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Recommend this book:
The Horde
Chronicles of the Order Book 6
JB Michaels
2021 Bronze Medal
224 Pages
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Young Adult - Horror
Reviewed by K.J. Simmill for Readers' Favorite
Our favorite fake-British accented Chicagoan is back in a gripping new adventure in JB Michaels' The Horde. Bud, Maeve, and Ivy may have bitten off more than they can chew. They thought things were improving after their showdown with the Vestal Virgin, that things would get better. They could not have been more wrong. They had been warned of the growing darkness, the possibility that someone was spearheading this movement. But they had never realized the extent of the issue, that everything they had been doing was simply treating the symptoms. Now it is time to face the disease head-on, the organization responsible for unleashing the evil they had spent their lives battling. But things are never easy, those responsible are protected. To get to the source, you sometimes have to cull the horde, or at least outrun them long enough to survive.
JB Michaels' The Horde is book 6 in the Chronicles of the Order Series. I have had the pleasure of reading some of the other books in this series and I can honestly say the books keep getting better, not only through the plot and character evolution but as the author hones their own skill. I loved Bud's character from the moment he first appeared on the page; he is amusing, brilliant, and intelligent as well as being perfectly balanced and complemented by those he keeps company with. The characters are bursting with personality and flair. Careful scene-setting and plot advancement lead to a heightened sense of tension throughout the story's unfolding while action, humor, drama, and danger drive the fast-paced plot forward, hooking the reader right from the start as wave after wave of danger is placed in our characters' paths. Can they survive the horde, or is the world they know destined to fall to evil?
Our favorite fake-British accented Chicagoan is back in a gripping new adventure in JB Michaels' The Horde. Bud, Maeve, and Ivy may have bitten off more than they can chew. They thought things were improving after their showdown with the Vestal Virgin, that things would get better. They could not have been more wrong. They had been warned of the growing darkness, the possibility that someone was spearheading this movement. But they had never realized the extent of the issue, that everything they had been doing was simply treating the symptoms. Now it is time to face the disease head-on, the organization responsible for unleashing the evil they had spent their lives battling. But things are never easy, those responsible are protected. To get to the source, you sometimes have to cull the horde, or at least outrun them long enough to survive.
JB Michaels' The Horde is book 6 in the Chronicles of the Order Series. I have had the pleasure of reading some of the other books in this series and I can honestly say the books keep getting better, not only through the plot and character evolution but as the author hones their own skill. I loved Bud's character from the moment he first appeared on the page; he is amusing, brilliant, and intelligent as well as being perfectly balanced and complemented by those he keeps company with. The characters are bursting with personality and flair. Careful scene-setting and plot advancement lead to a heightened sense of tension throughout the story's unfolding while action, humor, drama, and danger drive the fast-paced plot forward, hooking the reader right from the start as wave after wave of danger is placed in our characters' paths. Can they survive the horde, or is the world they know destined to fall to evil?
Recommend this book:
The Dead Life
Matthew Sprosty
2021 Honorable Mention
280 Pages
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Young Adult - Horror
Reviewed by Stefan Vucak for Readers' Favorite
She wakes up at night on a small lawn, not knowing who she is, where she is, or how she got there. Hungry, craving meat, she wanders the streets, enjoying the smells of cooking food. In an alley, she spots a young man and hunger overcomes her. He yells at her, calling her Alex, saying he is Max, and why doesn’t she recognize him? Before he can run, she jumps on him and sinks her teeth into his throat. He hits her and when she wakes, she finds herself in a hospital, tied up. Max talks to her, but she cannot answer, unable to speak coherently. All she wants to do is bite him. When the police come, Max tells them she is Alex Jordan, sixteen. Her parents arrive and take her home. The next morning, she wakes up starving. Was she a vampire? But she did not burst into flame when the sun touched her. At her parents’ rental house, she is attacked by some shaggy-haired creature, and Alex thought she recognized him...
In The Dead Life, Matthew Sprosty presents an emotion-driven story that could have been taken straight out of the X-Files. It is a mystery that will have readers turning the pages, eager to find what happens next as Alex struggles to remember her past, wondering about her future, and what she has become. Her only attachment to reality is Max, but he harbors a dark secret, and she is not sure he actually cares for her. Her parents fight among themselves, and Alex feels all alone in the world. In The Dead Life, Sprosty spins a subtle web around Alex with a beautifully crafted narrative that will allow readers to live in her head, enchanted and mesmerized by the unfolding events. A surprising debut novel that will leave readers deeply satisfied.
She wakes up at night on a small lawn, not knowing who she is, where she is, or how she got there. Hungry, craving meat, she wanders the streets, enjoying the smells of cooking food. In an alley, she spots a young man and hunger overcomes her. He yells at her, calling her Alex, saying he is Max, and why doesn’t she recognize him? Before he can run, she jumps on him and sinks her teeth into his throat. He hits her and when she wakes, she finds herself in a hospital, tied up. Max talks to her, but she cannot answer, unable to speak coherently. All she wants to do is bite him. When the police come, Max tells them she is Alex Jordan, sixteen. Her parents arrive and take her home. The next morning, she wakes up starving. Was she a vampire? But she did not burst into flame when the sun touched her. At her parents’ rental house, she is attacked by some shaggy-haired creature, and Alex thought she recognized him...
In The Dead Life, Matthew Sprosty presents an emotion-driven story that could have been taken straight out of the X-Files. It is a mystery that will have readers turning the pages, eager to find what happens next as Alex struggles to remember her past, wondering about her future, and what she has become. Her only attachment to reality is Max, but he harbors a dark secret, and she is not sure he actually cares for her. Her parents fight among themselves, and Alex feels all alone in the world. In The Dead Life, Sprosty spins a subtle web around Alex with a beautifully crafted narrative that will allow readers to live in her head, enchanted and mesmerized by the unfolding events. A surprising debut novel that will leave readers deeply satisfied.
Recommend this book:
The Brothers Finn
Christina Hagmann
2021 Silver Medal
256 Pages
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
Held responsible for the mysterious deaths of their parents, two high school basketball stars search for answers in the thrilling urban fantasy, The Brothers Finn by Christina Hagmann. The morning after taking the basketball team to an astonishing win, Gage and Cooper Finn find their parents dead. While trying to cope with the unexpected horror, Gage receives a phone call from a stranger instructing him and Cooper to run. Responding too late to the caller's admonition, the two boys are caught, arrested, and taken to jail. However, before they can be processed and charged with murder, another stranger aids in their escape. America Now, a corporation that hunts and kills vampires, informs them their parents have been murdered by a vampire and recruits Cooper and Gage into their ranks of vampire killers. But when they find a newly turned vampire, things become a little murky. Is America Now as altruistic as they claim? Or do they have a hidden agenda?
Containing supernatural beings and those who hunt them, The Brothers Finn by Christina Hagmann is a sensational urban fantasy that is memorable. Superbly written, the story has a fascinating plot and a riveting storyline that develops to a dramatic and breathtaking climax. Filled with intrigue, the suspense gradually mounts from the first page, ultimately reaching a shocking conclusion. Charismatic and captivating, the brothers and their contrasting personalities give the story a natural feel. Stopping at the perfect place to segue into a sequel, this story makes a phenomenal first book for a breathtaking series. Young adults and everyone else who relishes vampire-based novels will love meeting Gage, Cooper, Leech, and Jamie.
Held responsible for the mysterious deaths of their parents, two high school basketball stars search for answers in the thrilling urban fantasy, The Brothers Finn by Christina Hagmann. The morning after taking the basketball team to an astonishing win, Gage and Cooper Finn find their parents dead. While trying to cope with the unexpected horror, Gage receives a phone call from a stranger instructing him and Cooper to run. Responding too late to the caller's admonition, the two boys are caught, arrested, and taken to jail. However, before they can be processed and charged with murder, another stranger aids in their escape. America Now, a corporation that hunts and kills vampires, informs them their parents have been murdered by a vampire and recruits Cooper and Gage into their ranks of vampire killers. But when they find a newly turned vampire, things become a little murky. Is America Now as altruistic as they claim? Or do they have a hidden agenda?
Containing supernatural beings and those who hunt them, The Brothers Finn by Christina Hagmann is a sensational urban fantasy that is memorable. Superbly written, the story has a fascinating plot and a riveting storyline that develops to a dramatic and breathtaking climax. Filled with intrigue, the suspense gradually mounts from the first page, ultimately reaching a shocking conclusion. Charismatic and captivating, the brothers and their contrasting personalities give the story a natural feel. Stopping at the perfect place to segue into a sequel, this story makes a phenomenal first book for a breathtaking series. Young adults and everyone else who relishes vampire-based novels will love meeting Gage, Cooper, Leech, and Jamie.
Recommend this book:
The Coffin
The Scarry Inn, Book 2
Shirley McCann
2021 Honorable Mention
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Nicholus Schroeder for Readers' Favorite
The Coffin: The Scarry Inn Book 2 by Shirley McCann takes place in Arizona in the town of Frighton. Clare and her friends, Lise and Kelly, are gifted a weekend getaway at The Scarry Inn courtesy of Clare’s aunt Rita. The Scarry Inn is having a grand opening and the owners want to make the inn memorable for their first guests, so the inn hosts a murder mystery weekend: an event where a fake death is staged and the participants play at being detectives, trying to solve the staged murder. However, things don’t go according to plan, as the guests discover that there has been a real murder and the killer is still amongst them. To make matters worse, the town has just been hit by a tornado, there is neither cell reception nor power, and the killer could strike again at any moment. Will the guests survive their horrific ordeal?
The one word that best describes The Coffin is extraordinary, for it was truly a joy to read. Everything from the plot to the characters was well thought out. The plot, dare I say, is far better than most horror movies, and I absolutely love that author Shirley McCann didn’t include tropes from the horror genre such as stereotypical characters. Each of her characters is well-developed and organic, never classified into stereotypes like geek or jock and so on. Another thing that I liked about this book was how it succeeded in giving me a good scare, as there are some eerie moments where my hair really stood on end. In conclusion, I would definitely recommend The Coffin to people that are fans of the mystery genre, and also those that want to give the mystery genre a shot. This book will exceed your expectations and is well worth your time.
The Coffin: The Scarry Inn Book 2 by Shirley McCann takes place in Arizona in the town of Frighton. Clare and her friends, Lise and Kelly, are gifted a weekend getaway at The Scarry Inn courtesy of Clare’s aunt Rita. The Scarry Inn is having a grand opening and the owners want to make the inn memorable for their first guests, so the inn hosts a murder mystery weekend: an event where a fake death is staged and the participants play at being detectives, trying to solve the staged murder. However, things don’t go according to plan, as the guests discover that there has been a real murder and the killer is still amongst them. To make matters worse, the town has just been hit by a tornado, there is neither cell reception nor power, and the killer could strike again at any moment. Will the guests survive their horrific ordeal?
The one word that best describes The Coffin is extraordinary, for it was truly a joy to read. Everything from the plot to the characters was well thought out. The plot, dare I say, is far better than most horror movies, and I absolutely love that author Shirley McCann didn’t include tropes from the horror genre such as stereotypical characters. Each of her characters is well-developed and organic, never classified into stereotypes like geek or jock and so on. Another thing that I liked about this book was how it succeeded in giving me a good scare, as there are some eerie moments where my hair really stood on end. In conclusion, I would definitely recommend The Coffin to people that are fans of the mystery genre, and also those that want to give the mystery genre a shot. This book will exceed your expectations and is well worth your time.
Recommend this book:
The Ring of Mann
Circles of Time
David Thomas Kay
2021 Silver Medal
530 Pages
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Young Adult - Mythology/Fairy Tale
Reviewed by Romuald Dzemo for Readers' Favorite
The Ring of Mann is the second book in the Circles of Time series by David Thomas Kay and is a well-written novel for fans of historical fiction and fantasy. Fans of psychological thrillers will enjoy this narrative. It is set in the English Lake District in 1663, a locality that is rife with folklore and tales of witches and where people live in fear of the devil. It is here that a runic ring and a black Arabian horse unleash the ghost of a female Viking warrior. A young innocent widow is possessed. The story follows very captivating and richly developed characters. A woodcutter’s disappearance is blamed on three young cousins and while Major Rathbone continues to persecute the Quakers, the young cousins must flee from the Major’s son, Rufus, who is after them with his Constables. It is pulsating and filled with action and romance.
The story is captivating and transporting, with a setting that is vividly described and where the day-to-day life of the characters is aptly captured with strong imagery. Readers are confronted with a culture enriched by superstitious beliefs and where people live in fear of those who hold power in the land and spiritual forces. Mary is one of my favorite characters, a widow of Viking descent, and one of the key characters in the story. Her brother is another interesting character and he, a gravedigger, epitomizes the superstitious nature of the people of the town. Thomas is one of the characters that I followed and his role in the narrative is indispensable. The writing is suspenseful and filled with situations that are strangely familiar and characters that, though living in another time and culture, are believable and memorable. The Ring of Mann has a setting that is well-written and I loved the way the author captures the details of the landscape, the politics of the town, and the general beliefs of the common people. It is highly descriptive and sprinkled with well-crafted dialogues. David Thomas Kay just became one of my favorite fantasy writers and the way he mixes fantasy and mystery won me over.
The Ring of Mann is the second book in the Circles of Time series by David Thomas Kay and is a well-written novel for fans of historical fiction and fantasy. Fans of psychological thrillers will enjoy this narrative. It is set in the English Lake District in 1663, a locality that is rife with folklore and tales of witches and where people live in fear of the devil. It is here that a runic ring and a black Arabian horse unleash the ghost of a female Viking warrior. A young innocent widow is possessed. The story follows very captivating and richly developed characters. A woodcutter’s disappearance is blamed on three young cousins and while Major Rathbone continues to persecute the Quakers, the young cousins must flee from the Major’s son, Rufus, who is after them with his Constables. It is pulsating and filled with action and romance.
The story is captivating and transporting, with a setting that is vividly described and where the day-to-day life of the characters is aptly captured with strong imagery. Readers are confronted with a culture enriched by superstitious beliefs and where people live in fear of those who hold power in the land and spiritual forces. Mary is one of my favorite characters, a widow of Viking descent, and one of the key characters in the story. Her brother is another interesting character and he, a gravedigger, epitomizes the superstitious nature of the people of the town. Thomas is one of the characters that I followed and his role in the narrative is indispensable. The writing is suspenseful and filled with situations that are strangely familiar and characters that, though living in another time and culture, are believable and memorable. The Ring of Mann has a setting that is well-written and I loved the way the author captures the details of the landscape, the politics of the town, and the general beliefs of the common people. It is highly descriptive and sprinkled with well-crafted dialogues. David Thomas Kay just became one of my favorite fantasy writers and the way he mixes fantasy and mystery won me over.
Recommend this book:
 a substitute for medical care; far from it. It introduces varied scenarios and the stories of young college students who had to deal with thos...){kind=link}
The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook
Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness
Jill Grimes, MD
2021 Gold Medal
312 Pages
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Young Adult - Non-Fiction
Reviewed by Marie-Hélène Fasquel for Readers' Favorite
The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness by Jill Grimes, MD is a comprehensive guide for students. It is not (as reminded in the Note to readers) a substitute for medical care; far from it. It introduces varied scenarios and the stories of young college students who had to deal with those issues. It is nonetheless classified into topics such as the “head, mouth, neck, chest, stomach, back…” The index will allow the reader to search for specific problems and the references to dig deeper.
The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook by Jill Grimes, MD is a wonderful family book. It is designed for college students but will be useful for all, parents and children alike. I appreciated the tone and voice of this guide: the author knows how to engage her readers. It is as though she were speaking to us and it is extremely appealing. I loved the way each problem is tackled by name first, the one we all give to it, and the medical one, then the symptoms, the treatment(s), the cases in which you should head to the doctor. There are also three additional sections that are a great plus: worst-case scenario, prevention, expert tricks. So we understand that this handbook is not only to be perused in case of need but before such a need should arise.
The sections about prevention and tips are invaluable! It offers comfort, reassurance and helps calm one down. It is the telephone call we would like to have with our family to get advice or the school nurse who always knew how to deal with the situation. It tells us "don't worry/panic, others have been here/through this before, we'll handle this together. You're not alone!" Everything about this guide is perfect: it is clear, to the point, interesting, fun to read. It should be gifted to all college students!
The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness by Jill Grimes, MD is a comprehensive guide for students. It is not (as reminded in the Note to readers) a substitute for medical care; far from it. It introduces varied scenarios and the stories of young college students who had to deal with those issues. It is nonetheless classified into topics such as the “head, mouth, neck, chest, stomach, back…” The index will allow the reader to search for specific problems and the references to dig deeper.
The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook by Jill Grimes, MD is a wonderful family book. It is designed for college students but will be useful for all, parents and children alike. I appreciated the tone and voice of this guide: the author knows how to engage her readers. It is as though she were speaking to us and it is extremely appealing. I loved the way each problem is tackled by name first, the one we all give to it, and the medical one, then the symptoms, the treatment(s), the cases in which you should head to the doctor. There are also three additional sections that are a great plus: worst-case scenario, prevention, expert tricks. So we understand that this handbook is not only to be perused in case of need but before such a need should arise.
The sections about prevention and tips are invaluable! It offers comfort, reassurance and helps calm one down. It is the telephone call we would like to have with our family to get advice or the school nurse who always knew how to deal with the situation. It tells us "don't worry/panic, others have been here/through this before, we'll handle this together. You're not alone!" Everything about this guide is perfect: it is clear, to the point, interesting, fun to read. It should be gifted to all college students!
Recommend this book:
The De-Coding of Jo: Hall of Ignorance
Ascending Angel Academy
Lali A. Love
2021 Gold Medal
308 Pages
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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:
Guardians of the Garden
Theresa Pocock
2021 Gold Medal
320 Pages
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Young Adult - Religious Theme
Reviewed by Anne-Marie Reynolds for Readers' Favorite
Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock is a YA fairy tale. Miriam Miller just wants a normal life. Her family doesn’t want her, and neither does her town, Edenia, and she doesn’t want to be the Guardian of the Garden of Eden. But she has no choice. Seth Johnson’s sister is dying of cancer and to try to save her, they move to the USA. Ending up in Edenia, Seth promises to do whatever it takes to save his sister – anything, even if it means his own heart is on the line. Seth and Miriam are drawn to one another, but neither has time to deal with what Fate has in store for them. Seth is battling to save his sister, and Miriam’s job as guardian makes her the one thing standing between immortality and world destruction. What happens when their worlds collide in a resounding crash? Can Miriam stop the world from coming to an end? Will Seth save his sister?
Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock is an amazing tale, part fantasy, part mythology, and part fairytale with a healthy dose of the real world thrown in. This is a work of art, a tense, action-packed plot with plenty of humor and lots of mystery that will pull you right into it – Alice in Wonderland, eat your heart out, this is much more exciting. It’s more than just a fairy tale, though. It’s a story of responsibility, families, and secrets, a story that deals with coming of age and all that goes with it, with well-developed characters that will have you running through every emotion you can possibly think of. It is an intriguing story, a new take on the genre with lots of magic and religion mixed in. It does end on a big cliffhanger, so we’ll have to wait for the next book to see what happens next.
Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock is a YA fairy tale. Miriam Miller just wants a normal life. Her family doesn’t want her, and neither does her town, Edenia, and she doesn’t want to be the Guardian of the Garden of Eden. But she has no choice. Seth Johnson’s sister is dying of cancer and to try to save her, they move to the USA. Ending up in Edenia, Seth promises to do whatever it takes to save his sister – anything, even if it means his own heart is on the line. Seth and Miriam are drawn to one another, but neither has time to deal with what Fate has in store for them. Seth is battling to save his sister, and Miriam’s job as guardian makes her the one thing standing between immortality and world destruction. What happens when their worlds collide in a resounding crash? Can Miriam stop the world from coming to an end? Will Seth save his sister?
Guardians of the Garden by Theresa Pocock is an amazing tale, part fantasy, part mythology, and part fairytale with a healthy dose of the real world thrown in. This is a work of art, a tense, action-packed plot with plenty of humor and lots of mystery that will pull you right into it – Alice in Wonderland, eat your heart out, this is much more exciting. It’s more than just a fairy tale, though. It’s a story of responsibility, families, and secrets, a story that deals with coming of age and all that goes with it, with well-developed characters that will have you running through every emotion you can possibly think of. It is an intriguing story, a new take on the genre with lots of magic and religion mixed in. It does end on a big cliffhanger, so we’ll have to wait for the next book to see what happens next.
Recommend this book:
 by Jordan Ford is a thoroughly entertaining and evocative YA romance novel. The author brings us well-drawn characters that come across so real that you feel like you know them. Michael and Annie are a couple that will capture your imagination and emotions. Michael has secrets and reasons to keep his distance, but ...){kind=link}
The Runaway
Barrett Boys Book 1
Jordan Ford
2021 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Young Adult - Romance
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Readers' Favorite
The Runaway (Barrett Boys Book 1) by Jordan Ford is a thoroughly entertaining and evocative YA romance novel. The author brings us well-drawn characters that come across so real that you feel like you know them. Michael and Annie are a couple that will capture your imagination and emotions. Michael has secrets and reasons to keep his distance, but Annie is in need. The question is whether he is willing to risk everything to help her. His mistakes and his heart could be his undoing. He wants to turn the page and keep going, but he's reluctant with the pain Annie is going through. They love each other, but will it be enough to help them escape?
You will get caught up in Ford's characters. This romance has something for everyone who loves the genre. It is a cut above some YA romances in that it doesn't seem formulaic even though you'll recognize a few tried and true themes. Michael is a natural hero but he has a lot on his plate, and it may be too much. There is only so much a man can take. He is torn between leaving and helping Annie, and this is an enticing dynamic to use for the plot. I like that the characters are multi-dimensional, have inner and outer conflict, goals, obstacles--all the elements you find in a well-written story. I like how the characters change and grow, as well as their backstories. The characters are imperfect, which makes them even more believable, and creates a curiosity in the reader as to what could be coming next because they aren't always predictable. There is a good balance of action and drama, the story is evenly paced, and the alternating POV lends a personal, immediate feel to the narrative. When it comes to choosing your next YA romance, make it The Runaway (Barrett Boys Book 1) by Jordan Ford.
The Runaway (Barrett Boys Book 1) by Jordan Ford is a thoroughly entertaining and evocative YA romance novel. The author brings us well-drawn characters that come across so real that you feel like you know them. Michael and Annie are a couple that will capture your imagination and emotions. Michael has secrets and reasons to keep his distance, but Annie is in need. The question is whether he is willing to risk everything to help her. His mistakes and his heart could be his undoing. He wants to turn the page and keep going, but he's reluctant with the pain Annie is going through. They love each other, but will it be enough to help them escape?
You will get caught up in Ford's characters. This romance has something for everyone who loves the genre. It is a cut above some YA romances in that it doesn't seem formulaic even though you'll recognize a few tried and true themes. Michael is a natural hero but he has a lot on his plate, and it may be too much. There is only so much a man can take. He is torn between leaving and helping Annie, and this is an enticing dynamic to use for the plot. I like that the characters are multi-dimensional, have inner and outer conflict, goals, obstacles--all the elements you find in a well-written story. I like how the characters change and grow, as well as their backstories. The characters are imperfect, which makes them even more believable, and creates a curiosity in the reader as to what could be coming next because they aren't always predictable. There is a good balance of action and drama, the story is evenly paced, and the alternating POV lends a personal, immediate feel to the narrative. When it comes to choosing your next YA romance, make it The Runaway (Barrett Boys Book 1) by Jordan Ford.
Recommend this book:
Journey to the Hopewell Star
Hannah D. State
2021 Gold Medal
278 Pages
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Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Susan Sewell for Readers' Favorite
The destiny of two planets depends on a twelve-year-old girl and her acquisition of a highly advanced astrological technology that disappeared many years ago in the science fiction fantasy Journey to the Hopewell Star by Hannah D. State. Sam Sanderson's parents are notable scientists who are on a secret project and have left Sam at the farm in her grandfather's care. Unable to visit her on her twelfth birthday, her parents send her presents with Boj, a young man from another planet. Among her gifts are two specific items that will transform her life. One is The Mind Traveler's Teachings, a book from her father, and another is a small device that opens a wormhole to other galaxies. Taking a trip with Boj to his home planet Kryg, Sam discovers that the fate of the earth is far worse than previously thought. Kryg is in trouble as well and on the verge of extinction. According to an old prophecy, Sam is the one who can prevent both earth and Kryg from their self-imposed destruction by locating the missing Hopewell Star. But where can a twelve-year-old girl look for a highly technologically advanced creation? And how can she launch planetary modifications that will benefit two worlds?
Journey to the Hopewell Star by Hannah D. State is a thrilling science fiction novel set in another galaxy as well as on earth. It has an exciting plot, colorful story worlds, unique characters, and fascinating creatures. The protagonists are engaging and likable and are people you want to meet again. Sam is wise for her age, and her methods for dealing with bullies are unique as well as entertaining and commendable. Including action-packed scenes, a deadly conflict, and a formidable villain, it is a spellbinding story that is impossible to put down. It is a sensational tale that will delight readers aged eight to twelve years old who enjoy thrilling science fiction fantasy stories containing ordinary girls who become extraordinary heroines.
The destiny of two planets depends on a twelve-year-old girl and her acquisition of a highly advanced astrological technology that disappeared many years ago in the science fiction fantasy Journey to the Hopewell Star by Hannah D. State. Sam Sanderson's parents are notable scientists who are on a secret project and have left Sam at the farm in her grandfather's care. Unable to visit her on her twelfth birthday, her parents send her presents with Boj, a young man from another planet. Among her gifts are two specific items that will transform her life. One is The Mind Traveler's Teachings, a book from her father, and another is a small device that opens a wormhole to other galaxies. Taking a trip with Boj to his home planet Kryg, Sam discovers that the fate of the earth is far worse than previously thought. Kryg is in trouble as well and on the verge of extinction. According to an old prophecy, Sam is the one who can prevent both earth and Kryg from their self-imposed destruction by locating the missing Hopewell Star. But where can a twelve-year-old girl look for a highly technologically advanced creation? And how can she launch planetary modifications that will benefit two worlds?
Journey to the Hopewell Star by Hannah D. State is a thrilling science fiction novel set in another galaxy as well as on earth. It has an exciting plot, colorful story worlds, unique characters, and fascinating creatures. The protagonists are engaging and likable and are people you want to meet again. Sam is wise for her age, and her methods for dealing with bullies are unique as well as entertaining and commendable. Including action-packed scenes, a deadly conflict, and a formidable villain, it is a spellbinding story that is impossible to put down. It is a sensational tale that will delight readers aged eight to twelve years old who enjoy thrilling science fiction fantasy stories containing ordinary girls who become extraordinary heroines.
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