Fiction Addict

Publisher: Nordskog Publishing

Publication Date: March 2010

Genre: Contemporary Adventure/Drama

Reviewed by Kaci Hill

I admittedly struggled with the approach to take with Jungle Sunrise. First, the conditions weren’t ideal—My review copy arrived via email, and reading off a screen automatically propels me into “editing mode.” Furthermore, trying to read while monitoring a study hall, well, has its own challenges. But the more important reason is this: Any story, whether biographical, autobiographical, or fiction-based-on-real-events, that deals directly with saints, missionaries, and martyrs creates in me emotions so deep I can’t quite articulate them. This is true whether it be the gut-wrenching Tortured for Christ, the mind-boggling collections of what Muslim converts to Christianity endure, the novel Safely Home, dedicated to the persecuted church in China, or the stunning tragedy of Beyond the Gates of Splendor and The End of the Spear (both about Jim Eliot and Nate Saint and their families).

There is something in me that resonates with the writer of the book of Hebrews when he so curiously declares these men and women “men of whom the world was not worthy.” If you’ve read anything on the persecuted church—past or present—I trust you understand what I mean, because this is the very thing that Jungle Sunrise is.

The editor/writer in me knew immediately why the book begins with the delightful missionary couple in the deep parts of Peru—Memphis and Abigail Jones—rather than its featured protagonist Jonah Frost. I’ll admit, Jonah is both difficult company and ominously understandable as a disgruntled creative type who’s hit complete rock bottom. But that’s really the beauty of Mr. Williams’ craft, here: I am Jonah Frost, lost and hopeless, desperate. Jonah Frost is me. And Memphis Jones is the hands and feet of Jesus his Savior. Memphis, this sort of American titan with both physical and spiritual prowess—by far the favorite, is everything Jonah wants and simply isn’t. And, without any condescension or emasculation, he helps Jonah out of the whale, so to speak. (No, I’m not giving a tired cliché. Jonah is in a place of despair, death and darkness—which is exactly what the prophet would have experienced in his living, underwater coffin.)

It’s really taken me several days to process this. Whenever a book is based off an author’s real-life experiences, I really do hesitate to criticize the unfolding of events that probably really were that out-of-this world. Christianity’s all about the supernatural anyway, right? I mean, we do maintain God came to earth as a man, ran around a strip of the Middle East for a few years, died, and came back from the dead.

But I had to wonder why Williams devoted so much time to some parts of Jonah’s journey. And I think I understood: There’s a subtle development as Jonah’s experiences in the jungles of Peru begin to turn death into life, and it can only be seen by first watching Jonah unravel.

I’m already risking spoilers in this review, so I won’t say too much more. I will say this: The jungle is amazing. In places it felt like The End of the Spear, Apocalypto, and Safely Home all rolled into one (assuming it isn’t sacrilegious to put those in one sentence)—even beginning with a jaguar hunt complete with a celebration. Williams chose a variety of characters: a feisty Spanish photographer, a snotty anthropologist, a dedicated linguist, a dead-in-the-water writer, and an energetic, lovable American missionary couple.

All of that to say, I really did enjoy the story of Jonah’s adventures, which proved all-around moving, one of those that lingers awhile after the final pages turn. It’s a worthy tribute, I think, to the saints who pave the road ahead, and a tale of hope and encouragement to the rest of us—we Jonahs—coming up behind.

Review copy provided by the author.

Genre: Historical, Adventure

Publisher: Touchstone

Publication Date: August 2009

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

The War of the Roses. No, I’m not talking about the movie with Michael Douglas and Kathleen Turner. I’m talking about pre-Tudor England. Everyone knows the stories of Henry VIII and his wives. The War of the Roses is what happens before Tudor England. And Philippa Gregory is, once again, a master of the period.
The book opens with a poor widow standing next to the side of the road with her two sons. She’s hoping that she can catch the eye of the man who is about to pass by. He’s the King of England and her family fought against him in the battle to become king. Nonetheless, she’s now in need of his service. Her lands and her children’s inheritance have all been taken from her and she’s determined to get it back. So, looking beautiful, a little bit lost, and very determined, she stands with her boys and waits for him to pass by. He doesn’t pass by. He stops, speaks to her, and history is born.

King Edward is constantly battling for his throne. The Lancaster’s, York’s and Tudors are all within sight of the throne and all believe it to be rightfully theirs. His reign is rife with battles, war and rumblings from other areas about him not being the true king. His own mother and brothers put this idea into the public perception. It’s a vicious world where the rumor mill can make or break kingdoms. And then he meets Elizabeth waiting at the side of the road and he has no idea that she holds the shape of his reign and the future of his kingdom.

In this tale, Philippa Gregory once again handles the heavy subject of kingdoms, war and monarchy with a light hand and a deft touch. She brings to life characters that most have only read about in schoolbooks and history classes. As opposed to the amazing queens and women in the book I just finished, The Other Queen, Elizabeth’s queen is not born to the throne. She doesn’t understand all of the ins and outs of the court and she learns as she goes. She grows into a woman who doesn’t care about the throne for herself, but everything in her life revolves around her children.

It’s amazing to watch how fluid kingdoms are throughout the course of the story. No kingdom or reign was safe during this time in history. The pace of the story is breathtaking at times, but it’s a vivid reminder of how easily a king could be overthrown. One moment characters are on the throne and the next they’re shivering in sanctuary wondering if their lives are at stake.

Once again, Gregory’s retelling of history is vivid, beautiful and heartrending. The only disappointment in the entire book was my woefully lacking knowledge of the history. This made for wonderfully tense drama and build up as I couldn’t quite remember what happened in the reigns of each of the monarchs mentioned. The book ended on a delicious cliffhanger that left me eager and waiting for the next adventure from Gregory’s brilliant mind.

Review copy provided by Touchstone.

Genre: Historical, Adventure

Publisher: Touchstone

Publication Date: July 2009

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

The Elizabethan era of England is the backdrop for this stunning historical novel from Philippa Gregory. Gregory, famous for her book, The Other Boleyn Girl is an artist who can easily render history into a vivid three dimensional tale of intrigue and mystery. The Other Queen is no different.

Told from the perspective of three major characters, The Other Queen follows the story of Mary Queen of Scots as she and Elizabeth I face off over the throne of England. We get to experience the voice of Mary herself as well as that of George Talbot (The Earl of Shrewsbury) and his wife, Bess (of Hardwick). They have been charged by Queen Elizabeth to ‘host’ Mary during her time in England. Really, they’re elaborate jailers who are meant to keep her under watch and key. It’s a slippery slope to jail someone of royal blood. She must be kept in the manner to which a queen is accustomed without allowing her freedoms that could lead to an uprising. While her stay begins as a short term plan designed to last only until she’s returned to Scotland (and her throne), it turns into a long term stay that’s marred with intrigue, rebellion, danger, financial despair and marital difficulties.

As rebellion against Queen Elizabeth weaves in and out through various countries in Europe, this intrigue comes home to roost for the Earl and his wife in very real ways. The way that Gregory builds the plots and shows the loyalties of each character through the eyes of the others underscores the danger of the times in which these people lived. One couldn’t mention Queen Elizabeth in any way other than positively. Even the mention that she could die someday far off in the future is an act of treason. Simply being friends with the wrong person could mean your death. Implication in treason plots can be based on little evidence and much speculation. It certainly helps give us a better perspective of the freedoms we have in the United States today.

The story, though well known in history, comes to life under Gregory’s brilliant mastery of the written word. Not only do we learn the facts, but Gregory delves into the minds of each of the characters, bringing them to life in such a way that at times it’s almost painful to read. Beautifully crafted, this book gives thoughts and details that allow the reader to have an intimate understanding of the time period. Plotting and treason is part of seemingly every royal story of the time period, but showing the story through Bess and George’s eyes allow the reader to glimpse what the world for a ‘regular’ person might be. Bess’s vision of her husband becoming further and further entangled in a plot that he doesn’t even see is tragically on target and beautifully portrayed. Marriages made of convenience and prominence are shown in contrast to characters actually feeling overwhelming emotion and love.

Everyone knows who Elizabeth, the Virgin Queen was. Most people know who Mary Queen of Scots was.  Even with extensive research, very few people have a true understanding of what life at that time would have been like. With painstakingly detailed thought and precision, Gregory executes her tale with rich beauty and utter grace. I cannot wait to dive into The White Queen, Gregory’s next book, which is currently waiting for me. If you love historical fiction and have for some reason not previously read Gregory’s work, do yourself a favor and get one today. You’ll be very glad you did.

Review copy provided by Touchstone Publishers.

Genre: Historical, Adventure, Romance

Publisher: Delacorte Press

Publication Date: September 2009

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Every time you open a book, it’s a chance for a new adventure. Limitless potential. For me, opening An Echo in the Bone meant that I would be visiting with old friends. I have been following Gabaldon’s Outlander series since book one and have since truly become friends with Claire, Jamie, Brianna, Roger, and a host of others that Gabaldon has created.  So when I opened the book, I was ready for adventure and Gabaldon did not disappoint.

Let me back up a little. Claire Beauchamp Randall Fraser is a time traveler. In the first book of the series (Outlander) she inadvertently traveled from 1940’s England to Scotland of the 1700’s. She quickly discovered what life was like for a woman in that era. Being without the protection of a man was not a good thing and she ended up forced to marry a young man, Jamie Fraser, for just this purpose. Since she was a married woman when she traveled back, you can imagine she was pretty unhappy with this development. But hey, her husband of modern times wasn’t even close to being born yet so could she really be unfaithful? Besides that, the marriage was a life or death situation. Without it, she wouldn’t have survived. Claire had a background in medicine which added to her knowledge of history and made her an incredibly valuable resource. And this was the humble beginning of a back and forth time travel series that sent modern day women around the world swooning over men in kilts.

Now, where were we? Oh yes. An Echo in the Bone. Echo takes place mostly in the United States though it’s not quite united yet. Claire knows enough history to remember major events or people (like George Washington and Benedict Arnold), but not enough to guide her own path safely through every circumstance of the war. After all, there were hundreds and thousands of people involved in the revolution that didn’t end up with their names and cities in history books. Still, Claire remains a brilliant encyclopedia for Jamie to rely upon when meeting new people or visiting new places. It creates for a delicious state of tension when Claire finds herself delighted with a handsome young man of impeccable manners and realizes that she has not properly introduced herself. Imagine her state of being when he takes her hand and warmly introduces himself as Benedict Arnold and places himself at her service.

The book takes place in a variety of places that span from the continental states to Britain, France and Scotland. Gabaldon has also straddled the storytelling between the 1980’s and the 1700’s. This device gives the reader an interesting perspective as Claire’s daughter and son-in-law discover where she has been and what she’s been doing through historical documents and research. The tension builds through this device as we all know where Claire is at certain times and they are able to research history and discover how close she is to battles, disaster or danger.

If it were possible for me to review each and every page of this book I would. Having been a Gabaldon fan since the beginning, I had high expectations. Gabaldon not only met but exceeded what I could have imagined for this book. I found myself gasping out loud, giggling in places and enjoying the pace of the book.

Though there were moments when I felt like the story slowed down in pacing, it was still a breathtaking ride. I also stumbled once or twice in places with references to characters from previous books. I know that some of the suspense and drama was probably not as exciting as it could have been had I re-read the previous books before diving into this one.

Still, I couldn’t help myself. When the book arrived in the mail, I had a hard time putting it aside so I could finish other books. I loved the story and where Gabaldon has taken Jamie, Claire, Roger and Brianna. I’m also thrilled to say that with the ending, it looks like we can expect more adventures in the future. It should say something when you get to the end of a book that’s 800+ pages and you frantically turn to the back cover to find out when the next release is expected. I’ll be biding my time until we hear from Gabaldon again. For anyone who loves adventure, romance, time travel or historical fiction, Gabaldon’s entire Outlander series is a must read.

Review copy provided by Delacorte Press.

Genre: Historical, Adventure

Publisher: Thomas Dunne Books

Publication date: February 17, 2009

Reviewed by Jeremy Taylor

John Boyne, who received international attention following the success of the movie based on his 2006 novel The Boy in the Striped Pajamas, turns in another excellent historical novel with Mutiny, a retelling of the infamous events onboard the HMS Bounty.

In December 1787, 14-year-old John Turnstile is caught stealing in a Portsmouth market.  Facing prison time, he eagerly accepts the offer made him by his generous victim, opting to escape not only jail but a horribly abusive living situation by serving as the captain’s boy onboard the Bounty, bound for the West Indies by way of the island paradise of Tahiti on a botanical mission. Once the voyage is underway, Turnstile discovers quickly that life at sea is no picnic as he braves the elements, observes ship politics, endures mistreatment by some of the crew, and undergoes a brutal line-crossing ceremony at the equator.

When the ship reaches Tahiti, the doomed mission’s clock begins to wind down as tensions between Captain William Bligh and Lieutenant Fletcher Christian escalate, finally resulting in mutiny. Bligh and his sympathizers, including Turnstile, are set adrift in a tiny open launch to attempt the miraculous: find their way back to England with no food, no water, and no navigational instruments besides a compass.

Fictional accounts of the Bounty story are nothing new, yet Boyne’s stands out. His skill in narrating the book from the first-person perspective of young Turnstile, his treatment of Captain Bligh as a flawed but deeply honorable man wronged by his treacherous crew, his wonderful descriptions of exotic settings, and his imaginative depictions of real-life events combine to set this book above its peers.

The book does contain a fair amount of strong language—though most of the offensive stuff is cleverly couched in eighteenth-century vernacular—and some inexplicit sexuality, but the objectionable content merely underscores the authenticity of the narrative. The story is formulaic at times, which is perhaps unsurprising given the fact that this is the kind of real-life adventure on which fiction formulas are based. The story goes fast and seems much shorter than its nearly 400 pages. The bottom line: adventure lovers will be swept away by Boyne’s Mutiny.

Review copy provided by Thomas Dunne Books.

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy, Young Adult

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: November 2009

Reviewed by Kaci Hill

I have a confession. I picked up The Curse of the Spider King without knowing what it was supposed to be about or having read anything by either of its authors. My ARC copy has no back cover description, either. In fact, it includes a handwritten note letting me know it wasn’t the final version and errors were already in correction. But that title just sounds like it’s going to be amazing, so I requested it. Like several I’ve reviewed lately, both Hopper and Batson were suggested to me by other authors whose works I am familiar with. Besides, where in the world is the adventure if I know exactly what to expect?

At any rate, the story fixed its hooks in me from page one, with a group of Elven Sentinels (an elite class soldier) heading through a portal into Earth to retrieve several missing persons after, in Allyra time, eight hundred years of searching. The problem, I soon discover, is twofold: these seven missing thirteen year olds (Earth time) don’t know they’re missing, and the enemy assassins sent to kill them are also closing in.

Two dimensions, two basic storylines. The kids’ stories are simply about their lives, turning thirteen, discovering they’re from another world and have incredible power. They’re each given a book of their own history—a book that comes alive (literally) as they read it. And in their readings we learn how seven Elflings came to be lost on Earth. That is, they learned the story of the Elves. In some ways, however, I felt the story really belonged to the Sentinels searching for them, largely because the kids really don’t know what’s going on for so long, and they join the battle pretty deep into it. Moreover, despite the large cast, for the most part I had no trouble enjoying the characters and keeping up with plot. I confess a couple times I had to flip back, but this was only once or twice.

The themes largely involve the intricate nature of the past and present. I read one review (remember, I read reviews after I read the book) that suggested it was a coming-of-age story, but I must respectfully disagree, for the aforementioned reasons. The book has several strong themes and resists any temptation to beat the reader to death with them, and some of that I fully expect to cross over into book two, Venom and Song.

One small thing regarding a particular review: I read one from a woman  who said she thought a boy would enjoy it better due to the action sequences, and I read a couple who thought adults wouldn’t enjoy it as much or relate to the characters as well. Please note, I am a twenty-six year old female, and I find such assessments poppycock. The story and characters were both engaging. In fact, the only other thing I could find to comment on was, really, that the ending of the story snuck up on me: I wasn’t quite expecting it to end where it did, but, with the primary goal of the story accomplished, that was where it needed to end. It actually reinforced, in my mind, the idea that it’s really about the Sentinels bringing the children home, not simply the children learning they’re Elves in a ‘coming of age’ fashion. Suffice it to say, I’m looking forward to Venom and Song, a bit anxiously, at that.

Review copy provided by Thomas Nelson Publishers.

Genre: Adventure, Religious

Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers

Publication Date: January 1, 2010

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Christy Williams is determined to make a change for the better in her life. She’s had a long rough road to travel, but she’s done with making mistakes. And thus begins a sometimes painful yet overwhelmingly beautiful story of how someone who is in over their head can make a real change for the better.

Christy has a fascinating job. She deals with rare books. She’s been trained to know their value, recognize fakes, and purchase the books for resell. This creates a wonderful backdrop for intrigue, mystery and scandal in a world that is rarely explored in fiction. It also gives us everything we need to watch Christy’s life slowly unravel from her bad choices.

Christy’s sister, May, is a hard worker who appears to have made all of the right choices in her life.  She lives and works on a ranch where she’s part owner and she loves every moment about it. The only thing missing in her life is her sister, whom she hasn’t seen in years.

C.J. Darlington, in her writing debut, doesn’t sugar coat the journey back from making all of the wrong choices and decisions in life. Her characters are real, flawed, and so recognizable that they feel like friends.  None of these characters is a cardboard cut-out or caricature of themselves. They all make mistakes, question what they’re doing and are unsure, and yet still you can clearly see the hand of God leading them in their life’s journey. This happens in language and situations that is familiar and well traveled for most of us who live a life of faith.

As I read this book, I didn’t want to put it down. I needed to know what would happen next. For anyone who loves books, stories and people, this book is a must read. It contains beautiful displays of God’s love, forgiveness, mercy and grace that everyone needs to experience in their lives. Darlington’s characters are never preachy, overbearing or false. Their honesty and depth ring true and strike directly to the heart of the matter with concise accuracy.

Thicker than Blood is a beautiful masterpiece and it’s so well done, I’m hard pressed to believe this is a first novel. I can’t wait to see what C.J. Darlington brings to the publishing world next.

Don’t miss our interview with C.J. Darlington.

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy, Young Adult

Publisher: Creation House

Publication Date: May 2009

Reviewed by Kaci Hill

There’s a verse in the Psalm 137 that reads, “If I forget you, O Jerusalem, may my right hand forget its skill.” For some reason, that was the thought I had as three teenagers anxiously spent their summer longing for Aeliana.

Four hundred and fifty years have passed since the last time Ryann, Liddy, and Terell were in Aeliana. At least, Aeliana time. In Mount Dora, it’s been three months. Summer is ending, and they’ve been scattered abroad, wondering when they’ll next receive their call across time and space. Again, Reinhold doesn’t write precisely what we might expect.

First, the opening chapter or two is spent lying in wait. Waiting for answers, it turns out, isn’t passive, but active, and takes every bit as much strength as receiving them.  Second, it isn’t Ryann who first sees the portal back to Aeliana. This intrigued me because, obviously, Ryann is the main character. He’s the one charged with the three gifts and has a guardian archangel named Gabriel.

Third, the kids are not the only ones who must exhibit faith this time, which leads to my next observation. Their parents must also learn trust and obedience in the God who sends their children. As before, what happens in Mount Dora affects what happens in Aeliana and vice versa—something many stories that involve world-hopping don’t have.

Once back in Aeliana, Ryann and his friends find themselves in the middle of a long-brewing fight. They discover two unicorns and a group of cruel half-dragons (Hugons), and a growing, ominous understanding that they understand prophecies the rest of Aeliana can’t yet. Ryann, Terell, and Liddy have matured over three months, both in their thinking and in their behavior. They have new friends—many of whom don’t get along—and a whole new set of problems to deal with. Faith, it appears, involves so much more than simply jumping off a cliff (though cliff-jumping is included).

The Shield of Faith is different than The King’s Sword in that they do spend more time in Aeliana, understandably. It’s longer, and more complicated.  But as with book one, it’s about much more than the physical, literal shield. If book one is about paradise, then book two is about redemption—who to trust, who to distrust; where loyalties really lie, despite what comes out of the mouth. The shield of faith, then, is found in who you follow.

And once again I can’t say too much more without giving things away. Suffice it to say, Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith was a satisfactory sequel to The King’s Sword, and I’ll be looking forward to book three, Ryann Watters and the Belt of Truth.

Genre: Adventure/Fantasy, Young Adult

Publisher: Creation House

Publication Date: May 2008

Reviewed by Kaci Hill

I heard of Eric Reinhold by way of Donita Paul, Bryan Davis, Jonathan Rogers, and several others engaged in a Motiv8 Tour. As a result, I requested both Ryann Watters and the King’s Sword and its sequel at the same time to read and review. Honestly, I didn’t quite know what to expect. For me, the YA genre is simply fun. And a middle-schooler from a Christian home who receives a visit by night from the angel Gabriel giving him a mission from God, well, is fun. The same night, one of said boy’s classmates also receives a night-visitation . . . from a fallen angel. Both boys receive a mission and three gifts. Thus begins a quest for a missing sword.

Most intriguing, though, is that what happens next isn’t what either boy or reader expects. Much of the journey takes place, not in the brilliant paradise of Aeliana, but in the every-day lives of four sixth graders and their families. Part of Ryann’s journey is to learn to use the Word—the Word of God. The use of Scripture in The King’s Sword is natural and thematic—I found myself as moved as the kids. Moreover, having grown up in a Christian home myself, I found Ryann’s life, aside from attending public school (I attended a private Christian school), quite reflective of my own. Their journey is as much spiritual as it is physical, and Reinhold has a unique way of pulling the two together.

As far as the characters go, Ryann and his three friends are busy, active twelve-year-olds, but they’re also well-read and thoughtful. Their maturity shows through (as well as Eric’s non-indulgence in dramatics, which is a plus) in their ability to deal with and get over an issue, so that when one offends another, the situation is either handled in a timely manner or deemed no longer important. Grudges simply don’t have place among friends—something a good deal of contemporary movies and TV shows don’t seem to comprehend. (Likely one reason this struck me is the stark contrast to one such movie, where the characters seem incapable of getting over themselves in stereotypical teenager melodrama.) At any rate, it was simply pleasant to see Ryann remember that his offender is still his best friend.

I could go on about all of them. I found Drake, despite being an antagonist, also somewhat sympathetic. Ekron is dark and cruel; Gabriel is firm and kind. Ryann’s father is a minor character, but fully developed and active in his son’s life.

Alright, I can’t stand spoilers, and possibly have already come too close to a few, so I won’t say much more. Ryann certainly didn’t expect his story to go the way it did; and I didn’t either. Reinhold provided an excellent introduction to Ryann, Mount Dora, and Aeliana—I most definitely am looking forward to Ryann Watters and the Shield of Faith.

Genre: Suspense, Adventure, Young Adult

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: December 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Whirlwind is the fifth book in the Dreamhouse Kings series that follows the adventure of brothers Xander and David King as they travel through time via portals found in a secret hallway in their creepy, new house. And yes, that’s all I’m saying about the plot because the story is just too good to be described through any measly attempt on my part.

What I will divulge to Robert Liparulo’s salivating fans is this: When I read Timescape I was quick to crown it my favorite of the series so far. Of course that was before I read Whirlwind, and ladies and gentlemen we have a new favorite!!

I consistently find myself in awe of Liparulo’s ability to make each story better in this series, always ratcheting up the tension and mystery, giving us some answers here and there and more and more questions to keep up guessing.

As we’ve come to expect in previous installments, the time travel scenes are loads of fun brimming with wonder and possibility. What sets this book apart from the rest is the huge twist at the end that completely changes the course of this story. I never saw this coming, and I love the direction Liparulo is moving this story and the characters that I have fallen head over heels for.

Frenzy is the upcoming last book in this series, and if the events of Whirlwind are any indication, we are in for quite a ride. If you aren’t reading the Dreamhouse Kings novels you are truly missing out on top notch storytelling, dazzling adventure, and heroic characters worth cheering for. Young or old, it doesn’t matter. The Dreamhouse Kings series is a must read for any true fiction addict.

Genre: Young Adult, Sci-Fi, Thriller, Adventure

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: September 1^st, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Katniss Everdeen and Peeta Mellark set the hearts of Panem on fire when they found a way to both win The Hunger Games and defy the evil Capitol. As they return home they discover that an uprising among the districts has begun and President Snow is doing everything in his power to quench it. Katniss and Peeta are beginning to realize that winning the Hunger Games by no means assures them of safety. In a desperate move President Snow wipes out any hope of protection and security for the two champions and their loved ones. Can the hope of a nation be silenced before the nation fights back?

Suzanne Collins left me in utter and complete awe with her phenomenal debut, The Hunger Games. With reckless abandon I tore into this sequel with strong hopes that I would be enthralled yet again. Thankfully, Collins does not disappoint. Not even close!

What I loved about Catching Fire was that Collins didn’t try to top herself. Instead of attempting to write a better novel, she focused on giving us even more story. The Hunger Games brought us so much action, romance, adventure, and suspense and all of those elements are found in perfect doses here. We’re actually treated to more character development this time around, making the aforementioned elements work seamlessly together.

I’ll admit that I expected the story to head in a different direction and I was a bit surprised when I realized exactly where Collins was taking us. Some might suggest this is a somewhat gimmicky move for a sequel, but Collins’s strong writing sold me completely on the idea and I never looked back. In the end we are left with a gut wrenching longing for the finale, where it seems like things are heading towards an explosive ending.

I am totally hooked on this series and I can’t wait to put these novels into everyone’s hands. If you’re looking for sharp storytelling, characters to root for, villains to loathe, and relentless action then this is the series for you.

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult

Publisher: The Chicken House

Publication Date: September 26, 2008

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

What happens when the author of a story loses control of it? Does the story run amok? Or does the author? Does the author control the story or does the story control the author? These are some of the ideas explored by Cornelia Funke in Inkdeath, the stunning conclusion to her much loved Inkheart Trilogy.

When Fenoglio created characters that were evil incarnate and nearly too dangerous to be described, he never expected to find himself living under their rule in their Kingdom.  He never imagined that his world of fiction and fantasy would become life threateningly real to him. Even after arriving in his created world, he still doesn’t understand what bows to his words and what doesn’t, leading to even more mayhem and chaos as the story unfolds.

In this third installment of the Inkheart series, we again become reacquainted with our beloved friends from previous books. Mo, Resa, Elinor, Meggie and Farid all make their appearances in this book and in a much changed manner from how we met them in the previous books.  Where Mo began his journey through this tale as a bookbinder who believed that stories lived and breathed, he now finds himself a very real character in Fenoglio’s tale with danger and death following every breath he and his family takes. In an effort to make sure that Resa and Meggie are safe, Mo goes on a journey that appears to have salvation for everyone but himself.

Just as in her previous books, Funke weaves a gorgeous tale with words that come alive on the page and beg you to read them again and again. Inkdeath holds to the high standard that she set in previous books and delivers an ending that could move you to tears. Not because the ending is so utterly perfect and satisfying (even though it is) but because the story of these amazing characters and this brilliantly created world has come to an end.  It’s nearly heartbreaking to imagine that we won’t hear from Mortimer or Meggie or Resa again, but as Funke reminds us again and again throughout the Inkheart trilogy, stories don’t ever end. We just don’t know what happens once the book closes.

Genre: Young Adult, Adventure, Thriller, Sci-Fi

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: October 2008

Reviewed by Jake Chism

In the future North America has vanished and a new nation called Panem has risen. Twelve districts are ruled by the Capitol, a tyrant ruling council that uses a yearly competition to keep order among its despondent citizens. Every year one boy and one girl from each district are chosen to compete in the Hunger Games where they must fight to the death. The location is always different, and every year the nation watches with bated breath to see who will be the last one standing.

In District 12, Katniss Everdeen looks on in horror as her younger sister is chosen to compete in this year’s games. Before she knows it she finds herself volunteering in her sister’s place. Also chosen is the mysterious baker’s son, Peeta, who Katniss has always known from a distance. As the competition nears Katniss and Peeta grow closer making the imminent battle for survival all the more complicated. This year Katniss and Peeta will capture the hearts of a hopeless nation as they turn the tables on The Hunger Games and the evil Capitol that controls them.

I am always on the lookout for that one story. You know what I mean. The one that gets in your head and won’t go away. The kind of book you want to put in everyone’s hands.  A story that has the power to completely mesmerize and capture your imagination. The Hunger Games has done all of that for me and more.

Collins hooks us from line one with the engaging first person narrative of Katniss Everdeen. Through her eyes we learn about this world in the distant future and the turmoil within. This is the kind of character that most novelists only dream of creating. Every turn of the page reveals just a little more about what drives her unquenchable spirit. Katniss may be low on the social ladder, but her compassion and fight for justice lend a majestic quality to this lowly peasant.

If Katniss herself doesn’t hook you, no doubt the relentless pacing will. Once the Games begin it is almost impossible to put this story down. Collins perfectly balances action, suspense, and violence throughout the second half of this story. As I was reading I felt like I, too, was watching these Games unfold along with the citizens of Panem and several times I wanted to stand and cheer for Katniss and Peeta and their heroic actions. In the end we are given the perfect amount of closure with a promise of more to come.

The Hunger Games might just be the best novel I’ve read this year and I am simply blown away by the storytelling prowess of Suzanne Collins. The sequel, Catching Fire, is due out soon and if early reviews are any indication, round two is even better. I can’t wait to disappear once more into this fascinating world that has captured my imagination in a way I never anticipated.

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult

Publisher: AMG Publishers

Publication Date: 12 March 2009

Reviewed by Kaci Hill

I read the first three of Bryan Davis’ Dragons in Our Midst series one immediately after the other, and didn’t have long to wait on the fourth installment. It was about a boy who could breathe fire and a girl with dragon wings, a vile slayer, and a sorceress.  I say this because it’s really the beginning. His follow-up series, Oracles of Fire, begins with a prequel that covers the first few thousand years of human (and dragon) existence all the way into the present, overlaps the Dragons in Our Midst series, and ends shortly after. The other three Oracles of Fire books pick up where the previous left off. It’s a lot of ground and a long ride, but worth it. Davis began by taking King Arthur stories and turning them on their heels. Add a little technology, some evil sorceresses, and portals to every dimension from Heaven to Hell to a place called Second Eden, and, as you can imagine, it’s been a wild ride.

All of that to say, I’ve really enjoyed the ride, through all its twists and turns.  I’ve admittedly had reservations about some of the characters, as some don’t fully develop until later. Davis does allow us to watch the characters age and mature on all sides. Our fourteen-year-old heroes from Raising Dragons (Dragons in Our Midst) have left their teens behind and taken their places as warriors, both physically and spiritually.  I think my favorite character to see mature was Elam, the steadfast rock who’s lived a thousand years undaunted and never shaken. In The Bones of Makaidos we really get to see his mettle, as well as the deeper parts of his heart that were touched before but never dwelt on.

Let’s face it, The Bones of Makaidos had the weight of the world riding on it. Fans of the dragon books have followed this series for four years, seven books, and thousands of pages. So, needless to say, the author’s readers were dying of suspense about as badly as his characters.  I did find myself a little slowed down during part of Bonnie’s (the female lead) story, mostly because she spends so much time in one place. The subplot, to be honest, felt as if it was only there so Bonnie could have one particular scene with another character.

My other thought was that in one instance Bonnie puts pressure on Billy (the male lead) that I really didn’t think either fair, necessary, or truly in sync with who she is. (I leave out the details on purpose.)  On the other hand, however, I did appreciate her finally learning how to use a sword and fighting back to back with Billy. I think my reaction was “Finally!”  Moreover, in Billy we see the emergence of a spiritual leader in his coming of age, which has been something of a journey itself.

The only other thing I really would have done a little different is to go easy on chatty combatants. This is a personal thing on my part, but it’s a little distracting to have two opponents fighting to the death and spending so much time stopping to insult each other. It’s a personal preference, I suppose.

Overall, The Bones of Makaidos is a worthy ending to a good series. I’ve seen a few reviews commenting on the way it ends, but, really, Davis has yet to disappoint me with an ending, regardless of what I think about a few nuts and bolts. Again, The Bones of Makaidos is book four of The Oracles of Fire Series, so make sure to start with either the Dragons in Our Midst series or with The Eye of the Oracle, which is book one of The Oracles of Fire.

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: April 1, 2007

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

When we last left Mortimer Folchart, his wife had returned from Inkworld, his daughter was home safe and everyone had mostly been given a wonderful ending to a fantastic tale. The exception to this ending would be Dustfinger, the fire eater that Mo had read out of his story nearly ten years earlier.

Armed with the only copy of “Inkheart” still in existence, Dustfinger sets out to find someone to read him back into his beloved Inkworld. Thankfully, we get to join him there. It is a world overflowing with magical creatures. Fairies that flit about constantly and steal your dreams, glass men who eat sand and fire eaters who whisper to the flames and make them obey.

It’s a world full of astounding beauty and magic, but danger equal to the pleasure. This time we find our beloved characters pulled out of their own lives and lost in Fenoglio’s “Inkworld” with far more intrigue, danger and adventure than they experienced the first time. Mo, who already lost his wife to the Inkworld once, is beyond dismayed to discover his daughter’s journey into this fantastical world. As he and Resa follow close behind, he discovers that his presence in the Inkworld is not by accident or mistake. He’s already known there. What does a simple bookbinder have to do with Inkworld? He’s about to find out a larger and deeper destiny.

I didn’t imagine that Cornelia Funke could possibly delight me more than she had when I read Inkheart. Full of passion and adventure, I couldn’t believe that her story could be more intriguing or more fun to read but I am thrilled to report that in this instance, I was wrong. As enamored as Meggie and Farid become with Inkworld, I fell even more in love with the strange land and the characters created by Funke. More adventure, more excitement, more danger and incredible new villains that send the story to heights unrivaled meant that I had a very difficult time even putting this book down. I ended up reading through nearly 500 pages in the course of two days, even sobbing through some parts of it.

I can’t help but shake my head that this is considered young adult or juvenile literature. The storylines are exquisitely crafted, the descriptions are very nearly living breathing creations and the characters are beloved friends.  The final book, Inkdeath, is waiting for me to open the cover and be swallowed into its adventure. I admit that part of me is holding my breath, wondering where Funke will take me this time and the other part isn’t quite ready to start this final volume. I think I will savor this book and taste each word as I experience the end to this fantastical journey.

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult

Publisher: Scholastic

Publication Date: June 1^st, 2005

Reviewed by Lori Twichell

Mortimer Folchart (Mo) isn’t your ordinary book binder or book doctor as his daughter, Meggie, refers to him. The title fits. He cares for books as gently as any doctor caring for a patient. But Mo has a talent that sets him apart from the ordinary. He can read books to life. Literally.

Years ago Mo discovered his talent for bringing the written word to life while reading the book “Inkheart” to his young daughter. One moment he was quietly reading in the peace of his living room and the next he was surrounded by Basta, Dustfinger, and the evil Capricorn, all pulled from the pages and standing before his family, very much alive. No longer trapped by ink and paper, they were now free to roam through Mo’s world. Horrified, Mo tried to read them back into the book, but it was to no avail. Mo had no control over who came out of the book and, far worse than that, much to Mo’s horror, he discovered that when something came out of the book, something else went back in to replace it. This is when Mo decided that he would never, ever read aloud again.

Now, nearly a decade later, Mo and his now teenaged daughter Meggie cross paths with Inkheart’s characters once more. Capricorn wants Mo to read more of his evil friends out of the book and Dustfinger wants desperately to go back home and both of them need Mo to do this.

The adventure that Cornelia Funke has woven in this tale is beautiful, brilliant and one that every book lover will enjoy without a doubt. (And every author will wish they’d created.) Funke’s reverence and love of the written word fills every page. I couldn’t help but be drawn in as I followed her on this journey. Her description flows around you and pulls you into her world much as Mo’s voice pulls characters from their own world and into his.

I was delighted as I read this book and though I don’t always have as much time for reading as I’d like, I had a very difficult time putting this book down. The adventure is harrowing in places, heart wrenching in others and makes you laugh out loud often. I love the fact that Funke created her own world but that it was grounded in our own geography and great works of literature. The story takes place in Italy and Funke reintroduces us to several major characters from classic works of art, allowing us to experience them in a whole new way. Inkheart is the first in a trilogy of books followed by Inkspell and Inkdeath and I can’t wait to see what happens next.

Genre: Adventure, Young Adult

Publisher: Thomas Nelson

Publication Date: July 14th, 2009

Reviewed by Jake Chism

Things just became a little more complicated for Xander and David King. Not only is their mother still missing, but a sobering look into the future reveals that much more is at stake. As Xander and David search for answers within the time portals they find an unexpected ally who sheds more light on the house and the greater mission they have been called to. With a renewed sense of purpose the King family decides to turn the tables and go after Taksidian to put a stop to the evil plans he has put into motion.

As this series unfolds I continually find myself in awe of Robert Liparulo’s ability to not just write amazing stories, but also his ability to get better with each offering. Timescape is easily the best novel of the Dreamhouse Kings series, showcasing the most intense action sequences and the most gut wrenching suspense we’ve seen. Two of the time portal scenes were actually crafted from ideas students entered into the Dream the Scene contest on Liparulo’s website. In masterful fashion, Liparulo pulls out all the stops making these scenes the most memorable of the series so far.

In a young adult market saturated by commercialism, mediocrity, and unoriginality it’s refreshing to find a series like this that is not only fun to read but also challenging and engaging. These are the kind of books families can love and share together, and no matter your age you will find yourself easily immersed into this marvelous world of adventure that Liparulo has crafted. Once again Robert Liparulo reminds me of the beauty of story and why I love to read.

Genre: Fantasy, Adventure, Young Adult

Publisher: WaterBrook Press

Publication Date: June 2nd, 2009

Reviewed by Kaci Hill

A few years ago I fell in love with Donita Paul’s DragonKeeper Chronicles, recommended to me by a friend. Paul has a unique ability to combine fantasy, adventure, and faith in such a way as to explore deep themes in an inventive way that isn’t overwhelming. Truth be told, she’s one of three writers who really introduced and sold me on fantasy. Her primary audience is young adult, but “all ages” better suits.  The DragonKeeper introduced us to the complex continent of Amara, and The Vanishing Sculptor, sometime before the DragonKeeper, involves Wulder’s coming to the distant continent of Chiril in the same world. Here, an emerlindian girl named Tipper meets two Amarans who pull her into a plot that involves saving both her father and the world from a broken gateway (which behaves something like a wormhole or portal) threatening to suck everything in itself.

I’ll admit – the cover copy says none of this—it says, in fact, very little of the actual story, for the better, in my opinion. And I’ll admit Paul very cleanly veiled my eyes (either that or the sun fried my thinking abilities) to the ultimate purpose, so that I was just as blind as Tipper and her friends as to what in the world Wulder (and Paul) was up to. Regardless, Paul is a former teacher who has a magnificent command of her stories, weaving in a myriad of tiny details that dare not be overlooked, because those small things are very likely to involve a surprise. Her ability to thread together truth and creativity in such a seamless fashion has been and will be something I admire (and, who knows, maybe I’ll learn a trade trick or two).

The book does seem to rely a little bit on readers being familiar enough with Amara to understand some of the story world, but nothing distracting, I don’t think. The characters supply sufficient information. Also, Paul treated DragonKeeper lovers to two much loved characters (whom I will not name here), a nice little surprise to look forward to. And if you haven’t read either series, you really should.

Donita Paul has been and continues to be one of my favorites, and I look forward to whatever else she has up her sleeve.