A Must See YA Boxset ~ Wielder's Storm Trilogy!

I've been less than a blogger over the past year, and that's being generous. But that's a post for another time. Today, I have exciting news for you. Our very own Lynda R. Young aka Elle Cardy just released the most gorgeous boxset of her trilogy Wielder's Storm! 

Let's take a peek . . .

FREE on Kindle Unlimited - Amazon | Website

Whoa . . . I normally don't include an image this large in my posts, but I had to. Doesn't the cover hold an urgency about it that makes you just have to read?!

Here's the description:

The Wielder's Storm Trilogy is an action-packed epic fantasy that will sweep you across the high seas on a thrilling adventure full of exciting twists.

 This complete box set contains Wielder’s Prize, Wielder’s Curse and Wielder’s Fire.

Wielder’s Prize

Snatched for what she isn’t. Hunted for what she is.

Despite having an abusive cook as a father, Jasmine wouldn’t change her life on the high seas for anything—until that life is shattered. When she’s snatched from the only home she’s ever known and forced to crew a different ship, she learns a terrible truth. She is an untrained magic wielder who is a threat to everyone if she can’t control her power. But she’s not the only out-of-control wielder on the high seas, and the secret of that wielder could change everything she thought she knew—if she can survive.

Wielder’s Curse

A dark vision. A dangerous curse. A fierce girl caught in between.

Jasmine thought her adventures were over, but terrifying visions continue to haunt her.  When a loved one’s life is threatened, she risks everything to hunt down the would-be assassin. What she finds is not what she expected. Too late, she realizes she’s endangered the ship and crew. On the run, she is pursued across the high seas to an unknown land. If she can’t master her power, she won’t be able to protect anyone. If she can’t accept help, then she could turn into something worse than the thing that hunts her.

Wielder’s Fire

Jasmine’s secrets have been laid bare, her magic stripped. All she has left is a fire in her soul to defeat the oncoming storm.

Shipwrecked on a forsaken island, Jasmine has nothing but her anger and determination to keep her warm at night. Without her magic, she must find a way to defeat a powerful enemy that can raze townships and summon sea monsters. When she discovers an ancient magic, she embraces it. But it may not be all it seems, and she could be exchanging one sword to the throat for another.

For fans of Sarah J. Maas and Leigh Bardugo, who love exciting tales with dark secrets and unexpected twists. Lose yourself today in Elle Cardy’s epic fantasy adventure.

Elle Cardy is the pen name of Lynda R Young. She is a writer, editor, game developer, 3D artist, graphic designer, photographer, gamer and so much more.

She has a number of speculative short stories published in print and online. She has gone independent with her debut young adult fantasy adventure, Wielder's Prize, now available on Amazon. She’s a relative newcomer to sunny Brisbane and lives with her sweetheart of a husband who is also her best friend.

Under the name Lynda R Young, she has a Christian non-fiction out called Cling to God: A Daily Devotional.

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Instagram | VIP Club

I hope you check out this Elle's website. It's beautiful! Congratulations to Elle.

Much success to Wielder's Storm Trilogy!

MMGM~A Little Fright Before Christmas In January

Read on for my next contribution to Shannon Messenger's MMGM genius plan to give middle grade reads their just due! Click HERE for the other participants.
We've all heard of the slogan Christmas in July and of course 'tis the Christmas season. But today I want to look at the period of time just after Christmas, when we're ready to move toward springtime yet hold onto a bit of Christmas cheer. Here's a collection of Christmas tales I'd recommend for middle graders, high school students, and adults alike all the year through.

AMAZON | GOODREADS | INDIE BOUND

FRIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS 13 tales of holiday horrors (I don't know why but each time I read that tagline I want to go Mmwaahhhhh...)
Publisher: Leap Books Released: November 2015 Pages: 192 Format: Hardcover, Paperback, eBook
Description: It's the most wonderful time of year...or is it? 
Christmas Eve is a night of mystery and magic, but not always in ways we expect. Things lurk in the shadows and they're not the least bit jolly or merry. Let's just say some presents are better left unopened. ‘Tis the season to be screaming along with our thirteen tales of holiday horrors. Ghosts. Monsters. Demons. And more!  This Christmas, be careful what you wish for...

COVETED! A MUST READ!

My Splats: Familiar holiday tales of wonder and awe, wrapped in spooky, creepy, and mysterious packages.

The collection of stories are tweaked just enough with the odd and eerie to put a new spin on beloved Christmas elements. One story will make you think twice about the true meaning of Santa's Naughty list, while another will convince you to buy an artificial tree for your living room next year.

A few tales tell of gory fates, nothing too descriptive or visual, but will leave the imagination of some readers hungry for more. The family unit is included in some, diversity in dynamics and interactions too! There's life lessons for everyone; granted, a few are far-fetched, but fun and lessons nonetheless. The creativity is clever, inventive, and thought-provoking. And there's suspense, too, with creatures stalking a group of kids or an army of snowmen knocking on your door. 

'K pause, An army of snowmen knocking on my door... Get a visual? #shivers

The writing is clear and concise. There are stories such as Bigfoot Busters and North Pole Coal that flow with a distinct and crisp voice. Others showcase fantastical details like Frosted. 

I really enjoyed this collection's wit, plausibility, and hair-raising twists on familiar holiday songs, customs, and even food. ;) On aspect I want to point out is that some of the tales dug deep into little known facts of Christmas' past and what the holiday was prior to our modern day. It was kind of a history lesson, and I know for, it made me want to know more.

What's the last story you read out of season? 

Splat Alert #1: It's my 24th wedding anniversary today. Feels kind of weird ... weird, but good. :) 

Splat Alert #2: Oh, and don't think I've forgotten to share what's going on with my journey! I'll share more soon. My dad had surgery Friday. So being there for him and my mom, who needs lots of care because of her multiple sclerosis, has kept me busy. Thx for understanding! And if you haven't signed up for my newsletter yet and would like to you may do so by clicking the image! Once you do you'll receive my FREE writing aid. (And if I've missed signing up for your newsletter, please tell me in the comments. I'd love to!)

Wistful YA~TREASURE DARKLY by Jordan Elizabeth & a GIVEAWAY!

Wistful YA is my reoccurring spotlight, giving young adult literature center stage.
My next featured young adult tale is from a sweet author, who happens to be one of my co-authors filling up the pages of GEARS OF BRASS. She writes down her nightmares to live her dreams, as quoted from her CQ bio. How cool????
Intrigued by a touch of steampunk, mystery, and romance all wound up in a western setting? Then check out this next YA release. And remember to enter for your chance to win one of two free eCopies of the book! 

AMAZON | GOODREADS
 PUBLISHER WEBSITE

TREASURE DARKLY: Treasure Chronicles #1 by Jordan Elizabeth

Genre: YA Steampunk, Romance

Publisher: Curiosity Quills Press

Released: February 15, 2015

Pages: 289

Format: Paperback, eBook

Favorite Line/ Passage: Amethyst: Adam tossed Amethyst onto a sack of grain behind a closed barrel. Breath whooshed from her lungs as her body jerked against the hardness. The gag slipped down her lips enough for her to spit it out. 

"You idiot," she panted. The only light in the cellar came from the doors to the outside that Adam had left open. "You don't think  someone's going to find me in the bloody cellar?" (Kindle: 53%) OMGosh, I just love this character. 

I'd like to thank the author for supplying me with an eCopy in exchange for an honest review.

Description: Seventeen-year-old Clark Treasure assumes the drink he stole off the captain is absinthe… until the chemicals in the liquid give him the ability to awaken the dead. 

A great invention for creating perfect soldiers, yes, but Clark wants to live as a miner, not a slave to the army—or the deceased. On the run, Clark turns to his estranged, mining tycoon father for help. The Treasures welcome Clark with open arms, so he jumps at the chance to help them protect their ranch against Senator Horan, a man who hates anyone more powerful than he. 

Sixteen-year-old Amethyst Treasure loathes the idea of spending the summer away from her bustling city life to rot on her father’s ranch, but when a handsome young man shows up claiming to be her secret half-brother, her curiosity is piqued. He’s clever, street smart, and has no qualms jumping into the brawl between the Treasures and Horans. Caught in the middle, Horan kidnaps Amethyst, and all she gets is this lousy bullet through her heart. 

When Clark brings her back to life, however, the real action starts, and Amethyst joins him in his fight against the Horan clan—whatever the cost. Defeating the Horans may seem easy at first, but going up against men with the same fighting vengeance as Clark, and a Senator with power he’s obtained by brainwashing the masses? 
Well, Amethyst’s boring summer at home has turned into an adventure on the run, chock full of intrigue, danger, love, and a mysterious boy named Clark.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY!

My Splats: a little bit of snark and romance mingle with steampunk elements in a western flair to bring an under-privileged boy to his true lineage. 

Raw and real is what opens the first few scenes. The reader is introduced to a dank yet busy brothel and Clark as a child, exposed to truths of life at such a young age. He tends to take most of it in stride, accepting what he can't change and seeing hope for growth in what he can. It was actually refreshing to see a younger person claim his life instead of wading through as a victim. Despite living in a less-than-appropriate establishment for a child, Clark has an obvious affection for his mother, which is so nice to see in a young adult story. 

The tale comes to life through clever use of names, titles of places, and physical mechanics which were pleasant to both eye and ear. Solid character descriptions, including distinct voices, lit up the pages. Personally, westerns are not my favorite setting. But blended with the steampunk descriptions, the numerous mysteries, and ... well, yes - romance - it really worked. So much so that at times I hardly noticed it was set in field dust, barns of hay, parlors, and on horses. It was also interesting to see this world through duel POVs - character points-of-views. Trust me. The male and female perspective showed totally different sides. :)

I was particularly intrigued by the overall premise. Being plagued with the ability to bring back the dead in exchange for another's life is quite the burden to bare. Complicate that with the accidental stealing of that gift/curse, and it makes for great tension and conflict. Speaking of conflict, the idea of a boy from nothing showing up at a wealthy home to claim he belongs to them ... I think you get the picture. And within that tension, there's loads of family member conflicts: some for Clark and some against him. Then add in a feud with a rival wealthy family, growth of commerce and dignity of different peoples, and that the government is searching for the one who stole the potion to begin with, and you'll have to agree that Clark's journey is full of action. 

Spoiler Alert: And then there's the paranormal aspects of Clark discovering his real father and communicating with his spirit... I'm such a sucker for any otherworldly trait.

I'd recommend this story for any action-packed/romance, YA enthusiast, and also anyone who appreciates the finery of the western and Victorian eras.

The giveaway runs from 05/27 to 06/10. The two winners will be drawn after that an announced the following week. Thanks so much for entering and spreading the word! 

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Watch out. Things Are About To Get Really BAD.

Wistful YA is my reoccurring spotlight, giving young adult literature center stage.

Today I have a brief excerpt and book highlight from a really terrific series. I read book one of the SUPER BAD series. If you're interested, you can find my thoughts HERE. 

Excerpt from Super Bad:

Looking around the room Sandra asked, “Is this an FVA party? It seems too far away.”

“No. SVA. You didn’t even know which school’s party you were crashing?” Disdain dripped from Oceanus’s words.

The condescending tone was too much. Hadn’t she been nice to Oceanus when she dropped by unexpectedly? Anger surged inside Sandra. “What does it even matter? The schools are all balanced now anyway. Thanks to you!”

Lexa’s mouth dropped open.

Oceanus clenched her fists. “I told you, I had nothing to do with it.”

Before Sandra could spit back a reply, a boy sidled up to Oceanus, his eyes scanning the partygoers.

“Hey, babe. Those mozzarella things you made were a huge hit. Can you make more?” The boy ran his hand down her back and finally dropped his gaze to Oceanus. “What’s wrong?”

He followed her glower and squinted at Sandra. “Do I know you?”

“Aaaahhh!” Sandra yelled. “You arrogant jerk.”

She spun toward Lexa, who was all but drooling over the boy. “Let’s go!”

“What?” Lexa exclaimed.

The boy frowned. “So obviously I’m supposed to know you.”

“Set, it’s Sandra. Polar’s sister,” Oceanus grumbled.

“Ah, right. You cut your hair,” he said.

“Yeah, one does that after it’s burned off!” Sandra tugged on Lexa’s arm. “We can’t stay here.”

SUPER BAD 

The unexpected conclusion to the Super Villain Academy series.

The world is in chaos. Violence and thievery reign. And with the supers still balanced, it’s only getting worse. Without good versus evil, the supers care less and less. In order to restore purpose, the world needs its super heroes and its super villains, but the one who balanced them in the first place is missing.

Sandra’s concern over finding her brother, Jeff, isn’t her only problem. Her pathetic excuse for super powers has left her needing a new ankle. And though she’s still very much committed to her boyfriend, Source, she’s growing unreasonably attracted to Set, the boy who double crossed Jeff by stealing his girlfriend.

When Sandra is taken and held as bait by kids who want to unbalance the super world, it becomes the inciting event that changes things for supers everywhere and forces them to answer the question, “Hero or villain?”

***

Super Bad is scheduled for release in June, but there have been whispers of it releasing sooner. Don’t miss out. Subscribe to Kai’s mailing list and be among the first to know.

***

King of Bad - Jeff Mean would rather set fires than follow rules. He wears his bad boy image like a favorite old hoodie; until he learns he has superpowers and is recruited by Super Villain Academy – where you learn to be good at being bad. Is Jeff bad enough for SVA?

Polar Opposites - Heroes and villains are balanced. After Oceanus is kidnapped, Jeff learns the supers are so balanced, they no longer care to get involved. Ironically Jeff’s superpowers are spiraling out of control. Will they find Oci before he looses it completely, and will they find her alive?

***

Win a $10 Amazon gift card or an ecopy of either King of Bad or Polar Opposites. Plenty of chances to win. Open internationally. Enter here:

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About the author:

When her children were young and the electricity winked out, Kai Strand gathered her family around the fireplace and they told stories, one sentence at a time. Her boys were rather fond of the ending, “And then everybody died. The end.” Now an award winning children’s author, Kai crafts fiction for kids and teens to provide an escape hatch from their reality. With a selection of novels for young adult and middle grade readers and short stories for the younger ones, Kai entertains children of all ages, and their adults. Learn more about Kai and her books on her website, www.kaistrand.com.

MMGM~THE LUMPY DUCKLING

I've been away from my middle grade spotlights for a while and decided it was time to join in, again. It's great to me back in the lineup for Shannon Messenger's MMGM! Click HERE for the other participants.

THE LUMPY DUCKLING: Another Weaver Tale (Weaver Tales, #3) by Kai Strand
Publisher: Guardian Angel Publishing Released: October 2014 Format: Paperback Pages: 85 Goodreads | Amazon | B&N
I'd like to thank the author for supplying me with a copy in exchange for an unbiased review.
Favorite Line/Passage: Wheezy leaned against her bedroom door when she closed it behind her. Her heart pounded from the effort of holding her feelings inside. Such strong emotions swirled inside her, she was afraid of what might burst out. She wanted to yell at the top of her voice in anger, yet her heart weighed heavy with sadness, and tears hovered just behind her eyes. Remembering Lumpy's handsome new face caused her to frown with confusion and sob from a sense of loss.
Description: Lumpy may be hefty with a misshapen mouth, but he’s funny and the most loyal friend Wheezy could ask for. When she meets Unwanted, she casts a wish for people to be able to see her best friend like she does. Her wish nearly kills him.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY +2!

My Splats: a sweet coming of age tale of trying to find one's place in the world and within relationships. It's full of fun, youthful energy. 

What sets this story series apart from other shorter fantasy reads in the middle grade category is the structure of the story. These children are word weavers, meaning they often challenge each other through every day events by communicating in poetic rhyming. Initially, I thought it might become too much or take away from the main theme of the story but it didn't. In fact it did the opposite by showing character quirks, beliefs, and reactions - inner emotions. I think kids this age will really gravitate to it. It makes them think.

The story has wonderful characters such a Eloise aka Wheezy, who sneezes in threes. She has a great attitude of being strong and sure of herself - on the outside, anyway. As events unfold, the reader learns there's more to Wheezy on the inside then she shows on the outside. Then there's her BFF Lumpy, who's always been the plump, smart boy on the block. He's practically a master at word weaving, always making it a playful game. A little competition between good friends sounds fitting and intriguing to readers of this age. I absolutely LOVE this concept. 

As all good stories do, this one has roadblocks the main character must overcome. Through one dangerous wish that could have a grave outcome, Wheezy takes the reader on a journey of changing friendships as kids move from the elementary mindset and physical body to moments of awkward adolescence. How does he feel? How do I act? Will they still like me? There's even a bully to give the tale a deeper MG feel, although it's done in a new, fresh way. 

By story's end, the true meaning of friendship shines through in a delicate and very sincere way. It's a wonderful teaching tool for kids this age. I'd recommend reading together, especially with 10-11 year olds. (Psst...if you're wondering if that little blue dude on the cover is Lump, it's not. You'll have to read to find out who he is.)

Weaver Tale #1                    Weaver Tale #2

What's a good middle grade story on friendship you've read? 

MELT ~ The Full Circle of Domestic Abuse

This is my last official post before my summer break. Technically, I'm on a family vacation, right now, but wanted to share this amazing book with you. I'll be popping in and out, but will return to my regular schedule in mid to late August. 

TOUR SCHEDULE

My heart pounded as I read every word of Dorothy and Joey's story. Though long-fought and denied, love and genuine care for another can make all the difference in the world. 

That is what I typed directly after I'd finished reading this story. My heartache over the domestic abuse Joey went through dug deep within me. I've shared just how deep below. 

GOODREADS

MELT by Selene Castrovilla

Genre: Contemporary
Release Date: November 2014
Pages: 328

I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.

Description: Melt is a brutal love story, set against the backdrop of The Wizard of Oz. Sixteen year old “good girl” Dorothy just blew into the small town of Highland Park – where the social headquarters is Munchkinland (Dunkin’ Donuts.) There, she meets Joey – a “bad boy” who tells no one about the catastrophic domestic violence he witnesses at home. Can these two lovers survive peer pressure, Joey’s reputation, and his alcoholism? And then there’s his family's secret – about to be unleashed.

Told in dual first person, Joey's words are scattered on the page - reflecting his broken state. Dorothy is the voice of reason - until something so shattering happens that she, too, may lose her grip. Can their love endure, or will it melt away?

Melt is based on true events. It is both a chilling tale of abuse, and a timeless romance. It will hit you like a punch in the face, and also seep through the cracks in your soul.

Favorite Lines/Passage: Joey's POV:

Late late late
It's late. 
I wake in the black
to the racket
in the air reaching up up
up from 
under
me.
Pop's cursing like a madman
downstairs
high on whiskey no doubt
pacing
like a caged panther I'm
sure
he's screeching he's howling I'll bet he's
barking through the window at the
moon. 
He crashes
glass
he smashes
ceramic
he bashes
Mom too I know.
      My clock glares red from my night stand it's 1:56
a.
m.
      My mouth tastes sour.
       I lean over the edge of my bed grope for the
neck
of my Bacardi 151. I keep it tucked under the bed for nights like this and they're pretty
much 
all 
nights like this.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY +2

My Splats: Follow the journey of a boy emotionally dulled by domestic abuse and the girl who sees life, love, and hope in him. 

This is a young adult story for the ages. Sounds clique, but true. It explores the world of domestic violence - a world all too often hidden from most. Just as adult victims, children/teens existing in such an environment are molded by what they see and feel. And it takes its tole. 

From the outside, opinions can be told about Joey. He's rough, tough, and known for trouble. No one in their small town wants to know why. Most would rather gossip about him being no good and a loser. But, as with most things in life, what is visible on the outside is far, far from reality. 

Physically, Joey is a big guy, built, and quite attractive. Dorothy is new in town and notices him, because of those traits. But for her, there's something more. Her parents work in the psychiatric field and she's developed a feel for people. She feels something off about Joey, that he's not what the other kids are telling her he is. 

Joey is soft and deep, on a primitive level. He'd already chalked up the dream everyone wants--a good home, caring family, and love--to fantasy. In Joey's world, all those things that are supposed to equate to love are lies, a mere facade painted on your skin so people don't know. He does love ... his booze and fighting. It helps him forget what he has to go home to. For Joey, his home symbolizes a prison stained in tainted memories of beatings, guilt for not helping his mother, and places his dad kept him to keep him out of the way when he was younger. 

And Dorothy sees that. Not the abuse at first, but his desire to be more than he is right now, his want for happiness and hope that he's not ready to admit yet. She senses his loneliness and a tension stirring inside him. She decides to wait on him, let him emerge on his own. 

For Joey, Dorothy slowly becomes his hope and courage--a belief there might be more to life than this. But he's so afraid she'll get hurt like his mom.  

The writing brilliantly captures the essence of domestic abuse and its lingering affects. It's told from duel point-of-views, which adds such depth to the tale I don't think it could have been written any other way. Joey's POV is visual, too. As I've shown above, the author structured the words in a linear fashion down the left side of the page. Sometimes using a single word, while other times a few words. This gave a tangible view of his brokenness, his vulnerability. 

My only issue with the story was how Dorothy met a few friends at the beginning and then it's as if those kids just disappeared once she began talking to Joey.  

NOTE: there is vulgarity in the opening, but the piece is so powerful that it's easily overlooked. Honestly, holy wow! Let me rephrase. The opening to this story so overwhelmed me, the blanket of helplessness was so heavy, I got a stomachache. All I could think was 'God help them'. And I couldn't stop reading.

Have you ever read a book about domestic violence? 

Wistful YA ~ BONESEEKER & Giveaway!

Wistful YA is my reoccurring spotlight, giving young adult literature center stage.

I'm thrilled to be a part of this next blog tour. I'll save you my blabber, partially because I'm leaving for a two-week vacation tomorrow, but mostly because this book will speak for itself. I'd recommend this as a good summer read!

AMAZON | GOODREADS

BONESEEKER by Brynn Chapman
Genre: Young Adult, Historical Fiction; Mystery Publisher: Month9Books Published Date: June 17, 2014   I'd like to thank the publisher for supplying me with an eARC of this book in exchange for an unbiased review.
Favorite Line/Passage: Henry POV ~ I gently slide the hair from her cheek and over her shoulder. It reaches her bottom like a red-headed Rapunzel. Her fringe of hair brushes her thick eyelashes, which twitch as she dreams.
Arabella POV ~ The sky is dark and brooding, much like Henry.
He's barely uttered a sentence. He's contemplating, trying to work out what he wants to say. The weather seems to mimic his mood, as if the breeze holds its breath in similar anticipation.
Description: Arabella Holmes was born different and raised different. After it became apparent she wouldn't fit the role of a proper 1900's lady, her father, Sherlock, called in some lingering favors, and landed her a position at the Mutter Museum. The museum was Arabella's dream; she was to become a purveyor of abnormal science. What her father called a BoneSeeker.
Henry Watson arrives at the Mutter Museum with a double assignment--to become a finder of abnormal antiquities and to watch over and keep Arabella Holmes. An easy task, if he could only get her to speak to him instead of throwing knives in his general direction.

But this is no time for child's play. The two teens are assigned to a most secret exploration, when the hand of a Nephilim is unearthed in upstate New York. Soon, Arabella and Henry are caught in a fight for their lives as scientific debate swirls around them. Are the bones from a Neanderthal ... or are they living proof of fallen angels, who supposedly mated with humans according to ancient scrolls?

Sent to recover the skeleton, they discover they are the second team to have been deployed and the entire first team is dead. And now they must trust their instincts and rely on one another in order to survive and uncover the truth.

NIGHTSTAND WORTHY

My Splats: In the flair of second-generation Sherlock Holmes, there's mystery, danger, romance, and definitely major snark.

The story opens in the past with a group of men discussing a matter of importance and their willingness to do whatever is necessary for their cause ... a cause vaguely disclosed to the reader. From here the story moves into the present then to another chapter from the point-of-view of one of the lead characters. The next chapter is then from the other man lead's point-of-view. I wasn't sure I was going to like the story from the way the opening was structured, but the MC's voices along with the snippet of mystery introduced urged me to keep reading. I'm glad I did. 
I loved the fact that Arabella is introduced as Sherlock Holmes' daughter and her BFF (best friend forever and eventual boyfriend forever) Henry as Watson's son. I'm not giving anything away by describing Henry as I just did. Trust me. It will be obvious to you from the start that these two are destined to be together and have been since childhood. But don't let that fool you. The author does a wonderful job of tossing up roadblocks to get in their way.
Arabella and Henry have been life-long friends. How could they not with the tempestuous friendship between their fathers? They find themselves employed on a bone recovery mission for a museum after a few years apart. Between the bone recovery dig itself, murder, physical attacks, their childhood memories and snarky fromance (friendship/romance), and Henry's alleged promiscuity, this is no simple tale. 
Through Bella and Henry's taunting romance, a mystery slowly rears its annoying head. It appears someone is sabotaging the dig. This is where Arabella's traits of details and detection, obviously gained from her Holmes' father, begin to work overtime. It was fun watching her, all while poor Henry did his best to keep her out of trouble--deja vu to their fathers' relationship.
Arabella is witty, bold nonsense, and at times she felt too old for her age. But she can't really be to blame. Having the amazing Scotland Yard detective as a father was not easy. She's learned that life is all scientific with no room for the unexplained--love being one of those unexplained. But Henry has something to say about that. I found it amazing how Arabella's capacity for love goes from nonexcited (knowing she feels different when Henry's around), to full-fledged passion. All I can say about Henry is that I love him and his internal struggle to resist Arabella. He desperately tries to fend it off, but alas ... 
The writing is both poetic and dreamy. There are strong, forceful moments, yet extreme tender ones, too. The author has a nice command over the language of the time period. At times, the tale held a CSI feel, crime scenes and all. 
My only negative is the overall feel of the story is a mixture of young adult and new adult. The lead characters are both in a profession, both hold a demeanor of older characters, and both tend to think with more wisdom than the average YAer.   I have to tell you. I am head-over-oodles in love with Henry. Wish they'd put a snippet of him on the cover. Even a faded out background. #growls
~ ABOUT the Author ~ 
Born and raised in western Pennsylvania, Brynn Chapman is the daughter of two teachers. Her writing reflects her passions: science, history and love—not necessarily in that order. In real life, the geek gene runs strong in her family, as does the Asperger’s syndrome. Her writing reflects her experience as a pediatric therapist and her interactions with society’s downtrodden. In fiction, she’s a strong believer in underdogs and happily-ever-afters. She also writes non-fiction and lectures on the subjects of autism and sensory integration and is a medical contributor to online journal The Age of Autism.
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What's the last time-period piece you've read or heard was good?

MGMM ~ I'm Talking Dragons!

MMGM aka Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday was created by Shannon Messenger to give middle grade reads the attention they deserve. I'm joining in, today. If you'd like to see more MG books, click HERE to follow other participants. 
I have a series of books for you, today, on the recommendation of my ten-year-old son. After reading the first few chapters, he began bugging me to buy the rest of the series. He says, "The story is full of action and adventure. I really like how it's all about dragons. I can't stop reading."
So, I thought it might be a strong read to keep some of your kiddos busy during their summer break.  

GOODREADS | AMAZON

WINGS of FIRE ~ Book I
Author: Tui T. Sutherland Publisher: Scholastic Press Released: July 2012 Pages: 336
The seven dragon tribes have been at war for generations, locked in an endless battle over an ancient, lost treasure. A secret movement called the Talons of Peace is determined to bring an end to the fighting, with the help of a prophecy -- a foretelling that calls for great sacrifice.

Five dragonets are collected to fulfill the prophecy, raised in a hidden cave and enlisted, against their will, to end the terrible war.

But not every dragonet wants a destiny. And when the select five escape their underground captors to look for their original homes, what has been unleashed on the dragon world may be far more than the revolutionary planners intended . . .
A thrilling new series soars above the competition and redefines middle-grade fantasy fiction for a new generation!
Here are the other four books in the series: 

Most of you know that I'm not a dragon fan. I don't have anything against dragons, but I don't have an attraction to them, either. However, my son is so enthralled with this story I've got to believe other kids his age will be, too.
Do you have a favorite dragon or dragon story? 

Middle Grade Mania ~ ICE DOGS

MMGM aka Marvelous Middle-Grade Monday was created by Shannon Messenger to give middle grade reads the attention they deserve. I'm joining in, today. If you'd like to see more MG books, click HERE to follow other participants. 
I'd like to start off with thanking the author for sending me a hard copy of this book. She merely sent it to me because, in her words, You've been a wonderful supporter and I wanted to thank you. Yeah, I got a little teary-eyed. Terry is an amazing person, blogging bud, and writer. Whatever I share about her or her work is because I believe it in my heart. 
I'm sure some of you have heard of ICE DOGS before, but I wanted to share my thoughts on it because it's much deserved.

AMAZON | B&N | GOODREADS

ICE DOGS by Terry Lynn Johnson
Publisher: HMH Books for Young Readers Genre: Adventure Released: February 4, 2014 Pages: 288
Favorite Passage/Line: I climb back to where the dogs are watching me with amusement. Blue's tongue hands in a silent laugh. I motion for Christ to let the dogs go and I grab the sled as it slides by. Chris beams at me from his runner and then grabs me with one arm and awkwardly crushes me into his side. I grin right back with abandon, feeling absolutely giddy with joy. Our eyes connect with the shared delight of the moment. (pg. 176)
Description: Victoria Secord, a 14-year-old Alaskan dogsled racer, loses her way on a routine outing with her dogs. With food gone and temperatures dropping, her survival, and that of her dogs and the mysterious boy she meets in the woods, is entirely up to her.
Author Terry Lynn Johnson is a musher herself and her crackling writing puts readers at the reins as Victoria and Chris experience setbacks, mistakes, and small triumphs in their wilderness adventure. 

COVETED! MUST HAVE!

My Splats: Follow the touching survival journey of a young girl, as she finds strength in the love of her sled dogs to deal with a deep loss and return herself, the dogs, and a lost boy home.

Victoria is a tenaciously-willed tween/teen, both physically and mentally. As far as comprehending her surroundings, she's wise beyond her years. Her instincts of survival are as upfront in her being as some of our favorite foods are to us; they are simply part of what makes her tick. 

No one tells her what to do, when it comes to her place in the beauty of nature, which is such a refreshing element in this book. The majority of kids this age are focused on shopping, their next game, and even preparing for college - not which way the wind is blowing and how it could affect the falling snow or how they'd get food and shelter without electricity (me included). Victoria respects the natural world and its power. A born leader, she's self-assured and assertive. Her voice is fantastic and truly made this story move forward. The story is 'real', like I could help Victoria and Chris or pat one of the dogs. Johnson put me there. 

The relationship Victoria has with her dogs is tender and sweet. They are her family, tangible and important. She also has a beautiful connection with her father, albeit he's no longer with them. But she harnesses all he's taught her in her heart, which becomes an anchor for the story after she finds Chris--a former city dweller new to town and now stranded in the middle of nowhere on his crashed snowmobile. Together, equip with only the bare minimum out in the tundra, they must dig deep to find courage and strength to beat the odds of the frigid cold and distance they must travel home.

Distinct terminology is essential in order for the reader to understand Victoria's Alaskan world. The author does not disappoint. This tale is perfectly woven between expected/average word choices and intriguing terms that are easy to understand. It made the story flow and beam with enchantment. I also gained a deeper peek into Victoria and her every day life and learned a lot about the sport of sled dogs and the care given to these amazing animals.  

ICE DOGS is a great read and much deserving of its Junior Library Guild Selection.

Have you ever read a story about outdoor survival, children's lit or adult? Care to share?