Review of Perfectly Ridiculous!

Perfectly Ridiculous by Kristin Billerbeck is the third book in the YA fiction Universally Misunderstood series (see my reviews for book one and book two). Daisy Crispin is finally done with high school and looks forward to a bright future as a finance major in college. To add to her happiness, her best friend's parents are giving an all-expenses-paid trip to beautiful Argentina! As an added bonus, Argentina is where her extremely attractive sort-of boyfriend, Max, lives! Some summer fun, independence from her well meaning but slightly overbearing parents, and the possibility of an innocence foreign romance! What more could a girl ask for?

But, of course, things never turn out as Daisy expects, as we have seen in the last two books.

Soon, a letter arrives in the mail dictating that Daisy cannot get her scholarship for four years at the university unless she completes two weeks of mission work. Bye bye tango lessons, exotic tours, spa days, and Argentinian steak... Or is it? Daisy soons comes up with a compromise. One week helping with a rural VBS program and another week enjoying her vacation in paradise? Sounds like the perfect plan, right?

Or... it could be perfectly ridiculous.

This book is so refreshingly real. I mean, true, most girls don't go to Argentina, have parents who are as eccentric as Daisy's, and have an affluent best friend, but the dialogue and Daisy's inner thoughts are just so spot on! Daisy's quirks makes this book even more endearing to the point that she feels like a real person! I believe teenage girls will absolutely relate and love the witty, and honestly, brilliant writing. I also love books with a big-impact lesson. I think on of the main themes in the Universally Misunderstood books is letting go of the OCD tendency most teenage girls have and letting our lives be piloted by God. Readers are able to see that Daisy's misadventures are often a result of her, as Daisy's mom puts it in the book, "playing God". I think this is an excellent message to girls, as I know it is to me, to really learn to depend on God and acknowledge His sovereignty. I also love how the end of the book leaves the reader fulfilled yet leaves enough open so that the reader could decide Daisy's future, so to speak. The ending is very well-written, as is truly the whole book. I'm so glad I found this series!

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

Specifics (from amazon.com):
~Paperback: 247 pages
 ~Publisher: Revell (July 1, 2012)

Available July 2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group!

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

Blessings,
~Prism~

Review of Eye of the Sword

Eye of the Sword by Karyn Henley is the second book in the Angelaeon Circle fantasy series. A reformed thief and servant of evil, all Trevin wants to do now is to serve King Laetham of Camrithia and his beautiful daughter Melaia as one of the king’s captains. Things get shaken up with Prince Varic of Dregmoor appears with an eye for Melaia, and Trevin is commissioned by the king on a quest to find the rest of the captains, or comains as they are called, who have disappeared mysteriously. 

His quest becomes more challenging when Melaia requests that he also search for two missing harps that are said to have the power to restore the stairway to heaven. With a heavy heart, he leaves Camrithia and his beloved Melaia to seek the truth and and prove his worth to the king. What ensues is a dangerous, dramatic, and, at times, deadly journey of discovery, not only of what has happened to the comains and the harps, but who he truly is and what his destiny could be.

As he grapples with his past, will Trevin be able to finish his quest before Princess Melaia is won over by Varic? Will he even survive?

I detest picking up a series at the second or third book and muddling my way through the first few chapters. It’s like being the newcomer in a group that has known each other for years, and it can be quite irritating. However, this book reads like a standalone. I also like how the ending is satisfying. No bothersome cliffhangers that are at times more irksome than anticipation-inducing. The characters are strong and their backgrounds are well-thought out. And how rich the setting is! I loved the descriptions of new lands, new creatures, and new adventures. I highly respect fantasy writers because the majority of the content of their books is purely imagination! That is a very huge undertaking, and the author has handled it masterfully. There’s the right blend of suspense, mystery, and romance to keep the plot moving seamlessly until the end. Nicely done!

I wasn’t a fan of the book calling its “God” in the story “Most High mother-father”. That bothered me and made me wonder why the author even brought it up. I also must admit that the description of different characters in the beginning of the book was a bit disorienting. After skimming through it, I went straight to the story and had no trouble keeping up. I think those descriptions can be helpful but are best left at the end of the book and put in the index, where the reader can find it if they are even confused with a character. I also was a little bewildered at how the angel race mixed up with the human race so easily. It’s like everyone in the story is somehow blood related and family lines are distorted. It begs the question that if the angels and humans mix so much, are the angels in this story really angels after all? Or just glorified humans? And what point is the author trying to make through this? Muddy, dangerous waters. 

In the end, my opinion is half and half. I really liked the story, but there were some things that bugged me. Therefore, I rate this book three out of five stars.

Specifics (from amazon.com):

~Paperback: 256 pages

~Publisher: WaterBrook Press (March 13, 2012)

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

Blessings,

~Prism~

Review of Love in Disguise!

Love in Disguise by Carol Cox is a historical novel set in Arizona in the 1880s. Elli Moore is desperate. Her previous employer, a famous stage actress, decided to move to Europe, leaving her wardrobe mistress, Ellie, jobless with nothing more than a trunk full of old costumes. When Ellie eavesdrops on a conversation between two Pinkerton Detective Agency operatives, she feels as if her troubles are over. They need a woman to discover who is stealing silver from mines! She could become an agent, explore her acting abilities, have an adventure, and say goodbye to her money troubles!

After convincing the agency to take her on, Ellie sets off to Arizona for her assignment, her only shot to become an operative. Using the costumes and makeup left to her, Ellie becomes two people very different yet very close to herself. One of her characters is Lavinia Stewart, a middle-aged widow of three years and possible mine investor. Of course, a respectable widow cannot travel everywhere an operative needs to investigate, so Ellie also becomes Jessie Monroe, a stunning redhead and niece of Lavinia, whose dazzling personality attracts men like bees to a sweet flower.

One such man is Steven Pierce, a mine owner who is struggling to keep his mine in the midst of the robberies. In one last act of desperation, he and the other mine owners had written to the Pinkerton Agency, asking for help. When it doesn’t seem to appear, help comes in another quite unexpected form. A widow and her beautiful, feisty niece.

Ellie soon finds out her undercover operation has brought more danger than she anticipated. When the thieves grow irritated with her characters’ nosiness, they decide to silence Lavinia and Jessie. Her deception has also possible alienated Steven, who has fallen hard for Jessie.

 Will they survive? And if they do, what will Steven think when he discovers the woman he loves isn’t real?

 I loved, loved, loved this book! It is filled with mystery, romance, and humor. Ellie Moore is definitely a spunky lead character, and the situations she gets into as Lavinia and Jessie are unique and captivating. The humor of the story is what really struck me, as this is a historical novel. Not quite typical of the genre. Sure, a woman becoming two completely different other woman is humorous in itself, but the author perfectly crafts scenarios that test Ellie’s ability to think quickly under pressure… and the reader’s ability to stifle their tendency to laugh out loud. The funny aspects are well-balanced with romance and, of course, Ellie’s mission to uncover the culprit. It was an excellent blend of all of the aspects necessary to make a book great.

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

Specifics (from amazon.com):
~Paperback: 352 pages
~Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (June 1, 2012)

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

Blessings,
~Prism~

Review of The Director's Cut!

The Director's Cut by Janice Thompson is the third and final book in the Contemporary Romance and Comedy series Backstage Pass (see my review for the second book here).

Tia Morales is kind of a control freak. I mean, she's the director of an extremely popular family sitcom, so she's gotta be good at taking charge, right? When things start turning out in ways Tia wouldn't have planned it to, she's forced to confront the not-so-controlled areas of her life. Even her perfect world of director-hood isn't turning out as planned! With script changes, guest stars, secret snitches, health emergencies, and her sister joining her on the set, Tia's got her hands full. Not to mention the cute camera guy, Jason, whose annoying qualities are started to seem less annoying. Yikes!

Can Tia learn to surrender her life's script to God? 

I really liked the flow of the three books of the series. They are all their own story, yet all three books mesh chronologically. Although this book isn't my favorite in the series, the main character, Tia, has her own zest and trait she has to overcome. I absolutely loved seeing the old characters, especially Lorena and Kat. The movie quotes and trivia are just as added bonus to the book! There's humor, seriousness, and spiritual truth.

As I mentioned before, this book was good but not my favorite. I couldn't completely connect with the story, and it wasn't as engaging or as comedic as the other books were. However, the storyline was neat, clean, and I did want to read it.

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

Available June  2012 at your favorite bookseller from Revell, a division of Baker Publishing Group.

Specifics (from amazon.com)
~Paperback: 320 pages
~Publisher: Revell (June 1, 2012)

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

Blessings,
~Prism~

Review of Moonblood!

Moonblood by Anne Elisabeth Stengl is the third book in the fantasy series Tales of Goldstone Wood (see my review for the second book here).

Moonblood picks up right where Veiled Rose left off. We see Prince Lionheart grappling with the strong man he could be and the weak excuse maker that he has so easily become. Desperate to keep his position as heir to the throne, Lionheart decides to get rid of the one person that drives his people away but is yet his only true friend. Prince Lionheart banishes his loyal servant, Rose Red. Little does he know the chain of events that will go into motion the minute Rose Red walks away.

She is captured by her father in the enchanted and hidden land of Arpiar, a dark place hidden by veils. A guilty Lionheart plunges in after Rose Red, determined to make his wrong right. But how far is he truly willing to go? Is he even willing to die for her sake?

A captive princess. A cynical orange cat. A struggling prince. A fallen unicorn. A goblin horde. A mystical wood.

A world's future at stake.

Once again, the author has done an incredible job detailing and making the setting and characters come to life. I absolutely loved Rose Red and "Monster"; they were definitely my favorite characters. The new characters were vibrant and unique. Although I and some readers will hold a dislike for Lionheart, we can see his humanity and struggle with right and wrong. His struggle is a main part of the book(s), and I believe the author handled it masterfully. I can't wait to read the next book, Starflower, set to be released fall 2012!

I wasn't a huge fan of the ending, but I think it could very well be a great interest catcher for the next book. Also, I wish we could have seen more of Una, who was the main character of the first book, but I believe the author could also detail it in Starflower. To be honest, so far in the series, this book is ranked third on my list, with Veiled Rose being first and Heartless being second.

Super excited for the next book, though!

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

Specifics (from amazon.com):
~ Paperback: 373 pages
~ Publisher: Bethany House Publishers (April 1, 2012)

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

Blessings,
~Prism~

Review of Crazy Dangerous!

Crazy Dangerous is the new suspense/action YA novel by Andrew Klavan (author of the Homelanders Series, see my reviews of books two, three, and four). I know it's been a while since I've posted, but I'm going to let this book take the spotlight this time. Because it is that good, my dear readers.

Synopsis:

"You probably want to hear about Jennifer and the demons and how I played chicken with a freight train and-oh yeah-the weird murder . . . you're definitely going to want to hear about that."

Sam Hopkins is a good kid who has fallen in with a bad crowd. Hanging around with car thieves and thugs, Sam knows it's only a matter of time before he makes one bad decision too many and gets into real trouble.

But one day, Sam sees them harassing an eccentric schoolmate of his named Jennifer. When Sam finds the courage to face the bullies down, he loses a bad set of friends and acquires a very strange new one.

Because Jennifer is not just eccentric. To Sam, she seems downright crazy. She has terrifying hallucinations involving demons and the devil and death. And here's the really crazy part: Sam is beginning to suspect that these visions may actually be prophecies--prophecies of something terrible that's going to happen very soon. Unless he can stop it.

With no one to believe him, with no one to help him, Sam is now all alone in a race against time. Finding the truth before disaster strikes is going to be both crazy and very, very dangerous.

My Opinion:
Fear nothing. Do right. These two statements are the main theme of this book. As the main character, Sam, has to muddle through what he believes is right and wrong and what his response should be, he is put into some extraordinary circumstances. I mean, what other preacher's kid would start hanging around car thieves, befriend an eccentric girl who mutters his name like a magic word and seems to see the future, sneak out of his house several times, and build up the courage to talk to his crush?

Okay, okay, this book is a little far-fetched, but that's the point of most fiction, right?

I like the clash of science and spirituality in this book. When it comes to Jennifer, Sam has to figure out where he draws the line between the two, or if he does at all. This book does address that but lets the reader decide what they believe. Also, this book is not overtly "preachy".

I was absolutely hooked from page one. The author does an excellent job of keeping a fast pace while grabbing the reader's attention and not stopping to explain frivolous details. I literally could not put this book down. Thank goodness I was reading this on a Friday, because I stayed up late to finish it!

Samantha is definitely an intriguing character. Since I'm interested in medicine, I like how the possibility of a medical condition came into play. The author did an amazing job getting into her head and making it all so unique.

The book is eery. Ominous, even. Totally gripping, and eventually, shocking.

You don't want to miss out on reading Crazy Dangerous!

~Specifics (from amazon.com)
~ Hardcover: 336 pages
~ Publisher: Thomas Nelson (May 1, 2012)

Don't just take my word for it! Check out other reviews here!

Andrew Klavan's Crazy Dangerous $100 Visa Cash Card Giveaway and Author Chat Party {5/29} Enter Today - 5/8-5/28!

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

Blessings,
~Prism~

Review of The Rose of Winslow Street

The Rose of Winslow Street by Elizabeth Camden is the story of love in unexpected places. Libby Sawyer and her father are enjoying a relaxing time at their summer home when their house is in turmoil. Romanian Michael Dobrescu is new to American soil, but he has one goal in mind. Claiming the house that should be rightfully his. However, that house happens to be Libby's house. As the town is in confusion about the rightful owner, Libby finds herself torn between the two families. Although she doesn't understand Michael's ways, he is a strong man who cares strongly for his fragile sister and his motherless children. As the tension grows and Libby doubts herself, more and more of Michael's true history is made known, and secrets are no more. Soon, the rightful owner of the house becomes trivial, and it's Libby's heart that is at stake.

This book is definitely interesting. There are more points of intrigue than just the matter of who gets the house in the end. It was a great idea to center the book around a house but make it so much more; each person has a unique, strong tie to the house either directly or indirectly. I liked the aspect of a foreigner in the story and that sudden breaking of tradition that pushes everyone to think about the former status quo. Libby is a good leading lady; her insecurities make her relatable and likeable. I feel like her character was very thought out and well-balanced, and her relationship with her father was interesting to read about. I also loved the character of Mirela, in fact, she was my favorite character in this book. Her strength and inner beauty shone through and really contributed greatly to the storyline.

That said, I have to say that this book was doing great until it turned into a romance. I didn't feel like I knew Michael at all through the storyline and suddenly, BAM! romantic tension! Certainly, he seemed like a strong and chivalrous character, but he never seemed as human as Libby did. I wish it could have been crafted differently because this book had many strong points, but unfortunately, the romance was not one of them. Some things to be aware of is that the book gives the story of a violent, violating attack on a woman. It does not go into detail, but her character is a big part of the book.

All in all, I rate this book 3.5 stars out of 5.

Specifics (from amazon.com)
~Paperback: 342 pages
~Publisher: Bethany House Publishers(January 1, 2012)

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

Review of Promise Me This

Promise Me This by Cathy Gohlke is a historical fiction book about the voyage of the Titanic and the story of the three lives that were deeply affected due to the tragedy.

Owen Allen is determined to make a new life for himself and his sister in America, away from their controlling and manipulative aunt. With the seeds in hand to plant a new life (literally), Owen embarks on the Titanic, leaving his little sister, Annie, behind. Michael Dunnagan is a young orphan who wants desperately to escape the life of poverty, orphanhood, and abuse he has known so long. One day, he meets a young gardener, Owen, who shows unexpected kindness towards Michael and shows him that there's hope for a better life. Annie Allen is a lonely, petulant girl who is deeply annoyed with her brother's newfound friendship with Michael, and she is quick to tell her brother of her negative opinions, much to his dismay.

When the Titanic sinks and lives are lost, Michael finds himself alone and feels undeserving of Owen's sacrificial gift to him. Yet Owen's gift results in the inexplicable entwining of two lives- Annie's and Michael's. Michael is now determined to fulfill Owen's dreams and bring Annie to safety in America. By corresponding through letters, Michael is able to help Annie heal from the pain and anger of Owen's death, and their letters soon lead to something more. Soon, Owen is able to bring Annie to America with the funds he so painstakingly earned. However, an evil aunt, an ocean, and the beginning of a world war separates any communication, and Annie's letters no longer come. Desperate to find her, Owen risks his life to find the woman he loves.... but at what cost?

Simply stunning. This book is one of my all-time favorites. When I finished the last page and slowly shut the book, I could only say, "Wow." This story is so poignant, so beautifully written to express deep emotions and vivid images of the story as it progresses. I felt as if I were viewing a movie with this book, everything was so vivid. I enjoyed growing up with the characters. We see them develop from childhood to adulthood and overcome their personal issues. The challenge and beauty of a well-written historical novel is that it must be well-written, historically accurate, and enjoyable. This book is all three. I was hooked from page one until the end.

I rate this book five out of five stars. 

Specifics (from amazon.com):
Paperback: 416 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (January 20, 2012)
Author website:  http://www.cathygohlke.com
Publisher website: tyndale.com

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

Blessings,

Review of When the Smoke Clears

When the Smoke Clears by Lynette Eason is the fictional story of a smokejumper who's past is as smoky as what she faces when battling fires. When Alexia Allen's job becomes in jeopardy due to equipment failure, she is forced to  move into her mother's house and attend a high school reunion. Doesn't sound bad, right? But it seems trouble can't stay away from Alexia. Upon her arrival, terrible things begin to happen that put her life and the lives of those she loves at risk. In steps Detective Graham, her childhood crush, to solve the crimes. But when evidence and circumstance begin to point at Alexia, who can she trust?

Even worse, the crimes are forcing Alexia to dig deeper into her past. Will she be able to let her secrets come to life to catch the person responsible for the heinous acts?

This book was so engaging. I am a huge fan of Lynette Eason, so I jumped at the chance to review this book. I was definitely not disappointed. The pacing was brilliant: not too fast to overwhelm, but not to slow to be able to put down either. I really like the character of Alexia. Her past isn't crystal clear: she isn't perfect. That vulnerability makes her very endearing, yet she has the spunk to do things like fight fires and find the criminal responsible for all of the crimes. Speaking of which, I was so guessing who it was until the very end. I was not able to guess who that was, and I was shocked!

A must read. Highly recommended, five out of five stars.

Specifics (from amazon.com)
~Paperback: 352 pages
~Publisher: Revell (February 1, 2012)

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

Blessings,

Review of The Mysterious Epigenome

The Mysterious Epigenome by Thomas E. Woodward and James P. Gillis is a nonfiction book about information beyond DNA.

The beautiful spiraled structure of DNA has fascinated scientist for years as they have slowly unraveled its secrets about life. Now, the study of epigenetics has become a subject of interest. Epigenetics is the study of DNA expression, such as why traits in the DNA are evident in a person physically (phenotype). In genetics, the "library" of information is stored in the genome and is perfectly identical in different types of cells. However, in epigenetics, there is as much epigenome variance as there are cell variance. The epigenome may be passed down through hereditary means like the genome, but there is a difference. The epigenome can be altered with lifestyle changes. As we delve deeper and deeper into what makes us, humans, us, we begin to question our origins... and even the meaning to our existence.

This book explores this and so much more.

Doesn't that just give you chills of excitement? If not, bear with me.

This book delves into the deeper consequences of the field of epigenetics to health, science, and spirituality. I'll be addressing the scientific content in this review:

I've always been interested in cells and how they work, especially when it comes to genetics. Therefore, most of this information was familiar to me, with the exception of what epigenetics is and how it all works. Yes, the field of genetics is very complex, and to be honest, much of what can ever be explained only skims the surface of what's occurring daily in our bodies. That doesn't mean you have to have a degree in genetics or microbiology in order to understand this book! You will be introduced to many cellular "friends". From the ribosome, to the nucleus, to little cellular "robots", the book beautifully illustrates the anatomy and physiology of the cell using a fictional research lab to give you the opportunity to learn about the cell. It uses engaging examples to draw parallels from the structures to items the reader will be familiar with. It also gives solid references to proven resources that a reader may explore. I'm a very visual person, so I was very appreciative of the illustrations and charts throughout the book. There's even a six page insert with color photographs to help readers further picture items of interest. Overall, this book is very readable with excellent scientific information.

I have never before truly thought about the field of epigenetics. In my study of genetics, it has always been, "this allele (bit of genetic instruction that is generally paired. one half from mom, one half from dad) is dominant, therefore is it expressed", but I've never really considered the deeper why and the deeper how. This book does that excellently and in a manner the reader will be able to understand. It also goes into the controversial debate of evolution vs. intelligent design, a topic which I must admit has intrigued me from a young age.  I believe, intelligent design proponent or evolutionary proponent, it's important to keep an open mind when reading what you believe is right and what you believe is wrong. I'm not going to go into my personal opinion, but I will address the book's. This book is openly pro-intelligent design; the authors outrightly say that unapologetically. They cite many noted and respected scientists in the field to build an argument about intelligent design and its correlation to epigenetics. Intelligent design (ID) is not touted as creationism, in fact, the authors are quick to point out that ID is not creationism. ID is the amassing of scientific information to prove the complexity of life to indicate the presence of a designer, but it does not desire to address who that designer may be. Whether you believe in ID or are opposed to it, I believe this book is very important to read to be able to know the opinions that are out there to be able to either logically and analytically defend or reject it.

All in all, a very engaging read that I recommend to anyone interested in science, learning more about epigenetics, or wanting to know more about the ID vs. evolution debate. I rate this book five out of five stars.

Specifics (from amazon.com):
Paperback: 160 pages
Publisher: Kregel Publications (December 1, 2011)

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

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,

Review of Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks

Cliques, Hicks, and Ugly Sticks by K.D. McCrite is the second books in the Confessions of April Grave juvenile fiction series about an eleven year old girl living in the south in 1986. (See my review for the first book here) April Grace has just gotten over the weirdest summer ever, and now she's getting ready to start middle school. But, of course, things get weird. Their snobby to-be neighbor, Isabel, gets into an accident, leaving April Grace's family and Isabel's husband to deal with her theatrics. Add a friend turned enemy, her grandma's many boyfriends, an annoying boy who has taken interest in her, and the fact that her mother is steadily becoming more and more ill but no one but April Grace seems to care... Definitely not a normal start. But April Grace deals with it all with her usual sense of humor and frankness...

I mean, how else do you deal with the trouble of cliques, hicks, and ugly sticks?

This book is perfectly imagine-able. Allow me to explain. Ever read a book, and all you "see" are the words? Either the book leaves nothing to the imagination or has too sparse details to allow the reader to picture what is going on. Well, this book doesn't have those problems. It's perfectly set in the time period but understandable enough that young readers can see April Grace's world. In fact, with the exception of a few references to items from the 1980s and absence of new items now, I wouldn't be able to place this book as taking place about thirty years ago!

The characters are all unique and as loveable as in the first book. It carries smoothly, but readers won't have trouble picking this book up without reading the first book. Isabel becomes more understandable and (is it even possible?) nicer in this book, and it was neat to see Isabel and April Grace begin to develop a friendship.

I love how this book deals in its own way with things tween girls nowadays still may have to experience. For example, as the story progresses, April Grace discovers that she will no longer be the baby of the family, and she has to struggle with mixed feelings about the baby and her parents' love for her. However, when her mother becomes very ill due to the pregnancy, April Grace really steps up to act mature and sacrifice of herself to help her mother as much as she can. Also, she has to deal with a new clique at her school lead by Lottie, who used to be her friend but seems to have changed over the summer. Things heat up when Lottie gets jealous over a boy at school liking April Grace, when all April Grace would rather do is take an ugly stick to him. April Grace's humor is still very apparent of this book, and her character carries the storyline beautifully. I believe girls middle school and even older will love and be able to relate to her.

To be honest, though, the book did seem to move slower in some parts. I still was engaged and read to the end, but it seemed like the first book wasn't as slow.

Great themes, perfect for the target age group. All in all, I rate this book four out of five stars. 

Specifics (from amazon.com)
~ Paperback: 288 pages
~ Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 6, 2011)

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

Blessings,

Review of The Future Door

The Future Door by Jason Lethcoe is the second book in the Sherlock Holmes-esque No Place Like Holmes series. (Find my review for the first book here.) Griffin Sharpe and his detective and inventor uncle Snodgrass are back for a new adventure even more incredible than the last. The Moriartys are still as devious as ever with some new lethal allies, and they're determined to make off with one of Snodgrass's most astounding inventions. Things get more complicated when Holmes leaves his residence next to Snodgrass and a strange woman moves in, who seems too friendly. When she manages to steal the invention, Griffin and his uncle must get it back to save the future... literally! The stolen gadget is a time machine! A flurry of misadventures and shocking revelations come to pass and time seems to be running out. Will Griffin and Snodgrass be able to get the time machine back?

The author is a master at writing. His style is perfect for middle school age. The characters are well-written and the story continues nicely from the last book. The new characters add much to the story, and I especially found the Black Widows most interesting. The story flows smoothly and the prose is very polished. The books do occur chronologically, but a reader won't get confused if he or she reads the second book first. The most intriguing element in this book was the concept of time travel. The author addresses an interesting theory and the way that plays out is pretty neat.

No complaints here! Something to be aware about is that a character is killed by another character, and that might be something parents would want to discuss with their children or address if the topic comes up.


All in all, I rate this book five out of five stars.  Highly recommended for middle school aged guys and even gals!

Specifics (from amazon.com):
~ Paperback: 224 pages
~ Publisher: Thomas Nelson (December 6, 2011)

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

Blessings,

Review of Belonging

Belonging by Robin Lee Hatcher is the first in the historical fiction series Where The Heart Lives. Felicia Kristoffersen is determined to escape her old life as a mistreated orphan to the new life of a teacher in rural Idaho. Ever since her childhood she has been completely alone, save her relationship with her Savior. Her two siblings were separated from her on an orphan train, and her attempts to reconnect have resulted in failure. Now, Felicia must win the hearts of the townspeople, especially the children, in her new town. However, that may be a hard task to accomplish. There are already some influential people who think Felicia shouldn't belong in their tight-knit town. Surely an inexperienced, unmarried young woman doesn't belong!

Widower Colin Murphy is one such person. He has seen many schoolmarms come and go with one intent: find a man and marry him. His mistrust in Felicia stems from his daughter Charity, a young student of Felicia who thinks the world of her. Charity's struggles with school and Felicia's inexperience make Colin hesitate, but he then discovers the beautiful person she really is and begins to doubt himself. Yet jealous rivals and an impressionable town begin to challenge any relationship Felicia and Colin might have.

Do things really work out for good for God's children?

The author's writing style is excellent. I saw no flaws in the flow of the story, and I have to admit, this is probably one of the best books I have read from this author. Felicia's story is touching, although her past is very sad. Her sweet attitude and trust in God is certainly admirable. I am also pleased to report that there were absolutely no objectionable content in this book. One of the most interesting aspects in this book were the antagonists. Usually it's all black and white in books. Here's the good, and here's the evil. The author shows that one of the women who are against Felicia really does change as the story progresses. It shows that even the "bad" characters are human. I liked that.

The author does do a good job of making this story unique. However, this type of novel is somewhat cliche. Woman moves away, woman meets widower with a child, child falls for woman, and then widower falls for woman. The conflict also is typical in this genre of books. Yes, this book is unique and beautifully written. I just wish it were more original.

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

Specifics (from amazon.com):
~ Paperback: 288 pages
~ Publisher: Zondervan (August 16, 2011)

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

Blessings,

Review of Precisely Terminated

Precisely Terminated is the debut book and first in the Cantral Chronicles, a dystopian trilogy, by Amanda Davis.  In a world where slavery is rampant and all people are controlled by cruel, heartless nobles by means of microchips implanted into the skull, there is only one person who is capable of saving them. Monica is a noble who evaded implantation of the microchip after escaping an extermination of her family and city. Now, as a sixteen year old, she must act as a slave and constantly watch her back and trick the system as she searches for a way to decimate the computers that control the slaves' lives. Aided by a mysterious, demanding council and self-sacrificing fellow slaves, Monica is the only person who could ever shut down the computers as she is the only person to have ever beat the system and avoided a chip. But time is running out.

The hints of rebellion are spreading to the nobles, and in their unfeeling condition, they will exterminate all of the slaves with little thought. Monica has little time to act, but her task will demand more of her than she ever thought.

It's rare for an debut published author to have a writing style that can be read easily. This author already has a clear voice that smoothly carries the story. The setting is the shining star of this novel. A dystopian setting is new to me, but I loved the whole eeriness of it all.  A feeling of ohmygoodnessthiscouldhappen! is what I like to see in books. The mechanicalized culture of this novel obviously has a lot of thought behind it, and it is so refreshingly unique. Realistic but fiction enough to be enjoyable. The descriptions aren't as heavy as I'd imagine in such an abstract book, but they are sufficient enough to allow for the reader's imagination to fill in the gaps. This is really one of the best settings I have ever read. There's also an excellent amount of danger throughout the story that helps keep the reader's attention.

That said, I had a very hard time getting into this book. The first few chapters are vital in attracting interest, and although I got an excellent backdrop to the story, I just wasn't "wowed". The theme continues for approximately two-thirds of the book. Monica goes back and forth and meets new people and while it does develop the setting and characters, the plot just dragged on. It wasn't until the last part that all of the pieces fell together and I really started enjoying the story. The only reasons I kept with this book until the end were a) to give an honest opinion, I must fully read the books I am to review and b) I could really see the potential of the story and it only really became evident in the last part of the book. Also, it was hard to relate to the characters, even Monica, although she was the most personable. Granted, this is the first in a series and a first for an author, so I am eager to see the improvement of plot and characters in future books.

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

Specifics (from amazon.com):
~ Paperback: 464 pages
~ Publisher: Living Ink Books; None edition (September 12, 2011)

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

Blessings,
~Prism~

Review of Protection for Hire

Protection for Hire by Camy Tang is the first book in the Protection for Hire series. Tessa Lancaster has always been a tough girl. A nonexistent relationship with the dad who abandoned her and a difficult family life lead to a tough attitude that her Japanese mafia ringleader uncle took notice of, and Tessa was made an enforcer. However, due to her involvement with the mafia, she became incarcerated for seven long years for a crime she didn't even commit. In that time, she made the decision to follow Jesus and become a Christian. Now that she's out of jail, Tessa is determined to start over, get a respectable job, stay away from the Japanese mafia, and be different from the woman she once was. A solutions seems to arrive when wealthy Elizabeth St. Amant hires Tessa to act as a bodyguard for herself and her three-year-old son.

But it seems trouble just follows Tessa wherever she goes.

It turns out there's more to protecting Elizabeth. Her abusive husband is very aggressive in getting Elizabeth back and his motives seem unclear. Danger bigger than anything she ever could have expected is lurking, and it will stop for no one. To help Elizabeth out with the legal issues, Charles Britton, up-and-coming lawyer, decides to step in. Tessa is grateful for the help, but she doesn't know that Charles holds a secret that had a huge impact on Tessa's life. Will the two be able to work together for the sake of their client, or will their pasts tear them, and their mission, apart?

I'm a huge fan of the author's books, so this book was a joy to read. I love the author's unique sense of humor and insight into different cultures. I especially found the Japanese mafia aspect very interesting. Tessa's previous ties run deep and are hard to overcome, and her struggle with her past is an excellent addition to this book. The character of Tessa was expertly written. Her motives, personality, and struggles are made very clear, and though most people aren't ex-mafia ex-convicts, I believe she is a very relatable character. The supporting cast also adds beautifully to the story. Elizabeth's southern charm, humor, and grace are an excellent addition to the story, and I loved the subplot of Tessa's relationship with her mother, sister, and niece. Charles's mother Vivian also added charm to the book, and I even loved the minor character of Eddie, Charles's brother. This book left me desperately wanting to read the next book, and the excerpt in the end sold me. I can't wait until #2 in the Protection for Hire series comes out! Bravo!

I will be forthright and say this book is for older audiences. There's one bad word that I noticed and other elements. As for the story itself, I wish the character of Charles was filled out a bit more. The character of Tessa was flawless, but I felt somewhat detached from Charles as I was reading.

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

Specifics (from amazon.com)
~ Paperback: 336 pages
~ Publisher: Zondervan (November 29, 2011)

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

Blessings,

Review of Reclaiming Lily

Reclaiming Lily by Patti Lacy is the poignant fiction story of redemption, pain, and hope. Dr. Kai Chang is determined to reclaim Fourth Daughter. To find her little sister, who she left on the steps of a Chinese orphanage years ago and who is now living in America as the daughter of a pastor, has been her goal ever since her mother told Kai to find Fourth Daughter, Lily, as her final, dying wish. Dr. Chang is even more determined to do so when she discovers that a terrible genetic disease is ready to ravage the lives of members of her family and realizes that her sister is at a great risk. Kai is determined to help her sister, but will Lily's adoptive family, the Powells, allow Kai into Lily's life?

When family tensions tighten as Lily becomes more and more rebellious, Gloria Powell, the shy wife of a pastor and Lily's mother, decides that Kai would only tear up what little control her seventeen-year-old daughter has left. Different cultures and opinions collide as Kai and the Powells are forced to face the possibility of a terrible disease. Will Kai and Gloria be able to reconcile and do what is best for Lily?

Wow. I love books that inspire and educate. I chose to read this book due to my interest in the medical aspect, but I got so much more than that. As Kai and her sister are from China, we get glimpses into their pasts and their cultural background. Reading Kai's perspective of events from her past brought very clear pictures to my mind. The author masterfully describes Kai's experiences in a way that readers understand but also learn from. The prose style and word choices beautifully describe Kai's culture, and I really appreciate that. I also loved the character of Kai. Her way of thinking and expressing her thoughts was definitely unique but poignant in its own way. I especially loved the quotes from Kai's mentor in dealing with patients. The medical aspect of this book was one of the biggest perks of this book. I love medicine, and my recent studies have been about genetic disorders, the ethics involved, and how they may be treated. It is very obvious the author put a lot of work into this book to make it was realistic as possible. This book covered many issues well, and I really enjoyed reading it.

To be honest, the first few chapters of this book were confusing. I had a hard time getting into it, but I was so glad I did by the end of the book. The beginning of the novel jumps right in with the story of Kai, and the terminology used is somewhat too abrupt for a reader to understand. Kai's mindset is of a different culture, so it was easy to get lost in the beginning. However, as the story progressed, I became more interested in the characters and began to invest my attention into what would happen. The story was lovely, but I believe it could have been even better if the beginning was polished a bit and made more attention-grabbing for readers. Also, there was a backstory of Gloria having a hard past due to her father's unfaithfulness to her mother. It did explain her motives and reactions to things that came up, but there didn't seem to really be any full-on confrontation of the issue. It left me wanting that closure, which I never really got. Finally, I would say I recommend this book to readers in their late teens and up. This book does address some very weighty topics. Some things to be aware of is that a character steals inappropriate things (and is later given the appropriate punishment), some of the medical-related scenes may be uncomfortable to sensitive readers, and one of my biggest pet peeves of a book, strongly hinting at the physical relationship between a husband and wife. Yes, it's perfectly natural and right, but I don't like it when that aspect is given time in books.

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

Specifics (from amazon.com):
~Paperback: 380 pages
~Publisher: Bethany House (October 1, 2011)

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

Blessings,

Review of The Song of Unmaking

The Song of Unmaking by D. Barkley Briggs is the third book in the Legends of Karac Tor series. Four brothers, the Barlows, have been brought from our world to a strange new world that gives them mysterious powers and dangers abounding. In this book, the Goths, a terrible force, have come to invade Rockval. The Vanir, the beautiful widowed ruler must take command of the situation and fight for her people. However, darker powers approach to test the Vanir and her people. A terrible machine for dark intentions is being built to release a terrible thing of legend- the Song of Unmaking. Now that Ewan, one of the Barlow brothers, has lost his power of song; the chances of victory seem dim. As the Barlow brothers continue to develop their powers and Arthur is challenged to become a leader, the good are challenged to face the evil. But who will succeed? And is there grace in deserved justice?

This book was excellent! I enjoy a good fantasy book every now and then, but to be honest, I haven't been dabbling much in the genre lately. This book reminded me why I love it so much. Fantasy has the power of subterfuge, which can be good or bad. It has much capability for symbolism and for influencing readers often without them noticing. The symbolism is present but not overwhelming. The writing style is fresh yet familiar, echoing the works of C.S. Lewis or Tolkien in a new light. I love the idea of a family trying to survive and thrive in a world so foreign to them to the point that they would fight for this world they were never even aware of. The affection between the father and brothers is clear, and I really appreciate that. I also found it interesting that the author wrote this book for his own sons when his family was going through a very similar ordeal as the Barlow family in the books. In all fantasy books, details are essential but have the capability to overwhelm the reader. believe this book was a nice blend of detail and action. I also found the incorporation of historical elements and classical lore very interesting and, again, echoing the voices of the great writers of the past. Overall, very well-written and stylistically excellent.

I would strongly suggest that the reader starts from the first book onwards. I am at a bit of a disadvantage because I was not able to read the first two and this book jumps right into the story. As I haven't read the previous books, I was confused at times and I had no idea if the author recapped the previous books or not. This is not a surprise; I have found it very common in books of this genre. However, it's very hard to not get lost in a fantasy book, and for about half of the book, I was lost. I was surprised that there wasn't some sort of summary of the past two books, a character description, or anything for a reader to understand without reading the previous books. That said, I plan to go back and read the first to in order to catch up.

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

Specifics (from amazon.com):
~ Paperback: 336 pages
~ Publisher: Living Ink Books (October 14, 2011)

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

Blessings,

Review of Wonderland Creek

Wonderland Creek by Lynn Austin is the Great Depression - era novel of a girl who discovers the vibrancy of life after leaving a life lived in the realm of fiction books. Alice Grace Ripley has lived in a dream world for a long time. Long enough to not realize that her need to read has become more and more like an addiction, causing her to disregard her boyfriend and best friend. When she gets a reality check and her boyfriend decides to break up with her because of her obsession, Alice is left crushed. She also loses her job at the library after cutbacks must be made to alleviate the affects of the Great Depression on the library. Finding her life almost meaningless now, Alice decides to put her efforts into something good, delivering donated books to a rural town in Kentucky named Acorn.

Alice travels from Illinois to Kentucky with her relatives, and she is dropped off, excited at the prospect of helping people get the books they want and staying with the librarian, Leslie McDougal. However, the librarian is anything but what she expected and Alice is soon thrust into a strange world of poverty, joy, family drama, love, corruption, faith, crime, and danger.  Alice soon discovers the life she has been missing out on all of her life, and discovers that true life is much better than any story book.


I absolutely loved this book. In fact, Wonderland Creek is now on my favorite's list. Alice, or Allie, is such an endearing character. There were genuinely funny moments (I rarely laugh out loud while reading, but in this book, I did!), scary moments, dramatic moments, and romantic moments. This book was a perfect blend of history and fiction. My favorite character was an old woman Alice meets while in Acorn. She's kind of like the catalyst that forces Alice to face reality and be bold. She also encourages Alice's faith and was such a joy to read about. I wish she were a real person!

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

Specifics (from amazon.com) :
~Paperback: 400 pages
~Publisher: Bethany House (October 1, 2011)

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

Blessings,