raises the question of nature vs. nurture. It follows Tony, a young American video game creator, who, suffering from burnout, looks for his family roots in Sicily. Walking in an abandoned palazzo, he falls in a Time Trap where he meets all his forebears going back 900 years - all historical characters who helped shape Sicily's History.

Tony discovers he has more in common with an English adventurer who settled in Sicily in the 18th century than with his own father. He shares with him a star-crossed love for the beautiful Duchess of Floridia and worries he may be destined for failure in his own life, just as the Englishman was in his. Can he escape his genetic inheritance or is he condemned to repeat the mistakes of his forebears? (Goodreads)


My Thoughts:

I actually really enjoyed this book but I'm finding that I'm having a hard time putting my feelings into words. Will here it goes, I'll try my best! Tony is a very smart young man who finishes school early and begins to work as a video game creator. He becomes burnt out and decides that he's tired of this life and quits his job. Tony's father, who is deceased, had always told him stories of his ancestors so he travels to Sicily in search of his family roots.  While there, he enters and becomes trapped in what appears to be an abandoned building.

Once he is there he realizes this building is not "abandoned", but is full of the "ghosts" of his ancestors. He becomes trapped in this time warp and realizes there is more to him than he ever knew and that he is in love with a woman he hasn't met before in this lifetime.

Like I said, I don't really know how to explain my feelings with this book. It's a little like Alice falling down the rabbit hole. Once I started reading this book I had a hard time putting it down. It really grabbed my interest from the beginning and it's unlike anything I've ever read before. The "plays" that were put on throughout this story were very interesting and I felt like I was actually sitting there watching them because Claude made it so easy to visualize. By watching these plays, Tony learns even more about his family and himself.

I think that this is a book you'd have to read for yourself to fully understand what it's all about. I'm definitely looking forward to reading what happens with Tony next in the second book. If you would like a mix of fantasy, history, and a bit of romance, then this may be the book for you.

*I was sent a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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