Camp Lenape: It’s supposed to be a fun summer... (A Kahale and Claude Mystery Series Book 1) by Timothy R. Baldwin

Just on the cusp of 2019 another review bringing the total of books reviewed to a measly 13. Lets see if I can do better in 2020. As always I blame work as I tend to be answering emails rather than reading in my breaks. Anyway a teen adventure that I gave 4 stars. I think I'm a bit old and jaded to be truly gripped by this book, but a younger reader probably will be.

I think this book will appeal to all teenagers (young adults) that like an adventure story. For both boys and girls there is a likeable hero in the form of Alissa and Marcus. Alissa is an independent, tomboy who isn’t afraid to fight off a bad guy and my favourite character. I think this will mostly appeal to the early teens and it is a good clean read.

The Sun God's Heir: Return Book One by Elliot Baker

Just back from my holidays and rather surprised I didn't get more reading done. It wasn't a beach holiday where I I could lie on the hot sand and shield my eyes with a kindle. We were kept rather busy tracking around Vietnam and Cambodia, ending the tour in Angkor Wat. If you haven't been, make sure you put this amazing site on your bucket list.

 So back to reviewing. This one was a great adventure story to have along for a holiday. Exciting, well written and engaging characters. Five stars and click on the picture to take you to Amazon.

René our young protagonist is a reluctant hero. Trained from childhood by ‘the Meastro’ in swordsmanship, he lets youthful arrogance get the better of him and he kills three sailors who attack him. He vows never to kill again. I liked René he tries to do the right and noble thing, but events out of his control push him in another direction. His inner conflicts made me engage with this character. I also liked Akeefa, an unusual strong female character for a swashbuckling adventure. She is a master swords woman in her own right, but fighting traditional Moroccan culture is one battle she can’t so easily win. This book is the first in the series and I can’t wait to see Akeefa and René’s next adventure. There is a lot still to be revealed about the events that happened three thousand years ago and the forces that steer the events of René’s life. Exciting and some unusual characters, bring on part two!

Destiny of Kings: Epic Heroic Fantasy Series (Covenant of Grace Series Book 1) by Fiona Tarr

I was a little worried when I started reading this book as one of my least favourite genres is Christian fiction. Reading on I found myself swept up in a fantasy adventure that didn't feel too biblical. I enjoyed this and will probably get the next instalment of this series. A five star read that is currently free!

Fiona Tarr has taken the familiar story of David and Goliath, but retold it in a contemporary fashion. I’m not overly knowledgeable on the Bible, but I think some characters are added for dramatic effect and to flesh out others, to give them more of a back story. I enjoyed this book very much as I’m not a huge fan of Christian fiction and this book is more about the character of David, the boy and the man he is becoming. Religion is there but is thankfully not too in your face. The character Jezebel is both sexy and menacing and we become to understand why her name is still used to describe a woman of loose morals. The book is well written and moves at a good pace throughout. This mix of adventure, fantasy and well drafted characters will appeal to a broad range of readers and I recommend it. Christian fiction fans might have a problem with the dark magic and the sexual promiscuous character of Jezebel, but I found it fitted with the story and enjoyed every last page. Looking forwards to the next book; Seed of Hope.

 

Dreamland by Julie E. Clements

This is one for the younger ones and any one who enjoyed reading Peter pan and C.S.Lewis The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. I was not surprised that the writer names C.S.Lewis as one of her influences. I don't mind reading children's books, if they are well written, has a dose of humour and contain a message that is also relevant to adults. This book had all those elements so I have no hesitation in giving it 5 stars.
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Children love to escape to a different world that is filled with adventure. Worlds like Narnia and Neverland have enthralled our little readers for generations. Here we are introduced to Julia E.Clements Dreamland; a wondrous place that takes the shape of a young boy, Danny’s, imagination. But apart from magical creatures and adventure the book also contains a very powerful message. Danny has lost his father and struggles to come to terms with that. He finds it impossible to talk to his mother as he doesn’t want to reopen any wounds. As often happens, our anxieties, grief and anger manifest itself in our dreams as something scary and dark. Danny will have to trust the ones dearest to him to conquer his demons. A lovely adventure story with a positive message which young boys and girls will love.

Adventure to Destiny: The Unity Objective Series by Sandra Golden

I normally don't review books that are send to me by the author. Firstly I don't like reading on my computer and prefer kindle. Also I prefer to leave a verified review. But hey this indie writer needed some help and she asked nicely. This one is for the younger reader among us.
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In the Unity objective we get to meet Helaina and J.R; two fifteen year old cousins. It soon becomes clear to their family and Unity corporation elders that these two children have some special gifts. Unity is not a normal corporation, but a company founded by Aliens that came to our planet many generations ago. Even though the plot is quite complex and there is a lot to find out about the world of Unity, Sandra Golden writes in an easy to follow style that will let even the younger reader enjoy this adventure. Helaina and J.R have some special gifts but deep down they are normal teenagers that like to hang out with their friends and go to the beach. The two characters are likable and you can easily relate to them. If I had one quibble it would have been that I felt hungry while reading this book as the Unity family does like to cook and put on meals and treats. The detailed descriptions did lead me to my fridge once or twice! A promising start to the series, that leaves plenty to be discovered and explored. This is a YA Sci-fi adventure that will suit a younger reader.  I was given a copy of the book by the author for an honest review.