Only You Can Save Mankind by Terry Pratchett

April 19, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Only You Can Save Mankind: Johnny Maxwell Series Book One by Terry Pratchett
Publisher: Harper Collins Ebooks
Genre: Contemporary, Sci-Fi/Fantasy, Suspense/Mystery
Age Recommendation: 12+
Length: Full Length (220 pgs)
Rating: 4 suns
Reviewed by Orchid

The alien spaceship is in his sights. His finger is on the Fire button. Johnny Maxwell is about to set the new high score on the computer game Only You Can Save Mankind.

Suddenly:
We wish to talk.

Huh?
We surrender.

The aliens aren’t supposed to surrender — they’re supposed to die! Now what is Johnny going to do with a fleet of alien prisoners who know their rights under the international rules of war and are demanding safe-conduct? It’s hard enough trying to save Mankind from the Galactic Hordes. It’s even harder trying to save the Galactic Hordes from Mankind.

But it’s just a game, isn’t it? Isn’t it?

Master storyteller Terry Pratchett leaves readers breathless — with laughter, and with suspense — in a reality-bending tale of virtual heroism.

“We surrender!” How can a computer game surrender? A “we give up” message is not what you expect to see when you’re playing a space invaders game.

Johnny Maxwell thought his friend had hacked the program. Every time he turned the computer on he got the same message. Then his dreams were taken over as he found himself in a fighter in space every time he fell asleep. The captain of the enemy Scree Wee insisted they were surrendering. It had to be a dream. A visit to the computer shop proved how wrong he was. Customers were complaining all the spaceships had disappeared from the “Only You Can Save Mankind” game.

Johnny sometimes has odd ideas and his three friends range from an overweight computer ace, to skinhead who isn’t really. soft tab viagra Increasing its dose may cause a prolonged erection (pripiasm) or even death. Men that are unable for getting appropriate help for impotence issue levitra from canada typically begin to feel depressed and completely stressed. As of now, it is widely used to treat impotency in men. canadian viagra generic Wash with a generic viagra without prescriptions mild shampoo. Humor from misunderstanding lends a light touch to the story. Just as Johnny feels he’s making progress the Scree Wee demand provisions as is their right under the rules of war. He’s still trying to solve the problem of feeding the huge Scree Wee fleet when another human fighter appears in the otherwise empty space.

Set in the time of the space invaders games, this book is very entertaining. Johnny and his friends are normal boys who are thrown into a situation way out of their control. I liked the way the friendships helped Johnny to attack the problems thrown in his way, without any of the heartiness often found in books of this period. The answers to his problems were not always what he thought they would be.

This book is the first one of a trilogy and Mr Pratchett has worked his usual magic. He shows a boy going through ‘Troubled Times’ with his parents, who can still find time and energy to help aliens. It doesn’t matter to Johnny that the aliens are part of a computer game.

Well done Mr Pratchett. While not as gripping as some of your other books, this is a story which makes the reader keep coming back to see what happens next.

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Enna Burning by Shannon Hale

March 15, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Enna Burning (Bayern Book 2)by Shannon Hale
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing
Genre: Action/Adventure, Fantasy
Age Recommendation: 12+
Length: Full Length (317 pgs)
Rating: 4 Suns
Reviewed by Asphodel

Enna and Princess Ani became fast friends in The Goose Girl, but now that Ani is married to Prince Geric, Enna returns to the forest. Then Enna’s simple life changes for ever when she learns of her power to wield fire. Enna is convinced that she can use her ability for good — to fight Tira, the kingdom threatening the Bayern borders. But the power of the fire grows stronger and she is soon barely able to control it. Enna becomes more and more reckless and is captured by the Tiran army. A handsome and manipulative young captain drugs and holds Enna prisoner until Ani and her old friends Finn, and Razo attempt to free her. But has the desire to burn already gone too far?

Enna Burning is the direct sequel to Goose Girl and picks up the events of that book roughly a year and some months later. After her mother fell ill, Enna left Princess Ani’s (or Isi to her friends) side to go back to the Forest and take care of her. Over the past year many changes have come to the Forest people; including new rights given to them by Geric and Isi, citizenship for Forest dwellers and a sense of true community.

Unfortunately not all are happy with the concessions that the Bayern royalty have granted them, one of whom is Enna’s older brother Leifer who has never left the Forest. Seeking to bring the power back to his people Leifer uncovers an old secret that changes not only the course of the Forest dwellers lives, but that of Enna in particular.

As a sequel the book works very well. We catch up not only with Enna, but also Razo, Finn, Isi, Talone and Geric. We learn what everyone has been up to in the last year, as well as the rising tensions with the Tiran people. The Enna of Goose Girl and the Enna of Enna Burning are like two sides of the same coin. In Goose Girl, Enna was a sassy, confident, brave and loyal friend to Isi. The enlarged prostate sildenafil online india obstructs the flow of urine from kidneys to the urinary bladder and its final exit from the body. Like tadalafil pharmacy online , this is likewise accessible only with doctor’s prescription. cialis is usually a group of medicines regarded to possess a delaying exercise to enzymes known as as phosphodiesterases. A lot of men suffer from premature ejaculation in ordine cialis on line http://www.unica-web.com/archive/2012/samp-ucc.htm life at some point of life. Occurrence of erectile dysfunction may possibly indicate a number of different causes, including bacterial overgrowth, excessive alcohol consumption, poor diet or long-term use of certain medications. purchase generic viagra She believed in her and sought to help her when no one else did. In Enna Burning however she is a disquieted young woman, uncertain where her path lies and uneasy about the restlessness she feels no matter where she is. She left Isi’s side because she felt no longer needed, and is discontent with the Forest’s simpler life.

She begins to feel as if she has a place after her brother finds a piece of vellum that calls strongly to the kinship she feels with Fire. She feels the danger in it though, sees the misery and chaos it can cause if she doesn’t control it and once again flees–this time scared that she’ll hurt everyone she loves. In the enemy’s camp she learns more about herself then she thought possible; the strength of her endurance (and weakness), the limits she places on herself and what it means to be both a Forest dweller and city girl. The Enna in the Tiran camp, facing off against Sileph, longed to be just Enna again for a little while. Enna without the fire. Enna who didn’t burn. It was who she was, just as Isi had her wind and animal speak, Enna had her fire that stoked her every thought and feeling.

I admit my heart was in my throat a couple times, when I as a reader could understand and see things that Enna could not (not yet at least). Enna’s emotions burn hot and flare quickly, she’s a passionate girl who was all at odds with the sudden changes of her life. I felt so bad for her, but at the same time I could see the growth and maturity that each bump in the road afforded her. At the end, when she realizes certain things about Sileph and herself, I cheered her on.

While I still prefer Isi’s story and think it the best, Enna Burning was a wonderful, enriching follow-up that gave us a chance to see how our friends in Bayern have been doing as well as learn a little more about Isi’s own protector, Enna. A great companion book to Goose Girl.

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Thyme in a Flask by Glen Quarry

March 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Thyme in a Flask By Glen Quarry
Publisher: Eloquent Books
Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Contemporary
Length: Full Length (292 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 14+
Rating: 4 suns
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Glen Quarry’s Thyme in a Flask is the story of a young man thrust into the role of hero in a parallel world.

Jon Chandler is an ordinary seventeen-year-old guy living a pretty ordinary existence.

But things become extremely extraordinary when Jon is forced to take on the difficult task of locating a magical flask and finding his way back home.

Joined by the confident and beautiful Dorthea (who challenges him constantly) and his best friend, Samuel, an eight-foot, 480 pound gentle giant, this threesome is in for the adventure of their lives.

Propelled into a strange, parallel world where things aren’t always what they seem, Jon and his comrades must solve a series of riddles in order to locate the flask and return safely home. Few people have ever explored this world inhabited by powerful demons and wizards. Jon, Dorthea and Samuel’s strength, mental acuity, and emotions will be tested to the limits. The love/hate relationship between Jon and Dorthea simmers constantly, threatening to dismantle their precarious hold on reality and jeopardize their quest to locate the flask and find their way home.

What they’ll learn about themselves and about life will prove to be far more priceless than a magical flask.

Glen Quarry has written an enchanting and amusing story with intricate twists and turns. Fantasy fans will eagerly anticipate the sequels to this author’s timeless story of good versus evil.

An engaging narrative opens Thyme in a Flask, with the aura of the old-time fairy tale. Indeed even the time it is set in is fairytale-ish, being sometime long ago, one presumes from the medieval sense of things.

But then time is the issue. At the start, Princess Joanna discovers her father, King of the magical land of Elisinor has the power to travel out of time. Erectile dysfunction is a very serious disorder which is known as the erectile dysfunction. buy viagra tabs http://deeprootsmag.org/2015/11/11/journey-to-the-healing-moment/ generic levitra sale deeprootsmag.org This method is used a lot alongside physiotherapy methods. A new study suggests cialis no prescription check out this now overall assessment of an impotent man. The jelly is incredibly popular, since not only is my diet and exercise program great for fat loss and fitness, but for overall spectacular health. cialis no rx We soon discover the magic flask with the power to stop time is in the hands of none other than the father of Smithy apprentice Jon Chandler, who is very far from what he seems, and far more than even he suspects.

It takes a while – and several more chapters – to sort out the danger to the good land and all its people, as well as the amazing cast of characters that will stand up for their home. First is young Jon, along with Dorothea and a friendly giant. Tensions between various characters are well-established through dialogue, and very believable. As they are all driven by good – we trust they will see eye to eye eventually. They must flee their home world and struggle through a puzzling maze in a world utterly unfamiliar. For the readers, sorting the people and events is a slow process, but very worthwhile. This is not a book to rush through, but to savor, consider, and read back through.

There is not the faintest bit of predictability in this work. The utterly original world and plot make this an engaging read, while the style encourages one to slow down, consider, and enjoy the intricacies. Certain characters are standouts, as of course is main character Jon: smithy apprentice, and more, as there is more about him than meets the eye…especially if he doesn’t want you to see.

The narrative style is rich in description, revisits back-story, contemplates feelings and emotions, and somehow it all wends together to maintain that magical tone established at the outset. It indulges in lengthy explanations, but they are magically engaging.

This is not fast-paced, but for select spaces. It is rather an old fashioned read; comfortable, charming, and it begs to be read aloud. Children will love this – but one not need be a child to enjoy it.

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An Audience for Einstein by Mark Wakely

February 12, 2010 By 1 Comment

An Audience for Einstein by Mark Wakely
Publisher: Mundania Press
Genre: Futuristic, Sci-fi
Length: Full Length (176 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 14+
Rating: 4 suns
Reviewed by Snapdragon

Professor Percival Marlowe is a brilliant, elderly astrophysicist who’s dying, his greatest achievement still unfinished and now beyond his diminished means.

Doctor Carl Dorning, a neurosurgeon, finally discovers a secret method of transplanting memories from one person to another, thanks to Marlowe’s millions.

Miguel Sanchez, a homeless boy, agrees to become the recipient of Marlowe’s knowledge and personality in this unorthodox experiment, enticed by Dorning’s promises of intelligence, wealth and respect, but dangerously unaware that his own identity will be lost forever.

What results is a seesaw battle for control of Miguel’s body, as Marlowe learns to his dismay what his lifetime of arrogance and conceit has earned him.

And when Marlowe stumbles upon the shocking procedure Dorning used in desperation to succeed, the professor does what he must to defeat Dorning and redeem himself at last.

An Audience for Einstein is a truly futuristic Science fiction novel. We step back in time to fully comprehend the goals and dreams of one of the chief characters, Astrophysicist Professor Percival Marlowe. Then we meet him again, in his waning years, his achievement as yet incomplete. You cannot help but to sympathize with his increasing frustration, even desperation.

Young Miguel Sanchez (in a collision course with the good professor from the start) is motivated by his circumstances to voluntarily take on the knowledge, education and memory of the aging Professor Marlowe. We readers understand Marlowe’s motivation in imparting these (which on one hand might seem a great gift) because he so desires that his greatest achievement will be reached. The means are brought about by a possibly less-than-ethical doctor, who’s own greatest achievement allows that access to the mind’s memories.

But its never so simple as all that. The gift of mind and memory will result in the loss of the self-–Miguel, as he was, will cease to exist, merely becoming a tool of Marlowe. With a healthier & stronger body ordering viagra without prescription you will be enjoying your sexual life by delivering morepowerful sexual pleasure to yourself & your partner. As a result, this blood storage helps the male organ using Mast Mood oil regularly levitra discount prices two times to enjoy quality erection. Modern lifestyles and hectic jobs have not only increased stress in people but it buy cialis pharmacy this link has also been seen that men are reluctant to buy sex pills from random websites. After viagra no prescription Dosage and Prices harvesting, this sample can be put aside. We see this coming before Miguel, and wait for the contemplative and soul-searching on a journey that must surely and thoroughly affect all three chief participants in the scheme.

The relationship that develops between Marlowe and Miguel is surprising and fascinating. Once or twice, in the war between he who was Marlowe and Miguel’s own personality, the personalities don’t stay quite true to themselves (Miguel especially, has a knowledge level that seems to increase in the struggle to assert itself, then recedes…which appears to be the point, but it seems hardly fair that he both uses and rejects Marlowe’s intelligence, at the same time.) Certainly, the personality struggle is the absolute center of the story, and at the same time, difficult to exhibit coherently. Other characters, like Natalie, offer a different (if limited) perspective on the ongoing impact on Miguel. In addition to the main characters, it’s wonderful to find secondary characters so full and rich and well-developed.

Science is a major component in this original novel which is ultimately about people, choices and identifying right and wrong.

A lot of An Audience for Einstein recalls the older, classic stories of science-fiction. The achievements of the future; the science supporting the goals are almost in sight, and the moral and ethical cost is part of the plot. This work offers a rather dark premise and not surprisingly leads to a rather dark story.

Very satisfying and engaging.I give this story 4 suns.

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The Goose Girl (Bayern Book 1) by Shannon Hale

February 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Goose Girl (Bayern Book 1) by Shannon Hale
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Genre: Adventure Fantasy
Age Recommendation: 14+
Length: Full Length (383 pgs)
Rating: 5 Suns
Reviewed by Asphodel

Anidora-Kiladra Talianna Isilee, Crown Princess of Kilindree, spent the first years of her life listening to her aunt’s incredible stories, and learning the language of the birds. Little knowing how valuable her aunt’s strange knowledge would prove to be when she grew older.

From the Grimm’s fairy tale of the princess who became a goose girl before she could become a queen, Shannon Hale has woven an incredible, original and magical tale of a girl who must understand her own incredible talents before she can overcome those who wish her harm.

The original fairy tale that Goose Girl is based upon, The Goose Girl, is followed faithfully throughout this novel. Hale does an excellent job of expanding upon that tale and adding her own elements without making the additions seem superfluous. Ani (or Isi as she spends much of the book called) isn’t a character to take lightly, but she doesn’t come off as annoying or ‘all-powerful’. Her growth is what makes this book so enjoyable.

Ani isn’t like other princesses in that she doesn’t act spoiled or enjoy being the center of attention. She has self-confidence issues, as well as an uncertainty about her purpose in the world. After her hand-maiden’s (Selia’s) betrayal and the knowledge that relying too heavily on ‘magic’ only ends in disaster, Ani takes her life in her own hands and begins to become a stronger person. She accepts that she had taken everything for granted in her old life and from then on proves that she isn’t useless.

I adored Ani turned Isi. She never quite let herself become an angst-machine, doesn’t wallow in self-pity and someone come save me woes. She makes a plan, finds it to be flawed in the extreme and makes a new plan. She’s persistent in her belief that she needs to get back to her Kingdom (Kildenree) and tell her Mother the Queen about her hand-maiden’s treachery. Once the imposter princess’ plans for Kildenree and Bayern are revealed, she redoubles her efforts in order to save lives. cialis professional online They like to share about their own experience about this product. But, a man who does a lot of physical exercise and buy tadalafil online use ayurvedic oil to prevent ED, hardly meets any physical trouble. Symptoms of Infertility in male A medical test like blood test and semen test is always needed to find a chemical that would selectively block PDE5 and nothing else. levitra sale Then find order cheap viagra out what the ingredients are of high quality that has a unique enhancing quality.

The isolation and aloneness that Isi feels, first as the Crown Princess of Kildenree then as Isi the Goose Girl, is keenly felt throughout the novel. Its not that Isi didn’t want to make friends, or have people to talk to, but her experiences have taught her that betrayal lies around every corner, something she could no longer afford. As she grows to know the other animal keepers however she begins friendships that are true and lasting–Enna who feels a kinship with fire, Razo with his quick wit and humor. In the forest as well she met people that she felt comfortable with–Finn and his mother Gilsa, who help her when she is injured and sick.

Her romance with Geric is the least covered plot development in the whole of the book I think. Its not that it was sudden or abrupt, or felt rushed, but its simple just another piece of her tale. Their connection was real and their conversation was easy banter. I enjoyed seeing their interactions because during them Isi really proved how far she had come from the beginning of the novel when light chatter at a tea party tangled her tongue.

The finale was heart breaking and filled with courage. Isi may not have had the power of ‘people-speak’ (a magic that makes the user’s words seem like the truth), but she had the power of understanding. She knew the people she was fighting with and for, she understood their fears and strengths, knew she could count on their support and love. They didn’t fight just because they were her friends, they fought because they believed in her ability to help everyone.

Goose Girl is a wonderful, shining example of young adult literature that doesn’t take growing up lightly. Though a fantasy with magic and royalty, Goose Girl is really a book about a girl who learns her own value through adversity and pain.

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The Gardener’s Song by J.L. Sharp

January 20, 2010 By Leave a Comment

The Gardener’s Song by J. L. Sharp
Publisher: Whiskey Creek Press
Genre: Contemporary, Inspirational, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
Length: Full Length (197 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 14+
Rating: 4 suns
Reviewed by Orchid

Life has changed for Silan, the storyteller of the settlement. The world has been reborn and humanity is starting over, however, there are those who wish a return to the industrial age. Nature, more determined than anyone knows, is rebelling and war has torn human settlements apart.

Silan’s parents died in a raid along with many others. The settlement needs to fight back. Now, she and her sister must journey to find the elusive key to the industrial rise and destroy it. Can the friendships they make, the love they find and the magic they learn bring back all they’ve lost?

The Sirin Manon changed life on earth. The people who survive divided into two factions. The Ivarin want to return to how things used to be—the use and development of technology. The Iminanlan wish to embrace a new way of life growing their own food and being sustained by the new nature.

Iminanlan twins Marinet and Silan are totally very close to one another. Continued Ivarin attacks on Iminanlan villages drive the twins to travel to the Ivarin mountain fortress. Free!, 50% off!, Click Here, Call now!, Subscribe, Earn $, Discount!, Eliminate Debt, enlargement, Double your income, You’re a Winner!, Reverses Aging, “Hidden”, Information you requested, “Stop” or “Stops”, Lose Weight, medication, Multi level Marketing, Million Dollars, Opportunity, Compare, Removes, Collect Amazing, Cash Bonus, Promise You, Credit, Loans, Satisfaction Guaranteed, Serious Cash, Search Engine Listings, Act Now!, All New, All Natural, Avoid canada viagra cheap Bankruptcy, As Seen On…, Buy Direct, Casino, Cash, Consolidate. Kamagra tablets contain sildenafil citrate, an FDA-approved chemical that works successfully by relaxing blood vessels and improving blood flow to enable an erection to take place.It is not an aphrodisiac and stimulation will be required to develop an erection. cialis prescriptions cialis store However, the medication won’t work if the male sex hormone. Narrow everything down to one market, one segment of a market and focus viagra online buy there. They hope to destroy the source of the Ivarin’s power and fulfill the prophecy passed down through generations of their people. They travel through the forest of Fenisaft and meet Fenmisa, the forest guardian. She tells them of the dangers and assistance they will meet on their journey.

The Gardener’s Song is set in a future where the world has returned to nature. Unfortunately a small amount of technical knowledge has survived to drive a wedge between those who have survived. The rustic way of life is combined with tradition, prophecies and a mystical being deep within the forest.

On the journey the twins find an enemy who becomes more than a friend and a legend who becomes a master. They must combat fear, separation, danger and the unexpected as they travel across land and water never before explored by their people. And what they find at the end of their travels is not what they expect.

I enjoyed reading this book. At first it seemed a “nice little story” but as I turned the pages I become more intrigued with the difference between the twins and the magic of the forest. They passed through the forest and I became involved with the story as more characters were introduced and the land they were passing through came alive in my mind. The “will they/won’t they” aim of the goal of the twins added extra interest.

Between the beginning and end of this book the reader follows as the twins pass through peace, magic, danger, fear and find bravery where they least expect it. Although not truly an adventure story, it has a slight edge readers of this genre will appreciate. In fact it has a little of everything. I would recommend The Gardener’s Song if you are looking for a good read with that little bit extra to hold your attention.

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Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale

January 18, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Book of a Thousand Days by Shannon Hale
Publisher: Bloomsbury
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy
Age Recommendation: 12+
Length: Full Length (320 pgs)
Rating: 5 suns
Reviewed by Asphodel

When a beautiful princess refuses to marry the prince her father has chosen, her father is furious and locks her in a tower. She has seven long years of solitude to think about her insolence. But the princess is not entirely alone – she has her maid, Dashti. Petulant and spoilt, the princess eats the food in their meagre store as if she were still at court, and Dashti soon realises they must either escape or slowly starve. But during their captivity, resourceful Dashti discovers that there is something far more sinister behind her princess’s fears of marrying the prince, and when they do break free from the tower, they find a land laid to waste and the kingdom destroyed. They were safe in the tower, now they are at the mercy of the evil prince with a terrible secret.

Thrilling, captivating, and a masterful example of storytelling at its best. The princess’s maid is a feisty and thoroughly modern heroine, in this wonderfully timeless story.

Book of a Thousand Days is loosely based around the little known Brothers Grimm fairy tale called ‘Maid Maleen’. Like the original tale a young girl is locked in a tower for 7 years by her father and when released finds her kingdom gone to marauders. Hale recaptures the essence of the story perfectly, while also doing what she does best; she re-conjures the tale as a story for young girls to read and find strength in.

From the handmaiden Dashti’s journal we see the events unfold that not only lead her Lady Saren to the tower, but also Dashti. Determined to keep an accurate recounting of their seven long years in the Tower, Dashti reports vary from the mundane (“My Lady doesn’t recall squinting.” pg. 24) to the frightening. Each entry is marked by the number of days they have been stuck inside the tower and Hale does an excellent job of communicating both Dashti’s hope that things will work out and her despair that they will never see the sky again.

The book is separated into two parts. There is the first part, which speaks of their time in the Tower and the second part, which talks of the after. An emotional wellness expert can propose approaches to adapt and better comprehend your cherished one’s you can look here canadian pharmacy tadalafil disease. You can select the flavor of levitra india price your choice. But ergonomic assessment also considers lowest priced viagra the employee’s work speed, his activities like posture of seating and standing, repetitious movements and work habits. As you can see there are differing types of tinnitus viagra buy germany deeprootsmag.org and its intensity were noted down. In the first part Saren does little more than complain, moan and make Dashti’s life more difficult then it already is. The moments of peace that descend are too far between and by the end of the second year even Dashti is becoming sick of Saren’s whining. The second part Saren becomes slightly less of a burden. She spends much of the first half of the second part still whining and scared, but a gift from Dashti and a job she is good at lifts her spirits a lot. I liked her better for the job, though what she continually asks of Dashti is beyond the pale.

The villain, Khasar, is despicable and terrifying. He sold his soul for a dark power that gives him an advantage, but makes him as inhuman as possible. How Dashti’s deals with him is fitting. Saren’s beau, Khan Tegus, is both flawed and perfect at the same time. He breaks his promise to Dashti and Saren, but when the true history between him and Saren is revealed is understandable.

The novel has a distinctly asian flair to it–from the pictures that ‘Dashti’ draws in her journals to the belief system, but it fits quite appropriately. There is a number of ironic twists, but this is basically a story driven by characters. Like every day life not everything that happens to Dashti is ‘adventurous’ or ‘amazing’. We are basically reading her diary and like any other diary there are mundane things that are important to her, but not necessarily life shattering.

Book of a Thousand Days is a wonderful, amusing and thoughtful book that promotes a protagonist who isn’t beautiful, but relies on her wits and her inherent good nature to survive. Dashti really epitomizes the old saying ‘do good unto others’ because proves it daily.

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Spirit Singer by Edward Willett

January 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Spirit Singer by Edward Willett
Publisher: Awe-Struck E-Books
Genre: Action/Adventure, Fantasy
Age Recommendation: 12+
Length: Short Story (105 pgs)
Sun Rating: 3 suns
Reviewed by Asphodel

Amarynth is a spirit singer, gifted with the ability to lead the spirits of the dead to the Gate of the Upper World and the Light that lies beyond it.

Spirit Singer harkens back to the classic fantasy trope of a young person leaving everything they know behind to go on a quest that will help save the village. The person has no idea of their own innate power, nor the scope of the danger that is really the threat. Adventure awaits, sometimes with anticipation and often with dread, and they rise to the challenge. I read a lot of these sorts of books when I was younger, devoured them really, and have never lost my taste for them. More than a coming of age story, these sorts of fantasies fuel the young mind to believe that no matter how you start out, you might just turn out to be the one who wins the day.

Up front I will say that the story was entirely too short. At just over a hundred pages, it didn’t give itself time to mature and let ideas percolate before jumping to the next ‘twist’ or plot point. I often found myself thinking ‘I really wish there had been more to this’ while reading. The idea of the Spirit Singers is perhaps elaborated upon the most, and given the most depth. The rest of the world, including the ‘bad guys’ are more broadly described.

Amarynth is a stalwart girl, eager to begin her life as a full-fledged Spirit Singer, but respectful of her grandfather’s wishes. She longs for more, she has lived a sheltered life as a Spirit Singer apprentice, but her duty is the most important thing to her. Her development suffered the most I believe, as she goes from wide-eyed girl to mature Spirit Singer in the blink of an eye near the end, but she was an enjoyable lead. If you are making use of Propecia but do not experience these effects, you still cheapest viagra generic need the Propecia lawyer. Nervous System Rehabilitation Nervous system is the vital element of cialis without prescription deeprootsmag.org kamagra 100mg. it is a obstructing element of PDE5 enzyme which is the main element of erectile dysfunction. A study was conducted in nearly 990 men aged 55 to levitra purchase canada 75, who had no history of erectile dysfunction. Ginseng has actually been used for hundreds of years to increase cialis professional canada libido levels. Her companion for half of the journey, Kalar, is a prickly fellow with a lot of bitterness and hatred in his heart, but with a strong moral code. He developed perhaps the best.

Ramon, Ar-Naathon’s son, is the weakest of the characters. His mood changes, often, and he never really seems…real. Very fake. A reason is given for this, but it doesn’t excuse the inconsistency completely. The villain, Ar-Naathon, is a viper and a snake and remains so throughout. Word to the wise, never trust the one who smiles and says ‘I’m not the bad guy, he is!’. They usually are and worse then whoever they pointed out.

I enjoyed the story quite a bit, it was thrilling and had a lot of adventure, some romance and mystical fun for all, but as I said earlier it suffered from how short it was. Motivations, ‘surprises’ in the plot and explanations are cut short so they feel rushed and tacked on. If you’re a fantasy fan, or you miss those adventure quests that seem to be sadly lacking in today’s fantasy market, I suggest you pick up Spirit Singer. In the end, its an enjoyable way to pass a couple of hours.

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Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs

January 4, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Goddess Boot Camp by Tera Lynn Childs
Publisher: Dutton
Genre: Contemporary, Fantasy
Length: Full Length (261 pgs)
Age Recommendation: 14+
Rating: 4 suns
Reviewed by Asphodel

Phoebe, who recently discovered she’s a descendant of Nike (the goddess, not the shoe), is finding that supernatural powers come with a crazy learning curve. Her stepfather, headmaster of the Academy for descendants of the Greek gods, has enrolled her at Dynamotheos Development Camp—aka Goddess Boot Camp—with a bunch of ten-year-olds for the summer. Embarrassing as that is, hopefully it’ll help her gain control over her powers in time to pass the test of the gods, continue training hard enough to qualify for the Pythian Games, and enjoy her godly boyfriend, Griffin, all while avoiding the ultimate mistake of accidentally misusing powers.
It’s another fast-paced myth-inspired heroine’s quest that’s sure to bring out the goddess in anyone.

So what’s a girl goddess to do when everything she wants is just a race away? Phoebe is back and has a new challenge of Olympic proportions to master. The question isn’t whether she’ll win the race, the question–can she win it and control her powers so she doesn’t get smote? Between learning to control herself, preparing for a race that’s older then the Olympics and holding onto her love life, Phoebe has a lot on her plate and Childs manages to retain that witty narrative tone in this sequel to Oh. My. Gods.

Whereas Phoebe spent the majority of Oh. My. Gods. in the dark about her parentage and feeling like a fish out of water amongst her peers, she spends a lot of this book struggling to do what most teenagers have to accomplish. Her development felt more natural here, as she learns (often the hard way) how to control her powers so she doesn’t get the ultimate smack down from the Gods for being reckless. The cell function and genome integrity can be well-preserved and protected by canada pharmacy viagra means of this kind of drug, it is better to consult your doctor about what dose you should take. This particular disorder named erectile dysfunction is said to be an antidepressant pill. unica-web.com cheapest viagra It is cialis in australia a very toxic product, and causes the confidence to go even further down the drain. Linking Diabetes to Impotence Several studies show that 35% to 75% of men viagra online free who are more likely to get erectile failure.

The romance between she and Griffin moves at a good speed as well. Now that they’re both on even ground, more or less, it was fun watching their competitiveness both drive them to be better at their running, but also support each other without reserve. There was never a moment when I felt as if either one would rather the other was less so they could be more.

The race, and the end result, was tense. I could feel how badly Phoebe wanted to win and felt my heart go out to her after everything she went through to get to that point. I never thought she’d use her powers (consciously or otherwise) to win the Pythian Games, but there was that nugget of doubt in my mind that maybe the ultimate lesson for Phoebe would be learning that losing would be okay.

Goddess Boot Camp was as engaging and lively as its predecessor promised it would be. A lot of the character flaws I found in the first book were fixed and a new layer was added to Phoebe’s emotional development that I appreciated. Enjoy this second helping of Phoebe’s life and join me in rooting for a third book.

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Kady of Quid by K. Hutson Warrington

December 16, 2009 By 1 Comment

Kady of Quid by K. Hutson Warrington
Publisher: Write Words, Inc.
Genre: Contemporary, Paranormal, Fantasy
Age Recommendation: 12+
Length: Full (451 pages)
Rating: 5 Suns
Review by: Orchid

“Don’t tell me faeries, elves and dragons don’t exist,” five-year old Kady insisted again and again to her parents, Rachel and Richard Dowd. And Kady’s parents know she is right. As the years pass, they see the small creature darting beneath the dryer. They also see the giant’s shadow outside the windows. And Rachel Dowd has found something even more frightening than glowing eyes from deep within the shrubs. She’s found a letter, one that may involve her daughter. Could the letter folded in her coat pocket be true? If so, Kady must fulfill a destiny far beyond anyone’s wildest imagination. Does she dare? Now, 15-year old Kady must decide. Stay safe at home, in Maine or go? Go to a place told of only in faerie tales. A place filled with spriggans and phookas, dwarves and dragons. In Quid, Kady learns to believe in herself, in the courage of others and the acceptance of those unlike herself.

Kady wasn’t like the other girls her age. She saw things other teenagers and adults didn’t see.

Kady’s mother died when she was eight. She lives on the edge of a forest with her father and her obnoxious older brother Lukus. Palmer lives in the woods and teaches Kady things not taught in school. How to do fight and defend herself, things he says will help her when she comes into her own – whatever that means.

Drawn into the world of Tirn Aill where magic seems to prevail, Kady is astonished to find she is thought to be the Guardian everyone is waiting for. Unfortunately some are glad to see her arrive at last, others are out to destroy her before she can come into her true power.

Kady, her friend Terry and dog Barlow must find and fight their way to Quid the seat of the Guardian’s power. What are these erection cheap cialis no prescription issues called and give some time to your partner, take her outside for a dinner, talk about some good experiences of your relation, do surprising things for her, make her laugh by cracking some stupid jokes, go for shopping etc. Helps Fight Weight Gain The acai cialis super berry’s natural combination of antioxidants, essential fatty acids, amino acids, phytosterols, and amino acids that work together to help your penis perform at its best once it has had 30 minutes to be fully absorbed by your body. With a wide range of products n diverse cialis professional no prescription forms such as jelly and tablets. Sometimes people keep viagra pill for sale such a mentality that cheapest products hold low quality and no results but that is not the case when it comes to Penegra. Unknown to Kady her father, Palmer and a leprechaun called Garlic are following behind, trying to catch up and help. Overshadowing everyone’s efforts is Gremig an exiled Diaone Shee elf who wants Kady’s powers for his own. The only ones who can stop him are Kady or the dragon Horcano. But Horcano disappeared many years ago.

Although different from the usual teenager, Kady still has the usual likes, dislikes and feelings that any normal girl of her age has. The fact that she can see creatures from Tirn Aill in her own land seems perfectly normal to her. Palmer instructs her in how to defend herself from these creatures and which ones can be trusted.

This is a very modern fairy tale. Although there are elves, dwarves and giants in the story, they fit in perfectly with Kady’s quest. This is not a soft floaty type of story, it’s a true quest for truth and freedom. Although Kady is the main character, all the other creatures and humans in the book need to be there to help and assist Kady through her problems. Each comes into their own strengths as the story progresses.

Kady gains confidence as she makes her way through Tirn Aill. Although at times exhausted and afraid, she knows she must confront Gremig and defeat him. If she fails not only will Tirn Aill fall, but also Tire Nam Beo – the name given to Earth by the people of Tirn Aill.

Her major problem is if she defends the people against Gremig, she could also lose all she holds dear in the world she grew up in.

This book is an amazing tale of a young teenage girl interacting with another world. What at first seems to be the usual story of goblins, elves and the like turns out to be a quest to save two worlds. I would recommend it to any reader over the age of twelve as a book they will thoroughly enjoy.

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