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Recommend this book:
Ben Archer and the Toreq Son
The Alien Skill Series, Book 6
Rae Knightly
2021 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Ben Archer and the Toreq Son by Rae Knightly is the sixth book in The Alien Skill series. Ben Archer has been imprisoned on an alien warship, accused of the theft of an Alien Translation skill, and can only watch as the Earth is blasted with natural disasters by the Toreq. Floods, droughts, and hurricanes wreak havoc and Ben has no idea how he is going to save the planet. Mesmo, an alien friend of Ben, is the only one who could persuade the Toreq to stop but he has disappeared. Where is he? Ben needs to get out of prison, persuade the Toreq that the translation skill was given to him by Mesmo’s daughter, and save the planet from destruction. He’s just 13 years old – can he do it? Can he stop the Alien General from carrying out his evil plans? This is Ben’s toughest adventure yet and he must win otherwise the world is doomed.
Ben Archer and Toreq Son by Rae Knightly is part of a series and I would strongly recommend reading the entire series in order to fully understand the characters and the references to previous events. However, I read it as a standalone and was more than satisfied that I could grasp the whole story. More than a teenage sci-fi story, this is about overcoming obstacles in life, learning to communicate, and taking responsibility for our actions, all wrapped up in a neat story with plenty of action and no small amount of twists and turns. The story grabs you right from the start and takes you on a rollercoaster journey with some pretty cool characters. It is an engaging, exciting, and fun story with a good ending and if you enjoy this, I encourage you to read the series in order.
Ben Archer and the Toreq Son by Rae Knightly is the sixth book in The Alien Skill series. Ben Archer has been imprisoned on an alien warship, accused of the theft of an Alien Translation skill, and can only watch as the Earth is blasted with natural disasters by the Toreq. Floods, droughts, and hurricanes wreak havoc and Ben has no idea how he is going to save the planet. Mesmo, an alien friend of Ben, is the only one who could persuade the Toreq to stop but he has disappeared. Where is he? Ben needs to get out of prison, persuade the Toreq that the translation skill was given to him by Mesmo’s daughter, and save the planet from destruction. He’s just 13 years old – can he do it? Can he stop the Alien General from carrying out his evil plans? This is Ben’s toughest adventure yet and he must win otherwise the world is doomed.
Ben Archer and Toreq Son by Rae Knightly is part of a series and I would strongly recommend reading the entire series in order to fully understand the characters and the references to previous events. However, I read it as a standalone and was more than satisfied that I could grasp the whole story. More than a teenage sci-fi story, this is about overcoming obstacles in life, learning to communicate, and taking responsibility for our actions, all wrapped up in a neat story with plenty of action and no small amount of twists and turns. The story grabs you right from the start and takes you on a rollercoaster journey with some pretty cool characters. It is an engaging, exciting, and fun story with a good ending and if you enjoy this, I encourage you to read the series in order.
Recommend this book:
The Christmas Feast
A Fishy Tale
Diana Pishner Walker
2021 Silver Medal
32 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Joe Wisinski for Readers' Favorite
The Christmas Feast: A Fishy Tale by Diana Pishner Walker is the story of two Italian boys who are cousins. Their fishermen fathers taught them the skill, but one year, just before Christmas, the fathers become incapacitated and were unable to fish. So the boys decided to go catch the fish that were needed for the Christmas celebrations, even though they were too young to safely go out by themselves. A storm arose, but a bright light appeared in the sky and helped guide the boys back to safety. The book includes the background story of the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” and recipes for cooking cod and calamari. It is illustrated by Headline Kids Group. The book is for pre-teen readers.
I enjoyed reading The Christmas Feast: A Fishy Tale. The book is a “feel good” story with a happy ending and fits a niche because of being aimed at a pre-teen audience. Children of that age might enjoy trying the included recipes with their parents. What I liked most about this book is the insight it provides into Italian culture. Author Diana Pishner Walker is Italian in heritage and clearly proud of it. The beautiful illustrations tell the story just as well as the text does; the text and illustrations complement each other perfectly. The importance of family and community are also emphasized. Everyone, whether pre-teen or older, will enjoy learning about the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.” I’m happy to recommend The Christmas Feast: A Fishy Tale.
The Christmas Feast: A Fishy Tale by Diana Pishner Walker is the story of two Italian boys who are cousins. Their fishermen fathers taught them the skill, but one year, just before Christmas, the fathers become incapacitated and were unable to fish. So the boys decided to go catch the fish that were needed for the Christmas celebrations, even though they were too young to safely go out by themselves. A storm arose, but a bright light appeared in the sky and helped guide the boys back to safety. The book includes the background story of the “Feast of the Seven Fishes” and recipes for cooking cod and calamari. It is illustrated by Headline Kids Group. The book is for pre-teen readers.
I enjoyed reading The Christmas Feast: A Fishy Tale. The book is a “feel good” story with a happy ending and fits a niche because of being aimed at a pre-teen audience. Children of that age might enjoy trying the included recipes with their parents. What I liked most about this book is the insight it provides into Italian culture. Author Diana Pishner Walker is Italian in heritage and clearly proud of it. The beautiful illustrations tell the story just as well as the text does; the text and illustrations complement each other perfectly. The importance of family and community are also emphasized. Everyone, whether pre-teen or older, will enjoy learning about the “Feast of the Seven Fishes.” I’m happy to recommend The Christmas Feast: A Fishy Tale.
Recommend this book:
The Old House By The Woods
Detective Ria Robertson Mystery Stories
Soma Kar
2021 Bronze Medal
224 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Soma Kar’s young adult mystery novel, The Old House By The Woods: Detective Ria Robertson Mystery Stories, offers readers an intriguing tale. It appears to be an unusual request: to solve a mystery of paranormal activity at an old house in Mistgrove Forest. But when Private Detective Ria Robertson is hired by Eve to solve this mystery, little does she realize the danger that she will soon face and the murder mystery she’ll have to solve – that is, before anyone else gets hurt. No one is safe, at least not in the house or in this forest. Not until the mystery is resolved once and for all.
Soma Kar’s The Old House By The Woods: Detective Ria Robertson Mystery Stories, has all the makings of a good mystery, thriller, and even a paranormal story. Take a mixture of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and you have an excellent novel for the younger 'young adult' section of the market. This is an easy read; most of the story is told through dialogue. The characters, setting, and drama evolve through dialogue and a marginal use of descriptive narrative. The author leans heavily on telling the story instead of inviting the reader into the story to make them feel connected. The colorful illustrations are bold and certainly add to the growing tension of the mystery. Using good sleuthing skills, the protagonist and her team, which consists of her teenage sister, Jenny, and best friend, Andy, the mystery reaches a satisfactory climax before the final chapter resolution which reveals all. I found the story interesting and well-paced.
Soma Kar’s young adult mystery novel, The Old House By The Woods: Detective Ria Robertson Mystery Stories, offers readers an intriguing tale. It appears to be an unusual request: to solve a mystery of paranormal activity at an old house in Mistgrove Forest. But when Private Detective Ria Robertson is hired by Eve to solve this mystery, little does she realize the danger that she will soon face and the murder mystery she’ll have to solve – that is, before anyone else gets hurt. No one is safe, at least not in the house or in this forest. Not until the mystery is resolved once and for all.
Soma Kar’s The Old House By The Woods: Detective Ria Robertson Mystery Stories, has all the makings of a good mystery, thriller, and even a paranormal story. Take a mixture of Nancy Drew and the Hardy Boys and you have an excellent novel for the younger 'young adult' section of the market. This is an easy read; most of the story is told through dialogue. The characters, setting, and drama evolve through dialogue and a marginal use of descriptive narrative. The author leans heavily on telling the story instead of inviting the reader into the story to make them feel connected. The colorful illustrations are bold and certainly add to the growing tension of the mystery. Using good sleuthing skills, the protagonist and her team, which consists of her teenage sister, Jenny, and best friend, Andy, the mystery reaches a satisfactory climax before the final chapter resolution which reveals all. I found the story interesting and well-paced.
Recommend this book:
The King's Decree
Fractured & Fabled
Torina Kingsley
2021 Honorable Mention
104 Pages
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Children - Preteen
Reviewed by Lesley Jones for Readers' Favorite
In The King's Decree by Torina Kingsley, Princess Devina loved to fill everyone's lives with joy but everything changed when she became fifteen. From that day on, the sunshine disappeared from her heart and facing each day became a struggle. Although her parents tried to make her smile, nothing they tried worked. As Devina faced her sixteenth birthday, her father told her that he had a plan to restore her smiles and laughter. The King issued a decree that all eligible princes would be invited to her birthday party and the first to make her smile would win her hand in marriage. On the day of her birthday party, Princess Devina meets Yasmin, a young peasant girl who has just started working in the palace. Yasmin reminds Devina what happiness is and soon they become inseparable. When Devina has to face a devastating personal tragedy, her depression returns, so she turns to the only person that loves her unconditionally, Yasmin. Devina soon realizes that it is okay to live and love freely and express your emotions. We are all unique and we do not always have to fit into societies expectations.
The King's Decree by Torina Kingsley is an enchanting tale that brings a modern and relevant twist to a classic story. The characters of Devina and Yasmin were created with a great deal of consideration and I believe young girls could easily relate to their personalities. Their dialogue exchanges around their emotions were poignant and heartwarming. The story highlights the symptoms of depression and mental health issues in general with realism and sensitivity. I thought the words spoken by her mother regarding Devina's depression were incredible, “You have to be strong to feel the weight of the world so heavily and still continue to live in it.” Princess Devina's caring personality also came through powerfully when she considered pretending she was happy so no-one had to worry about her. I loved how the barriers of class were removed as a peasant girl and a princess found friendship, love and mutual respect. Unlike traditional fairy tales, where a princess is rescued by a prince, The King's Decree is about two mutual friends supporting one another, finding love and enhancing each other's lives.
In The King's Decree by Torina Kingsley, Princess Devina loved to fill everyone's lives with joy but everything changed when she became fifteen. From that day on, the sunshine disappeared from her heart and facing each day became a struggle. Although her parents tried to make her smile, nothing they tried worked. As Devina faced her sixteenth birthday, her father told her that he had a plan to restore her smiles and laughter. The King issued a decree that all eligible princes would be invited to her birthday party and the first to make her smile would win her hand in marriage. On the day of her birthday party, Princess Devina meets Yasmin, a young peasant girl who has just started working in the palace. Yasmin reminds Devina what happiness is and soon they become inseparable. When Devina has to face a devastating personal tragedy, her depression returns, so she turns to the only person that loves her unconditionally, Yasmin. Devina soon realizes that it is okay to live and love freely and express your emotions. We are all unique and we do not always have to fit into societies expectations.
The King's Decree by Torina Kingsley is an enchanting tale that brings a modern and relevant twist to a classic story. The characters of Devina and Yasmin were created with a great deal of consideration and I believe young girls could easily relate to their personalities. Their dialogue exchanges around their emotions were poignant and heartwarming. The story highlights the symptoms of depression and mental health issues in general with realism and sensitivity. I thought the words spoken by her mother regarding Devina's depression were incredible, “You have to be strong to feel the weight of the world so heavily and still continue to live in it.” Princess Devina's caring personality also came through powerfully when she considered pretending she was happy so no-one had to worry about her. I loved how the barriers of class were removed as a peasant girl and a princess found friendship, love and mutual respect. Unlike traditional fairy tales, where a princess is rescued by a prince, The King's Decree is about two mutual friends supporting one another, finding love and enhancing each other's lives.
Recommend this book:
The Girl Who Looked Beyond The Stars
Sheena Meyer
L. B. Anne
2021 Silver Medal
Kindle Edition
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Kristen Van Kampen (Teen Reviewer) for Readers' Favorite
When The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars by L. B. Anne begins, Sheena Meyer is just an ordinary girl, but that doesn't last long. Her life changes when her father gets in a car accident and she goes to the hospital to see him, where she also sees a glowing creature that miraculously heals her dad. It is also the first time she meets Mr. Tobias, who says she's a gleamer who can see things normal people can't. Suddenly, mystical things keep happening to her, including vivid dreams that come true, text messages from an unknown number, and she meets a mysterious new girl who acts oddly. Then, in one of her talks with Mr. Tobias, she learns that something called the Murk is coming for her. What will she do?
With interesting scenes and well-developed characters, The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars by L. B. Anne is a very enjoyable read. The book has a good balance of thrilling and dramatic scenes and funny parts that make the book exciting without making it too intense. The characters were very likable and relatable, and I thought the way the characters interacted was very realistic, especially between Sheena and her mother. I also loved the way Sheena and her friends were very close and joked around with each other. The book was very well written and I liked the narration style from Sheena’s perspective. The story is original, suspenseful, and has a very interesting plot. I was hooked by the first page and didn't want to stop reading. I would definitely recommend this book.
When The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars by L. B. Anne begins, Sheena Meyer is just an ordinary girl, but that doesn't last long. Her life changes when her father gets in a car accident and she goes to the hospital to see him, where she also sees a glowing creature that miraculously heals her dad. It is also the first time she meets Mr. Tobias, who says she's a gleamer who can see things normal people can't. Suddenly, mystical things keep happening to her, including vivid dreams that come true, text messages from an unknown number, and she meets a mysterious new girl who acts oddly. Then, in one of her talks with Mr. Tobias, she learns that something called the Murk is coming for her. What will she do?
With interesting scenes and well-developed characters, The Girl Who Looked Beyond the Stars by L. B. Anne is a very enjoyable read. The book has a good balance of thrilling and dramatic scenes and funny parts that make the book exciting without making it too intense. The characters were very likable and relatable, and I thought the way the characters interacted was very realistic, especially between Sheena and her mother. I also loved the way Sheena and her friends were very close and joked around with each other. The book was very well written and I liked the narration style from Sheena’s perspective. The story is original, suspenseful, and has a very interesting plot. I was hooked by the first page and didn't want to stop reading. I would definitely recommend this book.
Recommend this book:
I Would Love You Even If You Burned the Christmas Turkey
Bucleigh Newton Kernodle
2021 Honorable Mention
32 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Amy Louise Hill for Readers' Favorite
I Would Love You Even If You Burned The Christmas Turkey by Bucleigh Newton Kernodle is a holiday-themed book for children. It is a light-hearted, feel-good story that will teach young children the true meaning of Christmas, including a short version of the story of Jesus and how it all came about. Bucleigh has gifted the reader with not just one story, but two! After having a mishap with the Christmas turkey, Miller and Myah's grandma sits them down and begins to tell them the story of the Pickle family. The children are delighted by their grandma's story-time and learn that Christmas isn't about turkey or gifts; it is simply about spending time with family and giving back to others.
Bucleigh Newton Kernodle has written an entertaining story with an important message behind it. Sometimes people, especially children, will forget what Christmas is all about, or they may not even know the real meaning of it at all. They get lost in receiving gifts and stuffing their bellies. This book is simple, cute, and gets straight to the point. I loved the side story that the grandma tells the children; everyone enjoys a good story about pickles! The talented illustrator of the book, Ashley Teets, has done an amazing job of bringing the characters alive; their facial expressions are funny and adorable! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who has children in need of learning this important lesson. I wish both Bucleigh Newton Kernodle and Ashley Teets all the best in their creative journeys. Keep up the good work!
I Would Love You Even If You Burned The Christmas Turkey by Bucleigh Newton Kernodle is a holiday-themed book for children. It is a light-hearted, feel-good story that will teach young children the true meaning of Christmas, including a short version of the story of Jesus and how it all came about. Bucleigh has gifted the reader with not just one story, but two! After having a mishap with the Christmas turkey, Miller and Myah's grandma sits them down and begins to tell them the story of the Pickle family. The children are delighted by their grandma's story-time and learn that Christmas isn't about turkey or gifts; it is simply about spending time with family and giving back to others.
Bucleigh Newton Kernodle has written an entertaining story with an important message behind it. Sometimes people, especially children, will forget what Christmas is all about, or they may not even know the real meaning of it at all. They get lost in receiving gifts and stuffing their bellies. This book is simple, cute, and gets straight to the point. I loved the side story that the grandma tells the children; everyone enjoys a good story about pickles! The talented illustrator of the book, Ashley Teets, has done an amazing job of bringing the characters alive; their facial expressions are funny and adorable! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book and I recommend it to anyone who has children in need of learning this important lesson. I wish both Bucleigh Newton Kernodle and Ashley Teets all the best in their creative journeys. Keep up the good work!
Recommend this book:
The Day Bob Saw Jesus
Lindi Juarez
2021 Finalist
34 Pages
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Children - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Kristy Volchko for Readers' Favorite
The Day Bob Saw Jesus by Lindi Juarez is a tender rhyming tale about a boy named Bob, his life, and heart-changing experience. A very miserable Bob has been having a tough time…or shall we say, giving a hard time? Bob is the class bully and absolutely loves tearing up the place with his rude antics and mean-spirited ways! He can’t wait to get to school and start some trouble. When his compassionate teacher, Mrs. Rose, shares a hopeful message with Bob about Jesus, he shrugs it off, deciding then and there that this Jesus has to be just some imaginary man. Will Mrs. Rose's prayers be answered and Bob’s heart touched by Jesus? Is it possible for such a bully to have a change of heart and discover a new perspective on friendship, caring, kindness, and Mrs. Rose's imaginary man? Or will Bob continue to be an unhappy little boy?
The Day Bob Saw Jesus by Lindi Juarez is such a lovely, heartwarming story for all ages! The colorful illustrations are perfect for each imaginative rhyme and scene. And I felt immediately pulled into the story and couldn’t wait to turn the page to find out what happened next. Would Bob’s heart be touched? Between the pages of this delightful read were lots of inspiring messages and the author did a fantastic job at expressing it all in a child-friendly, positive way. There was also compassion and understanding for how lost Bob must feel to be acting out and behaving in such an awful way; only someone very hurt and unhappy would enjoy hurting others, right? The ending was as good as I’d hoped!
The Day Bob Saw Jesus by Lindi Juarez is a tender rhyming tale about a boy named Bob, his life, and heart-changing experience. A very miserable Bob has been having a tough time…or shall we say, giving a hard time? Bob is the class bully and absolutely loves tearing up the place with his rude antics and mean-spirited ways! He can’t wait to get to school and start some trouble. When his compassionate teacher, Mrs. Rose, shares a hopeful message with Bob about Jesus, he shrugs it off, deciding then and there that this Jesus has to be just some imaginary man. Will Mrs. Rose's prayers be answered and Bob’s heart touched by Jesus? Is it possible for such a bully to have a change of heart and discover a new perspective on friendship, caring, kindness, and Mrs. Rose's imaginary man? Or will Bob continue to be an unhappy little boy?
The Day Bob Saw Jesus by Lindi Juarez is such a lovely, heartwarming story for all ages! The colorful illustrations are perfect for each imaginative rhyme and scene. And I felt immediately pulled into the story and couldn’t wait to turn the page to find out what happened next. Would Bob’s heart be touched? Between the pages of this delightful read were lots of inspiring messages and the author did a fantastic job at expressing it all in a child-friendly, positive way. There was also compassion and understanding for how lost Bob must feel to be acting out and behaving in such an awful way; only someone very hurt and unhappy would enjoy hurting others, right? The ending was as good as I’d hoped!
Recommend this book:
Wipe the Slate Clean
The Story of Nester the Pester
Lauretha Ward
2021 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Children - Social Issues
Reviewed by Emily-Jane Hills Orford for Readers' Favorite
Nester the Pester is a bully. He steals from others, makes fun of them, and pushes them around. Even in class, Nester can’t settle down and pay attention; he’s always causing mischief. One day, his teacher reads a story about a bully. Nester tries not to listen, but somehow the story gets through. Nester is suddenly very sad. Is he really as bad as the bully in the story? Can he change? He does some deep soul-searching that night and asks for God’s forgiveness and help. But change is not so easy, especially in the schoolyard where most of the children are still afraid of the mean bully, Nester. His teacher comes to the rescue and everyone learns the power of forgiveness and that everyone deserves another chance.
Lauretha Ward’s picture book story, Wipe the Slate Clean: The Story of Nester the Pester, takes a different approach to discuss the very difficult issue of bullying. In this story, the main character is actually the bully. Told in rhyming verse and accompanied by colorful illustrations, the plot follows Nester's evolution from the mean bully, the resistant student, to the boy who wants to be forgiven, to be given a second chance. The author uses the metaphor of a clean slate to explain the need to forgive and to give others a second chance. The book concludes with a list of definitions for some of the more complicated words and some questions to lead students in a discussion on bullying and forgiveness. There is also a link provided to the author’s website where young people can find extra activities, coloring pages, and a literacy lesson plan. This book is a great resource as well as a powerful story about forgiveness.
Nester the Pester is a bully. He steals from others, makes fun of them, and pushes them around. Even in class, Nester can’t settle down and pay attention; he’s always causing mischief. One day, his teacher reads a story about a bully. Nester tries not to listen, but somehow the story gets through. Nester is suddenly very sad. Is he really as bad as the bully in the story? Can he change? He does some deep soul-searching that night and asks for God’s forgiveness and help. But change is not so easy, especially in the schoolyard where most of the children are still afraid of the mean bully, Nester. His teacher comes to the rescue and everyone learns the power of forgiveness and that everyone deserves another chance.
Lauretha Ward’s picture book story, Wipe the Slate Clean: The Story of Nester the Pester, takes a different approach to discuss the very difficult issue of bullying. In this story, the main character is actually the bully. Told in rhyming verse and accompanied by colorful illustrations, the plot follows Nester's evolution from the mean bully, the resistant student, to the boy who wants to be forgiven, to be given a second chance. The author uses the metaphor of a clean slate to explain the need to forgive and to give others a second chance. The book concludes with a list of definitions for some of the more complicated words and some questions to lead students in a discussion on bullying and forgiveness. There is also a link provided to the author’s website where young people can find extra activities, coloring pages, and a literacy lesson plan. This book is a great resource as well as a powerful story about forgiveness.
Recommend this book:
The Never Army
Todd E Hodges
2021 Gold Medal
776 Pages
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Young Adult - Action
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
The Never Army by T. Ellery Hodges is the incredibly highly anticipated third and final book in the Chronicles Of Jonathan Tibbs sci-fi fantasy superhero trilogy, preceded by book one, The Never Hero, and book two, The Never Paradox. Jonathan Tibbs has transformed over three books from the unassuming college student thrust into an inter-dimensional war, the “never hero” in every sense. By the second book, he is a supercharged Jonathan, a warrior worth his salt and one who has no recollection of really important events. His memory has been wiped when the stakes are critical. In this book, Jonathan is all-in. He’s got his wits. He’s got his army. And he’s got the Excali-bar. It’s time to finish it.
I got into the Chronicles Of Jonathan Tibbs late in the game. So I really only had to wait about five or six months before T. Ellery Hodges finally slapped The Never Army onto the bookshelf. Thank goodness. I seriously do not know how his legions of fans could wait this out for years. This series is in a league of its own. The character arc of Jonathan is the best I have come across in a long time. The suspense and intelligence of the writing are fantastic. So much trust is required when a reader commits to a new series where we have to start from scratch, but the nearly 3,000 pages that bring Jonathan Tibbs to the end game—that payoff is gold. I love the time-paradox elements and the cleverly surprising answers to questions that have nagged at me for ages, and the final thread-tying that wraps almost everything up with a bow. I wish I could go back and read it all again immediately.
The Never Army by T. Ellery Hodges is the incredibly highly anticipated third and final book in the Chronicles Of Jonathan Tibbs sci-fi fantasy superhero trilogy, preceded by book one, The Never Hero, and book two, The Never Paradox. Jonathan Tibbs has transformed over three books from the unassuming college student thrust into an inter-dimensional war, the “never hero” in every sense. By the second book, he is a supercharged Jonathan, a warrior worth his salt and one who has no recollection of really important events. His memory has been wiped when the stakes are critical. In this book, Jonathan is all-in. He’s got his wits. He’s got his army. And he’s got the Excali-bar. It’s time to finish it.
I got into the Chronicles Of Jonathan Tibbs late in the game. So I really only had to wait about five or six months before T. Ellery Hodges finally slapped The Never Army onto the bookshelf. Thank goodness. I seriously do not know how his legions of fans could wait this out for years. This series is in a league of its own. The character arc of Jonathan is the best I have come across in a long time. The suspense and intelligence of the writing are fantastic. So much trust is required when a reader commits to a new series where we have to start from scratch, but the nearly 3,000 pages that bring Jonathan Tibbs to the end game—that payoff is gold. I love the time-paradox elements and the cleverly surprising answers to questions that have nagged at me for ages, and the final thread-tying that wraps almost everything up with a bow. I wish I could go back and read it all again immediately.
Recommend this book:
In Light of the Summit
The Rainier Series Book 2
Jamie McGillen
2021 Gold Medal
Kindle Edition
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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.
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