Interesting take on demons and possession This is the story of a girl who was sold to a man who wants the power of a demon. Guilt and responsibility for one’s actions when forced upon them is one of the themes of this book. Sandis is strong and courageous. She hates what she has to do in the service of an evil man and demon. But is it the demon that is evil? Or the man commanding it? The book is very well written. Great […]
A Unique & Enchanting Mixed-Up Fairy Tale! I went into this blind. Other than knowing First Light was a Young Adult fairy tale romance by Michele Paige Holmes, an author I’ve previously enjoyed, I didn’t know what to expect. I was pleasantly entertained and enthralled throughout! First Light is not a straightforward retelling of a traditional fairy tale. There were some common elements—good and evil fairies, three wishes, a heroine who doesn’t know her true identity—but the way they were woven together made it fresh […]
A girl. A boy. Clans at war—and things get complicated. In a near primitive society, the four clans are at war. Three of the clans decide to work together against the violent Rams. Zo is a healer and will do anything to stop future violence and killing—including becoming a slave to the Ram clan, a guaranteed death sentence. But… of course, there’s a but. And there’s a boy—a Ram named Gryphon. And things get complicated. What did I think? This is such an awesome story. […]
A Delightful YA Fantasy! This is a wonderful Young Adult book, but Middle Graders and adults will enjoy it, too. It has classic fantasy elements, as well as lots of original ideas. I loved the magic system—with sorcerors, witches, and even ghosts. Filled with adventure and intrigue, I’d definitely place this in the epic fantasy category, but without the longer passages that sometimes bog down that category in books targeted to adult readers. This is great writing from two debut authors. I look forward to […]
I totally loved this book! It may very well make my Top 10 of 2015 list. I don’t know if this was based on a fairytale−if it was, it’s not one I’m familiar with. But the rhythm and cadence of the story is very reminiscent of some of my favorite classic fairy tales. Although the concept of a girl whose touch freezes those who get too close makes Disney’s Frozen immediately leap to mind, this is not at all the same story. It reminded me […]
Full Disclosure: Sheila and I have been in the same writing critique years for several years. I read this book in its many variations, but was still enthralled with the story when it finally hit bookstore shelves. Despite being good friends, I purchased this book with my own money and was never asked by Sheila to do a review of any kind. * * * Isn’t that the most amazing cover?! I think it’s absolutely breathtaking. The illustrator did a wonderful job capturing the mermaid […]
Another hit! This fantasy is geared toward LDS boys, but girls will love it as well. The action and suspense were wonderful, the characterization was great. I felt Kaleo, especially, was very believable. When he’s caught breaking the rules, he accepts his punishment and although he makes some bad decisions along the way, in the end, he’s learned the lessons he needed to learn. I loved the peek into history and the life of Joseph Smith. The writing was captivating and I was caught up […]
I know Shirley, Bron’s mother and a great writer, and she asked if I’d give Bron’s book a review here on my blog. I was happy to do it because: 1) I like to encourage young writers, and 2) I was interested to see what Bron—who started this book at age 11 and finished it at age 14—could come up with. I was very pleasantly surprised with the scope and complexity of this story. Derrik and Tweaks—best friends since children—are out in the fields when […]
I LOVED THIS BOOK! It is simply fantastic! I read it in two days, staying up until 3:00 a.m. the second day because I couldn’t put it down. Another 5 out of 5 book from me this year. I read Dragon Slippers and liked it very much. I gave it a 4.5 (although I never got around to doing a real review of it here. Sorry.) So when Sun and Moon, Ice and Snow came out, I rushed to get it. And it is worth […]
Like it or hate it, Harry Potter is part of our cultural identity. I would guess that J.K. Rowling has added more new words to our collective lexicon than any other single individual. She is certainly the only author I know of who has created a 7 book series that has continued to grow in popularity and gain readership with each new installment like this one has. The Star Wars franchise is the only other thing I can think of that comes close, and personally, […]