jbronderbookreviews

The Awakening by Dorine White

(Excerpt from Goodreads) Nightmares really do come true, and for fifteen-year-old Kyler Birkwood, they are just beginning. Raised on a farm by his Aunt Martha, Kyler has no clue about the magical heritage swimming through his blood. When he discovers evidence of a mythical creature, a terrifying beast thought only to exist in fairy tales, his safe world shatters.

Left at a school of magic to hunt for clues, he is overwhelmed and disbelieved. As loved ones begin disappearing and Orcs roam the land, Kyler must undergo a journey that takes him from the High Courts of the King to the unknown forests of the East. His magic just awakening, Kyler is the lone hope for a world that will not listen.

My Review

4 stars

Kyler Birkwood has spent the last five years living with his Aunt Martha while his parents travel the world. But one day he sees a gryphon and meets a talking wolf. His Aunt is afraid that this means that Mordrake is back and sends Kyler to the Conservatory of Magic to keep him safe. There Kyler learns about magic and his own abilities. He also faces the regular trials of schools; friends, bullies, and trying to fit in. He will have to convince everyone up to the king that Mordrake is back although no one believes him.

This is a great story full of magic, adventure, and friends. I really liked how Kyler as a typical kid. He whined, he complained, and he didn’t always do what he was told. But it was a great way to watch him grow and made him more believable. I really like Henry and Darcy. Smart loyal Henry was there to help out. Darcy is a strong willed princess that refuses to follow the norm and finds herself in trouble because of it.

The only down side I found to the story is everything wrapped up quick and nicely at the end. As a standalone book it was very good. I do hope that it will be a series because I do see lots of potential.

This story will appeal to younger teens to adults that like young adult stories. I loved this story and recommend everyone get a copy. Now I want to check out other books by Dorine White.

To purchase The Awakening make sure to visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Dorine White’s website.

I received The Awakening for free from eBooks for Review in exchange for an honest review.

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The Enigmatologist by Ben Adams

(Excerpt from Goodreads) Twenty-something, John Abernathy is disillusioned. His job as a private investigator is unfulfilling, and he can’t find work in his chosen field, Enigmatology, the study and design of puzzles. He is about to quit when the National Enquirer calls. A woman in Las Vegas, New Mexico sent them a photo of someone who’s supposed to have died 35 years ago—Elvis Aaron Presley. And they need John to investigate it.

When the Elvis impersonator, Al Leadbelly, is murdered, John investigates, finding Air Force colonel, Alvin Hollister—convinced Leadbelly has information regarding Elvis’s death—at the crime scene conducting his own investigation. John discovers great-great-great grandfather’s journal—unearthing a conspiracy entwining Elvis, shape-shifting aliens, and Mary Todd Lincoln. When John finds Leadbelly, alive and wearing a sequined jumpsuit, John must help him escape before Colonel Hollister finds him, and discover if Leadbelly is really Elvis, an obsessed fan, or something more.

My Review

5 stars

John Abernathy graduated with a degree in enigmatology, specifically the creation and design of crossword puzzles. Unfortunately there really are no practical jobs in his field so he has taken a job as a private investigator and is very unhappy. But when he approached to go to Las Vegas and authenticate a picture of Elvis, things start getting pretty wild.

Elvis is really an Elvis impersonator by the name of Al Leadbelly. John’s investigation leads him to Al’s destroyed house along with the first person sent out to authenticate the picture. Now John is in the sights of Alvin Hollister and gets wrapped up in a story full of aliens, shape shifters, Abraham Lincoln, and even his great-great-great grandfather.

This story has everything and had me hooked from the very beginning where John is presenting a wife with pictures of her cheating husband and she has the completely opposite reaction. John is clearly unhappy but cannot seem to find his place. But this is a puzzle that us just itching to be solved and will leave you very surprised at the end.

If you are looking for a wild mystery I strongly recommend you check out The Enigmatologist. It’s a great story that will have you questioning if Elvis really did die in 1977.

To purchase The Enigmatologist make sure to visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Ben Adams website.

I received The Enigmatologist for free from Sherri Rosen Publicity in exchange for an honest review.

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The Last of the Firedrakes (The Avalonia Chronicles – 1) by Farah Oomerbhoy

(Excerpt from Goodreads) 16-year-old Aurora Darlington is an orphan. Mistreated by her adopted family and bullied at school, she dreams of running away and being free. But when she is kidnapped and dragged through a portal into a magical world, suddenly her old life doesn’t seem so bad.

With the help of a young fae, a magical pegasus, and a handsome mage, Aurora journeys across Avalonia to learn the truth about her past and unleash the power within herself. Kingdoms collide as a complicated web of political intrigue and ancient magic lead Aurora to unravel a shocking secret that will change her life forever.

My Review

5 stars

Aurora recently lost her parents in a car accident and is sent to live with her uncle, but the family treats her badly. If that wasn’t enough she is bullied at school and finds herself alone. But then on a family vacation to Redstone Manor, she learns that she has been sold to Lord Oblek. She gets dragged through a tapestry into a whole new life. Aurora is actually the Heir of Illiador and she has great powers, if she can unlock them. She is sent to Evolon, a school for mages, where she will find enemies, friends, and the ability to use her powers.

This is a great adventure story. I felt for Aurora in the beginning with everything she went through but I loved how she used this to make her a stronger person. But the part I liked the most was she is the typical teenager. She doesn’t always do what she is told and makes her mistakes but she learns from them. I was captivated from the first page I read and I felt right there with Aurora. The imagery was wonderful and I have to say that I loved Snow and Rafe.

This is a great young adult, fantasy story that will appeal to any age. I can’t wait to see what happened next in this series.

To purchase The Last of the Firedrakes make sure to visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Farah Oomerbhoy’s website.

I received The Last of the Firedrakes for free from eBooks for Review in exchange for an honest review.

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Venture Unbroken (The Venture Books – 3) by RH Russell

(Excerpt from Goodreads) In the aftermath of the All Richland Absolute Fighting Championship, Venture Delving is ready to build a new future for himself. But his enemies have plans to destroy his dreams, his friendships, and his hopes for a life with his master’s daughter, Jade Fieldstone—plans not just to thwart him, but to break him.

My Review

5 stars

Venture has come a long way from slums to winning the title of Champion. What could be better? Well, when you win that much power you also received a bunch of enemies. Because Venture is so honest and refuses to fight dirty like his enemies he finds himself in jail. Venture now has to fight to keep his sanity and sense of self while being locked away. Thankfully there is still Jade and Dasher that are trying everything they can to help Venture too.

This book is heart breaking. So far we have followed along as Venture has fought to rise about his status, earned the heart of his girlfriend, and even the champion title. But now he is being punished for being such a great, honest guy. It was so hard to read about Ventures time in prison. He is such a tough person but this test is more mental than physical. All I could do is cheer him on and try to keep in mind that he is going to make it out of this hell.

This is a great series and one that I strongly recommend everyone read. There is great action, a wonderful story that will draw you in and not let you go, and great characters that will have you crying and cheering with them.

To purchase Venture Unbroken make sure to visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and RH Russell’s website.

I received Venture Unbroken for free ages ago from the author in exchange for an honest review. I’m sorry for taking so long to get this written.

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Afternoon by Robert Lampros

(Excerpt from Goodreads) Afternoon is a novella for young adults about courage, faith in Jesus Christ, and growing up in a surreal and challenging world.

My Review

4 stars

Andrew, Drew, has been struggling lately. One day he almost drowns and during this time spends time with God. He learns how he is letting different things affect him and learns that everyone deserves a second chance. He then goes on to change his life for the better.

I like the idea of this story. We all deserve a second chance, especially when you see how things have gone off course and can see how to correct them. A lot of people never get to this point in their life and it’s a great message for young adults without being too heavy and preachy.

The only negative thing I have for the story is that there is no order to the events. There is no clear step 1, 2, 3, etc. They bounce all over the place and continually trying figure out what is going on and when became bothersome.

Over all this is a good story and I think makes a good point for people. It’s one that is definitely worth checking out.

To purchase Afternoon make sure to visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Goodreads, and Robert Lampros’ website.

I received Afternoon for free from the author in exchange for an honest review.

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Exit Row by Judi Culbertson

(Excerpt from Goodreads) Judi Culbertson returns with a page-turning mystery that answers every frequent flyer’s fear: What happens if I never make it home?

With no help from the airline, it’s up to Fiona and the friends and family of the missing passengers to discover what happened—and, more importantly, to find Lee. But when Fiona receives a mysterious note—It happened in between Denver and Taos—the patchwork team is thrust into a dangerous race against time…a race that could cost them more than who they’ve already lost.

My Review

4 stars

Fiona Reina is waiting to pick her boyfriend Lee up at the airport. But he is not on the flight. The airline has no information for Fiona except that he may be on a later flight.  But Lee is not on that flight either. Fiona notices other people waiting for others from the same flight. She gets their information then goes on the search for Lee and the missing people. But she cannot find anything that tells her were Lee is through the airline. Then she gets a note that Lee and the others disappeared between Taos and Denver. Fiona and the others go searching for the missing people but someone wants to keep the truth hidden through bribes or death.

This is my first story from Judi Culbertson and I have to say that I really liked it. I had no idea what had happened to the passengers and though that it could have been anything from terrorists to aliens. It was great following along with Fiona as she tried to find Lee. I liked how she even had moments of hesitation when someone suggests Lee might have wanted out of their relationship.

I do have to say that the ending was a bit abrupt. Suddenly the passengers are found and the pivotal event is glossed over. I reread the end a couple times because I felt like I had missed something. Having said that I still liked the story and would gladly read other books by Judi Culbertson. This is a great mystery that had me guessing until the end.

To purchase Exit Row make sure to visit Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and Goodreads.

I received Exit Row for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

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YA Dystopian (Sci-Fi)

Date Published: July 30, 2015

Fifteen-year-old Alexandra Spencer’s life was not supposed to turn out this way. She was not supposed to go on trial for a crime she did not commit. She was not supposed to be found guilty. And she was not supposed to be sent to Elder Grey Detention Centre, a place of horrors many don’t survive.

She is however, supposed to be the daughter of the wealthiest, most influential man in the post-apocalyptic city of New Phoenix.

But apparently, she isn’t.

As Alex struggles to cope with her new life in Elder Grey, an act of friendship ends in tragedy. When someone she thought was an enemy pulls her from her despair, Alex discovers that old friends cannot be trusted, prejudice is another word for fear, and trust, not blood ties, make a family.

Purchase Links

SPECIAL TOUR PRICING! $2.99!

Amazon    Barnes and Noble     Kobo     iTunes

Hayley Barrett began writing in the aftermath of the devastating Christchurch earthquakes of 2010 and 2011 as a way of escaping from the ongoing terror of the natural disaster. She spends a little time each day writing and can often be found at her local library wearing headphones and with a lap top attached to her hands.

Hayley lives in Rolleston, ten minutes south of Christchurch, New Zealand, with her husband and three children. When she isn’t driving her kids to their sports practices, games and other after school activities, she enjoys playing squash, relaxing in the sun and reading. Most days she wishes there were more hours available to spend writing.

Contact Links

Website     Facebook    Twitter     Goodreads

My Review

5 stars

Alexandra, Alex, is the spoiled daughter of a judge. She is falsely accused of a minor crime and sentences to one year in Elder Grey, a harsh prison. Alex has to survive the three week journey to Elder Grey through the New Zealand bush, but can she can’t rely on her guards to keep her safe. Then when she gets to Elder Grey she has to survive those that know that her father sent them to prison.

I really liked this world. You do have the usual apocalypse, corrupt government, and people getting in trouble for fighting for the truth. I have to say that although Alex rubbed me the wrong way in the beginning it was because of growing up privileged. Once she got out in the bush and the prison she wised up and really grew. But I especially liked how there were no good and no bad people. Everyone was realistic and walked in the grey zone between the black and white.

My only complaint is that the book felt rushed in some spots. There are a couple clues about Alex and her past but they really were not expanded upon. I think if the book was a touch longer it would have made the story feel more complete.

Having said that, I really liked Into Darkness. It’s a great young adult dystopian story. I can’t wait to read other books by Hayley Barrett.

I received this book for free from Reading Addiction Book Tours in exchange for an honest review.

Excerpt

From Chapter 13

His mouth was tight with tension and there were dark circles beneath his eyes. He was worried. And most likely disappointed in me for bringing banned items into Elder Grey. I didn’t want to feel his displeasure. So I said the first thing that came to my head. “Hungry.”

Will released my hand, much to my frustration, and took a plate from the small fridge. When he returned, I was trying to sit up without straining the wounds on my back.

He handed me the food and a glass of strawberry milk, and I tucked in immediately. “This is better than anything I’ve had since I arrived,” I said between mouthfuls. I hadn’t realised quite how hungry I was.

“Guards’ food.” Will ran a hand through hair that was messy from sleep. On his face was a smile that didn’t reach his eyes, and the muscles in his jaw strained. I wasn’t fooled.

Putting my plate to the side, I looked him in the eye. “I’m fine, Will.”

“No, Princess. Fine is about the furthest thing from what you are.” He was angry. But not at me. “Show me.”

I stared at him in disbelief. Marcus hadn’t cared enough to see. But Will, looking very much like it was his back wracked with pain, had asked. Words couldn’t express how much that single request meant to me. I rolled my overalls down my back, showing him my wounds.

Will inhaled loudly. I quickly covered myself and turned to him. He was working hard to keep his face neutral, but his shoulders were rigid and his fists clenched.

“Will. It’s alright.” I reached out and covered his hand with my own. “I’ve been up, walking around. I went out to the courtyard today.” My voice was bright; I needed him to believe me.

“And we know how that ended.” Fury and sympathy battled for dominance on his face.

Why was it that I felt like crying when he looked at me like that? I’d been fine with Cassidy and Rich earlier, and with Marcus. They believed me when I said I was doing okay. In fact, Marcus hardly seemed to realise there was anything wrong with me at all.

“I’m fine,” I whispered, pulling my hand away and blinking back tears. “You should probably go.”

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