A Bookworm's Book Reviews

Land of Twilight Trilogy – Charmayne Hafen

Thank you Capture Books for this good kids trilogy.

Titles: 1 – Journey to Twilight, 2 – Return to Twilight, 3 – Trouble in Twilight

Author: Charmayne Hafen

Genre: Children’s Chapter Book, Fantasy, Realistic Fiction

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.

Mr. B – Lynn Byk

Thank you Capture Me Books for letting me read this book.

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.

Welcome to the Shivoo! – Laura Bartnick

Thank you Capture Me Books for letting me read this book!

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.

Rainbow Bridge – Dan V. Jackson

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.

The Learner’s Plight – Muhammad Hamza Shah

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.

BoneMan’s Daughter – Ted Dekker

Title: BoneMan’s Daughter

Author: Ted Dekker

Genre: Thriller

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.

Until the Dawn – Elizabeth Camden

Until the Sunrise is a short story in relation to this book.

Title: Until the Dawn

Author: Elizabeth Camden

Genre: Historical Fiction

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.

Loki Series – Joanne M. Harris

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.

I, Saul – Jerry B. Jenkins

Title: I, Saul

Author: Jerry B. Jenkins with James S. MacDonald

Genre: Historical Fiction, Biblical History, Mystery

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.

Stalking Jack the Ripper Series – Kerri Maniscalco

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.