THE LEGEND OF THE DREAM GIANTS by Dustin Hansen. This cute children's book is available now. It was a beautiful story of an unlikely friendship that shows how we need to look past the outer appearance of others. Not everyone is as they seem. The beautiful illustrations just add to the story. In some ways it was harder to read because your heart goes out to Berg. He just wants a friend and is treated so poorly. It's a wonderful reminder to not judge too harshly before getting to know someone. 

:) :) :) :)

An orphaned giant named Berg is in search of just one person he can call friend.

When he was very young, Berg’s mother hid him in a cave and led an angry mob of villagers away, sacrificing her own life to protect her son. In all the years since, Berg has lived alone, the only reminders of his family are his mother’s satchel and his recurring dreams of a white bear who shares a magical sand from a fallen star. When the white bear touches Berg with the star-blue sand, he feels safe and happy in his dreams. Sometimes, when he feels lonely, he will risk entering a village to trade a smooth river rock or a feather for food. He’s really searching for kindness, companionship, and, maybe one day, someone who will want to get to know him and be his friend. But with every attempt he makes, people only see his massive size and cruelly chase him away, thinking he is Ünhold—a giant and a monster. Whoever this Ünhold is, Berg also fears him and hopes they never meet.

In his travels, Berg comes upon a new town, a city made of iron where blacksmiths construct all kinds of ironworks from gates to sculptures to chains and weapons. Berg meets a little girl, Anya, who doesn’t run and scream in fear like everyone else does. To his amazement and delight, Anya knows about the dream-sand and says she wants to be his friend.

The mayor convinces the villagers of the benefit of having a giant around who can protect their city from the dangers he says Ünhold has in store for them. Anya has learned about the dream-sand from secretly watching Ünhold use it to trade for food and trinkets, and she suspects the mayor is planning something different than what he says. Fearing the city isn’t safe for Berg, she warns her giant friend to flee. When a secret plot is revealed to capture Berg, the young giant has to figure out where he can place his trust.

The story follows Berg on his journey and is told through text and graphic novel-style illustrations of beautiful dream sequences that reveal Berg’s hopes and memories. Berg’s mother appears to him in his dreams as a white bear, patient, nurturing and protective, and he sees himself as a little bear cub. Berg is often unsure what exactly the dreams mean, but sometimes they describe things which are about to happen or give him answers to problems he is facing.

This tender and unique story-within-a-story is a riveting tale of loss, longing, adventure, being yourself, and finding the true meaning of friendship.

CHAMPION'S QUEST: THE DIE OF DESTINY by Frank L Cole

CHAMPION'S QUEST: THE DIE OF DESTINY by Frank L Cole. This is a series that I want the rest of it up front so I don't have to keep waiting for the next installment. It was such a fantastic adventure. I have never been a fan of role playing games, so to have an entire book based around that concept had me rolling my eyes. I take back the eye roll and than some. Lucas and his team had some big defining moments. To see them figure the game out as they went as well as work together as a team was so much fun to take part in. I can't wait for the next one and can't recommend this enough for anyone who loves a great adventure.

:) :) :) :) :)

Lucas Silver's life is about to change. He thinks it's because he's made plans to escape from his foster home and make his way to New York, but then he and some unlikely friends find Hob and Bogie's Curiosity Shoppe and agree to play a game of Champion's Quest.

When the four kids walk out the front door of the Curiosity Shoppe, they immediately discover they're no longer in West Virginia, but transported into the game and a wild fantasy world of dangerous goblins, brutish ogres, and a powerful witch. They must work together as a team, overcome their real-world weaknesses, and believe in themselves and each other if they are to outwit, outplay, and survive their foes in this ultimate quest to defeat a treacherous monster.

LEGEND OF THE DRAGON SLAYER by Brandon Mull

 LEGEND OF THE DRAGON SLAYER by Brandon Mull. I feel like I'm going to be copying the synopsis when I say this, but this beautifully illustrated story of the Legend we read about in the first Dragonwatch is the perfect addition to the Dragonwatch series. The pictures enhance the legend and bring it more to life. It's a book that is sure to get somewhat reluctant readers interested in this series. It's definitely worth taking a look at this summer. 

:) :) :) :)

The beautifully illustrated edition of the origin story of Dragonwatch the #1 New York Times best-selling series is an extraordinary collaboration between writer Brandon Mull and series illustrator Brandon Dorman. This exclusive volume also features a never-before-published dragon slayer genealogy, a detailed map of the Kingdom of Selona, and more than fifty full-color illustrations.

In ancient times dragons were the ultimate threat to the rest of the mythical world. At the height of the Age of Dragons, it appeared that dragons might not only gain dominion over the magical races, but could potentially overrun the nonmagical world as well.

A group of specially-trained dragon slayers called Dragonwatch banded together to stand against the dragons. Together, these dragon slayers confined the majority of them to dragon sanctuaries. Legend of the Dragon Slayer is the illustrated story of the very first dragon slayer who took to battle.

This epic legend comes to life with imaginatively rendered full-color illustrations. Powerful monsters have surrounded the Kingdom of Selona. A native and unlikely hero named Konrad, the cobbler's son, accepts the king's challenge to defeat the monsters: fierce yeti, a merciless vampire, a dangerous gorgon, and a deadly phoenix. Even still, Selona's biggest threat will come from the Dragon, and it will take every ounce of wit and experience that Konrad's acquired to stand a chance against such a formidable foe.

Legend of the Dragon Slayer is a stand-alone tale of valor, destiny, and magic sure to reward fantasy lovers.

DRAGONWATCH 4: CHAMPION OF THE TITAN GAMES

DRAGONWATCH 4: CHAMPION OF THE TITANS GAMES  by Brandon Mull. This is a series I wish I had complete before reading. Alas, we have to wait another year for the next one. When that day comes, I will be sitting down with FABLEHAVEN and DRAGONWATCH and bing reading the entire series. This story was wonderful. I enjoyed being in Crescent Lagoon and having characters reunited. I loved the games. I loved the new friends, and I loved the action and twists and turns. It is an amazing addition to the DRAGONWATCH series and I cannot wait for the next one. I highly recommend it to everyone.

:) :) :) :) :)

The war against dragons intensifies. Will Kendra and Seth find the help they desperately need from the Giant Queen? This fourth book in a five-book series leaves the underwater dragon preserve of Crescent Lagoon for a gladiator-style arena at Titan Valley—the magical realm of towering giants and enslaved dragons. Our two young heroes have never felt so small or faced a challenge so ... giant!

#bookadayaz

 

This was a fascinating read. The inclusion of Norse mythology was fun, since I don't know much about it. I loved the characters, but there were some small scenes that I didn't think were necessary. They took away from the story rather than added to it. There were some description of some sexual things that I thought were inappropriate, especially for a book that won a Whitney Award. 

Bayr of Saylok, bastard son of a powerful and jealous chieftain, is haunted by the curse once leveled by his dying mother. Bartered, abandoned, and rarely loved, she plagued the land with her words: From this day forward, there will be no daughters in Saylok.

Raised among the Keepers at Temple Hill, Bayr is gifted with inhuman strength. But he’s also blessed with an all-too-human heart that beats with one purpose: to protect Alba, the first girl child born in nearly two decades and the salvation for a country at risk.

Now the fate of Saylok lies with Alba and Bayr, whose bond grows deeper with every whisper of coming chaos. Charged with battling the enemies of their people, both within and without, Bayr is fueled further by the love of a girl who has defied the scourge of Saylok.

What Bayr and Alba don’t know is that they each threaten the king, a greedy man who built his throne on lies, murder, and betrayal. There is only one way to defend their land from the corruption that has overtaken it. By breaking the curse, they could defeat the king…but they could also destroy themselves.

#bookadayaz

 

My son asked me to read this after he checked it out from the library. It had a surprisingly good storyline which left you on a bit of a cliffhanger, almost literally. It's a very fast read, even for younger readers but fun. I look forward to reading this story with or after my son does.

Graphic novel star Kazu Kibuishi creates a world of terrible, man-eating demons, a mechanical rabbit, a talking fox, a giant robot---and two ordinary children on a mission.

After the tragic death of their father, Emily and Navin move with their mother to the home of her deceased great-grandfather, but the strange house proves to be dangerous. Before long, a sinister creature lures the kids' mom through a door in the basement. Em and Navin, desperate not to lose her, follow her into an underground world inhabited by demons, robots, and talking animals.
Eventually, they enlist the help of a small mechanical rabbit named Miskit. Together with Miskit, they face the most terrifying monster of all, and Em finally has the chance to save someone she loves.

POTION MASTERS: SEEKING SERUM by Frank Cole #shadowmountainpublishing #bookreview #bhbookreview

POTION MASTERS: SEEKING SERUM by Frank Cole. This is a fantastic conclusion to the POTION MASTERS series, although, I secretly hope that there will be more from the same characters. My heart jumped, dropped, pounded, and ached throughout the entire book. The twists, turns, trials, and triumphs keep me turning the pages. It is such a fun adventure that I would highly recommend to anyone who loves magic, potions, adventure, and hereoism. It is a great way to start of the year with an explosion.

:) :) :) :) :)

Mezzarix has stolen the Vessel, the source of power for all potion masters, and is preparing to launch his final attack on the potion-making community—which includes his own family.

Gordy and his family have gone into hiding, but when his mom uncovers some new information, she takes Gordy into the underground network known as the Swigs, a haven for renegade potion masters and black-market potions, to secure support in the fight against Mezzarix. But when Scourges, rebel potion makers acting on orders from Mezzarix, attack the Swigs, Gordy barely escapes with his life and is forced to leave his family behind.

As the fight intensifies between B.R.E.W and the Scourges, it falls to Gordy and his friends—Max, Sasha, and Adilene—to locate Mezzarix's hidden headquarters, retrieve the Vessel, save the world, and unite the potion-making community.

The world of Potion Masters is full of fantasy and adventure as Gordy and his friends learn the power of friendship and loyalty, and to trust in their own individual talents.

DRAGONWATCH 3: MASTER OF THE PHANTOM ISLE by Brandon Mull

DRAGONWATCH 3: MASTER OF THE PHANTOM ISLE by Brandon Mull. The hardest part about series as fantastic as this one, is you have to wait for the next installment. I have loved Seth and Kendra since the beginning of FABELHAVEN. DRAGONWATCH has continued the story so well. I was wrapped up in the story and couldn't put the book down. Ideas of how Seth would pull through swirled through my head. I couldn't figure out how Kendra was going find her brother. It felt like I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. The sacrifices others made brought tears to my eyes. It ends just right but at the same time, now I have to wait another year for the next one. It is such a great story that I can recommend to everyone. If you love a great fantasy full of adventure and mystical creatures, this is the book for you.

:) :) :) :) :)

Cursed by the Key of Forgetting, Seth has lost all memory of his past—his relationships, his experiences, and who he really is. For now he will align with his new mentor, Ronodin, the dark unicorn, who takes him to the Phantom Isle, the secret gateway to the Under Realm. Though Seth is not formally a prisoner, Ronodin wants to use him and his shadow charmer powers for his own dark ends. Kendra is frantic to find her missing brother, but the quest will take her and her companions, including Warren, Tanu, and Vanessa, far from Wyrmroost to Crescent Lagoon—a recently fallen dragon sanctuary made up of many islands and underwater domains. Its caretaker has regained a foothold on one of the islands. If Kendra and her friends can save that sanctuary, they might uncover the answers they need to rescue Seth. With each sanctuary the dragons overthrow, Celebrant, the Dragon King, comes closer to the dawn of a new Age of Dragons. With the forces of darkness on the march, can Kendra and her allies gather enough power to win the epic dragon war? 

TOUR SCHEDULE:

Is Brandon coming to your town?

WIZARD FOR HIRE: APPRENTICE NEEDED by Obert Skye

WIZARD FOR HIRE: APPRENTICE NEEDED by Obert Skye. This is a great addition to the WIZARD FOR HIRE series, see my review here. Throughout the entire first book and most of this book I found myself going back and forth on whether or not I believed Rin was a real wizard. Everything was so masterfully done that I'm still debating. I loved the continuing adventure Ozzy, Sigi, and Clark are on. And the bombshell that is dropped 3/4 of the way through the book is fantastic! This is a series that just keeps getting better and better. I can't wait for the next one to come out. I would highly recommend this book to any and everyone of all ages.

:) :) :) :) :)

Ozzy Toffy's adventure, which began in Wizard for Hire, continues when one dark and windy night, he gets out of bed, jumps out his window, and walks straight into the ocean.

More than ever, Ozzy could really use the services of Rin, the wizard he hired to help find his parents—but Rin is missing, despite Ozzy's continual attempts to contact him. And Clark, the mechanical bird his father left him, is as peculiar and vain as ever.

When a mysterious package arrives, Ozzy and his good friend Sigi are sure that the plane ticket and thumb drive they find inside are from Rin. Trying to get Clark through security at the airport proves complicated—as most things are with Clark. But when they arrive in New York, they discover there's even more adventure in store for them.

Will Rin return and save the day? Will Ozzy figure out why he keeps walking into the ocean? Can Sigi find a way to trust her delinquent father? Will someone please appreciate Clark the way he'd like to be appreciated? For once? Wizard for Hire: Apprentice Needed is a story filled with humor and excitement that shows us the magic in everyday things.

WIZARD FOR HIRE by Obert Skye

WIZARD FOR HIRE by Obert Skye. I was really excited to see a new book from this author, and I jumped at the opportunity to review it. This captivating book had me turning the pages well into the night. I loved getting to know Ozzy as well as his robotic bird. Rin is a fantastic character but as the book moves on, he has me wondering who he truly is. I hope Skye does another one to help us know the true nature of Rin better. I would highly recommend this book to anyone of any age who loves a magical adventure.

:) :) :) :) 

What if there was a wizard in your hometown who offered his services to anyone in need? What if you were scared because your scientist parents had been kidnapped and you couldn't tell the police?

What if you stumbled across a classified ad in your local newspaper that read, "Wizard for Hire. Call 555-SPEL"? Would you call?

Fourteen-year-old Ozzy is desperate to find his parents, but he's not so sure about the ad....He's read about wizards in books like Harry Potter, but they couldn't actually exist in the world today, could they?

Enter Labryinth, aka "Rin," who dresses the part. Sort of. His bathrobe and high-top tennis shoes seem unorthodox. At least Rin acts like a wizard, but Ozzy has his doubts. Do real wizards write notes on their shoes and eat breakfast for every meal? Most of all, Ozzy just wants to know if Rin can cast any magic spells.

With the help of a robotic-talking raven invented by Ozzy's father, a kind and curious girl at school who decides to help Ozzy, and, of course, a self-proclaimed wizard who may or may not have a magical wand, Ozzy begins an unforgettable quest that will lead him closer to the answers he seeks about his missing parents.

POTION MASTERS: THE ETERNITY ELIXIR by Frank C Cole

POTION MASTERS: THE ETERNITY ELIXIR by Frank C Cole. I love books that create a curiosity  about other books the author has written. This middle-grade fantasy did just that. Gordy, Max and Adeline make a great team in a new world where potion masters aide our everyday technology. But watch out for those who misuse those potions. Gordy and his team might grow a third limb or make it so rats love you in order to defend themselves.

This is a fantastic read that anyone will love, especially youngsters that love fantasy. I enjoyed every page. Not only will I now look into other books by this author, but I will be reading this with my boys. I highly recommend it.

:) :) :) :) :)

Twelve-year-old Gordy Stitser is one of the few people who knows the truth about the secret society of potion masters, because not only is Gordy's mom on the Board of Ruling Elixirists Worldwide (B.R.E.W.), but she has also been training Gordy in the art of potion-making.

Gordy is a natural, and every day he sneaks down to the basement lab to invent new potions using exotic ingredients like fire ant eggs, porcupine quills, and Bosnian tickling juice.

One afternoon, Gordy receives a mysterious package containing an extremely rare potion known as "The Eternity Elixir." In the right hands, the Elixir continues to protect society. But in the wrong hands, ti could destroy the world as we know it.

Now, sinister potion masters are on the hunt to steal the Eternity Elixir. It's up to Gordy, his parents, and his best friends, Max and Adeline, to prevent an all-out potion war.

ADVENTURERS WANTED: THE AXE OF SUNDERING by M. L. Forman

ADVENTURERS WANTED: THE AXE OF SUNDERING by M L Forman. This is a series I have thoroughly enjoyed. Each book is definitely a fantastic adventure. I enjoyed being back with Whalen and Alex. It did take several chapters for me to get into the story, but once I was invested, I didn't want to put it down. In trying to figure out why it took me awhile to get into the story, the only thing I can think of is I had been out of that world for to long. I think if I had read all five books back-to-back it would have flowed better for me. I thought there was a very powerful lesson taught toward the end of the book about success and failures. Too often kids want to get up and the world judges us based on our successes. Alex learned a great lesson about the two. I would recommend this book and series to any fantasy lover.

:) :) :) :) :)

Whalen Vankin is a great an honorable wizard, and he has only ever personally trained two other wizards. One is Alexander Taylor, a young man who has earned a reputation as a brave adventurer, a warrior, and a man of honor. The other is Jabez, Vankin's nephew—a man whose choices have led him down a different, darker path.

Dark magic has covered Westland, and evil is stirring. Whalen and Alex must journey together into the heart of danger, confronting a sea serpent, and facing down more than one dragon. Alex must find the legendary Axe of Sundering—the one weapon that offers a chance to defeat Jabez—and protect the land from the dark wizard's plans. But finding it will be an adventure of its own as the only pathway to the Axe leads through the underground tunnels and secret passages of the Castle of Conmar.

But Jabez has a final weapon at his disposal: the powerful Orion stones, which could spell the end to Whalen and Alex both.

DRAGONWATCH by Brandon Mull

DRAGONWATCH by Brandon Mull. I have loved every single book in the FABLEHAVEN series and was very excited about getting back with Kendra and Seth. This book is as fantastic as the first five. I loved learning more about some of the characters that were introduced in the fifth FABLEHAVEN as well as getting to know new characters that will be with us through the next series. The dragons are incredible. The tension is high. The kids are amazing. The story will be one you won't be able to put down. I am so glad to be back in this world. The only downside is having to wait for the next book.

:) :) :) :) :)

In the long-awaited sequel to Fablehaven, the dragons who have been kept at the dragon sanctuaries no longer consider them safe havens but prisons, and they want their freedom. The dragons are no longer our allies...

In the hidden dragon sanctuary of Wyrmroost, Celebrant the Just, king of the dragons, plots his revenge. He has long seen the sanctuaries as prisons, and he wants nothing more than to overthrow his captors and return the world to the Age of Dragons, when he and his kind ruled and reigned without borders. The time has come to break free and reclaim his power.

No one person is capable of stopping Celebrant and his dragon horde. It will take the gathering of the ancient order of Dragonwatch if there is any chance of saving the world from destruction. In ancient times, Dragonwatch was a group of wizards, enchantresses, dragon slayers, and others who confined the dragons into sanctuaries. But nearly all of the original Dragonwatch members are gone, and so the wizard Agad reaches out to Grandpa Sorenson for help. 

As Kendra and Seth confront this new danger, they must draw upon all their skills, talents, and knowledge, as only they have the ability to function together as a powerful dragon tamer. Together they must battle against forces with supernatural powers and breathtaking magical abilities.

How will the epic dragon showdown end? Will dragons overthrow humans and change the world as we know it?

RIP VAN WINKLE AND THE PUMPKIN LANTERN by Seth Adam Smith

RIP VAN WINKLE AND THE PUMPKIN LANTERN by Seth Adam Smith. This was a fun read. I appreciated all the historical elements of the story. It was fun to see the story of Rip Van Winkle in a different light. The story kept me turning the pages, and I found myself smiling throughout the book. This is a great, quicker read that is for anyone who loves a good story around a legend that's full of magic, thought, growth, and excitement. I recommend it for anyone.

:) :) :) :)

Chased by a vengeful witch, hunted by an undead corpse, and guided by a secretive preacher, a boy must protect a magical lantern that can either save Boston . . . or destroy it.

In October of 1730, young Rip Van Winkle sneaks into a graveyard and comes face-to-face with the ghost of William Blaxton, the first settler of Boston. Warning Rip that the city is in danger, Blaxton gives him a mysterious gift: a pumpkin lantern with power over life and death. Before fading into midnight, the ghost tells Rip to take the lantern to Feathertop, a mythical pumpkin-headed scarecrow.

Pursued by Mistress Hibbins, a witch of terrifying power, and hunted by the nightmarish Midnight Minister, young Rip must rely on the aid of Jonathan Edwards, a stern and secretive preacher, and Nathaniel, a talkative, know-it-all raven. Guided by the magical light of the lantern, Rip races across New England to find Feathertop, save Boston, and become a most unlikely hero!

From the bestselling, award-winning author Seth Adam Smith comes The Pumpkin Lantern--a fantasy novel influenced by the writings of Nathaniel Hawthorne, Lloyd Alexander, and C. S. Lewis. Loaded with humor, action, suspense, and fascinating American history, The Pumpkin Lantern is also a poignant fable about faith, family, and the power of life over death.

THE CARETAKER'S GUIDE TO FABLEHAVEN by Brandon Mull — #amreading #books #reviews #fablehaven

The Caretaker's Guide to Fablehaven by Brandon Mull. I enjoyed this book, although it was the notations in the margin that I enjoyed most. This fun read anyone will love, especially FABLEHAVEN fans.

:) :) :) :)

This guidebook to the Fablehaven magical preserve is filled with everything a new Caretaker might need to know in order to survive. There are entries detailing important information about artifacts large and small, a complete bestiary of creatures (from fairies to trolls to satyrs), a guide to identifying demons, dragons, and wizards as well as valuable insights into the other magical preserves. Immerse yourself into the secret knowledge that has been handed down through the generations by reading the updates and notes written in the margins by the former Caretakers of Fablehaven, including Grandpa Sorenson, Kendra, and Seth. Fully-illustrated, this unique encyclopedia has gathered the world of Fablehaven into one volume.

Amazon

Excerpt from Introduction

If you are in possession of this book you are assumed to be the caretaker or an apprentice caretaker of Fablehaven. By now you’ve been introduced to the world of mythical and magical creatures. However, there is still much to learn. Previous caretakers of Fablehaven thought it would be helpful to create aCaretaker’s Guide specifically for those tasked with the job of nurturing, protecting, and surviving this preserve and its inhabitants. Do not be fooled. Fablehaven is an unpredictable and dangerous place. However, the collective knowledge gathered within the pages of this bestiary will give you the knowledge and wisdom needed to not only survive but to thrive. The creatures of Fablehaven are either light or dark, not necessarily good or evil. In order to be good, one must recognize the difference between right and wrong and strive to choose the right. To be truly evil one must do the contrary. Being good or evil is a choice. This is not so with the creatures of Fablehaven. What they are largely governs how they act. Some are inherently builders, some are nurturers, some are playful. Some are inherently destroyers, some are deceivers, some crave power. Some love light, some love darkness. But change their nature, and without much resistance, their identities follow. Like a fairy becoming an imp, or an imp regaining her fairyhood. Much counsel and advice has been passed down through generations and given to the new caretakers of this preserve. Perhaps the most invaluable piece of advice that has ever been given is this: Those who are careful to cause no mischief, work no magic, and inflict no harm are protected by the foundational treaty of Fablehaven. This truth alone may be your strongest ally and your only defense. One final note. The signs leading up to the front gate were not always there. In the late eighteenth century, before the guest register that controls access to Fablehaven was created, two poachers entered the property in search of big game. Needless to say, they found it. Or it found them. Many days later, the resident caretaker found them as well. Or at least he found their bodies of petrified stone. And thus the first signs outside the gates of Fablehaven were posted. As caretaker you have accepted a most noble assignment. Keep your eyes open. Obey with exactness. Take risks only as the last resort and you will have a better chance at seeing another sunrise. Welcome to Fablehaven.

Author Brandon Mull Brandon Mull is the author of the New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal bestselling Beyonders and Fablehaven series. Brandon resides in a happy little valley near the mouth of a canyon with his wife and four children. He spent two years living in the Atacama Desert of Northern Chile where he learned Spanish and juggling. He once won a pudding eating contest in the park behind his grandma’s house, earning a gold medal.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

$25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 10/28/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.

Blog Tour Schedule

a Rafflecopter giveaway

JANITORS 5: HEROES OF THE DUSTBIN by @twhitesides — #review #bookreview #giveaway #amreading

Janitors 5: Heroes of the Dustbin by Tyler Whitesides
This was a fabulous ending to an incredible series. It sucked me in and I couldn't put it down. I love how each character had a specific role to play the take down of enemies. And it truly was "action-packed and surprising!" I would highly recommend this to any and everyone who loves a good, fun series to read either by themselves or to their kids.

:) :) :) :) :)

Spencer knew that from the moment the Founding Witches had returned, the Rebel Janitors had begun disappearing. So many schools were defenseless now, the students' minds rotting from Toxite breath while the janitors vanished without a trace. Then it became personal. Although their enemies are powerful, their allies few, Spencer and his team of Rebels are not giving up! But what chance do a handful of kids and one rescued janitor have against the combined evil of the Founding Witches and the Sweepers? Can the Rebels close the source of all Glop and stop the Toxites once and for all-or is the world doomed to fall under the control of the sinister Bureau of Educational Maintenance? This explosive series finale is a gripping ride through conflicted loyalties and daring escapes, unexpected alliances and betrayals, and an ending you will never forget!

Amazon * Deseret Book

Author Tyler Whitesides TYLER WHITESIDES worked as a janitor at a middle school while attending college. It was there he discovered the many secrets and mysteries that can be hidden in a dusty school. Tyler graduated from Utah State University with a degree in music. He enjoys fly fishing in the mountains, cooking, and vacuuming. Tyler and his wife, Connie, live in beautiful northern Utah.

Website * Facebook * Twitter

$25 Blog Tour Giveaway $25 Amazon eGift Card or Paypal Cash Ends 9/25/15 Open only to those who can legally enter, receive and use an Amazon.com eGift Card or Paypal Cash. Winning Entry will be verified prior to prize being awarded. No purchase necessary. You must be 18 or older to enter or have your parent enter for you. The winner will be chosen by rafflecopter and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is in no way associated with Facebook, Twitter, Rafflecopter or any other entity unless otherwise specified. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. Giveaway was organized by Kathy from I Am A Reader and sponsored by the author. VOID WHERE PROHIBITED BY LAW.
 a Rafflecopter giveaway

Blog Tour Schedule

SECRETS OF NEVERAK by JACOB GOWANS — #review #bookreview #books #amreading

A TALE OF LIGHT AND SHADOW: SECRETS OF NEVERAK by Jacob Gowans. I read both Volume 1 and Volume 2 back to back. I prefer to do it that way so the story continues, although volume 1 ended well. This was a fascinating story from the beginning with the scribe paid to write the story to the storyteller coming in and continuing the story from volume 1. The characters are wonderful and the world is fun to be in, however, it reads more like an epic fantasy than I expected. I found myself skimming parts while others drew me to the edge of my seat. I smiled, shook my head, laughed, feared for, and basically enjoyed the ride Gowans takes the reader on. By the end of SECRETS OF NEVERAK, though, I felt like the story has taken on so many different individual character stories that in a way it was hard to keep up. I'd read what happened to one then jump back three weeks to find out what happened to someone else. It's a bit disorienting at times. It's a great read though that I would recommend for teens and above.

:) :) :) :)

Henry Vestin always believed that, despite being a carpenter with no training in swordplay or survival, he could lead Isabelle and his friends to safety. He thought he could defy an emperor and protect Isabelle from harm. He was certain that love and friendship would help them survive.

He was wrong.

The second volume in the Tale of Light and Shadow series follows Henry and his friends after the disastrous battle at the Iron Pass. Horrors await the band of travelers in strange new lands. Crippled and broken, Henry must rely on his friends more than ever. New allies and foes find them at every turn, but which are friendly and which are deadly? Isabelle, now a slave in Neverak, finds herself surrounded by enemies, uncertain about the fate of her friends, and relying on only herself to survive. The Emperor moves forward with his plans of conquest, spurred on by the Seer’s dark prophecy, but he has not forgotten those who defied him.

Return to the world of Atolas, where swords and daggers extend life or end it, where feuds and friendships influence kingdoms and courtships, and where magic is feared by all but a few.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

IMPOSSIBLE RACE by @ChadCMorris — #bookreview #books #amreading #review

IMPOSSIBLE RACE by Chad Morris. This was a fantastic ending to a wonderful series. It is a race that is worth running, and I couldn't stop turning the pages. I honestly didn't expect what happened at the end. I couldn't see how the kids were going to come out on top, but they did and the ending was very fitting. I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a great adventure. Be sure to check out the first two books in the Cragbridge Hall series: THE INVENTOR'S SECRET and THE AVATAR BATTLE.

:) :) :) :) :)

In the final book of the Cragbridge Hall trilogy, Abby, Derick, and their friends must utilize their skills in time travel and technology to survive roving bands of dinosaurs, race through space, build robots, and fight virtual dragons.

It’s known as the Race—an annual tournament where teams of students compete in the hopes of winning an unbelievable prize. But before this year’s competition, Derick and Abby receive a terrifying message from the future: Charles Muns’s plan to control history is going to succeed. It will cost countless people their lives and change the destiny of the world. And there is nothing anyone can do to stop them.

Despite the danger, the twins gather their friends and enter the Race, ready to compete against the best of the best in order to claim what might turn out to be a key of ultimate power.

Can they compete the Race in time and stop Muns? Or has the future already been written?

A page-turning, time-travel adventure that teaches powerful lessons about choice and consequence, believing you can do hard things, and valuing our history.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher in exchange for an unbiased review.

FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS by Michael McLean—book review/ #giveaway #amreading #bookreview #books

FAIRY TALE CHRISTMAS—by Michael McLean. This was a fun, quick read that gives a different twist on familiar fairy tale characters. It's fun to be in the point of view of the villian. Children of all ages would love this Christmas read. I highly recommend it to any and everyone of all ages. Just thinking about the story brings a smile to my face.

:) :) :) :) :)

Santa Claus has been kidnapped!

Behind the plot are an evil queen, a wicked stepmother, a sorceress, a beanstalk giant, and, of course, the mischievous Rumpelstiltskin. They have a plan that will erase the term "Happily Ever After" from our storybooks forever.

But it's nearly Christmas Eve, and time is running out. Can Santa and the fairy-tale heroes save the day and bring Christmas to all the children of the world? Will anyone have a "Happily Ever After" again?

Fairy Tale Christmas reminds us all that there is good in everyone and that the magic of Christmas can soften any heart.

*A review copy was provided by the publisher, however the opinions are my own.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

SPELL CHECK by Julie Wright—Book Review/ #amreading #books #bookreview

SPELL CHECK by Julie Wright. Julie's books have always been fun to read and this one is no exception! I was hooked from the beginning and couldn't put it down. The situations are hilarious and the magic incredible. I loved all the webs Ally weaves and how she figures out how to untangle herself and others. It is a delightful, funfilled read that anyone would love.

:) :) :) :) :)

A skeleton is rattling its way out of the closet marked "FAMILY SECRET! KEEP OUT!"

Allyson Peterson believes that being hanged by the Salem High Witches is the absolute worst thing that can happen. But when her powers, wrested from the trolls of ancient Sweden, manifest themselves, she realizes that a prank hanging by vindictive cheerleaders is the least of her worries.

Ally accidentally sends her parents to the jungle to fight anacondas, turns her brother into a mute, and curses the entire cheerleading team with an illness that has no cure, proving that her spells need a little checking. Her Swedish grandmother shows up to help her through the worst part of all-surviving the Troll Trials and saving the guy of her dreams from a vengeance that has festered through-out generations.

The power is in her, if she can just get the magic right.

*A review copy was provided, however, the opinions are my own.