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Recommend this book:
Atlas and the Multiverse
Seeking Courage
Chandon Siman
2022 Silver Medal
310 Pages
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Young Adult - Action
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Starting a new school is hard enough, but being the new kids at a middle school in a new town where no one knows you makes it even more difficult. Especially when you look a little different. Too tall, too small, too smart – those are characteristics that make you stand out and the bullies always know who to pick on. Atlas was too tall for his age, so he managed to attract considerable unwanted attention. His siblings, Lilou and Nico, were also unique in their own ways. All three were adopted, but they bonded well. It was this move to a small town in Idaho that set them all on edge. Then, a few questions to his adoptive mother, the increasing ferocity of Atlas’s headaches, the voice in his head, and a box of random items left behind by his natural mother put Atlas and his siblings on the verge of an adventure. It will take them into another realm in the multiverse, another dimension where danger lurks everywhere, making the schoolyard bullies seem like mere fleas of annoyance. There are battles to be fought, evil to be expunged, and time is running out to save their own realm and the adoptive mother they left behind.
Chandon Siman’s middle-grade novel, Atlas and the Multiverse: Seeking Courage, is a spellbinding adventure of mammoth proportions. The adventure begins on the first page and doesn’t let up until the very end. Readers will instantly be drawn to these characters as they weave a path through multi-dimensional realms, fighting battles and trying to save more than just one world before the evil, all-consuming powers of P.O.R.T.A.L. destroy everything in their path. P.O.R.T.A.L. wants Atlas and, more importantly, they want his father. The descriptive narrative is compelling and engaging and thoroughly wraps the reader in the complex web of the story. The plot progresses quickly with growing energy and adventure. Dialogue and character development are well used and readers will instantly relate to the characters as if they were kids in their own school. This is a powerful, action-driven story that will attract young readers of all ages.
Starting a new school is hard enough, but being the new kids at a middle school in a new town where no one knows you makes it even more difficult. Especially when you look a little different. Too tall, too small, too smart – those are characteristics that make you stand out and the bullies always know who to pick on. Atlas was too tall for his age, so he managed to attract considerable unwanted attention. His siblings, Lilou and Nico, were also unique in their own ways. All three were adopted, but they bonded well. It was this move to a small town in Idaho that set them all on edge. Then, a few questions to his adoptive mother, the increasing ferocity of Atlas’s headaches, the voice in his head, and a box of random items left behind by his natural mother put Atlas and his siblings on the verge of an adventure. It will take them into another realm in the multiverse, another dimension where danger lurks everywhere, making the schoolyard bullies seem like mere fleas of annoyance. There are battles to be fought, evil to be expunged, and time is running out to save their own realm and the adoptive mother they left behind.
Chandon Siman’s middle-grade novel, Atlas and the Multiverse: Seeking Courage, is a spellbinding adventure of mammoth proportions. The adventure begins on the first page and doesn’t let up until the very end. Readers will instantly be drawn to these characters as they weave a path through multi-dimensional realms, fighting battles and trying to save more than just one world before the evil, all-consuming powers of P.O.R.T.A.L. destroy everything in their path. P.O.R.T.A.L. wants Atlas and, more importantly, they want his father. The descriptive narrative is compelling and engaging and thoroughly wraps the reader in the complex web of the story. The plot progresses quickly with growing energy and adventure. Dialogue and character development are well used and readers will instantly relate to the characters as if they were kids in their own school. This is a powerful, action-driven story that will attract young readers of all ages.
Recommend this book:
The Vault
The Hybrian Series Book One
L. Wood
2022 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Action
Reviewed by Amy Powers for Readers' Favorite
The Vault is the first book in The Hybrian Series by L. Wood. Harper has spent the last five years of her life as a subject of experiments down in the Vault with no memory of her life before that. Other subjects have joined her, and she has formed friendships with several of them. But recently, some of the subjects have started disappearing, following spells of anger and aggression. Harper begins to notice behavioral changes in her closest friends, and she can even feel something changing within herself. She suspects that the experimental injections are changing them, but something about her injections is different. When an escape plan emerges, Harper makes it out of the Vault, but not before everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. Learning to trust is just one of many problems that Harper must now face in her new world.
With a touch of romance and a whole lot of action, adventure, and mystery, The Vault is perfect for teen readers who enjoy a fast-paced read filled with unpredictable twists and turns. L. Woods has managed to piece together a multi-genre tale with a distinct setting and then pushed past all expectations. I can’t stress enough how much I loved the unique setting and direction in which the characters found themselves moving. Harper continually found herself facing one problem after another. She had to learn how to trust herself and others. I will definitely be reading the next book within this series, and I can’t wait to see how Harper’s dramatic adventures continue.
The Vault is the first book in The Hybrian Series by L. Wood. Harper has spent the last five years of her life as a subject of experiments down in the Vault with no memory of her life before that. Other subjects have joined her, and she has formed friendships with several of them. But recently, some of the subjects have started disappearing, following spells of anger and aggression. Harper begins to notice behavioral changes in her closest friends, and she can even feel something changing within herself. She suspects that the experimental injections are changing them, but something about her injections is different. When an escape plan emerges, Harper makes it out of the Vault, but not before everything she thought she knew is turned upside down. Learning to trust is just one of many problems that Harper must now face in her new world.
With a touch of romance and a whole lot of action, adventure, and mystery, The Vault is perfect for teen readers who enjoy a fast-paced read filled with unpredictable twists and turns. L. Woods has managed to piece together a multi-genre tale with a distinct setting and then pushed past all expectations. I can’t stress enough how much I loved the unique setting and direction in which the characters found themselves moving. Harper continually found herself facing one problem after another. She had to learn how to trust herself and others. I will definitely be reading the next book within this series, and I can’t wait to see how Harper’s dramatic adventures continue.
Recommend this book:
Dark Days
D W Saur
2021 Honorable Mention
278 Pages
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Young Adult - Action
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Dark Days is a work of fiction in the fantasy, action and adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author D. W. Saur. Recommended for readers at the mature end of the young adult spectrum and upwards, this is a gritty book with realistic violence appropriate to the struggles of the protagonist Maya. As darkness looms and threatens her homeland, Maya begins preparation to take up her mantle as the chosen one and save her people. She knows that she is skilled and unique amongst her kind, but it will take true self-knowledge and belief as she is put to the test by the dangers of war and the power she must find within herself to stop it.
Author D. W. Saur has crafted an excellent fantasy novel that delivers on so many fronts and is unique to the genre in giving its female protagonist a powerful mission with no romantic subplots or distractions. What results is a compelling tale of independence, fighting spirit, and self-discovery, which is only enhanced by the author’s excellent commitment to character and worldbuilding. I found Sori to be exceedingly well described and I fell in love with the beliefs and culture of the unique people there. The speech and thought presentation in the novel gives us a great view of Maya, her outer power, and her inner struggles, endearing her to us as the novel progresses and the plot rockets towards its exciting conclusions. Overall, I would highly recommend Dark Days for mature YA fans and adults seeking compelling fantasy fiction at its best.
Dark Days is a work of fiction in the fantasy, action and adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author D. W. Saur. Recommended for readers at the mature end of the young adult spectrum and upwards, this is a gritty book with realistic violence appropriate to the struggles of the protagonist Maya. As darkness looms and threatens her homeland, Maya begins preparation to take up her mantle as the chosen one and save her people. She knows that she is skilled and unique amongst her kind, but it will take true self-knowledge and belief as she is put to the test by the dangers of war and the power she must find within herself to stop it.
Author D. W. Saur has crafted an excellent fantasy novel that delivers on so many fronts and is unique to the genre in giving its female protagonist a powerful mission with no romantic subplots or distractions. What results is a compelling tale of independence, fighting spirit, and self-discovery, which is only enhanced by the author’s excellent commitment to character and worldbuilding. I found Sori to be exceedingly well described and I fell in love with the beliefs and culture of the unique people there. The speech and thought presentation in the novel gives us a great view of Maya, her outer power, and her inner struggles, endearing her to us as the novel progresses and the plot rockets towards its exciting conclusions. Overall, I would highly recommend Dark Days for mature YA fans and adults seeking compelling fantasy fiction at its best.
Recommend this book:
 by Rachel Churcher. Due to family circumstances, Bex Ellman's school grades suffer, threatening her dream of becoming a doctor. So when her p...){kind=link}
Battle Ground
Book One of the Battle Ground Series
Rachel Churcher
2021 Bronze Medal
258 Pages
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Young Adult - Action
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
The British government is abducting teens from school and sending them to training camps to prepare them for military use in the thrilling dystopian novel, Battle Ground (Book One of the Battle Ground Series) by Rachel Churcher. Due to family circumstances, Bex Ellman's school grades suffer, threatening her dream of becoming a doctor. So when her parents place her in a boarding school, Bex is thrilled. Unfortunately, soon the lives of her and her schoolmates take a drastic turn when the military removes them from school and marches them to a combat training camp. It doesn't take long for Bex to realize that something is not right within the camp's command. When she uncovers a deadly government secret that threatens their country, she wonders if the world will ever be right again. Can she and her friends escape the confinement of the camp? If they do, what will happen to them?
Compelling and captivating, Battle Ground (Book One of the Battle Ground Series) by Rachel Churcher is a sensational dystopian novel with a provocative plot and a suspenseful storyline. Set in the UK, the background gives the story a realism that is disturbing and haunting. Skillfully written, the characters are engaging and well-developed, the plot is breathtakingly intense, enthralling the reader from the first page until the last. Brimming with drama, suspense, and action, the story flows at a brisk pace, building to a stunning conclusion. With the elements of violence and murder coloring the plot, this gripping post-apocalyptic novel will captivate readers from the ages of twelve to eighteen and everyone else who relishes thrilling dystopian action thrillers.
The British government is abducting teens from school and sending them to training camps to prepare them for military use in the thrilling dystopian novel, Battle Ground (Book One of the Battle Ground Series) by Rachel Churcher. Due to family circumstances, Bex Ellman's school grades suffer, threatening her dream of becoming a doctor. So when her parents place her in a boarding school, Bex is thrilled. Unfortunately, soon the lives of her and her schoolmates take a drastic turn when the military removes them from school and marches them to a combat training camp. It doesn't take long for Bex to realize that something is not right within the camp's command. When she uncovers a deadly government secret that threatens their country, she wonders if the world will ever be right again. Can she and her friends escape the confinement of the camp? If they do, what will happen to them?
Compelling and captivating, Battle Ground (Book One of the Battle Ground Series) by Rachel Churcher is a sensational dystopian novel with a provocative plot and a suspenseful storyline. Set in the UK, the background gives the story a realism that is disturbing and haunting. Skillfully written, the characters are engaging and well-developed, the plot is breathtakingly intense, enthralling the reader from the first page until the last. Brimming with drama, suspense, and action, the story flows at a brisk pace, building to a stunning conclusion. With the elements of violence and murder coloring the plot, this gripping post-apocalyptic novel will captivate readers from the ages of twelve to eighteen and everyone else who relishes thrilling dystopian action thrillers.
Recommend this book:
Flat Earth
Book One of the Flat Earth Trilogy
Brent Golembiewski
2021 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Action
Reviewed by Scott Cahan for Readers' Favorite
Flat Earth by Brent Golembiewski is an action-packed science fiction adventure. The story opens like an episode of Twilight Zone but turns into something more akin to the first Star Wars movie. Eighteen-year-old James lives a quiet, happy life in a 1950s era town that is surrounded by a giant wall. No one has ever gone beyond the wall and if anyone gets too close they will be “switched off”. Things get really interesting when our hero, James, is drawn to the wall and eventually goes beyond it. The story kicks into gear at that point as James finds himself whisked away to a futuristic world where life is anything but quiet and simple. Before he knows what’s happening, James is being shot at by robots and a beautiful girl named Ariel comes to his rescue. The two of them end up running for their lives while trying to prevent the destruction of Earth.
Flat Earth by Brent Golembiewski is lots of fun, reminding me of a roller coaster that carries the reader up and down endless steep hills and twists and turns, never slowing down until the end. The roller coaster in my analogy is the plot. This book is never boring. It also has several strong characters that make the reader want to tag along for the ride to see what will happen to them. The story is very imaginative and fresh. Sure, I compared it to a couple of popular titles at the beginning of this review, but that was only for reference. Flat Earth felt completely original to me and kept me guessing about where the story was going till the very end. Flat Earth is good clean fun and a book that I highly recommend.
Flat Earth by Brent Golembiewski is an action-packed science fiction adventure. The story opens like an episode of Twilight Zone but turns into something more akin to the first Star Wars movie. Eighteen-year-old James lives a quiet, happy life in a 1950s era town that is surrounded by a giant wall. No one has ever gone beyond the wall and if anyone gets too close they will be “switched off”. Things get really interesting when our hero, James, is drawn to the wall and eventually goes beyond it. The story kicks into gear at that point as James finds himself whisked away to a futuristic world where life is anything but quiet and simple. Before he knows what’s happening, James is being shot at by robots and a beautiful girl named Ariel comes to his rescue. The two of them end up running for their lives while trying to prevent the destruction of Earth.
Flat Earth by Brent Golembiewski is lots of fun, reminding me of a roller coaster that carries the reader up and down endless steep hills and twists and turns, never slowing down until the end. The roller coaster in my analogy is the plot. This book is never boring. It also has several strong characters that make the reader want to tag along for the ride to see what will happen to them. The story is very imaginative and fresh. Sure, I compared it to a couple of popular titles at the beginning of this review, but that was only for reference. Flat Earth felt completely original to me and kept me guessing about where the story was going till the very end. Flat Earth is good clean fun and a book that I highly recommend.
Recommend this book:
The Never Army
Todd E Hodges
2021 Gold Medal
776 Pages
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Young Adult - Action
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Never Army by T. Ellery Hodges is the incredibly highly anticipated third and final book in the Chronicles Of Jonathan Tibbs sci-fi fantasy superhero trilogy, preceded by book one, The Never Hero, and book two, The Never Paradox. Jonathan Tibbs has transformed over three books from the unassuming college student thrust into an inter-dimensional war, the “never hero” in every sense. By the second book, he is a supercharged Jonathan, a warrior worth his salt and one who has no recollection of really important events. His memory has been wiped when the stakes are critical. In this book, Jonathan is all-in. He’s got his wits. He’s got his army. And he’s got the Excali-bar. It’s time to finish it.
I got into the Chronicles Of Jonathan Tibbs late in the game. So I really only had to wait about five or six months before T. Ellery Hodges finally slapped The Never Army onto the bookshelf. Thank goodness. I seriously do not know how his legions of fans could wait this out for years. This series is in a league of its own. The character arc of Jonathan is the best I have come across in a long time. The suspense and intelligence of the writing are fantastic. So much trust is required when a reader commits to a new series where we have to start from scratch, but the nearly 3,000 pages that bring Jonathan Tibbs to the end game—that payoff is gold. I love the time-paradox elements and the cleverly surprising answers to questions that have nagged at me for ages, and the final thread-tying that wraps almost everything up with a bow. I wish I could go back and read it all again immediately.
The Never Army by T. Ellery Hodges is the incredibly highly anticipated third and final book in the Chronicles Of Jonathan Tibbs sci-fi fantasy superhero trilogy, preceded by book one, The Never Hero, and book two, The Never Paradox. Jonathan Tibbs has transformed over three books from the unassuming college student thrust into an inter-dimensional war, the “never hero” in every sense. By the second book, he is a supercharged Jonathan, a warrior worth his salt and one who has no recollection of really important events. His memory has been wiped when the stakes are critical. In this book, Jonathan is all-in. He’s got his wits. He’s got his army. And he’s got the Excali-bar. It’s time to finish it.
I got into the Chronicles Of Jonathan Tibbs late in the game. So I really only had to wait about five or six months before T. Ellery Hodges finally slapped The Never Army onto the bookshelf. Thank goodness. I seriously do not know how his legions of fans could wait this out for years. This series is in a league of its own. The character arc of Jonathan is the best I have come across in a long time. The suspense and intelligence of the writing are fantastic. So much trust is required when a reader commits to a new series where we have to start from scratch, but the nearly 3,000 pages that bring Jonathan Tibbs to the end game—that payoff is gold. I love the time-paradox elements and the cleverly surprising answers to questions that have nagged at me for ages, and the final thread-tying that wraps almost everything up with a bow. I wish I could go back and read it all again immediately.
Recommend this book:
Wolf's Head Bay
Journey of the Courageous Eleven
Jeffery Allen Boyd
2020 Silver Medal
412 Pages
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Young Adult - Action
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Wolf's Head Bay: Journey of the Courageous Eleven by Jeffery Allen Boyd is book one in the series. Jeremy was just having fun camping with his brothers and Lynn when something terrifying happened. It all started when Lynn meets Dylan and brings him into the circle of her friends. Dylan is a cool guy that they all admire and they all have a good time. However, their good times turn into tragedy when they are trapped in a storm of human trafficking and dangerous men. They are caught by some bad people who want to sell them as slaves to the highest bidder. To make matters worse, they uncover a terrifying secret that will shake the American nation to its core. They are desperate to get out of this mess, but it seems like there is no end to their misery. Not when they are fighting against adults who are far more powerful than these youngsters can ever be. What will they do? Is it their fate to be sold? Or some hero will come and save them?
This action-packed story had me sitting on the edge of my seat and holding my breath. The suspense is so thick that I could almost taste it. This group of young adults is smart, they understand their situation and learn to deal with it in the best way possible. Jeremy and Dane were my favorite characters because they had a sense of maturity as well as the wits to keep on moving and staying away from danger. Another thing that I enjoyed about this story is the build-up of the plot. Jeffery Allen Boyd starts the story from a high point and keeps building the tension until breaking point. It was immersive and nail-biting, allowing me to form opinions and choose sides. Wolf's Head Bay would make a great movie, where we have a headstrong hero and a remarkable plot to support him. Eye-opening and entertaining at the same time.
Wolf's Head Bay: Journey of the Courageous Eleven by Jeffery Allen Boyd is book one in the series. Jeremy was just having fun camping with his brothers and Lynn when something terrifying happened. It all started when Lynn meets Dylan and brings him into the circle of her friends. Dylan is a cool guy that they all admire and they all have a good time. However, their good times turn into tragedy when they are trapped in a storm of human trafficking and dangerous men. They are caught by some bad people who want to sell them as slaves to the highest bidder. To make matters worse, they uncover a terrifying secret that will shake the American nation to its core. They are desperate to get out of this mess, but it seems like there is no end to their misery. Not when they are fighting against adults who are far more powerful than these youngsters can ever be. What will they do? Is it their fate to be sold? Or some hero will come and save them?
This action-packed story had me sitting on the edge of my seat and holding my breath. The suspense is so thick that I could almost taste it. This group of young adults is smart, they understand their situation and learn to deal with it in the best way possible. Jeremy and Dane were my favorite characters because they had a sense of maturity as well as the wits to keep on moving and staying away from danger. Another thing that I enjoyed about this story is the build-up of the plot. Jeffery Allen Boyd starts the story from a high point and keeps building the tension until breaking point. It was immersive and nail-biting, allowing me to form opinions and choose sides. Wolf's Head Bay would make a great movie, where we have a headstrong hero and a remarkable plot to support him. Eye-opening and entertaining at the same time.
Recommend this book:
Witches Protection Program
Michael Okon
2020 Bronze Medal
200 Pages
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Young Adult - Action
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Witches Protection Program is a work of urban fantasy adventure fiction penned by author Michael Okon. In this quirky magical romp with a crime drama styled twist, we follow our hero Wes Rockville as he tries to climb back up the social ladder after his law enforcement career goes down the tubes. Assigned to protect the secrets of the everyday witches causing trouble in New York City, Wes must protect heiress Morgan Pendragon from her notorious aunt, whilst also unveiling a mystery wrought deep in the heart of the American cosmetics industry. With a mentor on his back and a reputation to rebuild, Wes must throw himself headlong into the adventure.
For readers who seek both cozy mysteries and fantasy escapes, author Michael Okon has produced a read which fulfills those needs with tons of fun. Witches Protection Program is never too deep or too long in a complex scene, but offers a fast-moving and easy to follow plot with plenty of hi-jinks, heart, and even a little romance. The dialogue smacks of that wry, offbeat humor of New York City, poking fun at itself and the adorable, quirky cast of characters on offer. Morgan and Wes lead the way with slightly deeper development, allowing us to get behind their personal struggles as we watch the chaos that develops around them. The plot itself was also fun to unravel, unusually resolved and not at all predictable, which I loved. Overall, Witches Protection Program is a one-hundred percent fun read for fantasy fans everywhere.
Witches Protection Program is a work of urban fantasy adventure fiction penned by author Michael Okon. In this quirky magical romp with a crime drama styled twist, we follow our hero Wes Rockville as he tries to climb back up the social ladder after his law enforcement career goes down the tubes. Assigned to protect the secrets of the everyday witches causing trouble in New York City, Wes must protect heiress Morgan Pendragon from her notorious aunt, whilst also unveiling a mystery wrought deep in the heart of the American cosmetics industry. With a mentor on his back and a reputation to rebuild, Wes must throw himself headlong into the adventure.
For readers who seek both cozy mysteries and fantasy escapes, author Michael Okon has produced a read which fulfills those needs with tons of fun. Witches Protection Program is never too deep or too long in a complex scene, but offers a fast-moving and easy to follow plot with plenty of hi-jinks, heart, and even a little romance. The dialogue smacks of that wry, offbeat humor of New York City, poking fun at itself and the adorable, quirky cast of characters on offer. Morgan and Wes lead the way with slightly deeper development, allowing us to get behind their personal struggles as we watch the chaos that develops around them. The plot itself was also fun to unravel, unusually resolved and not at all predictable, which I loved. Overall, Witches Protection Program is a one-hundred percent fun read for fantasy fans everywhere.
Recommend this book:
Black Forest
J Scott Boyd
2020 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Action
Reviewed by Joel R. Dennstedt for Readers' Favorite
“I’ve loaded plenty of guns in video games, but there you just have to walk over the bullets.” This quote from J. Scott Boyd’s young adult mystery/thriller, Black Forest, if properly attended to, will tell you everything you need to know about this perfectly tuned, finely honed, tightly plotted marvel of a book. This is young adult written for today, not some grandparent’s fond reminiscence. Jack and Cash are teenage friends living somewhat removed from city life, but in no way isolated from any of the deviltries caused by contemporary urban angst. Their small mountain town community boasts a host of party drugs, messed-up adults, hot girls, and true survival terror provided by skinheads hooked religiously on Nazi myths. Our two teens are not quite innocent, but they do have younger moments, often humorous, and when pitted against horrific skinhead targeting, Jack and Cash make truly sympathetic heroes.
Black Forest is a thrill ride from the start. J. Scott Boyd makes an excellent choice of using a prologue to set the scene, anticipate the action, and slyly provide an ongoing fulcrum from which to foresee and await some rather gruesome upcoming events. He then employs succinct, elegantly concise, even terse dialogue and narration – perfectly tuned, I might add, to the sound of youth today – to tell an immensely engaging, page-turning story of friendship, survival, strategy, and ultimate revenge. No credibility gaps here. Boyd rides reality’s razor’s edge to keep you fast on board and feeling mighty pleased with the end. Spoiler: Jack does learn how to load his gun.
“I’ve loaded plenty of guns in video games, but there you just have to walk over the bullets.” This quote from J. Scott Boyd’s young adult mystery/thriller, Black Forest, if properly attended to, will tell you everything you need to know about this perfectly tuned, finely honed, tightly plotted marvel of a book. This is young adult written for today, not some grandparent’s fond reminiscence. Jack and Cash are teenage friends living somewhat removed from city life, but in no way isolated from any of the deviltries caused by contemporary urban angst. Their small mountain town community boasts a host of party drugs, messed-up adults, hot girls, and true survival terror provided by skinheads hooked religiously on Nazi myths. Our two teens are not quite innocent, but they do have younger moments, often humorous, and when pitted against horrific skinhead targeting, Jack and Cash make truly sympathetic heroes.
Black Forest is a thrill ride from the start. J. Scott Boyd makes an excellent choice of using a prologue to set the scene, anticipate the action, and slyly provide an ongoing fulcrum from which to foresee and await some rather gruesome upcoming events. He then employs succinct, elegantly concise, even terse dialogue and narration – perfectly tuned, I might add, to the sound of youth today – to tell an immensely engaging, page-turning story of friendship, survival, strategy, and ultimate revenge. No credibility gaps here. Boyd rides reality’s razor’s edge to keep you fast on board and feeling mighty pleased with the end. Spoiler: Jack does learn how to load his gun.
Recommend this book:
The Good Samaritan
The Toby Garrison Chronicles, Book Two
Ellen Boyd
2020 Finalist
271 Pages
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Young Adult - Action
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In The Good Samaritan by Ellen Boyd, Toby Garrison is still suffering from disturbing nightmares since losing both his parents. As his future seems to be looking brighter with the arrival of his Uncle Jake, who promises to take care of him, Jake is sent on a Special Forces mission to rescue his friend. While Jake is away trying to free his friend from the clutches of a notorious war criminal, Dominic Havosi, Toby is sent to live with his mother's sister, Aunt Amy, her husband and their 13-year-old son Asher. Toby discovers that his aunt harbors a deep hatred for him. As family secrets are revealed, Toby believes he is to blame for his parents' deaths. To make Toby's life even more unbearable, he discovers Jake has been reported missing. Toby sets out to find his uncle in Central America, with the help of his computer genius cousin, Asher. However, their mission doesn't go to plan and Toby finds himself in mortal danger.
This coming of age action-adventure story is explosive from the outset. The characters jump out of the pages. I loved Toby; he has been betrayed by everyone, either intentionally or unintentionally, but he remained loyal, brave, and strong-willed. The relationship between Toby and his cousin Asher was amazing. You just wanted them both to find a safe place to call home with someone they could rely on. Uncle Jake and Tucker were formidable characters too. Although they were soldiers, they had a softer side to them which made my heart melt. There are some really funny moments throughout which were a welcome relief from the heart-stopping suspense. I thought the twists and turns in the plot were executed brilliantly and caught me off guard many times. The ending was a complete tear-jerker for me; the final line about the ice-cream spoke volumes. I look forward with anticipation to the next book in this series because I really need to know what happens next.
In The Good Samaritan by Ellen Boyd, Toby Garrison is still suffering from disturbing nightmares since losing both his parents. As his future seems to be looking brighter with the arrival of his Uncle Jake, who promises to take care of him, Jake is sent on a Special Forces mission to rescue his friend. While Jake is away trying to free his friend from the clutches of a notorious war criminal, Dominic Havosi, Toby is sent to live with his mother's sister, Aunt Amy, her husband and their 13-year-old son Asher. Toby discovers that his aunt harbors a deep hatred for him. As family secrets are revealed, Toby believes he is to blame for his parents' deaths. To make Toby's life even more unbearable, he discovers Jake has been reported missing. Toby sets out to find his uncle in Central America, with the help of his computer genius cousin, Asher. However, their mission doesn't go to plan and Toby finds himself in mortal danger.
This coming of age action-adventure story is explosive from the outset. The characters jump out of the pages. I loved Toby; he has been betrayed by everyone, either intentionally or unintentionally, but he remained loyal, brave, and strong-willed. The relationship between Toby and his cousin Asher was amazing. You just wanted them both to find a safe place to call home with someone they could rely on. Uncle Jake and Tucker were formidable characters too. Although they were soldiers, they had a softer side to them which made my heart melt. There are some really funny moments throughout which were a welcome relief from the heart-stopping suspense. I thought the twists and turns in the plot were executed brilliantly and caught me off guard many times. The ending was a complete tear-jerker for me; the final line about the ice-cream spoke volumes. I look forward with anticipation to the next book in this series because I really need to know what happens next.
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