“Change is coming – coming like the winter wind. We cannot change the weather, Agulphus. But we can stand before the storm.”
No one is who they seem to be or where they should be in this humdinger of a high adventure. This high octane fantasy moves like Secretariat around the final turn at the Belmont Stakes. So you might want to buckle up, Buttercup. Here’s the scoop:
Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You know Dasher and Dancer and Prancer and Vixen… But do you recall the greatest reindeer of all, Kris’s closest friend and protector, Cedric? He didn’t have a shiny nose, but Cedric shines bright in the pages of this expertly crafted blend of magic, myth, legend, and a betrayal that changed everything.
Deck the halls with steak and T-bone, fa-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la!
What? Did I leave something out? That nice, juicy cheeseburger just sitting there on Mom’s plate? Well. Somebody had to eat it. But I think Mom’s forgotten about that. So let’s not remind her, okay?
Anywho, we’re ramping up on our holiday spirit with another Christmas book-ish review. It’s called The Bishop’s Knight. It’s kinda unsual-ish. (New word I just made up.) I’ll let Her Royal Momness fill ya in:
Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
You won’t find a miniature sleigh or eight tiny reindeer in Mark Ready’s fantasy novella, The Bishop’s Knight. But this nimble ‘Christmas story’ is a quick and compelling read.
Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Light the path, lead the way…”
Twelve year-old Maggie Thatcher gets more than she bargained for when her weekend at camp turns into a giant all-or-nothing race to save the world from a fate (and Fae?) worse than death in this charming middle grade fantasy.
Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This book is set in Babylon during the tumultuous reign of King Hammurabi. The story revolves around one of the king’s sons, Bani, and his quest to become king. There’s lots of palace intrigue and court politics in between. Also betrayals, lies, spymasters, treachery and double crosses. When Bani’s mother is murdered by a jealous rival and he is shipped off to another country as a “hostage,” the stakes get even higher.
A prophecy foretells that Bani will some day hold the fate of his nation in his hands. But Bani’s not so sure. Frankly, neither are we.
Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“They only have as much power as you give them.”
“Aaaaaaargh!”
Kimber: There goes Her Momness again, articulate as ever. We just finished this thriller-ish book. And have conflicting opinions. I’ll let Mom fill ya in:
Note: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
A tiny demon is trying to escape the pit of hell and avoid a return trip at all costs. So Jarilhil “the saintly imp” is sent to earth to “save” Francesco di Pietrodi Bernardone.
It seemed like a good idea at the time.
The Halcyon CrisisNote We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
“Ahoy, mateys! This is your Kimber speaking. Hands off the New York steaks and no one gets lick-ified!”
What? I’m just trotting out my best impression of “Mr. One,” aka: “Captain One” in this adrenaline rush of a thriller on the high seas thingy. I’ll let Her Momness fill ya in:
The Wind Rises“The things that really matter are those that only one or two people know.”
Once up on a time there was a valley. Lines of elephants dotted its distance. Wind rippled its grasses. Singing insects and swaying giraffes crowded its plains. Hidden by treacherous cliffs, the valley saw the birth of three children: A girl, Alma, and her two brothers, Lam and Soum. There was also a zebra with no stripes. And a little boy who runs away.
“The only reason everyone else in this game are winners is because they’ve lost everything. Everything down to their names and the names of their villages that no longer exist. They’ve lost their children. They have nothing left. And yet they pay for everything.”
Blanco and the Starry NightNote: We received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Blanco is a thirteen year-old graffiti artist in Los Angeles. He’s a ward of the state. In foster care. Blanco loves art. Paintings. Sculptures. And Van Gogh’s Starry Night, aka: Swirly Sky. All he’s ever really wanted, from as early as he can remember, is a family that wants him. Will a mysterious underground art community fill the bill? And what about the kids in this community who are “saving” art from the evil Master of Shadow? (Think Voldemort and Inkheart’s The Shadow.) Is the “forbidden wing” really haunted? By whom? Why? And what’s up with Smirk?
Pages & Paws 