The Reckoning: Review

The Reckoning
Author: Kelley Armstrong
Publisher: HarperCollins
Series: Darkest Powers Trilogy #3
Pages: 391

Summary:

Chloe Saunders is fifteen and would love to be normal. Unfortunately, Chloe happens to be a genetically engineered necromancer who can raise the dead without even trying. She and her equally gifted (or should that be 'cursed'?) friends are now running for their lives from the evil corporation that created them.

As if that's not enough, Chloe is struggling with her feelings for Simon, a sweet-tempered sorcerer, and his brother Derek, a not so sweet-tempered werewolf. And she has a horrible feeling she's leaning towards the werewolf... (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

In this final book in the Darkest Powers Trilogy, Chloe and the gang are on the run from the people who were involved in creating them. Chloe is starting to fall for Derek. Will she end up with him or Simon? I know a lot of people are all "Team Derek" but I really like Simon! I think he is such a sweetheart. I can understand why people would be rooting for Derek though too. Ugh. Can't there be two of Chloe so she can be with both of them?! Chloe has grown a lot as a person since the first book. I really like Chloe because even though she is a very powerful necromancer, it doesn't go to her head. She is very humble which is a breath of fresh air. A lot of female protagonists aren't like this.

Even though this is the last book in the trilogy, there is still a lot left to wonder about which makes me think that we may be seeing Chloe again in another series, which I think is a brilliant way to keep you readers buying more books! I really love how Kelley Armstrong's books intertwine, I think it makes it even more interesting and you get a better view of the entire world Armstrong has created. I will definitely be reading more of her books.

Have you read this or any other series by Kelley Armstrong?

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I'll Trade My Peanut-Butter Sandwich: Review

I'll Trade My Peanut-Butter Sandwich
Author: Chris Robertson
Publisher: KiteReaders
Pages: 25

Summary:

When a boy trades his peanut-butter sandwich, it begins a series of increasingly absurd and outrageous trades, until he finally discovers an appreciation for the simple things in life.

My Thoughts:

This is a great story for little kids. It was a lot of fun to read to my 3 year old daughter. She though that some of the things the little boy traded for were SOOOO silly! The book was short and simple so it's perfect for small children who's attention span isn't long enough for the longer books. It would also be a wonderful book for children who are learning to read as it is short. It reminds me a little of the If You Give a Mouse a Cookie books (which I love) so if you like them then I'm sure you will love this one! You should check it out for your kiddos (or any kiddos you know)!

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

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The Rescue Team: Review

The Rescue Team

Author: Billi Tiner

Publisher: Createspace

Pages: 154

 

Summary:

 

Ellie is shocked and confused when her owners leave her at the animal shelter. Feeling abandoned and unloved, Ellie spends her days staring vacantly through the gate of her pen. Ellie’s life changes when she is finally adopted by a compassionate woman named Anne. Ellie and Anne form an unbreakable bond of love and friendship. A thunderstorm drives Toby, a young frightened kitten, to Anne’s porch. Anne and Ellie immediately welcome him into their family. One night, they hear an emergency broadcast announcement that a little girl is missing in the woods near their home. Anne, Ellie, and Toby join in the search to find her, and an incredible rescue team is formed. The team will be called upon again when a tornado tears through their town. Will they find any survivors?

 

My Thoughts:

 

Ellie the dog feels abandoned when she gets left at the animal shelter by her owners, but is eventually adopted by a caring woman named Anne. Ellie absolutely loves her new owner and her new life. One night, during a thunderstorm, a scared kitten named Toby ends up at their house and he is also welcomed into the family. Ellie and Toby become a very successful search and rescue team.

 

I thought this was a really cute story! I really liked how loving Anne was. She reminded me of myself because I'm always wanting to bring home homeless animals and people. *hehe* She made these animals feel loved and wanted and that was wonderful. Even though people and animals thought it was strange that a cat and a dog could be a rescue team and doubted them, the pair never gave up and were repeatedly heroes. I think this book really reminds children to be loving, caring, and to be appreciative for what and who they have. My hope is that every child feels wanted in their life. If everyone tried to be a little more like Anne, this world would be a much better place. I definitely recommend this book for the kiddos in your life.

 

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

 

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Crossed: Review

Crossed
Author: Ally Condie
Series: Matched #2
Publisher: Penguin
Pages: 367

Summary:

Cassia and Ky both narrate their quests crossing the ochre mountainous Carving to reach their love. She seeks the resistance, The Rising led by the Pilot, but does he? New teen friends red-haired Indie, fishing Vic, and chatty Eli, join them. Nothing is as expected on the edge of Society, where crosses and double crosses make the path more twisted than ever. (Goodreads)

My Thoughts:

Cassia and Ky venture through the carving to find each other and to search for The Rising. Will they be able to find it?

There really wasn't much going on in this book when it comes to the plot. Throughout most of this story Cassia, Ky, and friends are just wandering around in the wilderness reciting poetry and looking for The Rising and the Pilot. I didn't feel like there was enough action and excitement. I also didn't feel like the plot developed much either although you did get to know the characters a little better which was nice.

The story was narrated by both Ky and Cassia, alternating every chapter. I did enjoy reading from both of their points of views but I found it to be a tad bit confusing. The two characters didn't have a distinct voice and I found it hard to differentiate between the two. I would just be reading along wondering, "Why is Cassia talking about herself in that way?" when I'd flip back to the beginning of the chapter and realize Ky was the one narrating. That was frustrating to me. I struggled with this throughout the entire book. I wish the author would have done a better job with giving her characters their own "voices".

So while I found this book to be somewhat boring at times and thought Matched was a lot better, I will be reading Reached. I am hoping the next book will be a lot more interesting and of course, I have to see how it all ends. I did enjoy reading this book but it wasn't the greatest.

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Order of the Dimensions: Review

Order of the Dimensions

Author: Irene Helenowski

Publsiher: Irene Helenowski

Pages: 318

 

Summary:

 

When Jane Kremowski first began her graduate studies in physics at Madison State University in Wisconsin, little did she know where her work would take her. Now, she is embroiled in a multitude of dimensions all leading to different outcomes. She and her colleagues therefore must act wisely in order to take and keep away the Order of Dimension from falling into the wrong hands for the sake of her loved ones.

 

My Thoughts:

 

Jane Kremowski didn't realize that her work would end up making it possible for her to travel into multiple dimensions. Each of these dimensions have very different outcomes for Jane's life. But when the Order of the Dimensions falls into the wrong hands it could end in disaster for her and the ones she loves.

 

I haven't read very many sci-fi books but I really found the whole idea of traveling to different dimensions fascinating! I mean think about it, you could travel to different dimensions where you have your dream job, your dream husband, your dream house, you could have back your lost loved ones, there are so many possibilities! This book shows just how this possibility could be negative or positive.

 

You really get to know the characters as they develop throughout the book. At the beginning of the book there were a lot of characters being introduced and I did find myself getting confused as to who was who or what their background was. I usually despise the villain in the story but honestly there were a few times throughout the book where I actually felt sorry for him (Anton). I wasn't completely sure if I would understand this book, not being extremely knowledgeable in science, but it was written in a simple enough way that I think anybody could follow along with.

 

I would really enjoy reading a sequel to this book to see what happens to the characters in whichever dimensions they end up in.

 

One thing about the book that I wish I could change is the cover. It just seems boring to me. I don't know why or what I wish the cover would look like but I'm always more likely to read a book if the cover is appealing. I know, I should never judge a book by its cover! *hehe*

 

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

 

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Caarina the Cooking Fairy: Review

Caarina the Cooking Fairy
Author: Julia Dweck
Illustrator: Gemini
Publisher: KiteReaders
Pages: 26

Summary:

Caarina is all set to create a delicious feast for the Fairy Queen. However, a pesky gremlin attempts to foil Caarina’s plan. Can Caarina “beat” him? Who will be “whipped,” gremlin or fairy? Young readers will enjoy this clever fantasy adventure, sprinkled with word play and more than a dash of fabulous fairy fun for all!

My Thoughts:


The Fairy Queen chooses Caarina to cook a special feast. While Caarina is cooking, a wicked gremlin comes along and ruins every recipe she attempts to make. Will she give up or will she be able to get rid of this horrible creature?

My daughter loves fairies so, of course, she loved this book. I absolutely love Dweck's books! They always have a meaningful message in them written a fun and creative way that kids are bound to love. What I loved about Caarina (what a cute name) was that no matter how many times the gremlin ruined her cooking, she continued to try over and over again and didn't get discouraged or give up. She overcame every obstacle that was thrown in her path with confidence. This is another fun rhyming story with cute illustrations!

What books have your children been loving lately?

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

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Night Buddies Spotlight & Giveaway

Author Sands Hetherington & Illustrator Jessica Love join the

2013 World of Ink Virtual Tour

The World of Ink Network will be touring author Sands Hetherington and illustrator Jessica Love's nighttime adventure children's chapter book, Night Buddies, Impostors, and One Far-Out Flying Machine the second book in the Night Buddies series published by Dune Buggy Press throughout January and February 2013.

The first book in the Night Buddies series, Night Buddies and the Pineapple Cheesecake Scare is available anywhere books are sold.

Night Buddies, Impostors, and One Far-Out Flying Machine, the second book in the Night Buddies series, has a ton of mischief going on all over the Bourough, done by a red crocodile and causing confusion and hard feelings everywhere.

About the Book:

For young John Degraffenreidt, lying awake at night is no reason to fret when it brings a bright red crocodile named Crosley out from under his bed. Night Buddies like Crosley promise a big adventure to any kid not sleepy yet--and tonight is no different! Out of bed, and into the city, John starts on a very special Program (Night-Buddies-speak for adventure) with his crocodile friend. Crosley is a unique, wacky character, the only red crocodile in the world for sure, but look-alikes have started popping up all over town, committing crimes, causing confusion, and making Crosley crazy at the sight of them. The imposters must be stopped, and Night Buddies John and Crosley are just the ones to stop them! Stakeouts and wild chases in a fantastic flying machine, far-out schemes to snare the imposters with the help of old friends and new ones, and a never-ending supply of Crusted Crème Fro-Madge frozen yogurt make for one totally super night.

 

ISBN Numbers

Book 2: 978-0-9847417-2-4

Book 1: 978-0-9847417-1-7

Publication Dates

Book 2: February 1, 2013

Book 1: June 1, 2012

Juvenile Fiction/Chapter Books for Ages 7 and up.

Places where available for sale:

Amazon.com; BN.com; wherever books are sold.

(Dune Buggy Press titles are distributed by Delphi Distribution and are set up with

wholesalers like Ingram and Baker & Taylor.)

 

About the Author:

Sands Hetherington, creator of the Night Buddies series of chapter books is delighted to have published his second title, Night Buddies, Impostors, and One Far-Out Flying Machine. Sands credits his son John for being his principal motivator in creating Night Buddies. He and young John developed the Crosley crocodile character in the series during months of bedtime story give-and-take. They collaborated many nights on escapades starring John and Crosley, until eventually it occurred to Sands why it was that Crosley was bright red. That was when the first book came together. Now, Sands is pleased to announce the second title in the series!

 

Sands is also a Civil War buff. He would like to spend a month of evenings with common soldiers from both sides to see how they felt about the business. And eccentric generals like Jackson, Sherman and Forrest, and most of all Lincoln. Because Lincoln never gets to smile in his pictures.

 

Sands majored in history at the University of North Carolina (Chapel Hill) and has an M.F.A. in creative writing and an M.A. in English from UNC-Greensboro. He lives in Greensboro now, and hangs out with his longtime friend Ann and their Saint Bernards Dudley and Maggie. He likes visiting ancient Mediterranean sites in Turkey and Italy, and most of all Greece.



About the Illustrator:

Jessica Love grew up in California, with two artist parents. She studied printmaking and drawing at UC Santa Cruz, then went to study acting at The Juilliard School in NYC.

 

Jessica currently resides in Brooklyn, New York, toggling back and forth between her work as an actor and her work as an artist.

 

Follow the Night Buddies at:

Fan Website:

www.nightbuddiesadventures.com

Facebook Fan Page:

www.facebook.com/nightbuddies

Twitter: @Night_Buddies

Pinterest:

http://pinterest.com/nightbuddies2/

GoodReads

Author Sands Hetherington

Publisher Website:

www.dunebuggypress.com

To learn more about the World of Ink Tours visit

http://worldofinknetwork.com

Sharing the Love of Reading:

Hi, and thanks for having me. Sharing the Love of Reading With Children? I can certainly pass along what worked with my son John and me. It's simple and it's guaranteed for life.

I immersed him in stories from the time he could understand speech. Bedtime stories were an absolute essential to us, like air and food. We may not have missed five nights in ten years, even on trips. And on trips we would listen to books on tape for days in the car. I read him everything from Aesop to Tolkien to Dahl (Harry Potter hadn't come along yet). By the time John was twelve we had gone through most of Dickens and Victor Hugo. So he was always immersed in stories, and man did it ever work! He got an M.A. at Edinburgh University with Firsts in German and Russian, reads two or three books a week, and still watches Hobbit movies.

If you're determined to get a kid hooked, there's something you can do in addition to bedtime stories: Get him involved! Let me illustrate by telling how my Night Buddies stories got started.

The series features John Degraffenreidt and Crosley. John is a young kid pretty much like mine was, and Crosley is a bright-red crocodile. He sneaks John out of the house for adventures on nights when John isn't ready to go to sleep. John invented Crosley from whole cloth. One night when I was done reading, I may have suggested he make up a night companion to go off to sleep with. Maybe I didn't. He may have done it by himself. But in any case, in a day or two, there was Crosley, red color, goofy name and all.

So at bedtime we started batting around the Crosley stuff. I encouraged John to make up episodes. I mostly listened. If he did come up with something, I told him how super it was and asked him when could I hear the next installment. I think he was still six. He got really facile at it, and I got the larcenous idea of putting the two of them in a book.

I had to explain why Crosley was red, of course. (He was red because he was allergic to water.) And the rest fell into place fairly easily: Crosley began as a lights-out buddy, so let'spart of Night Buddies Amalgamated, whose members sneak kids out on adventures when the kids aren't ready for bed yet. That's the story formula, and John was hooked, and I was hooked.

You may need some luck with the getting involved part. But anybody can do bedtime stories, and I haven't met a child yet who didn't take to bedtime stories. You just have to do it and do it every night. And if you do, the child will enjoy it and look forward to it and quickly know literature as a pleasure. And then, when he learns to read, he will want to read. It's that simple. And try to get him in on the process if you can.

Sands

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