Showing posts with label adaptations. Show all posts
Showing posts with label adaptations. Show all posts

Tuesday, October 11, 2016

Book Review: Air Awakens - The Air Awakens Series




Synopsis


A library apprentice, a sorcerer prince, and an unbreakable magic bond...

The Solaris Empire is one conquest away from uniting the continent, and the rare elemental magic sleeping in seventeen-year-old library apprentice Vhalla Yarl could shift the tides of war.

Vhalla has always been taught to fear the Tower of Sorcerers, a mysterious magic society, and has been happy in her quiet world of books. But after she unknowingly saves the life of one of the most powerful sorcerers of them all--the Crown Prince Aldrik--she finds herself enticed into his world. Now she must decide her future: Embrace her sorcery and leave the life she's known, or eradicate her magic and remain as she's always been. And with powerful forces lurking in the shadows, Vhalla's indecision could cost her more than she ever imagined.

My Review



This is the first book in a five book series by Elise Kova. This book is 342 pages long.

Hated and feared by many, the sorcerers live in the confinement of the Tower to study in peace. That is, until a library apprentice grabs the attention of one of the most powerful sorcerers ever and the crown prince. The apprentice, Vhalla, isn't just a normal girl, though. She not only saved, the prince, Aldrik's life, but created a magical bond that lead to the discovery of her very rare and special magic. There is a war raging and no one can be trusted. As Aldrik and Vhalla grow closer more enemies try to tear them apart. What is so special about Vhalla? Will war tear the bonded apart?

This is a GREAT book!! Using Affinities as magical elements is a cool change. For example, Elise Kova chose the name Waterunner for a sorcerer using the element of water. I loved Vhalla's character as a whole. She was very strong(not physically) and her personality made her very easy to follow. I love this book and can't wait to read the next books in the series. I would definitely recommend this book for most ages. 

Sunday, October 9, 2016

Book Review: Arms of Anu - Arrow of the Mist Series




Synopsis

LIA yearns for the magic of trees, for freedom from the icy grip of prison, and for the loved ones she believes are lost to her forever. But more importantly, she knows that without her freedom, her people will be doomed from a tyrant king, the rage of war, and the demon's spell now worming its way inside her . . . 

KELVEN hides in the slums of Anu, striving for a way to save his beloved Lia and friend Wynn. A kingdom of despots, a city going mad, and deceit lurking in every shadow have become his world, but nothing compares to the nightmare he faces when darkness takes root inside Lia . . .

My Review

This is the second book of the Arrow of the Mist Series by Christina Mercer. This book is 252 pages.

After all of the White Haired Wonders time in Brume she was finally home, well... Until the Royal guards collected Wynn, he cousin, and her, taking them to the dungeons for spreading their magical tales across the land. Now Kelven and Holly must take many risky paths to sneak into the city and save the two heroes. With the demon residing in Lia, all she can do is fight with Kelven, her lover, by her side. Danger doesn't just spawn from the demon though. Their is a war raging between the Hawks, an army of rebels working to kill all the Royals, and the Royals. Will Lia survive her fight to keep her magic and body? Who will win this war? 

This book was AMAZING!! I loved the incorporation of the demon's hold on Lia and her thoughts on this demons pull. There was so much conflict, which made it all the more entertaining. The battle scenes were epic and unexpected. I felt part of the book and actually kinda wish I was. This book is a great book for all. Congratulations, Christina Mercer!

Saturday, October 1, 2016

Book Review: The Prophecy of Arcadia - The Arcadia Wars Series




Synopsis

"Would you sacrifice friendship and love in order to save your planet?"

Being a teenager is tough, especially when you have to pretend to be something you're not, and you're in love with someone you shouldn't. 115 years ago, a small planet called Arcadia was invaded by a vicious alien race and nearly destroyed. Cut off from their resources, the Arcadians turned to Earth for help. A group of Arcadian explorers discovered a Prophecy that claimed their salvation lay in the hands of two children from Earth. To ensure their safety, the Arcadian Council sent their most gifted youngsters to Earth to act as protectors. Samantha is one of them. To succeed in her mission she must learn to control her Arcadian powers and keep her true identity from her best friend, and the girl she swore to protect, Alexia. But Samantha will soon realize that nothing is as it seems. Someone is trying to prevent the Prophecy from taking place and the prophecy boy hasn't been found yet. There is also a new drug circulating at school that is turning students into freakishly strong menaces. 

To make matters worse, distractions keep getting in her way. Such as her love/hate relationship with her "cousin" Matthew. Or her confused feelings toward popular and mysterious Julian. She wants nothing more than to be free to live her life. But the survival of Arcadia depends on her and her friends. Free will is not an option.

My Review


This is the first book in the Arcadian Wars Series by M.H. Soars. This book is 416 pages long.

After the fall of Arcadia, a group of the most important Arcadian teens must protect their charge, Alexia, from all. Alexia is oblivious to the dangers and the Prophecy, her Prophecy. Sam is Alexia's best friend and "cousin", but these secrets just keep piling up. The Promised Boy is still no where in sight and Alexia is starting to get suspicious. After meeting Ethan, Alexia becomes otherwise occupied, so that give her "cousins" time to come up with a way to find the Promised boy. The Council is lying to the young Arcadians, though, and disobedience is what they must do to protect each other. It doesn't help that Sam is in love with her "cousin" Matthew and is having weird feelings towards the mysterious and popular boy, known as Julian. To make matters worse, a new drug is making super humans that go out of control, which is even more dangerous for the Arcadians, seeing as it makes it easier for Earthlings to be possessed. How long until the truths are revealed? What happened to Sam in that accident? Who is after Alexia? How does Ethan fit into the equation?

This book was AMAZING!! I guess this would be considered Sci-Fi because of the fact that they are Arcadians, but to me, this book is more of a paranormal/supernatural book. The abilities M.H. Soars uses in this book are so cool, like the incorporation of the Phoenix. I knew from the beginning that Alexia wasn't normal, but the Prophecy, WOW! That's definitely different. This book received four stars, because of the few times the F-Bomb was dropped and the fade-to-black sex and implied sexual content. This would be mostly for YA, depending on if the parent is okay with a teen reading this. In my opinion, this wouldn't be terrible for a teen to read, but parents might wanna still read the book. Great job, M.H. Soars and it was nice meeting you at UTOPYA!

Tuesday, September 27, 2016

Book Review: Falling - The Soul Collectors Series




Synopsis

An earthquake is coming, soon. A small town in Kentucky is set to be destroyed. Bayla, Heaven's Soul Collector, has been given two tasks; make sure the earthquake happens according to plan, and also make certain Gray Ellison, a teenaged human, survives. Bayla has a perfect record for completing missions; so, when another angel is added into the mix, she begins to question the Head Council's faith in her. Just as she is getting used to working with Hadraniel, her unasked for back-up, she has to face another hurdle. When Declan shows up with the mission to make sure Gray doesn't survive the earthquake, he starts to challenge all of Bayla's beliefs and plans. Declan isn't your typical demon. He's gorgeous and arrogant, but there's something about him that Bayla can't quite put her finger on. Declan's presence threatens the mission to save Gray, and Bayla herself. Will she be able to complete her assigned mission successfully despite these new obstacles, or will Gray be lost to Hell forever?

My Review


This is Falling by Tara Benham. This is a 230 page book of Greatness!

Bayla is the most skilled Soul Collector, aside from the demon Meph, in the world. When Elder Michael himself shows up to give one of the most important and dangerous missions Bayla will ever complete, she has to have backup. Han, a Blue-in-training, is assigned to help her along with a demon, Declan, that she is supposed to save. Her mission is to protect Gray, who is somehow important to future events, and keep him away from an earthquake that will kill everyone in the town. Bayla has always been distant when doing missions because of all of the death, but somehow this is different. She is starting to realize that being human isn't so bad. Her and her team need to come up with a game plan before this strange earthquake hits. Why is Gray important? How does Declan fit in? Will they win this battle between angels and demons?

This was a GREAT book full of beautiful landscapes and amazing characters!! I felt like I was part of the book and I loved Declan. His character was so confusing, but he had a GREAT personality. This book was full of many twists and new conflicts that left my head spinning(In a good way). This is a book for most ages. Great job, Tara Benham!!

Sunday, September 25, 2016

Book Review: Selected - The Zaratan Trilogy




Synopsis

Destruction.... A show of force... And a warning... 

Three isolated towns across the world have been destroyed in a show of force by alien invaders. It is a clear warning of what will occur if their demands are not fulfilled. The fulfillment: Human children between the ages of twelve through fifteen years. Kara Harper is an unremarkable fourteen-year-old girl who is selected by the aliens. She will be physically and socially orientated during the six months it will take to arrive at the planet Zaratan. The girl who liked the safety of being invisible, cannot help but stand out. Matt Sparks, the boy next door, is also selected. Kara has had a crush on him for as long as she can remember. He vows to safeguard her. The closer they get to their destination, the more difficult it becomes to live up to his promise. 

Kara is unsure if she has the strength to withstand the trials and physical changes she is forced to go through. In a new life, Kara will be torn. Will she be drawn in by an alien boy who has shown interest in her or by the powerful patriarch who sees her as the future of his race?

My Review


This is Selected by Evelyn Lederman. This book is 200 pages long.

Kara lives in a small town, goes to a small school, and has always thought her life was small in the long run, but when she finds out aliens exist her life will change forever. The aliens gave humans a choice... Send their younger teens on an adventure or humanity dies. Everyone of the right age, including Kara and her crush, Matt, are being forced to take tests to see if they have alien DNA present in their blood. When Kara learns that her and her crush are to be taken; they start to think of what this adventure means. The series of tests they must complete just keep getting more difficult, but Kara and her team are powerful enough to make it. What tests need to be passed? Will Kara survive? What do the aliens really want?

This was a GREAT book!! I don't normally read Sci-Fi, but this was a pleasant surprise. I loved all of the different challenges that had to be faced by Kara and her crew. Kara is a strong heroine that has a good backstory, but survives hard times. There is mild cussing, so this is a book for most ages. I would definitely recommend this book for Defiance, the show, fans to read. 

Sunday, September 18, 2016

Book Review: Wings of Shadow - The Underground Trilogy




Synopsis

Meghan's graduation gift is one that any eighteen-year-old would dream of: traveling abroad to England. Her journey turns into more adventure than expected when Meghan meets the mysterious Kiernan and accepts his invitation to a secret club, hidden beneath the streets of London. The eclectic dress of the club-goers is not the only unusual thing she discovers in the Underground. Kiernan's father has developed a warped set of rituals, and he targets Meghan as his next victim. Instead of the fun date she imagined, Meghan finds herself imprisoned and in a fight for her very survival.

My Review


This is the first book in a three book series by Anna Kyss. This is a 219 page book.

Now that Meghan has graduated and is free to do as she pleases;she decides to live a little. When she meets the very charming Kiernan, he pulls at her heartstrings and she can't help, but accept his date proposal. This date isn't the normal dinner/movie, but it is full of adventure and the quest for freedom. Kiernan isn't just your normal person and Meghan soon realizes that when Kiernan is forced by his father to drink her blood. After escaping the horrible Underground, she is forced to seek shelter in a Fae village. As she starts to fall deeper in the web of Fae and lies she learns the truth. Who are the Fae? Will the truth be her undoing?

This was a GREAT book! It had some romance, but it was mainly on Meghan's trials and errors as she tries to blend in amongst the Fae. I was definitely not expecting the ending, which ended, sorta, on a cliff-hanger. This is a book for all ages and I would definitely recommend this book to Fantasy lovers. 

Wednesday, September 14, 2016

Book Review: Army of the Winter Court - The Skeleton Key Series




Synopsis

The heart and blood of life will give rise to the final army. 

Evvie Hewett is human. Or at least she thought she was. An encounter with a handsome stranger turns her world upside down in an impossible way and everything she thought she knew about herself has changed. Her history holds the key, not only to her future, but to the future of the darkest kingdom in existence. Thrust into the middle of a rivalry between two brothers for the Unseelie throne, she must decide who to trust, and who not to. However, knowing who to trust has never been more difficult when one brother wants her heart, the other, her blood. 

She holds the key to the creation of the ultimate army. Threatened at every turn, she must find the truth before she loses her heart, and her life. Can she see past the lies and deception to stay alive, or will she fall victim to an ancient feud?

My Review


This is a book that is part of the Skeleton Key Series by Ali Winters. This is a 207 page book.

Evvie is now at college with her friend and roommate, Silvia. When she meets the mysterious Ian, she instantly feels a connection. After their date, she falls very ill and find a skeleton key with a mysterious note. After she realizes how to use the key, she finds herself in a realm beyond anything she could imagine. She meets Ian, later known as Auri in this strange realm and learns that not only are the fae real, but they aren't the cute, winged creatures of fairy tales. Everyone is only giving her half-truths, but one thing is for certain... She has to choose between two brothers to be king... One wants her heart and the other wants her blood. Who will she choose? Why her? Is this all just a dream?

This is a GREAT book!! The twists and turns are awesome and the characters are very developed. The ending was very unexpected and the key definitely made this whole adventure of a book possible. I'm very excited to read more books from the Skeleton Key Series. This is a book for all ages and I would definitely recommend this book... I take that back, I recommend reading every book by Ali Winters. I love you, Ali! :)

Sunday, September 4, 2016

Book Review: Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter - The Aurora Sky Vampire Hunter Series




Synopsis

If there is one thing eighteen-year-old Aurora Sky wants, it's to get off the iceberg she calls home. Being kissed before she graduates wouldn't hurt either.

Then a near-fatal car wreck changes everything. Government agents step in and save Aurora's life in exchange for her services as a vampire hunter. In Alaska. Basically she's a glorified chew toy. All thanks to her rare blood type, which sends a vampire into temporary paralysis right before she has to finish the job . . . by hand.

Now Aurora's only friends are groupies of the undead and the only boy she can think about may very well be a vampire.

My Review


This is the first book in a six book series by Nikki Jefford. This book is 260 pages long.

Aurora Sky's life hasn't been the best an eighteen year old could have. The people who she thought were her friends aren't actually her friends at all. She hasn't even had her first kiss, but everything will change when she is killed in an accident. The government has been looking for people with special blood and when they find a dead Aurora, they will do everything in their power to save her. But saving her might just do more damage than good. When Aurora finds that the price for her being brought back was to kill the living dead, she becomes conflicted. After she learns of her fate, she decides to make a resolution. When she meets Fane, she is instantly drawn to his bad boy demeanor. Will Aurora survive all of the tests and killing? Who can she trust? Why was she saved?

This was a GREAT book!! The book had a good plot with conflicts and twists. It only took me two hours to finish this book, because I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. The reason this book is labeled a four-star is because it is NA. I wasn't aware that it was NA until I started reading it. I wouldn't recommend this to teens. It has the F-word a lot and it has a sex scene. The scene isn't very detailed, but it isn't recommended for teen viewers. I would consider this for YA readers, but be warned. If I didn't just review clean teen/ YA books this would be five-stars. It was a GREAT book that ended on a huge cliff-hanger. Great job, Nikki Jefford!

Friday, September 2, 2016

Book Review: Heirs of War - The Heirs of War Series




Synopsis

Seventeen year-old Zelene has never believed in magic or been one to trust fate. Prophecies about princesses and long lost families were the stuff of fairy tales and had no place in her life. But then magic-wielding assassins attack claiming she is one of the five Duillaine Ainnir, the next generation of the most powerful women who rule over the worlds. Together, the five girls are prophesized to save the worlds from the war that has been raging for years. As their enemies strike, the girls are taken back to their world and discover the ties binding them together. Rhaya has always had an uncanny knack for reading people, but can’t seem to unravel the mystery tying her to Isauria, the new friend she bonded with instantly. For years, Isauria has been dreaming of Terrena, a girl living her life on the run in a magical world ripped apart by the tragedies of war, but Isauria is completely unaware that she is psychically linked to the world she was born in.

Zelene views them all, especially the elders, with a distrustful eye, familial bonds or no. When she learns that her long-lost twin Ariana has been captured by the rebels, Zelene’s attitude changes. She doesn’t know what she can do when her own magic is still locked within her, but can she trust the elders to rescue Ariana when it seems their medieval politics are what brought about the war in the first place? With all that is at stake, the answer becomes clear to Zelene.

Screw the worlds. She’s getting her sister back.

My Review


This is the first book in a two book series by Mara Valderran. This is a 295 page book.

Zelene had a normal life with normal friend. She never knew of her powers or her family that was spread out along Dhara, Earth and even other planets. Her opposite, Terrena is in another world wishing she could trade places with her kidnapped sister. When Zelene learns of her part in a different world as one of five princesses to rule the world, she must learn to cope. Kyle saves her life, but Zelene doesn't understand the half of him and his feelings. Being brought into a world she knows nothing about, she must rely on her sisters and friends to help her survive. How does a princess know to protect herself if she doesn't even know she is one? Does Kyle still have feelings for Zelene? Will the sisters help each other save their lost family?

This was a GREAT book!! The story was switched between all of the princesses and their stories. This is a book for most ages and only has mild cussing. The only real problem that I had with this book was how I started to mix the princesses' stories up, because they changed so much. There was a small;cute romance on the side, but it was mostly fantasy. Great job, Mara Valderran! I am excited to read the second book to this series! 

Thursday, August 25, 2016

Book Review: Underland




Synopsis

Long ago, before humans forgot them for all eternity, monsters and immortals retreated below ground to seek shelter. But what do the Greek Gods do when they're bored? They bring back the Olympic games--only a lethal version. The newest contender in these bigger, deadlier games is a young human girl they kidnapped from the streets above. For Kira Lier, it’s kill or be killed as she races against beasts she thought were just myths, to cross the finish line and win a chance to earn her freedom.

My Review


This is the first book of the Underland Series by Chanda Hahn. This is a 320 page book.

Kira Lier left her family home after lots of abuse from her stepdad. Living on the streets of Portland, she learns that the sewers of Portland aren't what they seem. After being dragged down to the sewers by some strange monster-like men, she finds that she was living under a city full of monsters. She was told that she would die and it seems that way after getting sold a slave to a man only using her as food to his warrior. Once she finds out her natural gift to lead and compassion, she is used in the games and she catches the eyes of the Underlords. And she might just be falling for a cute zeke(zombie) that wants to be at her side at all times. Will Kira survive the battles? Does the zeke want her too? Is her death inevitable? 

This book was GREAT!! The title definitely makes sense. This is a twisted Alice in Wonderland. It doesn't have any sexual content or cussing. I can't wait to read Underlords when it comes out in 2017. Great job, Chanda Hahn!! Definitely recommend this to teens/tweens and YA. There is violence, but it could be categorized as about as violent as Divergent.

Sunday, August 21, 2016

Book Review: Chasing Forgiveness - A Companion Novella




Synopsis

When terror strikes, forever altering your life, it doesn’t ask permission or forgiveness. Madeleine and Amélie’s quiet lives are ripped apart by a creature they never imagined could exist outside a horror story. Their mother is murdered, their father is missing, and the only safe haven is with a family full of secrets. But rescue comes at a price. Ripped from the light of youth, the sisters are forced into the shadows—where they meet brothers Rafe and Rowan. It’s not the time for infatuation or love, but the heart rarely listens to reason. Now, the young women have decisions to make. Will they be able to achieve their unified goal of stopping evil, or will it consume them from the inside out? They soon learn some choices can’t be undone.

My Review


This is Chasing Forgiveness, a companion novella, by Tia Silverthorne Bach. This book is 162 pages.

Madeleine and Amelia had normal lives with a normal family, or so they thought. When evil knocks on their doorstep their family is torn apart and the sisters have to fight. Awoken from the fight, the injured sisters meet Rafe and Rowan. The sisters are with what the others called a family, but they have many secrets. The sisters must live out their paranormal lives in fear and only hope that they can trust their new "family". Not only that, but love is blossoming between the sisters and Rafe and Rowan. Can the sisters trust their family? What other secrets are being hidden? Will love get in the way of survival?

This was a GREAT book!! I liked the twist of the sisters having "gifts", or powers, and Rafe's little pack. The ending was quite surprising and I found the book very hard to put down. This book doesn't have cussing and the sexual content is very fade-to-black, which means that it isn't descriptive. I would definitely recommend this book to many ages. The only thing to worry about would be violence, which it isn't horrible, but that is for the parents to determine for their kids. Great job, Tia!

Monday, August 15, 2016

Book Review: Tur - The Elsker Saga




Synopsis

Inga Andersson is the envy of every girl in Asgard. On the surface she has it all -- great friends, a job as Odin’s personal fight choreographer, and a happy ever after with her realm’s hottest assassin. But when evil invades Asgard, her perfect world comes crashing down. Someone is planning to kill off the gods, and Inga’s best friend Ull is first on their list. With the Norse apocalypse a nanosecond away, Inga has to decide how she’ll spend her final moments of freedom. Because from the moment this battle begins, Inga’s happily ever after will be nothing more than a memory.

Some things are worth fighting for.

My Review


This is a novella to The Elsker Saga by S.T. Bende. This is an 80 page book.

Inga has always believed that she had her happily ever after, aside from the fact that she never got the job of her dreams. When a new threat goes after the gods, she must protect not only her life, but also Ull's too. After being captured by giants, no one thought she would be ready for battle, but difficult measures call for difficult decisions. Will the gods trained warriors and routines be enough to save the bloodlines of the gods? Will Inga have her happily ever after? Is Inga truly ready to fight a life and death battle?

This was a good book. If you are wondering why it only has four stars and is labeled as NA, then I will tell you. :) There is more adult content, not sex, but very detailed make out sessions close to sex. Also, there is intentions behind some of their conversations, which isn't teen/tween appropriate. Other than that it is a GREAT book!! Good job, S.T. Bende.

Wednesday, August 10, 2016

Book Review: The Dimension Thieves - The Dimension Series





Synopsis

Free will was a birth right, once upon a time, but now it is a gift from the president. 
If you don’t agree, the president will have you droned.
Having erased an individual’s free will, the droned take on a robotic-like state, controlled by a broadcasted program and operating as mindless servants to society. 
Force Steele, son to one of the president’s highest ranking advisors, has vowed to eliminate Droning, especially after those closest to his heart are affected. But Force’s mission becomes impossible as the president orders the destruction of the Antidote Mechanism—the only machine that can reverse the program. 
In this gripping serial, Force partners with a shifty mechanic and a sketchy crew to travel out of their world and retrieve the parts needed to reverse the loss of humanity. They must journey across lateral dimensions, bartering, begging, and often stealing the materials they need—even from themselves—to fix their diminished society and save the people they love.

My Review


This is book on episode 1 of The Dimension Series by Misty Provencher. This book is 76 pages long.

President Baro has ultimate power over all the citizens of what used to be Earth. Now everyone is marked into categories that signify how important they are and if they should be droned. Not even the high-ranking citizens are safe anymore. President Baro has started mis-using his power to the point of mass-dronings and eliminating anyone that could stand in his way. Force and his friend, Pawl thought that if they became like their fathers, they would end the tyranny of the President, but the President is full of surprises. Force didn't know how involved his father was in all of the deaths and dronings, but he will soon find very disturbing information in the depths of his father's files. Force has to put all of his plans on hold when he finds out about his mother's problems. Will Force be able to win the President over? What is Force's father hiding? Why is Force's mother having problems?

This was a very cool book!! It was very futuristic, but civilization was on the brink of non-existing. I liked the twists at every corner, which only made the maze of the book a lot more fun to find the end. I enjoyed the side romance and I can' wait to read the next book and another of Misty Provencher's book, Cornerstone! There is only mild cussing, so this is appropriate for most ages.

Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Book Review: The Shadow Queen by CJ Redwine


 

Synopsis


Lorelai Diederich, crown princess and fugitive at large, has one mission: kill the wicked queen who took both the Ravenspire throne and the life of her father. To do that, Lorelai needs to use the one weapon she and Queen Irina have in common—magic. She’ll have to be stronger, faster, and more powerful than Irina, the most dangerous sorceress Ravenspire has ever seen.
In the neighboring kingdom of Eldr, when Prince Kol’s father and older brother are killed by an invading army of magic-wielding ogres, the second-born prince is suddenly given the responsibility of saving his kingdom. To do that, Kol needs magic of his own—and the only way to get it is to make a deal with the queen of Ravenspire, promise to become her personal huntsman—and bring her Lorelai’s heart.
But Lorelai is nothing like Kol expected—beautiful, fierce, and unstoppable—and despite dark magic, Lorelai is drawn in by the passionate and troubled king. Fighting to stay one step ahead of the dragon huntsman—who she likes far more than she should—Lorelai does everything in her power to ruin the wicked queen. But Irina isn’t going down without a fight, and her final move may cost the princess the one thing she still has left to lose.


Samantha's Review
 
   
I am a big fan of fairytale adaptions and retellings, but I also get nervous because sometimes my beloved classics get torn apart and hardly resemble a fairytale anymore. Thankfully, that is not the case with Mrs. Redwine's "The Shadow Queen!"
 
I really loved how it mirrored the Snow White story while feeling like it's own story on it's own. The characters were nice, though the death of one came at a shock and really did feel as though I lost a member of my family.
I really hope she does more stories like this with other characters, but set in the same land so they all meet again.

Monday, June 20, 2016

Book Review: The Neverland Wars by Audrey Greathouse



 

Synopsis



Magic can do a lot—give you flight, show you mermaids, help you taste the stars, and… solve the budget crisis? That's what the grown-ups will do with it if they ever make it to Neverland to steal its magic and bring their children home.
However, Gwen doesn't know this. She's just a sixteen-year-old girl with a place on the debate team and a powerful crush on Jay, the soon-to-be homecoming king. She doesn't know her little sister could actually run away with Peter Pan, or that she might have to chase after her to bring her home safe. Gwen will find out though—and when she does, she'll discover she's in the middle of a looming war between Neverland and reality.
She'll be out of place as a teenager in Neverland, but she won't be the only one. Peter Pan's constant treks back to the mainland have slowly aged him into adolescence as well. Soon, Gwen will have to decide whether she's going to join impish, playful Peter in his fight for eternal youth… or if she's going to scramble back to reality in time for the homecoming dance.

Samantha's Review
 

   
First let me say, I have never read the original Peter Pan. Also, I was never a fan of the cartoon or play. I just also found Peter Pan annoying and boring.
 
Now that I've said that, let me say I really liked this book. I liked the modern twist. Like Peter Pan was still around today and taking kids to Neverland.
 
It was really written well. It flowed nicely and didn't have any slow parts that held me up.
 
My only negative is that is ends in a huge cliffhanger. One of those cliffhangers that has you turning the page wondering where the next chapter is. I'm really hoping there is a book two in the works since there was no 'sneak preview' of the next book at the end of it. If you do not like cliff hangers you will find the ending very frustrating.
 
Additionally, it lost a partial star rating because at the very end of the book there is a rather lot of cussing (for such a small few pages) and there is drinking and drug use. This is simply a 'Belle's Beastly Book Blog' rating system regarding how clean a book is and may not bother all readers.