A Dangerous Legacy

I really liked A Dangerous Legacy, although that may admittedly be because the male main character, Colin Bechwith, in this book was British, so every time I read from his point of view I had a British accent going in my head. Haha! I really did like Colin, though. Not only was he entertaining, but he had an interesting background and wasn't quite what the female main character, Lucy Drake, thought. Plus his personal struggles made him a much more realistic (not perfect) character.

Lucy Drake, on the other hand, is an American who works in the same building as Colin, although for a rival telegraph company. Her family feud with her uncle draws Colin into her family affairs. The one thing that did frustrate me a little was that Colin was obviously after a rich wife in America--he blatantly admits to it, even after he and Lucy clearly have a thing.

I received this book from the publisher for free; I was not required to write a review, nor a positive one.

A Love So True (Teaville Moral Society, #2)

A Love So True was good, but not particularly my favorite. I had previously read the first book in the series, and I think I preferred the first book to the second. Not that the second was by any means bad, I just personally didn't find it quite as interesting.

This book continues the series in Teaville, where Evelyn Wisely seeks to help both orphans and their mothers, many of whom are stuck in a life of prostitution. Her efforts leads here to cross paths with David Kingsman, who has his own problems with his father's business. I did like that it wasn't just about the orphans, but also about the mothers. What did drive me a lil crazy was Evelyn's secret reason for resisting David's attempted relationship with her. Personally, I thought she should have just told him instead of holding back all the way to the end of the book. But that's just me.

Overall, it was a good story, just not my favorite in the series. I received this book from the publisher for free; I was not required to write a review, nor a positive one.

Book Review: Mockingjay (Hunger Games, #3)

Mockingjay is the final book of the Hunger Games trilogy. While the final book in some series can be a letdown, I felt that Mockingjay maintained and continued to increase the tension laid in the first two books. The plot continued to twist and take many unexpected turns as it continued and finally concluded the series.

I liked continued conflict in Katniss, which stayed right up until the last page. Throughout the whole series, I felt that Katniss was a relatable character who struggled with more than simplistic romance issues. Rather, she struggled through knowing and understanding the difference between right and wrong, discovering who she was, putting the pieces together on a situation that felt as if it could have been real for any of us, and so much more. While I'm a bit disgruntled at her final decision considering the love triangle between Katniss, Peeta, and Gale, I at least appreciated that she had a logical reason for making the decision that she eventually did.

Overall I thought it was a well written, well laid out plot. It was a bit more violent at times than I would have liked, but it also consisted of a war. I would recommend it to an older audience, due to the violence, and more intricate themes. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: Catching Fire (Hunger Games, #2)

Catching Fire was a great addition to the Hunger Games series. The book begins with Katniss and Peeta going through the victory tour, only to fail to accomplish anything that could possibly continue to keep themselves and their loved ones safe. The top it off, the two receive news which rocks both their worlds far more than either could ever imagine.

I really like the point of view the book takes--going right into Katniss' head and telling the story as she sees it. It's so easy to get into the story when you feel like you're right there living with her. I liked that this way of relating the story allowed the reader to gather pieces of the puzzle and put some together, but still end up just as confused as Katniss, or whatever other emotion she was experiencing at any given scene.

While the violence continues in the book, I do believe Collins does a remarkable job in relating what can happen when people become callous to violence. I would recommend the book and the series to young adults and adults. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: The Long Patrol (Redwall, Book 10)

The Long Patrol was yet another fantastic installment of the Redwall series. While it wasn't my favorite in the series, the book held my attention and kept me reading, and I greatly enjoyed it. In The Long Patrol, the plot centers around the adventures of a young hare named Tammo, who aspires to be a part of the famous Long Patrol of Salamantron. The events accumulate into a devastating battle against Damug, the leader of the vermin band known as the Rapscallions.

This tale is full of colorful and memorable characters. I love the different dialects among the species of animals, ranging from hare to mole, to squirrel and mouse. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone, as well as the rest of the Redwall series. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: From the Start

This book was so stinking cute. From the Start is definitely on my favorites list as of now. Melissa Tagg wove a fantastic, unique plot filled with three dimensional characters. I liked that Colton, one of the two main characters, was a former football player (even though I know nothing of football...) dealing with a lot of life changes, as well as ghosts of the past.

The other main character, Kate, was the one I think I identified with the most, which made me like her more. The interest the two developed for each other was cute, realistic, and identifiable. But it still ended well, which I appreciated. :-) This is the first book of Tagg's which I have read; I definitely plan on keeping an eye out for more of her books!

I would definitely recommend this book. The cute romance weaved in with real life problems turned into a terrific blend which I enjoyed immensely. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: The Patmos Deception

I had a particular interest in reading this book, primarily because the location of it is set on the Greek island of Patmos, which I have had the pleasure of visiting myself a few years ago. Naturally, then, I was really interested in checking it out. The setting portrayed the book just as I remembered Patmos from my own experience--relaxed and beautiful, and quiet in the off season (which was the same time I was there). Additionally, the book mentioned particular sites on the island that I had visited, which was really cool. 

The story had an intriguing plot, and kept me interested throughout it. The last book I had read that was similar in genre and type leaned more heavily on the suspense than the Patmos Deception did. The suspense in this book wasn't quite as exhilarating, but rather lingered in the background more, sort of like a weight behind the scenes. The characters were interesting and multi-dimensional, although I don't think I had a favorite. The ending had a cliffhanger that didn't catch me as much, but drove my roommate, who also read the book, absolutely crazy.

Overall, I think the Patmos Deception was a well written novel with an interesting setting and premise. While it may not be on my top five books to recommend, I would still recommend it. I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Book Review: Mattimeo [Redwall Series, Book 3]

Mattimeo is the third book in the Redwall series. I've loved the Redwall series since I was in middle school, but this is one of the few that I had not had the opportunity to read until now. Although I like rereading the series, it was a refreshing change to read one of the Redwall books without knowing how it would end, what characters would eventually die, what challenges they would face or the sacrifices made.

I liked all the characters in this book, but I am particularly fond of Queen Warbeak (the Sparra language always entertained me), and Matthias. I thought it was cool that Matthias was the current Redwall Warrior, but that his son was kidnapped, which in turn spawned the adventure that occurred. The co-existence of the current warrior and the future warrior was an interesting aspect, and made me question at times if one would die before the end. Jacques also did well in his integration of previous books, as the villain was the child of one of the villains in a previous book and therefore had a greater agenda than just being evil.

Overall, I thought this was an excellent addition to the Redwall series, which I would certainly recommend. I bought this book, and therefore was not asked nor required to write a review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Redwall (Redwall, #1)

Title: Redwall
Author: Brian Jacques
Labels: Fiction | Fantasy
Publisher: Puffin/Philomel Books
Publication Date: September 20, 2002
Recommended To: Children, YA, Adult
Contains: The best story ever.

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
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Blurb From Goodreads: Redwall Abbey, tranquil home to a community of peace-loving mice is threatened by Cluny the Scourge - the evil-one-eyed rat warlord - and his battle-hardened horde of predators. Cluny is certain that Redwall will fall easily to his fearsome army but he hasn't bargained for the courage and strength of the combined forces of the Redwall mice and their loyal woodland friends.
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Redwall has been one of my favorite books and series since I was a kid. No matter how old I get, it never gets old. I love that regardless of your age, Redwall is a book that is enjoyable for everyone. I have friends who read it as kids and are still periodically reading them as adults. I am fully convinced that Redwall is and will continue to be a classic.

Redwall, the first book in the series, revolves around the adventures of a young mouse named Matthias. Matthias lives at Redwall Abbey, a peaceful sort of place dedicated to helping woodland creatures in need and living in peace in Mossflower. All this is shattered when the notorious rat Cluny the Scourge shows up on the scene, dead set on conquering the abbey and enslaving its inhabitants. It's up to Matthias to step up and lead his fellow creatures to victory over the rat and his horde, with the help of relics left behind by the deceased Martin, the Warrior of Redwall.

I'm very glad I stumbled upon this old favorite and got the chance to read Redwall again! Highly recommended to all ages! I borrowed this book, and therefore was not required nor asked to write a review, nor a positive one at that. I was not compensated for this review.

Critical Reaction

Title: Critical Reaction
Author: Todd M. Johnson
Labels: Fiction | Legal Thriller
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: November 19, 2013
Recommended To: Men, Women, Adult, YA
Contains: Clean

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
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Blurb From Goodreads: After decades of turning out plutonium for the arms race, the Hanford Nuclear Facility has long been shuttered, though its deadly legacy cannot be fully contained. The men who guard the facility from sabotage or monitor its buildings for radiation leaks are told the risks are under control. They believe it, until the worst happens: a thunderous explosion in the dead of night.
          Two workers, lifer Poppy Martin and new hire Kieran Mullaney, believe themselves lucky to survive the blast. But as the debris is cleared, they discover their safety is not assured. Dead ends and closed doors halt their efforts to discover what really happened--and what radiation may have poisoned them. When stalling and threats force them into the hands of experienced trial lawyer Ryan Hart, they learn that theirs is no ordinary lawsuit. There is something still hidden in the desert of eastern Washington, and someone is willing to go to extreme lengths to make sure it never sees the light of day.
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I had an interesting time reading this book. Initially I was a bit turned of some preconceived ideas of what a thriller should be like. Before Critical Reaction, I had only read one other thriller. This first thriller was crazy face paced, drew you in immediately and didn't let you go even if you did want to take a quick break from it. So that's the impression I had stuck in my mind of what thrillers were like. Evidently legal thrillers are a bit different, but by the end I liked it just as much.

Critical Reaction revolves around a legal case in which Kieran is suing the nuclear waste company that he works for. The lawsuit is a result of an accident that happened several months ago, one in which Kieran is pretty sure he was exposed to radiation. He jumps into the lawsuit with one agenda--to find answers. He enlists a college friend to help him, and thus enters Emily and her estranged father. The trio join forces but soon find that the accident involved far more than anyone realized.

I really did end up liking this book a lot, despite my early reservations toward it. I loved that the point of view switched around to various people involved in the accident, which allowed the reader to periodically see different pieces of the puzzle and attempt to figure out the big picture. Of course, like any good book that uses this technique, it was never enough to get too far ahead and figure out everything before the characters, but it was enough to give the reader motivation to try and thus remain hooked. This is definitely a book that I would recommend!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

Real

Title: Real
Author: Jamie Snyder
Labels: CLGN | Christian Living
Publisher: Bethany House
Publication Date: October 1, 2013
Recommended To: YA, Adults
Contains: N/A

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
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Blurb From Goodreads: Does your Christianity "show"? Pastor Jamie Snyder shares how to have a deeper, more satisfying walk with Jesus that goes beyond church on Sunday.
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Even though this was a rather short book, and easy read, I found Real to be very thought provoking and at times, convicting. Snyder takes on the task of posing the question we should all be asking ourselves: if it weren't for Sunday, would anyone know we were Christians?

Snyder proceeds to step by step evaluate seven aspects that define a life dedicated to Jesus, including unbridled generosity, daring courage, rebellious joy, and others. Despite its short length, this book touches on so many aspects of being a following of Jesus. Probably my favorite quote of the whole book was at the end, literally one of the last pages where Snyder says, "Political and religious leaders of the day even accused the church of turning the world upside down in the name of Jesus. [...] I would love to be accused of turning the world upside down in the name of Jesus."

I liked that each chapter ended with questions, which makes this a great book to use for a youth group, Sunday school, or other small group study. It's an easy read--I made it through it in only a few days despite work, school, homework, and being sick. But at the same time, I found it challenging in a lot of ways. Definitely worth the read!

I received a free copy of this book from the publisher for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.

7 Steps to Knowing, Doing, and Experiencing the Will of God

Title: 7 Steps to Knowing, Doing, and Experiencing the Will of God
Author: Tom, Mike, and Daniel Blackaby
Labels: Juvenile Nonfiction | Religion | Christianity | Christian Life
Publisher: B&H Books
Publication Date: May 1, 2013
Recommended To: Teens, Young Adults
Contains: N/A

Buy It: Amazon | Book Depository | Kindle
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Blurb From Goodreads: "Seven Steps to Knowing, Doing, and Experiencing the Will of God for Teens" goes deeper than just knowing about God, it guides you to partner with God in what He is doing all around you to make an eternal difference in this world.
          Based on the world-renowned Experiencing God teachings, Tom, Mike, and Daniel Blackaby (Henry Blackaby’s son and grandsons) utilize cartoon illustrations, true-life stories, and fresh graphics as they take an earnest, yet humorous, look at what it means for teenagers to have a vibrate personal relationship with God in their often random and challenging settings.
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7 Steps is by no means a perfect, seven step wonder that will bring you closer to God no matter what. In the conclusion, Blackaby makes it clear that there are no exact, easy, one-size-fits-all set of steps in which to enhance your relationship with God. However, this books is a great tool for pointing teens and young adults in the right direction as they seek to draw nearer to God.

This book was an easy, understandable read aimed at a teenaged audience. Teens won't get lost in all the technical terms and high theology, but these three authors keep the readers attention as they draw them further into this quest to experience God. Throughout the book are personal stories and examples, as well as short clips about well known Christians who went through the same sort of things that particular chapter is talking about.

Overall, I thought this was an excellent book and resource for anyone working with teens. I'll be honest, I got a lot out of it myself even as a college student. As I look into youth ministry, this is a book I'll be keeping close by to reference and loan out to both teens and those working with them. Definitely a keeper!

I received a free copy of this book from a publicity agent (Shelton Interactive) for this review. These opinions are my own; I was not required to write a positive review, nor was I compensated for this review.