Always A Witch, by Carolyn MacCullough (Witch #2)

From Goodreads: The adventures of Tam and Gabriel continue with more time travel, Talents, spy work, and of course, the evil Knights.

Since the gripping conclusion of Once A Witch, Tamsin Greene has been haunted by her grandmother’s prophecy that she will soon be forced to make a crucial decision—one so terrible that it could harm her family forever. When she discovers that her enemy, Alistair Knight, went back in time to Victorian-era New York in order to destroy her family, Tamsin is forced to follow him into the past. Stranded all alone in the nineteenth century, Tamsin soon finds herself disguised as a lady’s maid in the terrifying mansion of the evil Knight family, avoiding the watchful eye of the vicious matron, La Spider, and fending off the advances of Liam Knight. As time runs out, both families square off in a thrilling display of magic. And to her horror, Tamsin finally understands the nature of her fateful choice.
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WOW, just wow!  This is a wonderful read!  I received a copy of this novel from Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, via Netgalley, and though excited, was afraid that I would be a tad bit lost as I hadn’t yet read the prequel, Once a Witch.  Luckily, this is not the case at all.  Always a Witch is more than capable of standing on its own, and while reading the prequel always helps, I found that Always a Witch gives the reader all the background knowledge he/she needs to understand the sequel fully.  Now, of course some tidbits of information from the first novel were touched upon, giving away some small portions of Once a Witch, so if you don’t want any spoilers, I highly suggest reading the books in order.  But, if you’re like me and occasionally read books out of order, then rest assured that reading Always a Witch first won’t ruin Once a Witch.

MacCullough is a truly gifted writer, creating a beautiful tale of selflessness in which Tamsin must choose to do the right thing.  With the many twists and turns within the novel, I was pleasantly surprised and enamored as I read, making it impossible to put the book aside until I finished it all, in one sitting.  That being said, I’m dying to get my hands on Once a Witch!  I am in love with both Tamsin and Gabriel and cannot get enough of them—and it is my understanding that Gabriel takes up a good chunk of Once a Witch, while he shows up a lot less in Always a Witch.  They are such a great match, and Gabriel makes me swoon a bit, so it only makes sense that I backtrack and read the original book that starts it all.  I am excited to get the background to their story, and find out more about Tamsin’s family and their Talents as it’s such an intriguing tale.  I highly recommend this book!  Five stars.

ARC Review: Misfit, by Jon Skovron

From Goodreads: Jael Thompson has never really fit in. She’s changed schools too many times to count. The only family she’s ever known is her father, a bitter ex-priest who never lets her date and insists she attend the strictest Catholic school in Seattle. And her mother—well, she was a five thousand year old demon. That doesn’t exactly help.

But on her sixteenth birthday, her father gives her a present that brings about some unexpected changes. Some of the changes, like strange and wonderful powers and the cute skater boy with a knack for science, are awesome. But others, like the homicidal demon seeking revenge on her family? Not so much.

Steeped in mythology, this is an epic tale of a heroine who balances old world with new, science with magic, and the terrifying depths of the underworld with the ordinary halls of high school.

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I picked up this novel with trepidation as there are already many mixed reviews out concerning Misfit, and I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this novel or not.  I was pleasantly surprised to find that this novel is actually very well written, with just enough characterization, background knowledge, action, and romance for it to be a perfect piece for a lazy afternoon. 

Skovron does a wonderful job blending past and present in his novel as Jael begins to understand what it means to be a half-breed, part demon, part mortal.  The first time the story jumped into the past, I was a little taken aback as I wasn’t ready for it, but Skovron easily transitions between the two stories and it was really interesting to learn about Jael’s parents prior to her birth.  Skovron’s use of both Bible stories and Greek mythology was also a nice touch as I haven’t read a novel that combines the two ideas together before, and it made for a very interesting read. 

While I do prefer a first person narrative, I did come to enjoy the third person narrative as it gave me access to knowledge and ideas that the first person narrative does not.  Overall, I think this was a good read and I suggest those interested in stories about the underworld read it.  Three and a half stars.

ABRAMS books has been extremely gracious to allow me to read and ARC of this novel, via Netgalley, prior to its release on August 1st, 2011.

Seranfyll, by Christina Daley

From Goodreads: For the first time in her life, Rain has a choice to make. The thirteen-year-old slave girl lives in the country of Yoan, where slaves aren’t allowed proper names, let alone anything else. After being sold by a gambler and bought by a thief, she’s freed by an eccentric young noble, about whom many rumors abound. Some say his manor is haunted, his horse can fly, and that he’s actually a devil.

Now that she’s free, Rain must decide what she will do with that new freedom. Her choices will lead her to new friends and many adventures, none of which she could have possibly expected.

Fans of Harry Potter and Howl’s Moving Castle will enjoy this magical tale about choices, consequences, and what it really means to be free.

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I really enjoyed this novel.  Daley has done a magnificent job creating an endearing novel with an important underlying message against all forms of slavery.  While I would classify this novel as a MG/YA novel, it is great for all ages.  The action is non-stop, with much suspense and mystery as Rain and her newfound “family,” Seranfyll and Coal, embark on many adventures that cause them to grow as individuals, while also presenting the reader with multiple life lessons.

Perhaps the most remarkable portion of this novel is actually in the author’s note, in which Daley states that, while Rain is “exceptionally fortunate… [the] stories of many slaves are not so happy.  Slavery and human trafficking are real symptoms of the greed and indifference that plague our world today.  It happens all over, from Asia to Africa, India to North America, Australia to Europe.  No nation is immune.”  This statement is jarring, but true.  While slavery might not be in the same form as it was 200 years ago, different forms of it still exist all across the world, and I commend Daley for writing a novel that deals with this subject, causing the reader to stop and think about this story on a much deeper level.

Daley has created a wonderful novel that draws the reader in, causing him/her to feel, through laughter and tears, right alongside of the characters.  I was surprised by how much of a connection I felt with the main characters as the story unfolded—Daley’s ability to create in-depth, real characters is a testament to her sheer writing capabilities and I am hoping for a sequel to this fun, meaningful novel.  Four stars. 

Political Icons and Events–Forerunner to Future Events in Dreams Unleashed, by Linda Hawley (A Guest Post)

While reading Dreams Unleashed, by Linda Hawley, I was intrigued by the references to current political leaders and events that the dystopian novel utilized.   Hawley has been gracious enough to guest blog with us today to explain her reasoning, so, without further ado, I give you Ms. Hawley:

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I’m honored to guest blog today; I was asked to speak to my choices in using current political icons and events as a forerunner to future events in Dreams Unleashed. 

As a reader of dystopian novels, I always wonder how things got to the condition they are in (in the future), so as a writer I wanted to ground my story and explain to readers how things got so bad in the year 2015.  Because of the chaos in America and globally in the past several years, it seemed natural to take those events and use them in my fictional trilogy.  For example, I’ve used the financial crisis (bailing out the banks and having people’s retirement accounts go bust) as a springboard for future calamities that Ann (the protagonist) has experienced.  Using current events grounds the reader, even though they’re reading about the future.  I made sure when writing Dreams Unleashed, that there was balance between the characters and current events, so that readers weren’t overwhelmed.

When I first started writing Dreams Unleashed, I wasn’t writing the novel in first person.  Then, when I reached about one-third of the way, I realized that I needed to switch to first person, so that I could bring Ann’s passion about current events to the reader.  That brought power and passion to the story that wasn’t there before.  Think about it—Ann is a member of a subversive government organization that will charge her for treason if they learn she’s a member.  She believes so much in the cause that she risks her life and liberty. 

Besides current events, I took technologies that are already in use today, and projected the use of those technologies for the future.  I did a great deal of research to ensure I got it right, and what I learned rocked me to the core.  The truth is that almost every industrialized nation is either currently tracking, or has plans to track humans through RFID.  When I learned this, I could see that I had found a framework for Ann’s fight against the government.  It’s a chilling reality for our future.  In the next two books, more future technology will be revealed.

With all this control the government has through RFID and other technologies, I also wanted to show another side of technology in the future.  So I created Sinéad, the computer with the Irish accent.  I thought Sinéad brought balance to the other uses for technology.  Sneak Peak:  There is an event with Sinéad coming, that will show you how heroric she really is.

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Thank you so much Linda!  I absolutley LOVED Dreams Unleashed, and your reasoning behind the use of political icons and events is fascinating (and a tad bit scary!) 

To read my review of Dreams Unleashed click HERE.

The eBook version of Dreams Unleashed is available for purchase NOW for $2.99 (for all eBook readers) at:

Smashwords:  http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/61373

Amazon:  http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051VDGJK

Barnes & Noble:  http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/dreams-unleashed-linda-hawley/1031408704?ean=2940012935533&itm=1&usri=dreams%2bunleashed

You can read a free sample of Dreams Unleashed at Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0051VDGJK

The print version of Dreams Unleashed will be published the week of June 20^th.

Linda’s website is:  http://lindahawley.com/

Linda’s blog is:  http://lindahawley.com/b2e/blog5.php

Dreams Unleashed, by Linda Hawley

From Goodreads: It’s the near-future year of 2015, where technology governs life.  In this dystopian world, governments control their citizens by tracking them with RFID.  The right to personal privacy does not exist.  The heroine, Ann Torgeson, having been trained by the CIA as a paranormal spy at nineteen years old, has enhanced abilities.  Twenty-five years later, she lives a double life:  first, as a technical writer for a tidal energy company in the Pacific Northwest, and second, as a member of the worldwide anti-government subversive organization, called GOG.  When Ann’s vivid dreams turn real, she questions whether the doorway between her subconscious and reality has been permanently altered.  When she starts to dig into her past, her present begins to unravel, leading the reader through events that twist and turn everything upside down.  Question everything you know is essential in this trilogy.
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This is a really cool novel.  It’s well written, complex, interesting, funny, scary—this novel has it all!  Hawley has written a wonderful debut novel depicting the not so distant future with a “Big Brother is watching you” mentality.  The government’s involvement in individual lives is scary and, though the book is fictitious, the references to real/current political issues and people aides in making the novel that much scarier for the reader.  I was actually very impressed by Hawley’s ability to add both real and embellished events to her novel, and I was a little thrown off the first time Obama’s name was mentioned—Hawley’s use of real people and events brings the reader out of the land of fiction and strikes fear in their hearts, making them begin to question where our world is heading.  I think this was ingenious and really enjoyed this aspect of the novel.

In fact, I enjoyed all aspects of this novel.  The beginning drew me in very quickly as Ann is running from the FBI, and I was wrapped into the story in moments.  I will admit that, in the beginning, I struggled with separating Ann’s reality with her dream world, but as Hawley explains Ann’s life to the reader, it becomes obvious when Ann is dreaming and when she is not.  These lines will again begin to blur later on in the novel as Ann’s CIA training comes to the forefront but, by that time, the meshing of the dream world versus reality was extremely easy to follow.

In the beginning I was confused by the chapter titles, as they tend to jump around a lot—2015, 2011, etc., but I quickly learned that this backtracking was essential to the story.  Although everything is currently taking place in 2015, Hawley takes the reader back to 2011 and even the early 1990s in order to paint the background from Ann’s life in the “here and now,” which I really enjoyed once I figured that out (I’m a little slow…).

This novel is the first in the trilogy and I absolutely cannot wait to read the rest of the novels—it is that good!  The paranormal aspect of the story was unexpected, but I found myself enamored by Ann’s ability and routing for her along the way.  Four stars!

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Dream Crystal, by Mark O’Bannon

From Goodreads: All of the world’s dreams are about to die. The Shadow People have come. Always near, they linger in the darkness, ready to devour dreams, hopes, aspirations and desires. . .

Aisling, having lost her dream of becoming a fashion designer, learns that she’s a Faerie changeling. Disquieted by the fact that her faerie parents are kidnappers, she has decided to rescue the human child she was exchanged for, but her “sister” is no longer among the faeries, having been taken by the Shadow People. Ith, the Lord of Shadows, is trying to control the dreams of mankind, which are under the protection of the faeries, so they’re at war.

Aisling, who doesn’t believe in dreams any longer, is falling in love with a handsome, mysterious stranger – one of the Shadow People.

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This is a very well written, descriptive novel.  O’Bannon is a very talented writer, and it’s the first novel I’ve read depicting faeries in their own realm, complete with wings.  Yet, while the story has a very interesting premise, I must admit that it just wasn’t for me.  The pacing in the novel was sporadic, with huge fight scenes materializing almost instantly, and then long slower scenes depicting fashion or dialogue that didn’t seem central to the plotline.  While I liked the story idea and the characters, I did struggle with the quick succession of events; it seems that the novel jumps around a lot, and I’m a reader that needs chapters to break apart different events in order to keep them all in order in my mind.  That being said, I do think those interested in fairies will enjoy this novel—there is love, betrayal, war, etc.; it just personally wasn’t my forte.  One and a half stars.

I received this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

The Silent Box, by D.R. Rux

From Goodreads: Two years ago, archaeologists Frank and Beverly made the discovery of their lives.

Today Frank’s old partner and one of their digging assistants, Romerro, hold up Frank at gunpoint for the new secure location of Pandora’s Box that only he knows. However, Bev and Romerro are merely the puppets whose strings are pulled by a sinister puppeteer.

The granddaughter of Bev’s old Anthropology professor holds the key to opening the box, which could cause then end of humankind. The only question left to know is, will Frank keep the box from the only one who can open it, or will he fall and leave the world in Pandora’s hands?

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I thought this novel’s intertwining of the Adam and Eve story with Greek Mythology was really interesting.  I’ve read many novels that deal with Creation, and many novels that deal with Greek Mythology, but I’ve never read one that brings them together, and Rux does a wonderful job creating suspense and anticipation as the novelette unfolds.  The very beginning draws the reader in as they’re dropped into the middle of a “stick-up,” in which Frank and his family are being terrorized by unknown gunman.  From there it’s a rollercoaster ride all the way to the end, which, though it leaves the reader hanging, has set itself up for an interesting sequel, one that I hope will be longer as Dux has whet my appetite for this story through this well written novelette.  Three stars. 

Review of Tower of Parlen Min by Matt Xell

From Goodreads: Ves Asirin wins a trip to the Tower of Parlen Min. There, with 19 other children, he competes in the Sword Challenge; a series of puzzles and tasks, for $12 million. As fantastic and glorious as the tower seems to be, Ves finds that it keeps a dark and secret history that he has been connected to for over 150 years, a secret that will define his destiny … if he can escape ‘The shadow.’

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This novel is a rollercoaster ride of suspense and mystery, complete with nonstop action and a conclusion that will leave you reeling.  Needless to say, this is a great novel for all ages!  It has a very interesting premise and the prologue had me hooked within moments. Although the writing style of the prologue is a little different, reading more as an informative narrative than an actual story, it gives the reader a much-needed rundown of Ves Asirin and his life leading up to the opening of the novel.  The writing style then switches to a third person narrative, from the first chapter through the remainder of the novel, and is very well written.    

Ves, the protagonist of the story, suffers from memory loss.  Every ten to fifteen hours, he loses his memories, and if he hasn’t written his memories into his special book, those memories are gone forever.  This intriguing disability, along with a “haunted” tower, a series of gruesome murders, and a sword challenge worth 12 million dollars creates a spellbinding coming-of-age tale as Ves and his friends battle not only to win the challenge, but also to survive with their lives.

Xell is a natural storyteller, creating a unique world in which Ves and his friends thrive.  I was reminded of Tolkien while I read, Xell having the same creativity throughout this fantasy world and names for people and places, just like Tolkien and Middle Earth.  I am always extremely impressed by authors capable of creating entire worlds, complete with new species and exotic names that flow perfectly within the story.  Though the novel is quite long, each piece is important to the story, building upon itself to come to the conclusion.  The action was nonstop, and though I would have liked some down time between events, I was intrigued and glued to the pages.  Xell layers on the suspense and at times my thoughts were running in many different directions trying to piece together the truth.  I was shocked by the ending and am in much anticipation for the next novel in the series.  Three and a half stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Avatar: The Last Airbender: The Lost Adventures

From Goodreads: One of America’s hottest shows returns! For three years, millions of eager fans tuned in each week to watch Nickelodeon’s hit animated series, Avatar: The Last Airbender. Ever since, fans have been hungry for more – and now their wait is finally over!

This volume collects the long-out-of-print, fan-favorite comics previously published in Nickelodeon Magazine and with the Airbender DVDs, plus over 70 brand-new comics pages. That’s over 26 stories set in Airbender continuity, by a host of top-notch talent, many of whom worked on the original animated series itself.

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I first came across The Last Airbender cartoons in January of 2010.  I remember I was flipping channels and stopped on Nickelodeon because there was a bald kid running around manipulating the elements, and it peaked my interest.  I only planned to watch a little bit, but a few hours and episodes later, I was hooked.  Of course, I came into the re-runs of the third book, fire, so I was completely lost, but Netflix comes is very handy for a crisis like that.  And, Netflix was running them through instant play, no less, so I had instant gratification and watched the entire series in a few weeks.  Imagine my surprise, and excitement, when I found out there was a movie coming out by my favorite director, M. Night Shyamalan!  Of course, I HAD to go see it, and I tried to buy up all the comics, but Barnes and Nobel was all out, so reading the comics never did happen, but oh well, I saw the cartoon series and the first movie (which I did like—acting abilities aside, the effects made it worth it, in my opinion), and I was in heaven. 

The other day I came across The Last Airbender: The Lost Adventures on Netgalley, via Dark Horse Comics, and instantly requested it because, though I’m not really a comic book person, I had originally wanted the comics for the series, and this comic book has bonus materials!  Of course, I highly enjoyed it; the adventures are funny/interesting and gave me a new perspective, making me want to watch the entire series/movie all over again (and I probably will soon).  I really did enjoy this comic book, and recommend it to all fans of The Last Airbender, but be forewarned, if you haven’t seen/read the series in its entirety, some of this comic book won’t make sense, since it jumps around from place to place, adventure to adventure.  Three stars.    

WANTED: HERO Prelude to a Hero, by Jamie Buckley

From Goodreads: Wendell is a young man who learns what his potential is while on a strange, enchanted world with a funny old wizard and ugly troll to mentor and guide him. Prelude to a Hero, the debut book about how Wendell came to be the one expected to save an entire world… by accident.

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I really liked this novel.  The writing, the characterization, the plot… it was all very well done, and it was funny too!  Wendell is a really likable character and I loved his wit throughout the novel.  I found myself snorting in laughter as I read, especially as Wendell interjects his thoughts and feelings about being the long lost hero that an “alien” world has been waiting for.  I see a little of myself in Wendell, and so I can’t help but like him—and I think he will appeal to readers of all ages, especially MG and YA, as he tells it like he sees it.

Buckley is a fantastic writer, keeping the reader entertained throughout the book.  I must say that I was very impressed with the writing style of the novel and, as Prelude to a Hero sets the background for the rest of the series, I believe the series is going to be exceptionally good.  The story is packed with lots of action and there was never a dull moment, keeping me glued to the pages until the conclusion, which I must say left me hanging.  I usually can’t stand to be left in the dark, but Buckley has been diligently working on the series and the next novel should be releasing soon, so hopefully I won’t have to wait long to find out what happens next for Wendell.  I highly recommend reading this novel!  Four stars!

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.

Announcing the Winners of Sleight, by Jenn Sommersby

The contest for Sleight has just concluded, and I’m excited to say that our three winners have been chosen using Random.org.

 

And the winners are…

EBook:  Amanda

Print Books:  1. Savanna Ucinski  2. Tee 

 

 

Emails and tweets have been sent out to the winners. If I don’t hear from them within 48 hours, I will select new winners using Random.org. Thanks to everyone who participated, and congratulations to the winners… but don’t despair if you didn’t win this round!

Enter to win my other great giveaways:

 

 

 

 

 

Recently Released Giveaway Goodness #2 July ENDS 7/31 (International)

 

 

 

TWO winners will win their choice of ONE of these AWESOME novels!

 

Hate List, by Jennifer Brown

From Goodreads: Five months ago, Valerie Leftman’s boyfriend, Nick, opened fire on their school cafeteria. Shot trying to stop him, Valerie inadvertently saved the life of a classmate, but was implicated in the shootings because of the list she helped create. A list of people and things she and Nick hated. The list he used to pick his targets.

Now, after a summer of seclusion, Val is forced to confront her guilt as she returns to school to complete her senior year. Haunted by the memory of the boyfriend she still loves and navigating rocky relationships with her family, former friends and the girl whose life she saved, Val must come to grips with the tragedy that took place and her role in it, in order to make amends and move on with her life.

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This novel is chillingly real.  The way teens treat each other, the way people attempt to heal after a huge tragedy, the inability of people to forgive… all haunting.  The novel made me livid and sad at the same time.  I cried the last quarter of the book, nonstop; it was breathtaking and beautifully written.  It took me a long time to read this novel, which is unusual since I normally read books in one sitting, but this novel rubbed me raw, and I had to read it in installments.  Hate List is a wonderful novel, don’t get me wrong, but it was so vivid and tragic that I needed to read it in small doses.

Brown is a beautiful writer and her story is set up in four parts, combining news articles with segments entailing the morning of versus segments of the present, weaving together this intricate story.  I really enjoyed this writing technique as it added suspense to the novel.  Just as vital information is revealed, the story fast forwards to the present, or rewinds to the past.  I enjoy novels like this because I think it makes the tension palpable.  The fact that the reader doesn’t know Valerie’s exact role in the shooting in the beginning of the novel also helps add to the suspense, and I spent a lot of the novel going back and forth between the guilty and not guilty verdict, just like Valerie’s family and friends. 

Hate List is a very powerful novel, and I enjoyed Valerie’s character very much.  Watching her grow, mature, and ultimately learn to live with herself was fascinating.  Though this novel’s story surrounds a school shooting, it is actually a depiction of Valerie coming to terms with her life and learning that forgiving doesn’t mean you have to forget.  I really enjoyed this novel and highly recommend it to all readers.  Five stars.

An Apple For Zoe: The Forsaken, by Thomas Amo (The Forsaken #1)

From Goodreads: Some Murders Shouldn’t Be Investigated.  The City of San Francisco is locked in a grip of fear. A series of occult murders has led, Inspector Thomas James, to a crime scene similar to a murder committed 90 years ago in the once grand Aleris Hotel. A place where power barons of the early 20th Century engaged in witchcraft. And silent film stars indulged in the most wicked of sins.  A place where no one questions the black smoke that rises from the hotel’s incinerators in the middle of the night.

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I liked this novel a lot, though I need to admit that I was confused for a bit of it.  Now, I was confused.  But, I looked at review, after review, after review, on Goodreads, just to check, and no one else seems to be confused.  So, this tells me something: I am weird.  Yep.  I am.  Remember that my reviews are a personal reflection of my reading capabilities, and I think I may have missed a vital sentence here or there, because, while I really did like the novel, I was confused on occasion, such as the devil and legion coming out into the mystery story.  I guess I wasn’t expecting that and it threw me for a loop, and somewhere around there I must have missed something.  But, that being said, you have to remember that this review is my personal take on the novel and just because I was confused doesn’t mean you will be too, and it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t pick up this novel, because you should!  I didn’t start to get confused until halfway through the book.  The beginning and first 150 pages had me captivated and completely enthralled with the story.  Murders and suspense were everywhere, and I really enjoyed it.  Then the devil came into play and I became confused, as I’ve already stated, and then the novel went back to being really good again!  More murders, suspense, and creepiness ensued, brining into play highly publicized murderers, such as Charles Manson, and it was really interesting. 

And the writing—I can’t forget the writing!  Amo is a very talented writer with a highly active imagination, and I loved reading his prose!  His gift for writing is apparent within the first chapter of the novel, and I really enjoyed this aspect of the story as well.   There were a lot of characters in the novel, and at times it was difficult for me to follow along with all of them (again, personal issue), but overall I liked it and cannot wait for the sequel, especially since Amo leaves the reader hanging with a conclusion that will have you dying for the sequel.  Three and a half stars.

ARC Review: Treasures at the Museum, by Deborra Richardson

From Goodreads: Aunt Imani comes to take Robbie and his sister, Brittany, to visit a museum and its Archives Center. Robbie doesn’t want to go. He thinks it will be boring. Then Aunt Imani shows him how he already created his own archives by hiding his treasures in his tree house. Now both Robbie and Brittany are excited! They even get to bring along some family photos and other treasures. They learn more about their family history and American history as they travel downtown. At the museum, Robbie and Brittany discover a lot of fun exhibits on their own. But, they feel really special when they take a behind-the-scenes tour of the Archives Center with Maxi, Aunt Imani’s friend. Maxi helps them preserve their treasures just like she does it at the museum. Robbie and Brittany learn that they are making history every day.

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The Elevator Group has been extremely gracious as to allow me to read an ARC of this easy reader chapter book, via Netgalley, prior to its release come September 2011.  This chapter book is for children in grades K-4 and presents young learners with vital information in regards to creating and preserving history.  This easy reader not only show students the exciting exhibits they can view in museums, but also how they too can create and preserve their own history.  The story portion of the easy reader, along with the pictures, make this a sure hit with K-4 learners as its interesting and something with which these young learners will easily identify.

I really liked the suggested activities in the back of the book as they cause the young learners to think and participate in creating their own box to preserve their history.  There are a lot of great questions that will force the reader to actively think and respond, and I believe a lot of young learners will enjoy the activities, which can be done both in and out of a classroom.  If you have young children at home, I recommend picking up a few copies of this easy reader and working through it with them.  They will not only have fun, but also learn valuable lessons about history and museums (and probably beg to go visit a museum nearby).

 

Richardson reads her easy reader chapter book to third graders (above)

 

Students use the activites in the chapter book to create their own achivist tool kits (above).

Exiled, by M.R. Merrick

From Goodreads:  Chase Williams is a demon hunter in the Circle, or at least he was supposed to be. Failing to develop any elemental magic on his fifteenth birthday left him exiled in a world full of half-demons, and no hunters to protect him.

When Chase discovers the Circle’s plan to unlock a portal and unleash pure-blood demons into the world, he vows to stop them. Knowing he can’t do it alone however, he accepts help from Rayna, a sexy witch with an attitude and a secret.

As the pair attempt to stop the Circle, Chase realizes working with a demon is only half the battle. When they find themselves in the middle of the Circle’s plan, it leaves one of them to decide what their friendship is worth, and the other’s life depending on it.

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Merrick’s debut novel, Exiled, captives the reader through beautiful characterization and a fast paced, action packed story.  Completely original, Merrick has created a unique world beneath the surface of everyday life in which demons, hunters, vampires, goblins, and the like, thrive.  Cast out of his home within the Circle, Chase Williams must learn that not everyone is what they seem, and that he can’t believe everything he’s told.  Faced with the realization that he may have been mislead in his previous assumptions, Chase embarks on a highly dangerous quest for truth and, ultimately, to save the world.

I really enjoyed this story!  Merrick is a wonderful writer; his characters are extremely well developed and real and, by the end of the novel, I truly felt like I knew them.  I especially enjoyed Chase and his inner struggle to do what is right, and though he makes multiple mistakes in this coming-of-age novel, he continually learns and endears himself to the reader’s heart. 

The concept behind the story, including the demon hunter Circle and the underworld, was very well thought out and, of course, very well written.  Merrick had my attention from the very first page to the last, and I read the novel in one sitting; it was that good.  I enjoyed that, while I had inklings of what was to come, Merrick kept me guessing as I read this thrilling tale, and I cannot wait for the sequel.  I highly suggest everyone read this wonderful story!  Five stars.

I received a copy of this novel from the author in exchange for an honest review.