jbronderbookreviews

Seventeen by Suzanne Lowe

The world is about to face the deadliest biological weapon ever known.
Lexi is a typical 21st century teenager growing up in Perth, where family barbeques and days at the beach fill her weekends. When a virus unexpectedly spreads to Australia, Lexi’s future is changed forever. She must quickly learn to adapt in this new world, where every day threatens to be her last.
Through trial, triumph and friendship, Lexi must find her inner strength and determination, lead the outback town of Jasper’s Bay and provide a future for herself, her sister, and everyone they hold dear.

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Author’s Bio

Suzanne was born in Perth Western Australia and as a young adult, grew up in the small country town of Tom Price, situated in the outback of Western Australia. The summers were often very hot and dusty and she would spend her weekends with her friends, swimming in the cool water of the gorges, trying to escape the heat. As she grew to adulthood she travelled extensively throughout Australia and grew to love the unique and diverse landscapes of the country. Suzanne’s current home, is in Perth with her husband, two teenage daughters and black and white cat Abby.

She has a Bachelor of Science Degree, majoring in Sport Science and has worked as a library assistant, personal trainer and barista.

Suzanne’s favourite genres are sci-fi and fantasy and she particularly enjoys watching movies and reading books with dystopian style scenarios. Some of her favourite authors include, John Marsden, Suzanne Collins, Anne Rice, Stephen Donaldson and of course J.K Rowling.

Her novel, Seventeen, came about as she wanted to write a story for young adults, that featured two sisters having to survive in a world, that was suddenly vastly different from one they had grown up in. One without adults or any rules. This was a scenario that her own two teenage daughters would often discuss and theorise about at the dinner table. She wanted to set the story in Australia, somewhere that is quite isolated and a unique setting for most dystopian stories.

Suzanne is currently writing a non-fictional book about travelling, and plans to write a follow up book to Seventeen in the future.

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My Review

5 stars

A jet from Japan crashes and releases the KV17 virus into the world which kills all adults. In Perth Australia we meet sisters Lexi and Hadley. KV17 has killed their parents but they are still living at home until it becomes unsafe. They travel in their neighbor’s car until they find a community of other kids trying to survive. Things go well for a while until a local bully, Broc starts attacking the community. But that is just the start of the troubles. It seems KV17 has mutated and is starting to affect those that are 17. Lexi is starting to get the rashes and Hadley don’t know what she is going to do if she loses her sister.

I love a good dystopian story and what better one than a super virus that kills adults. Teens rejoice, no parental rule. Well that is until you have to start taking care of yourself and trying to survive in this new world. Lexi and Hadley are trying to stay safe at home but when it is robbed they have to venture for better grounds, which in not easy to come by.

Thankfully they find a community that is trying to work together to survive. Of course you have vultures like Broc that want easy gains and the joy of bullying and hurting people. When that seem to be tough enough, then you have the mutated virus that is still killing people.

I loved the bond that Lexi and Hadley have. They clearly are there to look out for each other. It was heart breaking when Lexi and others started getting affected by the mutated virus. They just can’t seem to find a break.

I really enjoyed this story. It’s a great dystopian with a good look at what can happen in a disaster and how working together can help survive it. Even if those we love don’t make it, we still have to keep fighting.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank Kate Tilton’s Author Services for the opportunity to read and share this book.

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The Blue Unicorn’s Journey to Osm by Sybrina Durant

This YA book is perfect for fans of science fiction/fantasy books like Dragonriders of Pern by Anne McCaffrey and The Xanth Series by Piers Anthony or illustrated fantasies like Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll and The Wizard of Oz series of books by L. Frank Baum. Mix in some Brother’s Grimm and Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale themes and you’re good to enter this enchanting world of the metal horn unicorn tribe.

Everybody loves unicorns! OK maybe they don’t but for those who do, they will love this story about a little unicorn who was born into a tribe of magical, metal horned unicorns. The little guy has no magic and he has no metal but somehow he must save the tribe from an evil sorcerer. Read this book for teens and older readers to find out if he can do it.

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Praise for The Blue Unicorn’s Journey to Osm

 “Durant’s story is slyly whimsical as she builds up the world of Marbryn, a world where there are many wonders, but also threats to the existence of Blue’s tribe.” – Jack Magnus From Reader’s Favorite.

“The Blue Unicorn…reads like old time fairy tales…where life and death choices are made…” – From Fundinmental As The Eyes See It Blog

“The gentle reminders of the importance of acceptance and maintaining a sense of self worth are artfully woven into this fun adventure tale.” – From The Reading Addict Blog.

Author’s Bio

Hi:

I am the author of many different types of books. Some are technical and others are fanciful. Illustrated books are my favorite. I believe that you can capture a reader’s attention with a good story but amazing artwork will reel them in and keep them riveted.

My latest effort is “The Blue Unicorn’s Journey To Osm Illustrated Book For Teens and Older Readers”.

It is on this Goodreads Listopia.

A vote from you would be fantastic.

I’ve also written a companion book for little children called “Unicorns From Unimaise – The Magical Metal-Horn Tribe.”

I also believe if you teach a child with a story and pictures, they will remember it forever. With that in mind, I wrote the “Learn To Tie A Tie With The Rabbit and The Fox” series of instructional books for boys and girls.

You can also vote for it on the best book for children to learn how to tie, here.

I am also the publisher of the 4 volume set – Sybrina’s Phrase Thesaurus. Check out all of these books and if you like them, please recommend them to other Good Reads members.

And the Best Writer’s Thesaurus List here.

If you enjoy Pinterest, then you can view my boards here.

Happy Reading!
Sybrina

Website

My Review

5 stars

In the land of MarBryn, unicorns with metal horns have magical abilities. But they are not safe as an evil wizard wants to take control of all of their horns. A prophecy says that a unicorn will be born that can defeat the evil wizard Magh. That unicorn is Blue, a baby born with a leather horn and no magical abilities. Of course several unicorns are disappointed but when Blue learns of the prophecy he decides to train to save the other unicorns.

Blue has the help of a stag, fairies, and many others to sharpen his skills. He may not have magic but with the help of his friends he has a better advantage. Blue has to go on an adventure to stop Magh. Thankfully his friends are there to help him on the journey and the battle to come.

This is a wonderful story that will appeal to all ages. Blue feels alone except for Ghel and his friends. But he is not going to let being different stop him from fulfilling the prophecy. I love how although he doesn’t have magic he used his head to puzzle through each event. I loved all the morals you learn along with Blue.

This is a creative and involving story. I was transported to this world and had a hard time putting this book down. This is a beautiful story that will appeal to everyone from young to old.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily chose to read and post an honest review.

I would like to thank eBooks for Review for the opportunity to read and share this book.

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