Blog Tour ~ Review of "Alexander Drake's Extraordinary Pursuit"

Alexander Drake's Extraordinary Pursuit by Elizabeth Parkinson Bellows

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Genre: Middle Grade Fantasy
Source: eBook received to review

Description from Goodreads:
Alexander Drake is a curious young man. He lives in a drab, oversized mansion with his secretive father and spends his days playing alone. Where is his mother? And why is his father so tight-lipped about the past?

But secrets have a way of getting out. And a stay at his grandmother's cottage provides strange clues to his father's past. A past Alexander is determined to find out about.

With a mysterious key and several maps in his pack, he sets off on an innocent search for answers about his family.

The discovery of a secret passageway opens the door to dangers, and wonders, unimaginable. And each answer leads to more questions and the journey of his life.

Join Alexander for a thrilling adventure in Azra's Pith, a place of beauty and magic... but beware--something evil lurks in the shadows



My thoughts:
Alexander believes that he is going to his grandmother's house while his father is away. Little does he know that he is about to embark upon a grand adventure.

He is curious to know more about the mother who died shortly after he is born and decides that while he is at his grandmothers he has the perfect opportunity to look for answers. He steps out the door early one morning and goes out to explore the forest. There he finds a doorway into another realm.

Alexander is a loner, he doesn't have many friends.  He is awkward and clumsy.  He is not the hero that children imagine. In the realm of Azra Pith, Alexander meets many unique friends. His first friend is a hopper, what we would commonly call a frog. Alexander's personality and gift to look for the positive help him find friends who in turn help him.  He needs these friends to thwart the evil Imperius from capturing him.

I found this tale to be full of adventure and it would appeal to it's target audience, the middle grade reader. There is not much character development, but honestly most 10 year olds are not interested in character development, just the action. Elizabeth Parkinson Bellows is able to keep the story moving and not letting it lapse into inaction.  I know that with my 11 and 8 year old sons, it would definitely keep their attention.

This would be a great book to read to younger readers. There are many opportunities for characterization.  I read an eBook edition and the illustrations were very hard to see.

I received a copy of the book from the author to review so I could participate in the Blog Tour through Pump Up Your Book.

Being the frizzy-haired tomboy with buck teeth gave Elizabeth Parkinson-Bellows a slight case of shyness as a kid. A colorful imagination meant escape and adventure at the drop of a hat.

Over the years she learned that the insecurities she carried around were a waste of time. Elizabeth still prefers a football game to a manicure any day of the week. That indispensable imagination has found its way into her writing providing a sense of joy and true purpose.

You can visit Elizabeth’s website at www.azraspithbooks.com

Review of Lost Voices

Lost Voices by Sarah Porter

My rating: 3 of 5 stars
Source: Netgalley
Genre: YA Paranormal (Mermaids or Sirens)

Description from Goodreads: When fourteen-year-old Luce is assaulted on the cliffs near an Alaskan village, she expects to die when she tumbles into the icy water below. Instead, she transforms into a mermaid. Luce is thrilled with her new life—until she discovers the catch.


My thoughts:
I had an internal debate on rating this book. I didn't find many problems with the writing, just the subject matter, so I didn't feel that I could give it a two.

Luce is fourteen and is living with an alcoholic uncle. Her father has disappeared at sea, and she is struggling to cope with her life. She is a loner and has problems at times communicating.

In a near rape incident, she is left on a cliff by the oceanic shores in Alaska. She feels herself falling but instead of the death she expects, she is transformed into a mermaid. In discovering the power of her new song voice, she brings down a ship.

It turns out that mermaids are formed from abused girls. I can understand bitterness coming from abuse, and many times it is justified. The mermaids were a little over the top for me. They thrilled in taking out ships of people, because humans are awful. Their treatment of the "larvae" or babies that turn into mermaids made me very uncomfortable (appalled may be a good word). I also didn't enjoy the backstabbing that occurred among the little mermaid colony.

This is a whole new take on mermaids. It is original from anything that I have read before. It is interesting. I just didn't like the subject matter.

Content Warning: Description of abuse of children, near rape incident, mermaids murdering humans.

Review of Two Moon Princess

Two Moon Princess by Carmen Ferreiro-Esteban

My rating: 4 of 5 stars
Source: NetGalley
Genre: YA Fantasy

Description from GoodReads: In this coming-of-age story set in a medieval kingdom, Andrea is a headstrong princess longing to be a knight who finds her way to modern-day California. But her accidental return to her family's kingdom and a disastrous romance brings war, along with her discovery of some dark family secrets. Readers will love this mix of traditional fantasy elements with unique twists and will identify with Andrea and her difficult choices between duty and desire.

My thoughts: Before I start a book I tend to check the reviews on Goodreads. After reading some of the reviews, I frankly wondered if I really did want to read this book. I downloaded it from NetGalley and felt obligated to read it. I took my time and put it off for a while.  I wish I would have read it sooner.

Andrea is the fourth daughter of a King and Queen on a different world. It is fashioned just like a medieval Kingdom of Earth. It turns out that centuries ago some Spaniards had escaped through a door between worlds.  They  were escaping the Arabians.They colonized their new planet and did not have contact with Earth. As Earth's society grew and evolved into a technological society, this planet's remained more stagnant.

Andrea doesn't fit into the society pressed upon her. She wants to be a Knight, but is refused. She hates being a lady. One evening she is told a little about her planets history and starts to figure out where a portal is. She then finds herself in modern day California.

She loves her life in California.  She is going to a University and being treated as an equal.  She has family living there, you would have to read the book to find out how, it's quite and interesting little twist in the story. She makes friends and falls in love.  Then one evening she accidentally finds herself at home. Because of some of her decisions, war is started.  She feels the blame and tries to help negotiate peace.

Andrea learns some painful lessons about growing up. She changes her mind about being a Knight after seeing war up close and personal. I found that this is the way with most Young Adults, as you learn and grow and have experiences, you are able to understand what it is that you would really like to do with your life, what will work for you and what will not.

The romance is not forced, and Andrea has her heart broken a few times. This is also typical for Young Adults. I found this to be a fun book to read. I enjoyed it. Yes, in a few places it is slow and some of the main characters are not always nice. Overall, I found it to be refreshing and enjoyable.  It is squeaky clean.

Blog Tour ~ Review of "Indemnity"

Indemnity by Paula Wiseman

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Source: Received to review
Genre: Adult Christian Fiction

Description from Goodreads: After years of believing Chuck's affair is behind them, Bobbi's marriage is tested again when Tracy Ravenna resurfaces. Tracy's not alone, though. Jackson Charles Ravenna is the newest student in Bobbi's first grade class and the spitting image of her husband. When Chuck decides to pursue joint custody, they discover Jack isn't the only secret Tracy's been hiding.

As Tracy's past begins to threaten their future with Jack, Bobbi is forced to face the unsettling truth about God's grace. But this time, what will it cost to forgive the unforgivable?

My thoughts:

Paula Wiseman has created a sequel that is just as engaging as the first book in this series.  She uses Christian values to portray a family that is being torn apart by a mistake committed seven years ago.

Bobby has forgiven Chuck for his affair and they have patched up their marriage and are living a happy life. They discover that there was a child created when he strayed and now have to deal with the consequences of that mistake. Old feelings are dredge up and their marriage is on the pinnacle of becoming one of mistrust. The biggest problem is that now they have to deal with the mother of the illegitimate son.

I like how Paula Wiseman is able to fashion a story with real emotions and true to life circumstances. She does this well and is able to capture and retain the interest of her audience. As I reader I could empathize with the emotions of the characters. They are well portrayed and their situations are realistic.

This book deals once again with forgiveness and repentance. A huge emphasis is placed on the Savior, Jesus Christ, and his role in atoning for the sins of mankind. This is a book that will appeal to Christians and others who enjoy a great story.


I would recommend in a couple of places that you have access to a hankie or a box of tissues.

There will be a third book.  The title is "Precedent".


Watch the trailer:



About Paula:

After working several years as research chemist, Paula Wiseman was blessed with the opportunity to stay home with her children and follow the writer’s path. Contingency: Book One: Covenant of Trust Series, her debut novel, spent time on the Amazon.com Christian Fiction bestsellers list, and was also the #1 Hot New Release in Christian Fiction.

Indemnity Book Two: Covenant of Trust Series is her second novel.

Paula blogs on matters of life and faith at www.paulawiseman.com.  Connect with her on facebook at www.facebook.com/paula.wiseman.author and Twitter atwww.twitter.com/paulawiseman.

You can read an excerpt of this book at the "Indemnity" Pump Up your Book Page.... go here to view it!

Teaser Tuesday

Teaser Tuesdays is a weekly bookish meme, hosted by MizB of  Should Be Reading. Anyone can play along!
Just do the following:

          ~Grab your current read.

          ~Open to a random page.

          ~Share two "teaser" sentences from somewhere on that page. (Sometimes I cheat a bit on this one and do a few more sentences.)
          ~Be careful not to include spoilers! (make sure that what you share doesn't give to much away.               You don't want to ruin the book for others.)

          ~Share the title and author, so the other TT participants can add the book to their TBR lists if they like your teaser.  :0)

This week my teaser comes from "Indemnity" by Paula Wiseman.

"Tracy? Why.... uh... what are you doing here?"  Chuck glanced back in Bobbi's direction, but she sat immobilized in her chair.  pg 232

Review of "Crave"

Crave by Melinda Metz & Laura J Burns

My rating: 3.5 of 5 stars
Source: I purchased this one
Age Recommendation: Over 16
Genre: YA Paranormal

Description from Goodreads: Shay could never do the things her friends could--never try out for sports, never go to parties, never fall in love. Because of the mysterious and incurable blood disorder she was born with, she can barely make it through three days of school a week. 

But now, her doctor-turned-stepfather has a brand-new treatment that he thinks will change everything. And it does. As soon as the new blood starts pumping into Shay's veins, she has visions of a different life...Gabriel's life. She sees an orphanage, loss, fangs, blood, and lust that she can't explain.
Is Gabriel real? And if he is, could he really be what she thinks he is?

My thoughts:  One thing I can say about this book is that it sucks you into the plot.  I felt the need to keep reading, even though I knew it was time to go to sleep.  This book grabs your attention and holds it.

Shay is a girl who has a blood disease. It can't be diagnosed because there is nothing else like it. In order to save her life, she undergoes a treatment that will hopefully help. Her stepfather is the DR. administering the treatments. They give her a rush of energy for a short time and then she crashes.

Then we have Gabriel. Shay sees visions of him while she is receiving the treatments. Turns out he is real. There is more to him than she realizes, he is a very complex character.  Circumstances bind them where they both feel a level of responsibility for each other.  There is also a physical attraction element.

I don't know how much I can say about this story without giving away key points in the plot and being a spoiler.  So, I think it would be best to leave it at that.

The only problem that I had with this book was the language (swearing) and teen drug and alcohol use. There is also a sexual situation that starts to get a little graphic for my mother radar.  This is for older and more mature YA readers.

Winners of the Summer Hop!

I used random.org to select the winners:

Laney ~ Simona Smical #183

Solstice ~ Jay #159

Airel ~ Marissa #18.

I have emailed all of them and I have heard back from Simona.  The other two have 72 hours to respond before I pick a new winner.  Congrats and thanks to everyone who entered.

In my mailbox #29

In my mailbox is hosted by The Story Siren.  It's a way  let other's know about the books that we receive and may not be able to get to quickly.  It 's also fun to interact and get to know each other .  I love to get ideas for books to read from the pages that I visit.  I hope you see something fun or interesting  to read here as well.


I will be linking the titles to Goodreads if you would like to check out and find more about the books you see.


For Review:

Love.com by RW Bennett
Mistakes by AM Hayward and LJ Holder
Egypt the Uprising (Battle for Maat #1) by Amira Aly




Purchased:

Birthmarked by Caragh M. O'Brien

Eden by Keary Taylor

Enclave by Ann Aguirre

There is my week in books.  How was your week?  Let me know!