I enjoyed the first part of this book much more than the last. I'm not a big fan of war books. I preferred the fantasy part of this story, but in the I enjoyed the first part of this book much more than the last. I'm not a big fan of war books. I preferred the fantasy part of this story, but in the last half or so, it seemed war was the bigger focus. Still, I did enjoy it and I adore many of the characters. It ends in the middle of the story, so I went straight into Ruthless Vows, which I'm still reading now. I much more prefer the style of Dreams Lie Beneath, though.
Content: War violence, mild/moderate profanity (though no strong language was used, at least by US standards), one open door sex scene, though not detailed...I'd compare the level of detail to what I've read of Juliet Marillier so far. I prefer none at all, but this is about the max I'll tolerate.
I adored this book! Since it's a stand alone, I tried it first before reading other books by this author. I have high hopes of her being a favorite noI adored this book! Since it's a stand alone, I tried it first before reading other books by this author. I have high hopes of her being a favorite now. I'm currently reading Divine Rivals and greatly enjoying it. This is a lovely story. Though the romance is sweet, it was a friendship that develops that warmed my heart more and brought tears to my eyes.
I had to read a one word title book for my library's fall reading challenge, so this seemed like a perfect addition to my October line-up. I enjoyed iI had to read a one word title book for my library's fall reading challenge, so this seemed like a perfect addition to my October line-up. I enjoyed it as a quick read. Side note: Afterwards, I watched the movie with my 8 year old. He was horribly embarrassed when it got to the half-naked dancing women. I'm baffled why they went that route. (I'd watched it before, but don't remember that part. Maybe I saw an edited version?) I for sure like the book better in this case. Stardust is another story, though I didn't get far into the book before quitting it, being the sensitive reader that I am. ...more
This book is compared to Uprooted, but I'd put it closer to The Legacy Trilogy by Cayla Kluver(which I had mixed feelings about, in general). I wouldnThis book is compared to Uprooted, but I'd put it closer to The Legacy Trilogy by Cayla Kluver(which I had mixed feelings about, in general). I wouldn't actually compare it to Uprooted at all. The Waking Land is *not* a fast paced story. When I first started it, I was in love with it. It was just as beautiful as the cover. I found the nature references appealing, and I was intrigued. That didn't last long, though. I don't know what happened, but by the end, I was forcing myself through it. If not for review, I don't think I'd have finished it, nor do I plan to read any future books at this point. It gets really slow by the end, and I didn't even care what happened by then. (I don't even mind slower books, in general, but this one didn't work for me.) Too, just like in the Legacy Trilogy, the main character annoyed me more than not.
This book wasn't for me, but it does have enough going for it that it might be the perfect read for you. If you don't mind investing time in a slower moving read and the content doesn't bother you, go ahead and give it a try.
Content: There's a sex scene(which I found confusing...the scene, not the fact that it was there), mild profanity, and violence. To me, it's in between YA and Adult.
This is a sweet book. I enjoyed it, and think that most younger readers that enjoy fantasy will, too. It's an excellent book for those that want just This is a sweet book. I enjoyed it, and think that most younger readers that enjoy fantasy will, too. It's an excellent book for those that want just a touch of darkness, but still need things on the lighter/brighter side.
For me, though, this is one of those book that I can't think too hard about. Why is such a young person being sent out on their own? That was the biggest issue my mind had. Too, with the beginning and end(as far as testing goes), it left a bit of pondering as to the middle. It's not a deep read, but as a quick, rainy day read, it's quite satisfying(at least for me).
I greatly enjoyed this book. It has an old fashioned fairy tale feel to it. It's dark, and the romance portion was minimal. Many times, the story feltI greatly enjoyed this book. It has an old fashioned fairy tale feel to it. It's dark, and the romance portion was minimal. Many times, the story felt more historical than fairy tale-ish, and for many I think it will be slow moving, but it was perfect for me. Also, I love that there are plenty of thought provoking ideas touched on within the story, but it's done so in a way that's not obnoxious. It has wonderful re-read potential!
My only semi-complaint is the ending. I felt like there was this great build up for something truly horrifying, and I flew through the book, curious to see what would happen. Unfortunately, the ending felt a bit too easy. Still, I enjoyed reading it, otherwise.
I'd definitely recommend it to those that enjoy darker, old fashioned fairy tales. I can't wait to read more from this author, since these types of books are treasures for me.
Content: The only profanity is used as a word for "poop", so you can decide if you even want to consider that profanity or not. The romance portion is very mild, and only a small part of the story. It's a dark book, but even the violence is not bad at all. I'd label it as mature, in general, but it's very clean for YA, in my little old opinion.
There's a bit of content(sex scene) that would keep me from completely recommending this book, but otherwise it's a gorgeous book. It's also one that There's a bit of content(sex scene) that would keep me from completely recommending this book, but otherwise it's a gorgeous book. It's also one that kept me rapidly turning the pages, and kept me up well past when I should have already been asleep. It's a bit of a retelling of Beauty and the Beast. I can't say I was overly fond of the leading man. He takes his role as Beast seriously, apparently. I love the old fashioned feel to it, though. It's violent at times and very dark, but there's still such beauty in it. I do hate that the sexual parts were there, and it seems like they were just thrown into an otherwise clean and lovely book just to make it more "adult". If you think you can skip over those parts, it's otherwise a worthy read.
Content: An almost sex scene and a full out sex scene. Mild profanity. Violence....more
I'd consider this story in the magical realism realm, which is a category I happen to love. It's hard to find good, clean ones, though. I managed to gI'd consider this story in the magical realism realm, which is a category I happen to love. It's hard to find good, clean ones, though. I managed to get my name on the e-book library's wait list early, and got to read it before I really knew what I was getting into. I was surprised at just how much I liked it.
I actually read this book because of the author's name. Many years ago, when I was in 4th grade, an older girl by the same name did something super sweet. I didn't even know her that well, which made her kindness especially memorable. At my class's Christmas party, I ended up with Barbie doll clothes. I didn't have a Barbie doll. This sweet girl rode the same bus as me briefly, and when she found out, she brought me a Barbie doll from her collection, tucked away inside a shoe box. So, so sweet, y'all! I still remember this 26 years later. Though that really doesn't matter in connection with this book, it's a memory worth writing down. ;) When I saw the author's name, I wondered if it was her, and decided to read it. It's not her, though I'm sure she's perfectly lovely, too. :) I'm super glad I read the book anyway.
The story is full of mystery and I was guessing until the end about what is real and what's not. I flew through it, so I recommend starting it when you have a little time to give to flipping rapidly through the pages. I was a little disappointed at the end, until I discovered there will be at least one more book to go with it. I got a satisfying end to the story, but a bit more is added to bring us into the next one, which I can't wait for.
Read this one for pure entertainment!
Content: Religious exclamations. I don't remember any profanity, otherwise. (This is the disadvantage to not immediately writing my thoughts down.) There's some touching/kissing(though nothing I'd consider overly graphic). There's also some violence....more
This one won't be for everyone. Parts of it are disturbing, parts of it are incredibly weird, and parts of it are confusing. If you're willing to lookThis one won't be for everyone. Parts of it are disturbing, parts of it are incredibly weird, and parts of it are confusing. If you're willing to look past those parts, it's such a beautiful story. When I first left the last page, I didn't think it'd be a story I'd ever want to read again, but it's stuck with me and wrapped itself around my brain. I now think I would be willing to read it again, especially to get a bit more of an understanding of the confusing parts. My first time through a book, I tend to rush to see what happens. With each rereading, I always see little details I missed the previous times through. Plus, my mind is looking past the odd parts more and more and remembering little details that give the story its beauty.
Deerskin is a retelling of the fairy tale, Donkeyskin. Apparently, it's pretty difficult to find Donkeyskin in its original form. Most of the revisions have made it more tolerable. I feel like this book(Deerskin) could be such an encouragement for those that have had a painful past similar the the main character. It seems written with that purpose in mind, and I greatly appreciate it, especially for that reason. That said, I could also see how this could be a painful book for those that have went through something similar, at least through certain parts. It's an empowering read if read all the way through. Again, though, it won't be for everyone.
Though difficult at times, I think it's worth reading!
Content: I think I recall a couple mild words of profanity, but I know it wasn't bad, either way. (The disadvantage of not writing reviews immediately)
SPOILER!!!!!!! (view spoiler)[There's a rape scene and a miscarriage scene. The rape scene and afterwards is emotional and disturbing. The miscarriage scene was confusing and I was only sure that's what it was when it says so at the end. (hide spoiler)] END SPOILER...more
I bought this one for my kindle awhile back, and forgot about it. I hate to admit that, because Anne Elisabeth is one my most favorite authors ever. TI bought this one for my kindle awhile back, and forgot about it. I hate to admit that, because Anne Elisabeth is one my most favorite authors ever. The Twelve Dancing Princesses is probably my favorite fairy tale, and to say I was excited about seeing her take on it would be putting it mildly. Children, as lovely as they are, will do that to your mind, though. ;)
I actually had to start this book twice, just to be honest. Based on my experience, I'd recommend some quiet time to really get into the book before putting it down, if you must. Once I got well into the book, I flew through it and enjoyed it greatly. As I've come to expect from Anne Elisabeth, the characters were flawed, yet likable. Romance is only hinted at, ever so slightly, and it never comes quickly. Best of all, the story is pretty amazing, and I was thrilled with it. It made me want to visit all the other books from Goldstone Wood again. (This one is perfectly fine as a standalone from the other books in the series. It's only slightly tied in.) I can't wait to read more from her! It only reminded me why I like her writing so, so much....more
There are parts of The Prince Warriors that I loved, and other parts not so much. That's pretty true of almost every allegorical type of story that I'There are parts of The Prince Warriors that I loved, and other parts not so much. That's pretty true of almost every allegorical type of story that I've ever read, though. I can even say the same for one of my most favorite authors of all time! There's just always theology that I disagree with hidden(sometimes not so much) within the story. This book was no exception. I didn't agree with every little thing that was implied, but I also loved so much of the examples shown out in "real life" fiction.
Also, it dates itself with a phone app being a semi-big part of the story, at least towards the end. Without that, I feel it could have had more of a classic feel to it, but with the app, it seemed like it was working too hard to appeal to a modern, young audience. (Yes, I understand the target age IS a modern, young audience.) ;) (After reading the official description, I realize the inclusion of the app in the story might very well be an advertisement for the Unseen app, which annoys me to no end, just to be honest!)
Those things aside, I actually really liked the book. There's lots of food for thought scattered about, and it's something I'd love for my boys to read a bit down the road. It's an excellent book for reading discussion, and even a great family sort of "book club" pick. I do think that this book will appeal more for the younger crowd, and maybe a little more in the boy crowd, though I'm sure plenty of girls will enjoy it, too. I can think of several young readers right now that I think will love this book!
While a good portion of the story takes place in a fantasy world, Ahoratos, I loved that the other portion dealt with issues any average child will deal with: sibling squabbles, punishments, mean kids. Yes, some of the outcomes were unrealistic and too pretty, but it still provided good lessons in the form of an entertaining story.
Overall, despite a couple of complaints, I really like this book and the whole idea of it. I'm looking forward to my boys reading it and the discussions that I pray will come from it.
*Note: The Prince Warriors is the first book, in what will be a trilogy. While I can't call the ending a complete cliff-hanger, it does leave you knowing there's more to the story.
**I was provided a review copy, in exchange for my honest opinion....more
I would have read this one straight through if I could have! I didn't want to put it down. With the type of story that it is, I almost hate to say I lI would have read this one straight through if I could have! I didn't want to put it down. With the type of story that it is, I almost hate to say I loved it, but I did. It's not the kind of read I could read on a regular basis, but I greatly enjoyed it.
The Glass Casket is a retelling of Snow White and Rose Red, I believe, though mildly. It definitely stays true to the original style of fairy tales, meaning it's gruesome at times and very dark. It stays mysterious throughout, and I was guessing until the end about how things would play out. Just like many of the old fairy tales, everything isn't tied up in a nice, neat bow, either. Things remain bittersweet, and it doesn't end in rainbows and sunshine.
It's divided into 3 parts. The first part is only a little creepy at the beginning, but it's mostly letting us get to know the characters. The 2nd part is where the creepiness and just plain odd parts begin. It remains through the 3rd part, but that's where things start tying together. For those easily creeped out, I'd recommend not reading it at night, though it's not THAT bad. It was worth the read for me, and I'm not into horror type stories. I'd label this one as a mild horror. Although it's labeled as YA, I don't think it fits the YA mold at all, and can easily recommend it to adult readers of fairytale retellings, and even mystery fantasies.
If you're looking for a sugary sweet romance, with corniness on top, look elsewhere, because you won't get that in here. Though there is a bit of romance, and even a case of insta-love, I found things were leveled out nicely with another romance and happenings. This book isn't about the romance, though!
I have to mention that cover briefly. I think it's just awful! I've looked at it many times, and I'm still not even sure what's going on with it. Don't judge the book based on it, other than it being weird and creepy.
If you don't mind a bit of fantasy-like/gruesome violence, I definitely recommend giving this one a try. I thought it was beautifully written, and just a great read!
Content: No profanity There's a bit of kissing, mild passion(in only one spot that I recall) and reference to sex, but not detailed at all. It gets pretty gruesome at times, so there's definitely violence.
*I was provided an ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion....more
I've been experimenting lately with reading more books in the "science fiction" realm, as opposed to "fantasy". Most of these have been space related.I've been experimenting lately with reading more books in the "science fiction" realm, as opposed to "fantasy". Most of these have been space related. There's been some hits and some misses. Thankfully, this one was a hit, and I enjoyed it.
When the story starts out, we're introduced to several characters, and it took a bit of time to get everyone settled in my mind. By the end, though, I had my favorites. There's still mysteries as to who is good vs. bad or anywhere in between, and I tend to love having that guessing game throughout books. I enjoyed the pictures included throughout the story. I was having a hard time visualizing some of the characters, and I greatly appreciated having a vision to hang onto. I also appreciated scrolling through Sally's Pinterest boards. This helped me even more! Within this story, there are gorans and shape-shifting/telepathic aliens and battle borgs, so from that, you can imagine why I appreciated the pictures so much! ;)
I also enjoyed the fashion aspect of the book. Now when it comes to fashion, I stick with the basics and what I like, and really couldn't care less about what's "in". So, it may come as a surprise to anyone that knows me to discover I like reading about fashion(at least these days), even if I don't necessarily care about it in real life. ;) I recently added another book to my reading list purely because of the fashion aspect, so I was pleasantly surprised to find it in this book. Of course, there's so much more to this book than the fashion aspect, which is really minor in comparison to the rest. There's blades and battles, a kidnapping, secrecy, and lets not forget the gorans! This is a perfect book for fans of science fiction, whether male or female.
Kidnap is part 1(of 3, I believe), so it does end with a cliffhanger. I'm curious how everything will play out in the end.
Content:
Very mild profanity, religious expletives, mild violence
*I was provided an e-copy, in exchange for my honest opinion. ...more
This is the final book in the 43 Old Cemetery Road series. Unfortunately, it was the first book I've read within the series. I liked this one so much,This is the final book in the 43 Old Cemetery Road series. Unfortunately, it was the first book I've read within the series. I liked this one so much, I fully plan on going back to the beginning, though. I read it perfectly fine without reading the other 6, and I feel that things were explained enough that I wasn't lost, but I am curious to see the adventures within the other books.
In this adventure, Seymour inherits a castle in Loch Ness, and travels there to see it. We discover just why Ignatius B. Grumply is so grumpy, and we get to meet a very old turtle.
The Loch Ness Punster is told through letters, newspaper articles, and tickets/pictures/illustrations. I really enjoyed it! I can easily imagine myself falling in love with this whole series as a young child. With all the pictures and the somewhat scrapbook-ish feeling of it, I would have been on Cloud 9! There's plenty of humor throughout, and I found myself snickering quite a few times while reading.
I can't wait to get a hold of the other 6 books now!
*I was provided an ARC, in exchange for my honest opinion....more
Y'all know the cover pulled me in, right? It looked so beautiful and full of adventure, that I made my way to Amazon, and read the first few pages. ItY'all know the cover pulled me in, right? It looked so beautiful and full of adventure, that I made my way to Amazon, and read the first few pages. It looked like it would be beautiful story, so I decided to read the whole thing.
Anzard ended up being completely different than I thought it would be from the beginning, though I liked it in a different way than I imagined. It's a very odd read, but thankfully I'm generally a fan of those. Admittedly, this one went even beyond my odd tastes at times, but I truly believe that most children will enjoy the corniness within Anzard. A rapping goat? Cooties? A witch and children used as basketballs? Yep. They're all in here.
I'm going to share one of the scenes within Anzard to give you a bit of the feel of the book. I actually had to stop reading to laugh a bit.
"In the background, the plastic skeleton was waving his bony arms frantically, trying to warn his friend the fish.
Mesmerized by the pill floating slowly down in front of his face, the tiny fish gobbled up the Zapbrane pill as Justin watched.
All of a sudden, the fish's eyes bulged and it race in circles frantically around the tank. Suddenly the fish jumped into the plastic rowboat and rowed across the tank to the coffin, jumped in, and lay down dead." (page 79)
Seriously, I'm laughing just typing it, which makes me feel a little bad! ;)
Aside from the oddness of the book, there really is some good lessons inside the pages. It teaches kids to not fall into the world of peer pressure, because that world will lead to stupid decisions. It also teaches them to listen to their instincts, and make the right choices. Look around and see if things look fishy, and make wise decisions. There's lots of adventure and fun and silliness in here, too!
This book also has somewhat of a Christian kind of feel to it. An anzard is the result of a wizard and angel marriage. This takes place in a church. That doesn't necessarily make it Christian, by any means, but when the goat raps about Adam and Eve, I got that impression a bit more. That is very, very light, though. It's a fun read for a "moral" lesson.
Overall, this is definitely a quirky little read, but I had fun with it!
*I was provided a review copy, in exchange for my honest opinion. ...more
When I first started this book, I was loving it. It had a dark fairy-tale quality to it. There's even several mentions of a fairy tale story involvingWhen I first started this book, I was loving it. It had a dark fairy-tale quality to it. There's even several mentions of a fairy tale story involving a "sleeping prince", and a similar story to "The Pied Piper". The more I read, though, the more I starting disliking it. I ended it a bit frustrated, not only with the cliffhanger ending, but just with the way things turned in the end. What had great potential, for me, turned into more of a corny romance than anything else.
The Queen within this book is very evil, and takes gross to a whole new level, with marrying relatives and all. She also has a set of hounds that are made for killing. It gets super gross, on many levels, throughout. I was also intrigued by the whole "sin eating" process. It sounded kind of gross, even if it ended up being different than I would have imagined. The gross part may have had more to do the mean spirit of Twylla's mother, than the actual process, though. I kind of wish there was more in the story concerning the sin eating, even though there are several flashbacks as Twylla learns from her mother, and several threats of not having a sin eating ceremony.
There were several things within the book that I found intriguing, but in hindsight, it doesn't feel like much happened. It also seems like a huge part of the book takes place within Twylla's room. After finishing, it just felt like a big set-up for the romance, which again, I found frustrating and corny.
Content: I don't recall any profanity. There is plenty of grossness with close relatives marrying and having children. There's violence, with sound descriptions, but not too horrible. There's passionate kissing, and sex, though it's off screen.
*I was provided a review copy, in exchange for my honest opinion....more
It's written mostly in letters(to a few different people, including Sophie's dead uncle and dead grandmother). There'This is such a cute and fun read!
It's written mostly in letters(to a few different people, including Sophie's dead uncle and dead grandmother). There's a couple of newspaper articles, a quiz, a course on chickens, a recipe, and a few other things, but it's mostly letters. Writing books through letters seems like it's becoming a popular method of book writing. At first, it didn't seem like something I would like, and sometimes it ends up being a "miss" for me, but it was a "hit" with this one. It's definitely a keeper for our shelves.
There's lots of great diversity within this story. Sophie's mother is Latina(described as "brown", and her dad is white. There's mention of black characters. Sophie also seems to have a bit of social anxiety. I needed books dealing with social anxiety, no matter how small, when I was younger, so I always appreciate that inclusion as an adult.
I laughed throughout the story, so it has plenty of fun potential, but it's also educational in regards to chickens. Each time a new chicken is introduced into the story, we get a picture and a brief description of that specific chicken(kind of like an encyclopedia type page). There's plenty of illustrations throughout, too, which I enjoyed.
I was surprised at how much of a fantasy the story ended up being. The ending kind of took me off guard, and I think it will keep some from liking it, but it made the book even quirkier than before for me.
Overall, this is a sweet, quirky story, and I had fun reading it. I'm looking forward to more from Jones.
*I was provided a review copy, in exchange for my honest opinion....more
Other than the ending, which I'm still having a bit of trouble accepting, I loved this book. It won't be for everyone, though! It has a science fictioOther than the ending, which I'm still having a bit of trouble accepting, I loved this book. It won't be for everyone, though! It has a science fiction(ish) kind of feel to it. Despite being completely different and unique from other stories out there, I couldn't help but think of the realm of Indiana Jones as I read it, with the myths, temples, rituals, and all. Peter Pan's "lost boys" went through my mind quite a bit, too. It's kind of a dark story, with action, fighting, and violence. There was only one disturbing scene, for me. (Of course, I'm a wimp!)
Another thing that I loved about this book, but I believe will be a turnoff for most, is the lack of romance. There is none, other than a bit of innocent girl/boy fascination. (The main characters have been separated from the opposite gender their whole lives.) I am becoming increasingly annoyed at corny romances, so, thank you, McIsaac, for creating such an awesome story, and leaving the corny romance behind AND for creating a clean story that I can freely recommend to friends and family.
The ending. When I first ended the book, I told my husband that while I should be used to it by now, I hate ending a book, only to realize that it's actually part of a series, and I'll have to wait another year for the next installment. After searching around, and thinking on the ending more, I realized that this may very well be a standalone. After discovering that this book *seems* to be a rewrite/republish for a self-published book titled "Urgle", I assume even more so that this is a standalone. If this is a standalone, I can see some beauty in it, even if I hope for another book. Everything isn't tied up in a nice, neat bow, so you're free to end things as you want to on certain things. There was one particular part that I especially didn't like, and I'd like to rewrite it. Still, I'd like the loose strings tied up a bit more for me, so I'm holding out hope for another book. (I've still been unable to find out for sure if this is a standalone, and not knowing is driving me insane, so if you know, please let me know.) :)
Overall, this is a treasure in the world of YA/middle grade books, and I will be grabbing anything else penned by McIsaac! It's a perfect read for both boys and girls that enjoy the science fiction realm. I'm an adult woman, and I loved it, too!
Content: Very mild profanity. (I can actually only recall one word, and it happens to be the first word in the book.) No sex(or even romance, for that matter) Mild violence(one disturbing scene involving wasps or flying insects of some sort was disturbing, though it's probably mild for most)
*I was provided a review copy, in exchange for my honest opinion....more
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