What would you do if you were told you would die on your fourteenth birthday? If you're Pepper Roux, you would try to escape death by taking on someon...moreWhat would you do if you were told you would die on your fourteenth birthday? If you're Pepper Roux, you would try to escape death by taking on someone else's life, and in so doing, learn how to live, rather than how to die.
Pepper's entire life has been spent preparing for his death, as foretold by his Aunt Mireille, but it looks like he might find a way to sidestep fate. He will simply slip into another life. Where ever he goes, Pepper tries his hardest to spread happiness and joy. But it seems the Saints and Angels find him with each new identity - from ships captain, to newspaper reporter, to the French Foreign Legion - and the shadow of death seems to be right behind him. Or is it something, or someone, else that is following our innocent and naive Pepper?
This is a very unusually odd and quirky read, but the reader will find themselves drawn into the story if, for no other reason then to discover - will Pepper Roux live beyond the age of 14?
As wonderfully captivating as the book is, the audio version is even more so. The characters and action come alive through Anton Lesser's brilliant vocals. Lesser does an amazing job of capturing every character in voice - Pepper's eager innocence and the Duchess's slow, contemplative drawl all way down to the American thugs! Absolutely outstanding! (less)
Fresh, original story told in a real way. The main character, Carson Phillips, is the smart, ambitious kid in school - he's also the head of the Creat...moreFresh, original story told in a real way. The main character, Carson Phillips, is the smart, ambitious kid in school - he's also the head of the Creative Writing club & school newspaper (which no one reads!) - which means he picked on & bullied by everyone. But rather than sit down & take it, he fights back the only way he knows how -- with words.
Carson's sarcastic wit is biting at times, which can be off putting to some, humorous to others - but the author lets us know that Carson feels justified in his actions, and is sure to let us see his softer side as well. The reader's are also given a glimpse into the lives of those that bully Carson through their creative submissions to the school literary magazine. Although I'm sure it was written to be an "anti-bully" book, it can be used for a book discussion on the subject.
All in all, a most enjoyable read with just enough depth to make you think, as well as provide some interesting discussion for book groups.
Revommended for High School or older due to language and subject matter.(less)
REFERENCES AN FREE UNCORRECTED PROOF OBTAINED IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW
Author, and former NFL defense end, Trevor Pryce creates an imaginative environm...moreREFERENCES AN FREE UNCORRECTED PROOF OBTAINED IN EXCHANGE FOR A REVIEW
Author, and former NFL defense end, Trevor Pryce creates an imaginative environment filled with amphibians, reptiles and arachnids with his debut novel for young people, An Army of Frogs. Darel is a wood frog who dreams of one day being a mighty Kulipari, an elite group of poisonous frog warriors. Darel’s father was once the leader of this prestigious group, yet Darel has inherited none of his father’s poison, and so his dream cannot be realized. Yet Darel does not give up, training night and day in order to fulfill his dream, even though the other frogs laugh at him. And then, it happens. The Scorpion Lord unites with the Spider Queen to attack the fertile Amphibilands while the Kulipari are missing in action. Darel finally has the opportunity to become the warrior of his dreams. Will he succeed?
Set in the Australian outback, Pryce’s array of colorful characters, include crocodile riding turtles, scorpion warriors, an evil spider queen and every kind of frog imaginable, are made even more real by Sanford Greene’s plethora of full page illustrations. Pryce’s writing is face-paced, the chapters are short, and the action is non-stop. The book’s message is subtle and positive: work hard and never give up on your dreams.
An Army of Frogs is a solid, well-written first book in what is sure to be a creative, well-imagined series. Highly recommended for young readers ages nine to eleven, as well as fans of The Spiderwick Chronicles or Fabelhaven series. (less)
Such GREAT potential - a dark, moody, gothic, modern take on the Lewis Carrol Alice in Wonderland tale. But goes no where. Slow. I was bored half-way...moreSuch GREAT potential - a dark, moody, gothic, modern take on the Lewis Carrol Alice in Wonderland tale. But goes no where. Slow. I was bored half-way through and struggled to finish. The author seems too intent on describing every little detail of clothing and hair styles rather than advance her plot - like she's secretly hoping someone will make the movie so she can see it on the big screen. I mean seriously - the author explains EVERYTHING! Also, there where spelling and grammatical errors, which makes me think even the publisher's couldn't get into reading it to catch these glaring mistakes. (Seriously, even Spell Check knows you don't spell it "theif"!)
Potential wasted. Just like the time I spent reading it.(less)
When Miranda becomes a good girl gone bad - her parents ship her off for the summer to work on her Uncle Morty's farm. Only Uncle Morty isn't a farmer...moreWhen Miranda becomes a good girl gone bad - her parents ship her off for the summer to work on her Uncle Morty's farm. Only Uncle Morty isn't a farmer - he's a Grim - a harvester of souls. And he's going to teach Miranda the business.
Quirky & original, Croak works on multiple levels: fantasy, mystery, teen angst and little "will they/won't they" romance. A good solid read. This book will appeal to teen girls and guys who like sarcastic wit, teen hijinks and a light mystery.(less)
Review is for the YA version: A humanizing account of what its like to be a soldier at war. And not just any solider, a sniper for the elite SE Air La...moreReview is for the YA version: A humanizing account of what its like to be a soldier at war. And not just any solider, a sniper for the elite SE Air Land (SEAL) team. The book is honest and a bit gritty, but this version keeps its descriptions and accounts at an appropriate "middle school" age level. There is no moral reflection - just the accounts of a soldier following orders and how he got to be part of the elite SEAL Team 6 (which is inspiring in itself). A great "boy book".(less)
A fast-paced thrill-ride that reads like an action-packed movie script. It's one twist after another, as the reader tries to figure out what is going...moreA fast-paced thrill-ride that reads like an action-packed movie script. It's one twist after another, as the reader tries to figure out what is going on along with Miranda. Once you start, its hard to put down, making for a quick read. The writing is appropriate for ages 12 & up, possible younger if they're avid readers. (less)
A straight-forward and honest look at what life is like for one young man as he enters high school. As adults, we tend to forget what it means to "com...moreA straight-forward and honest look at what life is like for one young man as he enters high school. As adults, we tend to forget what it means to "come-of-age", what we deem important, how we see and interpret the world. This book serves as a reminder. And because it does such a great job of reminding us - it is one of the most challenged books on the American Library's Association list. For that reason alone, it is worth a read.(less)
A wonderful journey through a fantastical landscape. Its "Alice in Wonderful" for the next generation. Adding to the amusement - being able to interac...moreA wonderful journey through a fantastical landscape. Its "Alice in Wonderful" for the next generation. Adding to the amusement - being able to interact with the book with "WondLa Vision"!(less)
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