Book and Cat Librarian Wants More Than Five Stars for YA Novel

Title: Wild Awake
Author: Hilary T. Smith
Author's Web site: http://www.hilarytsmith.com/
Genre: YA
Publication date: 5/28/2013
Rating: 5 stars

ISBN: 9780062184689
Originally reviewed for The Book and Cat Librarian. www.bookandcatlibrarian.com.

Can I give this book more than 5 stars? Please? I was blown away. At first, I was impressed by the writing, and I took notes about what I liked, so that I could improve my own writing. For instance, the character development and amount of detail that went into describing characters, and everything else, was amazing. While we're on the subject of characters, Smith's were 3-dimensional and so vivid. Plus many were really interesting. The introduction of all these new characters into Kiri's life was part of what made her adventure so fun and um adventurey. The story sucked me in. With such great writing, that was bound to happen, but not all well-written novels are as absorbing. One note I took while reading said "Fun, crazy, mysterious story." That should tell you enough about this book. You know what was really neat? There was a MONTAGE in the book! It was of her playing the piano and all the prep work she was doing to get ready for a recital.  The pacing was fantastic, except for one part where there was some filler and I had trouble getting through it, but that was not far into the book and it didn't last many pages at all (this was the only negative thing I have to say and it's such a small thing in the grand scheme of things). Once I got past the short hump, the story gained momentum again. Speaking of momentum, the story starts off with a sane teenage girl. Once she finds out that her sister was murdered, we see how this news triggers a drug-fueled mental breakdown. Things get intense, but it happens at the right pace. It was a bit hard to read, because her mental illness was described too perfectly and was so realistic... but who am I kidding, even if it was hard to bare, I could not stop reading! There was even a love story! OK, there usually is, but this one was in the middle of the madness and was with a somewhat mysterious stranger, which is always the most fun in books. Kiri goes on an incredible life-changing journey, and I'm so happy I got to take it right along with her. Is it realistic for her to suddenly become sane at the end? No, so that doesn't happen, because that takes time, meds, and therapy, but the book ends on a positive and perfect note (hehe, she's a musician... NOTE. Yeah, yeah, I'll stop).

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Kirkus Reviews Crime Novel with Sarcastic Protagonist

Title: Devil's Run

Author: Frank Hughes

Website: http://www.frankhughesauthor.com

Genre: Suspense, Thriller

Pub Date: Aug. 16th, 2012

ISBN: 978-1478354550

Page count: 332pp

Publisher: CreateSpace

Reviewer: Kirkus Indie

Review Posted Online: Nov. 21st, 2012

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Jan. 1st, 2013

Review weblink: https://www.kirkusreviews.com

 

KIRKUS REVIEW

A pedal-to-the-metal crime novel in which a sarcastic private investigator gets more than he bargained for while working a missing person case.

Former federal agent Nick Craig is a man who doesn’t “play well with others.” He is impudent, ill-mannered and quick to deliver acerbic one-liners. Working as a private investigator for a respected Manhattan-based security consultant, Craig grudgingly accepts what appears to be a routine case: to find a University of Washington student who has disappeared. The case quickly grows complicated as Craig explores the dorm room of Kenneth Boyd (whom his own lawyer father called “a wimp”). His belongings are gone, his computer’s history has been erased and his car has been meticulously wiped clean. The only lead is a picture of Boyd with an attractive young woman known around the campus as a hard-core environmental activist. Further investigation leads Craig to Vermont and the base of a radical environmentalist who is being watched by the FBI. After witnessing the murder of that radical and his colleague (and almost getting killed himself), Craig eventually lands in the mountains of Colorado where he finally stumbles on a grand-scale conspiracy—and all of its jaw-dropping revelations. While the storyline is ingeniously knotty, it also requires a certain amount of suspension of disbelief; some of Craig’s exploits are incredible. But because the pacing is frantic and the narrative engaging, readers will undoubtedly not be too distracted.

This action-packed thrill ride, reminiscent of Ian Fleming and Nelson DeMille, will satisfy the most demanding literary adrenaline junkie.

-----
  The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Romance Features Alpha Male of Authors' Dreams

Title: Hex upon Me
Author: Beth Mikell
Author’s Website: http://bethmikell.wordpress.com/
Link to buy: Hex upon Me on Amazon
ISBN: 9781301159970
Genre: Fiction, romance, contemporary

Synopsis:

Savannah Deason made her workaholic status a life choice, opting out of anything resembling a relationship. Aside from the occasional bed warmer, the feisty, sarcastic executive enjoys her Gucci dreams with a champagne chaser. Until a night out on the town lands her hung over in bed with a tattooed, biker god of sin or so she labels him, anyway. But a twist of fate introduces Savannah to an ‘oh my’ god faster than her nail polish can dry.

Hexon James Montgomery is anything but normal—sexy with just enough lickable qualities to beg a saint to riot. As the third generation CEO of MK Steel, he has everything, including a piss-poor attitude upon women. Love ’em--enjoy ‘em—and then walk. Having been burned by his ex-fiancé, Hex isn’t looking for a repeat performance. Yet, Savannah aka his sarcasm princess, obliterates his single life credo until trust burns on the edge of sanity.

Excerpt:

“You know,” he whispered, “had I known last night what I know now, I could have persuaded you to stay this morning.”

She drew a sharp breath, thrown off-balance by his closeness and his sexy male scent filling more than the office. “Um…excuse me?”

He chuckled, his hand reaching out to smooth over her hip. “You heard me, princess--nothing like schmoozing the boss lady to get ahead...or at least a late slip excusing my tardiness.”

Savannah turned her dark eyes on him, attempting her death glare, but only succeeded in drowning in his playful blue eyes. The warmth of his hand on her body made her heart skip, traitor. “I know you did not just go there. You must either be incredibly arrogant or completely stupid, Mr. James. Besides, last night was a mistake, plain and simple. It’s best left forgotten, know what I mean?”

She heard herself say the words, but somehow her body wasn’t listening to the facts. Her pulse leaped through her chest and up her into throat until her parched mouth felt dryer than the Sahara Desert. Worse still, her two-timing body wanted to jump into his arms. The verdict was in…she was definitely a hussy where he was concerned.

He stood, towering over her, his hand sliding around her waist, hauling her up against his body.

Again…she fit perfectly.

He leaned his head just inches from her lips. “Tell me something, princess, if I make a liar out of you…will you forgive me?”

 About the Author:

My roots are in Florida, born and raised and I’m as American as the apple pie I learned to make about ten years ago. At thirteen, my family moved to Alabama and as the years turned into several, I traveled to many countries around the world, including the Middle East.

I fell 'in love' with love at a young age and continue to believe that love really does conquer all…or at least leave me blessedly happy by the end of a book. I adore alpha males…the my-way-or-the-highway-take-no-prisoners kind of heroes, especially when they screw up and land themselves in ‘hot water’ with the heroines. It’s what makes me read another romance. It’s the moment when the Hero comes to save the damsel in distress by assessing, fighting, and then saving. Tilting the romantic ink is my passion and sharing it, my desire.

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Romance Reader Recommends Lusty Novel

Jaded Hearts

By Olivia Linden 

Author's Web site link, http://Vialinden.com

Genre: Romance
Publisher: Amazon

Rating: 5 Star 

Reviewed by Patrice, originally for Amazon

 I simply adore this book. The author weaves love, lust, hard decisions, good times and bad into a literary tapestry that encompasses the essence of both "coming of age" and coming into womanhood.

Olivia Linden tackles hard topics and issues close to the heart of both men and women. Both John and Julian come together to create the single "perfect" man of many women's dreams. While Jade comes to terms with the demons of her past and must make the choice to move past them, and choose a love that is right for her.

This book is written with elaborate yet realistic detail, laughs, sensuality, suspense, intense romance, and realism.

I recommend it for all to read!
----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Poem for Children Gets Librarian's Thumbs Up

Al the Green Rain Train

By Alfred Guajardo

Paperback: 28 pages

Publisher: AuthorHouse (January 11, 2012)

Language: English

ISBN-10: 145679924X

ISBN-13: 978-1456799243

 

 

Reviewed by James C. Scott MA, MLS, Information Services Librarian, originally for Amazon

This book is about a Green vintage locomotive cartoon character that spreads his goodwill, with mother nature’s wonders, like constructing a Rainbow, filling a lake, making a tornado, and more, as most is written in a poetic and educational form, not only structured for a beginner, while being peppered with rhymes, chimes, and colorful Illustrations, but for an advanced reader as well, that will enjoy the definitions for each illustration, as he or she thumbs through the glossary, looking up words like appreciation, conservation, awareness, tornado, and more. A learning experience to be remembered and appreciated, may this book be one of the many your child reads and enjoys.

About the Author:

Alfred Guajardo was born in Loveland, Colorado, raised in Sacramento, California. My nephew and niece Juan Manuel, and Selena Rose Guajardo, asked me to write a poem for them, one thing led to another, and after a year and a half I ended up writing a book that they both enjoy, and my philosophy in reading, is that if your child is not able to read, he or she will learn sooner or later, better sooner, then later, as reading is the stepping stone towards a never ending educational journey, In due time with a little help, your child will not only learn to read but will enjoy it as well. Thank you and enjoy your quantum leap in meeting your child for a unique odyssey.

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor. As a courtesy to the author, please tweet and retweet this post using this little green retweet widget :

Tiffany Loves Books and Loves This Paranormal

 

Descended 

Fallen Guardian Saga #1

By Debra Ann Miller

Genre: YA Paranormal Romance

Author Website: http://debraamiller.blogspot.com/

Published by: Amazon & Debra Ann Miller

ISBN-10: 1480177806

ISBN-13: 978-1480177802

5.0 out of 5 stars Definitely Recommend

Reviewed by Tiffany originally for Amazon and her Tiffany Loves Books blog 

So... I started reading this novel feeling a little lost. Let me be honest, it had been a while since I read the blurb and I had no clue what I was getting myself into. Well that being said, the preface drew me and was a total distraction once chapter one started. It was a kind of over-anxious attempt to complete a puzzle while only having one piece. Make sense? I was in over my head. I managed to maintain this sense of confusion for the first couple of chapters...

 

Then I completely fell in love. The story is well set up and once the story telling starts I was completely swept up into it. It is an impossible to put down, action packed, romantic, suspenseful read that is captivating. Miller manages to always maintain the element of the unknown that allows for many surprises and constantly keeps the reader guessing. I love how Miller does high school drama. It is unique, well done and never boring or dull. I love Vie's wit and her quick and smart responses. I love the wide array of well-developed characters, the attention to detail and a very well done third person narration.

All in all, it is an excellent read. I was completely captivated and am looking forward to the sequel. I love the resolution to this novel- It ends well yet it left all this intrigue and a few unanswered questions which make reading the sequel a must. I love the romance in this novel and how utterly spellbinding Descended is. This is a read I definitely recommend.

 

-----

The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.

Reader Compares New Sci-Fi Novel to Asimov

Reach

By Karen A. Wyle

Second in series after Twin-Bred

Genre: Sci-Fi

Author's Web site:  http://www.KarenAWyle.net/reach.html

ISBN: 978-1484889886
(ASIN: B00CWH5SPG)

 

Reviewed by R. Lee Holz originally for Amazon and Goodreads

 

“Reach is a worthy sequel to Twin-Bred, which I praised as one of the most original and beautifully written Sci-Fi novels I've ever read. The story line of Twin-Bred is continued and raised in level of depth and complexity. At the same time, a new and exciting story line is added. There is enough back-story provided that Reach can be read as a standalone novel. However, I think readers will benefit greatly from having first read Twin-Bred so as to fully understand how and why the Twin-Bred came into being and why the concept is so different from the usual human/alien encounter books. I trust and hope we are seeing the beginning of one of the outstanding Sci-Fi adventure series. Although the scope and focus differ greatly, I compare the emerging Twin-Bred series with Asimov's great Foundation novels in terms of interest and, particularly, political intrigue. Highly recommended.”

About the Author:

Learn more about author Karen A. Wyle at  www.KarenAWyle.net and

www.facebook.com/KarenAWyle

 

-----
The New Book Review is blogged by Carolyn Howard-Johnson, author of the multi award-winning HowToDoItFrugally series of books for writers. It is a free service offered to those who want to encourage the reading of books they love. That includes authors who want to share their favorite reviews, reviewers who'd like to see their reviews get more exposure, and readers who want to shout out praise of books they've read. Please see submission guidelines on the left of this page. Reviews and essays are indexed by genre, reviewer names, and review sites. Writers will find the search engine handy for gleaning the names of small publishers. Find other writer-related blogs at Sharing with Writers and The Frugal, Smart and Tuned-In Editor.