I have moved my blog to a new site.  All the old posts have been moved over to the new blog.  The site is at http://ramblingsofacoffeeaddictedwrter.blogspot.com.

Runaway Storm

BY: D.E. Knobbe

PUBLISHED BY: Emerald Book Company

PUBLISHED IN: 2010

ISBN: 978-1-934572-35-1

Pages: 223

Ages: Young Adult

Reviewed by Billy Burgess

In the first book of the Runaway series, author D.E. Knobbe introduces us to an almost fifteen year-old boy named Nate. He’s a troubled kid who’s having problems adjusting to his parents split and the recent move to New York.

Nate decides he needs a break from his life and comes up with the prefect scheme. He’s going to go kayaking by himself. He tells his mother that his dad wants him to fly to Vancouver while she is away in Paris. He forgot to mention that his dad is on a business trip.

He is quickly on his way to Vancouver with two hundred dollars in cash and his mother’s credit card. When he arrives at his father’s place, he finds his birthday present – a brand new, yellow kayak. Two of his friends, Mike and Eric, helps Nate buy supplies and helps him get to Galiano Island.

Nate launches his Kayak into the waters unaware of the adventures and dangers ahead of him. From drug dealers, to runaways and even a goth girl, this is a journey Nate will never forget.

“Runaway Storm” is an exciting coming to age story. Male readers will easily connect with Nate and relate to some of the problems he faces. I will warn you that there is some mild language in this book. Overall, I enjoyed reading “Runaway Strom” and will look forward to the second installment in the series.

What to do when you don’t live close to a book store? Two words – Thrift Shop!

Hardback:

The Secret Garden

Paperbacks:

Clockwork by Philip Pullman

California Diaries: Dawn by Ann M. Martin

The Cooper Kids Adventures: The Deadly Curse of Toco-rey by Frank Peretti

Kentucky Keepers by Lynn A. Coleman, Jennifer Johnson, Gail Sattler and Kathleen Y’Barbo

The Rescue by Lori Wick

Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul

Peachtree Road by Anne Rivers Siddons

Real Life: Help Me! by Wendy Coris Staub

Lawless by Nora Roberts

SVH: Senior Year #17 Backstabber by Francine Pascal

What to do when you don’t live close to a book store? Two words – Thrift Shop!

Hardback:

The Bartimaeus Trilogy Book Two: The Golem’s Eye by Jonathan Stroud

Paperback:

The Bartimaeus Trilogy Book One: The Amulet of Samarkand by Jonathan Stroud

The Bartimaeus Trilogy Book Three: Plolemy’s Gale by Jonathan Stroud

The Proposal by Lori Wick

Dragon Keeper by Carole Wilkinson

Still More Tales to Give You Goosebumps: Special Edition #4 by R.L. Stine

Ghosts of Fear Street #8 The Ooze by R.L. Stine

BY: Darren Shan

PUBLISHED BY: Little, Brown and Company

PUBLISHED IN: 2002

ISBN: 0-316-60709-6

Pages: 213

Ages: Teen & Up

Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire Prince

BY: Darren Shan

PUBLISHED BY: Little, Brown and Company

PUBLISHED IN: 2002

ISBN: 0-316-60709-6

Pages: 195

Ages: Teen & Up

Reviewed by Billy Burgess

After barely surviving the Trials of Death, Darren Shan finds himself cold and alone after escaping the huge waterfall. Two wolves

BY: Darren Shan

PUBLISHED BY: Little, Brown and Company

PUBLISHED IN: 2001

ISBN: 0-316-60367-8

Pages: 207

Ages: Teen & Up

Reviewed by Billy Burgess

In the fifth chapter in the series, Darren must pass five dangerous trials to prove himself to the Vampire Princes and Vampire Generals or face death by the stakes in the Hall of Death.

What to do when you don’t live close to a book store? Two words – Thrift Shop!

Paperbacks:

Baby-sitters Club: Friends Forever #10 Stacey’s Problem

This Presents Darkness by Frank E. Peretti

What to do when you don’t live close to a book store? Two words – Thrift Shop!

Hardbacks:

Comes the Bond Fury by John Saul

The Loch by Steve Alten

Blue Smoke by Nora Roberts

Engaging Father Christmas by Robin Jones Gunn

Paperbacks:

Then Again, Maybe I Won’t by Judy Blume

The Baby-Sitters Club Mystery #17 Dawn and the Halloween Mystery by Ann M. Martin

The Baby-Sitters Club #123 Claudia’s Big Party by Ann M. Martin

The Baby-Sitters Club #19 Claudia and the Bad Joke by Ann M. Martin

Petals on the Wind by V.C. Andrews

Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Field Day by Ann M. Martin

Baby-Sitters Little Sister: Karen’s Copycat by Ann M. Martin

The Baby-sitter 3  by R.L. Stine

Bone Chillers: Beware The Shopping Mall by Betsy Haynes

Sweet Valley Twins #21 Left Behind by Jamie Suzanne

Battling the Unknown: The Last Rawl Trilogy

BY: Meg Christian

PUBLISHED BY: Infivity Publishing.com

PUBLISHED IN: 2008

ISBN: 0-7414-4793-2

Pages: 146

Ages: Teen & Up

Reviewed by Billy Burgess

In book one of the trilogy, the young author Meg Christian has created the fantasy world of Umberodia. In this land is a sixteen year old Katrina Rawl. Her mother passed away when she was very young. Since then, she has lived with her aunt. Katrina spends her days selling vegetables on the side of the road. She likes to read books which is something that is forbidden by the Emperor.

First Night

BY: Tom Weston

PUBLISHED BY: tom weston media

PUBLISHED IN: 2008

ISBN: 978-0-981-94130-1

Pages: 253

Ages: Teen & Up

Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Author Tom Weston brings us an old fashioned ghost tale in First Night. The story begins with Sarah Pemberton who has caught the small pox. A family friend, Captain John Ayres, gives her an ivory bracelet to wear. Sarah dies.

The story skips to the present day. Alexandra O’Rourke and her younger sister, Jackie, are spending their New Year’s Eve with their aunt and uncle in Boston. They’re California girls and rather be home partying than spending their vacation in Boston.

Their aunt and uncle let them go out on their own and explore Boston. They come across a teenager wearing a 1600’s dress. Her name is Sarah Pemberton. The same Sarah who died many years ago of small pox. The Court of Spirits have accused her of being a witch and release her into our world to find a lawyer.

Alexandra and Jackie think nothing of it because they’re in the historical part of Boston. They change their minds when Sarah runs through Alex.

With time running out, Sarah takes Jackie back to the Court of Spirits to help defend her soul. Alexandra stays behind and searches for the Devil’s Book.

Tom Weston has written a fun, original novel while blending in some historical facts and locations about Boston. Alexandra and Jackie are believable teenage characters with cleverly written dialogue. I recommend this book to anyone who likes a good ghost story.

Here are my finds:

Hardbacks:

Surprise Party – R.L. Stine

The Haunted Mask – R.L. Stine

Paperbacks:

Tombstones: The Last Drop by John Peel

Tombstones: Dances with Werewolves by John Peel

Maniac by John Peel

Burning Up by Caroline B. Cooney

Echoes from the Past by June Masters Bacher

A Place to Call Home by Ruth Glover

What to do when you don’t live close to a book store? Two words – Thrift Shop!

Hardback:

Shiloh Autumn by Bodie and Brock Thoene

Forever in Blue by Ann Breashares

Paperback:

Matilda by Roald Dahl

Here are my finds:

Hardbacks:

The Babysitter 4 by R.L. Stine

The Seance by Joan Lowry Nixon

Farmer Boy by Laura Ingalls Wilder

By the Shores of Silver Lake by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Four Season’s Cross-Stitch by Better Homes and Bardens

A Merry Christmas In Cross-Stitch

A Cross-Stitch Christmas by Better Homes and Gardens

Christmas Cross Stitch by Jutta Lammer

Celebrations in Cross-Stitch by Lisbeth Perrone

Paperbacks:

Fear Street: What Holly Heard by R.L. Stine

Fear Street: The Face by R.L. Stine

Fear Street: The Cataluna Chronicles: The Deadly Fie by R.L. Stine

Fear Street: The Cataluna Chronicles: The Dark Secret by R.L. Stine

Fear Street: Fear Park: The Loudest Scream by R.L. STine

Fear Street: The Dare by R.L. Stine

Fear Street: College Weekend by R.L. Stine

Fear Street: Super Chiller: The Dead Lifeguard by R.L. Stine

More Tales to Give you Goosebumps by R.L. Stine

The Beast 2 by R.L. Stine

Amnesia by Sinclair Smith

Dangerous by Nora Roberts

Hot Ice by Nora Roberts

O’Hurley’s Return by Nora Roberts

My short story, The Halloween Dare, is now available as a podcast in the YA Literature Review.  http://yalitreview.libsyn.com/index.php?post_id=540841

Cirque Du Freak: Vampire Mountain
BY: Darren Shan
PUBLISHED BY: Little, Brown and Company
PUBLISHED IN: 2001
ISBN: 0-316-60806-8
Pages: 195
Ages: Teen & Up
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Half-vampire Darren Shan, Mr. Crepsley and three of Mr. Tiny’s Little People leave the Cirque Du Freak. They journey to the Vampire Mountain. Gavner Paul, a friend Mr. Crepsley also travels with them. One of the little people reveals his real name as, Harkat Mulds, and he has a message to deliver from Mr. Tiny to the Vampire Princes.

Many dangers confront them on their way. The purple-skinned Vampaneze are close by.

The Vampire Mountain is a network of tunnels and caves where the vampires live. Darren makes friends with several of the other vampires.

The Princes and Generals weren’t impressed with Darren. They thought he was too young. Now Darren must prove himself to them.

I found the fourth book in the series to be boring and not enough action.

What to do when you don’t live close to a book store? Two words – Thrift Shop!

Hardback:

Anastasia Again!  by Lois Lowry

Paperback:

The Baby-sitters Club # 120 Mary Anne and the Playground Fight

Sweet Valley Twins and Friends #37 The War Between the Twins

Teacher’s Pet by Richie Tankersley Cusick

Goosebumps: The Horror at Camp Jellyjam by R.L. Stine

Give Yourself Goosebumps: The Knight in Screaming Armor by R. L. Stine

The Secret of the Sacred Scarab
BY: Fiona Ingram
PUBLISHED BY: iUniverse
PUBLISHED IN: 2008
ISBN: 978-0-595-457168
Pages: 258
Ages: Teen & Up
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

In this first chapter of the Chronicles of the Stone, Adam and his cousin Justin are invited to go on a trip to Egypt by their Aunt Isabel and their Grandmother. The boys are excited about visiting another country. Their Aunt tells them that the archaeologist, James Kinnaird, has disappeared while looking for the tomb of the Scarab King. The tomb of the Scarab King is just a legend and has never been proven to exist by any archaeologist.

When they arrived in Cairo, they joined a tour group. A stranger gives three tiny scarabs to Adam. More odd things happen. Their aunt’s camera is switched with Dr. Khalid’s camera. Adam then discovers a fourth scarab in his back pocket. What are theses mysterious scarabs? Is someone one following them? Is the legend of the Scarab King real? Adam and Justin must try to solve the mystery.

Author Fiona Ingram mixes history and legends in this fast action adventure that keeps you reading till the very end. The characters are cleverly written. Young readers can easily step into the shoes of these two cousins and experienced this exciting adventure that takes you into the heart of Egypt. I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery.

Cirque Du Freak: Tunnels of Blood
BY: Darren Shan
PUBLISHED BY: Little, Brown and Company
PUBLISHED IN: 2000
ISBN: 0-316-60763-0
Pages: 229
Ages: Teen & Up
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

In this fast-paced sequel, Mr. Crepsley is on business in the city and takes Darren and Evra with him. Christmas is just around the corner and Darren is the only one who wants to celebrate. He goes shopping for a present for Evra and bumps into a teenager, Debbie. He soon begins dating her.

Meanwhile, there are strange deaths in the city. Is Mr. Crepsley? Or is there another vampire hiding in the tunnels of blood.

I read this in one night. It’s a lot better than the second book. It’s exciting from the very beginning to the heartbreaking ending.

Cirque Du Freak: The Vampire’s Assistant
BY: Darren Shan
PUBLISHED BY: Little, Brown and Company
PUBLISHED IN: 2000
ISBN: 0-316-60684-7
Pages: 247
Ages: Teen & Up
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

In this sequel, Darren is adjusting to his new life as Mr. Crepsley’s assistant. They return to the Cirque Du Freak. Darren becomes good friends with Evra, the snake boy.

While traveling with the freak show Darren meets another friend, Sam. Sam wants to leave home and join the Cirque Du Freak. Darren, now a half-vampire, must learn the hard way that he can never have a normal life.
I thought this the 2nd book in the series was boring and a major letdown.

What to do when you don’t live close to a book store? Two words – Thrift Shop!

Paperbacks:

The Baby-sisters Club: Dawn and the Impossible Three

                                                       Claudia and Mean Janine

                                                        Hello, Mallory

                                                        Little Miss Stoneybrook…and Dawn

                                                        Jessi’s Secret Language

                                                        Dawn’s Wicked Stepsister

                                                        Claudia Makes Up Her Mind

Jungle King Secrets
BY: Paul Adcock
PUBLISHED BY: Loving Healing Press
PUBLISHED IN: 2008
ISBN: 978-1-932690-49-1
Pages: 251
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

You can’t watch television these days without seeing those annoying male enhancement commercials. In the Jungle King Secrets by Paul Adcock, learn how to increase your libido without using those dangerous, toxic enhancements that are in the markets today.

The basic guideline in the book is very simple: eat healthy and exercise. Stay away from processed foods like cookies, soft drinks and other sweets. Eat fruits, vegetables, seeds, nuts, and eggs. Drink raw milk and water. Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.

Do you know what vitamin is referred as “nature’s Viagra?” Paul Adcock gives you the answer and lists other vitamins that can help you increase your love life. Learn about “energy cultivation (Qi Gong),” and other exercises that helps your stamina and health.

The Jungle King Secrets is heavily researched, but at times the book feels like it’s repeating itself. I think the author could have written this book under one hundred pages without losing any of the information. Overall, I enjoyed reading the book and would recommend it.

Calling All Authors – How to Publish with Your Eyes Wide Open
BY: Valerie Connelly
PUBLISHED BY: Nightengale Press
PUBLISHED IN: 2007
ISBN: 978-1-933449-43-2
Pages: 291
Reviewed by Billy Burgess

Have you ever wanted to be a published writer? “Calling All Authors – How to Publish with Your Eyes Wide Open” tells what traps and mistakes to avoid during publishing. Should you use a traditional publishing company or should you publish the book yourself? Will you need a publicist? An editor? Or a proofreader? These are just some of the questions that author Valerie Connelly, founder of Nightengale Press, answers in this book.

There are many myths and tales about the publishing world. “Calling all Authors,” explains these myths and brings them into reality for writers. A lot of new writers think their books will be an instant bestseller. You’ll learn that books don’t become bestsellers overnight.

As a writer myself, I enjoyed reading “Calling All Authors.” I learned that even in traditional publishing you’ll have to do some marketing of your own. You can’t just sit back and expect the book to just sell itself. Learn how to promote your book by using the internet. Learn how to benefit from good and bad book reviews.

I recommend “Calling All Authors” to all upcoming writers of any genre. This book will help you with those difficult decisions you will come across while publishing your novel.

What to do when you don’t live close to a book store?  Two words – Thrift Shop!

Paperbacks:

The MacGregors: Daniel & Ian by Nora Roberts

Born in Fire by Nora Roberts

The MacKade Brothers: Devin and Shane by Nora Roberts