I had a really hard time getting into this book and after getting through the first four chapters, I was not intrigued to finish it. I had no idea where the book was going or even what to expect from the rest of the book so I stopped reading it. By the first few chapters, if I am not hooked onto the story, I do not force myself to read it. I expect to be connected to the story and characters in a emotional way with the potential conflict being much clearer early on. This story left too much to mystery in the early chapters that did not pique my curiosity. I did not connect with Thomas, the main character, which is something that keeps me interested in a story.
If you are looking for romantic or exciting young adult novels, I would suggest looking elsewhere.
( I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review, and this opinion is my own.)
Sunday, May 14, 2017
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.
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.
Thursday, August 16, 2012
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 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.
Wednesday, July 18, 2012
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.
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.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Beloved Enemy by Al Lacy
Rate review here: Click me
A romantic story about love, treachery, and war. It's mainly about courageous Buck Brownwell, a union soldier, and attractive Jenny Jordan, a southern born. Sparks run high when the two meet but can their love withstand such trying circumstances as the Civil War of 1861 in North America when their loyalties are divided? When Jenny is caught as a spy in Buck's territory, her life is in his hands. He must choose how to proceed when the law says that all spies die immediately without a court hearing. The story also centers around a spy ring, the battle of Big Bethel and the Battle of Bull Run.
I chose to read this book when my attention was captured by the description on the back, but the story, other than what was on the back, did not pop. I liked to be surprised so when there were only a couple twists and turns and I saw one of them coming, I was not completely taken with the story. Thus, it is not ranked among my favorite books but it was an entertaining read.
I have always found that reading history within a story is easier than reading it from a boring textbook. When you read it in story format, you get to see the war from the people's perspective, and this book is no exception. I also liked that in this book, you get to see from the point of people on both sides of the war; from northern and southern officials. It shows the humanity of both sides and that brother was fighting brother in this sad Civil War. The map at the beginning of the book of the Battle of Bull Run was also helpful when picturing all the advances in that specific battle. On a negative note, I did not like that it kept switching to minor characters and the battles went on forever when I just wanted more of Buck and Jenny's story. I was waiting forever for the plot on the back of the book to finally play out. Though in conclusion, I would recommend this story to Historical Fiction and Christian Romance readers.
As a side note, I found the small insert, at the beginning of the book, about the author's stand against worldly influences on his writings, inspiring, especially as a Christian author myself (which is still in the works). It got me excited to see what kind of writings he actually produced since this was the first book of his that I've read.
buy book here: here
(I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)
A romantic story about love, treachery, and war. It's mainly about courageous Buck Brownwell, a union soldier, and attractive Jenny Jordan, a southern born. Sparks run high when the two meet but can their love withstand such trying circumstances as the Civil War of 1861 in North America when their loyalties are divided? When Jenny is caught as a spy in Buck's territory, her life is in his hands. He must choose how to proceed when the law says that all spies die immediately without a court hearing. The story also centers around a spy ring, the battle of Big Bethel and the Battle of Bull Run.
I chose to read this book when my attention was captured by the description on the back, but the story, other than what was on the back, did not pop. I liked to be surprised so when there were only a couple twists and turns and I saw one of them coming, I was not completely taken with the story. Thus, it is not ranked among my favorite books but it was an entertaining read.
I have always found that reading history within a story is easier than reading it from a boring textbook. When you read it in story format, you get to see the war from the people's perspective, and this book is no exception. I also liked that in this book, you get to see from the point of people on both sides of the war; from northern and southern officials. It shows the humanity of both sides and that brother was fighting brother in this sad Civil War. The map at the beginning of the book of the Battle of Bull Run was also helpful when picturing all the advances in that specific battle. On a negative note, I did not like that it kept switching to minor characters and the battles went on forever when I just wanted more of Buck and Jenny's story. I was waiting forever for the plot on the back of the book to finally play out. Though in conclusion, I would recommend this story to Historical Fiction and Christian Romance readers.
As a side note, I found the small insert, at the beginning of the book, about the author's stand against worldly influences on his writings, inspiring, especially as a Christian author myself (which is still in the works). It got me excited to see what kind of writings he actually produced since this was the first book of his that I've read.
buy book here: here
(I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)
Saturday, April 28, 2012
Eye of the Sword by Karyn Henley
Rate review here: Please Click me!!!
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.
Chapter one: Click here
Buy book here: Click me
(I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)
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.
Chapter one: Click here
Buy book here: Click me
(I received this book for free from Waterbrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review and this opinion is my own.)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
Breath of Angel by Karyn Henley
Rate my review here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/bloggingforbooks/reviews/view/16998
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.)
Chapter One: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307730138&view=excerpt
Buy book here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307730138
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.)
Chapter One: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307730138&view=excerpt
Buy book here: http://waterbrookmultnomah.com/catalog.php?isbn=9780307730138
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)