Category: Mostly About Reading

Book Review: Infinity Ring, Book one: A Mutiny In Time – by James Dashner

Infinity Ring, book 1, A Mutiny in TimeBook: Infinity Ring, book one: A Mutiny in Time
Author: James Dashner
Publisher: Scholastic Press
Date: August 28, 2012
Genre: MG (age 9+, grade 4-6); dystopian
Pages: 192
Price: $8.99 US; also available for Kindle and as an audio book
My Rating: exciting read to start off the series
 

I won this book with a poster, a 3-D sticker and a fold-out map to go with the online game.

It’s always fun to win something, and when I win a book it is a special thrill. I received an autographed ARC (advanced reading copy) of Infinity Ring, book one: A Mutiny in Time, so now you know (if you read the stats above) I read it quite awhile ago. Even though I wasn’t asked to, I decided to post a brief review because this volume is the first of a series that might interest a child (age 9 and up) in your life. Book eight of the series is due to be released in August of this year.

The first characters we meet are a couple of adventurous young friends, Dak and Sera. Quickly the reader learns there is trouble in their world – the very real chance it is going to end soon. Something has to be done to prevent it. Also, there is Dak’s parents’ very important invention – the Infinity Ring, a device that allows time travel – that someone bad is after, and that Dak and Sera have found. Worse yet, Dak’s parents have disappeared – lost in time! The young friends are determined to help, but their discovery of the Infinity Ring has put them in danger. Of course, that doesn’t stop them and they decide to go back in time to find Dak’s parents and also fix history while doing it.

Now, how is that for an exciting story a youngster is bound to like? This adventure is very easy to read and get caught up in, the pace keeps one’s interest, and surprises along the way keep the story moving. There is decent humour, too, which always adds a nice touch. I didn’t try the online game but that is something maybe my grandson will do with me now that he is nearly nine.

Look for book one of the Infinity Ring: A Mutiny in Time. The series is written by several authors, but James Dashner  is the author of books one and seven of the series.

You can find Infinity Ring: A Mutiny in Time listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂

 

Book Review: The Adventures of Tomato and Pea, Book 1: A Bad Idea – by Erik Weibel

Tomato and Pea
 Book: The Adventures of Tomato and Pea, Book 1: A Bad Idea
Author: Erik Weibel
Publisher: Erik Weibel
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Date: August 14, 2013
Genre: MG chapter book, adventure
Pages: 72 pages
Price: $5.99 paper; $2.95 Kindle
My rating: Excellent little book for young readers; a fun, convincing adventure
 

I had the privilege to read this book in its unpolished state and later received a copy of the finished product for review.

Having met the author, Erik Weibel, a couple of years ago through his blog “This Kid Reviews Books“, I have been able to watch from afar his growth as a writer. Oh, did I say … Erik self-published his book when he was eleven – he is a twelve-year-old now. And I’m a little jealous.

The Adventures of Tomato and Pea is a fun, entertaining space adventure. Erik has a good handle on writing characters, dialogue, and word pictures. He adds in humour, characters with defined personality, and tension for a good storyline. Erik has paid close attention to enough detail to make this an interesting story to read and visualize.

The reader is presented with friends, enemies, a big problem – such as a spaceship crashing on the planet Ear-th – and further situations that challenge the tiny (only a few inches tall) space travellers. They learn friendship, cooperation, loyalty, integrity, which all are great lessons for children – and adults – and are delivered in a non-preachy way.

Erik Weibel has learned a lot from the tips and lessons he’s been able to receive via writing challenges and exposure. It is evident in this great little book, The Adventures of Tomato and Pea, that his writing skill is beyond his age.

This book is for younguns’ …  boys might enjoy it more but I’m not a boy and I enjoyed it, too! If it is read to a child who can follow along and understand the story it is easily suitable for as young as five – and upward. (My eight-year-old grandson has his own copy and is enjoying reading it.)

Although children should especially enjoy this one, The Adventures of Tomato and Pea written by Erik Weibel is a wonderful read for anyone – and encouragement for future young writers.

You can find The Adventures of Tomato and Pea on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Come back for my interview with Erik Weibel on March 6, and a book giveaway! Erik is generously offering a copy of his first book to one person who comments.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂

Book Review: The Sun Zebra by Rolando Garcia

The Sun ZebraBook: The Sun Zebra
Author: Rolando Garcia
Publisher: R. Garcia
Date: November 18, 2011 (5th edition)
Sold by: Amazon Digital Services, Inc.
Genre: short stories, “adventures in living”
Pages: 66
Price: $1.79 on Kindle

My rating: a great little book that puts a smile on one’s heart

 

I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

The Sun Zebra is a collection of five short stories written by R. Garcia. They are wonderful stories about the adventures in the life of a little girl, Nell, and her parents, and are told by her father. Perhaps this does not sound very intriguing, but don’t be fooled. Mr. Garcia writes with heart and humour, drawing the reader in as he cleverly tells his tale in an entertaining way, giving the reader the feeling of being there.

Five stories. Five adventures:

  1. The Sun Zebra – after which the book was named;
  2. Bob the Intrepid Insectnaut!;
  3. Raven-Lenore;
  4. The Meaningless Christmas Tree;
  5. Birdman and the Fairy Tale

The preface begins, “This book is best described as a children’s book for grownups.” – and that’s a great way to begin. Each story inspires the reader to look at the seemingly insignificant things in life a little differently, and challenges one to see through the innocent eyes and understanding of a curious and thoughtful young child. As a delightful and easy read The Sun Zebra is enjoyable, interesting, funny, thought-provoking.

R. Garcia also writes under the pen name of Phantomimic. He has a following on Scribd.com where he shares his work, and which encouraged him to write a book. The Sun Zebra is the result of that decision. It is well worth his effort and a pleasure to read.

You can find The Sun Zebra on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂

 

 

Book Review: The Monstore – by Tara Lazar

The MonstoreBook: The Monstore
Author: Tara Lazar
Illustrator: James Burks
Publisher: Aladdin
Date: June 4, 2013
Genre: picture book for ages 4-7 (and far beyond!)
Pages:  32
Price: paper: $16.99; Kindle $15.86
My rating: A fabulously funny and gorgeous book!
 

Having ‘met’ Tara Lazar on the Internet, mainly through her Picture Book Ideas Month (PiBoIdMo) challenge, I HAD to buy this book. The Monstore is her first published picture book and what a fantastic debut!

This picture book is gorgeous! Not only is it entertaining, it is full of delightful, colourful illustrations that cleverly keep the reader searching for more hidden little creatures. I admit I bought it for myself, but I shared some reading time with my eight-year-old grandson. We both had great fun (no exaggeration) making our way through the story and finding the many monsters peeking out of hiding places and making Zack’s life hilariously frustrating.

But who is Zack? Zack is a little boy who has a big little problem. His little sister is a big nuisance! Zack decides to devise a way to keep her out of his room since the “Keep Out” sign he stuck on his door didn’t do the trick.

Zack visits the candy store where there is a trap door with a secret knock that is required to let him in … into The Monstore! Once there Zack begins something he wishes he had never tried. He buys a monster to scare his sister, but that monster leads to another and another  and … with No Returns No Exchanges No Exceptions … it is one monsterly problem for Zack! And a very entertaining adventure for the reader.

Tara Lazar‘s The Monstore is a wonderfully imaginative, brilliant story that – combined with fantastic illustrations by James Burks – captures one’s attention immediately. This is a book for not only the imaginations of four to seven-year-olds, but for everyone who loves a fun story filled with surprises.

Watch for my interview with Tara Lazar; not only do we discuss this book but some other wonderful things she is working on.

You can find The Monstore on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂

Book Review: On Our Own: Widowhood for Smarties – by Thelma Zirkelbach, Barbara B. Rollins, Becky Haigler, Robyn Conley

On Our Own, Widowhood for SmartiesBook: On Our Own: Widowhood for Smarties
Author: 67 different contributors
Publisher: Silver Boomer Books
Date: August 31, 2012
Genre: non-fiction anthology
Pages: 216
Price: $14.00
My rating: a bittersweet collection well worth the read
 

I was asked to read and review this book some time ago, and I’m glad I was given the opportunity. It was compiled by Thelma Zirkelbach, Barbara B. Rollins, Becky Haigler, and Robyn Conley.

On Our Own: Widowhood for Smarties consists of almost one hundred stories, poems, and essays from sixty-seven different widows and widowers who are working through the grief of the loss of their life partner. It is a journey through the grieving process someone in that situation will understand, while not being too far removed from the appreciation of others not yet there.

Some entries will put a tear in your eye, others a smile on your face, and a few may cause you to chuckle.

I like what it says on the back cover, so will include it here:

Widowhood…a status with some deference but a role few seek. A new beginning usually greeted with dread rather than anticipation. The writers of this collection express the range of emotions at the loss of a spouse but the overwhelming message is affirmation of the strength they find to create new lives after deep loss. Widows and widowers will read these stories and poems with knowing nods, sighs and smiles. Other readers will find insight into a common human condition and perhaps courage to face their own unsought new beginnings. As the subtitle suggests, this is widowhood for smarties, for those who acknowledge the pain of loss but who are learning to live in spite of it, even to build on it.

It’s obvious there was much thought put into the creation of this book. Along the bottom of every page there is a continuous appropriate offering of quotes, adding to and complimenting the main content.

Examples:

  • “Someone who thinks death is the scariest thing doesn’t know a thing about life.” – Sue Monk Kidd
  • “I don’t mind dying, I just don’t want to be there when it happens.” – Woody Allen
  • “Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.” – from a headstone in Ireland
  • “Grief can’t be shared. Everyone carries it alone. His own burden in his own way.” – Anne Morrow Lindbergh
  • “The pain passes, but the beauty remains.” – Pierre Auguste Renoir

This anthology gives a well-rounded taste of the experience of widowhood, the deep profound loss, the pain and grief, but it also is encouraging and hopeful. On Our Own: Widowhood for Smarties is not only for the grieving of the loss of a relationship, it is a glimpse into the experience and definitely a good read for anyone.

You can find On Our Own: Widowhood for Smarties on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂

We have our winners of Shadows in the Stone!

We have our winners of Shadows in the Stone!

01dlmcgyver-shadows-in-the-stone-small

Tonight my husband drew two names out of the basket.  Betty and Darlene will each be receiving an email from Diane with the coupon for them to obtain their copy of Shadows in the Stone.

Congratulations, ladies!  🙂

 

 

Please watch for more book reviews, interviews, and the occasional book giveaway.

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂

 

 

Book Review: Shadows in the Stone: Book 1, The Castle Keepers – by Diane Lynn McGyver

01dlmcgyver-shadows-in-the-stone-smallBook: Shadows in the Stone: Book 1, The Castle Keepers
Author: Diane Lynn McGyver
Publisher: Quarter Castle Publishing
Date: September 2012
Genre: fantasy
Pages: 368
Price: on Amazon – paper, $15.91 CDN; for Kindle $5.31
My rating: A memorable fantasy world with characters that will stay on your mind.
 

I had the privilege of reading this book, Shadows in the Stone, before its release. It had to brew in my brain awhile, as some stories do, so it has taken me a long time to write my review, for which I apologize to the author – but here it is! 

Fantasy is one of my favourite genres to read. This story took me to a different place and even yet some things have stayed with me. Diane Lynn McGyver created a whole new world, with characters the reader quickly cares about, and suspense, drama and mystery to keep the pages turning.

Having said that, I would not recommend Shadows in the Stone to young readers as some battle scenes may be disturbing, and there are very descriptive scenes of relationship intensity and some violent scenes.

The main character, Corporal Bronwyn Darrow, made up his mind to never love again after being deeply hurt by a woman he trusted. That is, until he meets the enchantress Alaura of Niamh. Bronwyn tries to keep his focus on his duty as he wants to move up in the ranks of the castle guard but he is very distracted by this troubled mysterious woman. She needs his help, though, and he cannot resist the challenge, being an honourable man. 

What nagged at me the most may not even be an issue for another reader. Bronwyn constantly runs through his emotions and thoughts regarding Alaura,  for whom he soon cares deeply. There were places I felt should be left to the reader to ‘get’ the first or second time and know from there without the constant repetition. Even so, the author built characters of dimension and heart.

There are warriors, royalty, peasants, villains, secrets, betrayal, danger, heroism, love, passion, suspense, exciting moments that are magical, and more, all leading to a satisfaction for the reader in the way events unfold. The author describes scenes and situations very well, weaving pictures in the reader’s mind. Where the author ended this story leaves the reader waiting for more. There are several unanswered questions relating to Alaura, the castle, the child Alaura cares for, and more mysteries. Fortunately, this is the first in a series, so we have more books to watch for in which we can anticipate those answers.

All in all, this is a good read fantasy lovers will find captivating and fascinating.

You can find Shadows in the Stone listed on my BUY THE BOOK! page.

Come back for my interview with Diane Lynn McGyver, the Canadian author of Shadows in the Stone, here on January 30’14. She has two copies of her book to give away to visitors who leave a comment after the interview! Don’t miss out!

Thanks for reading, and … Creative Musings!  🙂