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Recommend this book:
Extant
The Coelacanth Project Book 1
Sarah Newland
2022 Silver Medal
319 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
When Natalie Morrigan's parents go missing right after a shocking bomb explosion in their backyard, she is left with several unanswered questions. Since her four lifelong friends are in the same condition as her, they seek answers from an estranged uncle, Chris. Apparently, Natalie is biochemically unique and equipped with some supernatural abilities that could save the world from the destructive nature of humans. A forceful encounter with Nautilus—a group that claims to need her power to achieve world peace—places Natalie in a difficult situation. Whom can she trust? Follow Natalie and her friends as she navigates family secrets, her mind-blowing abilities, and life-threatening situations in Sarah Newland's action-packed, suspense-filled sci-fi novel, Extant.
Extant mixes a spine-chilling, exciting set of events that involves kidnappings, bombings, and shootings with a mysterious, multilayered plot that unravels gradually and keeps the audience completely engrossed throughout the course of the story. All the distractions in the world could not stop me from reading the book as I was seriously eager to discover if Natalie and her friends would find their parents and survive the dangers that surrounded them. The book's vivid descriptions transported me into its world, making every event and scene feel surprisingly real. The fast-paced plot leaves no space for boredom as it moves back and forth in time and between different immersive activities—like martial arts and shooting lessons, time travel, a struggle to escape a kidnapping, and much more. If you enjoy reading about supernaturally gifted teenage protagonists who are forced to deal with a series of challenging situations, don't hesitate to read Extant by Sarah Newland.
When Natalie Morrigan's parents go missing right after a shocking bomb explosion in their backyard, she is left with several unanswered questions. Since her four lifelong friends are in the same condition as her, they seek answers from an estranged uncle, Chris. Apparently, Natalie is biochemically unique and equipped with some supernatural abilities that could save the world from the destructive nature of humans. A forceful encounter with Nautilus—a group that claims to need her power to achieve world peace—places Natalie in a difficult situation. Whom can she trust? Follow Natalie and her friends as she navigates family secrets, her mind-blowing abilities, and life-threatening situations in Sarah Newland's action-packed, suspense-filled sci-fi novel, Extant.
Extant mixes a spine-chilling, exciting set of events that involves kidnappings, bombings, and shootings with a mysterious, multilayered plot that unravels gradually and keeps the audience completely engrossed throughout the course of the story. All the distractions in the world could not stop me from reading the book as I was seriously eager to discover if Natalie and her friends would find their parents and survive the dangers that surrounded them. The book's vivid descriptions transported me into its world, making every event and scene feel surprisingly real. The fast-paced plot leaves no space for boredom as it moves back and forth in time and between different immersive activities—like martial arts and shooting lessons, time travel, a struggle to escape a kidnapping, and much more. If you enjoy reading about supernaturally gifted teenage protagonists who are forced to deal with a series of challenging situations, don't hesitate to read Extant by Sarah Newland.
Recommend this book:
End of Crows
R.A. Lingenfelter
2022 Gold Medal
212 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
Seventeen-year-old Willow holds tight to her imagination, the one thing Dominion can’t control, and she holds dear to the stories her Mom and Dad have told her about freedom in America before Dominion took over. Her parents' faction, the Crows, has strongholds across the country and one of these is very close to the Dominion stronghold that has kept her incarcerated for her entire life. An escape plan is in progress and Willow hopes that once her family escapes, her free life will begin in End of Crows.
The comparisons of Willow to Katniss Everdeen of Hunger Games fame are clearly evident as Willow's talent as a fighter and her determination to win come to the surface. Without training of any kind, she displays great skill in the use of a variety of weapons as well as her bare hands. But, Willow possesses more than these physical abilities and as the story unfolds, her supernatural gifts become more evident and specific to the plotlines. Also like Collins, R.A. Lingenfelter writes tight, straight-to-the-point sentences and paragraphs that propel the reader through each event and scene without undue and unnecessary detail.
In particular, Lingenfelter's ability to build characters simultaneously to the ever-increasing tension of the primary plotline is evidenced by her multiple appearances at the top of Amazon's bestseller lists. End of Crows, while standing on its own, is also the perfect lead novel in the four-book series. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy fast-paced action/adventure stories with hints of the supernatural and powerful lead characters like Willow!
Seventeen-year-old Willow holds tight to her imagination, the one thing Dominion can’t control, and she holds dear to the stories her Mom and Dad have told her about freedom in America before Dominion took over. Her parents' faction, the Crows, has strongholds across the country and one of these is very close to the Dominion stronghold that has kept her incarcerated for her entire life. An escape plan is in progress and Willow hopes that once her family escapes, her free life will begin in End of Crows.
The comparisons of Willow to Katniss Everdeen of Hunger Games fame are clearly evident as Willow's talent as a fighter and her determination to win come to the surface. Without training of any kind, she displays great skill in the use of a variety of weapons as well as her bare hands. But, Willow possesses more than these physical abilities and as the story unfolds, her supernatural gifts become more evident and specific to the plotlines. Also like Collins, R.A. Lingenfelter writes tight, straight-to-the-point sentences and paragraphs that propel the reader through each event and scene without undue and unnecessary detail.
In particular, Lingenfelter's ability to build characters simultaneously to the ever-increasing tension of the primary plotline is evidenced by her multiple appearances at the top of Amazon's bestseller lists. End of Crows, while standing on its own, is also the perfect lead novel in the four-book series. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy fast-paced action/adventure stories with hints of the supernatural and powerful lead characters like Willow!
Recommend this book:
A Gallery of Mothers
Brathius Legacy Series Book 2
J S Latshaw
2021 Finalist
551 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
A Gallery of Mothers is an atmospheric work of fiction in the dark fantasy and adventure sub-genres and was penned by author J. S. Latshaw. An epic work for young adult audiences, this novel is the follow up to The Threat Below in the Brathius Legacy Series. In this volume, we learn deeper secrets about Sean Brathius’s experiment which doomed the world, and we travel with outcast hero Icelyn Brathius to save the last refuge of humanity from certain destruction. As more hidden truths and darkness unfold, a whole new horror is on the rise, and it becomes a difficult question as to whether survival is even the preferred option in the face of such terror.
Author J. S. Latshaw has crafted a beautifully dark and dangerous apocalyptic world for the characters to walk through, leaving us on the edge of our seats for adventure and horror at every turn. This is a multi-genre tale that weaves together the finest elements from fantasy, horror, dystopia, and beyond to deliver a hero’s quest like no other against impossible odds. This is sure to resonate with the young adult audience, but older readers will also be impressed by the immersive worldbuilding, psychological themes of self-discovery, and the intricate details of the history of darkness which has befallen this land. Overall, I would highly recommend A Gallery of Mothers to readers seeking superbly crafted dark fiction that offers a lot of twists and turns within its epic plot structure, and a promising series with lots more secrets to unveil.
A Gallery of Mothers is an atmospheric work of fiction in the dark fantasy and adventure sub-genres and was penned by author J. S. Latshaw. An epic work for young adult audiences, this novel is the follow up to The Threat Below in the Brathius Legacy Series. In this volume, we learn deeper secrets about Sean Brathius’s experiment which doomed the world, and we travel with outcast hero Icelyn Brathius to save the last refuge of humanity from certain destruction. As more hidden truths and darkness unfold, a whole new horror is on the rise, and it becomes a difficult question as to whether survival is even the preferred option in the face of such terror.
Author J. S. Latshaw has crafted a beautifully dark and dangerous apocalyptic world for the characters to walk through, leaving us on the edge of our seats for adventure and horror at every turn. This is a multi-genre tale that weaves together the finest elements from fantasy, horror, dystopia, and beyond to deliver a hero’s quest like no other against impossible odds. This is sure to resonate with the young adult audience, but older readers will also be impressed by the immersive worldbuilding, psychological themes of self-discovery, and the intricate details of the history of darkness which has befallen this land. Overall, I would highly recommend A Gallery of Mothers to readers seeking superbly crafted dark fiction that offers a lot of twists and turns within its epic plot structure, and a promising series with lots more secrets to unveil.
Recommend this book:
The Scarlet Queen
Book 3 of the Darkwolf Saga
Mitch Reinhardt
2021 Honorable Mention
440 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Grace Masso for Readers' Favorite
The Scarlet Queen: A Gripping Epic Fantasy is the third book in the award-winning Darkwolf Saga by Mitch Reinhardt and a compelling story with memorable characters, most suitable for fans of young adult fantasy and adventure. Alluria is yet to confront her deadliest foe — an evil that might obliterate her. While the armies of Lysis, the Scarlet Queen, advance towards Alluria, Jane has a dire predicament to deal with, struck by the spell of the Shadowlord who now has a strong hold on her, turning her into a powerful druid. Lysis is determined to crush anything in her path. She is the most powerful witch that ever lived; even with the arch of her neck, a glance, or the twist of her brow, she can shrivel any creature. Geoff and Sawyer want to help and save Jane, and their elven friends, Ariel and Ishara, offer their help. Can they work together and with new allies succeed in helping Jane and ultimately defeating the Scarlet Queen?
This is a wonderful tale and the first thing that catches the attention of the reader is the crisp writing. The descriptions are elegant, and right from the opening scene—where Jane is seen running away and looking for a place to hide, barely recognizing her pursuers—and throughout the story, the scenes are focused and well-written. The conflict is written at different levels—from what the Shadowlord has done to Jane, to interpersonal relationships that are strained, to the differences between humans and the elves, to the final duel with Queen Lysis. Mitch Reinhardt creates characters that are elaborate and multidimensional and a fantasy world where magic is evidently dominant. Like a sophisticated spell, this novel is a hodgepodge of fantasy that features strong plot elements and intense action. The Scarlet Queen: A Gripping Epic Fantasy is one of the best fantasy books I have read.
The Scarlet Queen: A Gripping Epic Fantasy is the third book in the award-winning Darkwolf Saga by Mitch Reinhardt and a compelling story with memorable characters, most suitable for fans of young adult fantasy and adventure. Alluria is yet to confront her deadliest foe — an evil that might obliterate her. While the armies of Lysis, the Scarlet Queen, advance towards Alluria, Jane has a dire predicament to deal with, struck by the spell of the Shadowlord who now has a strong hold on her, turning her into a powerful druid. Lysis is determined to crush anything in her path. She is the most powerful witch that ever lived; even with the arch of her neck, a glance, or the twist of her brow, she can shrivel any creature. Geoff and Sawyer want to help and save Jane, and their elven friends, Ariel and Ishara, offer their help. Can they work together and with new allies succeed in helping Jane and ultimately defeating the Scarlet Queen?
This is a wonderful tale and the first thing that catches the attention of the reader is the crisp writing. The descriptions are elegant, and right from the opening scene—where Jane is seen running away and looking for a place to hide, barely recognizing her pursuers—and throughout the story, the scenes are focused and well-written. The conflict is written at different levels—from what the Shadowlord has done to Jane, to interpersonal relationships that are strained, to the differences between humans and the elves, to the final duel with Queen Lysis. Mitch Reinhardt creates characters that are elaborate and multidimensional and a fantasy world where magic is evidently dominant. Like a sophisticated spell, this novel is a hodgepodge of fantasy that features strong plot elements and intense action. The Scarlet Queen: A Gripping Epic Fantasy is one of the best fantasy books I have read.
Recommend this book:
The Safekeeper
Esther Archer Lakhani
2021 Bronze Medal
268 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
The Safekeeper is a work of fiction in the paranormal, suspense, and adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author Esther Archer Lakhani. Written for young adult audiences and adults alike, this chilling and intriguing work is suitable for readers of all sensitivity levels. We find ourselves at a unique Retreat Center which caters to a very specific crowd, and where a talking crow is the least strange thing to happen. Fifteen-year-old Macy helps out at the center for her parents, but even she begins to suspect that things are going awry when the latest clutch of guests gets out of control. The secrets that she keeps are threatened, as is her very life.
Author Esther Archer Lakhani has crafted a fascinating story unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and one which will certainly grip its intended YA audience and not let them go until the mysteries of the plot are solved. One of the strongest points of the work is the character development, which gives us an unusual heroine to root for as she heads a bizarre investigation that gets more exciting on every page. Dialogue and narrative style give us close insight into Macy’s feelings, running the gamut from suspicion to intrigue to outright terror, and even a little romance. The paranormal elements were also realistically woven into the plot to keep the sense of realism and suspense going. Overall, I would definitely recommend The Safekeeper to readers who enjoy a tight-knit plot, compelling characters, and well-used paranormal themes. An excellent all-round read.
The Safekeeper is a work of fiction in the paranormal, suspense, and adventure sub-genres, and was penned by author Esther Archer Lakhani. Written for young adult audiences and adults alike, this chilling and intriguing work is suitable for readers of all sensitivity levels. We find ourselves at a unique Retreat Center which caters to a very specific crowd, and where a talking crow is the least strange thing to happen. Fifteen-year-old Macy helps out at the center for her parents, but even she begins to suspect that things are going awry when the latest clutch of guests gets out of control. The secrets that she keeps are threatened, as is her very life.
Author Esther Archer Lakhani has crafted a fascinating story unlike anything I’ve ever read before, and one which will certainly grip its intended YA audience and not let them go until the mysteries of the plot are solved. One of the strongest points of the work is the character development, which gives us an unusual heroine to root for as she heads a bizarre investigation that gets more exciting on every page. Dialogue and narrative style give us close insight into Macy’s feelings, running the gamut from suspicion to intrigue to outright terror, and even a little romance. The paranormal elements were also realistically woven into the plot to keep the sense of realism and suspense going. Overall, I would definitely recommend The Safekeeper to readers who enjoy a tight-knit plot, compelling characters, and well-used paranormal themes. An excellent all-round read.
Recommend this book:
Sword Fight
A Modern Medieval Adventure (Kingdom of Engines Book 1)
Nathan Van Coops
2021 Silver Medal
412 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Liz Konkel for Readers' Favorite
Sword Fight: A Modern Medieval Adventure by Nathan Van Coops is the first book in the Kingdom of Engines series. Valerie's life was perfect. She was trained with her brother to wield a sword and has a thrill racing cars alongside her best friend. Valerie makes the most of her name and the perks of high society life. Her whole life shatters when her stepmother announces her engagement to a corrupt Lord and that she already gave him the lands that once belonged to Valerie's family. Her brother devises a plan to become the family swordsman in the upcoming tournament, but when someone close to her is murdered, Valerie has her family name stripped away and is tossed out to be a commoner on her own. She's rescued from an attack by a mysterious swordsman and is taken in by the people of a local tavern. With her new friends and the handsome swordsman at her side, she enters the competition with the determination to prove its corruption and to obtain justice for her family.
This unique story breathes new life into the punk genre with an alternative medieval world. Nathan Van Coops spins Arthurian legend and medieval culture into a gripping reality with knights, status, fast cars, and corruption. Several elements from Arthurian legend and medieval history are woven into this fast-paced plot inspired by knights of valor and tournaments. The story perfectly captures the medieval aspects and modernizes them in a gritty way as Coops creates something compelling. At the center of the plot is Valerie's quest for justice against Lord Sterling who murdered someone close to her, took her land, and destroyed her name in his own plot of corruption, power, and greed. The other characters within the story are delightful, charming, and each has an important place within her journey. Fans of steampunk, dieselpunk, and silkpunk won't be able to put this book down. Lovers of medieval and Arthurian legends will be immediately addicted to Sword Fight. It will capture your attention from the first page and take you for a wild ride until the end.
Sword Fight: A Modern Medieval Adventure by Nathan Van Coops is the first book in the Kingdom of Engines series. Valerie's life was perfect. She was trained with her brother to wield a sword and has a thrill racing cars alongside her best friend. Valerie makes the most of her name and the perks of high society life. Her whole life shatters when her stepmother announces her engagement to a corrupt Lord and that she already gave him the lands that once belonged to Valerie's family. Her brother devises a plan to become the family swordsman in the upcoming tournament, but when someone close to her is murdered, Valerie has her family name stripped away and is tossed out to be a commoner on her own. She's rescued from an attack by a mysterious swordsman and is taken in by the people of a local tavern. With her new friends and the handsome swordsman at her side, she enters the competition with the determination to prove its corruption and to obtain justice for her family.
This unique story breathes new life into the punk genre with an alternative medieval world. Nathan Van Coops spins Arthurian legend and medieval culture into a gripping reality with knights, status, fast cars, and corruption. Several elements from Arthurian legend and medieval history are woven into this fast-paced plot inspired by knights of valor and tournaments. The story perfectly captures the medieval aspects and modernizes them in a gritty way as Coops creates something compelling. At the center of the plot is Valerie's quest for justice against Lord Sterling who murdered someone close to her, took her land, and destroyed her name in his own plot of corruption, power, and greed. The other characters within the story are delightful, charming, and each has an important place within her journey. Fans of steampunk, dieselpunk, and silkpunk won't be able to put this book down. Lovers of medieval and Arthurian legends will be immediately addicted to Sword Fight. It will capture your attention from the first page and take you for a wild ride until the end.
Recommend this book:
In Light of the Summit
The Rainier Series Book 2
Jamie McGillen
2021 Gold Medal
226 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Heather Stockard for Readers' Favorite
It’s only been two months since Anna Gallagher attempted to summit Mt. Rainier and failed, but she’s already training for her next climb. She’s determined to succeed this time with the help of her future husband, Ben Chambers. They are planning a magical Christmas wedding and a return to the mountain the following summer. But not everyone believes a woman should be scaling mountains. Anna invites Ben’s parents to the wedding, but his father disapproves of Anna’s climbing and thinks she should know her place. When Anna’s grandfather’s bookstore becomes the target of vandalism aimed at discouraging her mountaineering adventures, suspicion falls on the elder Mr. Chambers. Meanwhile, Anna’s friend Emily struggles with the sudden loss of her husband and her resurfacing feelings for Levi Gallagher.
In Light of the Summit by Jamie McGillen is a charming sequel to her first novel, In Sight of the Mountain. McGillen’s love for her home state and Mt. Rainier shines through her writing. Her description is vivid and beautiful. Readers will be inspired to climb the mountain themselves. She brings Mt. Rainier and the Pacific Northwest climate to life. Anna is a strong and determined female character, and her husband Ben is always supportive. Their love is believable and sweet. This book is filled with adventure and romance and danger. The mystery is well-plotted, with several great twists. If you are looking for a good, clean novel to curl up in front of a cozy fire with, you can’t go wrong with this one.
It’s only been two months since Anna Gallagher attempted to summit Mt. Rainier and failed, but she’s already training for her next climb. She’s determined to succeed this time with the help of her future husband, Ben Chambers. They are planning a magical Christmas wedding and a return to the mountain the following summer. But not everyone believes a woman should be scaling mountains. Anna invites Ben’s parents to the wedding, but his father disapproves of Anna’s climbing and thinks she should know her place. When Anna’s grandfather’s bookstore becomes the target of vandalism aimed at discouraging her mountaineering adventures, suspicion falls on the elder Mr. Chambers. Meanwhile, Anna’s friend Emily struggles with the sudden loss of her husband and her resurfacing feelings for Levi Gallagher.
In Light of the Summit by Jamie McGillen is a charming sequel to her first novel, In Sight of the Mountain. McGillen’s love for her home state and Mt. Rainier shines through her writing. Her description is vivid and beautiful. Readers will be inspired to climb the mountain themselves. She brings Mt. Rainier and the Pacific Northwest climate to life. Anna is a strong and determined female character, and her husband Ben is always supportive. Their love is believable and sweet. This book is filled with adventure and romance and danger. The mystery is well-plotted, with several great twists. If you are looking for a good, clean novel to curl up in front of a cozy fire with, you can’t go wrong with this one.
Recommend this book:
Sisters of the Perilous Heart
Mortal Heritance Book 1
Sandra Vasher
2020 Finalist
335 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Rabia Tanveer for Readers' Favorite
Sisters of the Perilous Heart is the first book in The Mortal Heritance by Sandra Vasher. This is a story about two women who had nothing in common, yet when fate decided, they found that they could be exactly what they needed to be to survive. Carina is not your usual young woman; she has magic inside her that she cannot control yet and she has some very powerful and dark people hunting her for it. Trying to control her magic might not have been that difficult if she didn’t have some immortals trying to track her down. But when she comes across Vivian, she finally has some hope. You see, Vivian is not an ordinary person as well; she is the Queen of South Kepler and she doesn’t have long to live. She has been poisoned with the Immortality Virus and the only thing that can keep her alive is more magic, in fact, magic that Carina can share with her. In exchange for her magic, Vivian is going to keep Carina safe. But can they trust each other?
Calling this novel fast-paced and action-packed would not be enough. In a genre that is riddled with the same hero/heroine fighting for a cause and then falling in love in the meantime, Sisters of the Perilous Heart by Sandra Vasher is like a breath of fresh air. Carina and Vivian are two equally powerful and exceptionally well-crafted characters. While Carina is unsure of herself, Vivian is the one to help her find the confidence she needs to become the character she must become. Vivian is her mentor and her guide who helps her understand her magic and how to let her power be strong. The chemistry between these two was amazing; you can feel their kinship. You will root for them, you will cheer for them and you will want them to succeed. Amazing and entertaining! I cannot wait for the next novel in the series!
Sisters of the Perilous Heart is the first book in The Mortal Heritance by Sandra Vasher. This is a story about two women who had nothing in common, yet when fate decided, they found that they could be exactly what they needed to be to survive. Carina is not your usual young woman; she has magic inside her that she cannot control yet and she has some very powerful and dark people hunting her for it. Trying to control her magic might not have been that difficult if she didn’t have some immortals trying to track her down. But when she comes across Vivian, she finally has some hope. You see, Vivian is not an ordinary person as well; she is the Queen of South Kepler and she doesn’t have long to live. She has been poisoned with the Immortality Virus and the only thing that can keep her alive is more magic, in fact, magic that Carina can share with her. In exchange for her magic, Vivian is going to keep Carina safe. But can they trust each other?
Calling this novel fast-paced and action-packed would not be enough. In a genre that is riddled with the same hero/heroine fighting for a cause and then falling in love in the meantime, Sisters of the Perilous Heart by Sandra Vasher is like a breath of fresh air. Carina and Vivian are two equally powerful and exceptionally well-crafted characters. While Carina is unsure of herself, Vivian is the one to help her find the confidence she needs to become the character she must become. Vivian is her mentor and her guide who helps her understand her magic and how to let her power be strong. The chemistry between these two was amazing; you can feel their kinship. You will root for them, you will cheer for them and you will want them to succeed. Amazing and entertaining! I cannot wait for the next novel in the series!
Recommend this book:
Hidden City of Alchemy
Melissa H Coleman
2020 Honorable Mention
204 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by K.C. Finn for Readers' Favorite
Hidden City of Alchemy is a work of fiction in the action, adventure, and steampunk sub-genres and was penned by author Melissa H. Coleman. Accessible to both young adult and adult audiences with its combination of alternative history, romance, science fiction concepts and plenty of thrills, this truly charming tale takes the unconventional Lizzie Peters for its heroine. Lizzie would rather be an inventor than follow the path towards housewives and family that is expected of her, so when her mother goes missing and it turns out she’s been kidnapped, Lizzie steps up as her would-be rescuer. So begins an incredible journey to France and a terrifying plot of chemical warfare that could destroy the whole world.
Author Melissa H. Coleman weaves an excellent tale amid the cogs and gears of the galvanized world of steampunk, and her atmosphere is spot-on for fans of the genre. Lizzie’s inventive ways give us ample opportunity to engage with a sharp and intelligent heroine who still has flaws and things to learn on her incredible journey. The emotional heart of the tale lies with the rescue of her mother and her own growth, although there is a delightful little romance element too, and it’s that inner strength and empowerment of Lizzie which makes the novel truly special for its genre and type. Overall, when you read Hidden City of Alchemy you can expect witty dialogue, well-described steampunk hi-jinks and gadgetry, and a thrilling plot that all adventure fans are sure to adore.
Hidden City of Alchemy is a work of fiction in the action, adventure, and steampunk sub-genres and was penned by author Melissa H. Coleman. Accessible to both young adult and adult audiences with its combination of alternative history, romance, science fiction concepts and plenty of thrills, this truly charming tale takes the unconventional Lizzie Peters for its heroine. Lizzie would rather be an inventor than follow the path towards housewives and family that is expected of her, so when her mother goes missing and it turns out she’s been kidnapped, Lizzie steps up as her would-be rescuer. So begins an incredible journey to France and a terrifying plot of chemical warfare that could destroy the whole world.
Author Melissa H. Coleman weaves an excellent tale amid the cogs and gears of the galvanized world of steampunk, and her atmosphere is spot-on for fans of the genre. Lizzie’s inventive ways give us ample opportunity to engage with a sharp and intelligent heroine who still has flaws and things to learn on her incredible journey. The emotional heart of the tale lies with the rescue of her mother and her own growth, although there is a delightful little romance element too, and it’s that inner strength and empowerment of Lizzie which makes the novel truly special for its genre and type. Overall, when you read Hidden City of Alchemy you can expect witty dialogue, well-described steampunk hi-jinks and gadgetry, and a thrilling plot that all adventure fans are sure to adore.
Recommend this book:
The Translucent Boy and the Cat Who Ran Out of Time
Tom Hoffman
2020 Bronze Medal
333 Pages
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Young Adult - Adventure
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
The Translucent Boy and the Cat Who Ran Out of Time is an epic fantasy for young and new adults written by Tom Hoffman. Veteran explorers and best friends, Odo Whitley and Sephie Crumb, are about to set off on a rescue mission to a sodden world where it always rains. This time, they’re accompanied by a new friend, Silas Ward, who can also see Odo, and the ghost cat they found. Having read each of the books in Hoffman’s previous series as well as the first Translucent Boy book, I opened the first page, expecting wonder, excitement, and adventure, and as with those past reading experiences, I soon discovered that Tom Hoffman had done it yet again. This wise and irreverently humorous man had created a whole new world, teaming up with his two irrepressible partners-in-crime, Sephie, and Odo Whitley, as they keep moving forward past all manner of obstacles, intent on the rescue mission which means so much to their new friend, Silas.
Hoffman’s characters fairly leap off the page, even as Odo’s room somehow transforms itself into a haunted wood. Sephie and Odo complement each other so well, and seeing their friendship progress throughout their adventures is marvelous. The plot is ingenious and mind-expanding, and the author’s skill at building visionary worlds of wonder seems unbounded. After falling in love with Hoffman’s previous Bartholomew the Adventurer Trilogy and the Orville Wellington Mouse series, I had wondered how the author, Odo Whitley, and Sephie Crumb would be able to take up the mantle and implicit challenge of those excellent works. I’m delighted to say they do so with consummate grace and ease. And while there are no shrieking ghosts in the story except in Odo’s Saturday movie selection, I was thrilled to encounter shrieking frogs instead. Shrieking frogs..not such a bad thing, right? Hoffman loves his characters and his affection for them shines forth in every nuance and conversation. The Translucent Boy and the Cat Who Ran Out of Time is easily the best book I’ve read so far this year. Yeah, it’s that good -- heck, it’s even better than that. It's most highly recommended.
The Translucent Boy and the Cat Who Ran Out of Time is an epic fantasy for young and new adults written by Tom Hoffman. Veteran explorers and best friends, Odo Whitley and Sephie Crumb, are about to set off on a rescue mission to a sodden world where it always rains. This time, they’re accompanied by a new friend, Silas Ward, who can also see Odo, and the ghost cat they found. Having read each of the books in Hoffman’s previous series as well as the first Translucent Boy book, I opened the first page, expecting wonder, excitement, and adventure, and as with those past reading experiences, I soon discovered that Tom Hoffman had done it yet again. This wise and irreverently humorous man had created a whole new world, teaming up with his two irrepressible partners-in-crime, Sephie, and Odo Whitley, as they keep moving forward past all manner of obstacles, intent on the rescue mission which means so much to their new friend, Silas.
Hoffman’s characters fairly leap off the page, even as Odo’s room somehow transforms itself into a haunted wood. Sephie and Odo complement each other so well, and seeing their friendship progress throughout their adventures is marvelous. The plot is ingenious and mind-expanding, and the author’s skill at building visionary worlds of wonder seems unbounded. After falling in love with Hoffman’s previous Bartholomew the Adventurer Trilogy and the Orville Wellington Mouse series, I had wondered how the author, Odo Whitley, and Sephie Crumb would be able to take up the mantle and implicit challenge of those excellent works. I’m delighted to say they do so with consummate grace and ease. And while there are no shrieking ghosts in the story except in Odo’s Saturday movie selection, I was thrilled to encounter shrieking frogs instead. Shrieking frogs..not such a bad thing, right? Hoffman loves his characters and his affection for them shines forth in every nuance and conversation. The Translucent Boy and the Cat Who Ran Out of Time is easily the best book I’ve read so far this year. Yeah, it’s that good -- heck, it’s even better than that. It's most highly recommended.
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