Book Review for “Titanic: Unsinkable” Fiction Ages 8+

Titanic: Unsinkable is the first book in a trilogy. The series is written for ages 8 and up. I happen to love all things Titanic so this story gets a star just for the subject matter, right up front. The book is well written and the story is told through the adventures of four teenagers. Paddy is an Irish lad, running from some notorious gangsters, only to find out they have also booked passage on the very ship that he has stowed-away on. Alfie, an English boy has lied about his age to acquire his job as a steward on the same ship his father works as a broiler man. Sophie and her Mother, who is a woman’s rights activist are on their way back to America. Julianna is the daughter of an earl. She and her father are visiting America on business. The four teens find trouble, mystery and suspense on the Titanic. I enjoyed book one and will be moving on to the next two. I give this book 5 stars.

Book Review for “Division of the Marked” YA Fantasy

I was given a copy of this book by the author, March McCarron, in exchange for an honest review. I really liked this book! It is great for the audience it was intended for, but also a good adult read as well. With strong lead characters, a good mystery and a lot to say about loyalty and friendship, the story captures your interest right away. I am looking forward to reading more from this author. Great YA Fantasy. I give this book 4 stars.

Book Review for “The Hollowmen” -Dystopian

“The Hollowmen” Book 2 in the Hollows Series continues on with Remy, the strong female character. These are your typical zombie apocalypse dystopian books, and the first one didn’t have a lot of the zombie stuff in it. This one did. I am still enjoying the storyline, but this one had way more gore, swearing and added some sexual contents, including an almost rape. So for me, that was a little much. I wouldn’t recommend for readers under the age of 17. Its action packed, easy reading, not too deep and there is a small element of romance. I am giving this second book three stars. If you love all things zombie, this one’s for you.

Book Review for “City of Bones” by Cassandra Clare-Paranormal

I just finished book one in the Mortal Instruments series, “City of Bones” by Cassandra Clare. I have to admit that it was the covers of these books that grabbed my attention in the beginning. That was months and months ago. I have had them on my wish list on Amazon a long time. Finally, I acquired the first three. I read it in two days. Very well written, loved the characters. Clary, the main female character finds out that her whole life has been a lie. She meets Jace and her whole life changes. The twists and turns keep your nose in the book! Demons, Downworlders, Shadowhunters, Warlocks and otherworldly beings, you’ll find them all in this volume. This is what I loved the most, the book, though filled with fighting and violence is free from perverse language and sexual content. I loved this book as an adult and am thrilled that it is “clean” enough for teens. Still this is a gritty, gutty book. I can’t wait until I can start book two. I give this book a solid 5 stars.

Book Review for “Iscariot” by Tosca Lee-Christian Fiction

Tosca Lee is a talented writer. I have read her joint efforts with Ted Dekker and this is the first book I have read by her alone. I can’t say enough about this book. The best book that I have read in years. It totally made me think about so many things on so many levels. Her retelling of the story of Judas Iscariot is based in the bible and historical writings, where history was lacking in the storyline; Tosca fills in the missing pieces with the liberty of fiction writers and painted a poignant story of one man’s struggle with his self-righteousness and self-condemnation. The main theme is the Love of Christ. Just loved it! I highly recommend this book for teens and up. If you read any book this year, read this one. I give it 5+ stars. One of my new favorite authors.

Book Review for “When the Levee Breaks” book two in the Outage series-Sci Fi

“When the Levee Breaks” by Mathiew Gallant was given to me in exchange for an honest review. This is the second book in a series. I like this book even better than the first. My only complaint is the amount of bad language and pot use in the book. If this doesn’t bother you, than add an extra star to my review. So much more is explained in this book and there is no way you could just read the first one, “Outage.” I will finish the series when the next book comes out. Robert makes a new friend in this book and continues to survive amidst the disease and lack of supplies. With some new information about what is going on in the world, he decides to take a stand. I give this book 3.5 stars. (Like I mentioned before, would have been at least a four without the negative things.) Not recommended for under age 16 due to the drug use and language.

Book Review for “Runners” YA Dystopian

I was given a copy of “Runner” by the author, Sharon Sant, in exchange for an honest review. This is a YA Dystopian novel who’s main character, Elijah, meets up with a group of ‘runners’ who are trying to stay a step ahead of those chasing them. This story is about teamwork, loyalty and how a group of people can become a family. I enjoyed the story and would recommend it for ages pre-teen and up. Sharon Sant has an easy writing style and a way with characters. I would definitely read more of this author’s work. I give the book 5 stars for YA readers.