Thursday 31 August 2017

The land I lost

The Land I lost
Author: Huynh Quang Nhuong
ISBN: 978-0-060440183-8

The Land I Lost: Adventures of a Boy in Vietnam
Hi Everyone

This isn't a long book, only 127 pages, and it is a captivating easy read.  The back claims to be recommended for 7 to 10 year olds but even I, as grown up, enjoyed this book.

It is Huynh Quang Hnuongs story of his childhood and many of the adventures he encountered.  Most of these adventures involved animals, this is where connections were made of the young ones I read this too.  We stopped reading a few times to look up some of the snakes and have a chat about what he was talking about.  I found myself captivated by his world and the difference in the one I have experienced. 

I thought it gave a good picture of the highlands of Vietnam, one of which I wouldn't have the same appreciation for without having read this book.  Isn't that what makes an excellent book for our young readers?  I love to see children reading and questioning what they are reading, looking more into what the writer is talking about.  That is exactly what Huyng Quang Nhuong has achieved in this little gem of literature.


Description:

Huynh Quang Nhuong grew up in the highlands of Vietnam, next to the jungle teeming with wildlife. Encounters with tigers, wild hogs, and deadly snakes were as much a part of his life as tending the rice fields while on the back of his pet water buffalo, Tank.

Perfect for classrooms, as well as fans of Linda Sue Park and Thanhha Lai, these fifteen tales will transport readers into a world of lush beauty and terrible danger—and a way of life that is gone forever.



This was available from: Amazon, Fishpond and  Book depository


Happy reading


Monday 28 August 2017

Outsider

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Hi Everyone,

I have read my fair share of shapeshifter books but I found this one to be unique and realistic.  I quickly became enticed by the plot and the characters.  To be honest with you I have to give credit to Natasha S. Brown for connecting the characters, plot and era of this novel so perfectly.

The loved the women in this book.  They had strength, compassion and etiquette, yet they went beyond all expectancy.  There were still the busy body woman that exist in reality and as such should have been in this novel, she gave the book a sense of reality.  Then there was the main male - Creag.  He was extremely lovable.  As the plot developed I grew to like him more and more hoping the outcome would be what I wanted.  It was as though I was watching from over yonder, rather than reading or turning pages. 

I liked that this was a shapeshifter novel, yet not over done.  Just the perfect dash of shapeshifter to bring the characters and plot together. 

Happy reading






NEW RELEASE...
On the western highlands of Scotland, a springtime storm pummels the coast while Kristie's brother is out fishing. When he fails to return home, Kristie turns away from her list of chores to search the loch in an effort to ease her pregnant sister-in-law's fears. Instead of finding Domnall, she discovers a naked and battered man washed up on shore and worries he could be a thieving reiver or worse--an Englishman.

When the handsome outsider wakes, he is unable to remember who he is or how he came to be there. Although the feisty and melancholy Kristie isn't keen on him remaining, her young neighbor, Jock, takes to the playful stranger and names Creag after the rocky crags where the loch meets the sea. Not long after the lad speaks of selkies, magical seals who shed their skins to live as humans, Creag dreams he is swimming deep beneath the waves.

Kristie is desperate to keep the farm running for her missing brother while Creag's sleep is filled with strange visions--glimpses that may reveal secrets to his past, but he may soon wish they were only a dream.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**


TIME OF MYTHS 
Shapeshifter Sagas {Western European Myths from the Middle Ages}

Widow {13thc. | Black Shuck | England}
Scars {10thc. | Fenrir | Iceland}
Tides {10thc. | Kraken | Great Britain/Ireland}
Outsider {14thc. | Selkie | Scotland}


Available to buy from....
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Paperback



Also Available
Widow (Time of Myths: Shapeshifter Sagas Book 1)
Lady Rayne has few options as a young widow. Either her father will marry her off to a wealthy nobleman--no matter how old and disagreeable he may be, or she will become a nun like her aunt at Grimsford Abbey. The choice is easy: her interest in writing is not supported in the dark halls of her father's home. Rayne eagerly anticipates becoming a scribe and learning the art of illumination and book making. But first she must travel along the treacherous roads of East Anglia.

Far from the confines of Norwich, Rayne hears fables of an enormous ghostly hound called the Black Shuck. She tries to ignore them until she finds herself staring into its expressive brown eyes. With every heartbeat, her chances of reaching Grimsford Abbey disappear. If only she could live to tell the tale.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Scars (Time of Myths: Shapeshifter Sagas Book 2)

Along the breathtaking and unforgiving coast of Snæland, Ásta’s ancestral farm is plagued with bad luck. The kinless maiden’s turf walls continue to be found damaged, and there aren’t enough farmhands to maintain the property. Claw marks in the dirt revive old memories of the wolf attack that left her scarred, and she begins to fear the whispers are true—that Fenrir, son of Loki and king of the wolves, has come to claim her and her land.

Torin often leaves his uncle’s farm in the southern hills to track and ensnare valuable gyrfalcons. His secret ability to turn into the birds he trains means his falconry skills are unparalleled, earning him precious silver and gold. If the ghosts of his past didn’t haunt him daily, pushing him to numb his senses with drink, Torin might have married by now—as his uncle often reminds him. He knows the time has finally come to find a wife and settle down.

During the Althing, the gathering of the year, Ásta’s ability to maintain her property comes into question while Torin wonders if a woman in jeopardy of losing her farm is really worth the trouble.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from....
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Paperback



Tides (Time of Myths: Shapeshifter Sagas Book 3)

It’s Leif’s eighth summer going viking with his father on their ship the Kraken—and he’s had enough. For as long as Leif can remember, his father has claimed to be a descendant of Ægir, god of the sea, and has exploited their shape changing ability—all this to amass enough gold to gain entrance into the ocean god’s halls. Leif hopes that time’s drawing near so he can free himself from Ragna’s domineering shadow.

On the green hills of Éire, Eilish is content learning traditional folk cures from her father until a Finn-Gall raid disturbs the peace. Desperate to protect Eilish from harm, her father cuts her hair and disguises her in his old clothing before she’s ripped from the only home she’s ever known. Sold as a thrall in Duiblinn, she must hide out as a young man on a ship full of barbarians.

Now Eilish, who fears she’ll become Ægir’s next sacrifice, and Leif, who isn’t prepared to stand up against his father’s powerful wrath, must face the tides of change—no matter how ominous they may seem.

**CONTENT WARNING: Due to mature content, recommended for readers aged 18+**

Available to buy from....
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk    Paperback




About the author

Natasha was born in Nevada City, California. Being an only child, she resorted to using her imagination while exploring the forest surrounding her home (a nasty habit she hasn’t been able to break). Her natural interest in fantasy ignited when her parents read The Hobbit to her as a youth, and from then on anything seemed possible. Once awarded with a Hershey’s bar ‘the size of a Buick’ in her high school English class for creative writing, her passion and interest in literature has never dimmed.

She now lives in Littleton, Colorado, with her husband, two children, and two dogs.



Find the author on the following sites...

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Friday 25 August 2017

Booktuber of the month


Hi Everyone

My goodness where did the week go?  Or rather where has the month gone!  It is time to highlight my choice of booktuber this month.  I have to talk about Regan from PersueProject  I really like her array of clips.  I have put two of her clips up today as I enjoyed both of these so much that I couldn't choose which one to highlight.

And her dog is so cute.

I always seem to enjoy unboxings, yes I will admit it.  I just wish we had some of these in my country because... I want one.  This month I also really enjoyed watching her organise her bookcase.  I love bookcases and to watch someone else organise them was just a joy.  And yes I want her book case and books too 😃


So there we have her, Regan from PersueProject Take a look in on her channel and be inspired to read something new over the next month.

What are have you got planned for this weekend, any good books about to be opened in your house this weekend?

Happy reading

Tuesday 22 August 2017

Update.....

Hi Everyone

I have a lot being read a the moment so I thought I would fill you in.  First there are a couple of blog tours heading your way.  One is already in progress for Outsidermy day is on the 29th of this month.

Next up is Big Little LiesIt isn't taking me long to read through this one as it is a brilliant read.  I will full you in later next week.

I am reading aloud The Land I Lost.   There has been quite a few little moments in this book were the kids have headed over to Google to see what a particular creature might look like. 

I'm listening to Towards Another Summer and this one is an interesting read especially as she is an author from my country so I keep hearing towns that I relate well with.  It's an interesting read in more ways than one.

Then there is in the pipe line there is my choice of 'BookTuber' for the month, and a few books authors have sent me.  And... my birthday present that is still awaiting me The Shadow Sister.  I cant to open this one!


So what are you reading or on your TBR list?


Description:

Star D’Aplièse is at a crossroads in her life after the sudden death of her beloved father—the elusive billionaire, affectionately called Pa Salt by his six daughters, all adopted from across the four corners of the world. He has left each of them a clue to her true heritage, and Star nervously decides to follow hers, which leads her to an antiquarian bookshop in London, and the start of a whole new world.

A hundred years earlier, headstrong and independent Flora MacNichol vows she will never marry. She is happy and secure in her home in England’s picturesque Lake District—just a stone’s throw away from the residence of her childhood idol, Beatrix Potter—when machinations lead her to London, and the home of one of Edwardian society’s most notorious society hostesses, Alice Keppel. Flora is torn between passionate love and her duty to her family, but finds herself a pawn in a larger game. That is, until a meeting with a mysterious gentleman unveils the answers that Flora has been searching for her whole life...

As Star learns more of Flora’s incredible journey, she too goes on a voyage of discovery, finally stepping out of the shadow of her sister and opening herself up to the possibility of love.


Happy reading


The Shadow Sister (The Seven Sisters #3)

Sunday 20 August 2017

Thought for the day


Just a thought from one of the worlds great authors!

Happy reading



Friday 18 August 2017

Kerosene

Kerosene
Author: Chris Wooding
ISBN: 9781742608457
Genre: Young Adult Fiction

Kerosene
Hi Everyone,

I listened to this book on my Borrowbox app.  This app is really worth getting if you don't already have it.  You connect into your local library and borrow the audio books.  Just like with your library books, there is a return date.  You have a notification that it is due back in however many days and if you don't renew it, the book returns - leaving your app - on the due date.  It is brilliant.

Anyway, about Kerosene...  I connected well with the plot, and the characters, especially Cal, Joel and Abby.

I will start with the plot.  We have a young man who is shy and one would say neglected by his family, others would say that his family dynamics are actually quite normal for the world we live in today.  Well, Abby and the girls are quite normal young ladies who play games with the boys minds, but when they muck around with Cal he discovers freedom and escape in fire - literally!  Then we have Joel who is Cal's best mate.  Joel has a few issues as he finds excitement with a new crowd, only to be drawn into the world of drugs and thugs.  Once again Cal finds a way to protect his friend - fire.  Each event connects the plot smoothly together, interlinking every character to the flames of Cal's world.  It's hard to not connect with the events when you look within each character.

So, to the characters then.  I will start with Abby so I can end with Cal.  Abby is new to the school and wants to fit in, so she connects with 'Miss Popular!!!'.  Get the idea?  Abby is twisted around the little finger of all the events of this girls high jinx.  But she starts to fall for Cal just a little too late, as Cal is catapulted out of control, just trying to stay sane.  Fire is his escape from reality of everything happening around him -  including Abby.  But really Abby is a lovely young lady just caught trying to fit in like any normal girl at any school.  Then we have Joel, looking for his place in his little world.  He got in with the wrong group of boys that lead to him trying to sell drugs, unsuccessfully.  He is an idiot!   But, a teen looking for his identity and place in the world unfortunately can often be an idiot!  Cal steps in to help him fight the dealers.  After all they have been best mates forever, isn't that what mates do?  But with fire!?? The climax of this book is brilliant as all these events and friendships come together.  At times I wanted to shake these characters and at other times I wanted to take them into my arms and fix it all for them.  They are teens/young adults and the world can be a crazy place.

Overall, this book is actually worth reading and thinking about.  I thought there was a bit language, especially at the start, that didn't need such expression to make the point.  The characters did it by themselves without the need of such expression.  Just my opinion though, you read it for yourself as it is a great story worth reading and thinking about.  We have many young ones out there, facing the things these characters did, and we all need to think of how our actions effect them.


Description:

Cal's got this thing about fire. It's nothing big at first, just lighting matches, watching matches burn, enjoying the calming effects of the flame. It helps him cope with stuff. Then he meets Abby, and things start to get out of control. She winds him up, playing with him until he thinks he might lose his sanity, and suddenly the matches just aren't enough anymore. So a plan hatches itself in Cals' mind, a plan so glorious it could set the world alight. Nothing will ever touch him again.


This was available from: Bolinda publishing, and Amazon


Happy reading

Wednesday 16 August 2017

The swan and the goose

Hi Everyone,

I thought it was time for a little poetry in our day.

Happy reading

Sunday 13 August 2017

The Kite Fighters

The Kite Fighters
Author: Linda Sue Park
ISBN: 978-0-547-32863-8

The Kite Fighters
Hi Everyone

This is a lovely little book.  It is part of the Sonlight Curriculum which I purchased for my children a couple of years ago.  I am now working my was across the book shelves taking a look at what I had them read.

This one is not a hard read.  It isn't even a really exciting read.  But it is a great read with plenty of talking and teaching material. It shows loads of the Korean culture which I found fascinating.  I like that the Sonlight Curriculum is broad in culture and character.  Many books dominating our bookcase are westernised culture, so when I see my children reading a broad range of cultural books it makes me a happy lady.

I like the characters.  The boys had respect for their father and culture even though the second brother resented the older brother.  This resentment was shown rather than hidden, but the culture was still respected.  The older brother showed compassion and respect for his sibling while still presenting his request to his father.  It was the father that had the most difficulty seeing change.  I actually felt for the father in many different ways as I came to understand the depth of cultural respect and influence.

I loved the little king!

Overall I enjoyed reading this.  I read it quickly and bought up many of the issues as talking points with my young ones.  They weren't reading it with me but they listened to the things that I found worthy of discussing as I read.


Description:

It's like the kite is part of him -
The part that wants to fly.

As the second son, Young-sup knows his duty: to assist his older brother, Kee-sup.  Whatever they do, Kee-sup represents the family.  He gets the privileges and responsibilities.  Young-sup gets to help.  That's the way it's always been.

Then the boys discover kite fighting.  Young-sup is good.  He's better than good.  He's better than Kee-sup.  Kee-sup's talents lie in building a kite, fashioning wood and paper to withstand any wind.  But it's Young-sup who can feel what the kite wants to do.

With the New Year Festival coming up, the boys set their sights on the kite fights.  Given their combined talents, they could win.  But tradition, through the stern voice of their father, says Kee-sup must fly the kite.  If he does, they'll surely lose. 

Kite fighting means so much to both boys, especially Young-sup, who sees a chance to prove himself.  But how do you stand up against what's always been?

 This was available from: Amazon, Fishpond and book depository


Happy reading

Wednesday 9 August 2017

City of Gold


Hi Everyone

I thoroughly enjoyed this book from the first page to the last.  The opening pages grabbed me and attached me to the characters... "The sound of his thumping heartbeat was only dulled by the screeching monkeys that were performing aerial acrobatics in the tree canopy overhead.  Their rhythmic swinging from one vine to the next urged his steps forward but not with the same convincing nature as did the bullets whizzing by his head"... and that is the first paragraph!  Try reading the rest!

The plot dragged me in deeper and deeper as I travelled with them, searching for an underground city of gold.  It was quite an adventure/maze/mystery.  Not only did I venture with this group of people but I stayed in the room along side the Sophie as she struggled to gain freedom from the grips of her captives.  It was plot entwined by plot.  Characters becoming connected yet distanced.  It was fabulously written.

I loved the search for the city most of all.  The description of the underground maze was endearing, and do they find the city? (read it and find out for yourselves)  I had to maintain self control as I was tempted to skip ahead to find answers.

Overall an enjoyable read well worth picking up.

Happy reading






Finding the Inca’s lost City of Gold would be the discovery of a lifetime. But failing could mean her death... 

Archaeologist Matthew Connor and his friends Cal and Robyn are finally home after a dangerous retrieval expedition in India. While they succeeded in obtaining the priceless Pandu artifact they sought, it almost cost them their lives. Still, Matthew is ready for the next adventure. Yet when new intel surfaces indicating the possible location of the legendary City of Gold, Matthew is hesitant to embark on the quest.

Not only is the evidence questionable but it means looking for the lost city of Paititi far away from where other explorers have concentrated their efforts. As appealing as making the discovery would be, it’s just too risky. But when Cal’s girlfriend, Sophie, is abducted by Matthew’s old nemesis who is dead-set on acquiring the Pandu statue, Matthew may be forced into action. Saving Sophie’s life means either breaking into the Royal Ontario Museum to steal the relic or offering up something no one in his or her right mind can refuse--the City of Gold.

Now Matthew and his two closest friends have to find a city and a treasure that have been lost for centuries. And they only have seven days to do it. As they race against the clock, they quickly discover that the streets they seek aren’t actually paved with gold, but with blood.

Available to buy from the following sites...
Amazon.com   Amazon.co.uk   Barnes & Noble   Apple iBooks   GPlay   Kobo


Action-adventure books for the mystery lover. 
Does treasure hunting excite you? 
What about the thought of traveling the globe and exploring remote regions to uncover legends that the world has all but forgotten? 
If so, strap yourself in for an adventure with modern-day archaeologist Matthew Connor and his two closest friends. Indiana Jones meets the twenty-first century. 

 This is the perfect book series for fans of Indiana JonesLara CroftNational Treasure, and The Relic Hunter.


Read an excerpt



About the author

CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international best-selling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures—and has written nearly thirty books. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives just west of Toronto with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada.

Find the author on the following sites... 
Newsletter   Website   Facebook   Twitter    Google+   Pinterest   Goodreads   Amazon Author Page




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Monday 7 August 2017

Pennies from heaven

Pennies From Heaven
Author: Gary Chattman
ISBN: 9781612968353
Hi Everyone

From the start, I would say it was the narration that I found the most interesting concept of this book.  It was written in third person format, but I wouldn't say it was normal third person narration by any means.  It was written as if I was being spoken to by the narrator.  For example: 'Let's not forget the diary, folks." and "Let's examine a bit.  He fell down the stairs, cracked his head maybe?...".  Now do you see my point about the narration.  Interesting perspective.  I did enjoy it though.  It was as if I was sitting in a cosy lounge being told a story by a friend.  I guess you could say, Gary Chattman became a friend as he told my a story about man who ended up back in time.

Now back in time... That was even presented a little different from the normal time travel book.  He went back in time to exactly the same apartment, but with the 'things' were different.  He had a daughter in 2016 (until an accident) and in the past he adopted a daughter.  Things fell into place as though he had always been there... in both places.  It was an interesting take on time travel.

What did impress me was all the historical events spoken of.  I was left thinking it would actually be a good school reader book.

So, over all I enjoyed this for the interesting take on narration, time travel, and history.  I don't exactly know where the author took me, from the beginning to the end of the story.  But, I did venture into the story and through different time spans.  I was left smiling and thinking.  A book is good if it leaves you thinking.


Description:

Time. What is it? We all know the answer to that question: twenty-four hours per day; each and every day of our lives. There is no rhyme-or-reason for this. But for Aaron Cohen, time wasn't exactly time. You see, one day he was a functioning man of age 32, living in 2016. Suddenly his idyllic life was interrupted when, in a sudden taxi crash, his loving wife and three-year-old daughter were taken from him. Imagine! Living the life of Riley--and the next...

He found himself in 1936. He found and adopted an Afro-American 10-year-old girl named Penny. These two would continue to live out their lives in 1936. But there was history upcoming--a war and a Holocaust. Aaron is aware of history to come. He now has two missions, and a responsibility--to prevent the destruction of six million Jews and a new life--with his daughter.


This was available from: Book depository, Amazon and Fishpond


Happy reading