Saturday, June 30, 2012

It's time for my family!

I have promised to give my family a week  of my time without distratctions.  Therefore, I am taking a week off of blogging and will be enjoying time with the people I love the most. (I will still be reading though.)  During this week I will be celebrating my 20th wedding anniversary.  Time goes by too quickly!

So, I am wishing all a great week.  Chat at you later.;0)

Friday, June 29, 2012

Review of "Cinder" by Marissa Meyer

Cinder by Marissa Meyer

Rating: 5 of 5 stars
Source: Purchased
Genre: YA Sci-Fi


Description from Amazon: Humans and androids crowd the raucous streets of New Beijing. A deadly plague ravages the population. From space, a ruthless lunar people watch, waiting to make their move. No one knows that Earth’s fate hinges on one girl. . . . 

Cinder, a gifted mechanic, is a cyborg. She’s a second-class citizen with a mysterious past, reviled by her stepmother and blamed for her stepsister’s illness. But when her life becomes intertwined with the handsome Prince Kai’s, she suddenly finds herself at the center of an intergalactic struggle, and a forbidden attraction. Caught between duty and freedom, loyalty and betrayal, she must uncover secrets about her past in order to protect her world’s future.






Whitney's Thoughts: I brought this book home intending to sit right down and read it, but made the mistake of telling my 13-year-old daughter what it was about. She plucked it out of my hands, stayed up way, way past her bedtime, and gave it back to me the next morning with a rave review. I enjoyed it as much as she did.
It’s fun, with a fairy tale retelling, to find all the famous elements from the original tale, and how the author has spun them. In this tale, the “shoe” (really the mechanical foot!) is key, but the bright orange VW bug that takes Cinder to the ball was a fun side touch. Cinder was my kind of “princess.” She does not wait forlornly for her fairy godmother to send her to the ball—and her urgent quest has higher stakes than whether she’ll manage to catch a husband (though Prince Kai was one of my favorite characters). Cinder takes her destiny in her own hands, confronts power figures, and gets her own heiney to the ball, thank you very much! Definitely a role model I don’t mind my daughter spending all night reading about. The book was also refreshingly free of the “edgy” content that some authors think they need to throw in.
I wished that the Lunarians who become important antagonists in the latter parts of the book had been mentioned and highlighted earlier. Also, this book is definitely book 1 in a series. After climbing her mountains, facing her demons, etc., Cinder ends the book with new knowledge and power, but also with huge new mountains to climb. If waiting for the next book in the series makes you crazy, you’ll want to wait until all four of these books are out. I’m looking forward to reading them all. 

#FREE ebook opportunities!

Here are a couple of free kindle ebook opportunities  headed your way.  If you choose to click on the links, that is....
Click on this link:Hunter Moon (Lupine Moon Series)

This free Amazon offer will not be available for a couple of days, I am posting it now, so bookmark this and write a note to come back  on July 2nd or 3rd!
Here is the link! Mark of the Witch (Boston Witches)

This book is available June 29th and 30th.

Here is the link: Song to Wake to (Levels # 1)


*** I have not read the books and I am unaware of the content in them. ***

Thursday, June 28, 2012

Freedom To Read Giveaway Hop! (Intl)

Thanks Mundie Moms and I am a Reader, Not a Writer for another fabulous hop.  I will have two prizes on this hop.  The first is International and the second is US Only.

Prize #1  International :

You get the freedom to choose one book that you would like to read shipped from the Book Depository.  It can be up to $15.00 US Currency.  You must be 13 or older to enter this giveaway.!  Enter using the Rafflecopter.



Prize #2  US only:

I just finished reading "A Discovery of Witches" this week.  I have two copies, one hard cover and the other on my kindle.  I will send the hard copy to one winner with a US address.  You must be 18 or older to enter this contest.  You must have a US mailing address.   This is a previously read book.  Here is the link to my review. http://lisaisabookworm.blogspot.com/2012/06/review-discovery-of-witches-by-deborah.html


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Review ~ "A Discovery of Witches" by Deborah Harkness

A Discovery of Witches (All Souls Trilogy, #1)A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Purchased
Genre: Adult Paranormal

Description from Goodreads: A richly inventive novel about a centuries-old vampire, a spellbound witch, and the mysterious manuscript that draws them together.

Deep in the stacks of Oxford's Bodleian Library, young scholar Diana Bishop unwittingly calls up a bewitched alchemical manuscript in the course of her research. Descended from an old and distinguished line of witches, Diana wants nothing to do with sorcery; so after a furtive glance and a few notes, she banishes the book to the stacks. But her discovery sets a fantastical underworld stirring, and a horde of daemons, witches, and vampires soon descends upon the library. Diana has stumbled upon a coveted treasure lost for centuries-and she is the only creature who can break its spell.

Debut novelist Deborah Harkness has crafted a mesmerizing and addictive read, equal parts history and magic, romance and suspense. Diana is a bold heroine who meets her equal in vampire geneticist Matthew Clairmont, and gradually warms up to him as their alliance deepens into an intimacy that violates age-old taboos. This smart, sophisticated story harks back to the novels of Anne Rice, but it is as contemporary and sensual as the Twilight series-with an extra serving of historical realism



My thoughts: Diana Bishop's life takes a drastic turn when she calls up an ancient manuscript from Oxford's library. She is a descendant of a long line of witches, and the book recognizes her. She opens it up and finds the creatures of the paranormal are now following her. They all want the book, but no one has been able to find it, until she shows up. Now her life is in danger.

The most persistent paranormal creature is a vampire. His name is Matthew and he begins to follow her everywhere. But soon realizes that his interest is not just academic.

When I started to read this story, it seemed like it would be pretty straight forward. I soon realized that there are many levels to the story. Deborah Harkness has weaved a tale with many layers. This is not a book to read in one sitting. It took me several days to read and comprehend.

I recommend this book only to adults. There is violence, and intimacy that isn't graphic.

The second book comes out next month.  I just pre-ordered it.  I am very interested to see where she plans to take the story and the I love the fact that it will be set  in 16th century London.
Purchase links:






I read this book as my June selection for the 2012 TBR Pile  reading challenge.  Yes, one more book that has been sitting on my shelf collecting dust has now been read.  :)

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

"Knee Deep" by Jolene B Perry (Review ~ Blog Tour) #KneeDeep


Knee DeepKnee Deep by Jolene B. Perry

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to Review for this Blog Tour
Genre: Contemporary YA

Book DescriptionShawn is the guy Ronnie Bird promised her life to at the age of fourteen. He's her soul mate. He's more uptight every day, but it's not his fault. His family life is stressful, and she's adding to it. She just needs to be more understanding, and he'll start to be the boy she fell in love with. She won’t give up on someone she’s loved for so long.

Luke is her best friend, and the guy she hangs with to watch girlie movies in her large blanketopias. He's the guy she can confide in before she even goes to her girlfriends, and the guy who she's playing opposite in Romeo and Juliet. Now her chest flutters every time he gets too close. This is new. Is Ronnie falling for him? Or is Juliet? The lines are getting blurry, but leaving one guy for another is not something that a girl like Ronnie does.

Shawn’s outbursts are starting to give her bruises, and Luke’s heart breaks as Ronnie remains torn. While her thoughts and feelings swirl around the lines between friendship and forever, she’s about to lose them both.


My thoughts: Ronnie is in love. She has loved Shawn since they were kids. She feels that she will always love him and be with him. Through thick and thin, she loves him that much.

Shawn is undergoing some changes. His life is stressful and his parents are having marital problems. He becomes moody and starts to physically abuse Ronnie.

While Ronnie is dealing with the abuse and her feelings for Shawn, her best friend, Luke, tells her that he loves her. She begins to realize that she has feelings for them both. Torn between her feelings she isn't sure which way to turn.

Ronnie is bright and very likable.  This book illustrates that abuse can't  be categorized as something that happens to someone else.  Even smart, popular, etc. people can fall into the trap of becoming the victim.  I love that she is taught that as a teen it's too early to say forever, because it is the time to learn and grow.  To find out what you want in life and what is important to you.


This book deals with some very tough issues: abuse, control,obsession, and near rape. It is very poignant and written well.

I would suggest this book to older YA readers, because of the content. There is also the 'f' bomb dropped a few times.

About Jolene: Jolene grew up in Wasilla, Alaska. She graduated from Southern Utah University with a degree in political science and French, which she used to teach math to middle schoolers.

After living in Washington, Utah and Las Vegas, she now resides in Alaska with her husband, and two children. Aside from writing, Jolene sews, plays the guitar, sings when forced, and spends as much time outside as possible.

She is also the author of Night Sky and The Next Door Boys.



Where can you purchase a copy?


Amazon Kindle~ $2.99 Knee Deep
B&N Nook ~ $4.95
Smashwords ~ $4.99
Google ~ $3.79
PDF ~ $4.95

Where can you find Jolene?


Monday, June 25, 2012

Literary Addicts ~ Kindle Fire Event!!

Welcome to the Literary Addicts Kindle Fire Event where we have teamed up with 10 Amazing Authors and several awesome bloggers to celebrate the
Grand Opening of Literary Addicts a Community for Book Lovers!
Please check out the Fantastic authors bringing the Kindle Fire Giveaway to you!

Don't miss out on these great reads even if you don't have a kindle yet. You can download the kindle app for you phone, desktop, or ipad HERE. All of these books are less than a Starbucks Coffee!

Immortal Voyage

Before the time of the great pyramids, there was a place like none other, a city of glass and metal rising from the depths of the ocean. Shrouded in mist, the island of Hy-Brasil and its capital Atlantis lay hidden from the rest of the world by its people, a race of long lived, interstellar nomads.

Read more and purchase for only $2.99





Give Me - A Tale of Wyrd and Fae

All she wanted was a vacation - but Dumnos offered a new life.

Lilith Evergreen has always lived in the California desert, but when she receives an antique ring as a gift, she dreams of a castle by the sea, a magnificent tree at cliff's edge, and a mysterious woman who bids Lilith to come to Dumnos, a land of mist and rain.
Read more and purchase for only $3.99 Paperback



Slow Boat to Purgatory (Slow Boat to Purgatory #1)

Gaspar De Rouse, an immortal Knight Templar, a man murdered by his brothers for the secret he possessed, resurrected and given a second chance at redemption. Dominicus Bureau, a renegade priest, torn between his vows and the secret he pursues, a secret protected by an immortal. Alex Donovan, a modern day warrior thrust into an ages old war, a war between good and evil, heaven and hell.Read more and purchase for only $2.99 Paperback





Mark of the Witch (Boston Witches Book 1)

Magic flows through Jillian Proctor's veins as surely as blood, but so far her life outside Boston has been peaceful. William Morgan blows into Jilly's life like a hurricane, unleashing her magic and sending her out of control. Unknowingly, William brings an enemy who only wants to posses the power of the witch. Jilly must learn to harness her magic before she loses it - and everything in her life is destroyed. Purchase for only $2.99 Paperback



The Marriage Bargain

Camille Chandler is a tabloid journalist whose career is right on track--until her boss sees a curious ad in the L.A. Trades.
Wanted: Single actress for an extended gig abroad.
France's mega-rich playboy Julian de Laurent is up to something and Camille's boss expects her to find out what. Who knew the eccentric gazillionaire was looking to hire a temporary wife?

Read more and purchase for only $2.99



Descended by Blood (Vampire Born #1)

Brooke Keller is a high school junior who has never spent much time living in one place. She is finally in a town long enough to almost snag the boy of her dreams, until her life is threatened after killing a fanged man in his attempt to kidnap her. Brooke begins a dangerous journey in an effort to find out who is after her and how to stop them. In a world with powerful and prejudiced vampires, Read more and purchase for only $2.99 Paperback





Dirty Blood

I killed a girl last night. I did it with my bare hands and an old piece of pipe I found lying next to the dumpster. But that’s not the part that got me. The part that scared me, the part I can’t seem to wrap my head around and still has me reeling, was that when she charged me, her body shifted – and then she was a wolf. All snapping teeth and extended claws. But by the time I stood over her lifeless body, she was a girl again. Read more and purchase for only $2.99 Paperback



Taming the wolf (anna avery series, #1)

Attacked by a wolf while hiking in the mountains, Anna Avery's life just got a little hairier. Living in the Big Horn mountains in Wyoming, with a group of werewolves who are more animal than human, Anna must try to hold onto her human side. It's not easy when the alpha continues to persuade her into his bed, while another wolf is chomping at the bit to become her mate. To top it all off, dead bodies are showing up and ..Read more and purchase for only $2.99





Fearless (Kings Series)

Tasmyn Vaughn didn't expect much when her dad’s job moved them to a small town in Florida; it was just another new school. But there is more to King than meets the eye, and soon Tasmyn’s ability to hear other’s thoughts is the least of her worries. Entangled in a web of first love, quirky and secretive townsfolk, magic and blood rituals, she discovers the town’s secrets aren’t just bizarre, they’re deadly. Purchase for only $3.99 Paperback



Secrets (Guardian Trilogy)

While Olivia Martin observed life through her camera, the Abyss gazed back at her. She discovers mysterious men follow her around, people close to her are dying, and her dreams are no longer her own as she falls head over heels for a perfect stranger. A chance encounter leads to an obsession that could destroy everything she has ever known or loved. Olivia is about to find out there is a lot she doesn't know and sometimes what you don't know can kill you. Read more and purchase for only $2.99



These fine authors are bringing you this Kindle Fire Event via Promotional Book Tours and Literary Addicts This contest is open Internationally! Please fill out the form below to enter.
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Friday, June 22, 2012

Caribbean Crossroads by Connie E Sokol ~ Book Review

Caribbean CrossroadsCaribbean Crossroads by Connie E. Sokol

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Received to review
Genre: Contemporary Romance

Book Description from Goodreads: New college grad Megan McCormick just got dumped. Hard.

Swearing off men and relationships, Megan is coaxed into performing on a cruise ship where she meets the star performer, Bryant Johnson. Handsome and charismatic, he looks like trouble, but she can't deny the intense attraction between them.

Urged to find a wife and run the family lumber business, Bryant is torn between his family's expectations for his life and his own. However, when he meets spunky, but love-skittish Megan McCormick, settling down doesn't look so bad.

Just when Megan begins to trust again, and Bryant makes some big decisions regarding his future, her former fiance returns with a malicious surprise, taking Megan and Bryant to their own CARIBBEAN CROSSROADS.


My thoughts: Meagan has been hurt. Tragically, the man who she thought she loved ended up a callus jerk! She was blindsided because she did not see the  break up coming. Throughout the book, new details are revealed that let us know why it was so traumatic and why she has a hard time trusting.

Bryant is a nice guy. He comes across at first as arrogant. The more you learn about him, the more likable he becomes. He has many issues that he has to learn to deal with before he can be the man that Meagan needs.

It is interesting to see the two develop as character. The attraction they feel is full of sparks.  It's fun to have them travel to foreign ports and see places most of us dream of going.  The only problem I had with the book is the amount of time and the amount of reassurance Meagan needs to commit.

This is a fun and clean romance.  A perfect book to read on a lazy summer's day. :)

About Connie E. Sokol: Connie Sokol is a mother of seven—a national and local presenter, and a regular speaker at Education Week. She is a monthly TV contributor on KSL’s “Studio 5” and regular blogger for LDSLiving online. She is a former TV and radio host for Bonneville Communications, and columnist for Deseret News and Utah Valley Magazine. Mrs. Sokol is also the author of Motherhood Matters, Faithful, Fit & Fabulous, and Life is Too Short for One Hair Color, as well as talk CDs and podcasts. Mrs. Sokol marinates in time spent with her family and eating decadent treats. Visit her website at www.8basics.com/  She's also on facebook! http://www.facebook.com/8basics


Thursday, June 21, 2012

Announcing several Winners!

It's always fun to end a giveaway and send a winning announcement!  I have a few winners to announce from a few contests!

Undertow by Callie Kingston (eBook)
Entry #12Jolene A.


Clear Your Shelf Blog Hop

Entry #254Leigh A.    (Won package #3  Precedent)
Entry #266wanda f. (won Package #5  Dracula in Love)
Entry #167Tracy A. (won Package #1  - Three Picture Books)
Entry #157Amber G.  (won Package #2 - four books of "My secret Unicorn")
Entry #18Ricki M. (won Package #5 Dead Reckoning)


Closed Minds by Susan Kaye Quinn eBook
Entry #3Natalie A.


Thanks to everyone who entered the contests.  There are several running at the moment.  Take a minute to stop by and enter.

Wednesday, June 20, 2012

Review of "The Star Shard" by Frederic S. Durbin

The Star ShardThe Star Shard by Frederic S. Durbin

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: Tween fantasy

Book Description from GoodreadsThis beautifully written fantasy tackles the issues of slavery and freedom. Twelve-year-old Cymbril is a slave on Thunder Rake, a gigantic wagon city that rolls from town to town carrying goods to be sold by its resident merchants. The Rake’s master purchases a new slave, a mysterious boy named Loric who is one of the magical Fey. Because he can see in the dark, Loric’s duty is to guide the Rake through the treacherous wilderness at night.Cymbril and Loric secretly join forces to plan their escape—soon the two friends thread their way through a series of increasing dangers, encountering an enchanted market and deadly monsters as their one chance for freedom draws nearer.


My thoughts: Cymbril is twelve and a slave. She sings for the travelling market that she calls home. Audiences are captivated by her wonderful voice, but she longs to be free to walk down the street and go where she would wish.

A mysterious boy is brought to the master of the large barge-like market full of merchants. He is to help navigate in the dark, for he can see in the dark. He is of the fay, a magical thirteen year old boy named Loric.

Cymbril and Loric become friends and find they have things in common. The foremost is the desire for their freedom.

I was confused at the beginning of the book. The first couple of chapters don't make a lot of sense. Once I get past them and the story began to unfold I could see their purpose. It is describing the strange contraption that is her home.

I recommend this book to everyone without reservations. I only suggest to not give up when you read the first two chapters, keep reading, it's worth it.


"Cicada" - Twitter Conversation! - Blog Tour {ebook/giveaway}



A Tale of Many Review Book Tour's is  bringing us a blog tour for a YA book.  The book is "Cicada" by Belle Whittington.  Check out the information below to find out more about the book!


Book Description: Summertime for Blair Reynolds and her friends had always been carefree and fun... until the summer they happened upon something that was not human. As they band together in a fight for their lives, Blair's true love becomes something more than human. Something unnatural. And their survival depends entirely upon their ability to keep a secret.






We get a sneak peak at what a twitter conversation may be between the characters! (It's always amazing what can/can't be said in abbreviated words and hashtags.)


********************
@BugDoc (Everett F.)
@Equestrian (Blair R.)
@AndrewR (Andrew R.)
@WillisWildKat (David H.)
@CheerGirl (Natalie)
@Sprinkles (Mom)


AndrewR: @BugDoc @Equestrian @WillisWildKat @CheerGirl Burgers at the Sonic in 1 hour?

WillisWildKat: @AndrewR Sounds good to me. I’ll be the one in the cement truck! #WTF?

Equestrian: @AndrewR Can you pick me up from Grandpa’s?

BugDoc: @AndrewR I’ll walk over from work. Give me a ride home later?

AndrewR: @BugDoc No problem. Gotta pick up @Equestrian at the ranch

CheerGirl: @AndrewR Meet y’all there!

WillisWildKat: @CheerGirl Need a ride, babe? #Love

CheerGirl: @WillisWildKat Sorry…gotta pick up cap and gown. Have to meet you there :-(

Sprinkles: Sweeten your morning with Sprinkles! Pick up two-for-one cupcakes tomorrow! #BestCupcakesinTX

BugDoc: @AndrewR @Equestrian @WillisWildKat @CheerGirl I’m here at the Sonic. I’ll hold our favorite stall.

Equestrian: @BugDoc We’re almost there, Bug Boy!  

CheerGirl: @BugDoc: @AndrewR @Equestrian @WillisWildKat Be there in five mins

AndrewR: @WillisWildKat Dude! That truck is HUGE! #WTF?

BugDoc: @AndrewR @WillisWildKat That’s perfect to hide the bodies with instead of throwing them in the lake! ROFLMAO!

CheerGirl: @BugDoc Don’t be stupid! #dork

WillisWildKat: Omnomnom… Good hamburger…  #Food

AndrewR @WillisWildKat: WTF were those things, dude? #AlienInvasion

WillisWildKat @AndrewR:  No idea.  Gotta go get a new bat, though.  Tore mine up on ‘em!  #SwingHard

AndrewR @WillisWildKat: Did you bury it in the woods?

WillisWildKat @AndrewR:  Ain’t nobody finding it.  #Shhh

CheerGirl @Equestrian: How is he doing?

Equestrian @CheerGirl: Bad. Really bad.   #Heartbroke

Sprinkles: We are closed until further notice.  So sorry to miss you all for coffee in the mornings.

CheerGirl @Equestrian: Where did all the fire come from?

Equestrian @CheerGirl: Don’t know.  Haven’t left hospital in days.  What’s going on?

AndrewR @Equestrian: Hang tight, sis.  I’m on my way to the hospital to give you a break. 

WillisWildKat @Equestrian @AndrewR @CheerGirl: Me and Natalie are coming, too. #bffaa

Equestrian @Wildkat @CheerGirl @Andrew: It will do him good for y’all tome come see him.

AndrewR @Equestrian: Has he woke up yet?

Equestrian @AndrewR: No L  But there are some things I need to tell you about when you get here. 

CheerGirl @Equestrian: See you soon.  Bringing you a chocolate shake. <3 #bffaa

********************

Belle Whittington’s social networking sites:





Follow the Tour:
CICADA Tour Schedule
Click here to see the full participant list...

Where can you purchase the book?

Paperback:

E-book:
There will be 12 ebook copies given away on this tour.  Enter for one of the 12 using the rafflecopter form below.  This is international.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

There is also a grand prize giveaway.  It will be a firefly in a jar.  (The next book is "Firefly") ** video of the jar here.**  This will be a US only giveaway.  Use the rafflecopter form to enter.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Midsummer's Eve Giveaway Hop

Thanks Uniquely Moi Books and I am a Reader, Not a Writer for hosting and organizing this hop.

I came across some fun YA books recently and thought I would give one lucky person the opportunity to discover them also.  The books are from "The Daughters of The Sea" by Kathryn Lasky.  One winner can choose one of the books in the series.  They are about mermaid sisters who were separated as babies and their journey to discover their identity and each other.


Hannah Book 1
May Book 2
Lucy Book 3

I linked each of the book titles to their goodreads page if you would like to know more about them.

This contest is International.  The winner will be responsible to tell me which book of the three they would like.  I will then either gift it as an Amazon kindle copy or ship a physical copy.  If a physical copy is desired, the winner will need to let me know their mailing address.  You must be 13 or older to enter.  See my full giveaway policy in the right side bar. The winner will have 72 hours to respond to my congratulatory email, if no response is given, a new winner will be chosen.

Enter using the rafflecopter form.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Secret Agent Jack Stalwart ~ books 13 and 14 by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

The Hunt for the Yeti's Skull by Elizabeth Singer Hunt

Rating: 5 of 5
Genre: Middle Grade: action adventure
Source: Received to Review

Book Description:  The Hunt for the Yeti Skull (Book 13) Jack has become the most decorated secret agent for the Global Protection Force, but during the day he’s still just an ordinary kid who has to put up with annoying people—like Marko Mayer, a new student in Jack’s rock-climbing class. When Jack and Marko race to the top of the wall, Marko stomps on Jack’s hand and wins—then has the nerve to gloat! But Jack has no time to sulk—the GPF needs him in Nepal. A plane carrying a team of scientists has gone missing over Mount Everest. They were thought to be carrying the first true Yeti skull ever recovered—proof that the legendary Abominable Snowman really existed. Jack quickly discovers that a greedy collector is behind the theft—and he may have hired Jack’s archnemesis for the job. Can Jack and his fellow agents use their climbing skills to brave the highest mountain on earth and recover the priceless skull?


Beka's Thoughts:




I'd give this book a 5 out of 5 stars.  It is meant for children 6-9 years of age, and I think that it is a great read.  It is full of action and adventure as 9 year old Jack Stalwart constantly fights crime and defeats the bad guys in a on going attempt to find his missing older brother.  The language and writing style are appropriate for the age of readers it was written for.  The book is very educational and teaches a lot of cool facts about the regions Jack and his fellow agents are working in.












The Mission to Find Max by Elizabeth Singer Hunt


Rating: 5 0f 5
Source:  Received to Review
Genre: Middle Grade Action adventure


Book Description: The Mission to Find Max (Book 14) Jack joined the Global Protection Force for two reasons: to thwart evil around the world and to rescue his brother, Max, who went missing while working as a GPF agent. The GPF refused to share any details with Jack about Max’s whereabouts, but on two previous missions, Jack had collected clues that pointed to Max is being in Egypt. Now Jack has reason to believe that King Tut’s diadem—a crown thought to have magical powers—is the cause of Max’s disappearance. The crown was so important that King Tut was buried with it on his head, but when the boy-pharaoh’s tomb was opened in 1922, an assistant archaeologist named Omar Massri stole the artifact. Could a descendant of Massri somehow be involved in Max’s disappearance? Jack and his old friend Kate must prevent an ancient and terrible curse of the pharaohs from wreaking havoc, or else Egypt—and Jack’s brother—could be doomed.


Beka's Thoughts:


I'd rate this book 5 out of 5 stars for children 6-9 years of age.  This book and the book before it would be great for children attempting to read books by themselves.  It is a quick, fast, and easy read.  Each book is small, but it is full of fun facts and adventure.







Review of " May: Daughters of the Sea" #2 by Kathryn Lasky

Daughters of the Sea #2: MayDaughters of the Sea #2: May by Kathryn Lasky

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Library check out
Genre: Tweens to YA fantasy/paranormal

Book Description: The second book in bestselling author Kathryn Lasky's stunning foray into paranormal romance.

May feels her life drying up. The sea calls to her, but her parents forbid her from swimming. She longs for books, but her mother finds her passion for learning strange. She yearns for independence, but a persistent suitor, Rudd, wants to tame her spirited ways.

Yet after her fifteenth birthday, the urge to break free becomes overpowering and May makes a life-changing discovery. She does not belong on land where girls are meant to be obedient. She is a mermaid--a creature of the sea.


My thoughts; May has grown up on a small isolated island off of Main in the late 1890's. She is the daughter of a light keeper and a self center woman. The sea calls to her, but she is not allowed to step one foot into it.

One night a ship breaks apart on the rocks known as "The Bones" and she has the feeling that she could have done something and saved the men who were lost.

This prompts her to find out the secrets that are hidden form her, and she realizes that there is something not completely human about her. She longs for the sea and for the sisters that she feels an empty space for.

This is a fun book about mermaids. It is between a middle grade and a YA book. Both age groups would have a great time reading this book, particularly if there is a love for the ocean or for mermaids.

When I saw this book sitting on the shelf of the library, I knew the name of the author looked familiar.  I realized later that she is the author of "The Guardians of Ga'Hoole" books that my kids adore.  I read this book as part of a library challenge and this was on the new books shelf.  It called to me, so to speak, and I couldn't resist picking it up.