Review of THE NIGHT CIRCUS

I just finished THE NIGHT CIRCUS by Erin Morgenstern and wanted to post while the images from the book were still in my head. This debut novel is filled lyrical descriptions of darkness and dazzling light, much like the black and white-striped tents of the amazing circus. Magic permeates this tale of lovers thrown together yet kept apart by the nocturnal circus. Initially when I started reading this book, I felt that too much time was spent describing fabulous acts and characters, but by the time I was near the end, the pace seemed just right. 4 Elves - Highly Recommended

Gifts for the holiday

Give a kid a book for the holidays and unleash their imagination. My book, MARIGOLD, is available on Kindle or 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 The printed version of the book is even better with a map inside!

Review of VANISH by Sophie Jordan

In this sequel to FIRELIGHT, Sophie Jordan takes us again into the world of the Draki in VANISH. Jacinda must leave her forbidden love, Will, to protect the pride, but leaving Will is not so easy. When he shows up at the pride pretending to be a lost hunter, she decides to see him again in a week. But, plans go awry and another Draki is kidnapped, so Jacinda returns to the pride facing punishment and humiliation. The conclusion is surprising and leaves the ending open to another book. There are so many wonderful characters in this series that the author could have many spin-offs to the central tale. 4 Elves - Highly Recommended

Review for THE GRAY WOLF THRONE

I love Cinda Williams Chima's epic fantasies. Her trilogy of novels, Warrior, Wizard & Dragon Heir books, were so fascinating and fresh. Then I started reading her Seven Realms series - THE DEMON KING & THE EXILED QUEEN - and couldn't wait for her next book: THE GRAY WOLF THRONE. Although this book seems to finish the series, there is an ending and an epilogue that hints of more books to come, and I will be glad to dive into another book in the Seven Realms. These books are so creative, with warriors, clan members and wizards, and the royal politics are fraught with danger and suspicion. Her main characters, Han and Raisa, are complex yet sympathetic, and many of her other characters are similarly complicated and endearing. 4 Elves - Highly Recommended

Review of CROSSED by Ally Condie

I just finished CROSSED by Ally Condie, sequel to MATCHED, and although I was looking forward to this sequel, I didn't love it. Maybe part of the problem was the setting in the canyons; I missed the atmosphere of the Society, even though it was oppressive. The canyons had a sameness to them in spite of the wildness of the frontier. Also, there was a lack of action and tension in this book. On the plus side, some new intriguing characters were introduced (but many are killed off rather quickly). The relationship between Cassia, Ky and Xander is still evolving, and the ending strongly hints at another book. Worth reading, but disappointing - 2 Elves

USA "Best Books 2011" award

Very exciting: my book, MARIGOLD: Book One of the Elven Chronicles, is an award-winning finalist in the Children's Fiction category of the USA "Best Books 2011" awards, sponsored by USA Book News.

Review of the TRYLLE Trilogy

The TRYLLE trilogy (SWITCHED, TORN, ASCEND) by Amanda Hocking is only available as eBooks at this time, but due to the series' success, they will be published in book form in the near future.

Wendy is a high school girl who never quite fit in. When she is nearly kidnapped, she discovers that she was swapped by Trylles, or Trolls, to live as a human in place of a baby that they took back to their secret kingdom. Her human mother never believed that she was the right child, and her Trylle mother is cold & distant. When Wendy is forced to live in the Trylle kingdom, she finds out that she is a Trylle princess, destined to be the queen. Adapting to this strange life is difficult, but eventually she finds her powers and a new strength. Recommended - 3 Elves