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.
Titles: 1 – The Gospel of Loki, 2 – The Testament of Loki
Author: Joanne M. Harris
Genre: Fantasy, Mythology
Plot: 1 – Loki is a demon from Chaos. He is called from Chaos to Asgard by Odin. Odin promised Loki to be treated as an equal, as a brother to the Aesir and Vanir of Asgard. At every turn, Loki greeted with suspicion and disgust. Even when his deeds save everyone, there will always be those who refuse to trust him. Hiemdall and Freyja are chief among them. For the most part, Loki is able to talk himself and others out of trouble. Finally, when Loki brings peace with the ice people, the others start to trust him. He is riding high, when he and Thor start on a voyage to the Worlds Beyond. They meet some of the Folk who join them on their voyage. They meet some of the giants of the north. In the giant’s village, Loki and Thor are faced with challenges. Both of them lose badly. They are allowed to return to Asgard, their head hanging low. Loki is returned to his lowly state. Everyone loses their trust in him. Loki starts to plan his revenge. He is caught and punished. A Vanir, Gullvieg-Heid rescues him and asks him to help attack Asgard. Loki accepts wholeheartedly, desperately wanting revenge against Odin and Asgard. As the battle rages on, Surt, the lord of Chaos, covers Asgard in shadows, Heimdall attacks Loki and they fall of the Rainbow Bridge. But will Loki survive? Will anyone in Asgard survive.
2 – Loki has survived. He and the others are trapped in Dream. During his time in Dream, Loki searches for a way to escape. Suddenly, he finds a way to escape through a computer game. In arrives on Earth, trapped in a human’s body, called Jumps. Loki enjoys his new body, but his host, Jumps, is enraged. She (Jumps) searches for ways to get Loki out of her body. Her friend, Evan, can help. When they get there, they realize that Odin is occupying Evan’s body. Odin has a bargain for Loki. But Loki doesn’t trust Odin, not after the events of Ragnarok. Though, Loki helps in order to help himself escape from this situation. He retrieves Thor for Odin, though he traps Thor in a little dog’s body. Odin asks two more things of Loki. After introducing him to Frejya, who’s not all that she appears, Loki agrees to help, if only to save his own skin. Odin asks Loki to find the Oracle, and the new runes that are appearing. Loki reluctantly helps. As he searches, Loki finds ways to help his host, Jumps. They become unlikely allies. Soon, they find a ride through Dream to go through Dream. But where is the Oracle? Can Loki escape his host and Odin? Will Odin betray him again? Can Loki ever be free?
Rating: 4.3 – a great telling of the classic Norse Mythology
Opinion: I found this book in a local bookstore. I was skeptical, but curious. I haven’t heard much of Norse mythology, except for the occasional story outside what Marvel has put in movies. I’ve also never had much of an opportunity to learn about mythology outside of the occasional English class. This story was very entertaining. It’s very easy to relate to Loki. I found it easy to see why Loki did the things he did. It made you feel bad for him. Though he’s often the villain, this series made him more likable. I highly enjoyed Loki’s snark and how he out thought circles around everyone in and out of Asgard. In the second book, the author made a great combination of Norse Legend and modern times. The story kind of ends early but Loki has to finish with the Oracle and his proficies first. I was curious to see how Loki would break free of the profecy and Odin. It was wrapped up nicely, but still left me wondering if there would be another book in the series. Overall, this was a great series. I was curious to see how the author would tell the tales of Loki from his perspective. These books are shorter and quick reads. They are great for learning about Norse mythology and seem to be accurate from the other things I’ve read about that mythology outside of Marvel. If you’re looking for some great reads about mythology, then I highly recommend these books.
Plot: Seminary professor, Augustine Knox, has been called to find and authenticate some biblical scrolls and letters about Saul of Tarsus. When he arrives, Augustine learns that others are on the trail of the letters. The others will stop at nothing to get the letters. How will Augustine find the letters? Will the others searching find them first? Will they take Augustine out of the equation? Or can Augustine find a way to stop the others? If he finds them, how can he keep them from falling into the wrong hands? Two thousand years ago, a young man, Saul, is studying to be a priest. He’s a bright man and a quick learner. But he’s also proud and eager to show off what he knows. His toughest decisions are deciding which school to attend, and how to impress a girl he likes. At school, he soon surpasses his peers. He becomes prouder and more arrogant. His friends soon find others to spend time with. After school, Saul finds a seat on the Sanhedrin. Saul promises to deal with the growing Christian population. Stephen is first target. Then, on the way to Demascus, he is blinded by a light and hears Jesus. But will he listen to what Jesus has to say? Or will he stay stuck in his old ways? Will the Christians trust him?
Rating: 4.0 – a well written book about history and mystery
Opinion: This was an interesting mystery surrounding a biblical story. Most Christians know at least a little about Saul, turned Paul. I enjoyed learning about one of the greatest, if not thee greatest, early Christian leaders. I didn’t know much of his past before Stephan and the road to Damascus. It provided a lot of insight on how Saul got to where he was. It also gave an interesting theory to what he describes as ‘a thorn in his side.’ The story is split in two, one part following Augustine and the other following Saul. The changes take place at the starts of chapters, which makes it easier to follow. While Augustine’s story focuses more on his relationships with his parents, there is still enough mystery to keep the story interesting. It was interesting because they story includes the police in a more logical way than other stories I’ve read. I enjoyed the little Italian phrases to see how much I could understand, as it is a related language to Spanish. If you’re looking for a good part historical fiction, part mystery, then I’d recommend this book. This is also a great book for those who are looking for a biblical story and learning more about Saul of Tarsus.
Titles: 1 – Stalking Jack the Ripper, 2 – Hunting Prince Dracula, 3 – Escaping from Houdini
Author: Kerri Maniscalco
Genre: Historical Fiction, Young Adult, Mystery
Plot: 1 – Audrey Rose Wadsworth is an apprentice under her uncle in 1888 in London, England. She is studying forensic science through opening up cadavers. Her apprenticeship is frowned upon as she is of noble birth. Another student, Thomas Cresswell, is apprenticing with her. Not long after she starts, some starts murdering prostitutes on the West End of London. Her uncle has been put in charge of finding out what happen to the women. The people are calling the murderer Jack the Ripper. Audrey Rose helps as best as she can. But her family is falling appart. Her father has been sent to the country for his health. Her brother is constantly coming and going because of his schooling. Can Audrey Rose and Thomas clear her uncle’s name? Can they solve the murders? Who is the murderer? Who is Jack the Ripper? Can she keep her family together? Or will she accept her fate in society? Or be swept away by Jack the Ripper?
2 – Audrey Rose and Thomas are on their way to Romania for a position at a forensic science school. They take the Orient Express to closest city. But along the way, someone is murdered. He was impaled with a stake to the heart. Then Audrey Rose and Thomas read that there are rumors that Vlad the Impaler, more famously known as Dracula, has come back from the dead. Then they learn that the school is in Vlad’s former castle. Audrey Rose is the only girl in the class. No one thinks she has the ability, or should be, to be there. Then, right before classes start, another student is murder. The student has been drained of blood and has two puncture wounds on his neck. Audrey Rose and Thomas learn that the student was the cousin of the crown prince, who is also attending the school. They learn that more have disappeared after some time. The two put the pieces together and learn that Romania’s royal family is being targeted, being murdered and threatened. Audrey Rose and Thomas must hurry to help before the crown prince disappears or is killed. But the school’s headmaster is keeping a very close eye one everyone. No one is permitted to leave their room after the headmaster’s ward disappears, then found dead. Who is behind the murders? Has Vlad really come back to life? Or is someone making it look like he’s come back? Can Audrey Rose and Thomas help? Will professors let them help? Can Audrey Rose and Thomas stay at at the school? Or will they be forced to leave?
3 – Thomas and Audrey Rose have earned themselves a holiday. They take a luxury ship, the RMS Etruria. After dinner, there is a carnival show. The ring master, only known as Mephistopheles, promises mayhem. During the performance, a girl is murdered right next to Audrey Rose when the light are out. This starts a search for murderer. Audrey Rose goes under cover to gain the carnival performer’s trust. She gains Mephistopheles trust first. He sweeps her off her feet. Audrey Rose’s heart is torn as she learns sleight of hand and her part in the show. Each night, someone new is murdered, or found dead, all of them women. No one is certain of how’s committing the murders. Not even Thomas, with his impressive deduction skills can figure it out. Everyone in the troupe has motive and access to the weapons used. Few people in the ship’s crew, including the captain, have a motive as well. Even some of the passengers have a motive. With no where to escape, everyone is becoming scared. Who could be doing this? Is someone in the troupe, ship’s crew, or passengers? Can they solve the murders before they arrive in New York and the murderer escapes? Who will Audrey Rose chose, Thomas or Mephistopheles? Can Audrey Rose and Thomas still work together?
Rating: 4.0 – a great mystery series with some sappy romance
Opinion: I was searching through books at Target when I spotted the first book. I was quickly swept away by the mystery and history. I kind of had an idea of who committed the murders in the first book. The other two were more cleverly crafted and I had a harder time figuring out who did it. The second one had a strong creepy vibe. With the whole Dracula idea, it made sense. There was lots of bats and spiders and dark turns in the book. There were a few times I thought ‘wait, what?! that was unexpected.’ Once or twice there were completely gross parts. In the third book, there were lots of misdirections, as it focuses on magic. There was lots of stuff going on because the voyage was one seven days. I felt bad for Thomas and Audrey Rose to work everything out, but don’t get a chance to because they’re more focused on solving the murder. There is a fourth book coming out soon. I hope they are able to talk through more of their problems in the next one. I hope it’s not one of those ‘we’re not gonna talk about our problems, but act they never happened’ series. It’s good for young adults, or anyone for that matter, to read about realistic relationships. People need ways to learn what healthy relationships look like, too. This was a great series to read. I’d probably say this is good for high schoolers, and upper middle school, and up because of the topics dealt with and how the author describes the murder scenes. It’s not as descriptive as it could have been but proceed with caution. I enjoyed the mysteries greatly and parts of history included. Liberties were taken and the author admits to that. But the author tells a great story and knows what she’s talking about. She defiantly did her research. I recommend this series for those who enjoy a great murder mystery and historical fiction.
Title: One Thousand White Women: The Journals of Mary Dodd
Author: Jim Fergus
Genre: Historical Fiction
Plot: Mary Dodd has been sent to the asylum in 1875 after being found with a man before she was married. She loved the man and had children with him. During this time, the government is setting up a deal with the Cherokee Native Americans. They hope for peace and want to send 1,000 women in exchange for that. A friend of Mary’s in the asylum, a nurse, helps Mary forge a letter supposedly written by her father and another by her doctor. The letters say Mary is a fit candidate for the program. Mary is accepted into the deal and is set to leave some time later. Mary sets out with a small portion of the other women under the protection of the US Army. Along the way, Mary befriends a captain and begin to fall in love. They part ways after a night of passion. The Cherokee meet them and the men want to see which ones they like the best. The women are prepared for a night of ceremony. Mary is chosen by the Cherokee chief and spend the night together. Slowly, the women grow accustomed to Cherokee life. They learn the language and customs. The women help translate for the Cherokee when they meet with the US Army. The longer the women stay there, the clearer it becomes that the US government doesn’t plan on completing their deal. As the women’s due date draw near, the Cherokee move to their winter grounds. They prepare a house for the women to give birth. But not long after the women, the US Army comes. They attack the Cherokee. Who will survive? Will anyone escape?
Rating: 3.5 – a good book about the US, Native American dealings during the westward expansion
Opinion: Overall, I enjoyed this book. I felt like it was well researched. Mary is a great leader and is sent away for being seemingly ahead of her time. She is kind and very willing to help others. Mary is allowed to help translate translations between men. She finds a high place among the Cherokee. I have always been intrigued by the differences between the lives of the white people and Native Americans. Women are allowed to do more and are held in a higher regard among the Native Americans than their white counterparts. In this way, Mary seems more adapted. She is annoyed by the ways of men after spending time among the Cherokee. She works hard to become integrated into the tribe. She learns the language quickly and does well. She seems like someone to aspire, too. The one thing I din’t love about this book was that the ending felt a little rushed. Everything went along at a steady pace until the end. The ending was a little confusing for me and confusing. Though what was happening was confusing, it can make sense from that point of view. It could’ve set up for the sequel, which I have yet to read. I enjoyed the book overall, so I plan on reading the sequel soon. This is a good historical fiction book about the clashes between the US Army and Native Americans. It’s a good read for those who enjoy historical fictions and learning about different parts of history.
Plot: Teresa Mendoza is the boyfriend of a drug smuggler. He works in Sinaloa, Mexico and flies the planes. Teresa’s life is shattered when she receives a call from a friend named Guero. The only time that phone would ring was if her boyfriend was dead. Now the dealers are coming for her. Now she must run or die. Teresa makes her own choice, a third option. She works her way through the world of drug dealing. But everyone is against her, not believing a woman could ever survive. Teresa proves them all wrong. Soon, Teresa is working her own business in the drug dealing world. She’s running the show of a small corner in Spain. But running your own business doesn’t come without making a few enemies on both sides of the law. An old friend returns with a warning and a promise. The local and international police offer a deal. In Teresa’s world who can be trusted? Will the police keep their end of the deal? Will Teresa? What does her old friend really want? Can he still be trusted? Can Teresa keep all she’s worked for? Or will it all come crashing down?
Rating: 4.0 – a good story about the darker side of life
Opinion: This was an interesting read. Arturo Pérez-Reverte did an amazing job researching what goes into that side of life. This is a gritty book and not a style of book I’m used to reading. It’s gritty and dark. Though I still found the book enjoyable. There were a few scenes I skimmed as there were a couple steamy scenes. I’ve enjoyed other books by Arturo Pérez-Reverte, so I thought I’d read this one. This book was an interesting read. I enjoyed learning about different ways of life. I learned the behind the scenes life of the dark side of life. It keeps you reading. I finally got to learn some curse words in Spanish, as well as a few slang words. I learned Spanish in college and high school, so my Spanish is more formal, and clean. As with some books, not every single word is in English. They leave some of the cursing and slang in Spanish. Some of the slang doesn’t translate as well, so they left it in Spanish. The book has also been made into a couple TV shows. I haven’t seen either of them, but want to some day. Though it’s not a book I normally read, I really did enjoy it. I learned a lot about a different way of life, the dangers of that life, and some not-academic Spanish. It’s a good book for those who don’t mind learning about the other, darker, side of life.
Plot: Elizabeth Hawkins is a young girl when a sickness has come over her town in the early 1600’s. Her mother is desperate to save herself and her daughter. She makes a deal with a mysterious man who lives in the forest. A man known as Gideon Masters. But for the deal, both mother and daughter are saved. But the townspeople accuse Elizabeth’s mother of witchcraft. For that, she’s hanged. Elizabeth seeks out Gideon for help. He teaches her about the ways of witchcraft. She learns much, but soon is terrified of what she sees on winter’s night. Elizabeth flees. This enrages Gideon, who vows to make Elizabeth his. In modern day England, Elizabeth Hawkins lives a quiet life as an herbalist. There, she meets Tegan and slowly opens up to her. Elizabeth starts to teach Tegan about witchcraft. But memories of her long life come back to haunt her. Signs of Gideon start too reappear. He’s stalked her across time. Will he succeed? Or can Elizabeth find a way to free herself of him? Can she keep herself safe? Can she keep Tegan safe? Or she will be another casualty?
Rating: 3.7 – an interesting take on history and immortality
Opinion: I enjoyed this book. Though it wasn’t one of my favorites by Paula Brackston, it was still a good book. It had an interesting take on immortality. Elizabeth and Gideon’s immortality was explained in a way that was easy to understand and not an overly drawn out explanation. The book was interesting because it jumps back and forth in time. Luckily, it takes place mostly at chapter breaks. As the story progresses through time, the story deals with some famous moments in time. The story has a unique take on certain time periods. I’ve always enjoyed stories that take a unique spin on common things. This story does this a lot. While this story plods along more than some of Paula Brackston’s other books, there is still a fair amount of mystery. I was trying to enjoy the story, but could still see some things coming. I enjoyed this book and it’s unique takes on history and immortality. This is still a good story for anyone who enjoys historical fiction, magic, and mystery.
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