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Viewing: Blog Posts Tagged with: clean reads, Most Recent at Top [Help]
Results 26 - 50 of 171
26. Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom by Rachel Vail



Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom
by Rachel Vail
Series: Justin Case #2
Reading level: Ages 7 and up
Hardcover: 192 pages
Publisher: Feiwel & Friends (May 8, 2012)
Buy the book: Amazon
Justin is going to start fourth grade—but first, he has to survive the summer. He “gets” to go to camp every day on a bus. He “gets” to experience all sorts of new things: Bugs. Mess hall food. Flip-flops (they hurt the space between his toes and they’re hard to walk in). And (gulp!) swimming.

Justin’s little sister, Elizabeth, seems to deal with camp just fine. So do his friends. Justin is trying very hard not to be a worried kid anymore, especially when it comes to making friends at camp, including a new kid who is kind of . . . rough. After all, Justin is going to be in fourth grade. It’s time to be brave. Right?
This book is about a kid named Justin Case and his life in the summer.  Justin is a weird kid.   He usually goes to a science camp, but he wants to go to a camp called Camp Goldenbrook, which is all about sports.  When he gets there, he finds out he is no good at sports, but he keeps trying. 

I really liked this book a lot.  It is a funny book and I liked how he keeps trying.  It's really easy for me to read, too, which is awesome.  This is one of my favorite books to read on my own.  I recommend this book to people who like reading about normal life, but really funny ones!

You don't have to have read the first Justin Case book to read this one, but you want to!!  Trust me!  Here's my review of Justin Case: School, Drool, and Other Daily Disasters



0 Comments on Justin Case: Shells, Smells, and the Horrible Flip-Flops of Doom by Rachel Vail as of 1/1/1900
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27. The Son Of Neptune by Rick Riordan

The Son of Neptune by Rick Riordan
Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 544 pages
Publisher: Hyperion Book CH; First Edition edition (October 4, 2011)
Buy The Book: Amazon
Percy is confused. When he awoke after his long sleep, he didn’t know much more than his name. His brain-fuzz is lingering, even after the wolf Lupa told him he is a demigod and trained him to fight. Somehow Percy managed to make it to the camp for half-bloods, despite the fact that he had to continually kill monsters that, annoyingly, would not stay dead. But the camp doesn't ring any bells with him.

Hazel is supposed to be dead. When she lived before, she didn’t do a very good job of it. When the Voice took over her mother and commanded Hazel to use her “gift” for an evil purpose, Hazel couldn’t say no. Now, because of her mistake, the future of the world is at risk.
This book is about Percy Jackson. He lost his memory because Juno, aka Hera, has taken it and sent him to a Roman camp called Camp Jupiter. Juno sent him to try to bring the Greek camp, Camp Half-Blood, and the Roman camp, Camp Jupiter, together. Rome and Greece have a rivalry. There are giants that are the sons of Gia the Goddess of the earth and they are trying to beat the gods.

I really liked this book and I hope the next one comes out soon. I recommend this book to people who like the gods and action. You should read Percy Jackson and the Olympians. The reader on the audiobook is good after you get used to him.






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28. The Invisible Tower by Nils Johnson-Shelton

Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (January 3, 2012)
Buy The Book: Amazon
Listening Length: 7 hours and 43 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harper Audio
Buy The Audio: Audible

In Artie Kingfisher's world, wizards named Merlin, fire-breathing dragons, and swords called Excalibur exist only in legends and lore - until the day his video game Otherworld springs to life.
You are special, Arthur, Says the mysterious message in his game. In one week's time you will come to me at the it.
Cryptic clues lead Artie to a strange place called the Invisible Tower, where he discovers that nothing in his life is as it seems. Artie is none other than King Arthur, brought to life in the twenty-first century. Artie has won the battle in the virtual Otherworld - now the key to saving the real Otherworld lies in his hands as well.
Green dragons, hungry wolves, powerful sorcerers - suddenly Artie must battle them all as he wields Excalibur and embarks on a quest worthy of the Knights of the Round Table. With his sister, Kay, by his side, Artie steps into the Otherworld - straight toward his destiny.
I really liked this book.   It is funny and has action, adventure, and fantasy.  I like how the book is like The Sword and the Stone.  My favorite character is Arty.  He is funy and brave.

I listened to it on audio and like the reader.  I would suggest it to people who like The Sword and the Stone and fantasy!

Here's my sister, Reagan's review!



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29. Book Review: Caller ID by Rachelle Christensen

Title: Caller ID
Author: Rachelle Christensen
Series: Stands Alone but is a Companion to Wrong Number
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Released: March 13, 2012
Website: http://www.rachellejchristensen.com/


Book Summary:
When twenty-three-year-old Courtney Beckham, the privileged daughter of a highly successful land developer, is abducted in the mountains near her home, FBI Agent Jason Edwards investigates the ten-million-dollar ransom and turns up more than just a kidnapping crime.
And when Courtney catches a glimpse of the caller ID in her kidnapper’s home, what she sees sends ice through her veins. Even if she escapes her captors, something much more dangerous lies ahead.
From the author who brought you Wrong Number comes another story featuring Agent Jason Edwards that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Caller ID is great romantic suspense.  The story-line was fast paced and kept me guessing.  We find out who is behind the kidnapping fairly early on but I wasn't expecting it to be who it was.  Even though we know who the bad guy is there are still lots of twists and turns in the story right up until the end.

Caller ID stands alone but one of the main characters Jason Edwards was in Rachelle's first book Wrong Number.  I enjoyed Caller ID enough that I decided I wanted to see what happened to Jason in Wrong Number so it is my next read.

Caller ID definitely made me a Rachelle Christensen fan.  I'm looking forward to seeing what she comes up with next.



Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: From publisher for review



Author Website: http://www.rachellejchristensen.com/
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rachellechristensenauthor
Publisher Blog http://www.cedarfortbooks.com/
Publisher Facebook https://www.facebook.com/cedarfortbooks
Publisher Twitter http://twitter.com/#!/cedarfortbooks



"To celebrate the release of CALLER ID, Rachelle is hosting a contest for a new Ultra Flip Video Camcorder (4GB memory, Records 120 minutes Value $149.99) and other great prizes. You can enter to win between now and April 14, 2012. Winners will be announced and notified April 16, 2012.

For how to enter: http://rachellewrites.blogspot.com/p/ultra-flip-video-contest.html
1 Comments on Book Review: Caller ID by Rachelle Christensen, last added: 3/15/2012
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30. Storybound by Marissa Burt

  • Reading level: Ages 8 and up
  • Hardcover: 416 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins (April 3, 2012)
  • Language: English
  • Buy The Book: Amazon
     Inkheart meets the Never Ending Story in this sweeping middle-grade fantasy.

     In the land of Story, kids go to school to learn how to be the perfect character: a brave Hero, a trusty Sidekick, even the most dastardly Villain. They dream of the day when they will live out stories written just for them.
     But when a lonely twelve-year-old girl in our world named Una Fairchild is magically transported to Story, she realizes that the land is threatened by a dark secret- and and it may be up to Una to save it.
     With the timeless appeal or A Wrinkle In Time and the breathtaking action of Inkheart, Storybound will leave the readers wishing they too could jump into this enchanting fairy-tale world.

     Okay, so I thought that since it said Neverending Story on the back, that I would NOT like it. Because I thought the movie (I think that's what it was) for the Neverending Story was weird and annoying. But when I finally got past the beginning and all the boring stuff and it got to the action I really liked it! It was kinda cheesy how the main girl's name is Una Fairchild... like, that's kinda weird. But the character in general was cool. She was brave, smart, kind, and clever, and she always came up with cool ideas. I liked how they were all training to be characters, like how we learn to read, they learn to provide the story. One thing I thought was cool, is the old rulers of Story, and how they are kinda like the gods and goddesses of Percy Jackson, but in this book they're imprisoned and everyone hates them... except a few who think they are innocent. Well, I'd better not give away too much... that wouldn't be very good. My favorite character was Endeavor Truepenny. He was kinda mysterious at first, but then he and Una kinda get to know each other.. and I think they would be perfect together!!! Even though Peter and her were kinda cute together he has Snow. Anyway, this book was really clean and there was nothing even a little bad!

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31. Book Review: My Double Life by Janette Rallison

Title: My Double Life
Author: Janette Rallison
Series: None
Publisher: Putnam Juvenile
Released: May 13, 2010
Website: http://janette-rallison.blogspot.com/

Book Summary
Her whole life, Alexia Garcia has been told that she looks just like pop star Kari Kingsley, and one day when Alexia's photo filters through the Internet, she's offered a job to be Kari's double. This would seem like the opportunity of a lifetime, but Alexia's mother has always warned her against celebrities.
Rebelliously, Alexia flies off to L.A. and gets immersed in a celebrity life. Not only does she have to get used to getting anything she wants, she romances the hottest lead singer on the charts, and finds out that her own father is a singing legend. Through it all, Alexia must stay true to herself, which is hard to do when you are pretending to be somebody else!
So Cute! I love escaping into Janette Rallison's books!  She creates great characters who despite their flaws actually have a moral compass and values.

My Double Life was a fun realistic fairy tale like story.  One of those books that makes you smile and laugh and sigh.  It's an upbeat and feel good story that can easily be read in an afternoon or evening.

If you are looking for a light-hearted, quick read with a great message you can't go wrong with My Double Life.



Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly Recommend

Content: Clean

Source: From Author for Review

3 Comments on Book Review: My Double Life by Janette Rallison, last added: 3/5/2012
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32. Warriors: Sign of The Moon by Erin Hunter



  • Reading Level: Ages 10 and up
  • Hardcover: 352 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins (April 5, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • Buy the Book: Amazon

The end of the stars draws near.
Three must become four to battle
the darkness that lasts forever. . . .
The dark forces that have driven a rift between the four warrior Clans are growing stronger. Jayfeather, Lionblaze, and Dovepaw now know that unless they can unravel the true meaning behind the prophecy that binds them, the warrior code could be destroyed forever.
While Lionblaze remains focused on protecting ThunderClan from another deadly battle, Jayfeather receives a desperate plea for help from the Tribe of Rushing Water. He must travel to the mountains in search of answers that link the Clans to the Tribe in ways no cat could have imagined. But with the summons comes an ominous warning that suggests the power of the stars may not be enough to save the Clans.

     Yeah, warriors, they're not actually that bad. I'm going to be in ninth grade next year and I'll still read them even then. I have actually had this one on my shelf since last year when it came out, which is kinda sad because I usually finish one of these in a day with breaks. But this one was kinda slow at the start and then I found out my least favorite cat in the whole entire series was going to come back in the next book and I was like, "meh." But it turned out to be pretty good, Jayfeather has a special medicine cat quest and Lionblaze seems to be pretty happy protecting the clan and Dovewing and the others are all happy. Except Leafpool. *Tear* She seems like she'll never see happiness again! JK lol, but still, she isn't very happy and it's sad because I liked her. Oh well, but yeah this book has some action here, a little romance there, the usual for warriors.

     I love Lionblaze, Jayfeather and Dovewing they are my current favorites because they are the three! I like how Dovewing is so nice and sweet and then Jayfeather can be soo grumpy then be kinda okay ish then be grumpy again. And Lionblaze is awesome period. I will always like Sandstorm and Squirrelflight and Leafpool, mother and daughters. But mostly Squirrelflight because she knows when to rip you apart and when to not rip you apart, and when it's a go she won't hesitate to rip you apart!
   
      I don't really not like Firestar but he's soo old! He needs to retire, he's only got like two lives left and when he only has one he really needs to retire! But before he does somebody kill Brambleclaw so that Lionblaze can be deputy then leader! Lionstar! Mwahahaha! And those two are okay compared to Hollyleaf! She gave away the biggest secret ever to the WHOLE forest at a gathering! And then Leafpool lost her med-cat ness and Brambleclaw dumped Squirrelflight for protecting her sister and her sister's kits!
   
     Overall the book wasn't bad, there's nothing really mature or bad like language in this book because it's for kids, so if you haven't read this book you should give it a try and read multiple books because it takes a few to get to the good parts like the big battle and all the fun stuff like betrayal and secret romance! lol I'm hopeless! Haha oh well!
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33. Otherworld Chronicles: The Invisible Tower: By Nils Johnson-Shelton


Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 352 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (January 3, 2012)
Buy The Book: Amazon
Listening Length: 7 hours and 43 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harper Audio
Buy The Audio: Audible

In Artie Kingfisher's world, wizards named Merlin, fire-breathing dragons, and swords called Excalibur exist only in legends and lore - until the day his video game Otherworld springs to life.
You are special, Arthur, Says the mysterious message in his game. In one week's time you will come to me at the it.
Cryptic clues lead Artie to a strange place called the Invisible Tower, where he discovers that nothing in his life is as it seems. Artie is none other than King Arthur, brought to life in the twenty-first century. Artie has won the battle in the virtual Otherworld - now the key to saving the real Otherworld lies in his hands as well.
Green dragons, hungry wolves, powerful sorcerers - suddenly Artie must battle them all as he wields Excalibur and embarks on a quest worthy of the Knights of the Round Table. With his sister, Kay, by his side, Artie steps into the Otherworld - straight toward his destiny.
I listened to this book, but I'll talk about both

The Book:

It was pretty funny. Like if you read a book like this it's bound to be funny right! Well that's just the case for me at least. So I think that it was also very creative using the sword and the stone story and twisting it to be something funny, AWESOME, cool, and amazing. Okay it's also epic in a fighting and dragon and creative way. My mom always says I say epic and no one knows what it means. Ahh well. So I think that this epic is a creative, dragon powers awesome kind of epic. It's easier to explain in typing then in speaking. So I think my favorite character is Kay Kingfisher. Because she it not afraid to fight people, she's a video game freak, Kay is also epic in a fighting and great at video game type of way. My second favorite character is Tom Thumb. He's the size of a thumb in our world and he's epic in an, even though I'm small I can whip your butt in three seconds. He's also a bit funny. Has anyone else noticed that my favorite character is normally a boy?? If you have please say so in the comments below!!

The Audio:


I thought that the reader, Patrick Lawer, was really good. He also sounded a lot like a boy, not like an adult.... Isn't that weird how they do that??? I think it is!! So he didn't do many different voices. Like the boys voices and the girls voices where pretty similar, so you can't recognize people by their voices except Tom Thumb, and Merlin(don't know his last name...:D) really. So he was good reader but over all I wish he had done voices. But his actual voice was good so it wasn't bad :D. I think that the best voice he does is Merlin's voice. Not how I'd have done it but it was really good all the same.... :D. I'm teird so I feel like inserting smileys here:
:D, :), :(, >:[, O.O ;) Thats it!

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34. Book Review: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson

Title: Edenbrooke
Author: Julianne Donaldson
Series: None
Publisher: Shadow Mountain
Released: March 27, 2012
Website: http://www.juliannedonaldson.blogspot.com/

Book Summary

Marianne Daventry will do anything to escape the boredom of Bath and the amorous attentions of an unwanted suitor. So when an invitation arrives from her twin sister, Cecily, to join her at a sprawling country estate, she jumps at the chance. Thinking she’ll be able to relax and enjoy her beloved English countryside while her sister snags the handsome heir of Edenbrooke, Marianne finds that even the best laid plans can go awry.

From a terrifying run-in with a highwayman to a seemingly harmless flirtation, Marianne finds herself embroiled in an unexpected adventure filled with enough romance and intrigue to keep her mind racing. Will she be able to rein in her traitorous heart, or will a mysterious stranger sweep her off her feet? Fate had something other than a relaxing summer in mind when it sent Marianne to Edenbrooke.




Being the clean romance, Jane Austen lover that I am I LOVED Edenbrooke.

What a fabulous way to spend a morning.  Edenbrooke was a book I couldn't put it down.  I picked it up to read just a few pages before getting out of bed but didn't quit reading until I finished the book. While there may never be another Mr. Darcy it is possible that his twin is found roaming the grounds of Edenbrooke.

Squeaky clean, full of romance, humor and great characters this is a book I highly recommend.  Perfect for lovers of Jane Austen era romances.


Rating: 5 Stars - I loved it!

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher

Add Edenbrooke to your goodreads shelf: http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/12820360-edenbrooke

2 Comments on Book Review: Edenbrooke by Julianne Donaldson, last added: 2/25/2012
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35. Book Review: Targets In Ties by Tristi Pinkston

Title: Targets in Ties
Author: Tristi Pinkston
Series: Secret Sisters Mysteries #4
Publisher: Walnut Springs Press
Released: January 30,2012
Website: http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com/

Book Summary:

After two long years, Ren’s mission is finally over, and it’s time for Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy to travel to Mexico to pick him up. They have their itinerary all planned out—visiting the ruins in the
Yucatan, shopping, playing in the sand and surf—and then they’ll head to Ren’s mission home and be reunited with that dear boy. But
a wanted antiquities thief crosses their path, and soon the ladies find themselves tangled up in a web of lies, intrigue, and costly jewelry. Held hostage by men desperate for riches, they do what only they
can do—keep their heads about them, plan their escape, and discuss the proper making of tortillas. Will they survive their most harrowing adventure yet?
Tristi Pinkston's Secret Sisters Mysteries make me laugh.  They are lighthearted, clean, humorous books that are perfect for days when you just need a good laugh.  Targets in Ties is the 4th book in the Secret Sisters Series and I enjoyed it just as much as I did the first three books.

Ida Mae, Arlette, and Tansy are once again caught up in an adventure. This time they are travelling through Mexico headed to pick up Ren from his mission when they cross paths with an International jewel thief. What follows is another crazy adventure for this oddball team.  Kidnapping, grand theft auto and a cross country chase are all in a days work for these mystery solving amateur sleuths.

If you are a cozy mystery lover or those just looking for a quick, clean read that will make you smile pick up one of Tristi Pinkston's Secret Sisters Mysteries.




Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean

Source: From Publisher for Review


Want to win this fun Scrapbook Pack?

As part of the book tour for Target In Ties Tristi is giving away a Scrapbooking Pack. To enter leave a comment on this blog post, then go visit Tristi's blog at http://www.tristipinkston.blogspot.com and become a follower. You will then be entered to win this fun scrapbooking pack, including paper, tags, two decals, and metal tag frames. You have until midnight Mountain time on March 3rd to enter to win.
For all the tour stops: CLICK HERE.

Also by Tristi Pinkston:


36. Book Review: Hope Haven by Victoria E. Mora

Title: Hope Haven
Author: Victoria E. Mora
Series: None
Publisher: iUniverse.com
Released: June 6, 2011
Website: http://hopehaven.posterous.com/

Book Summary


Sixteen-year-old Lauren Hart's summer is shaping up to be a first-rate disaster. Even after she asks God to make things the way they used to be, Lauren's reality is still as harsh as ever. Her parents are separated, and now she has to help care for her terminally ill grandma. Just as Lauren wonders what else could go wrong, it does.

Lauren and her horse, Dawn Treader, are ranked number one in the Junior Hunter Division and are headed to the national finals-that is until Dawn leaps out of the paddock and is seriously injured. Worse yet, her grandmother-who has always been a rock in Lauren's life-is knocking death's door, leaving Lauren to wonder what is next. But after Lauren meets the staff at Hope Haven Therapeutic Riding Center, everything is about to change-not only for her, but for her beloved horse as well.

In this heartwarming, coming-of-age story, a teenager rediscovers her faith and hope through tender friendship and the healing power of horses.

PATH International, formerly NARHA, is a federally-registered 501(c3) nonprofit and was formed in 1969 as the North American Riding for the Handicapped Association to promote equine-assisted activities and therapies for individuals with special needs. More than 6,500 PATH Intl. members help more than 42,000 children and adults with physical, mental and emotional challenges find strength and independence through the power of the horse each year. With every purchase of Hope Haven, you will be helping PATH Intl. continue to advocate for safe equine-assisted activities and therapies for people with special needs.

Sunday afternoons usually find me with an inspirational type book in my hands. I received an unsolicited copy of Hope Haven in my mailbox last fall and finally picked it up to read last Sunday.

The main character in this book is sixteen but this book felt more like a middle grade/tween read than a young adult read. Lauren's life seems to be falling apart. Her parents are separated, her grandma is dying and her horse gets injured. Nothing seems to be going her way.

Lauren can't bear the thought of her horse being put down after it's injured so the horse ends up at Hope Haven, a therapeutic riding center where horses are used to help those with special needs. There are some touching moments in this short story especially around Lauren dealing with the death of her grandmother.

This was an short, inspiring read I would recommended to those who love horses or have an interest in horses being used for therapeutic purposes.





Rating: 3 Stars

Content: Clean

Source: From Author

2 Comments on Book Review: Hope Haven by Victoria E. Mora, last added: 2/20/2012
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37. The Fase Prince

Reading level: Ages 10 and up
Hardcover: 352 pages
Paperback: 342 pages
Publisher: Scholastic Press (April 1, 2012)
Buy The Book: amazon

In a discontent kingdom, civil war is brewing. To unify the divided people, Conner, a nobleman of the court, devises a cunning plan to find an impersonator of the king's long-lost son and install him as a puppet prince. Four orphans are recruited to compete for the role, including a defiant boy named Sage. Sage knows that Conner's motives are more than questionable, yet his life balances on a sword's point -- he must be chosen to play the prince or he will certainly be killed. But Sage's rivals have their own agendas as well.
As Sage moves from a rundown orphanage to Conner's sumptuous palace, layer upon layer of treachery and deceit unfold, until finally, a truth is revealed that, in the end, may very well prove more dangerous than all of the lies taken together.



This book is about a boy named Sage who lives at an orphanage who one day is bought by a noble man named Conner. He picks up 3 other boys. His intentions for them aren't good, they are even at the brink of treson! He wants one of them to play the role of the lost prince, Jaron who supposedly died 4 years ago by pirates. Supposedly (*Hint, hint!*). All he tells Conner is "I am your Prince." and nothing else. Even if he loses all he will say is "I am you prince.".
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38. The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch

  • Paperback: 496 pages
  • Publisher: Aladdin; Reprint edition (April 26, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • Buy The Book: Amazon
 All Jack Blank knows is his bleak, dreary life at St. Barnaby’s Home for the Hopeless, Abandoned, Forgotten, and Lost, an orphanage that sinks more and more into the swampland of New Jersey with each passing year. His aptitude tests project him as spending a long, unhappy career as a toilet brush cleaner. His only chance at escape comes through the comic books donated years ago to the orphanage that he secretly reads in the dark corners of the library. Everything changes one icy gray morning when Jack receives two visitors that alter his life forever. The first is a deadly robot straight out of one of his comic books that tries its best to blow him up. The second is an emissary from a secret country called the Imagine Nation, an astonishing place where all the fantastic and unbelievable things in our world originate - including Jack. Jack soon discovers that he has an amazing ability--one that could make him the savior of the Imagine Nation and the world beyond, or the biggest threat they've ever faced.

 This is another guest review by my sister Joy~

I liked this book because it was kinda like Percy Jackson and the Olympians with action packed pages and adventures.I liked how much detailed the author's settings were. The battles were pretty cool too.

There was nothing really bad like no cussing and stuff like that but there was a crime seen for after a battle and the explanations of a dead person was a little icky and freaky, at least to me.

My favourite character has got to be Jazen, the emissary who came to get Jack from St. Barnaby’s because he was cool and heroic.

My least favourite character is probably Jackson Smart because he was so cruel to Jack and almost everyone else too.



*Sigh* It wouldn't be right without the bunny:

2 Comments on The Accidental Hero by Matt Myklusch, last added: 2/13/2012
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39. Warriors Of The Black Shroud By Peter Howe

Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Hardcover: 272 pages
Paperback: 266 pages
Publisher: HarperCollins (January 31, 2012)
Buy The Book: Amazon
The night is here, but the dark is coming. . . .

Deep in the underworld lies the kingdom of Nebula. Although it is always everlasting night there, Nebula is never dark because all of its people, buildings, and creatures glow with an inner light source protected by the Lightkeepers. But true darkness—the kind that is malicious and blinding—lurks just beyond the kingdom’s gates.

There, the deadly Warriors of the Black Shroud are on the move, destroying and engulfing every outpost with their relentless evil and black despair. And this time, they have a weapon deadlier than anyone has ever encountered before.

Only a Chosen One, someone with the mark of the king, can help save Nebula from destruction. Astonishingly, that Chosen One is discovered in the Outerworld far above Nebula. But he is the unlikeliest of heroes, living in a dark of his own making. Can he accept who he is and lead the forces of the Light against the Warriors of the Black Shroud?

This book is about a boy named Walker. He's a ordinary 11-year-old with a star shaped birth mark on his cheek. Then when a boy named Eddie shows up saying it's the mark of the chosen one everything changes. Eddie brings Walker to his home, Nebula, It is a whole new world filled with monsters, nightmares, and peace in some citys. But Nebula has a problem. The King of the city knows that the warriors of the black shroud are rising, but his kingdom disagrees. The King is getting old and he has no heir. They have always followed the chosen one, the one with the star shaped birth mark on their cheek. They also want Walker to be their King once the current King dies.

Walker- The main person in this book, the chosen one. Eddie- The prince, his past is a mystery. His real name is Prince Edward Frankie- The new girl in town. Fussingham- Not much in the book, he writes the book of the kingdom. Jevon- A light keeper, a knight King Leukos- the king, The chosen one Lumina- The oldest Light Keeper Black Count- The Top evil guy Astrodor- the page

I loved It! It was very creative and fun to read! It had a lot of action, and jokes. I think my favorite character is Eddie. He's funny and he's really cool.
ENJOY BIG ME!! (But I don't thing thats the actual size..... AND I GOT MY HAIR CUT SO IT"S REALLY SHORT NOW!!!)





2 Comments on Warriors Of The Black Shroud By Peter Howe, last added: 2/2/2012
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40. Witch & Wizard By James Patterson: Graphic Novel


Paperback: 256 pages
Publisher: Yen Press (September 20, 2011)
Language: English
Buy The Book: Amazon

Imagine waking up to find that the world around you - life as you know it - has changed in an instant. That's what happens to Whit Allgood and his sister, Wisty. They thought that they were just a couple of normal teenagers, until their rude awakening at the hands of a dozen armed police! Charged with being a wizard and a witch, accused of having incredible powers they never dreamed possible, the siblings find themselves the targets of an upstart political regime, The New Order, which has swept the country and vowed to wipe "their kind" from existence. Now Whit and Wisty must fight for both their freedom and their lives as they unlock the powers burning inside of them!
This is about ordinary teenage kids named Whit and Wisty. At least they where until the new order was made. They are captured and put into a trail with no lawyer and no chance to talk. They are accused of being a witch and a wizard. Then they find out it is true. As they discover new powers they uncover new things about the world and what it holds. They are imprisoned at a children's hospital that has been turned into a evil prison. They are forced through tests that always threaten their lives with no way of escaping.

I really loved it!! It was action-packed and magical, which I really love. I think my favorite character was Wisty. In the comics she was always making funny faces and doing funny things.

1 Comments on Witch & Wizard By James Patterson: Graphic Novel, last added: 2/3/2012
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41. Book Review: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale

Title: Midnight in Austenland
Author: Shannon Hale
Series: Austenland was a stand alone, this is a follow-up novel
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Released: January 31, 2012
Website: http://www.squeetus.com/stage/main.html


Book Summary:
When Charlotte Kinder treats herself to a two-week vacation at Austenland, she happily leaves behind her ex-husband and his delightful new wife, her ever-grateful children, and all the rest of her real life in America. She dons a bonnet and stays at a country manor house that provides an immersive Austen experience, complete with gentleman actors who cater to the guests' Austen fantasies.

Everyone at Pembrook Park is playing a role, but increasingly, Charlotte isn't sure where roles end and reality begins. And as the parlor games turn a little bit menacing, she finds she needs more than a good corset to keep herself safe. Is the brooding Mr. Mallery as sinister as he seems? What is Miss Gardenside's mysterious ailment? Was that an actual dead body in the secret attic room? And-perhaps of the most lasting importance-could the stirrings in Charlotte's heart be a sign of real-life love?

The follow-up to reader favorite Austenland provides the same perfectly plotted pleasures, with a feisty new heroine, plenty of fresh and frightening twists, and the possibility of a romance that might just go beyond the proper bounds of Austen's world. How could it not turn out right in the end?

I'm a huge Shannon Hale fan.
I love Jane Austen.
Cross the two and inevitably you will come up with something I will love.

I got a kick out of reading Austenland and am looking forward to the upcoming movie. Austenland was a stand alone book so I was both surprised and excited when I heard there was a sequel coming out.

Shannon Hale entertains me. Her books draw me in and make me laugh. There is no denying I had high expectations for this book. In all honestly, through the first half of this book I was a little disappointed. I wasn't relating to the characters, I wasn't falling for the love interest, I wasn't laughing... But this was Shannon Hale so there was no way I was going to put the book down so I kept reading. It took me until nearly the half way point of this book to really start loving it. Don't get me wrong, it was a good book but my expectations were really high. By the half way point I finally started laughing and relating to the characters and falling for the love interest. I'm not sure why there was a delay for me, but I'm glad I stuck with it because it was worth it.

Midnight in Austenland is based upon Austen's Northanger Abbey which is not one of my favorite Austen novels. Like the book it's based on, Midnight in Austenland is a little more mystery and wild run away imaginings than some of Austen's other book. Not a bad thing but I would obviously prefer more swooning Mr. Darcy moments instead of over-active imagination ramblings.

Midnight in Austenland is a fun, lighthearted read that fans of Austen & Hale should definitely read!





Content:

3 Comments on Book Review: Midnight in Austenland by Shannon Hale, last added: 1/31/2012
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42. Book Review: With a Name Like Love by Tess Hilmo

Title: With a Name Like Love
Author: Tess Hilmo
Series: None
Publisher: Farrar Straus Giroux
Released: September 27, 2011
Website: http://tesshilmo.com/

Book Summary:

When Ollie’s daddy, the Reverend Everlasting Love, pulls their travel trailer into Binder to lead a three-day revival, Ollie knows that this town will be like all the others they visit— it is exactly the kind of nothing Ollie has come to expect. But on their first day in town, Ollie meets Jimmy Koppel, whose mother is in jail for murdering his father. Jimmy insists that his mother is innocent, and Ollie believes him. Still, even if Ollie convinces her daddy to stay in town, how can two kids free a grown woman who has signed a confession? Ollie’s longing for a friend and her daddy’s penchant for searching out lost souls prove to be a formidable force in this tiny town where everyone seems bent on judging and jailing without a trial.

With a Name Like Love is a wonderful middle, grade historical fiction, read that reminded me of Little House on the Prairie.

Ollie's dad is a traveling preacher. Every three days her family moves on to a new town. That's the way life is, the way it has always been and the way it seems like it will always be. At least until the family arrives in Binder, Arkansas. When Ollie befriends lonely Jimmy Koppel the family's way of life is turned upside down and they find themselves in a battle to help Jimmy and his mother.

This book is a heartfelt story that would make a great read aloud.


Content: Clean

Rating: 4.5 Stars - Highly recommend

Source: Review Copy

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43. Book Review: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder

Title: Inside Out
Author: Maria V. Snyder
Series: #1 of 2 in the Insider Duet
Publisher: Harlequin Teen
Released: April 1, 2010
Website: http://mariavsnyder.com


Book Summary:


Keep Your Head Down.
Don't Get Noticed.
Or Else.

I'm Trella. I'm a scrub. A nobody. One of thousands who work the lower levels, keeping Inside clean for the Uppers. I've got one friend, do my job and try to avoid the Pop Cops. So what if I occasionally use the pipes to sneak around the Upper levels? The only neck at risk is my own…until I accidentally start a rebellion and become the go-to girl to lead a revolution.

Maria Snyder's Study Series has been one of my long time favorites so I was excited to finally get around to reading Inside Out. This book ended up being far different from the Study series but I still enjoyed it.

It's hard to say much about this one that isn't a spoiler.  Inside Out is a dystopian story with a science fiction twist. There were many things that were similar to several other dystopian books I've read recently, it helped to remind myself that this one was written prior to those books.

Maria Snyder proves once again that she is a great writer.  Great characters and lots of twists and turns made for a fun read. There was romance in this book but it wasn't the main focus, more of a side story.

Although I definitely enjoyed the Study series more than this one I can't complain because this was a great young adult book.  As soon as I finished I started in on the sequel.



Rating: 4 Stars - Great Book

Content: Clean - there may have been a mild swear word or two but I can't remember anything else

Source: Download from Audible.com

Also by Maria Snyder:

Outside In - Sequel to Inside Out


Study Series (One of my favorites - although this is adult not YA)


Glass Series


Touch of Power

2 Comments on Book Review: Inside Out by Maria V. Snyder, last added: 1/28/2012
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44. Book Review: Bitter Blessings by Christine Mehring

Title: Bitter Blessings
Author: Christine Mehring
Series: None
Publisher: Cedar Fort
Released: July 8, 2011

Book Summary:

Megan has the perfect life, but when her mother dies in an accident, everything spins out of control. With the rest of her family falling apart, Megan must confront her past to uncover the truths that will keep everyone together. Thought-provoking and heartfelt, this book shows that even in times of trial, you can often find blessings.

I hadn't read the summary for this book prior to reading it so I had no clue what to expect. In all honesty I had a hard time getting into this story until I hit the half way point. Then I was hooked and flew through it, reading the second half in one sitting.

This is a book by an LDS author but the first half of the book there is no mention of religion. The book's focus is Megan and how her life is thrown upside down with the unexpected death of her mother. Life is not easy for Megan or her sisters and grandmother and nothing seems to go their way. As her life starts unraveling secrets from the past are revealed and this is where the book hooked me.

This short book dealt with prejudice, lies & deceptions, death, teen drinking & drug use and friendship & faith. From the start I suspected that Megan's best friend Adam was Mormon but until the last few chapters of the book this didn't feel like a typical LDS fiction novel.

If you are looking for a clean LDS fiction book that deals with facing life's challenges without being overly preachy or sappy give this one a try.




Rating: 4 Stars - ended up being a great book

Content: Clean

Source: Review copy

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45. The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Part 1

  • Paperback: 200 pages
  • Publisher: VIZ Media LLC; Original edition (October 7, 2008)
  • Language: English
  • Buy the Book: Amazon

     In the mystified land of Hyrule, three spiritual stones hold the key to the Triforce, and whoever holds them will control the world! A boy named Link sets out on a quest to deliver the Emerald, the spiritual stone of the forest, to Zelda, Princess of the land of Hyrule. The journey will be long and perilous, and Link will need all his skill and courage to defeat evil. The battle for Hyrule and the Sacred Realm has begun!



     This book isn't one of the comic books that we Americans claim to be manga, this is the real deal! A Japanese book that goes right to left instead of left to right! I was so excited about the book and I was not let down. This was a good book, all clean and perfect all around, no cussing, not even kissing or romance (except that Link and Zelda are obviously crushing on each other) at all! (Though I suspect there will be in the other books) I thought that I might be let down but it turned out to be pretty funny and cool.

I didn't like that the dude doesn't wear pants! In other pictures I see him wearing tights at least, but in the book he's pretty much just wearing a little green dress! It's a miracle that no wind was blowing!

My favorite character was definitely Link, he's so cute and brave! In the first half he's only a cute little kid, but then he grows up for the second half and he's more dramatic, but still awesome.
My other favorite character was Epona, the horse who liked Link from the start and ended up becoming his horse at the end. She is smart for a horse, and really cute and sweet.

My least favorite character was Ganondorf, the villain. He's kinda... meh. I just don't really like the guy.


1 Comments on The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time Part 1, last added: 1/13/2012
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46. Book Review: The Chimney Sweep Charm by Marcia Lynn McClure

Title: The Chimney Sweep Charm
Author: Marcia Lynn McClure
Publisher: Distractions Ink
Released: December 7, 2011
Currently Available only through Marcia's WEBSITE
“There was the muffled sound of audience members standing up, and Baylee and Candice turned to look behind them.
“Holy smokes!” Baylee breathed.
“It’s like a Navy SEAL convention or something,” Candice added.
And it was! Baylee couldn’t believe that over twenty-five of the people in the orientation audience were tall, dark, handsome, buff guys dressed all in black. Each man stood with his feet apart and hands held at his back—similar if not exactly like a military “at ease” stance.
“They’re all packing heat too,” Baylee whispered to Candice as she noted all the holstered sidearms.
“I guess Mr. O’Sullivan wants to be prepared,” Candice said.
“I suppose you girls are all wowed now, right?” Tate said from the front row.
“Let’s see,” Candice began, looking to Tate and feigning an expression of thoughtfulness. “Let’s say I’m being assaulted by some weirdo in street…and who am I going to look to for protection? One of these guys?” she said, nodding toward the security staff. “Or you, Tate? You…who freaked out in June when we were in New York and you thought some guy was looking at you funny. You freaked out and slammed Megan’s finger in the door and cut it off! Who do you think I’m going to trust?”
“It was an accident, and you know it,” Tate grumbled.
Baylee did know it. Still, she found her eyes glancing down the row of chairs in front of her to Megan—to the missing first joint and fingertip on her right hand.
“Yeah, it was,” Candice admitted. “But you still cared more about yourself than Megan. The guy was stalking Megan…not you. Real heroic, Tate. Way to go to instilling a sense of confidence in me that you would have my back.”
“Whatever,” Tate grumbled, turning around in his seat to pout.”

I loved this book. It's a novella so it's short enough that can easily be read in one sitting. Perfect for getting in the Christmas Spirit.

The Chimney Sweep Charm is a sweet, romantic, "charming" Christmas Story set in a recreated Dicken's Village. Christmas carols, bell ringing, hot chocolate, mistletoe... all the elements needed to create an unforgettable holiday tale.  Marcia has created another set of fabulous characters.... From Baylee the bell ringer to the gorgeous, heroic Justice and his less than subtle grandmother fans of Marcia's books are sure to love these characters!

As is always the case with Marcia's shorter stories I just wish this book was longer. I was expecting a dramatic end to the "mysterious bad guy" element of the story and was a little surprised that things wrapped up fairly quickly and relatively drama free.  However that didn't take away from my love for this lighthearted, fun book.  The focus of this book was much more on the romance instead of the mystery and I love the way Marcia writes romance!

Thanks Marcia for this fabulous Christmas book!  For anyone who enjoys sweet, clean romance and is looking for a way to get into the holiday spirit give The Chimney Sweep Charm a chance.


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47. Book Review - Can You Survive: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Ryan Jacobson

Title: Can You Survive? Sir Authur Conan Doyle's Adventure of Sherlock Holmes - A Choose Your Path Book
Author: Ryan Jacobson & Deb Mercier
Publisher: Lake 7 Creative
Released: November 4, 2011

He's the world's most famous detective, and thanks to this brilliantly adapted book, he's you! The cases, the clues, the suspects, they're yours to sort through in this exciting Choose Your Path book. You are Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Sherlock Holmes. You make the choices. But be careful; the wrong decision could lead to your doom.
For all the tour stops please visit: The Teen Book Scene


I remember reading many Choose Your Own Adventure books as a child so I thought it would be fun to review one as an adult.  In this book you are Sherlock Holmes and trying to solve the mysteries.  I learned that I'm a lousy detective!  There are 3 mysteries to solve in this book that have been adapted from the original 12 mysteries in The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes.  I didn't solve even one of them correctly on the first or even second try.  Although I'm obviously not cut out for detective work I did enjoy reading this book and will be passing it on to my 9 year old son who I am sure will turn out to be a better crime solver than I am.  I'm sure he'll end up on the dreaded page 68 much less often than I did!

This book would likely be a hit with reluctant readers especially middle grade boys.

Rating: 4 Stars

Source: From Author for Review

Content: Clean

3 Comments on Book Review - Can You Survive: Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's Adventures of Sherlock Holmes by Ryan Jacobson, last added: 12/8/2011
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48. Book Review: Pride & Popularity by Jenni James (The Jane Austen Diaries #1)

Title: Pride & Popularity
Author: Jenni James
Series: #1 of The Jane Austen Diaries but stands alone
Publisher: Inkberry Press
Released: July 13, 2011


***AUTHOR'S DISCLAIMER***
If you are hoping to find a YA book full of paranormal beasts, sex, or teens who act much more like under-aged adults, I suggest you save your money and do not buy this book. In fact don't buy any of The Jane Austen Diaries. However, if you are looking for a clean, lighthearted, sweet romance, where teens are good and happy and normal--like all of the teens I know (including my own!) then read on. You've come to the right place. :) --Jenni

Chloe Elizabeth Hart despises the conceited antics of the popular crowd, or more importantly, one very annoying self-possessed guy, Taylor Anderson, who seems determined to make her the president of his fan club! As if! Every girl in the whole city of Farmington, New Mexico, is in love with him, but he seems to be only interested in Chloe.

This modern high school adaptation of “Pride and Prejudice” is a battle of wits as Chloe desperately tries to remain the only girl who can avoid the inevitable—falling for Taylor.

This books was fun.  I love Jane Austen and I love clean young adult fiction so this was a perfect mix for me.  Pride & Popularity was completely predictable but that didn't keep me from enjoying every minute of it.  It's a cute story that retells Jane Austen's Pride and Prejudice in a modern day setting.

If you read for enjoyment you'll likely be taken with this book.  If you read with a more critical eye there are a few things that might detract you from the story.  Since I am one who reads purely for entertainment and enjoyment this book was a hit with me.

There are 6 books planned in this series:
Pride & Popularity 
Northanger Alibi 
Persuaded 
Emmalee 
Mansfield Ranch 
6 Comments on Book Review: Pride & Popularity by Jenni James (The Jane Austen Diaries #1), last added: 12/8/2011
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49. Breadcrumbs by Anne Ursu

Audible Audio Edition
Listening Length: 7 hours and 51 minutes
Program Type: Audiobook
Version: Unabridged
Publisher: Harper Audio
Audible.com Release Date: September 27, 2011
Ready by:  Kirby Heyborne
Buy the book:  Audible | Hardcover
Once upon a time, Hazel and Jack were best friends. But that was before he stopped talking to her and disappeared into a forest with a mysterious woman made of ice. Now it's up to Hazel to go in after him. Inspired by Hans Christian Andersen's "The Snow Queen," Breadcrumbs is a story of the struggle to hold on, and the things we leave behind.

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50. Return To Exile by E.J Patten

  • Hardcover: 512 pages
  • Publisher: Simon & Schuster Books For Young Readers (September 6, 2011)
  • Language: English
  • Buy The Book: Amazon

  ONE BOY. UNTOLD ENEMIES. A WHOLE WORLD TO SAVE.
IT'S GOING TO BE A LOOONG THREE DAYS.

Eleven years ago, a shattered band of ancient monster hunters captured an unimaginable evil and Phineas T. Pimiscule rescued his nephew, Sky, from the wreckage of that great battle. For eleven years, Sky Weathers has studied traps, puzzles, science, and the secret lore of the Hunters of Legend believing it all a game. For eleven years, Sky and his family have hidden from dark enemies while, unbeknownst to Sky, his uncle Phineas sacrificed everything to protect them.

For eleven years, Sky Weathers has known nothing of that day.

But on the eve of Sky's twelfth birthday and his family's long-awaited return to the town of Exile, everything changes. Phineas has disappeared, and Sky finds himself forced to confront the mysterious secrets he's denied for so long: why did his family leave Exile on that day so long ago? What, exactly, has Phineas been preparing him for? And, the biggest mystery of all, who is Sky really and why does everyone want to kill him?!

Featuring an action-packed plot that covers the gamut of every monster you've never heard of (not to mention weird powers and weapons made out of garbage), Return to Exile is brimming with boy and girl appeal and is a gem for reluctant young readers. And, with a diverse assortment of well-aged monster hunters in the cast, this series will be a hit with adults young and old as well. Recommended for ages 9+.


My Thoughts~

      This. Book. Is. Epic. I know, for me, every book is, that's just the way I am. But seriously, this book is amazing. I haven't read that fast in ages. It took me about from the start of this week to yesterday afternoon, which is actually quite normal for me, but with school and homework and stuff I haven't read that fast since two years ago in sixth grade during class (Note: don't read during class). Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to talk about me, I'm trying to emphasize the amazingness of the book. I got completely sucked into this book, and I couldn't put it down for long. It has monsters and action and weapons, the works of an awesome adventure/action book. You definitely need to read this, after all the other ones I told you to read :P.

Fave Characters~

     Sky Weathers: good at puzzles, has a person in the back of his mind, doesn't make friends easily. My kinda guy. He is my favorite character other than Hands, one of his friends that doesn't completely trust him until the very end, and Errand, the person I mentioned in the back of Sky's mind.

     Hands: likes his privacy, dramatizing everything, and teen vampire romance novels. Love the guy. He is something else, and definitely one of the best characters in the whole book.

     Errand: likes helping Sky with fights at school, takes Sky edgewalking, has been trapped and frozen in a prison for eleven years. He looks exactly like Sky, even has the same marks on his hand. Two white crescent moons in his palm that connect at the tips, surrounded by a black mark that looks like a wound that won't heal, it is also two crescent moons connected at the tips (T

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