Posts Tagged ‘youth’
Dark Autumn: Book Review
Now this could definitely be a movie! Dark Autumn is fantastic action-packed futuristic thriller that had me riveted for days. The energy was kept very high throughout the book. Occasionally Clint Dunshee’s characters performed seemingly super-human tasks, similar to James Bond or Dirk Pitt. However, the reader is also shown their flaws and the strength of intimate friendships &ndash bonds that are so deep they are willing to risk their lives for them. The abilities of these characters are made more believable because of the incredibly difficult training scenarios the author leads the reader through.
The theme is set in the future when space travel and space science is a part of life. Earth is contacted from another planet when one of the science probes is picked up by alien humans. As it turns out Earth is only one of hundreds of planets with intelligent life, only some were human. Many planets in the universe helped bring Earth’s technology up to par in exchange for the planet’s rich agriculture and minerals. Most planets worked on a good trade relation in relative peace, but the trouble-making Marvonians were on the edge of acceptance. This planet took it upon themselves to steal from Earth and attack their ships within a few light years of Marvon.
The main characters of the book, Alan, Bill, Carrie, Julie and Angela are all highly intelligent youth that are singled out for highly trained positions. Despite their youth and inexperience, they were considered Earth’s only chance to avoid a war with a technologically superior race. Bounty hunters and sabotage plays a part in a deadly scavenger hunt while plans are laid to rescue the hostages held by Marvonians. Earth has a chance to destroy their image of being a young planet and elevate into more sophisticated, honorable one that the other planets can respect and hold trade with more readily.
In order to do this, Earth must play the game carefully and honorably – at the same time the team must eliminate the dangerous problems with Marvon and free the Earthling prisoners before it is too late.
I believe this book deserves the highest ratings and I would recommend it to anyone, anytime, anywhere.
Publisher: Publish America, Inc.
ISBN#: 1413750923
Kisho – Review
Now here’s a treat for dog-lovers! Author of multiple short stories for children, Jarod Twiford, has recently released his first children’s book, Kisho. This story line is unique and has an ending that readers will not see coming.
Everyone loves a hero story. But in Kisho, the hero is an animated animal that is not really animated nor is he an animal! Here we have a young boy who privately loves to watch animated movies. He undergoes a magical transformation into an animated character from a movie and embarks on an adventure of a lifetime. Impending disaster, earthquakes, romance, adventure and finding true happiness are all a part of the story line in Kisho.
Jarod Twiford has been writing for young people for about six years before the release of this book. After intensive research and painstaking attention to detail, he picked the name for the leading character because Kisho means “one who knows his own mind”. His thoughtful use of many breeds of canines definitely lent more power to the characters’ personalities.
Though I felt a few areas were a little rushed over by the author, it certainly uses an interesting and fairly unusual theme. This book is certain to entertain and be read multiple times by readers.
ISBN#: 1-4241-0525-0
Author: Jarod Twiford
Publisher: Publish America
Star – Book Review
Tom Peters crafted a moving, educational animal adventure story in his novel Star. This is a dog-lover’s fiction – written for a young adult audience. Any young person who loves animals, or wants to own a dog should read this book.
Without preaching, Tom enlightens humans to the plight of dogs. He brings understanding to how they see things and why they behave the way they do. The most moving moral to the story for me was shown through the main character (a dog named Star) whose owners had school, work, play and friends &ndash while Star has only them. It really puts their world into perspective. I was torn and sorrowed by the incidents in the kennel and animal shelter. I definitely feel for the plight of animal shelters and because of this book, I feel compelled to try and do a little more to help.
Star is a courageous, loving lab-rottweiler cross who goes through many adventures from being ‘rescued’ from a puppy mill, abandoned in a forest, being stolen by a trucker and used by jewelry thieves. Star ensures a place in the readers’ heart through his self-less rescue of a little boy and his generous, loving heart.
I do not think a reader could put down this book without being moved by the great heart that Star displayed repeatedly. There are many lessons here for young adults from the dangers in the world, to the plight of pets and the strength of love.
ISBN#: 1553521927
Author: Tom Peters
Publisher: Tree Side Press
The Elf Prince – Book Review
Author Todd McClimans is a 5th grade teacher and young father, who lives in Nevada with his family. Todd has been writing short stories for his students for more than 10 years and The Elf Prince is his first novel. Currently, Todd is working on a sequel to this book and has two other book projects ahead in his future.
All the elements for a wonderfully mystical tale for youth, and for those with youthful minds are here in this novel. Haunting dreams, caring creatures of the forest, magical swords, a quest to defeat wickedness and free its captives along with humorous moments and unique characters – truly, it is all here. Each of Todd’s characters is pressed to find their individual strengths, to accept the uniqueness of their abilities and learn respect for things they once held reservations about.
There are three main characters in The Elf Prince. “Tenii” is a half-breed Man-Dwarf and just might be the most interesting wizard readers will have met in a long time. “Petra”, a gorgeous young fawn, has a persistent and doggedly determined nature that saves them all more than once. Finally there is “Dantin”, the 11 year-old half-breed Elf-Man Prince – who along with his two courageous friends endeavor to break the dominance of Dantin’s cold-hearted, ruthless uncle. They cannot do this alone and are aided more than once by their friends: Tierra, the she-elf Princess and Byron, the leader of a tribe of Dwarf warriors.
I have to say this was an excellent novel. Scene transition moved smoothly from one to the next in a realistic and engaging style. I completely enjoyed each stage of the tale and did not want it to end. The gorgeous book cover is certainly an asset to The Elf Prince, which pictures one of the two intricately carved magical medallions that play a part in the tale.
ISBN#: 1-4137-8553-0
Author: Todd McClimans
Publisher: Publish America
The Seventh Jewel – Book Review
The Seventh Jewel is a fantasy-adventure fiction geared for youth (ages 11 and up). J.J. Pritchard crammed several tantalizing elements in only 278 pages. The reader is taken on a journey that involves a treasure hunt, a noble quest and the discovery of an ancient civilization. The author touches upon family relationships, dealing with death and coming to terms with loosing a limb. The Seventh Jewel is also an educational book that brings up serious issues from poverty to discrimination. Mr. Pritchard’s approach to encourage readers to use his glossary of the ancient Inca language was very well done.
J.J. Pritchard, author of 6 books including The Seventh Jewel, has participated in a climbing expedition in Peru. His first hand knowledge of Peru, global warming and ancient Inca history is shown by tasteful and accurate use of facts. He couples this with highly plausible events throughout the story, making this book very well rounded, unique and realistic.
There are four main characters: Emma, a gutsy and witty teenage amputee, teaches the reader understanding and respect for what amputees experience. I think she could be a role model for many readers. Joel, her brave 11-year-old brother, displays a loyal adventurous heart. Uncle Jake, a well-connected treasure hunter by trade, plays the part of a hero and protector during a few points in the story. Estrella, a beautiful professor, has a chip on her shoulder that begins to melt when she meets Uncle Jake. Her life long dream is to honor her people by discovering the mysterious jewel of the Ancient Inca.
They are all thrown together when scientists discover that knowledge of an extremely rare element may exist in the ancient records of the Inca. This element has the potential to combat global warming and it is worth an inconceivable amount of money. Because of this value, people of questionable character are attracted to treasure hunt &ndash but they play by their own rules and answer to their own ethics.
The Seventh Jewel was an exceptional read. I highly encourage readers to pick up a copy of J.J. Pritchard’s latest book. You won’t be disappointed!
ISBN#: 0595336744
Author: J. J. Pritchard
Publisher: iUniverse
Willa’s Poppy – Book Review
Willa’s Poppy is a 166-page young adult, thriller-adventure with a hero-element in a subtle theme of rising above challenges and making a difference in the world. Animal lovers, rescue shelter workers and all readers from 8-18 will adore Poppy’s adventures. Because the author also gives insight into an adult’s life through their feelings and experiences with their careers, this book may serve as a tool to bring understanding and awareness in families.
Willa’s Poppy is about the exciting adventures of a girl and her puppy as they grow to maturity. Willa, a young teenager, struggled in school. Her desires for a bloodhound dog enabled her to earn the pet through better grades. Always a bit of a loner with only one true friend, Willa easily took to training and befriending the rescued puppy. Bonding with her beloved Poppy brings Willa out of her shell where she blooms into a bright flower. The family has subtle difficulties, but the entire family comes together when Poppy locates a missing child and rescues both Willa and her baby brother, from a dangerous criminal.
Author of 5 other books, WWII veteran, farmer and garlic specialist Chester Aaron creates a wonderful, heart-warming story in which the hero is Willa’s dog &ndash Poppy. The only noticeable negative point is the poor quality of the front cover design. Otherwise, I heartily recommend this book.
ISBN#: 1-55410-282-0
Author: Chester Aaron
Publisher: Zumaya Publications