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Recommend this book:
Frozen Lies
R. A. Quinn
2013 Finalist
141 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
Jacob Rohn is part of a special investigation team under the control of the State of Alaska's Attorney General. It is based in Anchorage, where Rohn lives with his black Labrador retriever, Archie. Rohn has been assigned to look into a six-month old case in Fort Yukon, a small town within the Arctic circle. A young Canadian couple, who were working as caretakers for a resort, were found dead in their cabin, and the case was initially considered to be a murder/suicide. Rohn travels up to Fort Yukon and visits the scene of the crime. On his way back to town, he narrowly escapes being killed by an unseen sniper. Rohn works with Chief Sully, the head of the Fort Yukon police, to finally determine if both the husband and wife were murdered and by whom.
"Frozen Lies" is an entertaining and fast-paced police procedural. I was intrigued by the novel's description as I enjoy reading books based in the frozen north, and I was not disappointed. The harsh, yet beautiful, environment found in the Arctic Circle is ever-present in this book. Author R.A. Quinn's unique insights as someone who worked in law enforcement, and who actually was a police officer in Fort Yukon, help make the book come alive. The reader gets to follow Rohn as he begins his investigation and starts looking for clues to solve the six-month case. Quinn's appreciation for nature in general, and that environment in particular, also lends a lyrical tone to the outdoor descriptions found in the book. I'm looking forward to further books in what could become a great series.
Jacob Rohn is part of a special investigation team under the control of the State of Alaska's Attorney General. It is based in Anchorage, where Rohn lives with his black Labrador retriever, Archie. Rohn has been assigned to look into a six-month old case in Fort Yukon, a small town within the Arctic circle. A young Canadian couple, who were working as caretakers for a resort, were found dead in their cabin, and the case was initially considered to be a murder/suicide. Rohn travels up to Fort Yukon and visits the scene of the crime. On his way back to town, he narrowly escapes being killed by an unseen sniper. Rohn works with Chief Sully, the head of the Fort Yukon police, to finally determine if both the husband and wife were murdered and by whom.
"Frozen Lies" is an entertaining and fast-paced police procedural. I was intrigued by the novel's description as I enjoy reading books based in the frozen north, and I was not disappointed. The harsh, yet beautiful, environment found in the Arctic Circle is ever-present in this book. Author R.A. Quinn's unique insights as someone who worked in law enforcement, and who actually was a police officer in Fort Yukon, help make the book come alive. The reader gets to follow Rohn as he begins his investigation and starts looking for clues to solve the six-month case. Quinn's appreciation for nature in general, and that environment in particular, also lends a lyrical tone to the outdoor descriptions found in the book. I'm looking forward to further books in what could become a great series.
Recommend this book:
Shades of Death
The Gauntlet Runner Book II
S. Thomas Bailey
2013 Gold Medal
383 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
S. Thomas Bailey continues the saga of the Jacob Murray family in “Shades of Death: The Gauntlet Runner, Book II.” In book one we met Private Jacob Murray from Pennsylvanian and watched as he became a scout for George Washington’s Provincial Militia, in the Ohio Valley. The year was 1754 and the French were invading the English land. Twenty six year old Jacob left his wife Maggie at home to care for their four children and the farm. A raiding party of the French and Huron raided the farm taking his family captive. Jacob was determined to find his family and rescue them. “Shades of Death” picks up where Book I left off. Maggie escaped the Huron only to be sold to a French merchant. Jacob along with Joshua and One-Ear form a plan to rescue Maggie but things go terribly wrong. Maggie and One-Ear journey north toward Canada in an attempt to avoid the French; along their way they meet several tribes of Indians. Jacob is captured by the French and only with the help of Joshua does he manage to escape. Will the Murrays ever be reunited?
I had the honor of reviewing book I in this series and I was enthralled with the plot. It is a great honor to have the opportunity to now review book II. The plot is realistic and the author seems to have captured the essence of the era. The characters marched off the pages and into my heart. As I read this tale it was easy to become engaged in the action. It was like watching a play take place on the stage of my mind’s eye. “Shades of Death” is an exciting historical fiction. This book would make a great mini-series. I look forward to the next installment. Please Mr. Bailey, don’t keep me waiting.
S. Thomas Bailey continues the saga of the Jacob Murray family in “Shades of Death: The Gauntlet Runner, Book II.” In book one we met Private Jacob Murray from Pennsylvanian and watched as he became a scout for George Washington’s Provincial Militia, in the Ohio Valley. The year was 1754 and the French were invading the English land. Twenty six year old Jacob left his wife Maggie at home to care for their four children and the farm. A raiding party of the French and Huron raided the farm taking his family captive. Jacob was determined to find his family and rescue them. “Shades of Death” picks up where Book I left off. Maggie escaped the Huron only to be sold to a French merchant. Jacob along with Joshua and One-Ear form a plan to rescue Maggie but things go terribly wrong. Maggie and One-Ear journey north toward Canada in an attempt to avoid the French; along their way they meet several tribes of Indians. Jacob is captured by the French and only with the help of Joshua does he manage to escape. Will the Murrays ever be reunited?
I had the honor of reviewing book I in this series and I was enthralled with the plot. It is a great honor to have the opportunity to now review book II. The plot is realistic and the author seems to have captured the essence of the era. The characters marched off the pages and into my heart. As I read this tale it was easy to become engaged in the action. It was like watching a play take place on the stage of my mind’s eye. “Shades of Death” is an exciting historical fiction. This book would make a great mini-series. I look forward to the next installment. Please Mr. Bailey, don’t keep me waiting.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-forgotten-queen&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51SEbczFaSL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Camelot is a very popular story and retold over and over throughout the years. A wonderful love story/love triangle with adventure. And of course there is Merlin and 'The Lady of the Lake' and things you never knew. Here we find somewhat of a twist if you will, a "what if". What if there was a "Forgotten Queen" other than Guinevere? What if Arthur ...){kind=link}
The Forgotten Queen
Retelling Camelot
Annette Mackey
2013 Silver Medal
313 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Donna Wharton for Readers' Favorite
Camelot is a very popular story and retold over and over throughout the years. A wonderful love story/love triangle with adventure. And of course there is Merlin and 'The Lady of the Lake' and things you never knew. Here we find somewhat of a twist if you will, a "what if". What if there was a "Forgotten Queen" other than Guinevere? What if Arthur found someone to love him with HER whole heart? It only takes one idea to spin a story in an entirely different direction. Wherever you look there is something new being intertwined, interjected, and introduced into this wonderful story. And it never takes away from how wonderful the original story has always been. Avalon or Ava as she is called is The Lady of the Lake's daughter by Merlin. She is at the very center of everything meaningful about Excalibur.
Understanding why Arthur wanted Guinevere and insisted on marrying her, and why she and Lancelot would not tell Arthur about their affair made a lot of sense. At the same time you are torn by watching all of their hearts in turmoil without the ability to have comfort. Then there are Knights of the Round Table here too and they are as loyal as ever to the king and to one another. Take a chance on the retelling of Camelot in "The Forgotten Queen". You won't be disappointed!
Camelot is a very popular story and retold over and over throughout the years. A wonderful love story/love triangle with adventure. And of course there is Merlin and 'The Lady of the Lake' and things you never knew. Here we find somewhat of a twist if you will, a "what if". What if there was a "Forgotten Queen" other than Guinevere? What if Arthur found someone to love him with HER whole heart? It only takes one idea to spin a story in an entirely different direction. Wherever you look there is something new being intertwined, interjected, and introduced into this wonderful story. And it never takes away from how wonderful the original story has always been. Avalon or Ava as she is called is The Lady of the Lake's daughter by Merlin. She is at the very center of everything meaningful about Excalibur.
Understanding why Arthur wanted Guinevere and insisted on marrying her, and why she and Lancelot would not tell Arthur about their affair made a lot of sense. At the same time you are torn by watching all of their hearts in turmoil without the ability to have comfort. Then there are Knights of the Round Table here too and they are as loyal as ever to the king and to one another. Take a chance on the retelling of Camelot in "The Forgotten Queen". You won't be disappointed!
Recommend this book:
Lost City of the Condor
Vickie Britton and Loretta Jackson
2013 Finalist
289 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite
Archeologist Arla Vaughn didn’t know what to expect when she was summoned to the hospital by a man she didn’t know, a man on his deathbed, the victim of a hit and run accident. There she learns of a missing journal that acts as a map to find an ancient city. She also learns that her more than friend Lance Hayden is missing on his search for the Lost City of the Condor and the Golden Condor of the Inca's. She quickly realizes she must go and complete the journey and find him, no matter what. When she arrives in Peru she is approached by a mysterious peddler who shows her a small authentic looking artifact, a statue identical to those found only in rare Inca tombs located high in the Andes. Arla suspects this is a genuine artifact, perhaps stolen from the same Capacocha burial site her co-worker, Lance Hayden, is seeking. But, things get out of hand very quickly as she is kidnapped, shot at, lied to and not really sure who she can trust. And to complicate matters, she must find out if her missing friend is dead or alive. In a race against time to find and protect the relics, Arla must travel to a snowy mountain peak and a clash with the looters for the most priceless treasure of all – the golden condor!
"The Lost City of the Condor" is a very well-written and exciting story, filled with danger, intrigue, and murder. I found it refreshing that the authors put together a superb plot with a generous blend of history and the geography of the area without using a tour guide approach. The action starts with the opening chapter and never ceases. The characterization is good. All in all, a well-thought-out story.
Archeologist Arla Vaughn didn’t know what to expect when she was summoned to the hospital by a man she didn’t know, a man on his deathbed, the victim of a hit and run accident. There she learns of a missing journal that acts as a map to find an ancient city. She also learns that her more than friend Lance Hayden is missing on his search for the Lost City of the Condor and the Golden Condor of the Inca's. She quickly realizes she must go and complete the journey and find him, no matter what. When she arrives in Peru she is approached by a mysterious peddler who shows her a small authentic looking artifact, a statue identical to those found only in rare Inca tombs located high in the Andes. Arla suspects this is a genuine artifact, perhaps stolen from the same Capacocha burial site her co-worker, Lance Hayden, is seeking. But, things get out of hand very quickly as she is kidnapped, shot at, lied to and not really sure who she can trust. And to complicate matters, she must find out if her missing friend is dead or alive. In a race against time to find and protect the relics, Arla must travel to a snowy mountain peak and a clash with the looters for the most priceless treasure of all – the golden condor!
"The Lost City of the Condor" is a very well-written and exciting story, filled with danger, intrigue, and murder. I found it refreshing that the authors put together a superb plot with a generous blend of history and the geography of the area without using a tour guide approach. The action starts with the opening chapter and never ceases. The characterization is good. All in all, a well-thought-out story.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-scales-of-six&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ccZxJJCNL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Rosean Mile's "The Scales of Six" is the unique story of independent curator Gail Weaver. While she is collecting relics in Indonesia, she discovers a wonder plant that grows widely in the region of Sumatra. It can turn any type of hair into beautiful locks. Smuggling plant clippings into the United States of America, she starts a cosmetic company ...){kind=link}
The Scales of Six
Rosean Mile
2013 Honorable Mention
416 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Maria Beltran for Readers' Favorite
Rosean Mile's "The Scales of Six" is the unique story of independent curator Gail Weaver. While she is collecting relics in Indonesia, she discovers a wonder plant that grows widely in the region of Sumatra. It can turn any type of hair into beautiful locks. Smuggling plant clippings into the United States of America, she starts a cosmetic company by manufacturing a brand of shampoo made from the Sumatran plant. With her sister Fran and an Indonesian scientist, Gail embarks on a life of finance, business, legal battle as well as romance. However, her greatest challenge is the ephemeral plant itself and the story takes a turn that nobody would expect.
"The Scales of Six" is an intriguing story that centers on greed and the force of nature. Author Rosean Mile successfully incorporates the elements of financial struggle, business competition, vanity and romance in her novel. Together with an old myth that surrounds the Sumatran plant, all these elements come together to produce an interesting story that should excite the readers. I particularly like the development of the plot with its exciting build up of suspense and the mixing of the traditional and contemporary world. Exotic Indonesia is absolutely the right setting for the traditional and the surreal while the corporate world of America provides a real and ruthless world of contemporary business. In a world that is becoming very obsessed with monetary success, "The Scales of Six" is surely a relevant read.
Rosean Mile's "The Scales of Six" is the unique story of independent curator Gail Weaver. While she is collecting relics in Indonesia, she discovers a wonder plant that grows widely in the region of Sumatra. It can turn any type of hair into beautiful locks. Smuggling plant clippings into the United States of America, she starts a cosmetic company by manufacturing a brand of shampoo made from the Sumatran plant. With her sister Fran and an Indonesian scientist, Gail embarks on a life of finance, business, legal battle as well as romance. However, her greatest challenge is the ephemeral plant itself and the story takes a turn that nobody would expect.
"The Scales of Six" is an intriguing story that centers on greed and the force of nature. Author Rosean Mile successfully incorporates the elements of financial struggle, business competition, vanity and romance in her novel. Together with an old myth that surrounds the Sumatran plant, all these elements come together to produce an interesting story that should excite the readers. I particularly like the development of the plot with its exciting build up of suspense and the mixing of the traditional and contemporary world. Exotic Indonesia is absolutely the right setting for the traditional and the surreal while the corporate world of America provides a real and ruthless world of contemporary business. In a world that is becoming very obsessed with monetary success, "The Scales of Six" is surely a relevant read.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/tin-can&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41uARyACKeL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Tin Can" is an exciting space adventure. Eight year old Billy, fourteen year old Jacob, Quincy a genetically altered Lemur, and their parents, Dave and Lucy Edwards, embark on a mission to Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, hoping to find it safe to colonize. Storms and radiation caused by the sun’s instability have battered Earth, forcing people...){kind=link}
Tin Can
Colin Noble
2013 Bronze Medal
502 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
"Tin Can" is an exciting space adventure. Eight year old Billy, fourteen year old Jacob, Quincy a genetically altered Lemur, and their parents, Dave and Lucy Edwards, embark on a mission to Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, hoping to find it safe to colonize. Storms and radiation caused by the sun’s instability have battered Earth, forcing people to live underground and destroying the food supply. Knowing the danger they are in, Dave drives Jacob to learn as much as possible about the ship, thinking Billy incapable of learning. A tragic accident leaves the boys and Quincy to survive on their own, and the crisis brings out the best in Billy. While Billy can barely read, he understands space from a unique perspective. And Quincy, bred for only simple tasks, in truth has a much higher intelligence and is capable of much more.
"Tin Can" by Colin Noble is a fascinating and entertaining space adventure. The tale is fast-paced, and Noble keeps up the pace until the very end. The lead characters have tremendous depth and it is fun watching them develop and grow. Jacob, Billy and Quincy have to learn to work together as a team. Each has unique talents that were never appreciated before. Suddenly these talents are essential. At the beginning I was reminded of the TV show “Lost In Space” of the 60s, but I quickly realized this space tale has more depth. Noble drew me into the story and made me part of the crew. I highly recommend “Tin Can” and the author Colin Noble.
"Tin Can" is an exciting space adventure. Eight year old Billy, fourteen year old Jacob, Quincy a genetically altered Lemur, and their parents, Dave and Lucy Edwards, embark on a mission to Europa, one of Jupiter’s moons, hoping to find it safe to colonize. Storms and radiation caused by the sun’s instability have battered Earth, forcing people to live underground and destroying the food supply. Knowing the danger they are in, Dave drives Jacob to learn as much as possible about the ship, thinking Billy incapable of learning. A tragic accident leaves the boys and Quincy to survive on their own, and the crisis brings out the best in Billy. While Billy can barely read, he understands space from a unique perspective. And Quincy, bred for only simple tasks, in truth has a much higher intelligence and is capable of much more.
"Tin Can" by Colin Noble is a fascinating and entertaining space adventure. The tale is fast-paced, and Noble keeps up the pace until the very end. The lead characters have tremendous depth and it is fun watching them develop and grow. Jacob, Billy and Quincy have to learn to work together as a team. Each has unique talents that were never appreciated before. Suddenly these talents are essential. At the beginning I was reminded of the TV show “Lost In Space” of the 60s, but I quickly realized this space tale has more depth. Noble drew me into the story and made me part of the crew. I highly recommend “Tin Can” and the author Colin Noble.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-boy-from-granite-falls/1&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51pseo0AMdL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=In wanting to keep the life and legacy of her late father-in-law alive, Brenda Ballard creates the "The Boy From Granite Falls" series. This series follows Fred Ballard’s life starting in the 1930’s. Fred and Rudy are up to their usual adventures. At supper one night, Fred’s dad suggested that Fred go meet the new neighbors, since there were ...){kind=link}
The Boy From Granite Falls
Book Two Weevil Biscuits
Brenda Ballard
2012 Honorable Mention
110 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Joy Hannabass for Readers' Favorite
In wanting to keep the life and legacy of her late father-in-law alive, Brenda Ballard creates the "The Boy From Granite Falls" series. This series follows Fred Ballard’s life starting in the 1930’s. Fred and Rudy are up to their usual adventures. At supper one night, Fred’s dad suggested that Fred go meet the new neighbors, since there were a couple of boys Fred’s age. Well, Fred, Rudy and Tubby do just that. The reception wasn’t very well though, and the neighbor boy the threesome met was a very rude and impolite Chadwick “Wicked” O’Brien the Third. This meeting was an adventure in itself, and then they were on to see what the “Pie Lady” in Robe was up to. This is where the "Weevil Biscuits" comes in, and you will truly need to read this book to feel the full effect of this story. It is one you will not want to miss. I actually laughed until I cried!
Again, Brenda Ballard pens a legacy that will forever live on in her family. I can’t say enough about the wonder and beauty of this second book of “The Boy From Granite Falls.” Fred and Rudy remind me so much of my dad and his brother growing up. And Brenda has a special way with words that tell the story in such a unique way that will have you right there in the middle of the mischievous adventures of Fred, Rudy and Tubby. I encourage you to grab a copy of the books in the series “The Boy From Granite Falls” for a super nice summer read. You will be immensely glad you did! And keep checking Brenda Ballard's website as there is obviously more to come from Fred and his friends.
In wanting to keep the life and legacy of her late father-in-law alive, Brenda Ballard creates the "The Boy From Granite Falls" series. This series follows Fred Ballard’s life starting in the 1930’s. Fred and Rudy are up to their usual adventures. At supper one night, Fred’s dad suggested that Fred go meet the new neighbors, since there were a couple of boys Fred’s age. Well, Fred, Rudy and Tubby do just that. The reception wasn’t very well though, and the neighbor boy the threesome met was a very rude and impolite Chadwick “Wicked” O’Brien the Third. This meeting was an adventure in itself, and then they were on to see what the “Pie Lady” in Robe was up to. This is where the "Weevil Biscuits" comes in, and you will truly need to read this book to feel the full effect of this story. It is one you will not want to miss. I actually laughed until I cried!
Again, Brenda Ballard pens a legacy that will forever live on in her family. I can’t say enough about the wonder and beauty of this second book of “The Boy From Granite Falls.” Fred and Rudy remind me so much of my dad and his brother growing up. And Brenda has a special way with words that tell the story in such a unique way that will have you right there in the middle of the mischievous adventures of Fred, Rudy and Tubby. I encourage you to grab a copy of the books in the series “The Boy From Granite Falls” for a super nice summer read. You will be immensely glad you did! And keep checking Brenda Ballard's website as there is obviously more to come from Fred and his friends.
Recommend this book:
Sea of Crises
Marty Steere
2012 Finalist
314 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
Our story begins with action and suspense. Nate Cartwright receives a mysterious phone call from Peter, his brother. Peter thought he was being followed and that it had something to do with his project. The project was connected to Apollo 18 whose commander was their father, Bob Cartwright. It was obvious someone did not want anyone to dig deeper into the Apollo disaster. What did all of this have to do with the subcommittee on strategic forces? What really happened to the Apollo 18 crew? Why did Commander Bob Cartwright utter the words “That shouldn’t be there?” How can a person not get caught up in this book? I have always been fascinated with the space program. In reality Mission Apollo 18 was canceled but what if it really did take place? What if the mission landed on the moon but the crew was never heard from again? What if there was a cover up?
Author Marty Steere is brilliant! His plot is plausible, the characters are realistic, and the writing is superb. My intention is not to give away too much of the plot in my summary. I want the readers to pick up their own copy of this book. Once they begin reading, like me, they will not want to put this book down. I was not familiar with Marty Steere and had no idea what to expect from his book. He impressed me. Steere manages to keep the characters fresh and the suspense building, leading to a crescendo ending.
Our story begins with action and suspense. Nate Cartwright receives a mysterious phone call from Peter, his brother. Peter thought he was being followed and that it had something to do with his project. The project was connected to Apollo 18 whose commander was their father, Bob Cartwright. It was obvious someone did not want anyone to dig deeper into the Apollo disaster. What did all of this have to do with the subcommittee on strategic forces? What really happened to the Apollo 18 crew? Why did Commander Bob Cartwright utter the words “That shouldn’t be there?” How can a person not get caught up in this book? I have always been fascinated with the space program. In reality Mission Apollo 18 was canceled but what if it really did take place? What if the mission landed on the moon but the crew was never heard from again? What if there was a cover up?
Author Marty Steere is brilliant! His plot is plausible, the characters are realistic, and the writing is superb. My intention is not to give away too much of the plot in my summary. I want the readers to pick up their own copy of this book. Once they begin reading, like me, they will not want to put this book down. I was not familiar with Marty Steere and had no idea what to expect from his book. He impressed me. Steere manages to keep the characters fresh and the suspense building, leading to a crescendo ending.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/kaiser-brightman-082314&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41KMDQz-GtL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=The setting for "Kaiser Brightman 082314" by Michael Springer is New Bonn, Minnesota in 1944. German prisoners were detained across the river at Muskrat Island. They worked in the local cannery that was short of labor. Three twelve year old boys spent the summer watching the camp. At first it was a game to Frank and Jack. They pretended they were M...){kind=link}
Kaiser Brightman 082314
Michael Springer
2012 Silver Medal
168 Pages
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
The setting for "Kaiser Brightman 082314" by Michael Springer is New Bonn, Minnesota in 1944. German prisoners were detained across the river at Muskrat Island. They worked in the local cannery that was short of labor. Three twelve year old boys spent the summer watching the camp. At first it was a game to Frank and Jack. They pretended they were Marine Raiders and plotted how to do a reconnaissance of the German Camp. Soon another young man joined them. Skeeter was their age in years but older in other ways. He hated the Germans and plotted to kill them. The three young men found a matchbook cover with Kaiser Brightman 082314 written on it, intercepted strange radio messages and witnessed a murder.
While there is a definite air of mystery in this book, it is so much more. Kaiser Brightman 082314 is a coming of age book, three boys maturing over the summer, working together to solve a mystery. Skeeter is a troubled youth who tends to bully others especially Jack. This tale draws the youths together who form an incredible bond. Jack and Frank come to understand Skeeter in a manner that no one else had ever cared enough to do. I was vaguely reminded of the movie “Stand By Me.”
Springer’s plot and characters are believable. I was so caught up in this tale that I actually did a search to see if New Bonn, MN, really existed. I also started researching whether German prisoners were detained in Kentucky. I found out that two assisted my grandfather in law on his farm. Springer has created a tale that transported me to the past, made me think and made me curious. This book is appropriate for a wide range of age from 10 year olds on up. The style is easy to read. I could easily see this used in a class as a low reader/high interest book. Well done Mr. Springer!
The setting for "Kaiser Brightman 082314" by Michael Springer is New Bonn, Minnesota in 1944. German prisoners were detained across the river at Muskrat Island. They worked in the local cannery that was short of labor. Three twelve year old boys spent the summer watching the camp. At first it was a game to Frank and Jack. They pretended they were Marine Raiders and plotted how to do a reconnaissance of the German Camp. Soon another young man joined them. Skeeter was their age in years but older in other ways. He hated the Germans and plotted to kill them. The three young men found a matchbook cover with Kaiser Brightman 082314 written on it, intercepted strange radio messages and witnessed a murder.
While there is a definite air of mystery in this book, it is so much more. Kaiser Brightman 082314 is a coming of age book, three boys maturing over the summer, working together to solve a mystery. Skeeter is a troubled youth who tends to bully others especially Jack. This tale draws the youths together who form an incredible bond. Jack and Frank come to understand Skeeter in a manner that no one else had ever cared enough to do. I was vaguely reminded of the movie “Stand By Me.”
Springer’s plot and characters are believable. I was so caught up in this tale that I actually did a search to see if New Bonn, MN, really existed. I also started researching whether German prisoners were detained in Kentucky. I found out that two assisted my grandfather in law on his farm. Springer has created a tale that transported me to the past, made me think and made me curious. This book is appropriate for a wide range of age from 10 year olds on up. The style is easy to read. I could easily see this used in a class as a low reader/high interest book. Well done Mr. Springer!
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/duckegg&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51S41dLXo5L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Nova Melia has created a fascinating cast of characters in her adventure novel entitled "Duckegg". The lead character is a confused teen who lacks direction and role models. He, his younger brother Billy, and sister Lucy live in poverty in a small New England town, which also appears to lack motivation and direction.
The plot thickens when a loc...){kind=link}
Duckegg
& Persons of Interest
NovaMelia
2012 Bronze Medal
330 Pages
Check current price
Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Karen Pirnot for Readers' Favorite
Nova Melia has created a fascinating cast of characters in her adventure novel entitled "Duckegg". The lead character is a confused teen who lacks direction and role models. He, his younger brother Billy, and sister Lucy live in poverty in a small New England town, which also appears to lack motivation and direction.
The plot thickens when a local school teacher begins to suspect foul play when a local company is suspected of cruelty to animals during research experimentation. As the plot develops, there is considerable conflict between good and evil, bullies and the bullied, and the intellectual and the not-so-smart citizens of the town.
Primarily, the story concerns a coming of age theme in which young Duckegg begins to think beyond the confines of his own mind to a broader social interest. He develops a friendship with the protester teacher and he learns far more about life itself than he ever expected to gain from his hit-and-miss educational experience.
The characters are fascinating and the reader will find ample opportunity to identify and sympathize with more than one of the well-developed personalities. This is a good read for anyone wanting to challenge defined personality boundaries.
Nova Melia has created a fascinating cast of characters in her adventure novel entitled "Duckegg". The lead character is a confused teen who lacks direction and role models. He, his younger brother Billy, and sister Lucy live in poverty in a small New England town, which also appears to lack motivation and direction.
The plot thickens when a local school teacher begins to suspect foul play when a local company is suspected of cruelty to animals during research experimentation. As the plot develops, there is considerable conflict between good and evil, bullies and the bullied, and the intellectual and the not-so-smart citizens of the town.
Primarily, the story concerns a coming of age theme in which young Duckegg begins to think beyond the confines of his own mind to a broader social interest. He develops a friendship with the protester teacher and he learns far more about life itself than he ever expected to gain from his hit-and-miss educational experience.
The characters are fascinating and the reader will find ample opportunity to identify and sympathize with more than one of the well-developed personalities. This is a good read for anyone wanting to challenge defined personality boundaries.
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