Kalahari by Jessica Khoury

I went into this story excited to get my hands on one of Khoury's books, and she did not disappoint.  I was primarily excited because I actually attended the same college as she did, which is saying something because it is a small private college that very few people know of.  I saw her speak at one of our campus events several years ago after she graduated, and I have been aspiring to have a similar career someday.

The Kalahari takes you on an adventure to the semi-desert where a family of zoologists is studying the animal population. You find yourself attached to Sarah as the story is from her point of view, and you watch the story unfold as she is separated from her father.  She is left with a bunch of city kids her age who do not know the first thing about surviving in the wilderness when they are left alone without help or anybody they can contact. Soon they discover a white lion and secrets that endanger their lives and countless others.

The first thing that drew me into the book was definitely the plot. It was well thought out and executed with definite plot points that had me reading to find out what would happen next. The characters were also entertaining as very different personalities clashed within the group. Additionally, the detail was gorgeous and not overused. At the end of the book, I was not surprised to find that she had actually gone to the Kalahari, which she mentioned in her acknowledgements. I can definitely see this being used in a classroom to educate children not just on climate and ecosystems, but on several science concepts that were integral to the plot (even with the science fiction woven in there).  I will definitely be looking into her other books and will watch as she publishes more.

You are Mine by Janeal Falor

A new dystopian book for lovers of The Hunger Games and The Divergent Series. An amazing book about a young girl fighting against the norms that society has placed around her. Serena just turned seventeen which is an exciting time for most young girls. However, Serena lives in a patriarchal society where at seventeen, girls are married off based on the magic flowing in their blood to birth powerful warlocks for their master since females cannot use the magic. Her father is one of the worst out there ready to marry her off to the highest bidder, and he does just that. Will Serena ever have a chance at deciding her own destiny and a chance at finding love?

The description of the book pulled me in, and I was not disappointed as I read this intriguing novel. I absolutely loved Serena's relationship with her family and especially her sisters. It brought depth to Serena's character as she made bold moves and decisions that could effect not only her future but each of her sisters' futures too. Seeing the world from Serena's point of view was at time ironic, hilarious, sad and/or crazy. Her worldview was so brainwashed and different from the way people view life in America nowadays, which was very realistic and eyeopening at the same time.

I actually found this book for free on amazon through bookbub.com. They are a free website service that email you about books from the genres that you pick when the books are on sale for cheaper than normal or completely free.  It is a great way to find new authors and series to read by trying an excerpt of their work for cheap before buying the rest.  Concerning, Janeal Falor, I will be looking to buy the rest of her books in the future.  It looks like this author is relatively new and her books are mostly online or ebooks. Let's change that; I want to see more print books out there! Share with your friends who love these types of novels.

The Orphan's Wish by Melanie Dickerson

This is the first book I have read by Melanie Dickerson, but it will not be the last. She has created an adorable romance novel set in a Medieval feeling background.  Aladdin is an orphan that has grown up in the local orphanage after moving there from a foreign country. Despite his difference in social status from Lady Kirstyn, the Duke's daughter, he has grown up with her and become fond of her.  He leaves her to find his fortune to one day come back for her; however, when she is kidnapped, his dream may not come to fruition.

The only part of the story that feels like Aladdin, since this is supposed to be a retelling of Aladdin, is how he starts out as a young boy stealing to survive. However, to be fair, the only experience I have with Aladdin is the Disney version.  Even without more of a connection, I was not disappointed with the story line but was also thrilled with the twists at the end. I found myself laughing at how childish the main protagonists were sometimes but loved the message of how no one is perfect. Overall, a fun read and beautiful cover art.


(The publisher gave me a copy of this book in exchange for a review; however, this is my opinion after reading the book for myself.)

Rise of the Fallen by Chuck Black

Chuck Black is a genius at writing so much meaning and heart into a small number of pages. I have read his Knights of Arrethtrae series which was intended for a young audience and felt more satisfied than reading some of the larger fantasy and adventure novels out there from other authors. The Rise of the Fallen is no exception to this.

Rise of the Fallen is the second book in a series of three. I still enjoyed and understood what was going on in the book even though I have not read the first book yet, but I plan to get my hands on it. The story follows the least of the angels from his creation, throughout history including the the Flood, the Tower of Babel, Jesus' birth and death, the Holocaust, and up to present times. The story switches between the past and present every few chapters as you get to know Validus. In the past, he rises through the ranks to become the warrior leader of North America in present times. However, the climax of the story centers around how Validus is resigned from protecting the whole continent to protecting one man. What is so special about one man?

This story is a masterpiece.  I absolutely loved the depth to the characters and the connection between the angels. Additionally, the author did a great job providing extra resources such as vocabulary definitions and timelines of history in the front of the book.  I also appreciated the section in the back explaining how pieces of the story connected to the Bible. He did a great job explaining how nothing is truth besides the Bible, but that he wrote a story to bring alive the spiritual battle that is going on based on Biblical evidence. I look forward to finishing the other two books in the series.

(I received a free ebook version of this from the publisher; however, this review is my opinion after reading the story for myself.)

Last Descendants (Assassin's Creed: Last Descendants #1) by Matthew J. Kirby

I enjoyed reading this teen fiction story, which is usually a genre that has a hard time keeping my attention.  However, I bought this book at my school book fair and wanted to read it before putting it in my classroom library.  It helped that I enjoyed the Assassin's Creed movie that came out awhile ago.

Basically, the story is about a boy who wants to prove his dad's innocence of a crime even though his dad has already died in prison. An technology worker at his school allows him to get access to the Animus that allows people to go back into their ancestor's memories in a type of virtual reality. However, the boy and his friend find more than they bargain for when they come across something two agencies have been fighting over for hundreds and thousands of years.

Once I got past the first third of the book, the story took off. He did a good job setting and explaining the background; however, it kept him from starting the action and catching his readers' attention within the first few chapters of the book.  I also loved the historical detail present from real-life events; I could see this book or specific passages used in a middle school history class about the civil war.  He also did a good job incorporating diversity within his characters and story through race, disability and other prominent topics in adolescents and society. After reading it, I have decided to put it in my classroom library, but I almost kept it for my own book collection at home.

A Daring Sacrifice by Jody Hedlund

A Daring Sacrifice was a sweet young adult romance novel with underlying Christian themes.  Just from seeing the front and reading the back cover, I was hooked upon this story. As a female version of Robin Hood, Juliana was a character that intrigued me immediately. Basically, the story concerns Juliana who is fighting to keep her people alive after her uncle stole the throne and murdered her father. However, her uncle does not know that she is alive or that she is the one stealing from him. Then, Juliana hides in a neighboring territory after barely escaping being caught and ambushes Lord Collin.  Their first meeting is humorous from Lord Collin's eyes as he lets himself be robbed.  When he later tracks her down and realizes she is someone from his childhood, the love story truly begins.  From then on, it is a battle for Juliana to keep her identity hidden from her uncle and keep herself from falling in love with Collin.

What I really liked about this story and about Jody's writing style in general is how she switches back and forth between the two main characters' eyes. Because of this, you truly get to see how the love grows between them, and how the story unfolds from all angles. However, the ending felt too similar to For Love and Honor, which is actually chronologically after A Daring Sacrifice. As a side note, I love how the books are connected by similar characters but how each story is it's own so much so that I can read the books backwards chronologically and still enjoy them.

Despite the similar endings, I still enjoyed reading A Daring Sacrifice as a quick light read. I would recommend this book to my middle school students and anyone who loves short romantic fairy tales.

For Love and Honor by Jody Hedlund

This is a book that I found while out thrift shopping yesterday. What immediately drew me to the book was the beautiful front cover and the summary on the back of the book.  When I got home, I picked up the book, not having read anything from this author, and could not put it down. I stayed up late just to finish it. It has been awhile since a story captivated me enough to take all of my attention for hours, especially as a first year teacher during the last few weeks of school. It was a much needed reprieve from the chaos at school.

What really drew me to the story was Lady Sabine's imperfection. She has a skin discoloration that in the 1300s she has to hide so people do not think that she is a witch.  Because of this imperfection, she pushes all potential suitors away, which is something I identified with, especially before I met my husband two years ago.  Most girls have some imperfection that they consider to make them less than lovable whether it be physical, mental, or social, making this story relate-able for its teen audience. Connecting to this idea, the story then focuses on how the inside is what makes a person attractive, a lesson that young adults need to hear.

Besides the underlying theme, the story included an interesting plot with twists and turns that I did not expect, comical banter that makes you smile, and characters that come alive with the authors well written words. Overall, I would not hesitate to suggest this book to my middle school students and any other book lovers out there who want an innocent and interesting love story to read.

Before You Meet Prince Charming by Sarah Mally

A beautiful book about remaining pure emotionally and physically in a fallen world.

The book is made specifically for girls who may not have been subject to the things of the world yet.  It talks about things without taking your innocence.  One of the comments in the back of the book sent in by a reader describes this well.  It said something to the effect of "It doesn't compromise your purity while talking about purity", (I'd give you the exact words but I already loaned the book out to a friend :) ). But it is also good for young adults like me by giving them a different perspective on life.  I learned alot and thought about relationships in a much different way.  Some of what Sarah talks about seems extreme compared to this world (but we are called to be in the world and not of it), however I found that it was supported with Bible verses and the truth was enlightening.  I really liked the part about it isn't how much you can do before becomming unpure but how many "firsts" you can save for your future husband.  I really wish I had read this a few years ago. 

My mom actually got it for me for christmas because I was always so sad and mopey that I didn't have a boyfriend like everyone else.  Now I see that God has protected my heart from being broken and that I want to give my future spouse my whole heart.  I had a hard time reading it from beginning to end because each chapter was like a slap in the face but the good kind of pain that makes you grow in Christ.  I recently finished the book and am glad I did.  I have been recommending it to friends who I hope will get out of it as much as I did.

In addition, I have always liked reading medival fiction and the little continuation of the short story at the beginning of each chapter was a creative way to keep the reader's attention.  The testimonies and real life examples helped you feel like you weren't alone and that purity is possible.  Even though the author may not have been married when she wrote the book, the need of hearing this from someone who is there and struggling with the same things you are, is met in a powerful way.

I recommend this to girls who wish to be bright lights in a dark world and to have a Godly marriage someday.  I even read in the comments that adult women have gained from this so to them I recommend it too.

The Hunger Games, Catching Fire, and Mockingjay by Suzanne Collins

The Hunger Games series was a compelling story that I couldn't put down.  It's about a girl named Katniss who lives in a futuristic North America called Panem.  Each of 12 districts are required to give 2 children from the ages of 12 to 18 (one boy and one girl) as "tribute" to the Capitol to play in the Hunger Games.  This "Games" is a fight to the death in a ever changing arena where only one of the total 24 teenagers come out alive and live in glory the rest of their lives.  Unfortunately, Katniss's little sister Primrose is picked as tribute and Katniss volunteers to go in her place.  Katniss's life will never be the same.  The story continues as Katniss's struggle with the Capitol results in revolution.

I found this story line to be intriguing the first time I saw the trailer to the movie.  After seeing the movie, I was pleased with the intense plot.  It was unique with no story like it and that is what drew me to it.  I liked that the hero, Katniss, was portrayed as never striking first when confronted with killing other people.  Only ever in defense did she strike.  I proceeded to read the books and could not stop reading them.  Though I do not condone violence to the extent parents are allowing their kids to see nowadays, I do not think all violence is horrible to watch or read.  Even the Bible contains violence but it has a point, a lesson to be learned.   There is a time and place for everything under the sun.  Everyone must choose for himself how much is okay and where the line is drawn.  What hurts one person's faith may not hurt another but make sure not to put a stumbling block in front of someone else.  You will answer to God for all your choices.


I really think parents need to read the series before allowing their kids to though because topics are discussed that kids and teens might not be aware of and need to talk with their parents about.  I also have heard of parents reading the books with their kids and commend them highly for taking an interest in what their kids are reading.  If parents have no desire to read the series, then they could at least look up somewhere online, as i'm sure there is, a family review that has the issues, disscussed in the books, layed out before them.  This way parents will know exactly what their kids are being subjected to.  I might've been able to do that here except that I am trying hard to omit all spoilers.

I comment on the fact that the light and hope, I usually love reading about in books, is missing from this book series but I guess that is part of the point.  It is cleverly realistic, sickeningly cruel, and depressingly human.  Even the mental stability of one of the main characters declines rapidly in the third book.  So I guess the characters aren't the best role models for anybody but they are human and thus not perfect and that needs to be remembered.

As a side note, I loved how close they stuck to the book when making the movie, unlike how Hollywood has butchered other book series.  I anticipate the making of the next two movies with impatience and can't wait to see them in theaters.

Eye of the Sword by Karyn Henley

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The second book in the Angelaeon Circle proves to be as good as, if not better, than the first.  After proving his allegiance at the end of the last book, Trevin is made a Captain by the Camrithian King.  He is then sent on a quest to find the other two harps, the missing Comains, and a sign for the future from a supposed oracle in the north.  He also wishes to prove himself worthy to marry a certain princess with whom he is in love.  The problem is that he has to leave her, while on his quest, to the wooing of a murderous Dregmoorian Prince.  Many trials come Trevin's way including being accused of murder, guilt from the past, and a nightmare that haunts his sleep.  Can he stand up to the challenge when he is faced with his past and tested for what is really in his heart?

The nonstop action and relentless twists and turns keep you hooked all the way.  I never wanted to put it down and spent late hours of the night reading it.  The unique characters make you fall in love with them as they go through their adventures, trials, and revelations.  Karyn has done a wonderful job creating a colorful world with memorable characters.  I have to say, Ollena is one of my favorite characters because of her strong tomboyish personality.  The main point of learning to forgive yourself is a very powerful message in this story, also.  I would recommend this to Christian fantasy readers.  Both teens and adults will love this powerful story of love, forgiveness, and overcoming.  I recommend reading Breath of Angel (book one) before you read Eye of the Sword, though.

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(I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)

Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley

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It's been awhile since I've read a really mind blowing fantasy book like this one.  It's these kind of books that make my heart and mind stir with creativity and anticipation of what happens next.  The book begins with a teen girl named Melaia training to be a priestess in the temple.  When a stranger shows up and is murdered before her eyes, her world is pushed on the path she could not avoid.  She comes to find out her destiny to restore the stairway to heaven but her impulsive nature keeps getting her into trouble.  Can she rise to the occasion when only a short time ago her world was only the temple?  Will her heart be tangled beyond recovery?  Can she help end a struggle years in the making?  Find out in this book and read the story along with me as each new book in the series is released.

I have been slightly weary in the past about reading books with angels in them.  This is because since angels are real in this world, so if you write about them in the wrong way, in a way not supported by the bible, my conscience and spirit are troubled.  I decided to trust the Christian publishing company I got it from for free because they have not let me down yet and I believe they are trustworthy.  I was not disappointed with what I found.  Karyn built a beautiful world full of everything that makes fantasy so exciting: love, mystery, destiny, twists, and adventure just to name a few.  Even though angels are real, as presented in the Bible, the book is fiction and should be read as such.  We know very little about the spiritual beings that serve our King in heaven but Karyn filled in the huge gaps with her own creativity. You have to remember, though, that they were filled in with human imagination.  I would recommend this to avid and new Christian fiction/fantasy readers, teens and up.  I can not wait to get and read the second book that just came out this month called "Eye of the Sword" and will be blogging about it as soon as possible.

(I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)

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Sir Rowan and the Camerian Conquest by Chuck Black

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This final book of the Knights of Arrethtrae series was really good.  It ends the series by connecting to the coming again of the Prince in the Kingdom Series.  Sir Rowan is a very famous tournament knight of Cameria but has forsaken the Prince and his ways.  Then one day, all is taken from Sir Rowan when he is left for dead by the people he trusted.  Sir Rowan is then given a second chance, from the Prince, when a lady helps him.  Once he recovers, he finds all is not good in his beloved land of Cameria.  The Dark Knight is destroying Chessington's strongest ally from the inside out.  Sir Rowan is then pulled in two directions; to either help get back Cameria or go with a mysterious man who says Sir Rowan's destiny lies elsewhere.  Can Sir Rowan decide before it's to late?

This was a dramatic story of deception, truth, love, and the Prince.  The story had some interesting twists and themes that are hard to forget.  The spiritual allegories were amazing as always but this time it was to a whole new level.  I was really sad that it was the last book in this series and I hope that Chuck Black goes on to make many more books for us to enjoy.  I definitely recommend this book to other fantasy lovers of all ages.

Lady Carliss and the Waters of Moorue by Chuck Black

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This fourth book of the the Knights of Arrethtrae was outstanding and definitely worth reading.  It is about an experienced and dedicated Knight of the Prince, Lady Carliss.   After having just helped a friend with an adventure, she embarks on one of her own.  It starts when her friend's family is kidnapped and taken to the city of Moorue.  On her way there, Lady Carliss meets Sir Dalton again but before long, he is bitten by a poisonous lizard.  As it happens, the cure is in Moorue in Lord Malco deadly swamp.  Her feelings for Sir Dalton also arise again during her journey even though he is already taken by Lady Brynn.  Can she master her feelings and defeat the spreading evil in Moorue before it's too late?  Will she choose to save Dalton's life or the lives of some of the Moorue citizens? That's because all of their lives are running out of time but only one or the other may be reached in time.

This was my favorite book in the knights of Arrethtrae series not only because it's the only one mainly about a girl, but because the theme made me analyze my life the most.  The struggle, in the story, to not think about "love" was also encouraging.  As always, the Christian allegories found in the story were amazing and thought provoking.  I recommend this to other teens and kids, especially girls :), who want to be encouraged in the faith of Jesus Christ.  The King reigns...and His Son.

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Sir Dalton and the Shadow Heart by Chuck Black

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Have you ever doubted when it comes to Christianity and the Bible?  Well this epic adventure is one book you don't want to miss!! It's about a young knight of the Prince, Sir Dalton, who's got popularity, a potential love (Lady Brynn), and skills just waiting to be developed but something is missing in his life. Also, He and all the other knights, except for two, at his local haven don't seem to be worried about some other young people who start disappearing while on missions.  One day, Sir Dalton gets attacked and captured by Lord Drox, an evil Shadow Warrior.   Can Sir Dalton break out of the bonds holding him down or will he be a prisoner forever?

This was the third book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series and was as engaging as the first two.  I liked how Chuck Black started the book off at the middle of the story and then did a flashback.  This technique worked really well by grabbing my interest right off the bat.  The theme of the book was helpful and thought provoking.  When I was younger, I remember having problems with what the theme addresses and really wish I had read this book then.  I also liked the mysterious mountain hermit that helps Sir Dalton.  I would recommend this book to teens and older kids who have trouble with doubt in their lives.  I know this book will encourage and teach you to be a stronger Christian.

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Sir Bentley and Holbrook Court by Chuck Black

The second book in the Knights of Arrethtrae series was very exciting.  It's about Sir Bentley who goes from the life of a wealthy man's son to a hard working peasant, by his own choice.  While trying to search out the truth about a stranger (the prince), he ends up in the city of Holbrook where evil is running rampant.  He also meets the mysterious Maiden of Mercy, named Eirwyn, who is trying to lessen the suffering of the citizens of Holbrook.  A lot is in store for Sir Bentley in this story including a vicious sea monster and a cruel Dark Knight.  You don't want to miss it.

I really enjoyed the spiritual application and characters found in this book.  The twists were unexpected and made the book all the better.  I also had a hard time putting this book down and know that you will too, if you give it a chance.  I recommend it to older kids and teens that need encouragement in the faith of Christianity.

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Izzy's Popstar Plan by Alex Marestaing

This was a cute novel like daily devotional. There are 90 days worth of devotions and each one is in the form of a blog post.  The posts make up Izzy's blog about her journey as a contestant on the show International Popstar Challenge.  It also follows her story as she strives to be all God wants her to be with the help of the wise people in her life.  She learns some valuable lessons along the way, as well, that you can learn too by reading this book.
~

I have never read a daily devotional that each entry makes up one big story.  I really like this form because since the each devotion is connected, it helps you remember to do your devotions the next day.  This is because you want to to see what happens next.  The great thing about this is that you can decide to read it like a novel instead of a devotional book and it won't be boring.  This book's story was really exciting and I read it in only a few days.  I also found it interesting because you got to hear about what it's like to be on a singing game tv show.  Even though it says the reading level is 9 - 12 year olds,  I think alot of teens are going to like it since the main girl, Izzy, is 16.  I would recommend this to older kids and teens who want to be encouraged and strengthened in the Christian faith.
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(This was a book, of my choice, that booksneeze.com sent to me for free if I agreed to read it and review it honestly.)

Sir Kendrick and the Castle of Bel Lione by Chuck Black

Have you ever read a book about knights on conquest and adversities that seem far greater than the hero?  Well not a story like this one. One that's teeming with christian allergories.   It starts off in the city of Trinalda where two knights of the Prince, Sir Kendrick and Sir Duncan, are training.  These two knights, who the Prince has a plan for, are in for an adventure.  Before they know it, they're on a journey against a unimaginable evil that is turning the hearts and minds of young people, everywhere, from the one true King.  They receive help from a few others but even then, they are outnumbered.  Not only that, but Sir Duncan is captured and there's a good chance his time is running short.  Can they rescue Sir Duncan and stop the rebellion before it's too late? 

This first installment of the Knights of Arrethtrae series is beyond imagination.  Your heart and mind will get lost in the epic story and courageous characters.  The christian allergories are instructive and exciting.  I especially like the discussion questions at the end of the book.  They give questions and talk about the main points of each chapter, honing in on the spiritual truths presented in the story. Scripture verses can also be found in the disscussion questions that help back up the teachings.  Next time you're at a Christian bookstore, either in person or online, I highly recommend you buy this book.  It's perfect for older kids and teens.

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Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor by Chuck Black

This exciting adventure was exciting and spiritually uplifting, the type of book that I love to read.  It is about the differing journey's of two knights who both live in the land of Arrethtrae.  Both are attacked by evil but each has their own defining moment, choice, and ending.  One of those knights is Twitch aka Quinlan.  He ends up joining a special group of knights but when he makes a detrimental mistake, all seems lost.  Can even the legendary Prince make good out of this?  Buy this book and find out!

This being the first book I've read by Chuck Black, I didn't know what to expect but was thrilled with this story.  The spiritual symbolism was amazing and accurately protrayed biblical truths as shown by the scripture verses in the discussion question answer key.  These discussion questions, located at the back of the book, talked about the main point of each chapter as well as identify the symbolism that sometimes you can't seem to figure out from the story.  I thought these questions were very thought provoking and helpful.  I could also identify personally with the story and can't wait to read all of Chuck Black's other books.  If you love to read about knights on conquest and the spiritual battle in all of us, then I definitely recommend this to you.  It's perfect for older kids and teens of all ages.

(I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)

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Dragons of the Valley by Donita K. Paul

This second book in the Chiril Chronicles is even better than the first.  I'd recommend that you start with the first one though (The Vanishing Sculptor).  Dragons of the Valley starts off very exciting and mysterious, so much that I can't even describe very much of the beginning without spoiling this mystery.  What happens though is Bealomondore is woken from his sleep by Maxon, a kimen, and is told that he needs to take and leave the palace with one of the three Trio of Elements statues if he wants to keep them safe.  Separating these three statues would unbalance the world once again so this confuses Bealomondore.  The rest of the story is about the invasion of Chiril by the neighboring country of Baardack and the heros' adventure to keep the statues safe as well as to defeat the evil penetrating their world.  Can a world despairing and unknowing of the creator, defeat this onslaught of evil?  You'll be satisfied with the ending is all I can say.

The new characters, plot, conflict, and magic entertain thoroughly leaving you yearning for more.  The dialect of the two Amaran characters, from Donita's last series, and Lady Peg is even more befuddling than their past appearances and funny beyond the norm.  The character growth in the story is very cool to watch and inspiring to see.  I was really happy to see Tipper stop all her whining, from the last book, and grow up a little.  All in all, this was an amazing book by Donita K. Paul and I can't wait for the next one that is to come out.  All you dragon lovers and Christian fantasy readers, this is a book you don't want to miss out on. 

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The Vanishing Sculptor by Donita K. Paul

The Vanishing Sculptor was a very entertaining, unique, and cool story.  It starts with Tipper, who cares for her family's estate since her father has been missing for a long time.  When her father shows up one day Tipper is surprised, especially since he's not alone.  He has brought two people from a distant land called Amara.  They then embark on a dangerous quest to recover three statues Tipper sold to pay the bills.  These three statues mean life and death to Tipper's world, Chiril.  Other memorable characters join and help throughout the book.  Find out what happens by reading this amazing story.

Mrs. Paul creates fun characters that you fall in love with and care  deeply about.  The Christian principles throughout the story are very inspiring and thought provoking.  Also, two lovable characters from her last series, the DragonKeeper Chronicles, return to help with the expedition which made me very happy.  The bantering and confusing conversations between these two characters are just hilarious.  I most definitely recommend this book to all fantasy and dragon reading lovers.  Mrs. Donita K. Paul is a wonderful fantasy writer and I can't wait to see what she writes next.

Buy book here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400073399
Download Chapter one and two here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9781400073399&view=news-videos
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