Showing posts with label Fantastic Friday. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fantastic Friday. Show all posts
Friday, August 23, 2019
FANTASTIC FRIDAY: The Storm Runner by J.C. Cervantes
ABOUT THE BOOK
Zane has always enjoyed exploring the dormant volcano near his home in New Mexico, even though hiking it is challenging. He'd much rather hang out there with his dog, Rosie, than go to middle school, where kids call him Sir Limps a Lot, McGimpster, or Uno — for his one good leg. What Zane doesn't know is that the volcano is a gateway to another world and he is at the center of a powerful prophecy.
A new girl at school, Brooks, informs him that he's destined to release an evil god from the ancient Maya relic he is imprisoned in — unless she can find and remove it first. Together they return to the volcano, where all kinds of crazy happens. Brooks turns into a hawk, a demon attacks them in a cave, and Rosie gives her all while trying to protect Zane. When Zane decides to save his dog no matter the cost, he is thrust into an adventure full of surprising discoveries, dangerous secrets, and an all-out war between the gods, one of whom happens to be his father. To survive, Zane will have to become the Storm Runner. But how can he run when he can't even walk well without a cane?
Feisty heroes, tricky gods, murderous demons, and spirited giants are just some of the pleasures that await in this fresh and funny take on Maya mythology, as rich and delicious as a mug of authentic hot chocolate.
REVIEW
With Percy Jackson's story a perennial favorite in my library, I was thrilled to hear about this line of books being published under an Rick Riordan imprint. Expectations don't always get met however so I wasn't sure what to expect when I picked up The Storm Runner. I am happy to say that young fantasy lovers who adore the Percy Jackson stories (found in Rick Riordan's series Percy Jackson and the Olympians) are likely to enjoy this series as well. Just as Percy gets in a tremendous amount of trouble, so does Zane. Zane, also like Percy, doesn't know who his father is as the story opens, nor does he know that he's to play a major role in a Mayan prophecy. He just wants to get along at school, and enjoy roaming a nearby volcano with his dog, Rosie. But his limp makes both of those things difficult. When he meets a girl named Brooks, he finds out about the prophecy and his role in it which complicates his life tremendously, especially when he ends up having to make a deal with the god of death. Unfortunately, unless he finds a way to get rid of the god of death, he is doomed to a very unpleasant future. With his Uncle Hondo and Brooks along for the ride, he sets out to try to find a way to accomplish a seemingly impossible task.
Once Zane meets Brooks the story picks up. Once he meets the god of death, things speed up even more and Zane runs from one disaster to the next, hoping that somehow, he can survive, save the world, and see his mother again. He's not real thrilled to finally meet his father, who turns out to be a Mayan god who broke a sacred oath. But without his father's help, he may not survive at all. Dealing with his feelings toward his father, Brooks, and the knowledge that he's a 'godborn' threaten to derail his efforts to defeat Al Puch (the god of death). But there may be more to being a godborn than Zane realizes and just maybe, there's more to him than he ever dreamed.
I enjoyed the adventure of this story and the twists and turns that take place. Just when it seemed the story was heading in one direction, there was a twist and it took off in another direction. Middle grade readers who enjoy plot-directed stories are bound to get a kick out of this one. While there is character development as Zane tries to come to terms with who he is as well as his relationships with Brooks and his father, the dominant element here is the compelling plot. Kids who know and like Percy are bound to like snarky Zane as well.
Friday, August 2, 2019
FANTASTIC FRIDAY: A Small Zombie Problem/The Haunting of Henry Davis
ABOUT THE BOOK
In his fiction debut--and the start of a new series--celebrated illustrator K.G. Campbell brings a touch of Tim Burton to this singularly strange and wonderful story about a lonely boy whose life is about to get a whole lot more complicated when a zombie follows him home.
August DuPont has spent his whole life inside a dilapidated house with his aunt Hydrangea. His lonely existence ends abruptly with the arrival of an invitation to meet an aunt--and cousins--he didn't even know existed. When Aunt Orchid suggests that August attend school with his cousins, it's a dream come true. But August has scarcely begun to celebrate his reversal of fortune when he is confronted by a small problem on his way home. So begins an adventure filled with a wild child, a zombie, a fabled white alligator, and an unimaginable family secret.
REVIEW
I have rather mixed feelings about this book. I did immediately feel empathy for August, who as the story opens has been stuck inside his aunt's house his entire life because of a rather weird phenomenon. And yet, the characters were rather too odd for my taste, and the zombie details were rather gross (an eyeball kept getting thrown around). The story is certainly a unique one, with August eventually befriending the zombie girl following him around. It's clear though from the moment that August meets his other aunt, Aunt Orchid, that she's trying to use him to get something she wants from his home and I felt bad for him that he didn't know enough about people to see it. And his cousins aren't exactly likable. And the white alligator is just puzzling as it doesn't really play much of a role as of yet. I'm assuming that it probably will late in the series. I think what it comes down to is that this isn't really my kind of story. The description above mentions Tim Burton and I am not a fan of his work either, so maybe that explains why I didn't like this as much as I'd hoped when I picked it up. But if you know a reader who enjoys Tim Burton kinds of strange stories, they may very well like this one.
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ghosts only haunt when they've left something behind...
When Henry Davis moves into the neighborhood, Barbara Anne and her classmates at Washington Carver Elementary don't know what to make of him. He's pale, small, odd. For curious Barbara Anne, Henry's also a riddle--a boy who sits alone at recess sketching in a mysterious notebook, a boy, she soon learns, who's being haunted by a ghost named Edgar.
With the help of some new friends, this unlikely duo is off on an adventure to discover who Edgar was while alive and why he's haunting Henry now. Together, they might just help Edgar find what he needs to finally be at peace.
REVIEW
The Haunting of Henry Davis ended up going in a direction that I didn't expect. I guess I was expecting it to be scarier than it ended up being. While the book didn't end up being too scary, I did find it an interesting read. Barbara Anne as a narrator was amusing with her bossy tendencies. I enjoyed the characters, Barbara Anne, Henry, Zack, and Renee. It was also interesting to have a secondary character be the one being haunted instead of the main character (Barbara Anne in this case). But it made Barbara Anne's bossiness stand out all the more as she pushed Henry to follow her lead in trying to figure out why Edgar is haunting him. Unfortunately for all four kids, Barbara Anne's ideas were often rather disastrous. But the inclusion of the historical elements created a bit of a mystery that I found interesting. I'm not sure how interesting young readers will find it, but I enjoyed it. The pranks that Edgar kept pulling on poor Henry as well as the sickness that Henry struggled with led me to think that things were heading in a different direction than they ended up going. That was a nice surprise because I figured out a lot of things fairly early in the story (although young readers without a strong history background probably won't). However, that surprising turn at the end makes the ending less exciting than it could have been. The story, rather than being scary, turns out to focus on the ups and downs of friendship, which makes for an interesting read but not a scary one. I wasn't real comfortable with all the things that Barbara Anne did, such as using a ouija board, but the author doesn't make a big deal out of it. A fun read for students who like ghost stories that aren't so scary.
Friday, June 7, 2019
FANTASY FRIDAY: The Revenge of Magic by James Riley
ABOUT THE BOOK
When long-dead magical creatures are discovered all around the world, each buried with a book of magic, only children can unlock the dangerous power of the books in this start to a thrilling new series from the author of the New York Times bestselling Story Thieves!
Thirteen years ago, books of magic were discovered in various sites around the world alongside the bones of dragons. Only those born after “Discovery Day” have the power to use the magic.
Now, on a vacation to Washington, DC, Fort Fitzgerald’s father is lost when a giant creature bursts through the earth, attacking the city. Fort is devastated, until an opportunity for justice arrives six months later, when a man named Dr. Opps invites Fort to a government run school, the Oppenheimer School, to learn magic from those same books.
But life’s no easier at the school, where secrets abound. What does Jia, Fort’s tutor, know about the attacks? Why does Rachel, master of destructive magic, think Fort is out to destroy the school? And why is Fort seeing memories of an expelled girl every time he goes to sleep? If Fort doesn’t find out what’s hiding within the Oppenheimer School, more attacks will come, and this time, nothing will stop them!
REVIEW
Fantasy novels remain perennially popular among young readers as well as older readers. I have a special fondness for them myself. At the same time, I've read enough of them that sometimes the plot lines tend to overlap and even blend. It's always refreshing to come across a book that that is creatively different in terms of plot and characters. James Riley's new The Revenge of Magic combines flawed characters with a refreshingly different plot line. I'm more than eager to see where the story goes in the next volume.
Fort is heartbroken after his father is captured and taken underground by a giant creature. He blames himself for not being able to save him. But a voice in his head had told him to run and taken control of him, and after fighting it off the first time, he was unable to make it back to help his father. When he is offered a chance to learn magic to defend against such creatures, he leaps at the chance to attend the Oppenheimer School. But when he arrives at the campus, he's startled to realize that it's on a military base and the soldiers seem more on guard against him than ready to protect him. He quickly realizes that their are many secrets floating around, including his own presence. Learning magic turns out to be much harder than he expected and he isn't even learning the kind of magic he's interested in. When it becomes clear that there's a plot to send him away, he determines to fight to stay. When he starts experiencing the memories of a girl that no one will speak of, he's puzzled by their connection and what she has to do with the original attacks. Eventually, he realizes that he needs to find this girl or he may never get answers to his questions.
A fascinating concept and world well-developed into a compelling story of secrets, magic, and revenge. Riley's created a fascinating new magical story that middle grade readers are bound to enjoy reading.
Friday, February 22, 2019
FANTASTIC FRIDAY: The Transparency Tonic by Frank L. Cole
ABOUT THE BOOK
It has been nine months since Gordy and his friends, Max and Adilene, Saved B.R.E.W. (the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide) and the Vessel—the power source for the secret society of potion masters. Now, Gordy is starting the eighth grade, and has been trying new potion brewing techniques, but when he starts zoning out during practice, he knows something is wrong.
Gordy and his friends continue to work on their potions, but when Gordy chooses Max as his lab partner, Adilene starts to wonder if she still has a place with her old friends. She turns to a new friend, Cadence, who might know a way to help Adilene become a potion master on her own.
And in Greenland, Mezzarix has a chance to escape his Forbidden Zone—as long as he agrees to work with the mysterious Ms. Bimini and replicate an unusual solution known as “Silt.” It could be just the weapon Mezzarix needs to destroy B.R.E.W. forever.
With both B.R.E.W. and the Vessel in danger, and with the potion world in chaos, it’s up to Gordy, Max, and Adilene to rally the remaining Potion Masters before it’s too late.
REVIEW
I was eager to pick up this second volume in the Potion Masters series. I found it to be a worthy sequel. In fact, the ending left me wanting the next book immediately. After the trouble that Gordy and his family and friends confronted in the first book, I expected Gordy to be a bit more cautious about the people around him, but like many teenagers, he wasn't. Despite his families precautions in dropping him off at school and trying to protect him from his enemies, Gordy finds himself in a great deal of trouble. It starts seemingly harmlessly with trouble at school, the principal threatens to expell him if he brings potions to school, but the principal's daughter pushes him into coming to a potion party at their house. In the meantime, Gordy struggles to maintain his already existing friendships with Max and Adilene. Adilene is frustrated that she can't mix potions the way Gordy can and as a result befriends a girl as obsesses with potions as herself, but who she knows little about. While Gordy struggles to learn new potion skills, he also struggles to rein in his tendency to follow his feelings rather than actual recipes which B.R.E.W. the governing agency of potion making frowns upon. And while all this is going on, Gordy's grandfather Mezzarix has joined forces with the strange Ms. Bimini and is seeking to break B.R.E.W. once and for all. The book reads fairly quickly, but does require knowledge of previous events. The creative potions and challenges that Gordy faces make for a refreshing series full of unusual twists and turns. This series provides a lot of entertainment and some interesting themes for young fantasy lovers.
Friday, January 18, 2019
FANTASTIC FRIDAY: Sasquatch and the Muckleshoot by Joseph Bruchac
ABOUT THE BOOK
All Elliot wants is a nice, normal day at school. All Uchenna wants is an adventure. Guess whose wish comes true?
Professor Fauna whisks the kids--and Jersey, of course--off to the Muckleshoot territory in Washington, where film crews have suddenly descended en masse to expose Bigfoot to the world, and the Schmoke logging company is bringing in some awfully large machinery.
Can the Unicorn Rescue Society escape the blades of the Schmokes' chain saws? Outsmart a cable news team? And are those big, hairy creatures running through the forest really Bigfoot?
REVIEW
This third book in the Unicorn Rescue Society series is hilarious. At least I found it so. I'm not sure if I found it so funny because I was tired when reading it or if the book is just funny. In any case, I enjoyed the silliness found within. And yet it isn't all silliness, it's clear the authors tried to be thoughtful in regards to the portrayal of the Muckleshoot native people. How well they did, I couldn't say because I wasn't familiar with this group before picking up this book. But the Muckleshoot are portrayed as a people in charge of their own land who care for the land and the creatures that live on it. Elliot's ongoing fear of just about anything results in some rather amusing episodes, as does Professor Fauna's incompetence and the inclusion of Jersey, Elliot and Uchenna's Jersey Devil pet. This makes for an enjoyable read for younger middle grade readers who want something less intense than a lot of existing fantasy novels, but just as interesting.
Friday, September 28, 2018
FANTASTIC FRIDAY: Float by Laura Martin
ABOUT THE BOOK
From the critically acclaimed author of the Edge of Extinction series comes this fast-paced, action-packed, and heartfelt adventure about a group of kids with uncontrollable abilities, perfect for fans of Gordon Korman, Lisa McMann, and Dan Gutman!
Emerson can float…he just can’t do it very well.
His uncontrollable floating is his RISK factor, which means that he deals with Reoccurring Incidents of the Strange Kind. The last place Emerson wants to be is at a government-mandated summer camp for RISK kids like him, so he’s shocked when he actually starts having fun at camp—and he even makes some new friends.
But it’s not all canoeing and capture the flag at Camp Outlier. The summer of fun takes a serious turn when Emerson and his friends discover that one of their own is hiding a deadly secret that puts all of their lives in danger.
It’s up to the Red Maple boys to save themselves—and everyone like them.
REVIEW
When Emerson first arrives at Camp Outlier, he doesn't want to be there. As a RISK kid, he's been treated as an outsider his whole life, and the steel boots and vest that he has to wear don't help things any. Then he discovers that being at a camp with other kids like him, who have uncontrollable superpowers, isn't so bad, and he fits in better than he could ever have imagined. For the first time in his life, Emerson isn't spending all his time playing video games, and he has friends. But things take a dangerous turn when Emerson discovers that one of his camp mates has a dangerous secret that will change everything. And since the adults can't or won't do anything, it's up to Emerson and his new found friends to save the day.
Martin has created a thoroughly entertaining book about some rather unusual children. While the characters all have strange abilities, they are still children who want to belong, and who are tired of being treated differently. The craziness that results when they come together results in some rather amusing events. And yet the themes of friendship and adapting to differences shine through loud and clear. And mixed in with all of that are typical camping experiences involving fires, latrines, and girls. I enjoyed watching Emerson and his friends change over the summer as they become friends as well as cabin mates. In addition to the more serious themes, there is enough silliness (and yes, grossness--roping pigs anyone?) to satisfy most middle grade readers.
Friday, September 7, 2018
FANTASTIC FRIDAY: The Turnkey of Highgate Cemetery by Allison Rushby
ABOUT THE BOOK
Twelve-year-old Flossie is no ordinary ghost — she’s the caretaker of every soul in Highgate Cemetery. And during World War II, even the ghosts are unsafe.
Flossie Birdwhistle is the Turnkey at London’s Highgate Cemetery. As Turnkey, it’s Flossie’s job to ensure that all the souls buried in the cemetery stay at rest. Not an easy job for a young ghost, but a task made especially difficult by World War II: London is being attacked every night by enemy bombers, and even the dead are unsettled. When Flossie encounters the ghost of a German soldier carrying a mysterious object that seems to exist in both the living and spirit worlds, she becomes suspicious — what is the officer up to? Before long, Flossie uncovers a sinister plot that could destroy not only her cemetery, but also her beloved country. Can Flossie and her ghostly friends stop the soldier before it’s too late? History collides with the supernatural in this exciting, ethereal mystery from Allison Rushby.
REVIEW
I've read books combining ghosts and history before, but none quite like this one. I admired the way Rushby created a believable ghost world revolving around seven major cemeteries in and around London while also connecting that world to the historical events of World War II London. Flossie is the turnkey of Highgate Cemetery. That means she's in charge of keeping the interred happy in their internment. While she's still learning about how to help her charges, she finds satisfaction and contentment in her job. At least until she runs into the spirit of a Nazi officer running around London during the Blitz. He doesn't behave like any run-of-the-mill ghost she's ever met. Her curiosity leads her to visit other cemeteries looking for help spotting the man again. When he does reappear it's in a place he shouldn't be and it's clear that he poses a threat to both spirit and living worlds. With the help of friends and acquaintances, Flossie seeks to find out what the Nazi officer is up to while still fulfilling her duties, but it proves to be harder than she expected. The story is a fascinating one, providing enough details to help the reader envision what's going on while still moving the story along briskly. An enjoyable read perfect for young readers who want something a little different in their ghost story while not being scared out of their wits.
Friday, August 17, 2018
FANTASTIC FRIDAY: Snared--Escape to the Above by Adam Jay Epstein
ABOUT THE BOOK
Chopping blades, scorpion nests, giant spiderwebs—no one makes traps better than Wily Snare.
He has never seen the sun, or blue sky, or even his parents. Wily Snare lives underground, creating traps to keep treasure-seekers away from the gold in an ancient wizard’s dungeon. He spends his days mopping up giant slug slime, avoiding poison darts, and herding undead skeletons. It’s all he knows.
Until an unusual band of adventurers—an acrobatic elf, a warrior with a magic arm, and a giant made of moss—successfully defeat Wily’s traps. And they want the ultimate treasure: Wily himself. His skills can help them invade every other dungeon in the kingdom. He might even aid their fight against the Infernal King, whose gearfolk and prisonauts terrorize the land.
But for a boy who has never been outside, dungeons aren’t nearly as scary as the world above. Or an evil king who builds the trickiest traps of all . . .
Snared: Escape to the Above is the first book in a new fantasy adventure series from bestselling author Adam Jay Epstein.
REVIEW
I'll say right at the beginning that I absolutely loved this book. I loved the characters. I loved the plot and the surprises that came my way. And I love the themes. I am also excited to know that there will be more stories about these characters. I've read enough fantasy stories over the years that sometimes they all seem to follow the same basic formula. It's refreshing to come across one like this that feels new. It's also a pleasant surprise to be surprised as I'm reading. There were several plot twists that I really didn't see coming which made for a delightful reading experience. The STEM elements also make this a valuable educational book as well.
Wily Snare makes for a wonderful main character. He's smart and dedicated, as well as curious. He works as the trapsmith for Stalag in Carrion Tomb. He plans and maintains the traps that protect Stalag's treasures. And he does so successfully. But he remains curious about the world Above. Never having seen the outside world, he wonders about it. And he loves books, despite not knowing how to read. Things don't seem like they will ever change though, until the day three individuals arrive to steal the treasure and manage to get around his traps. He's even more stunned when the three want to take him with them.
As Wily travels with his three new companions, Odette, an acrobatic elf, Pryvyd, a former knight with a floating arm named Righteous, and Moshul, a golem, he's amazed at the world of the Above. He's also thrilled to have his only friend from below, Roveeka, a hobgoblet. What Wily doesn't expect is the discovery of the evil of the Infernal King, and the refreshing nature of freedom. And he wonders about his own family. Who is he and where did he come from? As his companions continue with their plan to gather enough treasure to leave the land, Wily goes along with it because he has no where else to go. But as he learns more about himself, he begins to wonder if maybe he owes more to this land than he ever could have imagined.
Epstein has created a delightful new fantasy series that young fantasy readers are bound to enjoy. The creativity exhibited in the creation of the characters and plot is fabulous. And the themes of family, freedom, and sacrifice are powerful ones. I also liked the theme of books and the value of reading.
Friday, July 27, 2018
FANTASTIC FRIDAY: Bob by Wendy Mass & Rebecca Stead
ABOUT THE BOOK
A classic middle-grade tale of magic and friendship, about a girl who helps an old friend find home, by two New York Times–bestselling authors Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead.
It’s been five years since Livy and her family have visited Livy’s grandmother in Australia. Now that she’s back, Livy has the feeling she’s forgotten something really, really important about Gran’s house.
It turns out she’s right.
Bob, a short, greenish creature dressed in a chicken suit, didn’t forget Livy, or her promise. He’s been waiting five years for her to come back, hiding in a closet like she told him to. He can’t remember who—or what—he is, where he came from, or if he even has a family. But five years ago Livy promised she would help him find his way back home. Now it’s time to keep that promise.
Clue by clue, Livy and Bob will unravel the mystery of where Bob comes from, and discover the kind of magic that lasts forever.
Wendy Mass and Rebecca Stead, two masterminds of classic, middle-grade fiction come together to craft this magical story about the enduring power of friendship.
REVIEW
I wasn't sure I was going to like this when I first started it. But by the time I finished it, I had developed a fondness for it. The relationship between Livy and Bob is at the heart of this story. The friendship that first developed between them when Livy was five-years-old and visiting her grandmother in Australia. Bob has patiently lived in a closet for five years, awaiting Livy's return. But Livy doesn't remember Bob or any of the things that they experienced together. And Bob doesn't remember where he came from, he just knows he wants to get back to the home he must have, somewhere. Despite not remembering him, Livy decides to help him find his way home, but in order to do so, she must investigate the events that brought them together in the first place. At the same time, her grandmother's neighborhood is enduring a horrible drought that may drive them from their homes. The story alternates between Livy's and Bob's points of view. Each voice is unique and fun, Livy's near teen skepticism and Bob's undying hopefulness. The story is relatively short and quite easy to read. In fact, I think this one would make a fun read aloud. The handful of illustrations add a nice touch.
Monday, July 2, 2018
MIDDLE GRADE REVIEWS: Argos, The Story of Odysseus as Told by His Loyal Dog/The Wizard's Dog Fetches the Grail
ABOUT THE BOOK
From a compelling new voice in middle grade comes a reimagination of The Odyssey told from the point of view of Odysseus’s loyal dog—a thrilling tale of loyalty, determination, and adventure.
For twenty years, the great hero Odysseus struggles to return to Ithaka. After ten years beneath the walls of Troy, he begins the long journey back home. He defeats monsters. He outsmarts the Cyclops. He battles the gods. He struggles to survive and do whatever it takes to reunite with his family.
And what of that family—his devoted wife, Penelope; his young son, Telemachos; his dog, Argos? For those twenty years, they wait, unsure if they will ever see Odysseus again. But Argos has found a way to track his master. Any animal who sets foot or wing on Ithaka brings him news of Odysseus’s voyage—and hope that one day his master will return. Meanwhile, Argos watches over his master’s family and protects them from the dangers that surround a throne without its king.
REVIEW
Hardy's taken the story of the Odyssey and retold it through the eyes of an imaginary loyal dog. While Odysseus is attempting to make his way home from the Trojan War, Argos, The Boar Slayer, remains at home attempting to take care of Odysseus's wife and son. What should have been a simple voyage home becomes much more complicated as Odysseus and his men visit various islands and have a bunch of adventures along the way. After blinding a Cyclops who happens to be the son of Poseidon, they find themselves facing destruction. Greek gods in this tale were creatures of whim and grudges. During the ten years that follow, Argos works hard at taking care of his master's flocks while daily seeking news of his master from any and all animal visitors to the island. Thus, Argos follows along by proxy his master's troubles. But many on the island believe that after so long a time, Odysseus must be dead, thus a hundred suitors descend on Odysseus's home to court and marry his wife. Argos and Telemachos struggle to contain the excesses of the suitors while trying to maintain hope that Odysseus will be coming home. Hardy does a nice job covering ten years of time while keeping the action going both at home with Argos and through the stories of Odysseus's adventures. This is a fun book for middle grade readers who enjoy Greek mythology and stories about dogs.
ABOUT THE BOOK
For fans of The Hero's Guide to Saving Your Kingdom comes an offbeat, comedic spin on the Holy Grail legend as told by the lovable Nosewise--talking dog and wizard-in-training!
The magical realm of Avalon has gone to the dogs--well, one dog. Nosewise, the hilarious talking pup and wizard-in-training, can wield powers untold...but he has yet to master the powerful sword Excalibur. This dog still has some new tricks to learn.
But Lord Oberon's evil worms threaten to eat all magic in existence. Nosewise and his pack, the street urchin Arthur, the sorceress Morgana, and his beloved master Merlin, must find the Holy Grail, the one item that can save them all. The only problem: the goblet is hidden in the legendary castle of Camelot--which has been missing for centuries! Worse, Queen Mab, sovereign of dreams, is planning havoc of her own. As naps turn to nightmares, Nosewise will have to rely on his smarts and his snout, or the dog days will be over!
Popular author Eric Kahn Gale returns with a fast-paced fantasy adventure that stands out from the pack!
REVIEW
This sequel to The Wizard's Dog proved to be just as entertaining. Gale has taken the story of Merlin, Arthur, Morgana, and Camelot and turned it on it's head with thoroughly enjoyable results. Nosewise, the talking, magical dog, and his pack, Merlin, Arthur, and Morgana, think the worst is over after defeating Oberon on the island of Avalon. But when they return to Avalon after gathering some supplies they discover their fae friend Nivian dead as a result of the worm sprites that Oberon created, that they had thought were dead. Nosewise being an extremely loyal companion won't accept that there is nothing he can do to help his friend. After Oberon, who is dying himself, tells them that the only way to bring Nivian back is to find the Grail of life with it's life bringing water, Nosewise is determined to do whatever it takes to find it. But traversing the land of the fae and confronting Queen Mab, sovereign of dreams, proves to be much more difficult than he ever imagined. Especially once Queen Mab gains control of Merlin, Arthur, and Morgana through their dreams. It's up to Nosewise to not only save his pack, but find a way to gain the Grail to save Nivian. Gale has written a book full of adventure and humor. Nosewise is an amusing narrator as he strives to understand his human pack. Each of the characters has their strengths and weaknesses making the book that much more realistic. But the fun comes in with the adventures that Nosewise and his pack experience. A thoroughly engaging tale full of fun characters and exciting adventures.
Monday, June 25, 2018
MMGM: The Wishmakers by Tyler Whitesides
ABOUT THE BOOK
Ace unwittingly releases a genie from a peanut butter jar and gets unlimited wishes that he must learn to use with their consequences before all the world's cats and dogs turn into zombies who will eat mankind.
REVIEW
Having enjoyed Whitesides Janitors series I was thrilled to discover this new series. The concept behind this new series is a clever one, one I haven't seen in any other book I've read. Ace doesn't expect anything except peanut butter when he opens that peanut butter jar to make himself a sandwich. But what he gets is a genie offering him as many wishes as he wants. There are a couple of catches though. First, each wish has a consequence accompanying it. Some consequences are short term, some are permanent. The bigger the wish, the more uncomfortable the consequence. For example, Ace's first wish is for a lifetime supply of peanut butter sandwiches, which carries the consequence of a smudge of peanut butter constantly visible on his face for a year. The second catch is a quest that needs to be completed in seven days or the world will be destroyed by all the world's cats and dogs turning into zombies. Things get even more complicated when Ace runs into a couple of other kids (wishmakers) with quests of their own that seem to conflict with his. And as the consequences start to pile up, Ace has to decide just what price he is willing to pay to save the world. Whitesides has created another fun series opener full of both humor and heart. The occasional illustrations are a delightful addition. I look forward to seeing the unexpected places this series will take me.
Friday, February 16, 2018
FANTASTIC FRIDAY: The Eternity Elixir by Frank L. Cole
ABOUT THE BOOK
Twelve-year-old Gordy Stitser is one of the few people who knows the truth about the secret society of potion masters, because not only is Gordy's mom on the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide (B.R.E.W.), but she has also been training Gordy in the art of potion-making.
Gordy is a natural, and every day he sneaks down to the basement lab to invent new potions using exotic ingredients like fire ant eggs, porcupine quills, and Bosnian tickling juice.
One afternoon, Gordy receives a mysterious package containing an extremely rare potion known as "The Eternity Elixir." In the right hands, the Elixir continues to protect society. But in the wrong hands, ti could destroy the world as we know it.
Now, sinister potion masters are on the hunt to steal the Eternity Elixir. It's up to Gordy, his parents, and his best friends, Max and Adeline, to prevent an all-out potion war.
REVIEW
Gordy Stitser's grown up knowing he has a gift for making potions. And to his benefit, his mother has the skills and authority to teach him how to harness those abilities. Gordy loves spending time in his mother's basement lab creating potions of his own. But things take a bad turn when Gordy discovers what his mother really does on all her trips. She works for the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide (BREW) enforcing policies and rules among elixirists. But when Gordy's Aunt Priss sends a special package with the Eternity Elixir to Gordy's home when his mother's gone, his stable world explodes into chaos. Gordy and his friends Max and Adilene struggle to keep the enemy at bay, but the elixirist they are up against is far more powerful than they could imagine and time is not on their side.
Cole has created a series opener that is very appealing with likable characters, an interesting world premise, and plenty of action. The humor keeps the book from getting too scary. The wide variety of invented potions makes for a fresh new take on the 'chosen one' story. Plus, Gordy isn't on his own. It was refreshing to have his parents and other adults around to help him in his efforts. Too many fantasy books have either no parents or bad ones. This is a delightful new series that I look forward to continuing to read.
Monday, February 5, 2018
BLOG TOUR: The Unicorn Quest by Kamilla Benko
ABOUT THE BOOK
Claire Martinson still worries about her older sister Sophie, who battled a mysterious illness last year. But things are back to normal as they move into Windermere Manor... until the sisters climb a strange ladder in a fireplace and enter the magical land of Arden.
There, they find a world in turmoil. The four guilds of magic no longer trust each other. The beloved unicorns have gone, and terrible wraiths roam freely. Scared, the girls return home. But when Sophie vanishes, it will take all of Claire's courage to climb back up the ladder, find her sister, and uncover the unicorns' greatest secret.
REVIEW
Unicorns are pretty popular among my girl readers these days and I have to admit I'm a fan of them too. So when I heard about this book I knew I needed to pick it up. And I'm glad I did. First of all it starts in a mysterious old mansion full of artifacts, a setting that I happen to particularly love, I mean who wouldn't want to explore such a place. Second, we have two sisters who are very different who are struggling to get along but who love each other. And third, there is a quest. Interestingly it's Claire, the uncertain one, who finds comfort in her pencil, that must gather her courage to find her missing sister. And things get even more complicated when Claire discovers that her sister has been accused of stealing an important unicorn artifact. With the help of some new found friends, Claire sets out to find her sister, not realizing that she will find far more than she ever bargained for along the way. A fun, engaging fantasy for the unicorn-loving set. And isn't that cover gorgeous!
GIVEAWAY
1 print copy of The Unicorn Quest
US/Canada only
Friday, December 1, 2017
FANTASTIC FRIDAY: Spirit Hunters by Ellen Oh
ABOUT THE BOOK
We Need Diverse Books founder Ellen Oh returns with Spirit Hunters, a high-stakes middle grade mystery series about Harper Raine, the new seventh grader in town who must face down the dangerous ghosts haunting her younger brother. A riveting ghost story and captivating adventure, this tale will have you guessing at every turn!
Harper doesn’t trust her new home from the moment she steps inside, and the rumors are that the Raine family’s new house is haunted. Harper isn’t sure she believes those rumors, until her younger brother, Michael, starts acting strangely. The whole atmosphere gives Harper a sense of déjà vu, but she can’t remember why. She knows that the memories she’s blocking will help make sense of her brother’s behavior and the strange and threatening sensations she feels in this house, but will she be able to put the pieces together in time?
REVIEW
Ellen Oh has created a story of great creepiness, which is to say that young readers are bound to eat it up. Not only is there the mystery of what happened to Harper that led to her stay in a mental hospital followed by a stay in a regular hospital, but there is the mystery of the new house. Since Harper doesn't remember what happened leading up to and including her hospital stays, she feels a bit lost. And when her brother starts talking about someone that no one else can see or hear, she's worried about him. But unlike her mother and father and older sister, she senses something is very wrong with her brother.
When Dayo, a new friend from the neighborhood, starts telling her about the tragedies that have occurred at her house, and that most people believe the place to be haunted, it troubles Harper further. And after several attacks on herself, along with strange dreams that almost seem to be memories, Harper is desperate for some help. As Michael (her brother) starts acting very strangely and even cruelly, Harper knows that something needs to be done before her brother is lost forever.
Oh has written a very compelling story with a huge dose of scariness. I also enjoyed the Korean cultural references. This is a nice stand alone novel for middle grade readers who want something scary. There are some really scary parts in the story involving ghost possession which might be too much for some young readers. It was refreshing though to read a scary ghost story with some unique aspects to it.
Friday, October 27, 2017
FANTASTIC FRIDAY: The Lost Kingdom of Bamarre by Gail Carson Levine
ABOUT THE BOOK
In this compelling and thought-provoking fantasy set in the world of The Two Princesses of Bamarre, Newbery Honor-winning author Gail Carson Levine introduces a spirited heroine who must overcome deeply rooted prejudice—including her own—to heal her broken country.
Peregrine strives to live up to the ideal of her people, the Latki—and to impress her parents: affectionate Lord Tove, who despises only the Bamarre, and stern Lady Klausine. Perry runs the fastest, speaks her mind, and doesn’t give much thought to the castle’s Bamarre servants, whom she knows to be weak and cowardly.
But just as she’s about to join her father on the front lines, she is visited by the fairy Halina, who reveals that Perry isn’t Latki-born. She is Bamarre. The fairy issues a daunting challenge: against the Lakti power, Perry must free her people from tyranny.
REVIEW
It's been a long time since I've read The Two Princesses of Bamarre, but I knew that this would be a great read. And I was not disappointed. Levine's ability to take fairy tale motifs and turn them on their heads never ceases to amaze me. I didn't the fairy tale elements in this one coming because I was so caught up in Perry's story and where it might end up. It was fantastic to be surprised on several occasions in the book. After reading so many fairy tale retellings, sometimes it gets old, but never with Levine and certainly not with this book.
Perry makes for a great main character, full of fight and determination. But what makes the book especially interesting is the way she has to learn to harness that fire in order to truly come to understand the Bamarre and her family. And it's honestly hard for her, as one would expect it to be. The other characters in the book also have more depth than one might expect based on their actions at the beginning. It was enjoyable to see the way the characters change, especially in the way Perry sees them.
The plot proves to be more intricate than I first thought it would be as Perry struggles to come to terms with her identity and the task the fairy has set her. Relationship difficulties mix quite well with the action sequences to create an entertaining as well as thoughtful read. Themes of family, earning love versus unconditional love, as well as bias and prejudice of all kinds resonate strongly throughout the book without becoming didactic. Another winner from a fabulous author.
Monday, August 7, 2017
MMGM: A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting by Joe Ballarini
ABOUT THE BOOK
The Last Kids on Earth meets Goosebumps in this hilarious new series about a secret society of babysitters who protect kids from the monsters that really do live under their beds!
When middle schooler Kelly Ferguson’s Halloween plans switch from party-going to babysitting, she thinks the scariest part of her night will be the death of her social life. But then Baby Jacob gets kidnapped by the Boogeyman’s minions and Kelly learns there’s a whole lot more to childcare than free snacks and Netflix. Like chasing shadow monsters, drop-kicking Toadies, and mastering monster-fighting moves like the Naptime Headlock and Playground Punch.
Now, with the help of an ancient handbook and a secret society of butt-kicking babysitters, Kelly sets out to destroy the Boogeyman before he brings Jacob’s nightmares to life. But when the monsters’ trail leads to her school’s big Halloween bash, Kelly will have to prove she can save the world—without totally embarrassing herself in front of her friends.
Packed with black-and-white illustrations and insider secrets from the world of monster hunting, A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting is full of tricks, treats, and terrifying twists!
REVIEW
Eighth-grader Kelly has a goal: make enough money to go to a fancy summer camp. She's getting close to her goal but after working several jobs that she hasn't enjoyed, she's looking for something new to help her earn money. When her friend suggests babysitting, Kelly isn't really excited about the idea, she doesn't like kids after all. But anything for camp, so she agrees, and within the day her new status is posted on social media. But when a job for her mother's 'ice queen' boss comes up that night, Kelly is reluctant to give up the chance to go to a 'real' party where her crush will be. But she shows up to babysit young Jacob having no idea that her life will forever change when she discovers that monsters are real. Jacob gets stolen by monsters and Kelly teams up with a group of monster fighting babysitters to get him back before the night is over. But the Grand Guignol has big plans for Jacob, plans that may be more than Kelly and the babysitters can handle.
The story moves along at a brisk pace once the monsters make an appearance (which they do in the prologue). The story is over the top, exactly like you would expect for a story about teenagers fighting monsters. Included with the story are bits and pieces of a written record called "A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting" that the characters use to fight the monsters. The illustrations do a fabulous job of adding to the overall creepiness of the book. A fun book for kids who enjoy horror and monster stories.
I get requests from students all the time for scary books. Of course, children like differing levels of the kind of scariness they enjoy. Because of that I tend to recommend a variety of books and then inform them to put the book down if it's too much for them. A Babysitter's Guide to Monster Hunting is a new book for me to recommend to students. However, it's one that I would recommend with caveats, because I found it really creepy. The action and adventure are pretty typical for this type of monster fighting story, that's not where I foresee some readers having problems. The problem is that the big villain: the Grand Guignol, otherwise known as the Boogeyman, is really creepy, in fact I'd say that he pushes the book from scary to horror. I do have readers who would enjoy this, but there are others who would not, so I'm adding this note to my review.
Friday, July 14, 2017
BLOG TOUR: Gabby Duran series by Elise Allen & Daryle Conners
ABOUT THE BOOK
Subject: A.L.I.E.N Associate Number 4118-25125A, A.K.A: Gabby Duran, Sitter to the Unsittables
Case File: The First Unsittable
Summary: Gabby Duran, babysitter extraordinaire and modern day Mary Poppins was on her way home from sitting for a famous action's star's rambunctious triplets when she was approached by a mysterious woman (Associate 4118-23432B) with her first mission. A babysitting job with a more lucrative rate than she'd ever received. What child could possibly be so difficult to handle? Gabby was soon trusted with the truth--aliens are living among humans on Earth. They are protected by the top-secret organization, the Association Linking Intergalactics and Earthlings as Neighbors (hereby known as A.L.I.E.N). Even extraterrestrials need a sitter now and then. No one was up for the task except Gabby.
After accepting the top-secret position, Gabby is paired up with her first charge, a little alien girl named Wutt from the planet Flarknartia,who turns out to be much more than meets the eye. The timing for associate 4118-25125A is less than ideal. It's a school day on Planet Earth and Gabby's audition for the solo part in the band is tonight. Can Gabby Duran, Associate 4118-25125A, First Sitter to the Unsittables, keep her otherworldly charge safe in the unpredictable halls of middle-school and keep A.L.I.E.N hidden?
ABOUT THE BOOK
Case File: The Second Unsittable
Summary: Here at A.L.I.E.N. we believe in strengthening the bonds between humans and intergalactics so that one day all beings can live together on Earth in harmony. That day has not come. But our Associates are working hard to achieve this goal, including Gabby Duran, Associate 4118-25125A, Sitter to the Unsittables.
Upon successfully completing her first mission, we have assigned Gabby a more . . . puzzling charge. The relationship between trolls and humans has always been rife with tension, and the troll family Gabby is assigned to is especially prickly. But Gabby is not fazed. Our footage shows Associate 4118-25125A playing, laughing, and snacking with Trymmy, the little troll boy, who seems to be thoroughly enjoying himself.
Our liaison, Edwina, informed Gabby that trolls love nothing more than a riddle-and stealing items from unsuspecting humans to add to their trove-but Gabby's certain that all this young troll wants is to have fun. However, it might not be as simple as she thinks. After all, there's a reason this particular alien offspring has been labeled "Unsittable."
ABOUT THE BOOK
CASE FILE: The Third (and fourth and fifth and sixth . . . ) Unsittable
SUMMARY: Gabby Duran, Associate 4118-25125A, Sitter to the Unsittables, has proven herself an integral member of A.L.I.E.N.--the Association Linking Intergalactics and Earthlings as Neighbors. She has amassed an impressive roster of alien clients, and is a trusted babysitter among humans and intergalactics alike. We here at A.L.I.E.N. are proud to call her one of our greatest success stories, and believe she is ready to take on more responsibility.
Which is why Gabby has now been entrusted with the care of one of our most volatile charges. His name is One and he's a member of the Tridecalleon species. While One and his parents present the appearance of a normal, human family, they have some intriguing qualities that make caring for their young a unique challenge. And while, under normal circumstances, inviting outsiders to aid an agent with an Unsittable job would be strictly forbidden, we have decided to forgive Gabby calling in her friends Satchel and Zee in this case. After all, a babysitter only has so many hands. (Unless, of course, he or she is a Flarknartian.)
Making this highly unstable situation an even greater challenge? Gabby has also been assigned to protect a very dangerous object--one that, if it falls into the wrong hands, could cause the destruction of Earth itself. It remains to be seen whether Gabby and her friends are able to handle the demands of eleven . . . wait, twelve . . . no, thirteen babies, while ensuring the safety of the world at the same time. All we can do is wait, and hope, and trust. And ready our escape pods.
REVIEW
There are a number of series about babysitting, the best known of which is probably The Baby Sitters Club, which I myself loved when I was younger. But none of those series are quite like this one. Gabby Duran is a fabulous babysitter, so much so that her clients range from ordinary middle class individuals all the way up to the President of the United States. Everything she could possibly need she carries in her purple knapsack. Living with her caterer mother and number genius sister, Gabby's life is good, except for her annoying neighbor, Madison. But things change dramatically when Gabby is recruited by A.L.I.E.N. to be a babysitter for alien parents disguised as regular humans. At first this seems like just another set of jobs, until Gabby realizes that not only are her alien charges are far more work than her regular human charges, but she's put herself into the middle of a war with an organization called G.E.T.O.U.T. who wants to weed out all aliens and destroy them.
Each of the three books in the series focuses on one particular babysitting job with the accompanying difficulties. Each charge has to be kept happy and healthy while still disguised from human discovery, while avoiding G.E.T.O.U.T. agents, one of whom may be dating her mother. In addition, Gabby's ongoing feud with Madison in both orchestra and in the neighborhood creates an additional need for secrecy. Each book has plenty of humor, excitement, and great babysitting suggestions (as applicable of course). The colorful design of the books makes them that much more appealing to middle grade readers. And of course in the third book, Gabby is given responsibility for an object that could bring worldwide disaster if it ends up in the wrong hands. These books are delightfully exciting, amusing, and unpredictable, as long as you are more than willing to suspend disbelief a bit. ;)
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