In 1000 AD, a young Inuit shaman and a Viking warrior become unwilling allies as war breaks out between their peoples and their gods-one that will determine the fate of them all.
“There is a very old story, rarely told, of a wolf that runs into the ocean and becomes a whale.”
Born with the soul of a hunter and the spirit of the Wolf, Omat is destined to follow in her grandfather’s footsteps-invoking the spirits of the land, sea, and sky to protect her people.
But the gods have stopped listening and Omat’s family is starving. Alone at the edge of the world, hope is all they have left.
Desperate to save them, Omat journeys across the icy wastes, fighting for survival with every step. When she meets a Viking warrior and his strange new gods, they set in motion a conflict that could shatter her world…or save it.
The Wolf in the Whale has something that I adore in books, and something that is very hard to find; a rich, foreign setting. You don’t know how many books I have read that take place in a foreign, mystical land, or even just a different country, that feel like they could have taken place in the middle of a crappy American town without changing a thing.
There were some parts of this book that were difficult to read. It wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. If you’re in the mood for a “feel good book” this isn’t it. However, if you want something that’ll stand out from the dozen or so forgettable titles in your Kindle, this would be the one you should pick up next.
Plot: Estral tells two short stories about famous people in Sacoridia’s history. Then the story shifts to follow Estral. She’s journeying back to Selium (a city and a school in Sacoridia). She goes ahead of the group while the others tend the horses. Estral gets lost the woods and comes across a house with sister’s who have met Karigan a few years prior, the Berry sisters. They invite her in to rest and recuperate. Then they invite her to a party. They won’t say who’s coming until it starts. The sisters bring out a dream gatherer. It’s a machine that allows people from dreams to attend and visit with the people there. But something else enters the party. What is it? Can it be stopped?
Rating: 3.6 – a mix of legends within a fantasy world
Opinion: I thought this book would be either a collection of stories or entire short story, not a combination of the two. But it was a good combination. It was well written. I enjoyed the story about the main character of The Green Rider series’ friend. Though the last few books did that as well but this book solely focused on Estral. I liked this story, though it didn’t continue the Green Rider plot along. I was a nice relaxing story. It’s a good expiation story to the Green Rider series.
Title: The Squickerwankers – Prequel and Demise of Selma the Spoiled
Author: Evangeline Lilly
Ilustrador: Prequel – Johnny Frazier-Allen, Denise of Selma the Spoiled – Rodrigo Bastos Dider
Genre: Fantasy, Children’s Book, Picture Book
Plot: Prequel – Selma is a child who demands everything she sees. She’ll whine and pout till she gets her way. The Squickerwonkers come to town. Selma is fascinated by them. She wants what they have. So her father makes a deal with them. Selma can stay with the Squickerwonkers and have what they have. Now Selma joins their crew in exchange for the Squickerwonkers being the royal troupe.
Demise of Selma the Spoiled – A new peddler comes to town. Selma looks through his wears, determined to find something. But spoiled Selma already has everything he’s selling. The peddler offers Selma something truly unique. She begs and pleads with the others. Slowly they consent. Each have their own reasons for wanting the unique thing. Everything starts out grand but soon things turn sour for Selma.
Rating: 4.0 – a dark style fairy tale with real life consequences
Opinion: This was a great kids book. It’s dark but relatable. It gives consequences for the characters who aren’t nice. The other characters see this and teach the characters a relatable lesson. The style of the story is very Dr. Seuss like. It’s meant for kids who don’t love to read or have a hard time reading. The author said so herself when I bought the books from her at comic con. I agree with her saying that kids need to hear things like this sometimes. That there are consequences for acting certain ways. I recommend these books for kids don’t mind books that are a little scarier, or kids who need to find a new style of books.
Plot: 1 – (Journey to Twilight) 12 year old Lorna just move to Phoenix, AZ with her mom and baby brother. Her parents have just divorced and Lorna’s understandably upset. Sam, a boy her age, has challenged her to the ‘Crestwell Challenge’ (a bike race around the block 7 times). On the third lap, Lorna is transported to a magical land called Twilight. There she meets Trix, a leprechaun who gives her a quest. If she completes the quest, she’ll get 1 wish. Lorna agrees to go on the quest. Then she’s taken back to the real world just as Sam crosses the finish line. Sam thinks Lorna’s excuse for her disappearance during the race suspicious. So he follows her into Twilight after Lorna complete’s the first part of the quest. Trix and Lorna tell Sam about the quest and he agrees to help. But Sam gets really hurt when they return. Will Lorna be able to complete the quest? What will she use her wish on? Will she be use the wish on herself? Or use it to help Sam?
2 – (Trouble in Twilight) Lorna’s friend Ally moved away, and a new girl, Jenny moved in. Lorna wants to be her friend but Jenny’s not a good friend in return. She asks Lorna to steal and skip school. Desperate to have a new friend, Lorna does what she asks. She starts to ignore her true friend Sam. That’s when Sam and Lorna are whisked back to the land of Twilight. Twix says something bad is going on. Lorna refuses to acknowledge what’s going on and leaves. Trix and Sam can see what’s happening. Trix shows Sam how he can help Lorna. Lorna’s also growing frustrated with her dad who still refuses to visit her or call. She breaks her phone after her dad says he has to cancel again. Then Lorna gets caught skipping school. Her mom grounds her. Ever frustrated, she runs away with Jenny. Can Sam find a way to help Lorna? Can they find Lorna?
3 – (Trouble in Twilight) The land of Twilight is dying. Sam and Lorna have been chosen to save it. They must find a way to have faith and tell the people in their lives about faith. Lorna decides to show faith by being honest with her mom. Sam is desperate to show faith to his dad by talking with him. Trix and Melvin are now wandering through the real word hiding from the horrible whatever. They need to show Lorna and Sam ways to have faith. The four of them travel to different places to learn about faith. But will they save Twilight in time?
Rating: 3.6 – a good tale about faith and family for kids
Opinion: This series wasn’t what I was expecting. I thought the story would spend more time in the world of Twilight than the real world. It is a good series. It deals well with real world problems that middle schoolers face. The book deals with big problems like divorce and moving away and making friend and wanting to be cool. It’s very well done in that sense. I just thought it’d deal more with Twilight than the real world. Maybe I’m too used to reading books meant for adults. It is a good kids book for kids going through tough situations like divorce and moving. It’s tough on adults, so it’s just as hard for kids and teens. It puts it all through their eyes. I enjoyed the series the more I read. I think it’s a good book for kids who enjoy fantasy and want a character they can relate to.
Title: Mr. B: Living with a 98-Year-Old Rocket Scientist
Author: Lynn Byk
Genre: Memoir
Plot: Lynn tells the story of having to sell hers and her husband’s house and move into her husband’s father’s house, Joe Byk. Joe was a rocket scientist starting in the 1940’s. By the time Lynn and her husband are nearly bankrupt from fighting the city because of ‘zoning issues.’ Her father-in-law is also 98 years old. Lynn keeps a journal about the first year her and her husband lived with Joe. She writes down all of the science facts and story she learns from Joe and his story growing up. Joe was the son of Polish immigrants and grew up poor. He learned quickly and became a rocket and airplane engineer. Over the year Joe teaches Lynn about life through his stories. She also learns about forgiveness and letting go of things. She teaches Joe how to accept changes. Lynn was always encouraging Joe and engaging him in the changes she’d like to make. She lets Joe help and make his own changes in his own time, too. Lynn and Joe learn and help each other so much.
Rating: 4.0 – a good story about healing
Opinion: This is a great memoir about life and forgiveness. I also enjoyed learning about Joe’s science and history. Though some of the science went over my head. I enjoyed Joe’s story of overcoming and becoming a very important rocket and airplane scientist. He helped build planes for the US Air Force during WW2 and a rocket engineer during the Space Race after growing up poor. I also loved Lynn’s story of overcoming the pain of almost going bankrupt and wanting so bad to fight back, but having to let go. This is a beautiful story of overcoming great odds. It took time, but Lynn and Joe learned to live and enjoy each other’s company and help each other with so much. This is a great memoir about learning to forgive, history, and science. I recommend this book for anyone who enjoys learning about history and science and memoirs.
Title: Welcome to the Shivoo! Creatives Mimicking the Creator
Author: Laura Bartnick
Genre: Christian
Plot: Everyone is creative. We were created that way. God has given each a unique creative ability. He has given everyone a way to explore their talents and gifts. This book explores the different ways God has given us to be creative. Whether, through painting, writing, acting, exploring, etc. There’s even creative ways through science. As Christians, we must be careful of the one who desires to warp our creativity. One who tells us we’re not good enough or turn our desires into something that goes against our godly path. Thankfully, God has given us ways to counter him. Find your way to be creative through God’s gift.
Rating: 4.0 – a great book about God’s creativity through us
Opinion: This was a great book for creative Christians. There are numerous ways to be creative. This books many ways that people can use their creativity. I enjoyed the ways the author talks about God’s gifts in creation and the gifts he’s given us. I also enjoyed the fact that the book talks about science and how we can use science to glorify God. The author gives us a list of scientists who are Christians. As a creative person who likes and enjoys science, I enjoyed the fact that the author included this section. I enjoyed the fact that she included ways the Devil tries to trick and manipulate out creativity. It should be a no brained but it’s always a good reminder. This book is a great reminder that we are all creative. God has gifted us uniquely to be creative in our own way, shape, and form. I highly recommend this book for anyone looking for ways to use God’s gifts creativity.
Thank you MindBuck Media and Dan V. Jackson for letting me read this early access book. Rainbow Bridge will be available on October 6th.
Title: Rainbow Bridge
Author: Dan V. Jackson
Genre: Realistic Fiction
Plot: Throughout Nathan Wiltman’s life, he’s been surrounded by dogs. From Frisco, the Beagle Border Collie mix his parents adopt before he’s born, to Shilo, the German Sheppard whom he grows up with, to Georgie, the Belgian Malanois who serves in the Army with him, to Lindsay, the Schnauzer that leads him to his wife (Ann), to Boomer and Zoey, Labs his children grow up with. With each dog that wanders into Nathan’s life, they help him grow and learn. They are also fiercely protective of him. They form a special bond with Nathan and help during tough times. Each time one passes, Nathan vows he’ll never get another dog. Each time, he finds another dog, and his heart grows bigger for it. After the last dog passes, Nathan falls asleep at the wheel. While in surgery, Nathan meets all of his past dogs. He’s presented with a choice. Stay with the dogs forever, or return to his family. Which will he chose?
Rating: 4.5 – a great story of love and loss with family and dogs
Opinion: This story warmed my heart, yet broke it five pages later. It was definitely worth the read. I sob while reading this book. One of the dogs passes in a similar situation to my old family dog passes. My cat and my roommate’s cat came to snuggle with me a few minutes later after each time I cried. It still warmed my heart because of the themes of family, love, loss, and dogs. It’s always very hard when you lose a loved one, or a beloved pet. But family will always come together during hard times. It was a sappy book, you could tell some things were going to happen before they actually did, but it was still a good read. It was very easy to connect to the characters and root for them. Even though I cried a few times, it was still a worthwhile read. I’d highly recommend this book for anyone with a dog, or family of their own. But make sure you have the Kleenex ready.
Thank you Muhammad Hamza Shah for allowing me to read his book. This is his debut novella. If you’d like to this book, or any other of his books, go to his site here.
Title: The Learner’s Plight
Author: Muhammad Hamza Shah
Genre: Realistic Fiction, Coming of Age
Plot: Gavin Hawthorne is a new student. He moved to the US from Ireland. Students can be cruel, especially in middle school. He made a friend at first, another immigrant, like himself, Linda Barnowska, and Shirley. Linda is quick to move on to other friends and leaves Gavin behind. Shirley stays his friend. Struggling to with bullies, teasing, and making friends, Gavin is at his wit’s end. Will he give up? Will he take a stand? What will Gavin do? Can Gavin use Shirley’s advice for good?
Rating: 3.8 – a good coming of age story
Opinion: This was a good coming of age novella. A good story for those who struggling with bullies. It’s something people can relate to. This novella was a good tale of overcoming struggles. It gave a different way to deal with bullies. I would’ve like to know a little more about what happened after Gavin sent to letters. The author give some answers about the letters he sent his parents, but doesn’t give a response for the others. I enjoyed this novella. It would be a good book for those dealing with bullies, or other struggles during middle and high school. It would be also be a good for other young adult readers. If you’re looking for a great short story, then I highly suggest this book.
Plot: Ryan Evans has recently returned from a tour in Iran. He’s a Navy intelligence officer who’s on leave because he’s escaped capture from an Iranian militant. After his experience, he’s bound and determined to make amends with his estranged wife, Celia, and sixteen year old daughter, Bethany. But his wife and daughter want nothing to do with him. Ryan takes it especially hard when Celia files for divorce and gives him a restraining device. Ryan starts to come to peace with things when everything changes. A serial killer known as BoneMan strikes after two years. BoneMan’s target is Ryan’s daughter. Ryan is distraught when BoneMan leaves a message on his phone. Then the FBI show up and lock him up. They think Ryan is BoneMan. Ryan tries to explain himself to no avail. He manages to escape and meet BoneMan. If Ryan does everything BoneMan asks, he’ll let Ryan’s daughter go. But it’s hard when BoneMan’s messages are cryptic and the FBI is on your tail. Ryan has seven days to complete the tasks BoneMan asked. Will Ryan be able to do it? Can he finish the tasks and get his daughter back? Or will the FBI catch him first? Is Ryan really BoneMan? Or are the FBI chasing the wrong man?
Rating: 3.0 – lots of background for a creepy thriller
Opinion: Out of all of Ted Dekker’s books, this is one of my least favorite. It took a long time for the story to get started. I understand the story needed some background, but even that felt like it was dragging. There was lots of background and details, which was interesting. The story switches back and forth between characters and gives multiple sides and perspectives to the story. It shows a father’s desperation, to the mind of a creepy serial killer, to the FBI agents trying to find both Ryan and BoneMan. I felt for Ryan and his desperation. I was repulsed by BoneMan. I cheered for the one FBI agent who was on the right track. Bethany was annoying sixteen year old at first, she grew on me. Ryan was a little annoying at first, but his reasoning was a little more understandable. The ending felt a little rushed to me, as well as a little unrealistic. After all the hurt they went through, they seemed to just get over it and connect. I’m sure that it does happen, but it felt a little forced. It started picking up speed, then ended. It kind of annoyed me. While it was entertaining, I didn’t love it. I expected a little more from Ted Dekker. It might be better from a different perspective. It wasn’t my favorite, but it was an interesting read. If you’re looking for a detailed thriller, then I’d recommend this book.
Plot: Sophie van Riijn has been using Dierenpark on the Hudson River as a weather station for the past nine years. One day the owners of the house, the Vandermarks, return to Dierenpark and throw the staff out the door, including Sophie. She is persistent and returns to the house anyway the next day to collect the weather data. Quentin Vandermark agrees to let Sophie continue on as a cook and tutor for his son, Pieter. Quentin is a rude man, quick to find fault in everyone. He despises Sophie and her hopeful, always cheerful personality. Pieter is a nervous boy, but blossoms under Sophie’s teaching. After some, Quentin soften towards Sophie after agreeing to help her with a proposal for a weather station. But they have a deadline, prove the family curse is false, or Quentin’s grandfather will destroy the house. What will they find? Can Quentin and Sophie save the house?
Rating: 3.8 – a good, sappy historical fiction
Opinion: This was a good historical fiction. It focused a lot on the family’s history and finding about their past. There were parts that felt a little jerky. Parts of the plots continued then suddenly stopped. Other things happened and minds were changed quickly. I feel like one or two things weren’t carried through all the way. Overall this was a great book. It was pretty sappy romance wise. There was a fair sense of mystery. I enjoyed this book. It was a quick and easy read. If you’re looking for a good historical fiction, then I recommend this book.
A Bookworm's Book Reviews 