Freedom Is Here

Don't you wanna sing it too? "Sing it out, sing it out...Freeeeedommmmmmmm Is Heeeeere!!!!"

Love this song.

"Freedom Is Here" - Esterlyn



Blessings,

Review of Alienation

Alienation by Jon S. Lewis is the second book in the sci-fi young adult C.H.A.O.S. series, which is based on the biblical story of David. (See my review for the first book here) Colt McAlister is just beginning to get past the shock of his parent's death and defeating aliens in charge of a super-corporation. A world he once though wasn't possible- one filled with aliens and very advanced technology that enables flying, mind control, and many other things- is quickly becoming the reality of earth. As the Thules, a type of alien, becomes more dangerous in their mission to take over the world, some believe that Colt and his friends Oz and Danielle may be able to stop them.

But there are some that will stop at nothing less to kill Colt McAlister. Dangerous, seemingly random acts against Colt are rapidly being carried out, but who is responsible behind it all? Meanwhile, Colt and his friends are recruited to become C.H.A.O.S. agent trainees, and Colt makes some shocking discoveries about himself and his friends.

Can he trust anyone anymore? And is he really the one chosen to stop the alien invasion?

I love the fast-paced storyline. This book carries smoothly from the last book, and the characters are as original as ever. The whole idea of C.H.A.O.S. and the alien invasion is pretty unique, and what's even more unique is that it's based on the life of David! I didn't know this until I was told, but I saw some of the similarities when I read. I'm glad that the author keeps the story original while still being able to incorporate some parallels from David's life. I'd have to say my favorite character is Danielle. She's very intelligent and loyal, and her computer know-how is a great addition to the story. The dynamics between Colt, Oz, and Danielle is excellent. They are the ideal team. Oz with his strength and alien-know-how, Danielle with her computer skills, and Colt as the strong, likable leader. Some things that I felt improved from the last book was dialogue with Colt's grandfather and more faith. We get to know Colt's grandfather better, especially in a scene where Colt is given a special medallion that meant much to his grandfather. Also, we see more of their Christian faith in this book. It's not preachy, but it's there and affects their decisions to do right. I liked that.

All in all, I rate this book five out of five stars.

Specifics (from amazon.com):
~Hardcover: 288 pages
~Publisher: Thomas Nelson (January 3, 2012)

Note: Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book for reviewing purposes.

EXTRAS!

About the Author:
Jon S. Lewis is the coauthor of the Grey Griffins trilogy (over 500,000 books in print) and the upcoming Grey Griffins Clockwork Chronicles. He also writes for the DC COMICS family of publishers. He resides with his family in Arizona.

For more about Jon and the series, visit www.chaosnovels.com.

~*~

The invasion was only the beginning! Jon Lewis is celebrating the next
adventure in his fast-paced C.H.A.O.S. series with an explosive giveaway!

One thrill-seeker will receive:

• iPad2 with Wi-Fi
• Copies of the C.H.A.O.S. novels, Invasion and Alienation

Enter today by clicking one of the icons below. But hurry, the giveaway
ends at noon on February 7th. Winner will be announced at the Alienation Facebook Party
on 2/7. Jon will be hosting an Author Chat, giving away copies of the books and
gift certificates to iTunes and Amazon.com! Don't miss a second of the intrigue!



Grab your copy of Alienation and join Jon on the evening of February 7th for an
author chat, spy training (How much do you know about alien invaders?) and lots of
giveaways. 

Don't miss a moment of the fun. RSVP today and tell your friends
via FACEBOOK or TWITTER and increase your chances of
winning. Hope to see you on the 31st!

Blessings,

Review of Chasing Mona Lisa

Chasing Mona Lisa by Tricia Goyer and Mike Yorkey is a historical novel about the nearing of the end of WW2 and the race to get the priceless Mona Lisa. The setting is Paris. As the resistance grows stronger and the Nazis are driven back, a top official in the Third Reich is determined to steal as many art pieces as he can. However, he has not yet achieved his biggest goal and huge postwar bargaining chip- the famous Mona Lisa painting.

Yet she has eluded him still with the help of one determined protector who will not allow her to be kidnapped by the enemy. Yet the Nazis are becoming closer and closer to discovering her location. Gabi Mueller and Eric Hofstadler, Swiss OSS agents, must race against time to get to the Mona Lisa before it falls into German hands.

This book was fast-paced, and it was obvious that the authors had done extensive historical research. The characters are clear, and I felt as if I were watching, not reading, a historical show or movie. The details are that clear. The characters were all determined and dedicated, and the last part of the book is really intriguing to readers to see how everything resolves in the end. It was nice to get a glimpse into WW2.

I picked up this book expecting the best. Tricia Goyer is a great author, the book is historical, it's a race for the Mona Lisa... who wouldn't be intrigued? That said, I'm sad to say that I never really got to like any of the characters. There wasn't a buildup of sympathy or really getting to know the characters. Perhaps it is because this book is the sequel to a book titled The Swiss Courier, but I had to dig around to find that out. Fast-paced is a great thing, but not when it sacrifices the characters. I really had a hard time getting into the book, and it didn't become a "must-finish" until the very end. Also, there are some elements that would not be appropriate for young readers.

All in all, I rate this book three out of five.

Specifics:
~Paperback: 325 pages
~Publisher: Revell (January 1, 2012)

Note: Thanks to the publisher for providing me with a free copy of this book for reviewing purposes.

Blessings,

LOVE these videos :)

Which Jane Austen Character Are You?

Take the Jane Austen Character Quiz here!

I've seen this quiz around, but I never really took it... I just skimmed over the questions.

Now that I've got my results, I must read that book again... :)

Blessings,

Ormie the Pig

Poor thing... don't we all feel like this sometimes?



Blessings,

Beautiful Love

I have no idea why I like this song so much, but I have since I first heard it about four years ago. Christian band, but it's a love song. I just found the music video today. The video itself is okay, but I just like to shut my eyes, listen, and smile.

Beautiful Love - "The Afters"

Far away, I feel your beating heart
All alone, beneath the crystal stars
Staring into space, what a lonely face
I'll try to find my place with you

[chorus]
What a beautiful smile
Can I stay for awhile?
On this beautiful night
We'll make everything right
My beautiful love, my beautiful love

Larger than the moon, my love for you
Worlds collide as heaven pulls us through
The secret of the world is written in the stars
I'm carrying your heart in mine

[chorus]
What a beautiful smile
Can I stay for awhile?
On this beautiful night
We'll make everything right
My beautiful love

Maybe a greater thing will happen
Maybe all will see
Maybe our love will catch like fire
As it burns through me
[3x]

[chorus]

What a beautiful smile
Can I stay for awhile?
On this beautiful night
We'll make everything right
[2x]

My beautiful love
La la la la love
La la la la love

My beautiful
La la la la love
La la la la love

My beautiful love




Blessings,


P.S. Sorry for the lack of posts! I've been super busy. Happy New Year!