The War of Words

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Thanks to NetGalley and Fog Ink Publishing for the arc of The War of Words by Amy Neftzger! This fantasy read contains a book that no one can read, words being transformed, people being confused, an interesting headmaster, an eccentric teacher and a talking gargoyle. The story begins with Kelsey fighting faceless shadows for the King. A fellow soldier, Eric, admires Kelsey and asks her questions to the point of annoying her. A book is mentioned that can win the war, according to legend. The only solid answer Kelsey can get about this book is from the “Sisters” who are all-wise. Kelsey also witnesses a cloaked man burning what she thinks looks like words. Other characters are introduced; Nicholas (a student), Newton (the talking gargoyle), Taro the headmaster and several others all come together to make this a fun, entertaining read. The War of Words is quickly paced and a fast read for fantasy lovers.

Poison Princess

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Poison Princess by Kresley Cole is the start of an amazing series. This book contains many genres, such as dystopian, supernatural, romance, adventure, mythology and fantasy. Poison Princess immediately intrigued me with the feeling of doom in the first chapter. I was pulled into the story because it is interesting in so many ways; the Louisiana culture and language and the fantastical and mythological pull around Evie. I love the Cajun vocabulary lessons and culture and I think I felt at home with it because I lived in Louisiana during an impressionable age while growing up. I lived in several areas of Louisiana between the ages of nine and twelve. The Cajun references made me smile and sometimes cringe because they were spot on.

The author changes the point of view from Evie to the kidnapper for the prologue and one other chapter. This strategic writing gives readers insight into the enemy’s world. Clever, Kresley Cole! There is a bit of swearing and sexual innuendo that I will warn students about, but I absolutely love this book with its dynamic characters and I plan on reading it again and finishing the Arcana Chronicles series as soon as possible.

Flamecaster

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Flamecaster by Cinda Williams Chima is the beginning of a new series set in the same place as the Seven Realms series by the same author. Adrian is thirteen with healing powers that he wants to learn more about so he can help in a better way than he does at the present time. He discusses going away to a school with his father right before they are both attacked and his father is poisoned and dies. His older sister Hana has already been killed by the King of Arden. Now only Adrian, his mother and younger sister are all that’s left of their family.

Jenna works in the mines with her beau, Riley and a young girl named Maggi. That all changes once the King og Arden visits the mines and wants to teach a lesson to the workers and he ends up killing the people Jenna cares about and she runs and hides to protect her life.

Adrian goes with Taliesen to school to learn magic and healing and perfect his abilities. Four years later, Jenna poses as a boy and Adrian has become a killer and a healer and both are taking their revenge. Destin adds to the mix of characters as good and bad.

Flamecaster is a great book full of mystery and fantasy with very dynamic characters. I am anxiously awaiting the sequel!

The Star-Touched Queen

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Griffin for the arc of The Star-Touched Queen by Roshani Chokshi! The book begans with an Arabian feel and the main character, Maya, has been shunned her whole life because of her horoscope readings. The Raja (Maya’s father and father of many other daughters) has given her the choice of who she will marry. Of course, there is a catch. Maya learns who she can and cannot trust in a complicated twist of reality and the underworld, “Otherworld”.

The Star-Touched Queen is so much more than I thought it would be when I read the synopsis. The story is vast and covers many dimensions of the world’s mythology and time. Beautifully written! I recommend this book to anyone who loves mythology and fantasy, with a touch of romance.

 

 

Cogling

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Here is my posted review from Goodreads: Cogling by Jordan Elizabeth Mierek is a fantasy in a steampunk world with a fairy tale touch! A hag steals a boy and replaces him with a machine, all unbeknownst to his family. As the children (Edna and Harrison) walk to the park, they pass vendors, beggars and storytellers. The story they hear explains the existence of the hags and other creatures. While listening to this story and watching her brother’s actions and pallor, Edna realizes Harrison is not himself and soon learns he was stolen by a hag and taken to a work factory. While trying to find her brother, she meets the mysterious Ike. Ike vows to help Edna rescue Harrison and many adventures ensue! Ike conceals secrets and so does Edna, but their relationship becomes more intimate and they began to truly trust each other. Cogling is a fun adventure with a bit of romance!

In the Forest

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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In the Forest by Art Collins is written for young readers and reminds me a bit of the Tucket Adventures series by Gary Paulsen because of the loyalty between the characters. In the Forest is a short book full of adventure and just the beginning of a series. I felt like the synopsis described the entire book to the point of making it almost unnecessary to read. That discouraged me and made it difficult to read through because there wasn’t really any unknown factor.

Off the Page

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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Off the Page by Jodi Picoult and Samantha Van Leer is the companion to Between the Lines by the same authors. Cute, charming and a clean romantic story with some teenage angst added to the mix. The story is innocent but still has enough stress for the characters to deal with, which raises the interesting factor! Definitely a fun read!

The Janitors Series

Posted on by lynndellwatson

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The Janitors series by Tyler Whitesides reminds me of the Bailey School Kids Monster series by Debbie Dadey and Marcia Thornton Jones; only a bit more mature. The series is more sophisticated than I thought it would be before I began reading Janitors. Each book in this series is a fun, easy read brimming with adventure and a few twists thrown in. This is a lighthearted series for readers who just want a quick book to get through or a book fun enough to sit down and enjoy!