Young adult juv. fic. ‘Nough said. There are other elements to this book – such as family relationships, sibling affection, paranormal visions, prophetic dreams, fantastical life-and-death struggles, romance – but in the end the teenage angst largely overshadows the more mature touches. Continue reading
Book Review
“Implant” by J. Grace Pennington
Intense Sci-Fi Adventure
Gordon Harding is supremely unlucky. After losing his parents, he discovers his health issues mean he has a life expectancy of five more years.
His one hope may be an experimental medical device, but before he can undergo treatment, he’s yanked into a dystopian world that challenges what he thought to be true.
“The Girl From the Train” by Irma Joubert
This is a story of differences – cultural, national, lingual, ecclesiastical – and how they can be overcome. This is also a book that delves into the era at the tail end of World War II and afterward to explore the dark tendrils of war that affected an unusual time period. Continue reading
“Blast of the Dragon’s Fury” by L. R. W. Lee
An average gradeschooler is literally sucked out of his house into a magical kingdom where he becomes an honored guest – and their only hope for reversing a centuries-old curse. Adventures and gimmicks ensue.
After chapter 2, this kid fantasy picks up, making it enjoyable, if not extraordinary.
UPDATE: I understand from the author that a revised edition of this book has been published. Continue reading
“In Between” by Jenny B. Jones
In-depth characterization, thoughtful Christianity, and an authentic teenage voice help set this story apart from the other books about lost children and teens finding their way. Continue reading
“The Road to Dar Rodon” by Nat Russo
Too Short a Story for a Big World
Step into a fantasy world of mystic powers. Although the characters didn’t speak to me very well, the dirt under their feet, the towns on the horizon, and the “mythology” above their heads made me feel like Mr. Russo could just sign up a developer and Neverwinter Nights might have competition.
Continue reading
“Falcon” by Ronie Kendig
From the desert night combat zones of Afghanistan to the intricacies of interpersonal interaction, come on an adventure where the international stakes run high and the emotions run higher. Continue reading
“Rules of Murder” by Julianna Deering
Entertaining Tribute
Rich, well-dressed English gentlemen, indefatigably discreet butlers, coy yet conspiratorial society girls, and plenty of fresh corpses populate this period piece where no one is as they seem. Continue reading
“Blind Dates Can Be Murder” by Mindy Starns Clark
I wasn’t really raised reading “romance” novels, so even though Blind Dates Can Be Murder contained mystery elements this book proved to be a new genre experience for me. When read in the context of the other “Smart Chick” books, it’s my least favorite of the three.
In the first book, The Trouble With Tulip, photographer Danny Watkins realized he was in love with his childhood friend Jo Tulip. However, when she decided to set romantic relationships aside to focus on God, he secretly consented to wait for her.
Now, though, he’s going to take the plunge: he’s going to tell her he loves her! Jo, however, has no idea. Continue reading
“Kate Walden Directs: Bride of Slug Man” by Julie Mata
This story about a middle-grader with a passion for making movies is accessible to people of any age or any interest, and is an engaging, fun read.
Kate Walden is a seventh grader with dreams of a Hollywood director career. She’s already made one movie, and is determined to make a second. However, a new boy moves into her school and decides to make a movie, too. From there, the complications mount as she strives to show up the newcomer while scrounging for actors, props, and locations…and dealing with bullies and friend-issues. Ah, the simplicity of middle school. Continue reading