Category: book review

July 13, 2017

The Dragon King Book Review

In The Dragon King, evil is spreading across the Western Continent. One by one, kingdom, king, and wizard are falling under its influence.

About The Dragon King

Evil is spreading across the Western Continent. One by one, kingdom, king, and wizard are falling under its influence.

Dragon King Bakari, Battlemaster Alli, and High Wizard Roland are now powerful leaders in their own right. Differing missions and responsibilities have separated them; Bakari flies north to find the last Dragon Rider, Alli goes south to find the source of the evil, and Roland, leader of the Citadel, finds himself stuck in the magic stream without his body.

The Dragon King and his riders always emerge in times of great need – but will their powers be enough? Or will they succumb to the temptations of evil? Each wizard and Rider will be tested – not all of them will pass.

My Thoughts

The Alaris Chronicles series comes to a stunning conclusion in the third book in this series by Mike Shelton.

In this novel, the evil that had begun to spread in the first two novels begins to become overpowering. The darkness and evil magic is everywhere our young heroes turn. Friends become foes and slowly the trust that had been built up between leaders is questioned. Our heroes, though great in their own magic are continuously tested in their strength, their faith and hope. It becomes quickly clear within the first few chapters, that great sacrifices must be taken in order for good to overcome evil.

The Dragon King was fast paced, exciting and full of even more adventure! Our heroes, while so young, are full of faith, strength and courage. You are drawn into their amazing personalities and faith in good triumphing over the evil that is quietly trying to take over the land. In this novel, Bakari and Roland make huge sacrifices to aid in their cause and it left me on the edge of my seat. I was not expecting quite a few of the plot turns in this book!

The Dragon King is an excellent, well written novel for young adults and adults alike. You will love the fast pace and adventure filled plot. A definite must read!

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Mike has recently released the first book in a new YA/Teen fantasy series – The Alaris Chronicles, following his 2016 trilogy of The Cremelino Prophecy. Please join his mailing list at www.MichaelSheltonBooks.com to continue to get information on these stories and any future publications.

Mike was born in California and has lived in multiple states from the west coast to the east coast. He cannot remember a time when he wasn’t reading a book. At school, home, on vacation, at work at lunch time, and yes even a few pages in the car (at times when he just couldn’t put that great book down). Though he has read all sorts of genres he has always been drawn to fantasy. It is his way of escaping to a simpler time filled with magic, wonders and heroics of young men and women.

Other than reading, Mike has always enjoyed the outdoors. From the beaches in Southern California to the warm waters of North Carolina. From the waterfalls in the Northwest to the Rocky Mountains in Utah. Mike has appreciated the beauty that God provides for us. He also enjoys hiking, discovering nature, playing a little basketball or volleyball, and most recently disc golf. He has a lovely wife who has always supported him, and three beautiful children who have been the center of his life.

Mike began writing stories in elementary school and moved on to larger novels in his early adult years. He has worked in corporate finance for most of his career. That, along with spending time with his wonderful family and obligations at church has made it difficult to find the time to truly dedicate to writing. In the last few years as his children have become older he has returned to doing what he truly enjoys – writing!

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 27, 2017

The Captain’s Daughter Book Review

The Captain’s Daughter is a warm-hearted Victorian romance brings 1880s London to life.

About The Captain’s Daughter

When a series of circumstances beyond her control leave Rosalyn Bernay alone and penniless in London, she chances upon a job backstage at a theater that is presenting the most popular show in London. A talented musician and singer, she feels immediately at home and soon becomes enthralled with the idea of pursuing a career on the stage.

A hand injury during a skirmish in India has forced Nate Moran out of the army until he recovers. Filling his time at a stable of horses for hire in London, he has also spent the past two months working nights as a stagehand, filling in for his injured brother. Although he’s glad he can help his family through a tough time, he is counting the days until he can rejoin his regiment. London holds bitter memories for him that he is anxious to escape. But then he meets the beautiful woman who has found a new lease on life in the very place Nate can’t wait to leave behind.

My Thoughts

I love historical romances, they are one of my all time favourite types of books to read. This is especially true of books set in London! I was really excited to read this book and while the book did not play out the way I thought it would, it was still a great book.

We have a young woman, who has lost her family and has no family. She is forced to leave the place she has called “home” and finds her way to London to help lose herself in the hustle and bustle of people so that she can take care of her sisters. When she arrives there, her innocence and naivety is taken advantage of and she finds herself almost drawn into a brothel scheme!

She meets a young man who has his demons to battle but they uncover a friendship and the possibility for more. Together they teach each other about letting go, moving forward, hope and love. I loved that our two main characters are not from a rich family, they weren’t born into wealth and they don’t see wealth throughout this novel – like many historical novels can be based around. Instead the focus is on their past, their future, hope and love. They are surrounded with family and love – the two things you can’t live without!

The Captain’s Daughter is a lovely, well written novel that leaves you inspired and hopeful. A great read from start to finish.

You can find more reviews on the Litfuse blog tour page. You can purchase a copy of this book here.

Rating: 4/5

About the Author

Jennifer Delamere’s debut Victorian romance, “An Heiress at Heart,” was a 2013 RITA award finalist in the inspirational category. Her follow-up novel, “A Lady Most Lovely,” received a starred review from “Publishers Weekly” and the Maggie Award for Excellence from Georgia Romance Writers. Jennifer earned a BA in English from McGill University in Montreal, where she became fluent in French and developed an abiding passion for winter sports. She’s been an editor of nonfiction and educational materials for nearly two decades, and lives in North Carolina with her husband.

Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 20, 2017

Stunning Children’s Books from Raincoast Books #SummerTimeReading

Tomorrow marks the official first day of summer and I am so excited for the laid back days, later bed times and an ease on our regular routines. I think both my kids and I are ready for that break! While we tend to shy away from some of our regular routine during the summer months, the one activity we never stop is a bedtime story. Both of us look forward to those cuddles and the journey we take before heading off into dream land. It helps us to unwind and reconnect after a day of play and I love that it keeps up those very important reading skills throughout the summer.

Here are my three fun picks for your preschool to school aged child for fun summer time reading:

This Is Not a Picture Book!

In this quirky yet sweet picture book about the joy and power of reading, Duck learns that even books without pictures can be fun. While he and his friend Bug may struggle at first to decipher their book, they stick with it, and before long they discover that not only can they read it, but it deserves a place on the shelf with all their favorite picture books. Author-artist Sergio Ruzzier has created a fanciful tribute to books of all kinds. It includes both words AND pictures.

Reading is the most powerful gift you can give your child. It takes them on adventures, teaches them life lessons and gives hope and inspiration, all from the comfort of your favourite reading spot! This beautiful book helps to drive home that reading is magical. Our character, Duck, is first unsure of a book without pictures, could he read the book? Would he be able to know all the words? Would it even be interesting? How could a book without pictures be interesting? When he tries the book, he realizes he recognizes those words and even without pictures the book takes him on a magical adventure that ends with him at home (and excited for his next adventure with a book with no pictures!). This is what a book does, it touches you with words and brings excitement, hope and every book that is opened by a child is the gift of adventure! This is a definite must read for children before they progress to more advanced books with less imagery.

You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Don’t Blink!

Think you can win a staring contest against an elephant? What about a gorilla, a cheetah, a fox, or an alligator? What about all them – AND a bunch of their other animal friends – at the same time? You’re about to find out!

Whatever you do DON’T BLINK!

How many of us have had staring contests with our children? I know my boys and I are always having one, whether it be at the dining room table or watching movies. We always have to see who can last the longest and without a doubt my kids are usually the winners! This adorable book is all about staring contests with your favourite little competitor, your child. As the book progresses your child can have a staring contest with all of their favourite animals. Who will win this fantastic staring game? The book is beautifully illustrated in soft and warm colours which makes the characters that much more loveable. The characters even remind you of your own child, especially at the end as they decide on a winner. This lovely book started giggles and a new round of staring competitions in our home.

You can purchase a copy of the book here.

Tony

A touching tale of a boy and a horse, by the late poet Ed Galing and illustrated with remarkable tenderness by Caldecott-winning artist Erin Stead.

The late Ed Galing was born in 1917, spent his early years in the Lower East Side of New York City, and has been widely published in the small press.

“Tony was all white,
large, sturdy,
with wide gentle eyes
and a ton of love . . .

it was early in the morning
around three a.m.,
but I was up, and would
go out and pat Tony with
my gentle arms, and
his head would bow down”

An absolutely beautiful and touching story of friendship and love between a horse and its friend. It is an easy to read story to your child, that they will fall in love and can also help to read aloud. The illustrations are all done in a blue-green, yellow and white with an almost pencilled in design, which helps the story to do the talking. The wording is perfect for a night time story, it was soothing and so full of love.

You can purchase a copy of Tony here.

What are your favourite bed time stories to read to your child?

To keep up to date with new book releases for children, make sure to follow Raincoast Books on Twitter and Facebook.

Disclosure: I received copies of these books in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 19, 2017

Suspense, Action and the Mob in Joe Giordano’s Newest Release!

From the Italian Mafia to the Russian mob to art theft and to ISIL, Joe Giordano brings it all to the table with his new book!

About Appointment with ISIL

This time, Anthony’s libido threatens his life. He flirts with Russian mob boss, Gorgon Malakhov’s mistress. The Russian deals in death. ISIL, the Islamic State in the Levant, wants the product. Russian Intelligence supplies the means, and an art theft funds the scheme. ISIL’s targets are chilling. The chase across the Mediterranean is on. Can Anthony thwart ISIL? Will he survive?

My Thoughts

Appointment with ISIL is a fast paced, exciting thriller that takes you around the world in a scheme that will blow your mind. Joe Giordano has written a book that has so many layers, that keeps you guessing and unwilling to put his book down. You have to keep reading to find out what happens next!

Anthony is a fantastic main character – he is tough but not over the top tough, likeable and wants to do what is right. Anthony goes from one bad situation into an even worse situation. He manages to get himself involved in not only the Italian mafia but the Russians which in turn ties him to art theft and the sale of dirty bombs and submarines. Joe has an amazing way of writing that reveals just enough at each stage of the book – enough to keep you guessing and enough to unwind a new thread in this story. I never really knew what was coming next and I loved this. You kept hoping for the best for Anthony but were on edge at all times during the novel.

This is an awesome, action packed thriller that you will not be able to put down. Joe weaves an amazing story that will keep you on the edge of your seat and reading long into the night!

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon.

Rating: 5/5

About the Author

Joe Giordano was born in Brooklyn. He and his wife, Jane, have lived in Greece, Brazil, Belgium and the Netherlands. They now live in Texas.

Joe’s stories have appeared in more than ninety magazines including The Monarch Review, The Saturday Evening Post, decomP, The Summerset Review, and Shenandoah. His novel, Birds of Passage, An Italian Immigrant Coming of Age Story, was published by Harvard Square Editions October 2015. His second novel, Appointment with ISIL, an Anthony Provati Thriller will be published by HSE in June 2017.

You can connect with Joe on his website, Twitter and Facebook.

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Disclosure: I received a digital copy of this book in order to facilitate this review. All opinions expressed are my own.

June 5, 2017

Dancing In The Rain Spotlight

In Dancing In The Rain, can she end the turmoil and escape the firmly built trap to find the freedom she craves?

Dancing In The Rain

Fifteen-year old Valeria Allegro works diligently on the family farm in Italy, where she is torn between her duty to her family and her desire to find freedom from her strict, domineering father. She finds solace in Dario, a young student who provides a blissful escape—until a neighbour’s son, Gregorio, decides he wants her for himself.

This raises an alarm for her father, which leads to family conflict and aggression. When Dario is threatened and her family is plagued by a series of suspicious accidents, Valeria is desperate to keep her loved ones safe. Can she end the turmoil and escape the firmly built trap to find the freedom she craves?

You can purchase a copy of this book on Amazon, Amazon US and Barnes & Noble.

About the Author

Lucy Appadoo is a registered counsellor and wellness coach with a part-time private practice. She also works as a rehabilitation counsellor for the Australian government. In her spare time, she self-publishes or writes nonfiction and fiction texts. She previously worked as a rehabilitation consultant, caseworker, English as a second language teacher, and proofreader.

Lucy has postgraduate diplomas in psychology, education, and English as a Second Language teaching, as well as specialised qualifications in grief counselling and hypnosis. She has also completed wellness coaching courses (levels 1-3) at Wellness Coaching Australia.

Lucy enjoys reading romantic suspense, romance, thrillers, crime novels, family/historical drama, and sagas. She writes in the genres of romantic suspense, historical fiction, and romance. She has enjoyed travelling to exotic places such as Madrid, Mauritius, and Italy, and draws on these experiences in her creative writing.

Lucy’s favourite authors include Kendra Elliot, Christiane Heggan, Theresa Ragan, Tara Moss, Nicholas Sparks, Adriana Trigiani, Erica Spindler, and James Patterson (to name a few).

Lucy’s interests include meditation, playing tennis, journal writing, reading fiction and nonfiction texts about writing, coaching, and counselling, ongoing professional development, spending time with her husband and two daughters, and socialising with friends and family.

Connect with Lucy on her website, Twitter and Facebook.

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Disclosure: This is a spotlight post, I did not receive compensation for this post. All opinions expressed are my own.