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Recommend this book:
Hidden Among Yourselves
Spell Weaver, Book 3
Bill Hiatt
2015 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed By Helga Jacobs for Readers' Favorite
Hidden Among Yourselves by Bill Hiatt is Book 3 in the Spell Weaver series. Taliesin Weaver is faced with a number of difficulties, not the least of which is that a war god wants him dead. Added to that is finding out what is killing the people of Santa Brigida. In addition, he has to retrieve an ancient artifact from a realm it is impossible to enter. I was taken on a curious adventure through Hidden Among Yourselves by Bill Hiatt. He kept me captivated throughout most of Tal’s difficult situations with alluring yet exacting solutions. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and fantasies that enveloped Tal’s life, especially those caused by his unwillingness to forgive. Even so, Tal enchants with his ability to deal with each situation as he protects others and attempts to walk a straight path. Bill Hiatt writes excellently, with a great deal of action entwined with close relationships and betrayal, intense brawls and heartache keeping me wanting more. It is refreshing to read how so many different realms get tied together with magical beings such as dragons and demons, shape shifters and witches, and all the other beings from mythology, and how excellently they all connect in the end.
Hidden Among Yourselves by Bill Hiatt is written in a stylish and interesting manner, allowing readers new to his series to understand and enjoy each unexpected undertaking. I am impressed by the extremely well developed story line and the intense yet real characters, each with their own ambitions and dreams. I could relate to life situations as well as close relationships and the implications one's choices could bear. I enjoyed the life lessons entangled in awesome and imaginative journeys, from a magical teenager and mythological creatures to a murder spirit shadowing about. I was thoroughly captivated by the secrets, fantasies and mysteries of Bill Hiatt’s Hidden Among Yourselves. Undeniably an excellent fantasy!
Hidden Among Yourselves by Bill Hiatt is Book 3 in the Spell Weaver series. Taliesin Weaver is faced with a number of difficulties, not the least of which is that a war god wants him dead. Added to that is finding out what is killing the people of Santa Brigida. In addition, he has to retrieve an ancient artifact from a realm it is impossible to enter. I was taken on a curious adventure through Hidden Among Yourselves by Bill Hiatt. He kept me captivated throughout most of Tal’s difficult situations with alluring yet exacting solutions. I thoroughly enjoyed the mystery and fantasies that enveloped Tal’s life, especially those caused by his unwillingness to forgive. Even so, Tal enchants with his ability to deal with each situation as he protects others and attempts to walk a straight path. Bill Hiatt writes excellently, with a great deal of action entwined with close relationships and betrayal, intense brawls and heartache keeping me wanting more. It is refreshing to read how so many different realms get tied together with magical beings such as dragons and demons, shape shifters and witches, and all the other beings from mythology, and how excellently they all connect in the end.
Hidden Among Yourselves by Bill Hiatt is written in a stylish and interesting manner, allowing readers new to his series to understand and enjoy each unexpected undertaking. I am impressed by the extremely well developed story line and the intense yet real characters, each with their own ambitions and dreams. I could relate to life situations as well as close relationships and the implications one's choices could bear. I enjoyed the life lessons entangled in awesome and imaginative journeys, from a magical teenager and mythological creatures to a murder spirit shadowing about. I was thoroughly captivated by the secrets, fantasies and mysteries of Bill Hiatt’s Hidden Among Yourselves. Undeniably an excellent fantasy!
Recommend this book:
First Flight
Generation Icarus, Volume 1
J L Pawley
2015 Bronze Medal
472 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed By Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
Tyler likes to pretend he can fly. He's always had a thing about heights. As he turns 17, his sight is sharper, he's taller and there are strange lumps on his back. Shockingly, an incident during a skydiving activity causes wings to emerge from his back. His world turns upside down and he’s on the run from everyone. However, Tyler is not alone. There are others like him and they are all looking for him.
Evidently, the story’s premise is its main strength. J.L. Pawley’s First Flight (Generation Icarus, Volume 1) is a potent mix of intrigue, sci-fi, action and adventure. The first two chapters were somewhat slow, but the pace picked up afterwards, and so did my adrenaline. The plot has a great build-up from start to finish. I really enjoyed the part where Tyler, Miguel and Kestrel are trying to teach themselves how to fly. The other members of the Flight are easily likable. I do like the quiet, small statured Raven. She hardly speaks yet proved her worth to the group. The Flight convoy - Tyler/Hawk, Kestrel, Miguel/Condor, Tui, Falcon, Mark/Owl and Raven - have to survive each day with the Angelist cult, the sinister Evolutionary Corporation, the media as well as the public hot on their trail.
Pawley succeeded in making her book highly engaging; it certainly made me wish that I had wings. First Flight is geared towards YA readers, but the premise and plot are absolutely so well-developed that non YA readers should give this book a go. I’m eager to find out the fate of the winged teens in the second volume, Second Chance.
Tyler likes to pretend he can fly. He's always had a thing about heights. As he turns 17, his sight is sharper, he's taller and there are strange lumps on his back. Shockingly, an incident during a skydiving activity causes wings to emerge from his back. His world turns upside down and he’s on the run from everyone. However, Tyler is not alone. There are others like him and they are all looking for him.
Evidently, the story’s premise is its main strength. J.L. Pawley’s First Flight (Generation Icarus, Volume 1) is a potent mix of intrigue, sci-fi, action and adventure. The first two chapters were somewhat slow, but the pace picked up afterwards, and so did my adrenaline. The plot has a great build-up from start to finish. I really enjoyed the part where Tyler, Miguel and Kestrel are trying to teach themselves how to fly. The other members of the Flight are easily likable. I do like the quiet, small statured Raven. She hardly speaks yet proved her worth to the group. The Flight convoy - Tyler/Hawk, Kestrel, Miguel/Condor, Tui, Falcon, Mark/Owl and Raven - have to survive each day with the Angelist cult, the sinister Evolutionary Corporation, the media as well as the public hot on their trail.
Pawley succeeded in making her book highly engaging; it certainly made me wish that I had wings. First Flight is geared towards YA readers, but the premise and plot are absolutely so well-developed that non YA readers should give this book a go. I’m eager to find out the fate of the winged teens in the second volume, Second Chance.
Recommend this book:
Current Impressions
Never Forgotten Book 2
Kelly Risser
2015 Silver Medal
290 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed By Savannah Edelen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite
Current Impressions by Kelly Risser is an absolutely stunning book. The second book in the series follows Meara along on her journey as she starts a whole new life as a selkie with her father. She learns how to wield her new found powers and is working to fit into her new life. She misses her boyfriend whom she left behind in her human life, but she knows she will see him again when he comes to Scotland for an internship. That is when weird things start to happen. Her father’s clan is under attack and Evan is acting strange. He is becoming cruel to her and now all of the mysteries are beginning to add up. Will she be able to find out what is going on and save the people in her father’s clan? Or will something happen that she won’t be able to change? Read and find out.
I absolutely loved Current Impressions by Kelly Risser. It has definitely earned its five star rating. Not only did it do the job of keeping me interested, but the story also made its way into my heart. I felt as though I was right alongside with Meara, if not Meara herself. This story is so moving and makes you want to get up and do something with your life. To fight for what you believe in. Look out Hunger Games and Divergent, a new star is coming and will need a place at the top. I am anxiously waiting the next book in this wonderful tale.
Current Impressions by Kelly Risser is an absolutely stunning book. The second book in the series follows Meara along on her journey as she starts a whole new life as a selkie with her father. She learns how to wield her new found powers and is working to fit into her new life. She misses her boyfriend whom she left behind in her human life, but she knows she will see him again when he comes to Scotland for an internship. That is when weird things start to happen. Her father’s clan is under attack and Evan is acting strange. He is becoming cruel to her and now all of the mysteries are beginning to add up. Will she be able to find out what is going on and save the people in her father’s clan? Or will something happen that she won’t be able to change? Read and find out.
I absolutely loved Current Impressions by Kelly Risser. It has definitely earned its five star rating. Not only did it do the job of keeping me interested, but the story also made its way into my heart. I felt as though I was right alongside with Meara, if not Meara herself. This story is so moving and makes you want to get up and do something with your life. To fight for what you believe in. Look out Hunger Games and Divergent, a new star is coming and will need a place at the top. I am anxiously waiting the next book in this wonderful tale.
Recommend this book:
Ancient Guardians
The Awakening Book 3, Ancient Guardians Series
S.L. Morgan
2015 Silver Medal
568 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed By Cheryl Schopen for Readers' Favorite
In Ancient Guardians: The Awakening, the third book in the Ancient Guardians series by S.L. Morgan, things continue pretty much right where we left off at the end of the second book. The people of Pemdas are still grieving, and Levi is getting used to his new position as emperor. Trying to move on with their lives, Levi and Reece get married in a beautiful celebration. While they are away on their honeymoon, a strange man appears at Pemdas with shocking news: Emperor Navarre is alive! Soon Levi, Reece, Harrison, and the other Guardians work tirelessly to find a way to rescue Navarre and bring him home safely. With a surprising new galaxy to discover, unknown yet dangerous enemies to battle, and an unrelenting determination to get their emperor back, Levi and Reece may have to face their biggest challenge yet.
It has been about a year since I read the first two books in the series that I soon found myself obsessed with. I decided not to refresh my memory by reading the first two books again because I was too excited to read this one. That was not a mistake. S.L. Morgan has a way with her writing to instantly pull readers back into the magnificent world that is Pemdas. I felt like I had never left. The third installment had the perfect blend of romance and action. The book started off with a romantic wedding ceremony and continued on to an even more romantic honeymoon. Unfortunately, their vacation time away from reality is cut short, and we are thrown into a suspenseful and unexpected adventure. What I have always loved about this series is the characters. And I can happily say that this book did not disappoint in that category.
Being the third book in the series, it didn’t seem possible to witness these unforgettable characters develop even more, but they truly do. We see a whole new side to characters like Reece and Harrison, which was refreshing. Plus, the plot was exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat, not to mention the ending. What a cliffhanger! The Awakening continues the Ancient Guardians story in an unpredictable and exciting way. S.L. Morgan truly has a way with words and an incredible talent for storytelling. I can’t wait to see where the rest of this story goes.
In Ancient Guardians: The Awakening, the third book in the Ancient Guardians series by S.L. Morgan, things continue pretty much right where we left off at the end of the second book. The people of Pemdas are still grieving, and Levi is getting used to his new position as emperor. Trying to move on with their lives, Levi and Reece get married in a beautiful celebration. While they are away on their honeymoon, a strange man appears at Pemdas with shocking news: Emperor Navarre is alive! Soon Levi, Reece, Harrison, and the other Guardians work tirelessly to find a way to rescue Navarre and bring him home safely. With a surprising new galaxy to discover, unknown yet dangerous enemies to battle, and an unrelenting determination to get their emperor back, Levi and Reece may have to face their biggest challenge yet.
It has been about a year since I read the first two books in the series that I soon found myself obsessed with. I decided not to refresh my memory by reading the first two books again because I was too excited to read this one. That was not a mistake. S.L. Morgan has a way with her writing to instantly pull readers back into the magnificent world that is Pemdas. I felt like I had never left. The third installment had the perfect blend of romance and action. The book started off with a romantic wedding ceremony and continued on to an even more romantic honeymoon. Unfortunately, their vacation time away from reality is cut short, and we are thrown into a suspenseful and unexpected adventure. What I have always loved about this series is the characters. And I can happily say that this book did not disappoint in that category.
Being the third book in the series, it didn’t seem possible to witness these unforgettable characters develop even more, but they truly do. We see a whole new side to characters like Reece and Harrison, which was refreshing. Plus, the plot was exciting and kept me on the edge of my seat, not to mention the ending. What a cliffhanger! The Awakening continues the Ancient Guardians story in an unpredictable and exciting way. S.L. Morgan truly has a way with words and an incredible talent for storytelling. I can’t wait to see where the rest of this story goes.
Recommend this book:
Reign
An Unfortunate Fairy Tale Book 4
Chanda Hahn
2015 Gold Medal
314 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed By Chris Fischer for Readers' Favorite
Reign: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale, Book 4 by Chanda Hahn finds young Mina, our protagonist, again in a precarious spot. She needs to cross the Fae Plane to rescue The Grimms, who are fading from existence, and she especially needs her ancestor to survive. Her very life depends upon on it. With the help of magical glass shoes, and unfortunately missing the country club ball back home, Mina must depend on her friends, both fae and human, to hone her skills and fulfill her quest. Of course, this book has romantic complications as well. While sweet Brody is always there for her, Mina mourns the loss of her beloved Jared. That is, until she finds a flicker of him in a very unexpected place.
Several of my students convinced me to read this series, and I’m glad I gave it a chance. This is a wonderfully inventive series for the young adult reader, and may appeal specially to young women as the stories each revisit a familiar fairy tale. (Can you guess which one Reign is related to?) This book was easy to read and there was enough excitement and intrigue to keep the book moving along at a great pace. I appreciate that Mina is a strong female character, full of promise and able to take care of herself when she needs to. Chanda Hahn has a gift of making characters seem real in even the most fantastical settings, and the emotions they evoke pull at the reader's heartstrings. I can whole-heartedly recommend Reign: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale, Book 4 and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Reign: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale, Book 4 by Chanda Hahn finds young Mina, our protagonist, again in a precarious spot. She needs to cross the Fae Plane to rescue The Grimms, who are fading from existence, and she especially needs her ancestor to survive. Her very life depends upon on it. With the help of magical glass shoes, and unfortunately missing the country club ball back home, Mina must depend on her friends, both fae and human, to hone her skills and fulfill her quest. Of course, this book has romantic complications as well. While sweet Brody is always there for her, Mina mourns the loss of her beloved Jared. That is, until she finds a flicker of him in a very unexpected place.
Several of my students convinced me to read this series, and I’m glad I gave it a chance. This is a wonderfully inventive series for the young adult reader, and may appeal specially to young women as the stories each revisit a familiar fairy tale. (Can you guess which one Reign is related to?) This book was easy to read and there was enough excitement and intrigue to keep the book moving along at a great pace. I appreciate that Mina is a strong female character, full of promise and able to take care of herself when she needs to. Chanda Hahn has a gift of making characters seem real in even the most fantastical settings, and the emotions they evoke pull at the reader's heartstrings. I can whole-heartedly recommend Reign: An Unfortunate Fairy Tale, Book 4 and hope you enjoy it as much as I did.
Recommend this book:
The Monsterjunkies An American family Odyssey
Being Normal is a State of Mind
Erik Daniel Shein
2015 Gold Medal
188 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed By Lit Amri for Readers' Favorite
I couldn't help but compare The Monsterjunkies with The Munsters and The Addams Family even before I start reading this book. Yet, the comparison was put aside right away. The Monsterjunkies An American Family Odyssey: Being Normal is a State of Mind by Erik Daniel Shein and Theresa A. Gates is written in a realistic milieu. That said, the fantasy element is apparent in this macabre-esque story - their dog Chico, a genuine chupacabra, Beauregard the eloquent Sasquatch, and a pterodactyl named Periwinkle are part of the family along with other odd creatures. The mix of pragmatism and extraordinary facets lead to a story that is rich and strange.
There are several protagonists, although the story mostly revolves around Crow Monsterjunkie, an intelligent, sensitive and chubby Goth 9th grader. Crow and his family live in a Gothic mansion on a secluded wooded road near Foggy Point. His father, Dr. Talon Monsterjunkie, is a brilliant cryptozoologist who’s responsible for bringing strange and rare animals to their home. His mother, Pandora, a brilliant botanist, shares her husband’s passion. Crow’s Gothic older sister, Indigo, is an intuitive teen with a great social skill that triumphs over the weird rumors about her family.
Being normal is, without doubt, a state of mind. On the whole, The Monsterjunkies is unexpectedly charming and educationally priceless in terms of dealing with prejudice, protecting nature, as well as instilling other ethical values in young minds. I’m amazed and grateful at how Erik and Theresa highlight the problem of bullying and discrimination among youths today. Needless to say, both authors prove their ability in weaving a great story with existing, hot-button social issues that need to be addressed.
I couldn't help but compare The Monsterjunkies with The Munsters and The Addams Family even before I start reading this book. Yet, the comparison was put aside right away. The Monsterjunkies An American Family Odyssey: Being Normal is a State of Mind by Erik Daniel Shein and Theresa A. Gates is written in a realistic milieu. That said, the fantasy element is apparent in this macabre-esque story - their dog Chico, a genuine chupacabra, Beauregard the eloquent Sasquatch, and a pterodactyl named Periwinkle are part of the family along with other odd creatures. The mix of pragmatism and extraordinary facets lead to a story that is rich and strange.
There are several protagonists, although the story mostly revolves around Crow Monsterjunkie, an intelligent, sensitive and chubby Goth 9th grader. Crow and his family live in a Gothic mansion on a secluded wooded road near Foggy Point. His father, Dr. Talon Monsterjunkie, is a brilliant cryptozoologist who’s responsible for bringing strange and rare animals to their home. His mother, Pandora, a brilliant botanist, shares her husband’s passion. Crow’s Gothic older sister, Indigo, is an intuitive teen with a great social skill that triumphs over the weird rumors about her family.
Being normal is, without doubt, a state of mind. On the whole, The Monsterjunkies is unexpectedly charming and educationally priceless in terms of dealing with prejudice, protecting nature, as well as instilling other ethical values in young minds. I’m amazed and grateful at how Erik and Theresa highlight the problem of bullying and discrimination among youths today. Needless to say, both authors prove their ability in weaving a great story with existing, hot-button social issues that need to be addressed.
Recommend this book:
Dragon Fire
Dina von Lowenkraft
2014 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed By Cheryl Schopen for Readers' Favorite
In Dragon Fire by Dina von Lowenkraft, Anna meets Rakan and is immediately drawn to him for reasons she can’t quite explain herself. What she doesn’t know is that he is a shape shifting dragon. Rakan is also instantly attracted to Anna, but he tries to keep his distance because he is forbidden from getting involved with a human; however, he can’t stop himself from falling for her. To make matters worse, Rakan has vowed to seek revenge and kill the one his family has been determined to find and destroy. The problem is that this person he seeks may be Anna’s best friend, June. Not only does Rakan have to deal with his complicated feelings for Anna, but he also must decide who to side with. He must choose between his head and his heart.
I was very intrigued by the synopsis of this book, so I just had to read it, and I’m so glad I did. While the new terms and unique names had me confused a lot of the time and took a while to get used to, I absolutely loved this story. It sucked me into this fantasy world, held on tight, and didn’t let go until the very end. Actually, I’m still in that world hours after reading it, and it’s going to be extremely difficult to come back to reality. The plot, the characters, the different relationships, the action, the mystery, and so much more had me hooked. But, by far, my favorite part was the budding relationship between Anna and Rakan. They had this unique innocence and sweetness to them that was completely genuine and believable. I couldn’t help but smile and get butterflies in my stomach every time they interacted throughout the book. Dina von Lowenkraft has such a gift for bringing characters to life and making readers really feel for them. I would definitely recommend Dragon Fire to anyone interested in the young adult, fantasy, or romance genres. I was really impressed and I am hoping for a sequel, which I will anxiously await.
In Dragon Fire by Dina von Lowenkraft, Anna meets Rakan and is immediately drawn to him for reasons she can’t quite explain herself. What she doesn’t know is that he is a shape shifting dragon. Rakan is also instantly attracted to Anna, but he tries to keep his distance because he is forbidden from getting involved with a human; however, he can’t stop himself from falling for her. To make matters worse, Rakan has vowed to seek revenge and kill the one his family has been determined to find and destroy. The problem is that this person he seeks may be Anna’s best friend, June. Not only does Rakan have to deal with his complicated feelings for Anna, but he also must decide who to side with. He must choose between his head and his heart.
I was very intrigued by the synopsis of this book, so I just had to read it, and I’m so glad I did. While the new terms and unique names had me confused a lot of the time and took a while to get used to, I absolutely loved this story. It sucked me into this fantasy world, held on tight, and didn’t let go until the very end. Actually, I’m still in that world hours after reading it, and it’s going to be extremely difficult to come back to reality. The plot, the characters, the different relationships, the action, the mystery, and so much more had me hooked. But, by far, my favorite part was the budding relationship between Anna and Rakan. They had this unique innocence and sweetness to them that was completely genuine and believable. I couldn’t help but smile and get butterflies in my stomach every time they interacted throughout the book. Dina von Lowenkraft has such a gift for bringing characters to life and making readers really feel for them. I would definitely recommend Dragon Fire to anyone interested in the young adult, fantasy, or romance genres. I was really impressed and I am hoping for a sequel, which I will anxiously await.
Recommend this book:
Divided against Yourselves
Spell Weaver, Book 2
Bill Hiatt
2014 Finalist
313 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed By Michelle Randall for Readers' Favorite
Divided Against Yourselves by Bill Hiatt is the second book in the Spell Weavers series. Unlike a number of series, this book can be read on its own without having read the first book and without feeling lost. Tal is a teenager dealing with reincarnation; in fact he is the reincarnation of the original Taliesin, a bard in King Arthur's court. Tal has successfully to this point merged his past lives together with his present life quite well. His best friend, Stan, is also a reincarnation, but his is not going so well. He past life as King David wants to take control too often. Even after defeating the witch Ceridwen last Halloween, Tal and the guys think they can relax and go back to normal life, only for Tal to be surprised by the appearance of Morgan Le Fay, who helps Ceridwen at Halloween. Tal and his warriors work to figure out what Morgan wants and how to protect everyone at the same time. Bill Hiatt does a wonderful job of weaving a magical tale into a modern day high school scenario and making it work.
This is the first book I can remember reading that took on the reincarnation topic as a theme to the magic. It was novel of Bill Hiatt to think of that plot line, and it made this story compelling and interesting. It also raised a number of question that have me asking what is the next book after Divided Against Yourselves? I found the teenagers in the book to be real. They reminded me of my own teenagers at home; some of the bantering between the boys is stuff I hear coming from my sons' room all the time. I felt the story was well developed and the action scenes would entertain and keep a good range of boys interested in reading. There is a puppy love vs. true love theme, the kind that happens when you're sixteen, running through the story. This, along with the magic, would keep girls reading. There are so many different side stories and themes in the book that are woven together so well into a complete story, making it appealing to a great variety of readers.
Divided Against Yourselves by Bill Hiatt is the second book in the Spell Weavers series. Unlike a number of series, this book can be read on its own without having read the first book and without feeling lost. Tal is a teenager dealing with reincarnation; in fact he is the reincarnation of the original Taliesin, a bard in King Arthur's court. Tal has successfully to this point merged his past lives together with his present life quite well. His best friend, Stan, is also a reincarnation, but his is not going so well. He past life as King David wants to take control too often. Even after defeating the witch Ceridwen last Halloween, Tal and the guys think they can relax and go back to normal life, only for Tal to be surprised by the appearance of Morgan Le Fay, who helps Ceridwen at Halloween. Tal and his warriors work to figure out what Morgan wants and how to protect everyone at the same time. Bill Hiatt does a wonderful job of weaving a magical tale into a modern day high school scenario and making it work.
This is the first book I can remember reading that took on the reincarnation topic as a theme to the magic. It was novel of Bill Hiatt to think of that plot line, and it made this story compelling and interesting. It also raised a number of question that have me asking what is the next book after Divided Against Yourselves? I found the teenagers in the book to be real. They reminded me of my own teenagers at home; some of the bantering between the boys is stuff I hear coming from my sons' room all the time. I felt the story was well developed and the action scenes would entertain and keep a good range of boys interested in reading. There is a puppy love vs. true love theme, the kind that happens when you're sixteen, running through the story. This, along with the magic, would keep girls reading. There are so many different side stories and themes in the book that are woven together so well into a complete story, making it appealing to a great variety of readers.
Recommend this book:
Oathtaker
The Oathtaker Series - Volume 1
Patricia Reding
2014 Honorable Mention
480 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed By Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
A good book captures your attention and holds it. You can lay it down but you look forward to picking it up again. An excellent book holds you captive from beginning to end; it is impossible to lay an excellent book down. It draws you into the plot, forcing you to live the words that wrap themselves around your emotions until you become one with the main character. Oathtaker is such a book. From the first page, Oathtaker, by Patricia Reding, promises to take the reader on an epic journey that they will long remember. The reader is tantalized by a sense of fear when they meet the grut, a sense of loyalty and honor from the Oathtaker, Mara, and a sense of untold adventure that lies ahead.
An Oathtaker is a volunteer, willing to “undergo rigorous training…and swear a life oath for the protection of his charge.” An Oathtaker is given three weapons: a blade infused with magic, attendant magic, and “continued youth.” The story begins when Mara hears the relentless screaming of the grut, beasts that look a bit like wolves but are much taller, with three rows of teeth curved inward, and that emit the stench of death. Just a touch from a grut would be certain death. There were thirteen of the wicked beasts surrounding a small hut. Inside, Mara found her charge, but she had little idea just how special that charge was.
Oh, what an enticing beginning! To share more in this review would be cheating other readers from the thrill of discovery. Patricia Reding is an exceptionally talented author. Her imagination must be huge to create such strong characters. Of course my favorite was Mara, who exhibited strength and the wisdom to know she had much to learn. I find it difficult to believe this is the author’s first book. She writes with the talent of a seasoned author and yet her plot is refreshing in a world of stale ideas. In the words of Oliver Twist: "More Please!”
A good book captures your attention and holds it. You can lay it down but you look forward to picking it up again. An excellent book holds you captive from beginning to end; it is impossible to lay an excellent book down. It draws you into the plot, forcing you to live the words that wrap themselves around your emotions until you become one with the main character. Oathtaker is such a book. From the first page, Oathtaker, by Patricia Reding, promises to take the reader on an epic journey that they will long remember. The reader is tantalized by a sense of fear when they meet the grut, a sense of loyalty and honor from the Oathtaker, Mara, and a sense of untold adventure that lies ahead.
An Oathtaker is a volunteer, willing to “undergo rigorous training…and swear a life oath for the protection of his charge.” An Oathtaker is given three weapons: a blade infused with magic, attendant magic, and “continued youth.” The story begins when Mara hears the relentless screaming of the grut, beasts that look a bit like wolves but are much taller, with three rows of teeth curved inward, and that emit the stench of death. Just a touch from a grut would be certain death. There were thirteen of the wicked beasts surrounding a small hut. Inside, Mara found her charge, but she had little idea just how special that charge was.
Oh, what an enticing beginning! To share more in this review would be cheating other readers from the thrill of discovery. Patricia Reding is an exceptionally talented author. Her imagination must be huge to create such strong characters. Of course my favorite was Mara, who exhibited strength and the wisdom to know she had much to learn. I find it difficult to believe this is the author’s first book. She writes with the talent of a seasoned author and yet her plot is refreshing in a world of stale ideas. In the words of Oliver Twist: "More Please!”
Recommend this book:
Sign of the Throne
Book One in the Solas Beir Trilogy
Melissa Eskue Ousley
2014 Bronze Medal
280 Pages
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Young Adult - Fantasy - General
Reviewed By Kim Anisi for Readers' Favorite
Fortunately, Melissa Eskue Ousley's Sign of the Throne is only Book One in the Solas Beir Trilogy because it's one of the books you don't want to put down, but you also don't want it to end. The story is all about Abby, a girl who didn't really think she was very special. When she dreams of a mysterious, handsome boy and then meets him in real life a few days later, things start to change in her life. She feels magically drawn to him and strange things start to happen. The couple she baby-sits for fortunately knows a few things about ghosts, spirits and other folklore, so they try to help Abby with making sense of what is happening around her. The boy, David, plays a more important role in the safety of the world - and an alternative world - than anybody could have imagined.
The characters Melissa Eskue Ousley created in Sign of the Throne are very well described and you immediately like or dislike them. I can see, however, how some readers might prefer either Jon or David over the other. It's a lovely story that shows how the decisions of individuals, even if it's just a little nixie, can make a difference for good or for bad. I definitely never got bored with the book and can recommend it to all people who love fantasy books that are page-turners. It has just the right mix of romance, action, tension and fantasy to make it a good read for all ages.
Fortunately, Melissa Eskue Ousley's Sign of the Throne is only Book One in the Solas Beir Trilogy because it's one of the books you don't want to put down, but you also don't want it to end. The story is all about Abby, a girl who didn't really think she was very special. When she dreams of a mysterious, handsome boy and then meets him in real life a few days later, things start to change in her life. She feels magically drawn to him and strange things start to happen. The couple she baby-sits for fortunately knows a few things about ghosts, spirits and other folklore, so they try to help Abby with making sense of what is happening around her. The boy, David, plays a more important role in the safety of the world - and an alternative world - than anybody could have imagined.
The characters Melissa Eskue Ousley created in Sign of the Throne are very well described and you immediately like or dislike them. I can see, however, how some readers might prefer either Jon or David over the other. It's a lovely story that shows how the decisions of individuals, even if it's just a little nixie, can make a difference for good or for bad. I definitely never got bored with the book and can recommend it to all people who love fantasy books that are page-turners. It has just the right mix of romance, action, tension and fantasy to make it a good read for all ages.
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