Book Review: Holes

       This book is a classic. It's definitely out of the ordinary, but it's not so weird that I don't enjoy it. 

Sensitive content: a cuss word or two

Age recommendation: 11+ (if you attend to the bad words)

My rating: 4 star

   Okay, before I go any further, I need to note something. There are two phrases in it that are questionable. Firstly, a character uses the exclamatory version of the word h*ll one time. Secondly, the Lord's name is taken in vain once (or maybe twice). I do not condone this strong of language in the books I read, so I cross them out. Yes, I know some people may be horrified at me for taking a pen to a book, but I just blot out those two phrases, and the rest of the book is fine, language-wise. So let me just state up front that ignoring the cussing I cross out, I give the book 4 stars. 

   There is also a bit of slightly crude humor and a character briefly smokes. And there are mentions of racial injustice. But it is not vivid, and is merely historical. The book does not promote it in any way. Plus, the racial persecution is a key part of the plot.

   It's a really interesting story, though. I will admit it's not everyone's cup of tea. But I personally enjoy it. It's got unique characters and a creative plot. I love the tie-ins between the several storylines in the book. There is one main story, with two other storylines. I really like how well they are woven together.

   The main storyline follows wrongfully-convicted Stanley Yelnats, whose family is supposedly under a curse that was brought about by a scandal involving Stanley's no-good-dirty-rooten-pig-stealing great-great-grandfather, whose life is another timeline. The third timeline follows the adventures of outlaw Kissin' Kate Barlow, whose tragic backstory ends up affecting everyone in the camp Stanley is sent to–Camp Green Lake. 

   First off, Kate Barlow and Sam are very sympathetic characters. Secondly, I can't help but laugh at poor Stanley, who is sent to that ridiculous camp after supposedly stealing a pair of shoes. He always is at the wrong place at the wrong time. But though he's unlucky, he ends up making friends and unwinding the secret of why the camp Warden is really making them dig holes all day, every day in the hot sun on a dried-up lake in Texas.

Book Review Marathon #7: Rebel Mind

    And we've made it! This is our last stop. We've made good time in this marathon, and thank you for running it with me! This is the final book, book 6, Rebel Mind.

Sensitive content: some mild language such as "heck", "darn", and "idiot", some intense scenes, some violence

Age recommendation: 13+

My rating: 4 stars

   Last book released. And what an ending this book has! Honestly, I wasn't sure what to thing for a bit there, but as always, something unexpected happens that changes the course of the story. These books have a penchant for that, don't they? 

   Okay, first of all, I want to note that this book is definitely the most intense of all of them. It also has quite a bit more psychological stuff in it than the other ones do. Example: it deals with tech trying to reprogram a person's brain. So, it's a bit more intense than some people prefer. I thought I'd note that up front. This book isn't necessarily for everybody.

   While it is more psychological than I usually read, I personally found it interesting. Lee's a whole lot smarter than the villains give him credit for. In fact, one of the biggest mistakes they make is underestimating Simon Lee. He wasn't in the top ten on the FBI list for nothing! 

   This book drew most (or a lot, at least) of the plot points together. And it has my favorite character in it, so that's a plus. (For everyone who has read it and knows what in the world I'm talking about, that character, is KY.)

Book Review Marathon #6: Not Enough

    This is book 5.5, and it comes between Winnie Winfield and Rebel Mind.

 

Sensitive content: a use of the words "stupid" and "idiot"

Age recommendation: 13+

My rating: 4.5 star

   This book . . . really hit me. I unashamedly cried at it. It's heartbreaking, honestly. But so good! It gives a lot of context to the later books and why characters are the way they are. I definitely plan on rereading it and re-crying at it in the future. I would say it's my favorite book of the series.

Book Review Marathon #5: Winnie Winfield

    This is book 5 in the series. 

Sensitive content: some mild language like "heck" and "stupid", some intense scenes, some violence

Age recommendation: 13+

My rating: 4 stars

   This book has a bunch of turning points in it. It kept me figuratively on the edge of my seat. Lee is knee-deep in precarious situations, such as having to protect the people around him while working to take down terrorists and villains who would like nothing better than to destroy the United States. 

   This book has a bit more of Lee's new-found faith in Christ, which I really appreciated, and it also might introduce one of my favorite characters into the storyline. . . .

Book Review Marathon #4: Most Wanted

   This is book 4.5 in the series . . . it comes between Ghost Hunter and Winnie Winfield.      

Sensitive content: some mildly intense scenes

Age recommendation: 13+

My rating: 4.5 stars

   This is a go-between book that you must not read until you've read Ghost Hunter all the way through. If you try to read it as a stand-alone, you will find yourself confused, perhaps disappointed, and informed of a plot point that finds its solidified appearance in the book before. This short story links directly to both Ghost Hunter and Phantom Thief, so don't read it out of order. 

   I actually really enjoyed this one . . . I loved how it showed Winfield's faith in God and his caring for other people. I know it's short, but it's honestly one of my favorite books of the series.

Book Review Marathon #3: Ghost Hunter

       On to the third book in the series!

Sensitive content: some mild language like "idiotic", some intense scenes, some violence, some death

Age recommendation: 13+

My rating: 4 stars

   Okay, this one kind of kick-starts the chain of events that lasts into Rebel Mind, which is the last book published in the series (at least, so far). Pieces of Lee's past kind of start falling into place, and everything sort of starts connecting together. Specters from the past show up, some people die, and a few serious injuries take place. So . . . it's probably one of the more intense books. And it's also pretty vital to the storyline. So, like I said at the beginning of the marathon, it's best to read these books in order . . . otherwise, you'll miss important plot points.

   Okay . . . if I made a list of the top ten characters that absolutely grate on my nerves, Lever would be on it. He just cannot leave people alone! 

   This one is a bit more sad. *Certain* characters die, and while I didn't particularly like one of them, I wouldn't wish that on her. The other two, though . . . ! That should never have happened!

Book Review Marathon #2: Murphy Lawson

    Next stop, coming up. This one is especially interesting! It's book #3 of the AKA Simon Lee series, Murphy Lawson! Read my review for the book before, Guardian Eagle, here.

Sensitive content: some mild language like "heck", mentions of drugs and terrorism, some intense scenes, some violence

Age recommendation: 13+

My rating: 4 star

   In this one, Lee finds himself thrust into an unfamiliar and unwelcome environment––high school! But, like most situations he's thrown into, he can handle it. After, what could go wrong in a public school, right? 

   This one is a bit more intense than the first two. I think this one is where the storyline really starts picking up speed. It starts getting deeper into Winfield's past . . . and Lee's. On that note, I'd say people who don't prefer books that are a bit more intense probably wouldn't like this one. It deals with taking down terrorist groups and stuff like that. It also mentions drugs and alcohol consumption, but they are portrayed in a bad light and not encouraged. I thought I might note that.

   Overall, though, it was really interesting, and it ends up giving headway to something bigger than anyone might've anticipated. . . .

Favorite Authors & Books #11/Book Review Marathon #1: Christmas Hostage

    Before I begin this book marathon, I have an important announcement! I don't know why I haven't done this already, but P.D. Atkerson, I'm putting you down in my "Favorite Authors & Books" file. 

   Before I continue:

WARNING:

When reading this book series, it is highly recommended that you proceed with caution . . . AKA read them in order.

   Alright! Let the marathon commence . . . grab your water bottles, make sure your shoes are tied (unless you're wearing slip-on sneakers like me), and let's get going. Every book review should pop up every four days until I've made it to the last book (Rebel Mind). 

   And we're off! First stop coming up: Christmas Hostage! This is actually book 1.5. See my review for the AKA Simon Lee book #1 Phantom Thief here.

Sensitive content: some mild language such as "heck" (if I'm remembering correctly)

Age recommendation: 13+

My rating: 4 stars

   This is an in-between story . . . it comes after Phantom Thief but before Guardian Eagle. It's short, but as exciting as ever! Simon Lee can't stop getting into intense situations . . . and for all of us readers, that's good. That means more books! I really enjoyed this one. He's a softie in some ways, though he'd never admit it. 

   Find it on Amazon or Goodreads!

Book Review: Reflection

   I've got an out-of-the-way book to tell you about. It's by author C. Everett.

Sensitive content: a few uses of the word "stupid" and "idiot"; some (mildly) intense scenes

Age recommendation: 10+

My rating: 4 stars

   This is a story about a girl who, after unknowingly acquiring a time-travel watch, finds herself traveling a year into the future. Once there, she discovers something that will change the course of her life and gives her a time limit to get back to reality. Along the way, she meets the maker of the watch and a new friend named Parker.

   This is an interesting book. I will admit, if you're only paying half-attention to the book (or can easily get sidetracked), the timelines in this may trip you up a bit. At one point, the main character is in a time line on top of a time line on top of a time line. Yeah. But it makes more sense when you read it, instead of just taking my word for it! It is written in a very relaxed manner and is a rather short read, yet the descriptions and situations keep your attention to the end. I enjoyed it the first time I read it . . . and the second time . . . and the third . . . and the. . . . 

   Find out more about it on Amazon or Goodreads!

   

Note: this is not a part of the book review marathon I promised. The marathon will hopefully start next week.

Random Thoughts

    Okay, I've been busy, preoccupied, and maybe a bit lazy lately. Hence, my absence. I'm hoping to get back on track soon with a Book Review Marathon. It will be featuring P.D. Atkerson's own Simon Lee series. I've read nearly all of them but have only reviewed two, so I'm hoping this will help me get a bit more consistent with my posts.

   By the way, I'm going to be absent almost all of next month, so any comments won't be published until I get back. Just a note.

   Also, you might be seeing a bit about some not-so-new WIPs I haven't mentioned yet. 

   I'd make this post drag on longer for the sake of it, but I haven't got much else to say for now. 

   

   

  

Book Review: Guardian Eagle

     So. . . . . .

   This is the book after the infamous Phantom Thief AKA Simon Lee (read my review of that book here). Just as the first book kept me guessing, laughing, scratching my head, and groaning in frustration, this one kept my anticipation up throughout. How could it not? It's Simon Lee we're talking about!

    

Sensitive content: some mild language such a "heck" and "idiot;" some intense scenes, some violence

Age recommendation: 13+

My rating: 4 stars

   Before I dive in, I need to throw out a very important warning label: 

if you have not read Phantom Thief, do not read this book!

   It links directly to the first one, and has major spoilers. However, if you have already read the first one and enjoyed it, then I certainly would suggest going and reading this one! It did not disappoint. Simon Lee is back at it: foiling evil plans, making a few of his own, outsmarting all those amateur people who underestimate him, and doing things that ordinarily are not recommended (such as thrusting oneself headfirst into a dangerous situation involving highly-trained enemy agents). It's suspenseful, shocking, amazing, disgustingly smart, original, and attention-grabbing-and-keeping. P.D Atkerson, you've done it again!

   Murphy Lawson is next, and I can hardly wait!

*I received an ebook copy in exchange for an honest review. All these opinions are my own* 

Book Review: Kiera/Favorite Authors & Books #10

    After reading various recommendations and reviews about this book, I was *very* excited to receive it for my birthday recently! I'd been planning on buying it myself, but turns out, it was gifted to me just before I'd made up my mind to purchase it. 

And now, may I present. . . .

Sensitive content: some romance (but it's between husband and wife), some serious content (regarding imprisonment, death, and baby embryos)

Age recommendation: 12+

My rating: 5 stars

   My anticipation for this book was not wasted or disappointed! I adore this book. It has some more serious themes, as stated above, but it is not vividly described and portrayed in a biblical view. The entire book has a definite Christian theme, which I very much appreciated. 

   I'm going to take a moment here to state one definite, indisputable fact: Brennan is an a.m.a.z.i.n.g character. I can't go further than that without revealing spoilers, but may I just say that I loved his role in this storyline! No, he's not perfect. But he grows a lot, and proves himself a reliable friend to Kiera especially. 

   And Kiera is somehow very relatable . . . at least for me. Of course, she's not just like me (I'd definitely react differently to a certain situation she's placed in), but the emotions she deals with are not over-exaggerated. I appreciated how she never turned her back on God, even when she's confused and hurt. 

   This earned a full five stars from me! I loved the Christian theme, the unique plot, and pretty much everything. It's very well-written, and the romance is very sweet and appropriate. Oh, and Jade. . . ! I love that little girl.

Book Review: Annabeth's War/Favorite Authors & Books #9

    No matter how many times I read it (and I think I've read it at least three times), this one seems to never get old. Not sure why. Maybe it's because of the ending . . . ? Or perhaps just because it's one of my favorite genres of books? At any rate, I find it a very interesting read.

Sensitive content: one "idiot," use of the word "stupid," some romance (but nothing vivid or immoral), some intense scenes, swordplay, mentions of/scenes with torture methods

Age recommendation: 12 or 13+

My rating: 4.5 stars

   Let me clarify something here. As to the romance, it may be more than some readers prefer. However, there is nothing I personally find that makes me uncomfortable. There is some "hugging" if you can call it that, but a lot of the time, it's because the girl is injured *spoilers!* and leans against the guy for support. And there is a few kisses, but they are only on the forehead and maybe the cheek. I just wanted to specify that for anyone who might have qualms about how "much" the romance is. 

   I personally really like this one. It is perhaps more intense than a lot of the books I read, but I don't mind much, as those more intense scenes are crucial to the plot and are not vivid. There is some content dealing with the medieval torture rack, and for that, I would caution that this book probably wouldn't be best for sensitive readers. Other than that, it's a great read! And it has some fairly strong Christian themes in it.

   I love the medieval setting. It's similar to Robin Hood (though I must say I like this story better), with swordplay, daring chases and escapes, the heroine wielding the sword, and, of course, the evil king being brought to justice. I really enjoy a well-done kingdom adventure book, so this one suited me well. It's definitely a re-read.

   Also, may I just take a moment to express my delight at the gorgeous cover?

Book Review: Phantom Thief AKA Simon Lee

    If I could say one word. One word to sum up my feelings about what transpired in this crazy book. That word would be . . .

   Wow.

   I'm going to be honest. This one threw me for a loop. It was exciting, frustrating, befuddling, and very, very good at making me feel inferior. (AKA . . . Simon Lee has all the technological smarts that I do not!) Which specific book am I talking about? 

Sensitive content: some mild language such as "moron," "heck," and "idiot;" some intense scenes, some violence

Age recommendation: 13+

My rating: 4 stars

   I'd heard a lot about this one from writer friends of mine, so I was pretty excited when we got it for free. I proceeded to read about halfway through before having to put it down (the horrors!). I made sure to pick it up as soon as conveniently possible, however, and I finished it last night. And did it ever finish! That was definitely a surprise ending. I've no clue how I was oblivious to the hints sprinkled throughout the storyline, but I never saw that coming! How . . . ?? 

   It's smart, witty, exciting, and rather strange at times (but then, I gave up trying to understand the main character some time ago). But it did not fail my expectations for a wild ride through Lee's escapades, spur-of-the-moment-yet-somehow-planned-at-the-same-time encounters with *ahem* certain detestable characters, and quick wit. 

Signed,

Martha

Book Review: Firmament #1: Radialloy

   This book was . . . interesting. I guess I didn't really know what to expect when I opened to the first chapter. Okay, I expected a sort of nerdy, cliché space western or something. 

 

   Ha. Ha. Ha.

   I'm going to be honest . . . while I greatly enjoy many books, very few actually instill an edge-of-your-seat excitement in me. I can wiggle in my seat in anticipation; I can hold my breath and begin reading faster to see what will happen; but rarely do I genuinely feel any form of anxiety during a book scene. 

   Well! There's a first time for everything, right?? I won't deny it . . . this book had more than one scene in which I started scooting forward in my chair, my eyes widened, and I actually felt my heart rate increase. I will just tell you that this book has more than its share of intense scenes, chases, captures, deceptions, and science-y stuff I loved but did not really understand. Like the scene when Commander _____ tells her he's ____ _______ and then turns around and . . . . ! Okay, I can't say anything else, or I'll spill the entire plot! 

   I'll just say this: if you enjoy a good sci-fi, a creative plot with twists and turns, and a book that has a feeling similar to that of Star Trek (space exploration), then go read this book!!

Sensitive content: use of the word "fool," some violence

Age recommendation: 12+

My rating: 5 stars  

   Okay, I need to note here that I personally rate it as 5 star. I found it well-written, engaging, creative, and very unexpected. However, due to some psychological content and other aspects, I would say this may not be for absolutely everyone. For instance, those who dislike confusing, technological things may not like it too much. But for those who don't mind a bit of space tech and a science-y mindset (again, like Star Trek), this book is pretty good! (I'm not by any means a "tech-y" person, but I thought it was very interesting.)

   Anther thing . . . there is a definite Christian overview to it. The MC (main character) is a Christian herself, and there is a brief motion toward the gospel and what it means to be saved. I appreciated that. And since I'm on this topic, I may as well note that, as I previously mentioned, the word "fool" is used a few times in the book; the MC uses it to describe her own lack of inattention a few times and the bad guy (not saying who!!!) uses it because . . . well, because he's a bad guy!

   Yeah, anyway . . . there's not much more I can say without having to zip my lips shut in an attempt to not exclaim about that intense scene where she ____ed the guy who turned out to be her _______! I did not see that coming!

Signed,

Martha

P.S. Can we just take a moment to appreciate the cover?? Thank you.

Favorite Authors & Books #8: A Snow-Globe World

    Okay, I know this is not for the 10 Days of Christmas, but I ha-a-ave to gush about this book to you all, so here goes.

 A Snow-Globe World 

   I recently (like, two days ago) read this and oh. my. goodness! It's one of the most beautiful Christmas stories I've ever read! It's sweet, encouraging, oh-so-Christmasy, and very clear in presenting the message of what Christmas really is. And that cover . . . just . . . *delighted sigh*

   It was written by a special writer-friend of mine, Chelsea Burden, so I was super excited to read it. And it did not fail my expectations. In fact, it surpassed them. It's well-written and engaging. And creative! I've never read a book quite like that. Oh, and not to mention the very eloquent wording.

Sensitive content: none (that I'd caution on)

Age recommendation: 8 or 9+ (basically, all ages)

My rating: 5 stars

And guess what! You can get the story for FREE all of this week, so hop on over here and get it, if you can!!

Ten Days of Christmas #2: Holiday Stories

 

   Hello everybody, and welcome to the Ten Days of Christmas blog party! I'm very excited to be participating in this. This blog event will be posted every two days. Specifically, December 4th, 6th, 8th, 10th, 12th, 14th, 16th, 18th, 20th, and 22nd. On each day but the last one, the theme will be associated with a certain letter of "Christmas." At the end of the event (the 22nd), the winner of the giveaway will be announced.

With that brief overview out of the way, let's get started!

Today's letter from C-H-R-I-S-T-M-A-S is "H" for 

   I love a good Christmas story. Though I must admit that until recently, I didn't know of too many. But since that's been remedied, I have a few to share with you this holiday season.

The first of them, and perhaps one of my favorites, is:

#1: Carol in Her Heart by Rebekah Morris

   So sweet, and very well-written. I loved the warmth and closeness of longtime, special friends in this story. I'd recommend it to anyone! (And you can buy it right now on Kindle for only 99¢ here!)

Sensitive content: none

Age recommendation: all ages

My rating: 5 stars

#2: A Police Force for Christmas by Rebekah Morris

 

This was was certainly not what I'd anticipated. I mean, I can safely say that I've never read a story quite like that one. And, like all Rebekah's books that I've read so far, it's sooo good. (And can be gotten here for 99¢ as well.)

Sensitive content: none (except that a break-in is mentioned)

Age recommendation: all ages

My rating: 5 stars

#3: Esther Ashton's New Dress by Kellyn Roth

   A short, sweet story of a girl who wonders whether her Christmas will be anything special and ends up with a happy surprise. I enjoyed it. (And you can get it for free here!)

Sensitive content: none

Age recommendation: 10+

My rating: 4.5 star

#4: The Quiet Little Woman by Louisa May Alcott

   A-a-alright. This one is interesting. I haven't read it in a little while, so I can't quite remember it all. But I do remember I liked the first two stories in the book. It's composed of three short stories, you see. The third was okay, but I remember thinking it slightly strange because it has a horse that talks. Other than that little fact (maybe you don't mind animals talking to humans in a fictional story, and that's fine), I liked the book. It was unique.

Sensitive content: see above ^^^

Age recommendation: 10+?

My rating: 3 star

#5: The Candymaker's Gift: Legend of the Candy Cane by Helen & David Haidle

   Even though it's simply a legend, it tells a fun and Christ-centered version of the origin of the beloved candy of Christmas, the candy cane.

Sensitive content: none

Age recommendation: all ages

My rating: 4 star

   Okay, a few things to note here. First of all, I recommend more than just those two books in Rebekah's Christmas collection. In fact, I'd recommend her Christmas book collection in general. I simply haven't read them all, but I sure would love to sometime!

   Secondly, there are more than this, but I can't name every single on on here. Just know . . . if you look hard enough, there's quite a few Christmas literary jewels to be found!

  Visit Little Blossoms for Jesus, Culinary Scribbles, and Rebekah's Reading Room to see the coordinating posts from the other participants, and don't forget to enter the giveaway!