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Recommend this book:
The De-Coding of Jo
Keys to Eternity
Lali A. Love
2023 Gold Medal
390 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The De-Coding of Jo: Keys to Eternity by Lali A. Love is the third novel in the young adult dark fantasy Ascending Angel Academy series, preceded by book one, Hall of Ignorance, and book two, Blade of Truth. The shreds of humanity are on the brink in an epic conclusion that sees the protagonist we've seen grow and within this volume blossom into a young woman who better understands herself, her purpose, and her power. The path to getting there is rocky. Josephine “Jo” is in a juxtaposition both internally and externally with her form and function, as well as alternating timelines and antagonism across all that can and will destroy the world, and so much more. The crux of this wide-reaching and multi-layered finale is the epitome of good versus evil. A prophecy is realized, powers are in jeopardy of capture, a journey of the Legendary, Roma and Jo, armed with the Blade of Truth advances, and the Plague of Chaos must be crushed once and for all.
All roads in the Ascending Angel Academy series lead to Keys to Eternity, the culmination of a massively ambitious and deliciously executed trilogy by Lali A. Love. There is a zero percent chance that this installment will be understood and comfortably followed if a reader has not been in Jo's world with the previous two novels. Aside from robbing oneself of a brilliant arc, the themes are far too complex to grapple with solo. Sorry not sorry, folks. Love's philosophical elements have the same level of oomph that the action sequences carry and we continue to be shown the frailty of our non-fiction existence while witnessing an alternative perspective of what is in Love's masterful fiction. Existence and reason, the connection of one to all and to absolutely everything, and the nature of reality are bundled in profoundly honest prose. It's not called the Blade of Truth for nothing. “I realized this was not a coincidental occurrence. After all, everything transpired by Divine Design.” Love speaks to us through the journey of Jo and we must all listen. Very highly recommended.
The De-Coding of Jo: Keys to Eternity by Lali A. Love is the third novel in the young adult dark fantasy Ascending Angel Academy series, preceded by book one, Hall of Ignorance, and book two, Blade of Truth. The shreds of humanity are on the brink in an epic conclusion that sees the protagonist we've seen grow and within this volume blossom into a young woman who better understands herself, her purpose, and her power. The path to getting there is rocky. Josephine “Jo” is in a juxtaposition both internally and externally with her form and function, as well as alternating timelines and antagonism across all that can and will destroy the world, and so much more. The crux of this wide-reaching and multi-layered finale is the epitome of good versus evil. A prophecy is realized, powers are in jeopardy of capture, a journey of the Legendary, Roma and Jo, armed with the Blade of Truth advances, and the Plague of Chaos must be crushed once and for all.
All roads in the Ascending Angel Academy series lead to Keys to Eternity, the culmination of a massively ambitious and deliciously executed trilogy by Lali A. Love. There is a zero percent chance that this installment will be understood and comfortably followed if a reader has not been in Jo's world with the previous two novels. Aside from robbing oneself of a brilliant arc, the themes are far too complex to grapple with solo. Sorry not sorry, folks. Love's philosophical elements have the same level of oomph that the action sequences carry and we continue to be shown the frailty of our non-fiction existence while witnessing an alternative perspective of what is in Love's masterful fiction. Existence and reason, the connection of one to all and to absolutely everything, and the nature of reality are bundled in profoundly honest prose. It's not called the Blade of Truth for nothing. “I realized this was not a coincidental occurrence. After all, everything transpired by Divine Design.” Love speaks to us through the journey of Jo and we must all listen. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Ghost Hunter
Steve Altier
2022 Finalist
248 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Pikasho Deka for Readers' Favorite
The Ghost Hunter is a young adult paranormal mystery novel by Steve Altier. After being bullied his entire school life, sixteen-year-old prodigy Gerald Dupickle hopes to turn things around in college. However, mistakenly presuming a group of black t-shirt-wearing students to be pulling pranks on him is not the way to go. Gerald learns that the group, led by a student named Fangs, fancy themselves to be ghost hunters. Initially skeptical at first, Gerald soon discovers that ghosts are real, and one of them haunts the very library where he reads. After joining the group, Gerald and his friends visit haunted places. While Frank wants to show the world proof of ghosts' existence, Gerald wants to help them pass over to the other side. But Gerald's obsession may take him on a dangerous path.
If you're a fan of anything paranormal, The Ghost Hunter is just the book for you. Author Steve Altier tells an engaging coming-of-age tale about friendship and growing up with the shadow of ghosts looming in the background. The plot is paced well, and the narrative flows smoothly without a single hitch. Gerald is a likable protagonist you can't help getting attached to, and you find yourself rooting for him as he embarks on his adventures with his friends. Gerald's initiation and friendship with the ghost hunters are the primary aspects of the story that drive the narrative forward. The ending delivers quite a shocking surprise, and I can honestly say that I did not see it coming. Recommended to young adult readers.
The Ghost Hunter is a young adult paranormal mystery novel by Steve Altier. After being bullied his entire school life, sixteen-year-old prodigy Gerald Dupickle hopes to turn things around in college. However, mistakenly presuming a group of black t-shirt-wearing students to be pulling pranks on him is not the way to go. Gerald learns that the group, led by a student named Fangs, fancy themselves to be ghost hunters. Initially skeptical at first, Gerald soon discovers that ghosts are real, and one of them haunts the very library where he reads. After joining the group, Gerald and his friends visit haunted places. While Frank wants to show the world proof of ghosts' existence, Gerald wants to help them pass over to the other side. But Gerald's obsession may take him on a dangerous path.
If you're a fan of anything paranormal, The Ghost Hunter is just the book for you. Author Steve Altier tells an engaging coming-of-age tale about friendship and growing up with the shadow of ghosts looming in the background. The plot is paced well, and the narrative flows smoothly without a single hitch. Gerald is a likable protagonist you can't help getting attached to, and you find yourself rooting for him as he embarks on his adventures with his friends. Gerald's initiation and friendship with the ghost hunters are the primary aspects of the story that drive the narrative forward. The ending delivers quite a shocking surprise, and I can honestly say that I did not see it coming. Recommended to young adult readers.
Recommend this book:
Blue Shadows Fall
Lenore Stutznegger
2022 Honorable Mention
370 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Divine Zape for Readers' Favorite
Blue Shadows Fall by Lenore Stutznegger is a spellbinding post-apocalyptic young adult fantasy set in a world that has survived the worst hardships and disasters. Seventeen-year-old Blue Haven is born with the rare gift of superhuman sight: she has always wanted to protect her people as a warrior. But life in her sleepy home in the smoky mountains has been uneventful since the Shadow Elves became extinct over a century ago. Blue Haven sees disturbing things beyond her town with her unique and powerful sight, including a beautiful Shadow Elf. Blue Haven knows that what she sees is real, and it means trouble because the outsiders want to belong to their world, and they are hungry creatures. Her people are not the only survivors of the plague that decimated Earth, but are they ready for what comes next?
This is a well-plotted and skillfully executed story with impeccable world-building. Readers get a good picture of the post-apocalyptic world and the kinds of people who inhabit it. Lenore Stutznegger includes interesting details, and the image of the plague that destroyed the world is captivating at the center of the conflict. Shadow Elves are humans infected with an apocalypse kind of virus. While everyone thinks they have been destroyed, the young protagonist makes a discovery that is not only startling but that spells doom for her town and its people. The writing is hugely descriptive and filled with fascinating imagery. The author writes tension into the story skillfully, creating a sense of urgency in the protagonist that propels the story forward while sustaining the reader’s attention. Blue Shadows Fall is fast-paced, intriguing, and the perfect escape for fantasy fans with beautifully woven plot threads.
Blue Shadows Fall by Lenore Stutznegger is a spellbinding post-apocalyptic young adult fantasy set in a world that has survived the worst hardships and disasters. Seventeen-year-old Blue Haven is born with the rare gift of superhuman sight: she has always wanted to protect her people as a warrior. But life in her sleepy home in the smoky mountains has been uneventful since the Shadow Elves became extinct over a century ago. Blue Haven sees disturbing things beyond her town with her unique and powerful sight, including a beautiful Shadow Elf. Blue Haven knows that what she sees is real, and it means trouble because the outsiders want to belong to their world, and they are hungry creatures. Her people are not the only survivors of the plague that decimated Earth, but are they ready for what comes next?
This is a well-plotted and skillfully executed story with impeccable world-building. Readers get a good picture of the post-apocalyptic world and the kinds of people who inhabit it. Lenore Stutznegger includes interesting details, and the image of the plague that destroyed the world is captivating at the center of the conflict. Shadow Elves are humans infected with an apocalypse kind of virus. While everyone thinks they have been destroyed, the young protagonist makes a discovery that is not only startling but that spells doom for her town and its people. The writing is hugely descriptive and filled with fascinating imagery. The author writes tension into the story skillfully, creating a sense of urgency in the protagonist that propels the story forward while sustaining the reader’s attention. Blue Shadows Fall is fast-paced, intriguing, and the perfect escape for fantasy fans with beautifully woven plot threads.
Recommend this book:
To Dream Is To Die
The Dead Dreamer Series
Sarah Lampkin
2022 Bronze Medal
236 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
To Dream Is To Die: The Dead Dreamer Series by Sarah Lampkin is a blend of coming of age and paranormal genres that follows eighteen-year-old Brenna Whit as she experiences her freshman year in college. It is an exciting period for her with new friends and even a crush. But she has a dark secret, an experience that she doesn’t want anyone to know. It has been three years since the accident happened and life has never been the same for her. Whenever she falls asleep, her spirit wanders the Fade. When she finds out that someone watches her in spirit form, all her fears escalate. Can she navigate the complicated relationships in school and keep her secret away from prying eyes?
This is a strong and compelling narrative. Told from the perspective of the protagonist, the reader is drawn into her worldview and experiences her pain right from the beginning: "In school, I had been a social butterfly; now I was a social outcast. A few people still made an effort to talk to me, but most stayed away." The pathos is strong and the emotional levels of the story are well explored. The characters are well developed and it is interesting to follow the character arc and watch the key character evolve through her complex relationships. The conflict is strong and well-handled. To Dream Is To Die is a fascinating story told in an engaging first-person narrative, a tale that has great potential to entertain fans of paranormal fiction and readers looking for strong and multidimensional characters.
To Dream Is To Die: The Dead Dreamer Series by Sarah Lampkin is a blend of coming of age and paranormal genres that follows eighteen-year-old Brenna Whit as she experiences her freshman year in college. It is an exciting period for her with new friends and even a crush. But she has a dark secret, an experience that she doesn’t want anyone to know. It has been three years since the accident happened and life has never been the same for her. Whenever she falls asleep, her spirit wanders the Fade. When she finds out that someone watches her in spirit form, all her fears escalate. Can she navigate the complicated relationships in school and keep her secret away from prying eyes?
This is a strong and compelling narrative. Told from the perspective of the protagonist, the reader is drawn into her worldview and experiences her pain right from the beginning: "In school, I had been a social butterfly; now I was a social outcast. A few people still made an effort to talk to me, but most stayed away." The pathos is strong and the emotional levels of the story are well explored. The characters are well developed and it is interesting to follow the character arc and watch the key character evolve through her complex relationships. The conflict is strong and well-handled. To Dream Is To Die is a fascinating story told in an engaging first-person narrative, a tale that has great potential to entertain fans of paranormal fiction and readers looking for strong and multidimensional characters.
Recommend this book:
Song of the Moon
Artemis Lupine Series Book 1
Catherine Banks
2022 Silver Medal
320 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Miche Arendse for Readers' Favorite
Song of the Moon: Artemis Lupine Series Book 1 by Catherine Banks follows Artemis, a young girl who has always been an outcast in her hometown. She has no friends except for her best friend Bret. Bret is about to leave for college and so to spend their last week together, Artemis’s father takes them on a trip. It was meant to be a fun time; however, things quickly go south when news of massacres occurring all over the world makes them head back home, fearing for their lives. In the midst of chaos, Artemis encounters the stranger from her dreams and discovers her father has been keeping more secrets from her than she would have ever guessed.
Song of the Moon by Catherine Banks is definitely my type of book. Filled with hot werewolves, vampires, and all measures of supernatural beings, you can’t help but enjoy this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, even with its unique take on werewolves. The story was good and this book was very well written, although Artemis could have done with some serious boundaries with those boys. Other than that, I found the characters to be quite entertaining with their quirky personalities and overall weirdness. Artemis made for a good female lead and certainly had some strong character development moments later in the book. I must say Koda and Max ended up being my favorite characters. Overall, this was a great book and I would highly recommend it to any supernatural genre fans.
Song of the Moon: Artemis Lupine Series Book 1 by Catherine Banks follows Artemis, a young girl who has always been an outcast in her hometown. She has no friends except for her best friend Bret. Bret is about to leave for college and so to spend their last week together, Artemis’s father takes them on a trip. It was meant to be a fun time; however, things quickly go south when news of massacres occurring all over the world makes them head back home, fearing for their lives. In the midst of chaos, Artemis encounters the stranger from her dreams and discovers her father has been keeping more secrets from her than she would have ever guessed.
Song of the Moon by Catherine Banks is definitely my type of book. Filled with hot werewolves, vampires, and all measures of supernatural beings, you can’t help but enjoy this book. I thoroughly enjoyed the story, even with its unique take on werewolves. The story was good and this book was very well written, although Artemis could have done with some serious boundaries with those boys. Other than that, I found the characters to be quite entertaining with their quirky personalities and overall weirdness. Artemis made for a good female lead and certainly had some strong character development moments later in the book. I must say Koda and Max ended up being my favorite characters. Overall, this was a great book and I would highly recommend it to any supernatural genre fans.
Recommend this book:
Palo Duro
A Young Adult Thriller
Andrew J Brandt
2021 Honorable Mention
250 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Lex Allen for Readers' Favorite
Rachel Hernandez, an anthropology student at West Texas A&M University, has discovered something that hasn't been seen in nearly two hundred years: in the depths of Palo Duro, a fabled cave full of Native American carvings and paintings. Shortly after her discovery, she vanishes without a trace, leaving only one clue—her boot prints in the trail that leads to the caves. Rachel's twin brother Ricky and her best friend Jordan seek answers in her disappearance, and what they find may be the biggest cover-up in all of history.
Author Andrew J. Brandt’s latest Young Adult thriller, Palo Duro, is a prime example of entertaining, nail-biting, page-turning fiction built on a foundation of verisimilitude. A sense of reality in fiction separates the authors from the writing hacks. The setting is a real place in the Texas panhandle. Every character from the park rangers to the sheriff to the college kids that carry the bulk of the tale are absolutely true to life. Brandt keeps the pace up and the reader enthralled with a writing style that doesn’t suffer long narratives full of minutiae that drag down the pace and add no value to the storyline. The rule “write what you know” works best when that knowledge is combined with a fertile imagination capable of linking reality to fantasy, conjecture to truth, and the mundane to the supernatural; Andrew Brandt is a master of the art. Fans of anthropology, suspense, the supernatural, mystery, and history rolled into an exciting thriller will love Palo Duro—guaranteed!
Rachel Hernandez, an anthropology student at West Texas A&M University, has discovered something that hasn't been seen in nearly two hundred years: in the depths of Palo Duro, a fabled cave full of Native American carvings and paintings. Shortly after her discovery, she vanishes without a trace, leaving only one clue—her boot prints in the trail that leads to the caves. Rachel's twin brother Ricky and her best friend Jordan seek answers in her disappearance, and what they find may be the biggest cover-up in all of history.
Author Andrew J. Brandt’s latest Young Adult thriller, Palo Duro, is a prime example of entertaining, nail-biting, page-turning fiction built on a foundation of verisimilitude. A sense of reality in fiction separates the authors from the writing hacks. The setting is a real place in the Texas panhandle. Every character from the park rangers to the sheriff to the college kids that carry the bulk of the tale are absolutely true to life. Brandt keeps the pace up and the reader enthralled with a writing style that doesn’t suffer long narratives full of minutiae that drag down the pace and add no value to the storyline. The rule “write what you know” works best when that knowledge is combined with a fertile imagination capable of linking reality to fantasy, conjecture to truth, and the mundane to the supernatural; Andrew Brandt is a master of the art. Fans of anthropology, suspense, the supernatural, mystery, and history rolled into an exciting thriller will love Palo Duro—guaranteed!
Recommend this book:
 by Lou Grimes. Raised by a single mother, Louvette has never known her father. Together she an...){kind=link}
Winter's Wolf
The Cursed: Book 1
Lou Grimes
2021 Bronze Medal
262 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
When a teen receives an inheritance from her estranged grandfather, she gains more than just a home; she inherits a family secret that changes her life in extraordinary and unexpected ways in the thrilling urban fantasy, Winter's Wolf (The Cursed: Book 1) by Lou Grimes. Raised by a single mother, Louvette has never known her father. Together she and her mother have traveled from town to town as far back as she can remember. While her mother takes small jobs to provide for their needs, Louvette attends the local school until she is expelled for fighting. When Louvette is kicked out of another school, they don't know where to go. Louvette's late grandfather's lawyer appears at their door with the answer. Louvette has inherited the family home, car, bank account, and a place in a private school. Once she and her mother arrive in their new home, Louvette's life takes an unexpected turn. She begins exhibiting unusual physical symptoms that alter her physique and species. Do her physiological changes have anything to do with her father and grandfather? What does it mean for her future?
Winter's Wolf (The Cursed: Book 1) by Lou Grimes is a spine-tingling young adult urban fantasy. Captivating characters, a gripping plot, and a suspenseful storyline make this novel an outstanding first book in what promises to be a thrilling series. Louvette's character is admirable, and I enjoyed observing her mature as she faces challenging and difficult life-changing circumstances. With the intriguing shape-shifting elements and the intense, action-packed scenes, it is a breathtaking story that held me glued once I started reading. This is the first book in a series, and I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel! Exciting and engaging, it is a riveting urban fantasy that will thrill everyone from the ages of twelve to a hundred. Fantastic! Loved it!
When a teen receives an inheritance from her estranged grandfather, she gains more than just a home; she inherits a family secret that changes her life in extraordinary and unexpected ways in the thrilling urban fantasy, Winter's Wolf (The Cursed: Book 1) by Lou Grimes. Raised by a single mother, Louvette has never known her father. Together she and her mother have traveled from town to town as far back as she can remember. While her mother takes small jobs to provide for their needs, Louvette attends the local school until she is expelled for fighting. When Louvette is kicked out of another school, they don't know where to go. Louvette's late grandfather's lawyer appears at their door with the answer. Louvette has inherited the family home, car, bank account, and a place in a private school. Once she and her mother arrive in their new home, Louvette's life takes an unexpected turn. She begins exhibiting unusual physical symptoms that alter her physique and species. Do her physiological changes have anything to do with her father and grandfather? What does it mean for her future?
Winter's Wolf (The Cursed: Book 1) by Lou Grimes is a spine-tingling young adult urban fantasy. Captivating characters, a gripping plot, and a suspenseful storyline make this novel an outstanding first book in what promises to be a thrilling series. Louvette's character is admirable, and I enjoyed observing her mature as she faces challenging and difficult life-changing circumstances. With the intriguing shape-shifting elements and the intense, action-packed scenes, it is a breathtaking story that held me glued once I started reading. This is the first book in a series, and I am eagerly looking forward to the sequel! Exciting and engaging, it is a riveting urban fantasy that will thrill everyone from the ages of twelve to a hundred. Fantastic! Loved it!
Recommend this book:
Crimson Forest
Crimson Chronicles
Christine Gabriel
2021 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Peggy Jo Wipf for Readers' Favorite
Crimson Forest is the first in Christine Gabriel's Crimson Chronicles and it is an awesome beginning. The author brings Grimm's reapers alive as Angelina Adams's life takes a devastating twist from average to terrifying. She was told by her best friend, Jeremiah, to stay out of the Crimson Forest as something eerie was in the air. But she has no choice when a dark shadow with red eyes breaks into her house and threatens to kill her. The secrets of these woods are slowly revealed to her as she is guided deeper into its depths. Her greatest hope is that her father who has been missing for over five years is alive within the forest. Can she handle the truth that is unraveled before her eyes? Will she save the human race when her time comes?
I found Christine Gabriel a mesmerizing author when she turns fantasies into truths as you walk between monsters and saints. Crimson Forest forms a bond between the reader and Angelina, and then changes who and what you know about her. The pace steadily moves to the point where Angelina is faced with her deadliest opponent and her path is set by that one moment. The author intricately unites characters that have a long history, tension, and a hidden identity to create an alluring novel. This is the book that makes you give trees a second look, beware of shadows, and keep that friendly stranger at arm's length. I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy a good paranormal tale with a touch of romance. Looking forward to reading Crimson Moon.
Crimson Forest is the first in Christine Gabriel's Crimson Chronicles and it is an awesome beginning. The author brings Grimm's reapers alive as Angelina Adams's life takes a devastating twist from average to terrifying. She was told by her best friend, Jeremiah, to stay out of the Crimson Forest as something eerie was in the air. But she has no choice when a dark shadow with red eyes breaks into her house and threatens to kill her. The secrets of these woods are slowly revealed to her as she is guided deeper into its depths. Her greatest hope is that her father who has been missing for over five years is alive within the forest. Can she handle the truth that is unraveled before her eyes? Will she save the human race when her time comes?
I found Christine Gabriel a mesmerizing author when she turns fantasies into truths as you walk between monsters and saints. Crimson Forest forms a bond between the reader and Angelina, and then changes who and what you know about her. The pace steadily moves to the point where Angelina is faced with her deadliest opponent and her path is set by that one moment. The author intricately unites characters that have a long history, tension, and a hidden identity to create an alluring novel. This is the book that makes you give trees a second look, beware of shadows, and keep that friendly stranger at arm's length. I highly recommend this novel to those who enjoy a good paranormal tale with a touch of romance. Looking forward to reading Crimson Moon.
Recommend this book:
The De-Coding of Jo: Hall of Ignorance
Ascending Angel Academy
Lali A. Love
2021 Gold Medal
308 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Christian Sia for Readers' Favorite
The De-Coding of Jo: Hall of Ignorance by Lali A. Love is a delightful read, a well-written meld of fantasy and science fiction, with a strong appeal to young adult readers. Sixteen-year-old Jo attends Forest Hill Academy, a preppy co-ed private school for privileged scholars, but she has huge problems to handle. Since the night her mother, Lilac, was taken hostage by a homicidal maniac, she’s been plagued by nightmares. But things escalate when a deadly parasite attacks her classmates, turning them into sleepwalkers, imprisoned in their own bodies. Primed by the Council and Ascending Angel Academy, Jo must accept a difficult mission to embrace her celestial being and unlock the power of creation in order to fight the encroaching darkness. With friends by her side and the Galactic Compass, does she stand a chance against the powers of darkness?
This is a well-plotted and beautifully narrated story. The use of journal entries adds depth to the story and allows readers to understand the emotional turmoil taking place in Jo’s world. It is one of those stories that brilliantly showcase the primordial struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, and I found it interesting to follow the protagonist as she evolves under the watchful gaze of the council that speaks the codes wordlessly to her. The character cast is impressive and the author provides a clear background to each of them: Nisha, Rey, Daphne, Flynn, and Zaxden. Lali A. Love’s story stands out in its originality, with themes of science and spirituality, and a conflict that is strongly and intelligently articulated. The De-Coding of Jo: Hall of Ignorance is a wonderful read.
The De-Coding of Jo: Hall of Ignorance by Lali A. Love is a delightful read, a well-written meld of fantasy and science fiction, with a strong appeal to young adult readers. Sixteen-year-old Jo attends Forest Hill Academy, a preppy co-ed private school for privileged scholars, but she has huge problems to handle. Since the night her mother, Lilac, was taken hostage by a homicidal maniac, she’s been plagued by nightmares. But things escalate when a deadly parasite attacks her classmates, turning them into sleepwalkers, imprisoned in their own bodies. Primed by the Council and Ascending Angel Academy, Jo must accept a difficult mission to embrace her celestial being and unlock the power of creation in order to fight the encroaching darkness. With friends by her side and the Galactic Compass, does she stand a chance against the powers of darkness?
This is a well-plotted and beautifully narrated story. The use of journal entries adds depth to the story and allows readers to understand the emotional turmoil taking place in Jo’s world. It is one of those stories that brilliantly showcase the primordial struggle between light and darkness, good and evil, and I found it interesting to follow the protagonist as she evolves under the watchful gaze of the council that speaks the codes wordlessly to her. The character cast is impressive and the author provides a clear background to each of them: Nisha, Rey, Daphne, Flynn, and Zaxden. Lali A. Love’s story stands out in its originality, with themes of science and spirituality, and a conflict that is strongly and intelligently articulated. The De-Coding of Jo: Hall of Ignorance is a wonderful read.
Recommend this book:
Abby & Holly Series Book 2
Unfortunate Events
Janice Spina
2020 Honorable Mention
278 Pages
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Young Adult - Paranormal
Reviewed by Ruffina Oserio for Readers' Favorite
Unfortunate Events is the second book in the Abby & Holly Series by Janice Spina. A novel with paranormal activities, well-crafted for young readers, it has strong themes of family, friendship, and adventure. Readers are introduced to Abby and Holly, cousins whose bond is very strong. Holly is with Abby’s family at the haunted Victorian house. She is dealing with unfortunate situations and is rather sad. When her parents come home on a visit from abroad, it should be a happy experience for Holly, but her mom gets sick. It is in this dire moment of vulnerability that Holly gets support from Abby. Abby’s Aunt Jane and Uncle Bob and the two ghosts who live in the house, Felicity and Minerva, are of great help as well. And then there are Davey and Derek Donato, the twin detectives who are their friends.
Unfortunate Events is beautiful and told in a tone that is engaging and compassionate. I enjoyed the way Janice Spina explores the relationship between the characters, developing themes of family and friendship with skill. While readers will follow the conversations and want to see Holly overcome her challenges, there are finer values that are ingeniously communicated and etiquette that young readers will learn. This author shows readers what it is like to be friends and sisters, and demonstrates the power of positive attitudes like respect, courtesy, mutual support, and compassion. The story is filled with realism, the characters are deeply human, and the plot features scenes that are focused and enjoyable. It is a great read, indeed.
Unfortunate Events is the second book in the Abby & Holly Series by Janice Spina. A novel with paranormal activities, well-crafted for young readers, it has strong themes of family, friendship, and adventure. Readers are introduced to Abby and Holly, cousins whose bond is very strong. Holly is with Abby’s family at the haunted Victorian house. She is dealing with unfortunate situations and is rather sad. When her parents come home on a visit from abroad, it should be a happy experience for Holly, but her mom gets sick. It is in this dire moment of vulnerability that Holly gets support from Abby. Abby’s Aunt Jane and Uncle Bob and the two ghosts who live in the house, Felicity and Minerva, are of great help as well. And then there are Davey and Derek Donato, the twin detectives who are their friends.
Unfortunate Events is beautiful and told in a tone that is engaging and compassionate. I enjoyed the way Janice Spina explores the relationship between the characters, developing themes of family and friendship with skill. While readers will follow the conversations and want to see Holly overcome her challenges, there are finer values that are ingeniously communicated and etiquette that young readers will learn. This author shows readers what it is like to be friends and sisters, and demonstrates the power of positive attitudes like respect, courtesy, mutual support, and compassion. The story is filled with realism, the characters are deeply human, and the plot features scenes that are focused and enjoyable. It is a great read, indeed.
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