Book Review: Serafina and the Seven Stars (Serafina) by Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Seven Stars is the fourth book in the Serafina series by Robert Beatty. I do recommend reading this series in order.

Serafina, the Guardian of Biltmore Estate, has won battle after battle against the dark forces encroaching on her home. Now, tranquility has returned to Biltmore. Serafina doesn't trust it. She patrols the grounds night and day, hardly sleeping, uncertain of her place after her best friend Braeden Vanderbilt's departure for boarding school in New York. When Mr. Vanderbilt, the kind master of Biltmore, asks Serafina to move upstairs into one of the house's grandest rooms, she's sure it's to keep an eye on the guests who have arrived for the estate's annual hunt. But as Serafina investigates, she becomes more and more unsettled by what Biltmore has become-a place haunted by nameless terrors where no dark corridor is safe. Even worse, she begins to doubt her own senses. Is Braeden really hundreds of miles away, or did he return to Biltmore for one strange night before vanishing? Is the bond between them truly broken or is it stronger than ever? Then Serafina witnesses a crime that turns her world upside down. How can all that once seemed good and worthy of protection now be evil? And how can she guard those around her when she can't even be sure of the truth of her own heart? 

Serafina and the Seven Stars is an thoroughly engaging read. I received an advanced copy from the publisher and kept putting off reading it because I was afraid it would not live up to my expectations. I should not have worried- I got lost in the book and read it in a single afternoon- including a couple breaks to bake and decorate my daughter's birthday cake. If you have enjoyed the series so far- just read it. You will be happy you did, and only sad because you finished it.

For those of you that want more information, this book hit me in the feels hard. Serafina is not trusting the peace- waiting for the next disaster to strike. I often waste peaceful moments doing the same, but in this case SErafina was right to be weary. She ends up doubting herself and the people she trusts most looking to keep everyone at Biltmore safe. I felt bad for her through the majority of the book, since so much of it is about Serafina learning to trust herself and wage the battles mostly on her own, and then to trust in those that support her. I will admit that I caught a few hints in the story and had a good idea about where the dangers were coming from fairly early in the story, but the search for the whole truth and how to come out on top was well worth the journey the book takes readers on. I felt like the story had a solid conclusion, with the danger past and a clear way forward in mind, but there is still room for more stories from the Biltmore.

Serafina and the Seven Stars is a perfect addition to this series, especially since I was not expecting about Serafina and the Biltmore after Willa's series began.

Book Review: Serafina and the Splintered Heart (Serafina) by Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Splintered Heart is the third (and final) book in the Serafina series by Robert Beatty. Something has happened to Serafina. She has awoken into a darkness she does not understand, scarred from a terrible battle, only to find that life at Biltmore Estate has changed in unimaginable ways. Old friends do unthinkable things and enemies seem all around. A mysterious threat moves towards Biltmore, a force without a name, bringing with it violent storms and flooding that stands to uproot everything in its path. Serafina must uncover the truth about what has happened to her and find a way to harness her strange new powers before it's too late. With only days to achieve the impossible, Serafina fights to reclaim herself as the Guardian of Biltmore, friend of Braeden, daughter of her Pa, and heroine of the Blue Ridge Mountains and all the folk and creatures that call it home. 

Serafina and the Splintered Heart is an emotional and exciting read that wrapped up the adventures of Serafina and characters in and around the Biltmore beautifully. I was nervous picking the book up, that it might not meet my extremely high expectations- but I should not have feared it was beautifully done. Serafina character continued to grow and get even more complex as she faces huge challenges to save Biltmore with those she trusts- and learning to trust someone that could destroy everything. The specifics of Serafina's crisis, and the larger dangers fancing everyone in or near the Biltmore are very well done and kept me so anxious that I serious read the book in a day, because there was no point in which I felt safe walking away. I loved the role perseverance, trust, and friendship all play in the story. The character arcs and struggles they face in their own minds, and against an old enemy make this series conclusion such a must read that I am lacking the right words to recommend this book (and the entire series) enough for middle grade readers through adults. 

Serafina and the Splintered Heart is a book that I put off reading too long. I was so eager to get my hands on it because I loved the previous two books- but I was terrified that it would fall short. Thankfully, the author and his creation more than met my expectations. To make me even happier, the promise of a related series in the near future has me chomping at the bit to get my hands on everything that comes next. 

Book Review: Serafina and the Twisted Staff (Serafina, #2) by Robert Beatty

Serafina and the Twisted Staff is the second book in the Serafina series for middle grade and older readers by Robert Beatty. It begins a few weeks after Serafina and the Black Cloak ends. I do suggest reading the books in order, otherwise the relationships and natures of the returning characters will be hard to fully understand and it will take some time to catch up. 

n 1899, when an evil threatens all the humans and animals of the Blue Ridge Mountains, twelve-year-old Serafina, rat catcher for the Biltmore estate and the daughter of a shapeshifting mountain lion, must search deep inside herself and embrace the destiny that awaits her. She not only needs to protect the forest and discover what the danger is, but the darkness is inside the Biltmore as well.

Serafina and the Twisted Staff is an amazing sequel. The action follow close of the heels of the first book, so I do recommend reading the books in order (no hardship because the first book is wonderful) to fully understand Serafina, her childhood, and the struggles she faces in this book as she searches for her place in the world. She is not fully human, and does not quite fit in with the guests of Biltmore. However, she is not fully animal and is lacking certain skills and abilities that would aid her in surviving in the wild. She is struggling with who and what she is, and what she wants for her future. The danger she faces tests her on all fronts and she needs to come to terms with her past, present, and future. The mystery of who exactly the detective discovering a related murder is, the hooded figure that arrived as the animals fled, and animals acting in unnatural ways all come together in an unexpected way. While I did expect one of the twists, it was discovered in a fresh way that made the reveal and danger that much more intense.

Serafina and the Twisted Staff is a wonderful book, and unlike more follow ups, surpasses the first book. Serafina grows in character and understanding, while the reader grows right along side her. I highly recommend this series to middle grade readers and older, including adults! Readers that enjoyed the first book will need to read this, and those that have not should get started now. We will let you to catch up. I can only hope for more to come.

Early Book Review: Prisoner of the Mind by Susan Staneslow Olsen

I am very fortunate to know a number of authors, which thus far I have avoided reviewing for because I did not want anyone to think positive reviews were biased, or if I did not like a book I was worried about hurt feelings or other complications. I am glad that I was asked by one such author, a coworker, to review and I agreed. Since we have fairly similar taste and fandoms I thought I would give it a go. Now I am both glad I did and disappointed that I did not read her work earlier. Finding another series to read is a double edged sword.

Prisoner of the Mind by Susan Staneslow Olsen currently scheduled for release in July 2016 and is the first book in a series. Rumors about the Kerasi and their violent society abound. Frustrated parents warned their children to stay in bed or a Kerasi might get them. They played marbles with real eyes, ate live toads the way decent people ate peanuts, and executed people just for walking down the street. The worst things Kerasi did didn’t kill you, but you wished they did. Aila Perrin knew that for a fact. A Union operative had been caught on Kerasím. The Kerasi returned him without incident. His mind had been tampered with, erased, until he didn’t have the sense to feed himself. When thirteen year old Aila finds herself abducted by the Kerasi, she has every right to be terrified for her life. But even bad things aren’t always what they seem, and as Aila is drawn deeper and deeper into the Kerasi’s plot, she can’t help but wonder who the worst offenders are; the patriots fighting to free their own people, or her own precious Union that wants to keep them down. Can Aila forgive her captors and save a race of people without sacrificing her own?

Prisoner of the Mind is the first in a series, so there is some serious world and character building.  For some reason the world building reminded me a bit of Jim Butcher's style, even though the world and plot are nothing like his works. Aila is an outspoken, intelligent girl that takes her privilege and independence a bit for granted. The Kerasi culture is one that depend heavily on a caste system, and women are typically thought little of. When Aila is kidnapped the two worlds collide and the reader gets to see both sides of the coin, the pros and cons of both the Union and Kerasi way of life. I liked that we get in the heads of several people, giving us a good glimpse of the big picture.  The cultures and personalities were very well described, but at no time was it overwhelming of boring. Aila grows up quite a bit in the story, as one tends to when held hostage, but she is not the only character that grows and changes. I think the connection she makes with those she comes in contact with, some of which were technically her enemies, and her understanding of the larger picture even though she is fairly young was somehow both realistic and hopeful. In fact, I think the state of the societies in the book show a realistic pairing of the fear and hope that seems inherent in humanity and politics. While there is a huge, important social statement here, the story is not heavy handed or preachy (which often happens) instead it is a fantastic story that just happens to say something huge to readers that are willing to listen.

Prisoner of the Mind had me think about the character and world long after I finish the book. I actually had dreams about the characters and had trouble letting go of them enough to get into my next read. I highly recommend the book, and cannot wait to see where the story goes from here. It is an all around great read that is both entertaining and thought provoking. 

Book Review: No Yeti Yet by Mary Ann Fraser

No Yeti Yet is a picturebook by Mary Ann Fraser. It's a snowy, blowy, wintry day which one big brother thinks is just perfect for a yeti hunt! The younger brother is not as convinced and his questions abound. Have you ever seen a yeti? Is a yeti strong? Can a yeti run fast? The big brother’s answers and the readers search for the yeti make the book interactive and enjoyable.

No Yeti Yet is a fun and entertaining story. I love how the older brother is attempting to ‘teach’ his younger brother while also appearing to be smarter and stronger than he might actually feel. This feels very true for sibling relationships, older siblings always want to be more or better than their younger siblings- even when it is with good intentions. I really liked how each page has a hidden yeti that readers can enjoy searching for and finding. A hunt for the brothers and readers alike. The younger brother proves himself stronger and more observant than his older brother, and there is a happy ending for the brothers and yeti alike.

No Yeti Yet is an entertain interactive picture book that will delight readers. Readers that enjoy seek and finds will enjoy hunting for the yeti on each page, and the idea of searching for the signs of him in the landscape. The sibling relationship and trek through the snow will capture the imagination of most readers, and the artwork is a perfect pairing with the story and its mood. 

Book Review: All the Lost Things by Kelly Canby

All the Lost Things is a picturebook by Kelly Canby. Olive is not your ordinary girl; she is curious, thoughtful, and spunky. And one day when she goes for a walk in her grumpy, too-busy city, she finds some extraordinary things. Lured by a strange sound she ventures into a hidden space and finds a stash of lost things like memory, sight, and more. What Olive does with them will delight and inspire.

All the Lost Things is filled with delightful artwork including hand lettered words and bold strokes. Olive is a spunky and curious girl, lured through a man hole cover to explore what exactly was making a particular sound. She finds an old lady and boxes, jars, and more. Each box and jar is clearly labeled with the type of lost items that fill the container. When Olive finds jars holding memory, humor, the way, and hope she does something wonderful with each. Her thoughtfulness and love for others shines through her actions and makes this a great story.

All the Lost Things is a fabulous picturebook about finding the things we all seem to lose, but all need to hold on to and share with those around us. Olive’s thoughtfulness and the artwork are just about perfect. The artwork and the hand drawn lettering offer readers high action pages that capture and keep the attention and imagination of readers of all ages. 

Book Review: Mina’s White Canvas by Hyeon-Ju Lee

Mina’s White Canvas is a picturebook by Hyeon-Ju Lee that is scheduled for release today, July 29 2015. When young artist Mina looks up at the cold winter sky, she is struck with an idea. She first draws snowflakes with her crayons and something magical begins. Her canvas expands to the snowy world beyond, a world in which Mina uses her creativity to help others, forge new friendships, and make memories to warm the heart for seasons to come.

Mina’s White Canvas is a beautiful picturebook that will speak to readers of all ages. Mina sees the dark and gloomy landscape and uses her artistic imagination to transform the landscape into a snowy wonderland. She in turns helps the creatures she discovers in the snow with further artwork. She assists a woodpecker, bear, frog, and a pair of rabbits all with her creative coloring and sweet heart. She only ends her good natured help when her crayons are ready to run out- and still she helps one more set of animals before returning home. She enjoys the artwork, and the memories of her adventures. The artwork is splendid, and looks like very detailed colored pencil drawings. 

Mina’s White Canvas is a sweet and lovely picture book. The artwork and story are beautiful in nature and looks alike. I found the pictures just as lovely as the story and make the book worth the read on their own. The book can inspire creativity, the use of imagination, and kindness to others. 

Book Review: The Aesir Kids by James Grant Goldin and Charlotte Goldin

The Aesir Kids by is a middle grade novel co-authored by James Grant Goldin and his daughter Charlotte Goldin. The story takes some recognizable and well known bits of Norse mythology and expands on the stories to create something new and exciting. this books follows the adventures of  children of the Norse gods. they have incredible strength, magical weapons, and monsters for pets. They also have problems with school, bullies, family issues, and attacks by giants. When Asgard, the home of the gods, is threatened with utter destruction it is up to the children of Thor, Sif, Loki, Freya, Balder; and some very special friends, to save it.

The Aesir Kids features some high adventure and multifaceted characters that will create interest and excitement. Thrud (the teenage daughter of Thor) has to balance fighting trolls and giants with her after-school job waiting tables at Valhalla. Fire (son of the three mysterious Norns) is out in the world for the first time and has to learn a lot more than school can teach him. Magni and Modi (Thrud's younger brothers) whose strength is matched only by their impulsiveness. Ull is the greatest skier of the gods, that is except for maybe Skade, the four-year-old goddess of skiing. Together with Tjalfi, his sister Roskva, Forsetti, Noss, and Hela (who each have gifts of their own) this special group of godlings need to save thier home, and all the none worlds. It is only by mastering their gifts and trusting in each other that they can defeat Loki and save the universe.     This is a fantasy novel based on many actual characters from Norse mythology, and it feels a little like reading some of my favorite classic tales. It's the first published collaboration between author James Grant Goldin and his ten-year-old daughter, Charlotte Goldin.

I greatly enjoyed The Aesir Kids. I have always loved reading ancient Greek, Roman, and Norse mythology, and this story felt very true to the tradition. the characters all had their virtues and their faults, and in the end there is an idea of right and wrong that is vindicated. the fact that the author and his daughter worked together to create this story made it even better for me. I am eager to see what this team can do next.

Book Review: I Love You Just Like This! by Lillian Jaine and Ernie Kwiat

I Love You Just Like This! is a Sesame Street picturebook by Lillian Jaine and Ernie Kwiat. This sweet book features Elmo and other favorite characters as the go through a variety of ways people can love you. 

I Love You Just Like This! is a sweet picturebook about love that also deals with the concepts of counting, colors, depth, and more. Combining some basic concept knowledge with the fun message of how much a mother lovers her child, or how much anyone can love those dear to them, is nice on several levels. The familiar characters and bright colors will capture the attention of Sesame street fans and keep it. 

I Love You Just Like This! is a well done picturebook. The concept and execution are well done, even if it is not a new concept or extremely original. It would make a good bedtime or snuggle time read with your favorite little monster. 

Book Review: Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue

Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue is the third book in the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency series by Iain Reading. This is a series I highly recommend reading in order, more for the understanding of the main character than the story line. Kitty Hawk is on an epic flight around the world in her seaplane. As this book opens she has said farewell to the Florida Keys and arrives in Iceland's capital city of Reykjavik.  Before she knows it Kitty is plunged head first into an amazing adventure that sweeps her across a rugged landscape where humans and nature exist side-by-side in an uneasy truce and magical realms seem to lie just out of sight beneath the surface. Kitty encounters historic and environmental wonders, welcoming people, dangerous criminals, corrupt government officials, and mystical beings and clashes with the elemental forces of nature. While her curiosity puts her in harms way, her piloting skill and quick wit will hopefully get her out alive.

Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue held up to the quality that I expect from this series. Kitty is daring, but only occasionally reckless, and is very smart.  She still talks to herself, but when you spend that much time alone it should be expected. She gets herself into crazy situations, and meets some very interesting people. Again, there is an environmental theme, with the question of aluminum smelting and the tough choices that need to be made to mitigate the damage people are doing in their efforts to make a product and a profit.

The volume of information shared about Iceland and its culture is significant, but it is done in a way that it blends in with kitty's adventure. She is curious and wants to learn about the people and places she encounters on her way, so readers are given the same experience. I like that many little details are left to the readers imagination in the end, like in previous books, when things that could have mundane or paranormal explanations, but the big questions about crimes and who might have harmed another are all answered. Fans of this series will  fall right back into Kitty's story, and enjoy every minute of it.

If you have enjoyed Kitty's adventures so far, then Kitty Hawk and the Icelandic Intrigue is a must read. If you have not tried this series yet but love adventure, suspense, and a plucky teen finding her way, then you need to start at the beginning with Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold. So ahead, get started, I'll wait. I am eager to read Kitty Hawk and the Tragedy of the RMS Titanic, which is already loaded in my Kindle and waiting for my attention. 

Book Review and Giveaway: Waggers by by Stacy Nyikos and Tamara Anegon

Enter to win a hardcover copy of this picturebook at the end of this review!

Waggers is a picturebook written by Stacy Nyikos and illustrated by Tamara Anegon. When Waggers is adopted, he tries to be a good dog, he really does! But Waggers’s tail goes crazy when he gets excited, and Waggers' tail is extra long. You would not think a tail could do much harm, but his tail causes trouble on a epic level. He never means to cause trouble, but his happiness or excitement makes his tail go crazy and then trouble ensues. After too much damage has been caused, mom and dad think Waggers might not be the right dog for their family. Can Waggers and his family find a way to stay together?

Waggers is a charming picturebook about a dog that just wants to be loved and be part of a family. however, Waggers' seemingly uncontrollable tail causes trouble at every turn. Anyone that has a good natured but very active child, pet, or adult in their life has met a creature like Waggers. All smiles, love, and good nature but leaving destruction in their wake. Like Waggers,  awareness of themselves and a good way to channel that energy makes all the difference. I think the book offers a good message about giving chances, channeling enthusiasm, and love surpassing issues when given a chance. the illustrations perfectly capture the trouble and charm that is Waggers. I really enjoyed the colors and personality evident on each page.

I recommend Waggers to anyone with a pet, particularly one that causes unwitting destruction. Readers that carry that same enthusiastic abandon or know someone that does will also greatly enjoy this book. however, do not pass it up just because your life or house is peaceful, Waggers will charm and bring a smile to the face of anyone that picks it up.

About the Author:Stacy Nyikos is the award-winning author of many mischievous books for children. She’s not sure how that happened. She didn’t get into trouble as a child. Well, if you don’t count borrowing sandwiches from her dad. He wasn’t eating them anyway. Stacy holds an MFA in Writing for Children at Vermont College, which she didn’t borrow. They gave it to her. Really. Ask her kids. Or her dog. Just don’t ask her husband. He’s misplaced a few sandwiches. When she isn’t chasing stories—or sandwiches—Stacy can be found scribbling in the wilds of Oklahoma. She is currently working on a new adult novel about her grandfather’s adventure canoeing from Indiana to New Orleans – over 2,000 miles of paddling – in 1939.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: The Toothless Tooth Fairy by Shanelle Hicks and Anca Delia Budeanu

The Toothless Tooth Fairy by Shanelle Hicks and Anca Delia Budeanu is a picturebook about a Tooth Fairy contest for the best smile. Bella is the nicest, and prettiest tooth fairy and everyone is sure that she will win the contest. Zelda, a not so nice fairy, does everything she can to ruin Bella's chances the meaning of true beaty is revealed. 

The Toothless Tooth Fairy has a cute story, nice illustrations, and a few good messages. Bella is the perfect tooth fairy. She is sweet, kind, and of course beautiful. However, when Zelda uses some magic dust to cause an accident Bella loses a tooth and decides that she cannot win a beautiful smile contest without the missing tooth. Not too thrilled with that reliance on beauty, the evil cackling by Zelda, or pure little Bella's leaving IOU's while pulling out kids teeth, but in the end everyone is shown that inner beauty is more important than physical beauty. There is still a bit of a odd feeling that the story makes appearance very important, despite the message about inner beauty, more so than the kindness or intelligence that I want my daughter to value. I do give the book points for lovely artwork and including a very diverse cast of fairies.

The Toothless Tooth Fairy was a bit of a mixed bag for me. I loved the artwork, the diverse group of characters, and the intended message. However, I think the message lost a little bit of it's impact because of the sheer importance of both Bella and Zelda's appearance, even at the very end. 

Early Book Review and Giveaways: The Laird by Grace Burrowes

The Laird by Grace Burrowes is the third book in the Captive Hearts series. This historical romance is currently scheduled for release on September 2 2014. While reading the previous books can give you some great insight into a few of the characters, each book in this series can also stand on its own. After years at war Michael Brodie returns to his Highland estate to find that the bride he left behind has become a stranger. Brenna is self-sufficient, competent, confident-and furious about Michael's prolonged absence. Brenna is also hurt, bewildered, and tired of fighting for the respect of those around her. Michael left her when she needed him most, and then stayed away even after the war ended. Nonetheless, the young man who abandoned her has come home a wiser, more patient and honorable husband. But, if she trusts Michael with the truths she's been guarding, he'll have to choose between his wife and everything else he holds dear.

If you have read my previous two reviews of books in this series, The Captive and The Traitor, then you know that I enjoyed The Captive and liked The Traitor even more. Well the trend has continued. I had trouble putting The Laird down on several occasions when I relly needed to do important things like get my kids to camp in the morning or myself to work in the morning or to bed at night.  Michael is a compelling character, and has had me curious through the previous books. He is strong minded and determined, but bares some scars and emotional baggage. He is loyal to a fault, and honest with himself and others. A great hero on several levels, including some inner scars and flaws you do not fully understand until the very end. Brenna is my favorite heroine in the series. She has overcome huge obstacles and still does her best to help everyone regardless of how they feel about her. She is resilient, and honest to herself. The pacing of their romance is just wonderful, no assumption of affection, rather a true romance including wooing. 

I would recommend The Laird to everyone that enjoys historical romance and main characters that come into the story with emotional scars. Readers that have enjoyed other books by Burrowes should label this a must read. It has a true love story and multiple subplots running that all come together beautifully.  

Now for the giveaways! First, the official giveaway from Grace Burrowes and her publisher:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

And for a second chance to win, I also happen to have a full set of paperback galleys of this series at home. Would you like a chance to win them? Well, then enter this giveaway too:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Book Review: The Secret Kingdom by Michele Bledsoe, Richard Bledsoe

The Secret Kingdom is a combination of images and poetry celebrating the world of dreams in picturebook format by Michele Bledsoe and Richard Bledsoe.  Michele Bledsoe has been exhibiting her paintings and drawings in art galleries for almost 20 years. Inspired by the beautifully illustrated children’s books she grew up with, Michele started creating art when she was a child—and never stopped. With The Secret Kingdom, Michele Bledsoe hopes to inspire a new generation of artists to share her lifetime love of creating pictures. Art is for everyone, and The Secret Kingdom is a place that welcomes children of all ages.

The Secret Kingdom is less of a bedtime story, as it is marketed, and more of a book with the ability to inspire the interested, or either bore or frighten the uninterested. I enjoyed the flow of the poetry, and the related images were interesting and unique. Not a story or narrative, rather a book to display artwork with matching poetry that focuses on the power of dreams, art, and words.

I do no think this is a book for the typical picturebook, or even older picturebook crowd. The Secret Kingdom is a book best suited for those already with an interested in creating art, poetry, any kind or creative endeavor used to capture dreams and share them with others. From the descriptions I read, I expected more of a story or letter to young artists than I found in the pages, but it might find a special place in the collections of artists of all ages.

Book Review: Orion Poe and the Lost Explorer by Will Summerhouse

Orion Poe and the Lost Explorer is a middle grade adventure novel by Will Summerhouse. Eleven-year-old Orion lives with his stodgy grandfather in eastern Maine. When a series of strange events draws Orion into the mystery of a lost explorer he is swept up in an adventure that takes him to the top of the world. To survive he must survive in the arctic, outwit a scheming treasure hunter, and take on a tyrant with an anger management problem. Can Orion solve the mystery and get back home alive?

Orion Poe and the Lost Explorer is an exciting tale with a balanced mix of survival fiction, mystery, action, and adventure. Orion Poe is a brave and loyal young hero with a pragmatic take on the world. he does not always toss himself into danger, but does a good number of times after weighing the pros and cons of action versus inaction. The story has a bit of a Treasure Island feel to it, so if you have always been a fan of that classic this book might feel like a new take of favorite ideas. Orion comes across a variety of crazy characters and situations. the professor, the ship captain, the shifty treasure hunter, and the crew of the ship they take north are just the start. There is a good deal of Orion finding his way on his own, and proving himself to those that might otherwise consider him too young to be of use. The combination of coming of age, survival, and sheer adventure might capture the attention of readers that might otherwise lose interest in reading. The short chapters might also keep these readers going, giving them satisfaction regularly in having completed a chapter, or two.

I liked that the grand adventure is linked to the real-life explorer John Franklin and there are little bits of knowledge about him and surviving in cold conditions through the book, as well as the historical information included at the end of the story. I rather liked Orion's grandfather, and only wish he had been included in more of the story.

I would suggest Orion Poe and the Lost Explorer for readers around nine and older. I think readers that enjoy action, adventure, mystery, or survival fiction would connect with the story the most. Readers that enjoy coming of age tales and exploration can also find a great deal to like here. I am not a big fan of survival fiction, I am one of those readers that prefers character driven plots more than stories where characters are consistently forced to react to outside forces, but I can think of many readers that will greatly enjoy the book.

Series Review: If You Were Me and Lived In... by Carole P Roman

If You Were Me and Lived In... series by Carole P Roman is a fabulous, and still growing, collection of
books that introduce different countries to young readers. In each book Roman describes the capital city of the country, a major holiday, what children call their parents, a favorite sport or activity, a favorite location to visit, favorite foods, and the name for school. Each book shows children that no matter where we live, what we look like, and what language we speak that we can easily find something in common with people in different countries and cultures.

If You Were Me and Lived In... is a series that would make a great addition to any school library or classroom, as well as public libraries. As of now, the series has books about Australia, Mexico, South Korea, France, India, Kenya, Norway, Turkey, and Russia. Each offers information is an easy to understand format, including some information that was new to me. I would recommend this series for starting discussions about diversity, travel, what our favorite things are, the differences and constants between cultures, and geography.

About the Author:
Named to Kirkus Reviews' Best of 2012 for her first book, award winning author Carole P. Roman started writing as a dare from one of her sons. Using an imaginary game she played with her grandson as a base, Captain No Beard was born."Captain No Beard- An Imaginary Tale of a Pirate's Life" has not only been named to Kirkus Best of 2012, it received the Star of Remarkable Merit, and won the Pinnacle Award for 2012. "Pepper Parrot's Problem with Patience" Book 2 in the series, received 5 Stars from The ForeWord Review The Clarion Review. Strangers on the High Seas has won second place in the Rebecca's Reads Choice Awards 2013. It has followed with six more books to the series.

Her new non fiction series, "If You Were Me and Lived in..." combines her teaching past with her love of exploration and interest in the world around us. The debut book in the series, "If You Were Me and Lived in...Mexico" has won the Pinnacle Award for Best in Children's Non Fiction 2012. France, South Korea, and Norway. Rebecca's Reads has given If You Were Me and Lived in...Norway an honorable mention in the 2013 Choice Awards. If You Were Me and lived in ...France won second place. ForeWord Review has nominated If You Were Me and Lived in...France for best in children's non fiction literature 2013. They will be followed with Kenya, Turkey, India, and Australia. She plans to do Portugal, Greece, and Argentina next year.

Writing for children has opened up a whole second act for her. While she is still working in her family business, this has enabled her to share her sense of humor as well as love for history and culture with the audience she adores. Roman lives on Long Island with her husband and near her children.

Blog Tour Review: The Unicorn Thief by R.R. Russell

The Unicorn Thief  is the second book in the Unicorns of the Mist series by R.R. Russell. I highly recommend reading the first book, Wonder Light, before reading. In this sequel Twig and Ben and working to tame the last unicorn herd on Lonehorn Island while dealing with their personal struggles about identity and family. However, a thief runs rampant in the land of unicorns and now no one is safe, not even Ben's loyal unicorn Indy. When their search leads them to the island’s secret passageway of Terracornus, the land of unicorns, they discover a bold thief at work. It is here that Twig learns the tangled truth about Ben and the evil queen who’s enslaved all of the unicorns. Now all of the captive unicorns are in danger and only Ben and Twig, the last unicorn riders, can save them.

The Unicorn Thief is a wonderful sequel to Wonder Light. The world was not made perfect with one victory for Ben and Twig, and there are still many difficulties ahead of them. Ben is keeping secrets, as are others, and Twig is trying to be the best version of herself while trying to let down any of the people that have come to trust in her. I love the fact that every character is well fleshed out and given both good and bad quality, which makes them much more real than any perfectly pure hero or simply evil big bad. There are equal parts of adventure, mystery, action, and the emotional trials involved of knowing yourself and being a honorable individual. There are lots of secrets to be uncovered, and telling too much might reveal the truth and spoil the surprise. I will admit that I saw one or two of the big twists coming, but the journey was still delightful.

I would very highly recommend The Unicorn Thief to everyone that read and enjoyed Wonder Light. If you like action, adventure, magic, or coming of age stories then this series has something you can get lost inside. I do recommend reading in order, but with the quality of the storytelling, that will be no chore.

Book Review: I Want to Do Yoga Too by Carole P. Roman

I Want to Do Yoga Too by Carole P. Roman is a short and simple book for children. When Hallie and her mother go to the yoga studio Hallie wants to join her mom's yoga class. She complains to the babysitter, who gently guides her through four yoga poses. Hallie learns that not only is yoga easy, but fun as well.

I Want to Do Yoga Too is very short, but in a good way. When Hallie and her mother go to the yoga studio Hallie is disappointed that she has to wait in the childcare room rather than doing yoga with her mother. we do not know if she just does not want to be separated from mom and wants to show how grown up she is by doing the same thing as adults, but that makes the story work for so many different situations and children. Like any good babysitter, Robin is able to redirect and entertain Hallie. She helps Hallie have fun and teaches her a four yoga poses without her even realizing.

I Want to Do Yoga Too is an easy to read book that can be shared with a young reader or offered to them to read on their own.  The story is short and straight forward, and might peak the interest of children that might want to try out a few basic yoga poses or get an idea of how simple and fun it can be when approached with that in mind.

Book Review: Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway's Ghost by Iain Reading

Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway's Ghost is the second book in the Kitty Hawk Flying Detective Agency series by Iain Reading. This series of adventure mystery stories that are one part travel, one part history, and five parts adventure. Kitty Hawk is the main character. She is an intrepid teenage pilot who has decided to follow in the footsteps of her hero Amelia Earhart and make an epic flight around the entire world. After flying across North America Kitty's journey takes her down south to Florida where she plans to get a bit of rest and relaxation before continuing on with the rest of her long and grueling flight. As Kitty explores the strange and magical water world of the Florida Keys her knack for getting herself into precarious situations sweeps her headlong into the adventure involving mysterious lights, ancient shipwrecks, barracudas and even sightings of the great Ernest Hemingway himself. This  story sweeps across the landscape and history of the Florida Keys all the way from Key West to the strange and remarkable world of Fort Jefferson and the Dry Tortugas.

Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway's Ghost has the same mixture of mystery, adventure, and fascinating history wrapped together as drew me to the first book in the series, Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold. Kitty finds herself in trouble again by being more curious than might be safe. However, she is also smart and for the most part fairly practical about her survival. While Kitty makes some new friends in this installment, I think it was missing some of the interactions that made the first book so amazing. However, that dynamic is not one that could really be repeated. I really enjoyed the literary and treasure hunting twists woven in this story, and am interested to see what kind of mystery kitty finds next.

I would highly recommend Kitty Hawk and the Hunt for Hemingway's Ghost to readers that have enjoyed Kitty Hawk and the Curse of the Yukon Gold. I also recommend the entire series (preferably in order) to all readers that enjoy mystery, adventure, and intelligent fiction that leaves the reader feeling satisfied and like they learned a little something along the way.

Blog Tour Review: Wonder Light (Unicorns of the Mist #1) by R.R. Russell

Wonder Light is the first book in the middle grade series, Unicorns of the Mist, by R.R. Russell. Twig is resigned to living on a pony farm for troubled girls, despite the spooky stories she has read about the island. Soon Twig discovers someone that needs her, mysterious filly that has claimed her as her own. Then there is the mysterious of the wild boy in the misty woods and the terrifying screams from something that is not quite a horse. Twig discovers that the island's secret is the last free unicorn herd, but not all unicorns are good.

Wonder Light is a fantastic series starter. The world and character building are very well done, with little bits of Twig slowly being revealed to the reader. I found her personality and trials to be touching and something most middle grade and even older readers can relate to. I particularly liked that even with the fantastic elements, the real life troubles of Twig are not simply swept under the carpet- instead the two come together in order to help her come to terms with her life and the world in general. Ben is a complicated character, with many mysteries that still need to be revealed but still makes the reader feel for him and root for him. The other characters were less developed, but they did not feel neglected, rather I felt like I knew what I needed to in order to keep the story and personal connections intact but without a massive information dump that might overwhelm the heart of the story.

I highly recommend Wonder Light to readers that enjoy coming of age stories, mystery, adventure, and fantasy. There is a good balance of emotional and physical struggles to keep most readers turning pages and eager to see what happens next. I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes from here.

Writing as R.R. Russell for kids and R.H. Russell for teens and adults. She grew up traveling the world as an army brat and now travels the country as a coach with a non-profit judo club. She loves to read and draw, and like Twig, once spent a lot of time sketching unicorns. Visit her at rrrussellauthor.com.

Unicorns of the Mist Series  
  The Venture Books

Website

Facebook

Twitter