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Bandit Flame is the story of a girl protecting her city and trying to solve her parent's murder from her childhood. There is a lot of action and mysteries to be solved.
I loved the base of this book. I loved the overall idea of a teen girl trying to save her world. However, this isn't a book I would recommend. I think the effort was great, and there is so much potential in this book, but it held a lot of problems. The grammar and even spelling in parts needs so much work. This book needs a hard core edit. While I was reading it, I couldn't focus on the story, because I was so distracted by the constant run-on sentences and other grammar errors. I think after a good edit, my rating would go up a few stars.
Almost on every page, about one to five words, sometimes more, would be completely capitalized. These words were like that to put emphasis on the words; I understand that. However, I felt like that was way too strong; it seemed like the page was screaming at me. The sarcastic elements in the dialogue are nice, but let them speak for themselves, or consider italicizing them instead to get the point across. It made it seem like the narrator was going to get hurt trying to get my attention, but if the capitalization had been relaxed, she would have gotten plenty of it without trying that hard.
I felt the plot wasn't bad. It seemed to take it a while for big things to start happening, but it did have some direction. Like I said, the basics are great. The writing just needs a lot of maturing.
I think I would be willing to give the second book a try, but only if these big issues were fixed. While content is extremely important, it is hard to notice it when a book needs some serious editing. After editing, there is definitely something here, and it would be great to see this author's potential really developed.
I loved the base of this book. I loved the overall idea of a teen girl trying to save her world. However, this isn't a book I would recommend. I think the effort was great, and there is so much potential in this book, but it held a lot of problems. The grammar and even spelling in parts needs so much work. This book needs a hard core edit. While I was reading it, I couldn't focus on the story, because I was so distracted by the constant run-on sentences and other grammar errors. I think after a good edit, my rating would go up a few stars.
Almost on every page, about one to five words, sometimes more, would be completely capitalized. These words were like that to put emphasis on the words; I understand that. However, I felt like that was way too strong; it seemed like the page was screaming at me. The sarcastic elements in the dialogue are nice, but let them speak for themselves, or consider italicizing them instead to get the point across. It made it seem like the narrator was going to get hurt trying to get my attention, but if the capitalization had been relaxed, she would have gotten plenty of it without trying that hard.
I felt the plot wasn't bad. It seemed to take it a while for big things to start happening, but it did have some direction. Like I said, the basics are great. The writing just needs a lot of maturing.
I think I would be willing to give the second book a try, but only if these big issues were fixed. While content is extremely important, it is hard to notice it when a book needs some serious editing. After editing, there is definitely something here, and it would be great to see this author's potential really developed.
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I received a free ebook copy in exchange for an honest review.
Pearl Luster is a short story about a young woman named Barbara who gets a surprising gift on her birthday.
This was a very nice short story. With it being that, it read very quickly and smoothly. I really thought the whole concept for the story was awesome, a new take on time travel without getting into a lot of science. What I found surprising in the story was the strong family bonds that are shown. They were done very well, though the situation was complex.
The only problem I had with this was I wanted to know more about Barbara. I thought the action was great, but I did miss getting to know more of her and her life, though that's not uncommon in short stories. With this being the first book in a series, I'm eager to see what other stories lie in this world. If you're a fan of short stories, romance, or a little time travel, I would recommend this to you. Solid 4/5 stars.
Pearl Luster is a short story about a young woman named Barbara who gets a surprising gift on her birthday.
This was a very nice short story. With it being that, it read very quickly and smoothly. I really thought the whole concept for the story was awesome, a new take on time travel without getting into a lot of science. What I found surprising in the story was the strong family bonds that are shown. They were done very well, though the situation was complex.
The only problem I had with this was I wanted to know more about Barbara. I thought the action was great, but I did miss getting to know more of her and her life, though that's not uncommon in short stories. With this being the first book in a series, I'm eager to see what other stories lie in this world. If you're a fan of short stories, romance, or a little time travel, I would recommend this to you. Solid 4/5 stars.
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*I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.*
Picking up right where the first book left off, Rose and Flynn are headed into the heart of the capital that could rip them apart or bring them closer together than before. Once there, secrets surround them and trying to find the truth in a government of lies could prove harder than they ever thought.
While I really liked the first book, I completely, 100% adored this sequel. The stakes go up way higher than I expected, and I just love the twists that are put in here that I never saw coming. As for Rose and Flynn, they both grow spectacularly in this. They are tested over and over as a couple and as individuals, and I never stopped rooting for them throughout their journey. Their weakness are constantly pushed to become their strengths, and I really hope to see more of their growth in the next book. I also love the characters we finally meet: Rose's father and mother. They are so perfectly villainous, and I love their unique additions to the story. The plot builds up wonderfully to the last breathtaking chapters of the book. The writing in this sequel has matured so well from the first book (that was still great) that the whole story shines beautifully. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next.
Picking up right where the first book left off, Rose and Flynn are headed into the heart of the capital that could rip them apart or bring them closer together than before. Once there, secrets surround them and trying to find the truth in a government of lies could prove harder than they ever thought.
While I really liked the first book, I completely, 100% adored this sequel. The stakes go up way higher than I expected, and I just love the twists that are put in here that I never saw coming. As for Rose and Flynn, they both grow spectacularly in this. They are tested over and over as a couple and as individuals, and I never stopped rooting for them throughout their journey. Their weakness are constantly pushed to become their strengths, and I really hope to see more of their growth in the next book. I also love the characters we finally meet: Rose's father and mother. They are so perfectly villainous, and I love their unique additions to the story. The plot builds up wonderfully to the last breathtaking chapters of the book. The writing in this sequel has matured so well from the first book (that was still great) that the whole story shines beautifully. I can't wait for the next book to see what happens next.
"At the Rose Chalet, wedding venue and service, love is never far from the air. For designer Anne Farleigh, she dreams of a love that matches her parents, but her dream gets shaken when a handsome P.I. brings her news about a half-sister. For Rose Martin, owner of the Rose Chalet, her current fiancé is great, but she fears he might never match up to the love she almost had with another man. Angelina Morgan, interior designer, has no tolerance for rude men, and that's exactly what glued-to-his-cell-phone businessman Will Scott is. Told in three separate stories, the three women learn what love really means, even when it comes in the most surprising of places." Full review at Fresh Fiction: http://freshfiction.com/review.php?id=43332
After the death of his mother, Stefan Drosselmeyer realizes he needs to make a change, starting with taking the next step after apprenticing with her father. When his mysterious cousin, Christian, shows up just in time, they set off in search of a mysterious nut to cure a princess who was turned into a living doll by a mouse bite. With a seven-headed mouse prince, a gentlerat, and a kidnapping, Sherri L. Smith spins a fascinating reimagining of the Nutcracker.
The world of The Toymaker’s Apprentice is one of the most unique I’ve read. Readers will move from a small house of a toymaker to castle walls to homes of squirrels and be mesmerized again and again. The chapters following Ernst Listz are particularly description, and I love how he knows so much rat history. The environment of the Mouse Queen and her sons presents an interesting area of madness, war, and surprising friendship.
With short chapters and frequent dialogue, this story reads quickly, and Smith expertly keeps the reader aware of what is going on with each character, even as their stories switch back and forth throughout. The character relationships progress wonderfully, especially between Stefan, Christian, and Samir. Christian and Stefan start the story as complete strangers, but they truly become family by the end.
Middle grade readers who want their stories filled with magic, adventure, and the importance of family will not be disappointed with The Toymaker’s Apprentice. Sherri L. Smith writes a beautiful story that makes the perfect addition to the reimagined Nutcracker line.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfiction/18875-the-toymaker-s-apprentice
The world of The Toymaker’s Apprentice is one of the most unique I’ve read. Readers will move from a small house of a toymaker to castle walls to homes of squirrels and be mesmerized again and again. The chapters following Ernst Listz are particularly description, and I love how he knows so much rat history. The environment of the Mouse Queen and her sons presents an interesting area of madness, war, and surprising friendship.
With short chapters and frequent dialogue, this story reads quickly, and Smith expertly keeps the reader aware of what is going on with each character, even as their stories switch back and forth throughout. The character relationships progress wonderfully, especially between Stefan, Christian, and Samir. Christian and Stefan start the story as complete strangers, but they truly become family by the end.
Middle grade readers who want their stories filled with magic, adventure, and the importance of family will not be disappointed with The Toymaker’s Apprentice. Sherri L. Smith writes a beautiful story that makes the perfect addition to the reimagined Nutcracker line.
Originally posted at YABC: http://www.yabookscentral.com/kidsfiction/18875-the-toymaker-s-apprentice
DNF. Ableist joke about 24 pages in used as a flirting method, then more problematic dialogue followed later. Nope.
Top 5 Reasons to Read Onyx and Ivory:
1.) The magic: Kate lives in a world where there are primarily two magic users: mages, who are respected and have a League of their own, and wilders, people with magic who are imprisoned and shunned. Kate is a wilder and has the ability to communicate with horses and other animals. Like many other wilders, she keeps this ability a secret. As the daughter of an infamous traitor to the throne, Kate is harassed enough. I love the exploration of magic in this world and the line that separates 'good' magic from 'bad' magic. While we learn about how the magic works in book 1, there are plenty of breadcrumbs to pick up in book 2 to deepen the magical world building.
2.) The romance: Kate and Corwin fit the bill for friends-turned-lovers-turned-enemies-turned-reluctant partners. When Kate's father attempted to kill the king, Corwin's father, their brief but strong romance was destroyed, and they were apart for 3 years. Kate is angry at Corwin for not showing mercy to her father, allowing him to be executed rather than her plea for exile. Corwin doesn't know how to face the daughter of his father's attempted killer who left his father's mind broken. While I wouldn't have minded their snarky banter to go on a while longer, I love how the two tried to reconcile their issues to face a bigger foe.
3.) The high stakes action: If you like fantasy with political intrigue, this certainly has it. Corwin must face three trials to determine if he or his brother should rule, while also dealing with the League's demands and an uprising from wilders. To top it off, scary creatures call day and night drakes are plaguing the kingdom, and no one knows who is controlling them. The action scenes were plentiful and engrossing, making this lengthier novel feel like a quick read.
4.) The dual narrative: Kate and Corwin both narrate the story, allowing the reader to easily get to know them both and understand their perspectives. Both have engaging primary and side character arcs, and I can't wait to follow them into the sequel.
5.) The secondary characters: As likable as Kate and Corwin are, their secondaries, Dal and Signe, nearly stole the show a few times. Both are witty and flirtatious with fascinating (and sometimes tragic) backgrounds. I would love to see a companion novel with them, but I'll happy take whatever I can get.
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/23413-onyx-and-ivory
1.) The magic: Kate lives in a world where there are primarily two magic users: mages, who are respected and have a League of their own, and wilders, people with magic who are imprisoned and shunned. Kate is a wilder and has the ability to communicate with horses and other animals. Like many other wilders, she keeps this ability a secret. As the daughter of an infamous traitor to the throne, Kate is harassed enough. I love the exploration of magic in this world and the line that separates 'good' magic from 'bad' magic. While we learn about how the magic works in book 1, there are plenty of breadcrumbs to pick up in book 2 to deepen the magical world building.
2.) The romance: Kate and Corwin fit the bill for friends-turned-lovers-turned-enemies-turned-reluctant partners. When Kate's father attempted to kill the king, Corwin's father, their brief but strong romance was destroyed, and they were apart for 3 years. Kate is angry at Corwin for not showing mercy to her father, allowing him to be executed rather than her plea for exile. Corwin doesn't know how to face the daughter of his father's attempted killer who left his father's mind broken. While I wouldn't have minded their snarky banter to go on a while longer, I love how the two tried to reconcile their issues to face a bigger foe.
3.) The high stakes action: If you like fantasy with political intrigue, this certainly has it. Corwin must face three trials to determine if he or his brother should rule, while also dealing with the League's demands and an uprising from wilders. To top it off, scary creatures call day and night drakes are plaguing the kingdom, and no one knows who is controlling them. The action scenes were plentiful and engrossing, making this lengthier novel feel like a quick read.
4.) The dual narrative: Kate and Corwin both narrate the story, allowing the reader to easily get to know them both and understand their perspectives. Both have engaging primary and side character arcs, and I can't wait to follow them into the sequel.
5.) The secondary characters: As likable as Kate and Corwin are, their secondaries, Dal and Signe, nearly stole the show a few times. Both are witty and flirtatious with fascinating (and sometimes tragic) backgrounds. I would love to see a companion novel with them, but I'll happy take whatever I can get.
http://www.yabookscentral.com/yafiction/23413-onyx-and-ivory
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