New Reviews-The Warlock&Curse of Deadman's Forest

THE WARLOCK: This is the fifth book in the Secrets of the Immortal Nicholas Flamel and like the others before, is a roller-coaster ride with action galore. The author, Michael Scott, is an authority on mythology and folklore, and his books are full of characters like Isis, Osiris, Scathach, Palamedes, Joan of Arc, Machiavelli and Shakespeare - even Billy the Kid is along for the ride. This is a fun read, and as usual, the ending has you anxiously awaiting a sequel as the heroes are running out of time.

THE CURSE OF DEADMAN'S FOREST by Victoria Laurie: This is the second book in the Oracles of Delphi Keep series and like the first book in the series, brings back Ian Wigby and his sister Theodosia. Their adventures started when they explored the tunnels beneath the White Cliffs of Dover and soon they were traveling far beyond the orphanage in England. In this sequel, they travel to Spain and a cursed forest in Germany through a magic portal, seeking other Oracles to defeat a growing evil. There are three Oracles now, and the children need to gather three more to be successful,so the adventures will continue.

Book Review of SPELLS by Aprilynne Pike

I just finished SPELLS by Aprilynne Pike, the sequel to her book, WINGS. After I started the book, I realized that I didn't remember WINGS that well and with no prologue, the only way to follow the story was to re-read the first book. This wasn't so bad since I really enjoyed reading the book again (and it was a pretty fast read).

In her sequel, the writer enters the faerie world of Avalon. It's a colorful world, full of music, ballet, art and a complex class structure. Laurel is having a hard time choosing between Tamani, a faerie friend since childhood, and David, her human boyfriend. When trolls kidnap her best girlfriend, she turns to David to help save her friend instead of Tamani. Does this mean that David is her choice? I'll be anticipating the next book to find out...

MARIGOLD on Kindle for $.99

My book, MARIGOLD: Book One of the Elven Chronicles, is on Kindle and The Nook for only $.99!!
http://www.amazon.com/Marigold-ebook/dp/B0053H9DJY/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1310943477&sr=1-1

Book Review for DELIRIUM

DELIRIUM by Lauren Oliver is a dystopian Romeo + Juliet fantasy for YA readers. Although I didn't love this book by Oliver as much as BEFORE I FALL, I was captivated by the characters and story. Oliver really draws you into the world, and the future she paints is not so unbelievable. The story is very emotional and at the same time, heartbreaking. Highly recommended.

Voices of Dragons book review

I just read VOICES OF DRAGONS by Carrie Vaughn. The premise of the book is pretty great: dragons and humans, after living together peacefully, have been separated by fear and misunderstandings. A teen, Kay, befriends a dragon by chance and realizes that friendships between species can occur and endure. But, the military wants to stir up the dragons and force them to attack humans so they can take over their land. Kay and her dragon must take a stand to prove to both dragons and humans that both races can live in peace.

I wish that there had been more character development between Kay and her friends and Kay and her dragon. There was a fair amount of action, but it was at the expense of interaction with family and friends. The book seemed a bit rushed and the ending left room for a sequel. Overall, I enjoyed the book and would read the sequel if there is one.

Book Review

I just read a YA fantasy called FIRELIGHT by Sophie Jordan. The main character, Jacinda, is a human who can turn into a type of dragon (draki) and lives in fear of hunters who kill drakis. One day, while flying with her best friend (against the pride's wishes), she meets a hunter who discovers her but doesn't let the other hunters know. When her mother relocates her and her sister to a town in the dry Arizona desert, she encounters the boy, Will, at her new school. Despite knowing that he is a hunter, they are drawn to each other.

The characters are all well-written and this Romeo-Juliet story manages to remain fresh and new. I'm hoping there will be a sequel to this story; the ending hints at one.

Book reviews!

Finally getting around to some book reviews. The first review is for MATCHED by Ally Condie: Cassia never has to make any decisions in her life. Her choices are decided by society, and society will even pick her mate. But a mishap on her 18th birthday sends the picture of another boy who is not her chosen mate. Suddenly, she starts thinking about making her own choices in a world where that is not allowed. Highly recommended - looking forward to the sequel.
WITHER by Lauren DeStefano is another dystopian fantasy, but with a more Victorian feel than the former. This book has lush descriptions of people, clothing and even food. Tension builds in the book and the ending leaves one wanting to read the sequel.
THE DRAGON OF TRELIAN by Michelle Knudsen is a middle grade fantasy about a magician who must find his magic and a princess who finds a dragon. Shannon Hale readers will enjoy this book, as I did. I'll be looking for the sequel to this fantasy as well.