Book Review: Finding Monsters

Finding Monsters

                       By Liss Thomas

Book Description:
Monsters are real but they're not what we'd expect. Their realm lays hidden only to be found in darkness. They watch their humans, the little ones and keep them from the dark portals leading to their world. To touch is forbidden... but not all follow the rules.
Missy has been fighting to live her entire life, but when she finds herself in a realm of unique and sometimes deadly monsters, she discovers just how much of a survivor she really is. Accidentally transferred to this mysterious realm by her monster and only friend, Charlie, he finds himself weak and unable to protector her. The only way she can defend herself and him, is to become a monster herself. But an unknown dark stalker watches her progress and if he steals her power, he will unleash a scourge on both his world and the world she left behind.

My Review:
Finding Monsters is a Young Adult novel, but don't let that discourage you from reading it. It's well written, has great characters, and the story is a great one. Liss Thomas definitely hit it out of the ballpark with this story. It's well written, has a great plot, and the characters are really like-able.

 I can honestly say I've never read anything like this before. We are taught all our lives that monsters are scary, bad, and evil. All they want to do is come steal us away from our families and take us to who knows where. Well in "Finding Monsters" Liss Thomas changes that perception with one of the main characters, Charlie. Charlie is a sweet monster who is in charge of the portal linking earth to the monster world hidden under Missy's bed. He watches over the portal, but of course also watches over Missy during that time. Missy has had cancer her entire life and just has one wish...to be a normal teenager. When her time comes Charlie thinks he can make that dream come true. Sadly, with one kiss Charlie seals both of their fates. With that one kiss Charlie and Missy become bonded and when Missy starts to die so does he.

The first half of the book was a bit slow, but there was never a moment where I felt I was bored with the story. I still wanted to know what was going to happen next. The second half definitely went a lot faster when Missy is pushed into the monster realm. Missy has to fight for herself and for Charlie, and who knows if she can do it.

Well actually I know, but if you want to know then you'll have to read the book for yourself. If you'd like to buy it for yourself then check out the link below. At $0.99 cents you can't pass it up, it's such a great read that is totally safe for your young teen.

Amazon.com: Finding Monsters




Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Book Review: Sheep!

Sheep

by

Martin D Rothery

Remember that hilarious book I reviewed a while back called, "Cows". Yup this is also written by the same author and is just as funny. Now I do think Martin Rothery has an unhealthy obsession with barnyard animals. I honestly don't know what went through his mind when he wrote these books. They're crazy and unbelievably ridiculous and that's what makes them so great. It's okay to have fun sometimes and read something that isn't educational and won't forward your career in some way. Well I guess if your job has to do with talking sheep and cows going up against humans, well this book is perfect for you!

Seriously, Martin D Rothery is the best animal psychic I've ever heard of. Psychics are the ones that talk to things, correct? Well either way he happens to be able to see into the minds of barnyard animals, aka dinner. Yea, that's right I said dinner, although it wasn't always that way. There was a time where cows and sheep ruled the world! Yea I know it's hard to see a hamburger and lamb chop leading anything, but it's true. Martin R got it straight out of the sheep's mouths. This book is a must read if you're wanting to find out the real history of man.

Okay so it's not really a reference type book and shouldn't really be taken seriously. Sheep and cows are known to be sworn enemies, everyone knows that. Sheep just happen to keep cows around because they offer protection. You know if you are going up against a human, who do you think will look more appetizing? The tiny little furball or a delicious huge steak? Yea, I thought so. I almost felt so horrible when the cows and sheep started dropping like flies when man first realized they would be good to eat...almost. Oh and if you think football was a human creation, think again. You've also probably never even noticed how sneaky sheep and cows are because of...camouflage. Yup, another thing you thought men came up with.

Martin D Rothery really brings barnyard animals to life in such a funny way. You will definitely be cracking up throughout the book. It's well written and I would highly recommend it as a great summer read. I would read this book before reading Cows!  because it kind of touches on some of the things found in that book. Of course there is no problem in reading this one second just as long as you read it.

Extra Links:
Follow Sheep on Facebook: Click Here
Check out Fishcake Publishing for more great books: Click Here


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Shadows Over Taralon Book Review

Shadows Over Taralon

by Jacquelyn Webb

Shadows Over Taralon is not your regular romance story, its a mystery as well. Jacquelyn Webb really did a great job in combining the two genres into one smooth plot. Jenny Flemming is a strong willed young woman hired by Bill Williams to help with book keeping as well as a caretaker for his children. Bill owns a seemingly prosperous horse ranch and is a widower after his wife died in a car accident. Jenny finds out really quick that things aren't what they seem at the horse ranch. She also runs into Bill's brother, Wayne, and finds she has a little interest in him. Things see to be going alright until cattle starts missing and the Williams' race horse gets poisoned. Jenny obviously has to get to the bottom of the things. Well let's just say she does and she may have to pay for it. 

I am new to Jacqueline Webb's writings and she definitely didn't disappoint. It was a great short read that had me guessing until the end. I really would like to see more on what happened after the story with Jenny. It was pretty safe as it had no sexual acts or even swear words. Pretty tame in that sense when it comes to romance novels. So if you're looking for a sweet romance with some mystery thrown in then check out "Shadows Over Taralon" by Jacqueline Webb.

Michal's Window by Rachelle Ayala Book Review

 When I received this book I thought it was going to be hard to get through it. I am more used to reading shorter books, but this wasn't going to deter me. Another thing that didn't deter me was the fact that this book is retelling a biblical story. I am not a religious person so was a bit wary that it would be overly religious and turn me off. This was not the case, even though there is a scripture at the beginning of every chapter, the rest of the book didn't have it so in your face.

Michal's Window retells the story about King David and his first wife Michal. You're basically reading the story from Michal's point of view, which was refreshing. The book moved along and I found myself getting frustrated with Michal. How could she put up with David's selfishness? Then I reminded myself that this took place where women weren't so independent. So then I lightened up on her character and just tried to enjoy her little "quirks".

David was a great guy and his character was very likable, well until he kept insisting on having more than one wife. Again, I reminded myself that this was the norm for men of that time. Actually it still is pretty norm for some people, Sister Wives anyone? After reading the whole story I can tell why Michal fell in love with him.

Overall, Ms Ayala did an excellent job of retelling a age old love story in her own words. I enjoyed it and I think you will too! Even if you aren't religious like me, or even if you are this story is sure to hit the spot!





Disclaimer:  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Mating Call: Dragon's Woman Bk 1 Review

 Synopsis:Cora Phillips, a daughter of the Lune tradition of witches, spent her adult life avoiding anything remotely paranormal until a persistent nightmare of dying in a fire drives her back to the bosom of her family in New York City. When she unwittingly draws the attention of two dragon spirits and the men who command them, her days of avoidance come to an abrupt end.

Caught up in the sexual energy projected by both dragon spirits and the possessive claims of their dragon lords, Cora struggles to understand and cope with the realities of life for a Lune who has issued a MATING CALL. 

My Review:

Mating Call centers on the main character, Cora Phillips, as she comes to terms with her new found powers. She wasn't exactly happy about it either as she had spent most of her life avoiding the fact that she was a witch. Everything was going alright for her until her sister drags her to a party. There she meets a fortune teller and a "collector".

The both end up to be integral players in the story but Cora doesn't know that at first. While she is trying to find herself and connect to her ancestry she ends up connecting to more than she could handle. She ends up doing a mating call to a dragon. Cora definitely wasn't expecting to call one dragon nevertheless two dragons. So there she is stuck in the middle between to dragons warring to mate with her. Wait...did I just say mate? Yup, I just said she has to mate with the dragon and it isn't exactly what you think.

Mating Call was a great read that was a bit racier than the books I normally read but it wasn't too brazen. It was well written and has great characters. I can't wait to read the rest of the books as it really was engaging.

About the author:
Emily Ryan-Davis lives in Maryland with her loving husband and hateful guinea pig. On any given day, you can find her shopping (online or in stores), chatting/writing (the pair go hand in hand, can't have one without the other), knitting (or buying yarn) or mocking her husband's comic collection (while parenthetically wondering why comics haven't upgraded to the ebook age; imagine all the extra space she'd have). Occasionally she picks up her mandolin, but mostly she just ignores it. You won't find her paying attention to current events or the latest celebrity gossip because writing stories is her way of pretending it doesn't matter that she doesn't know how to use the television remote.
Email: Emily.ryandavis@gmail.com
Website: http://www.emilyryandavis.com/

Ghosts in the Graveyard Book Review

 

 BY KIM BOWMAN

The story focuses on three young children living in a home by a graveyard. Every year the ghosts leave the graveyard and go into their home. This obviously frightens the thee kids, but they won't go down without a fight. Their names are Jack, Charlie, and Millie and they decide that they can fight the ghosts themselves. Of course they can't tell their mom because they'd be in heaps of trouble.

The boys come up with some crazy concoctions to fight the ghosts with. Let's just say I wouldn't want to get covered in that stuff, no way! Well needless to say they get caught by there mother after they made a huge mess of the house. The good thing is that she ends up seeing the ghosts for herself and that makes them come together as a family. As a family they're able to chase away the intruders at least until the next year.

It was a great short read that really threw me for a loop at the end. I really had no clue that it would end the way it did. So if you're looking for a great short read then head on over to Amazon.com and get a copy of Ghosts in the Graveyard for just $0.99. Then while you're there you can check out the other books that Kim Bowman has written.

Reader's Nook Reviews: The Survivor

THE SURVIVOR

BY SHELLEY SHEPARD GRAY

Synopsis:

Mattie's body has healed from the cancer that nearly took her life . . . but can she find the man who can mend her lonely heart?

Mattie has faced more in her twenty-three years than she ever imagined possible. Having successfully battled cancer, she's ready to reenter the world with hopes for her future. But while she was in and out of hospitals, other Amish girls her age were courting and finding the men they would marry. The only man who's ever made her heart beat faster is Graham Weaver, her best friend, who has always been there to comfort her, in good times and bad. Is it finally time for their friendship to become something more?

But cruel gossip is spreading, claiming that Graham's the father of the baby Jenna Yoder's carrying. Will Mattie's dreams of a happily-ever-after be crushed before they've left the ground?

My Review:
This is book three in the Families of Honors set and focuses on the character named Mattie Lapp. Now normally I wouldn't think a story about Amish families would be a highly compelling read, but I was wrong. Shelley Shephard Gray is a fantastic writer and was able to really bring not only the characters, but the events and setting to life. Everything seemed so real and I could smell the rain wafting through my room. Of course it could have been the huge storm that came through right when I was reading it.

Now with that being said this is a romance book minus the edgy sex some other romances have. Its just a sweet love story or should I say love triangle. I can say Jenna Yoder was not a favorite character of mine. Jenna was an ex girlfriend of Graham Weaver (the love interest of Mattie) and she lays down some shocking news. Having a child out of wedlock is something many young women face today so seeing it from a different perspective was interesting.

All the books in the series are superbly written and I think you'd fall in love with the series just like I did.


*Disclaimer: I received this book to do a review and all opinions are mine. There was no further compensation given.

Halflings by Heather Burch Book Review

Halflings by Heather Burch

Synopsis: After being inexplicably targeted by an evil intent on harming her at any cost, seventeen-year-old Nikki finds herself under the watchful guardianship of three mysterious young men who call themselves halflings. Sworn to defend her, misfits Mace, Raven, and Vine battle to keep Nikki safe while hiding their deepest secret—and the wings that come with. 

A growing attraction between Nikki and two of her protectors presents a whole other danger. While she risks a broken heart, Mace and Raven could lose everything, including their souls. As the mysteries behind the boys’ powers, as well as her role in a scientist’s dark plan, unfold, Nikki is faced with choices that will affect the future of an entire race of heavenly beings, as well as the precarious equilibrium of the earthly world.


My Review:
I received this book I instantly started reading it. Although it is full of cliches it was still a good read for me.

The book is about 17yr old Nikki who is a blackbelt in karate and is a painter. She leads a normal life until one day she is chased by hellhounds and is saved by three young guys. These guys named Vine, Raven, and Mace are all half angel and half human. They are sent to protect Nikki from all the evil badness that is after her.Nikki apparently is very important that she would need three guys who are half Angel and half human to protect her. It's got some good fights and a bit of adventure mixed in with the romance. The romance isn't too bad though which is great for me because other YA romance books have a little too much romance.

The thing I didn't really like is that the characters lack substance. I'm hoping that in the next book that they are developed more. It isn't as sappy as other paranormal love stories...*gag* sparkly vampires *gag* but it is on the edge. I also don't like how easily Nikki falls in love with any guy that shows any real interest in her. Mace: You're so beautiful - swoon. Raven: You painted the broken pot - swoon. Bad Guy that was so memorable that I forgot his name - swoon! Yea hopefully she grows out of that real soon.

While it wasn't the greatest book I've read it wasn't the worst. I think it is going to be a personal choice on whether you love it or hate it. I personally didn't hate it. I'll also be reviewing Guardian which is the second book in the series. I can't wait to see what new enemies show up to fight against them.

*Disclaimer: I recieved a copy of this book from Zondervan to read and review. No other compensation provided.

The Grace of Silence

REVIEW AND GIVEAWAY

THE GRACE OF SILENCE

BY MICHELE NORRIS

Synopsis:
A profoundly moving and deeply personal memoir by the co-host of National Public Radio’s flagship program All Things Considered.

While exploring the hidden conversation on race unfolding throughout America in the wake of President Obama’s election, Michele Norris discovered that there were painful secrets within her own family that had been willfully withheld. These revelations—from her father’s shooting by a Birmingham police officer to her maternal grandmother’s job as an itinerant Aunt Jemima in the Midwest—inspired a bracing journey into her family’s past, from her childhood home in Minneapolis to her ancestral roots in the Deep South.

The result is a rich and extraordinary family memoir—filled with stories that elegantly explore the power of silence and secrets—that boldly examines racial legacy and what it means to be an American.


My Review:
Although I liked the more personal touches of this book, I found the other parts to be a bit slow. Overall it still is a great book to read and I learned quite a bit from it. Growing up in a predominantly Hispanic community it is hard for me to understand certain racial issues. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to read this book and widen my horizons.

This was the first book I ever reviewed and you can definitely tell. My review was short and didn't really tell much about what I really thought about the book. I haven't re-read it which is why I'll be passing it on to one of you. It was a good book and had a lot about her family. I really wish it had just been done about her family though as the rest of the book just lost me. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Review Seduction of Sebastian St James by R. Van Dyken

Seduction of Sebastion St. James
 by Rachel Van Dyken

Synopsis:

When the angelic Duke of Tempest, Sebastian St. James, appeared unexpectedly at his boyhood friend’s home, he had but one goal: Find a suitable wife as soon as possible. However, his impeccable reputation made him a prime target for ambitious mothers of debutante daughters. He needed a plan. Help came in the form of an unlikely alliance with Miss Emma Gates, the beautiful daughter of a wealthy viscount, who has deemed herself on the shelf, and only wants to marry in order to appease her parents. Together they could sort through the mire of would-be mates to find their perfect matches. That is, if they could keep their hands off each other long enough to pursue likely candidates.

My Review:

This story mainly focuses on the angelic Duke of Tempest, Sebastian St James and of a "ruined" young woman named Emma Gates. The Duke is in his 30s and its time he find a suitable wife, even if he doesn't want one. So when Ms Emma Gates shows up he jumps at the opportunity to get her help in the matter. Emma is in her early 20s and is looking for a husband who will overlook her sordid past. She also doesn't really want a husband so she easily conspires with the Duke to fool everyone. The only problem is they're the ones that get fooled as they fall in love with each other.

This was a quintessential romance story of two people who don't like each other in the beginning only to fall madly in love. The characters are all well thought out and are extremely likable. Even though the story has its serious moments the characters say or do something funny to lighten the mood. One thing that was unexpected was that it is really funny. It had me laughing at the antics that both the Duke and Emma get into.

Things get a bit more serious though when a man from Emma's past comes around and basically tries to ruin everything. He knows the real truth as to why Emma isn't married yet and threatens to tell the Duke about it. 

The book is after all a romance and you get your fair share of steamy moments, but not too steamy. It was a little predictable in the fact that I kind of knew they'd end up together, but it never stopped me from reading it. This story has it all romance, comedy, and suspense all neatly wrapped up. It was a great afternoon read and I'd highly recommend looking up other books written by Rachel Van Dyken.

I'm basically re-sharing this review because I'll be reading another book by Rachel Van Dyken and doing a review on it. It's another romance book, but hey we all need a little romance in our lives right?