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Recommend this book:
The Golden Scarab
The Quest Series - Book 1
S.W. Lothian
2013 Finalist
326 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Lee Ashford for Readers' Favorite
“The Golden Scarab: The Quest Series - Book 1” by S.W. Lothian shares the story of JJ, Linc, and Rani, as they are called back through time by Egyptian gods Anubis and Horus to recover a Golden Scarab containing the evil nature of the god Seth, and return it to the goddess Ma’at for protection so that Seth can never again become the evil being he once was, and longs to be again. Provided by Horus with a handful of magical items to help them on their quest, these three youngsters face countless obstacles as they attempt to retrieve the Golden Scarab from within an intricate labyrinth, while being pursued by an army of Uberdiles serving Seth. Will three children from the future be able to outwit an army of evil statues? Will they make it through the labyrinth unscathed? Will Seth be defeated in his efforts to regain his “evilness” so that he can take over control of Egypt?
This tale is a great adventure, intended for a middle-grade audience, but very much enjoyable for much older adults as well. I was enthralled by it and happily look forward to reading the next book in the series. The three children quickly learned to trust and depend upon one another, as their very lives truly did depend on being able to count on each other for help. I am not sure how this book would be classified, as it could be considered adventure, action, fantasy, Sci-Fi, or even historical fiction. One thing is certain: it can be classified as good entertainment. It reminded me in many ways of the Indiana Jones series of movies, and in my opinion would make a very decent movie itself. I strongly recommend this for any reluctant readers in the target age group, with the understanding that mom and dad will also want to read it.
“The Golden Scarab: The Quest Series - Book 1” by S.W. Lothian shares the story of JJ, Linc, and Rani, as they are called back through time by Egyptian gods Anubis and Horus to recover a Golden Scarab containing the evil nature of the god Seth, and return it to the goddess Ma’at for protection so that Seth can never again become the evil being he once was, and longs to be again. Provided by Horus with a handful of magical items to help them on their quest, these three youngsters face countless obstacles as they attempt to retrieve the Golden Scarab from within an intricate labyrinth, while being pursued by an army of Uberdiles serving Seth. Will three children from the future be able to outwit an army of evil statues? Will they make it through the labyrinth unscathed? Will Seth be defeated in his efforts to regain his “evilness” so that he can take over control of Egypt?
This tale is a great adventure, intended for a middle-grade audience, but very much enjoyable for much older adults as well. I was enthralled by it and happily look forward to reading the next book in the series. The three children quickly learned to trust and depend upon one another, as their very lives truly did depend on being able to count on each other for help. I am not sure how this book would be classified, as it could be considered adventure, action, fantasy, Sci-Fi, or even historical fiction. One thing is certain: it can be classified as good entertainment. It reminded me in many ways of the Indiana Jones series of movies, and in my opinion would make a very decent movie itself. I strongly recommend this for any reluctant readers in the target age group, with the understanding that mom and dad will also want to read it.
Recommend this book:
The Gift
Jonathan Lynch
2013 Silver Medal
308 Pages
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Young Adult - Horror
Reviewed by Danita Dyess for Readers' Favorite
If you could strike a deal that would make all your problems vanish overnight, wouldn't it? That is exactly what happens in the book “The Gift” by Jonathan Lynch. Michael, the main character, is a pimply-faced, thin, 17-year-old teenager struggling with the daily torment of bullying, poverty and adolescent angst. Better to just end it all, he decides. So, he gobbles a mixture of pills and a bottle of Merlot and waits for death. But it doesn’t come. Instead, Lorcien, a 6-foot, mystical man with long, black hair and a knack for transcending walls appears in his apartment. He explains how he interceded Michael’s suicide. He calls it a gift. But this bestowal exacts a price, of course. Can you ever reclaim your soul after you haplessly sold it?
This work of fiction has paranormal undertones; Lynch says he grew up reading Stephen King. This intriguing, fast-moving book requires reading some parts twice. I recognized the conflict of man versus himself and good versus evil. I enjoyed the small-town setting and I appreciated the overall simplicity, that is, a teenage boy with an age old problem. Indeed, the birth of Lynch’s son inspired this novel. But his masterful narrative technique has made the plot more complex. He is skilled at writing in a conversational tone. He understands the importance of details that help the reader relate to the character. I will read his other book, “Dead Business.” “The Gift” is highly recommended.
If you could strike a deal that would make all your problems vanish overnight, wouldn't it? That is exactly what happens in the book “The Gift” by Jonathan Lynch. Michael, the main character, is a pimply-faced, thin, 17-year-old teenager struggling with the daily torment of bullying, poverty and adolescent angst. Better to just end it all, he decides. So, he gobbles a mixture of pills and a bottle of Merlot and waits for death. But it doesn’t come. Instead, Lorcien, a 6-foot, mystical man with long, black hair and a knack for transcending walls appears in his apartment. He explains how he interceded Michael’s suicide. He calls it a gift. But this bestowal exacts a price, of course. Can you ever reclaim your soul after you haplessly sold it?
This work of fiction has paranormal undertones; Lynch says he grew up reading Stephen King. This intriguing, fast-moving book requires reading some parts twice. I recognized the conflict of man versus himself and good versus evil. I enjoyed the small-town setting and I appreciated the overall simplicity, that is, a teenage boy with an age old problem. Indeed, the birth of Lynch’s son inspired this novel. But his masterful narrative technique has made the plot more complex. He is skilled at writing in a conversational tone. He understands the importance of details that help the reader relate to the character. I will read his other book, “Dead Business.” “The Gift” is highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-wooing-of-jane-grey&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31FLAmKnD9L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="The Wooing of Jane Grey" by C.E. Hilbert is a pure and wonderful love story. Jane Grey had it all: a good job, good life, proper church life, loving parents, two sisters and a best friend. But she was thirty-ish and wanted something more from life. Enter a chance meeting with Paul Wade, a man she literally runs into in an office lobby. Jane and Pa...){kind=link}
The Wooing of Jane Grey
C.E. Hilbert
2013 Bronze Medal
272 Pages
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Christian - Romance - General
Reviewed by Trudi LoPreto for Readers' Favorite
"The Wooing of Jane Grey" by C.E. Hilbert is a pure and wonderful love story. Jane Grey had it all: a good job, good life, proper church life, loving parents, two sisters and a best friend. But she was thirty-ish and wanted something more from life. Enter a chance meeting with Paul Wade, a man she literally runs into in an office lobby. Jane and Paul feel an immediate attraction towards each other. He is a lawyer, a man who believes in God, the perfect man for Jane. Millie, the best friend, has been introduced to Lindy Barrett, the hockey player Jane has had a crush on since her college days, when her dorm was decorated in Lindy posters. The girls are invited to a charity dinner and Jane spends the evening sitting with her hero. The two become quick friends. Paul very quickly falls in love and shares his feelings openly with Jane. Lindy coming off of a recent break-up tries hard to keep the flames down to a special friend level. Jane is torn between the two men understanding who the right choice is and who the one is that makes her heart skip beats.
"The Wooing of Jane Grey" is a book that will make you smile and feel good. It is impossible not to feel all of Jane’s emotions, both good and bad. I couldn’t help but wish I had a best friend like Millie. Paul and Lindy were both special men and I found myself rooting for them both at several places in the story, though being a hockey fanatic I did lean toward Lindy for the most part. Hilbert brought me into the book and left me with a warm and fuzzy smile at the conclusion of the story. This is a sure five star book in the romance category that women of all ages will enjoy. I would love to see it turned into a movie. "The Wooing of Jane Grey" is a winner.
"The Wooing of Jane Grey" by C.E. Hilbert is a pure and wonderful love story. Jane Grey had it all: a good job, good life, proper church life, loving parents, two sisters and a best friend. But she was thirty-ish and wanted something more from life. Enter a chance meeting with Paul Wade, a man she literally runs into in an office lobby. Jane and Paul feel an immediate attraction towards each other. He is a lawyer, a man who believes in God, the perfect man for Jane. Millie, the best friend, has been introduced to Lindy Barrett, the hockey player Jane has had a crush on since her college days, when her dorm was decorated in Lindy posters. The girls are invited to a charity dinner and Jane spends the evening sitting with her hero. The two become quick friends. Paul very quickly falls in love and shares his feelings openly with Jane. Lindy coming off of a recent break-up tries hard to keep the flames down to a special friend level. Jane is torn between the two men understanding who the right choice is and who the one is that makes her heart skip beats.
"The Wooing of Jane Grey" is a book that will make you smile and feel good. It is impossible not to feel all of Jane’s emotions, both good and bad. I couldn’t help but wish I had a best friend like Millie. Paul and Lindy were both special men and I found myself rooting for them both at several places in the story, though being a hockey fanatic I did lean toward Lindy for the most part. Hilbert brought me into the book and left me with a warm and fuzzy smile at the conclusion of the story. This is a sure five star book in the romance category that women of all ages will enjoy. I would love to see it turned into a movie. "The Wooing of Jane Grey" is a winner.
Recommend this book:
A Journey to the Four Kingdoms
Karl F. Hollenbach
2013 Finalist
168 Pages
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Children - Fantasy/Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Dr. Oliva Dsouza for Readers' Favorite
Prince Rhine a.k.a Pid to his best friend, Firebreather the toy dragon, is on a quest which takes him on a thrilling, adventurous journey through the four kingdoms. He has to search for the Black Demon so that he can know the Great Secret. But before that he has to get the Quadrunes, the four treasures of the Black Demon from each Kingdom by defeating the Tetrarchs that guard them. Helped by his friends Firebreather, Moth,Claw, Charles and Wander, Pid goes fearlessly on a journey of his lifetime. Will he be able to learn all that he is meant to? Will Pid conquer the four Tetrarchs and complete his quest? Most of all, will Pid be able to defeat Arkon? Will the Great secret be what it promises to be?
What a wonderfully crafted story! I was hooked from the word go. Dragons, soul parents, fantasy kingdoms with imaginative names and most of all the endearing prince Pid: What more can a mother ask for to keep her child engaged when she has the help of such a fantastic book. I cannot stop myself from recommending this book to all. With lessons on humility, friendship, love and courage, "A Journey to the Four Kingdoms" by Karl F. Hollenbach has it all. Firebreather and Pid's friendship is an example for all of us and kids can learn a lot from it. The final truth about the great secret is an eye opener and makes one think about the various quests we all tend to run after all our lives. Overall an enchanting read that deserves all the five stars.
Prince Rhine a.k.a Pid to his best friend, Firebreather the toy dragon, is on a quest which takes him on a thrilling, adventurous journey through the four kingdoms. He has to search for the Black Demon so that he can know the Great Secret. But before that he has to get the Quadrunes, the four treasures of the Black Demon from each Kingdom by defeating the Tetrarchs that guard them. Helped by his friends Firebreather, Moth,Claw, Charles and Wander, Pid goes fearlessly on a journey of his lifetime. Will he be able to learn all that he is meant to? Will Pid conquer the four Tetrarchs and complete his quest? Most of all, will Pid be able to defeat Arkon? Will the Great secret be what it promises to be?
What a wonderfully crafted story! I was hooked from the word go. Dragons, soul parents, fantasy kingdoms with imaginative names and most of all the endearing prince Pid: What more can a mother ask for to keep her child engaged when she has the help of such a fantastic book. I cannot stop myself from recommending this book to all. With lessons on humility, friendship, love and courage, "A Journey to the Four Kingdoms" by Karl F. Hollenbach has it all. Firebreather and Pid's friendship is an example for all of us and kids can learn a lot from it. The final truth about the great secret is an eye opener and makes one think about the various quests we all tend to run after all our lives. Overall an enchanting read that deserves all the five stars.
Recommend this book:
Lost City of the Condor
Vickie Britton and Loretta Jackson
2013 Finalist
Kindle Edition
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Fiction - Adventure
Reviewed by Paul Johnson for Readers' Favorite
Archeologist Arla Vaughn didn’t know what to expect when she was summoned to the hospital by a man she didn’t know, a man on his deathbed, the victim of a hit and run accident. There she learns of a missing journal that acts as a map to find an ancient city. She also learns that her more than friend Lance Hayden is missing on his search for the Lost City of the Condor and the Golden Condor of the Inca's. She quickly realizes she must go and complete the journey and find him, no matter what. When she arrives in Peru she is approached by a mysterious peddler who shows her a small authentic looking artifact, a statue identical to those found only in rare Inca tombs located high in the Andes. Arla suspects this is a genuine artifact, perhaps stolen from the same Capacocha burial site her co-worker, Lance Hayden, is seeking. But, things get out of hand very quickly as she is kidnapped, shot at, lied to and not really sure who she can trust. And to complicate matters, she must find out if her missing friend is dead or alive. In a race against time to find and protect the relics, Arla must travel to a snowy mountain peak and a clash with the looters for the most priceless treasure of all – the golden condor!
"The Lost City of the Condor" is a very well-written and exciting story, filled with danger, intrigue, and murder. I found it refreshing that the authors put together a superb plot with a generous blend of history and the geography of the area without using a tour guide approach. The action starts with the opening chapter and never ceases. The characterization is good. All in all, a well-thought-out story.
Archeologist Arla Vaughn didn’t know what to expect when she was summoned to the hospital by a man she didn’t know, a man on his deathbed, the victim of a hit and run accident. There she learns of a missing journal that acts as a map to find an ancient city. She also learns that her more than friend Lance Hayden is missing on his search for the Lost City of the Condor and the Golden Condor of the Inca's. She quickly realizes she must go and complete the journey and find him, no matter what. When she arrives in Peru she is approached by a mysterious peddler who shows her a small authentic looking artifact, a statue identical to those found only in rare Inca tombs located high in the Andes. Arla suspects this is a genuine artifact, perhaps stolen from the same Capacocha burial site her co-worker, Lance Hayden, is seeking. But, things get out of hand very quickly as she is kidnapped, shot at, lied to and not really sure who she can trust. And to complicate matters, she must find out if her missing friend is dead or alive. In a race against time to find and protect the relics, Arla must travel to a snowy mountain peak and a clash with the looters for the most priceless treasure of all – the golden condor!
"The Lost City of the Condor" is a very well-written and exciting story, filled with danger, intrigue, and murder. I found it refreshing that the authors put together a superb plot with a generous blend of history and the geography of the area without using a tour guide approach. The action starts with the opening chapter and never ceases. The characterization is good. All in all, a well-thought-out story.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/the-magnificent-mary-ann&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41OtC6GDpdL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="The Magnificent Mary Ann” by Philip Kraske is a fascinating look at how one event that may seem minor to one person changes the course of events for another. Rarely do we know the effect our words or actions have on others. Sitting next to a young girl on a flight to Chicago Hal offered up words of wisdom. Never had anyone taken the time or ener...){kind=link}
The Magnificent Mary Ann
Philip Kraske
2013 Finalist
178 Pages
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Fiction - Drama
Reviewed by Anne Boling for Readers' Favorite
"The Magnificent Mary Ann” by Philip Kraske is a fascinating look at how one event that may seem minor to one person changes the course of events for another. Rarely do we know the effect our words or actions have on others. Sitting next to a young girl on a flight to Chicago Hal offered up words of wisdom. Never had anyone taken the time or energy to talk to Mary Ann. Hal had no means of knowing her circumstance or the result of his advice. Mary Ann was only eleven years old. She was a run away, escaping an abusive father and brothers. She listens intently to every word Hal utters, absorbing it all. She follows his advice and is successful. “Do what you like most. What you need isn't a lot of money or background, what you need is a dream. If you have a dream, everything else will take care of itself. Sure, there are people who dance for a living. It’s extremely difficult to get into, of course — you have to be the best. But if you train hard, and you come to rehearsal ready to work every day, you’ll make it. The pay isn't all that great, but you’ll get along.” Now at twenty it is her desire to locate the man with curly blonde hair named Hal. By coincidence, Ruth, a flight attendant, finds Hal and urges him to call Mary Ann.
I really enjoyed this tale. Philip Kraske is a talented author having created two diverse but fascinating characters. It was interesting to watch Hal and Mary Ann as they matured and changed. As soon as the author introduced Mary Ann’s family into the plot it was easy to see why she ran away from home. Ruth was a secondary character but as I read her dialog, which I thought was humorous, I was reminded of a few scatter brained people that I know. The plot moved along at a smooth pace and is not high action but tends to be more introspective. "The Magnificent Mary Ann” will encourage readers that they can succeed no matter what circumstances they have to overcome.
"The Magnificent Mary Ann” by Philip Kraske is a fascinating look at how one event that may seem minor to one person changes the course of events for another. Rarely do we know the effect our words or actions have on others. Sitting next to a young girl on a flight to Chicago Hal offered up words of wisdom. Never had anyone taken the time or energy to talk to Mary Ann. Hal had no means of knowing her circumstance or the result of his advice. Mary Ann was only eleven years old. She was a run away, escaping an abusive father and brothers. She listens intently to every word Hal utters, absorbing it all. She follows his advice and is successful. “Do what you like most. What you need isn't a lot of money or background, what you need is a dream. If you have a dream, everything else will take care of itself. Sure, there are people who dance for a living. It’s extremely difficult to get into, of course — you have to be the best. But if you train hard, and you come to rehearsal ready to work every day, you’ll make it. The pay isn't all that great, but you’ll get along.” Now at twenty it is her desire to locate the man with curly blonde hair named Hal. By coincidence, Ruth, a flight attendant, finds Hal and urges him to call Mary Ann.
I really enjoyed this tale. Philip Kraske is a talented author having created two diverse but fascinating characters. It was interesting to watch Hal and Mary Ann as they matured and changed. As soon as the author introduced Mary Ann’s family into the plot it was easy to see why she ran away from home. Ruth was a secondary character but as I read her dialog, which I thought was humorous, I was reminded of a few scatter brained people that I know. The plot moved along at a smooth pace and is not high action but tends to be more introspective. "The Magnificent Mary Ann” will encourage readers that they can succeed no matter what circumstances they have to overcome.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/letters-from-the-dead&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51ictHp8c8L._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Letters from the Dead" opens in a nursing home where Mary Jane MacIntyre is reminiscing about her sister and gazing at the picture of herself, her sister and a young man at the beach many years before. George R. Hopkins's book is not just Mary Jane's story, however; this is a mystery tale with a crazed serial killer and the dedicated police office...){kind=link}
Letters from the Dead
A Mystery/Suspense Novel
George R. Hopkins
2013 Finalist
304 Pages
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Fiction - Thriller - General
Reviewed by Jack Magnus for Readers' Favorite
"Letters from the Dead" opens in a nursing home where Mary Jane MacIntyre is reminiscing about her sister and gazing at the picture of herself, her sister and a young man at the beach many years before. George R. Hopkins's book is not just Mary Jane's story, however; this is a mystery tale with a crazed serial killer and the dedicated police officer, Detective Thomas Cavanaugh, who must find him. This search is not solely a professional obligation as the killer has also targeted everyone Detective Cavanaugh cares about. The murders revolve around a small private school on Staten Island. One of the students, a young woman, killed herself, and a young man, also a student, was blamed for causing her death by bullying. Cavanaugh's role in blocking an indictment against the young man led to his reassignment to Staten Island, where, ironically, the murders take place.
This is an exciting mystery that offers plenty of red herrings to mystery fans as they watch Cavanaugh and his step-brother, Jack Bennis, try to find the killer. Mystery buffs will also enjoy Cavanaugh's habit of quoting Charlie Chan throughout the work. There is a lot of action and entwined plots to keep them thinking and a number of possible suspects to consider. Cavanaugh is an intriguing character, one who I'd like to see in other mystery tales as well. His step-brother, Jack Bennis, ex-soldier and current Jesuit priest, is also compelling. Their interaction throughout the work is fun to watch. I recommend this book -- it's a lot of fun.
"Letters from the Dead" opens in a nursing home where Mary Jane MacIntyre is reminiscing about her sister and gazing at the picture of herself, her sister and a young man at the beach many years before. George R. Hopkins's book is not just Mary Jane's story, however; this is a mystery tale with a crazed serial killer and the dedicated police officer, Detective Thomas Cavanaugh, who must find him. This search is not solely a professional obligation as the killer has also targeted everyone Detective Cavanaugh cares about. The murders revolve around a small private school on Staten Island. One of the students, a young woman, killed herself, and a young man, also a student, was blamed for causing her death by bullying. Cavanaugh's role in blocking an indictment against the young man led to his reassignment to Staten Island, where, ironically, the murders take place.
This is an exciting mystery that offers plenty of red herrings to mystery fans as they watch Cavanaugh and his step-brother, Jack Bennis, try to find the killer. Mystery buffs will also enjoy Cavanaugh's habit of quoting Charlie Chan throughout the work. There is a lot of action and entwined plots to keep them thinking and a number of possible suspects to consider. Cavanaugh is an intriguing character, one who I'd like to see in other mystery tales as well. His step-brother, Jack Bennis, ex-soldier and current Jesuit priest, is also compelling. Their interaction throughout the work is fun to watch. I recommend this book -- it's a lot of fun.
Recommend this book:
 and Austerlitz Moments...){kind=link}
The Life Cycles Revolution
Travel Further-Learn More
Neil Killion
2013 Silver Medal
372 Pages
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Non-Fiction - Religion/Philosophy
Reviewed by Danita Dyess for Readers' Favorite
“The Life Cycles Revolution” by Neil Killion is the kind of book that attracts spiritually attuned people, open-minded individuals, intelligentsia members or “left-field” thinkers like me. The basic premise is that your life changes in 12-year intervals and is marked by Trafalgar Moments (low points in 12-year period) and Austerlitz Moments (high points in 12-year period). Analyzing your biography through an enlightened lens will help you clarify events and predict your future. Your story has recurring, symbolic themes. It unfolds just like the narratives of Napoleon, Michelangelo, Darwin, award-winning writers, famous actors and politicians. The author proves that “The Life Cycles Revolution” is totally different: unlike numerology, astrology or any other esoteric teaching, 'Life Cycles' is not a new version of an old philosophy; it is based on biographical evidence.
“Life Cycles” is the epitome of similar but different. Previously I had studied metaphysical, spiritual and occult principles; e.g., fate, destiny, free will, karma, etc. That has made this book especially interesting to me. Killion’s work is comprised of 372 pages of detailed case studies, historical events and thought-provoking questions. He simplified abstract ideas through the use of layman’s terms, icons and the analogous train ride to Revolution Place. His background in psychology and management consulting affords him keen insight into human behavior. “The Life Cycles Revolution” is a follow-up to Killion’s first best-selling book “Life Cycles.” This book is extraordinary. Reading it has the capacity to change someone's life completely. It is highly recommended for anyone who questions the purpose of life and seeks to explore all options.
“The Life Cycles Revolution” by Neil Killion is the kind of book that attracts spiritually attuned people, open-minded individuals, intelligentsia members or “left-field” thinkers like me. The basic premise is that your life changes in 12-year intervals and is marked by Trafalgar Moments (low points in 12-year period) and Austerlitz Moments (high points in 12-year period). Analyzing your biography through an enlightened lens will help you clarify events and predict your future. Your story has recurring, symbolic themes. It unfolds just like the narratives of Napoleon, Michelangelo, Darwin, award-winning writers, famous actors and politicians. The author proves that “The Life Cycles Revolution” is totally different: unlike numerology, astrology or any other esoteric teaching, 'Life Cycles' is not a new version of an old philosophy; it is based on biographical evidence.
“Life Cycles” is the epitome of similar but different. Previously I had studied metaphysical, spiritual and occult principles; e.g., fate, destiny, free will, karma, etc. That has made this book especially interesting to me. Killion’s work is comprised of 372 pages of detailed case studies, historical events and thought-provoking questions. He simplified abstract ideas through the use of layman’s terms, icons and the analogous train ride to Revolution Place. His background in psychology and management consulting affords him keen insight into human behavior. “The Life Cycles Revolution” is a follow-up to Killion’s first best-selling book “Life Cycles.” This book is extraordinary. Reading it has the capacity to change someone's life completely. It is highly recommended for anyone who questions the purpose of life and seeks to explore all options.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/secret-of-the-crystal-dragon&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/51DjqjUwwzL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description="Secret of the Crystal Dragon" by Paula Blais Gorgas is a delightful fantasy about two worlds whose histories have been closely tied together since the beginning of man’s time on Earth. Myra Goodfellow, now twelve, has heard the stories of the Dreamkeeper and a place called Kasan where the Dragon People lived since she was very young. Of course M...){kind=link}
Secret of the Crystal Dragon
Guardians of the Blue Planet Book 1
Paula Blais Gorgas
2013 Honorable Mention
154 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Sci-Fi
Reviewed by Dianne Bylo for Readers' Favorite
"Secret of the Crystal Dragon" by Paula Blais Gorgas is a delightful fantasy about two worlds whose histories have been closely tied together since the beginning of man’s time on Earth. Myra Goodfellow, now twelve, has heard the stories of the Dreamkeeper and a place called Kasan where the Dragon People lived since she was very young. Of course Myra knew these were make-believe, that is until one day when she finds a dragon egg in the woods! With her new friend Aiden, they discover a special connection to the baby dragon and dream-travel to the world of Kasan, home of the Guardian Dragons of Earth. Myra must protect ‘Baby’ from the Red World Society, an alien group trying to take over both Kasan and Earth, while learning to put her trust in others and still find a way back home. Can she save the dragon and find its mother? Is this the beginning of some hidden destiny for Myra?
Myra’s struggles with her parents’ divorce, her sense of loss and betrayal, as well as her mannerisms and speech are very realistic for a twelve-year-old girl. In creating a world closely paralleling life on Earth, Paula Blais Gorgas has made “Secret of the Crystal Dragon” an easy to understand read for younger children, while still be entertaining for adults with vivid descriptions and constant action. I was captivated throughout and strongly recommend this book to younger readers with its positive outlook and fast-paced plot! A perfect chapter book!
"Secret of the Crystal Dragon" by Paula Blais Gorgas is a delightful fantasy about two worlds whose histories have been closely tied together since the beginning of man’s time on Earth. Myra Goodfellow, now twelve, has heard the stories of the Dreamkeeper and a place called Kasan where the Dragon People lived since she was very young. Of course Myra knew these were make-believe, that is until one day when she finds a dragon egg in the woods! With her new friend Aiden, they discover a special connection to the baby dragon and dream-travel to the world of Kasan, home of the Guardian Dragons of Earth. Myra must protect ‘Baby’ from the Red World Society, an alien group trying to take over both Kasan and Earth, while learning to put her trust in others and still find a way back home. Can she save the dragon and find its mother? Is this the beginning of some hidden destiny for Myra?
Myra’s struggles with her parents’ divorce, her sense of loss and betrayal, as well as her mannerisms and speech are very realistic for a twelve-year-old girl. In creating a world closely paralleling life on Earth, Paula Blais Gorgas has made “Secret of the Crystal Dragon” an easy to understand read for younger children, while still be entertaining for adults with vivid descriptions and constant action. I was captivated throughout and strongly recommend this book to younger readers with its positive outlook and fast-paced plot! A perfect chapter book!
Recommend this book:
Tracks in the Snow
Sandra H. Esch
2013 Honorable Mention
310 Pages
Check current price
Christian - Historical Fiction
Reviewed by Kristie Ingerto for Readers' Favorite
“Tracks in the Snow,” a novel written by Sandra H. Esch, is an inspirational novel that will have you laughing, crying and immersed in the characters’ lives immediately. Jo is living a storybook life with her husband and daughter even though they are living during wartime. All of this changes when Jo’s husband is killed, not because of the war he is planning to fight in, but because of a snowstorm. Jo tries her best to give her daughter a happy life, but it appears as if things cannot go right. Tryg, whom Jo blames for her husband’s death, is being successful with setting up his practice and Jo cannot even seem to protect her daughter from run-ins with Big Ole or give her daughter a Christmas gift. You will be transported to Minnesota for a Christmas that you will never forget as love, forgiveness and hope abound.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters as well as the setting which was brought to life for me while reading. Big Ole is my favorite character is this book; he grew and changed so much in this story and although he is grumpy, there is kindness and hurting underneath, which is eventually brought out. I also liked the pace of the story as it was not rushed. It takes time for people to work through their grief and feelings in order to find forgiveness and peace and Jo is the perfect example of this and it made the book realistic instead of just rushing through and giving a “happily ever after.” Upon finishing this novel, you will have a smile on your face, feel content about how the story ends and will be ready to read more by this author.
“Tracks in the Snow,” a novel written by Sandra H. Esch, is an inspirational novel that will have you laughing, crying and immersed in the characters’ lives immediately. Jo is living a storybook life with her husband and daughter even though they are living during wartime. All of this changes when Jo’s husband is killed, not because of the war he is planning to fight in, but because of a snowstorm. Jo tries her best to give her daughter a happy life, but it appears as if things cannot go right. Tryg, whom Jo blames for her husband’s death, is being successful with setting up his practice and Jo cannot even seem to protect her daughter from run-ins with Big Ole or give her daughter a Christmas gift. You will be transported to Minnesota for a Christmas that you will never forget as love, forgiveness and hope abound.
I really enjoyed this story and the characters as well as the setting which was brought to life for me while reading. Big Ole is my favorite character is this book; he grew and changed so much in this story and although he is grumpy, there is kindness and hurting underneath, which is eventually brought out. I also liked the pace of the story as it was not rushed. It takes time for people to work through their grief and feelings in order to find forgiveness and peace and Jo is the perfect example of this and it made the book realistic instead of just rushing through and giving a “happily ever after.” Upon finishing this novel, you will have a smile on your face, feel content about how the story ends and will be ready to read more by this author.
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