The Orphan King

Title: The Orphan King
Series: Merlin’s Immortals
Author: Sigmund Brouwer
Publisher: Waterbrook Multnomah
Published: July 10, 2012
Pages: 220
——————————

Thomas’s life has changed forever with a few words from his dying nanny, who turns out to be his mother trying to protect him. Raised behind monastery walls has soured him to God and all his clergy and now he must leave all he’s ever known to go on a mission that seems too impossible to accomplish. Armed with wisdom of potions and optical illusions along with a former Templar knight, a deaf and mute girl, and a pickpocket, Thomas’s plan to take the most secure city in the country seems like suicide, but he’s got a destiny to fulfill.

The longer Thomas journeys with his misfit crew, the more he learns and the more he starts to see that everyone isn’t always who they say they are. He keeps wondering who this knight is and why his speech hints at something more than just a simple knight. He also questions who this pretty silent girl is among them and whether she’s following them because she has no choice or because she was sent there. All Thomas can do is finish his mission and hope that no one is trying to stop him.

As Thomas travels, he meets characters both friendly and unsavory alike and he learns lessons from each encounter. But the farther he gets the more he realizes that he doesn’t hardly anything. His mother hinted at a group he can only guess at and little does he know that there is a whole war being waged around him between at least two different groups that mortal beings can never know about. The war of good against evil wages and Thomas is somehow stuck in the middle.

Who is good and who is evil and what do they want with Thomas? Will Thomas be able to take the city that kicked his parents out when he was just a baby or will the city be too impenetrable to conquer? Will Thomas be taken in by the evil who and whatever it may be or will he stick to what he knows is right? Will Thomas be betrayed by those around him or will they be loyal to him? Will Thomas figure out who’s lying to him before it’s too late or will they suck him in before his plan is executed?
———————————

Like most of the books that I pick, I picked this book solely by cover and title. I expected something completely different. I expected something more fantasy-like and what I got was medieval England and it was a pleasant surprise. This book was kind of a mixture of a Christian Harry Potter feel mixed with action and it was perfect for teen boys or, if they’re like me, teen girls. I think this book is a healthy alternative to Harry Potter or Percy Jackson novels.

This story is very vague and kind of keeps you on your toes. In fact you end the book not fully knowing which side is the “good” side and which side is the “bad” side. The thing that I liked about the story though, was that people weren’t good or bad based on their situation but by their actions, which is a nice lesson for teens to learn. This story is chock full of lessons and mystery. It even ends on a cliffhanger and it makes want to read the other books in the series due to the questions left unanswered at the end of the book.

There was a bit of romance in this book but I use that term loosely. It was an attraction but not too much to turn off a tween or teen boy. It was, however, enough to keep a tween or teen girl interested and enough to add another mystery aspect to the story. It was a nice little facet to this somewhat complicated storyline. I felt that it made the story as much for girls as it was for boys.

I think this series is a perfect alternative for the very popular Harry Potter, Percy Jackson, etc. books. It delves into magic and immortality but it has a moral to the story and teaches the reader some important lessons that, unfortunately, most adults don’t learn for most of their life. Also, all the magic is explained scientifically and is all using herbs and acids, so it makes sense and seems like you could make them today without magic.

I’ve never read a book by this author, but after this one, I fully intend to. This author is a great storytelling and managed to capture my heart in a measly 220 page book and that’s not easy to do. I’m now a fan of this author and I want to read more from this author past, present, and future. I don’t know if this is a good representation of this author’s work or not, but I truly enjoyed this book and want to read more from this author.

Overall, this is a great book and is a healthy Christian alternative to the popular magic books out there now. I highly recommend this book to any tween or teen boy or action loving girl. I think even some adults could love this book. I give this book a four out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy if this book from Waterbrook Multnomah in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

Mother Of Pearl

Title: Mother of Pearl
Author: Kellie Coates Gilbert
Publisher: Abingdon Press
Published: September 1, 2012
Pages: 304
———————————

Barrie Graeber has two great kids, a loving husband, and a respected job as a high school counselor in a close-knit community. Without warning, life as Barrie has known will be turned upside down when her daughter is betrayed and falls apart. Disaster strikes and now the secrets her daughter harbored don’t have any chance of being revealed. At least not by her.

Now this mother must conquer grief and try and pick up the pieces of her life. With a husband and another child to care for, she knows she can’t grieve forever, but questions how she can move on when all she wants to do is grieve the loss of part of her. Her husband doesn’t understand and her son doesn’t feel loved, but she doesn’t feel like keeping things together.

When she starts putting together the pieces of the tragedy that befell their family, she finds a horrifying secret that the beloved football coach has been harboring for years. She now must decide what to do with this shocking discovery. She needs to decide if she’ll follow her husband and mother’s advice, ignore it, or wether she’ll do what her lawyer wants her to do, fight.

Will Barrie move on from the grief that has been slammed into her world or will she fall apart as we’ll as her family? Will she fight or will she ignore the secrets she’s revealed? Will Barrie lose everything because of her grief and unwillingness to let things go or will her husband stand behind her even tough he doesn’t agree with her?
—————————–

Being a debut author I had nothing to really go on other than cover, both back and front. Sometimes you find a diamond in the rough and sometimes you find a book that needs a lot of work. Unfortunately, this book was the latter. It was a good concept but just wasn’t executed in a way that felt put together. It was a book that just felt disjointed and, at times, unbelievable.

Like I said above, this was an awesome concept it just wasn’t very fluid or fully believable. I felt that the grief element was accurate but Barrie’s husband’s reaction to her grief and search for the truth about her daughter was unrealistic and actually at times down-right mean. I don’t know, I’ve never experienced the loss of a child so I don’t know if this is how people really act, it just felt off to me.

The storyline felt choppy to me as well. Certain issues that were a huge part of the storyline were resolved but not in front of the reader. I felt left out of the story and I was left lurching by the sudden changes in plot and the character’s perspective. Not to mention the book was read in first person which in this case made it extremely difficult to connect with. I felt like I had to force myself to finish this book and that’s a feeling I hate.

The faith in this book is weird too. The friend that’s a Christian in this book is like a Stepford wife and it felt like the author was trying to say that Christians live like her, which isn’t true. The family goes to church but you don’t get to see the transformation to Christ or anything. It felt like the author kind of forgot that her book had to have some faith in it and so she just added it in. It was definitely strange.

This author is brand new to writing and I hope that she improves in her writing. I don’t know if I’ll pick up another of her books for some time. I do intend to watch her though. Who knows, I might just pick up another of her books later. I think she’ll do well in her drama genre if she improves and makes her stories more fluid.

Overall, this book was the typical debut book. Nothing too extraordinary but nothing too terrible either. I recommend this for someone who wants a different story on a topic most people don’t know happens in school. I give this book a three out of five.

*I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

The Best Friend

Title: The Best Friend
Author: Melody Carlson
Series: Life at Kingston High
Publisher: Revell
Pages: 224
Released: June 1, 2012
————————-

Lishia Vance went from having friends to totally abandoned. There’s no explanation, just complete and utter social isolation. All after that new girl Chelsea cam to town. The worst part, even her best friend Janelle isn’t giving her the time of day. Lishia is now completely lost and lonely. She is baffled that she now has to find a new friend to hang out with.

When she reconnects with Riley Atkins, it seems like she may have a new best friend, but after all her ex-friends were put through by Riley she wonder if Riley is really as good of a friend as she seems. Her desperation for a friend and to possibly make the cheer squad again have her completely ignoring her conscience and her faith. Not to mention making her do things she wouldn’t normally to stay on her “best friend’s” good side.

After her antics make her in too deep to get out unscathed she has to make the hardest decision of her life. Lose her only friend and do the right thing, or continue down the path she’s on and potentially lose her soul. With Riley pushing her and pushing her she can only last so long before her conscience leads her, but she’s scared of what will happen to her if she tells.

Will she end up doing the right thing or will she be too scared to tell all? If she does tell what will Riley do, leave her alone or enact revenge? Not mention how will her friends and family feel about her if she tells? Why does high school have to be so complicated?
——————————

I’m a huge fan of Melody Carlson, have been since I started reading in the young adult genre, and again she didn’t disappoint my expectation of a realistic teen book that makes a teen think. I found this book to actually be better than the first in this series as far as making a girl think or convicting her. I loved it!

Melody Carlson is known for her incredible view into the teen brain and she does a fantastic job, even after all these years. The thing that I love most about her books is that she brings current teen interests into her books as well as spiritual learning that is subtle enough to make anyone enjoy it, but “out there” enough for someone to know what they’re learning. I also love how she give each book a theme, this one happened to be confession.

The conflict Lishia feels throughout the book is something pretty much anyone who’s gone to school ever has experienced in varying degrees. Because of that, It made the story even more realistic and believable. It makes you feel for the character and it drags you along for all the drama- not that you’re complaining. This book is added to the long line of proof that shows that this author can think just like a teen. It constantly amazes me.

Unlike a lot of her books- or at least the ones I’ve read- there’s no real romance in this one. There a small section of dating but it’s insignificant to the story and is only there for about two small chapters. It was a refreshing change to have a teen book with no real relationship between the lead and someone else. It showed a whole new side of teen dating. That it doesn’t need to happen. It was nice to see a teen book that didn’t put too much stock in it.

This book hasn’t stopped my love of Melody Carlson’s books, in fact, I think it increased it. In my mind, she’s the queen of teen fiction and, until someone can dethrone her, she’ll always be my favorite and set the bar for all other young adult novels out there. Not to mention she’s doing this to help guide girls in their faith. What’s better than that? Do guys have an author like this? If not they need one. I hope someday I can sit here and be reviewing an incredible teen fiction author for guys. If anyone knows of one, if they’re out there, please let me know. Who knows I might just get a peek at how guys think.

Overall, another incredible book from this well known teen author. I highly recommend this for any teen of high school age. I also recommend any of her young adult novels. They’re just that amazing. I give this book a four out of five.

I received this book from the publisher in exchange for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

Glamour

Title: Glamour
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Zondervan
Pages: 224
Series: On the Runway
Published: February 15, 2011
—————————

Paige and Erin are back for the fifth installment of the On the Runway series and things are just as crazy as before. Paige’s engagement to Dylan Marceau shocked the fashion world and Runway fans. Even though Paige seems to be happy, Erin can’t but wonder if the engagement is true love or just a desire for attention and publicity. As Paige’s love life takes off, Erin starts to feel pressure from Blake to become more than friends. But she doesn’t know if she’s ready.

Amidst all this, they still have their TV show and all the drama that comes with it. As they prepare for a trip to the Bahamas they realize that paradise isn’t all its cracked up to be storms of different calibers and types. Will they be able to do the right thing in a business that encourages the worst? Or will they crack and put aside their virtue for fame?
——————————

As I’ve mentioned before, Melody Carlson is by far one of my favorite, if not my favorite young adult author. She has a knack for expressing just how teens feel and act. This book is no different. She perfectly expresses how a Christian teen would feel in the spotlight trying to hold on to her values. It’s amazing how accurate her books are.

Another thing this author is great at is making her characters realistic. She makes the characters’ struggles understandable and believable. They make mistakes, they learn, the struggle. It makes her characters that much more likable. The character development isn’t a massive part of the story, just because character development was pretty much already established in the first four books of the series.

Romance is still under construction in this book, Paige has a fiancé, their mom is married now, but Erin’s relationship with Blake is still in question. I can’t help but root for that relationship I work out. The author left a question mark on that topic, hopefully it gets worked out in the next book.

One of my favorite parts of this book is the light that the author paints fashion. She basically puts that fashion isn’t wrong, even for Christians. That it’s actually a good way to share your faith and make a difference in the industry. It makes me, and those who read this, rethink any opinions that they have about fashion.

Overall, this the best installment of this series yet. I highly recommend this series for any teen or preteen girl who likes fashion. I give this book a four out of five.

*I received this complimentary copy of this book from Zondervan for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.*

First Date

Title: First Date
Author: Krista McGee
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
Pages: 336
Released: January 10, 2012
——————————

Addy Davidson just wants to get a scholarship at an Ivy League college and she doesn’t want anything to get in the way of that. The last thing she wants is to be on a reality TV show where the prize is a prom date with the President’s son. Unfortunately, that’s exactly what happens when she is chosen to be one out of a hundred girls to compete to catch the eye of Jonathan Jackson.

Now, she’s competing in a competition she never auditioned for and never would’ve. She just wants to go home and have her first date with someone she knows well. Thankfully, she finds a friend, if only the other girls were as friendly as Kara. And if only they made it easy to share her faith with them. Will she win the competition? Or will she do more important things?
———————————–

This book is a fun teen book with a good amount of cheese. It’s cheesy, however, I think that life needs a bit of cheese every now and again and as long as it isn’t a constant thing I enjoy a cheesy book every once in a while.

Though it’s a tad cheesy, the author comes up with a great reality TV idea: a mixture of America’s Got Talent, Survivor, and The Bachelor. It probably won’t become an actual TV show, but it was a fun idea that was the reason for the book’s cheesiness. It allows the reader to see just how much the girls aren’t well-rounded, unlike what the producers want. It’s a physical and mental challenge for everyone involved and not necessarily because of the challenges in the show; when you put a hundred girls in close quarters and have them fight over a good-looking guy, it’s surprising that at some point there wasn’t a hair pulling, screaming fight.

Despite the cheesy reality show, this book is actually really good. It’s a story about a girl who grows in her faith and comes out of her shell. There are things in this story that are mixed up. Some things are too hard on her and some things are way too easy on her. The other girls and host of the show are way too hard on her and sharing her faith, particularly with Christian hater, is just way too easy. However, the author makes it work well and you put down the book with a feeling that the author understood teens completely.

This author really did write a book that understood teen perfectly. She wrote a fun book that deals with the fears and insecurities of Christian teen girls. Will that push this book onto my favorite list? Probably not. It did make it onto my keeper list though. It also made me look forward to her next book, Starring Me, with Kara as the main character.

Overall, though it’s cheesy, it’s a fun read for any Christian teens and possibly preteens. I recommend it for preteens, teens, and even adults who want to learn how teens think. I give this book a three out of five.

I received this complimentary copy of this book from the Booksneeze program for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Jerk Magnet

Title: The Jerk Magnet
Author: Melody Carlson
Publisher: Revell
Series: Life at Kingston High
Pages: 224
Released: January 1, 2012
—————————–

The last thing Chelsea Martin would describe herself as was beautiful, however her soon-to-be stepmother disagrees and tries to give her a makeover. Chelsea reluctantly agrees to her future stepmother’s plan, not really expecting much. What she gets isn’t what she expects. Her future stepmother turns her into the hottest girl at school.

Now Chelsea has to deal with guys who have one thing in common: they’re jerks. Also, stealing all the attention of all the guys around doesn’t exactly put her on good terms with other girls. A great guys catches her eye but he won’t give her the time of day. All Chelsea wants is for him to notice her and not avoid her like the plague, but will she be able to do that?
———————————

I’ve said this before and I will say it before, Melody Carlson is one of my favorite teen authors and I don’t think there will be a book that she writes that I won’t like. This book didn’t change my mind. Melody Carlson made a book about self-image, a subject all teens deal with, however she took it and showed that being both a wallflower and a peacock can be lonely because of how you look.

Melody Carlson touches on stereotyping and what it feels like for the person being stereotyped, and she does it all while perfectly describing the teenage mind. Melody Carlson has a perfect grasp on teens, I don’t know how she does it, but somehow she does.

Unlike a lot of books I’ve read by her, this book is written in second person, not first. This made the book easier to follow along with and get into. I enjoyed the change in viewpoint and found it refreshing. It allowed the reader to know the thoughts and feelings of the character without having it in first person.

Another factor that’s different from the other books I’ve read by this author, there really isn’t any romance, which is kind of shocking due to the subject matter. However, I liked the fact that this book was more about repelling guys than becoming a slut over them. It’s also nice that the author made Chelsea really only change her outer appearance and her introvert tendencies, not who she was on the inside.

This author definitely is blessed in her understanding of teenagers and she writes in such a way that makes even girls who have never been close to being in the situation of the book can relate to the characters in the story. She makes them realistic and brutally honest with each other, particularly in this book.

In this book, Chelsea’s friend is extremely honest with Chelsea, even to the point of being hurtful. Chelsea herself is even brutally honest with Nicholas. Both girls even tell a whole camp how they were received as someone else. The courage and honesty in this book was incredible. I loved it.

Overall, this was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. It’s perfect for any teen girl of any age. I give this book a four and a half out of five.

I received this complimentary book from Revell for this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

An Expose on Teen Sex and Dating

85% of teens will be sexually active by the time they leave college. What are Christian parents supposed to do to make their child the exception, particularly with dating no where in the Bible? Andy Braner broaches the taboo and sometimes forbidden topic of sex and dating in teens and gives insight on how to talk to your children about it.
———————-
First off, I think it’s fair to note that I had no idea this was a book for parents when I ordered it. I thought it was a for teens on the subject. So that was a bit of a disappointment.
On the other hand, I think this is a great book for parents of preteen or teenage children, because it gets inside the minds of teens and how we think.
There are things that Andy says that I don’t agree with, however. He encourages parents to read their children’s texts, look at their computer history, and any other thing of that nature. He emphasizes that total openness with a dating teen is important and I can’t agree more, but snooping?! Another point he makes is that you pay for everything, which is true but I’m not really sure that means that you can check up on everything your child is doing.
Also, Mr. Braner’s perception of “hooking up” is innocent at best. He tells that hooking up is just a steamy make out session when in truth it is so much more. This can really mislead adults into thinking it’s something it’s not.
There are a lot of good points that he makes. Like, platonic dating leads to good social skills and prepares kids for a proper marriage; also, he also urges parents to talk to their kids about sex, not just the physical aspect, but the emotional and mental aspect as well.
Andy touches points that may be sore for some parents, but what all parents need to hear. He helps you identify what kind of parent you are when your child has a date, also he tells that if your child is around thirteen your child knows about sex; which is very true.
Overall, this book is a great book for parents to know how their kids think and how to change the perception of dating in parents’ minds, but there are aspects that he says that parents need to be careful of and take into consideration before following every word. I give it a three out of five.

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Pitch Black

Hi! My review this time is on Pitch Black by Melody Carlson
——————-
What would you do if your brother was a drug addict, your mom just ran off to marry some man almost half her age, and you just found out that your best friend committed suicide? Odds are you’d be devastated with no one to talk to. This is the life of Morgan.
It’s natural that Morgan feels lost and wonders what to do, but her and her friends start considering suicide when they believe that if Jason can’t handle life how can they? When Morgan and her friends are interrupted in they’re attempt at Tylenol overdose, Morgan goes on the hunt to find the truth of her friend’s suicide, all the while trying to determine if she wants to kill herself too.
———————
First off let me say that if you or a friend is considering please someone. It won’t make you a bad friend. For additional info about suicide and suicide prevention please go to Suicide.
I loved this author. Melody Carlson is that author that pushes the envelope and goes to that area that most shy away from. This book is no different.
A book on teen suicide is something different and particularly the mode of suicide, Tylenol overdose.
Ms. Carlson broaches the questions that all of us would ask if a friend killed themselves and answers most of them. Also she shows how many teens consider teens after a friend commits suicide.
There is one thing I didn’t care much for in this book. The main reason people use to convince people that they shouldn’t commit suicide is that it’s final, which is true but the fact that that was the only reason was a little disappointing.
This book is Christian and is obvious with Morgan’s renewed faith and her grandma’s conversion to Christ. Compared to Melody Carlson’s other books, though, this is a little light but fit extremely well.
Overall, this book was amazing and I loved it. I think it’s the perfect book for teens and is an extraordinary tale about suicide and the symptoms of it. I give it four and a half out of five.
If you think someone may be considering suicide please get help an use the resources above. Some of the symptoms of someone who may be considering suicide are: depression, change in eating or sleeping habits, drug or alcohol abuse, neglect of appearance, withdrawal from friends, boredom, loss of interest, and personality changes.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Goodbye, Hollywood Nobody

Okay, I got another book to review today.
———————–
This one’s called Goodbye, Hollywood Nobody and the title pretty much explains what the story is about. It’s the end of the Hollywood Nobody series and you’re saying goodbye to Scotty and her family and friends.
Charlie is in Scotland with her new boyfriend and Scotty and her dad are still looking for her mom. But it seems like everywhere they turn their leads dead-end, crushing their hope.
————————
Okay, before I get into this story’s review let me just say that, sadly, I haven’t read the third book, so half the characters in this installment I have no idea who they are.
I have made it clear that I love thus series and Lisa Samson’s writing style and that doesn’t change with this story. Except, some of the changes that Scotty I’d going through, though they change her in great ways, totally transform the story and I’m on the fence about the change.
Obviously, this is a Christian book and I love the faith of everyone surrounding Scotty. Even, Scotty herself is trusting God more and more even when it seems like it only end in disaster.
There is some romance. Charlie has a boyfriend and Scotty has to make a choice between two guys.
The book has a bittersweet ending that will have you smiling and crying at the same time. Overall, I’d say that Lisa Samson did a wonderful job crafting this tale but, compared to the other books in this series I’d say it’s not quite as good. I’d give it a three point five out of five.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from NavPress Publishers as part of their Blogger Review Program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Boyfriends, Burritos, and an Ocean of Trouble

Today I’m going to review Boyfriends, Burritos, and an Ocean of Trouble by Nancy Rue. This month has been hectic and passing by extremely slowly. So, I’m going to try and post two more reviews before the 23rd (my birthday). Fingers crossed.
———————-
Bryn O’Connor is in trouble. Her boyfriend Preston just crashed his friends’ car and now the bruises on he pit on her are in plain view for her father, the doctors, and police to see. She doesn’t want to tell who did it, but when they accuse her dad she tells the truth.
The last thing she wants is a long drawn out battle with her ex, but that’s exactly what her dad wants. When Mim, her grandmother, comes over to stay, she starts to take peace in surfing and this strange book that she accidentally took from the hospital. Now, even though nothing is any easier, she is getting stronger.
——————–
First off, it’s fair to say that I’m a big fan of Nancy Rue. She puts things in a point of view tweens and teens can both understand. She also has a gift for allowing you to connect and feel a likeness with each character.
The book is in first person, which in most cases, makes it difficult to get into, but in this case, I think it enhances the reading experience.
It also shows girls that have been in an abusive relationship, that you can move on and get stronger from it.
There is one bad quality in this book. The RL book. Now, this book is magical, it changes pages on its own and it tells bible stories, but it doesn’t quote actual bible verses. I think the book would have been fine if it was a normal book that quoted bible and explained it.
This story, obviously, is Christian, and it is evident throughout. The whole story revolves around the faith, or lack of.
There’s a little romance in this story. Bryn starts to like Shaun despite her problem with Preston.
Overall, love this story and I love the first in this series. I think it’s perfect for a tween or teen going through problems, someone who just doesn’t believe in Jesus, or if you just want to read a really good teen fiction. I give it four point five out of five.