Beverly Stowe McClure's Blog: Enter Beverly's World of Writing, page 16

Excitement, Danger, and Dragons

Dragon of the Stars by Alex J. Cavanaugh

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Do you like space ships and dragons? How about war and danger and an ambitious lieutenant commander who wants a ship of his own? If you enjoy stories with all of these, then take a look at Author Alex J. Cavanaugh’s latest novel, DRAGON OF THE STARS. I think you’ll be happy you did.

Now, space stories are not what I normally read, but this one intrigued me. First of all, it has dragons. Yes, Lieutenant Commander Aden Pendar’s mother raises pet dragons. I would have liked to see more of the lady and her pets. Before reading this novel, I’d heard a lot about the Kargrandes, but hadn’t a clue what they were. Now I know. Nope, I’m not telling. That’s part of the enjoyment of the book, making these fascinating discoveries.

The author also adds a tiny bit of romance, Aden has a thing for Arabella, the queen’s daughter, though he realizes nothing is about to happen between them unless he can get a ship of his own. There’s also Ensign Pavott, who I really like and think that she’s a better match for Aden than Arrabella. Nope, not telling what happens there either.

DRAGON OF THE STARS is never dull. Something’s always happening. There’s fighting, but no gory details. There’s suspense. Will Aden’s dreams of having his own ship and the lovely princess come true? When it comes time to make a crucial decision, will Aden make the right one? You may be surprised. A very good read. Enjoy.

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A Boy Discovers a Magical Christmas

Tim's Magic Christmas by Melanie Robertson-King

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Christmas, that magical time of the year when children make their “wish” list for the gifts they hope to find under their trees. Sometimes, however, a child’s wishes may not be answered in the way he or she had hoped, but perhaps in an even better way.

In TIM’S MAGIC CHRISTMAS, Author Melanie Robertson-King’s new story for children, the holidays are fast approaching, and Tim Frost wants an iPod for Christmas. There’s one problem. His father has lost his job and money is scarce. His parents can barely pay the bills and buy groceries, much less buy expensive gifts for their children. So, Tim, thinking like a sixth-grader how he can help his family in these tough times, decides to take the $35 and change he’s saved and run away from home. Without him, his parents will have one less mouth to feed.

Little does Tim know the surprises that await him when he rides the bus away from his home town. The places he goes and the people he meets give Tim a new understanding of the true magic of Christmas.

Melanie Robertson-King has written a beautiful story about giving and sharing and discovering what’s truly important in life. I recommend this story for school libraries, public libraries, and your own private library. It will renew your faith and hope in our world and the gentle people in it.

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A Story of Love and Danger

When you hear the word werewolf, what comes to mind? A savage beast that kills for the joy of killing? A human who turns into a furry creature at the full moon? A poor soul who would rather be human, but has no choice? Or perhaps you think all these things.

Award winning author Christine Amsden’s latest fantasy novel, MADISON’S SONG, starts with action in the prologue and never lets up. Madison is drawn to Scott and possibly loves him. She also fears Scott because he has the power to change her life, and not for the better. Scott is a werewolf (the alpha of his territory) and also a powerful sorcerer, who loves Madison, but doesn’t want to hurt her and tries to protect her from himself. When her brother calls and tells her he’s been turned into a werewolf and needs magic, she knows the only one who can help her save her brother is Scott. Madison and Scott soon discover that much more is going on than her brother being turned into a werewolf.

Madison has a power of her own, though she seldom uses it. She has little confidence in her abilities, but when she discovers that her gift may be all that saves them from death or worse, will she find the courage to use her power?

Ms. Amsden has written a story about werewolves, magic, sorcerers, romance and prayer. Most of all, MADISON’S SONG is a story about making the best of the life one has. I especially like the way Madison doesn’t depend on just her power to succeed, but puts her faith in God through prayer. This is a story that shows the brutality of the werewolf, along with the evil in man. The author also manages to make Scott a likable character in spite of his behavior as a werewolf. I can only hope we see more of Madison and Scott in the future.

When an Alien Meets a Seventh Grader

Seventh Grade (ALIEN!) Hero by K.L. Pickett

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


Have you ever dreamed of being famous? Would you like to do something spectacular that will get you in the newspapers and on TV? Maybe you’ve been successful and accomplished your dreams. Or maybe you became famous in a different way than you imagined.

In Author K. L. Pickett’s MG science fiction novel, we meet Dustin Cotter as he and his mother adjust to a new home in a new state after his parents’ divorce. A move to a strange town, where you don’t know anyone at school, is tough on a seventh-grade boy, or any boy for that matter. Making friends is hard to do. There’s Miranda, his nearest neighbor who isn’t very near since they live way out in the desert. He’d like to know Miranda better. Then there’s Max, who picks on Dustin. Yes, it’s a tough beginning for Dustin in his new home.

If only he could do something to make himself famous, Miranda might pay attention to him and he might remind his dad he has a son. When a tiny, tiny spaceship crash lands out in the desert, Dustin sees his chance. As has happened for most of his life, things turn out a lot different than he has planned. I’m not going to give anything away, but be prepared for an adventure you won’t soon forget as you travel along with Dustin, Miranda, and Max on a journey that only seventh-graders could think of.

K. L. Pickett has written a fun story that young readers and older readers alike should enjoy. SEVENTH GRADE ALIEN HERO might remind you of those days when you were a kid and believed that most anything could happen if you wanted it enough. I recommend this book for school libraries, public libraries, and your own personal library.

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A Story for Children and Adults

Truth Teller by Kurt Chambers

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Do you enjoy shopping in antique stores or grungy looking shops that you think you probably should stay away from, but something pulls you inside anyway? Have you ever spotted something that you just had to purchase, though you had no idea why?

In Author Kurt Chambers’ novel, TRUTH TELLER, ten-year-old Charlotte, her parents and six-year-old sister, Beth, are on holiday, when Charlotte wanders into an old shop where she sees a snow dome without snow. Inside the dome is a miniature planet revolving in slow motion. She really wants that dome. When an old man in the shop offers it to her for free, how can she refuse? The only catch is she must always tell the truth. If she only knew what lay ahead, she might have had second thoughts about accepting the dome. Or maybe not. Anyway, what follows is an adventure with elves, dark creatures, trolls, magic, danger and a lot more.

The author has created a fantasy world with all sorts of creatures, good ones and bad ones, exactly what a good story needs. I especially liked Elderfield, AKA Elder. He was so kind and helpful to Charlotte. The kind of big brother a girl should have. There’s plenty of action and some violence, along with gentle moments and humor. So for your next reading adventure, follow along with Charlotte and Elder in TRUTH TELLER.

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Sometimes Life Isn't Just Perfect

Just Perfect by Hanne Arts

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Bullying comes in many forms. Name calling: making fun of someone, physical abuse, psychological abuse, and others. Regardless of the type of bullying a child or teen or even an adult face, it affects their attitude about themselves and the consequences sometimes end in tragedy.

Author Hanne Arts’ novel JUST PERFECT is the story of Christina Jacobs, who just wants to be accepted. If only life were so simple. She lives with her alcoholic father. Her mother is dead. She has a friend that turns out not to be a friend. Her boyfriend lets her down. And she’s beat up and humiliated by her classmates. As her life grows worse and worse she follows the path of many young women and men, a path that often leads to self-destruction. Will Christina be able to overcome her fragile life and see the beauty in herself?

The author has written a tender story of family, friends, and love and the sad things that can go wrong. I think more details about Christina’s treatment for Anorexia would have added to the story because it’s so destructive. That said, JUST PERFECT would make a good read for children and teens that have self-image issues or that are experiencing bullying at school or in their neighborhoods.

The author provided me with a copy of the eBook for my honest review.

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A Story of Love, Loss, and Surprises

The Monster Within by Kelly Hashway

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Imagine dying and then being brought back to life, yes, taken from your grave to walk the earth again, like a normal person. Only you’re not exactly normal, anymore. What would it be like? Are you still you? Are you a ghost? Or are you just there? Living a lie? Keeping secrets?

In Author Kelly Hashway’s YA fantasy novel THE MONSTER WITHIN, seventeen-year-old Samantha Thompson faces these questions. She died of cancer, but her boyfriend, Ethan Anderson, brought her back to life. Something is wrong though. She’s not the same. No, I’m not going to spoil the story for you and tell you the details, but I think you’ll really feel bad for Sam as she faces her new life after rising from the grave. I know I did. Ethan’s and her feelings for one another are so sweet. He loves Sam so much he’d do anything for her, and he pretty much does. I really wanted good things for them.

Almost every character in the story has a secret. Who is a girl to trust when one person tells her one thing and another tells her the opposite? Who is her real friend? Who is her enemy? Ethan is my favorite character. Who wouldn’t love a guy that puts you above his own welfare? In THE MONSTER WITHIN, Kelly Hashway’s characters made me either like them or hate them. Some scenes are really spooky. Others show a more typical relationship between two teens. The plot of the story moves along, making me wonder what will happen next.

Which reminds me: now I need to read THE DARKNESS WITHIN to find out.

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A Ghostly Tale

Ghost Touch by LA Dragoni

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


What if at a certain time each night, your barn, garage, house was filled with ghosts? You say you don’t believe in ghosts. Okay. But what if?

In GHOST TOUCH, by Author La Dragoni, Tamara believes in ghosts. In fact, she has proof they exist. Every night ghosts appear in her barn, hundreds, thousands of them. It isn’t bad enough that she’s still grieving over her mother’s death a few months earlier, she has to find a way to get rid of the ghosts. Between having to deal with the ghosts, falling for Cal, a cowboy ghost, and discovering that Dex, the live guy she works with at her job, is rather appealing too, Tamara has plenty of trouble.

The author does a nice job describing Tamara’s confused state of mind as she struggles with decisions of what to do. I could picture the ghosts as they swarmed out of the barn. Shudder. Not a pretty sight. However, I kind of agreed with Tamara that the cowboy ghost, with his polite way of talking was nice, even though he was skinless, just bones, and had a cold touch. Perhaps this is a reminder that the outward appearance of a person is not as important as what’s in their heart. I really liked Dex and hoped things would work out for Tamara and him. No, I’m not telling.

When the unexpected happens, Tamara’s life gets really interesting. I enjoy a book that makes me look at life and people in a different way. GHOST TOUCH does just that. I’m looking forward to more from La Dragoni.

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A Creepy Novel

Godland by Stuart R. West

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


If we could look behind closed doors, we might be surprised, even horrified, by what we see. Do we really know the family next door or the farmer in the country? Do we even care what they’re like, or is it simply easier to ignore those that might seem a bit different to us?

In Author Stuart R. West’s novel GODLAND, the reader meets a cast of characters that push the word “normal” to the limits. I’m not going to give anything away by describing each character, but the major players are people that you do not want as neighbors. There are a few characters that can be classified as “normal”, namely the teens Lindsay, Shannon and Gavin, well, as normal as teens are, but 300 pound Joshua, man-boy, 16 or 17 years old, will make you have nightmares or touch your heart or both. No, I can’t explain. You’ll have to read Joshua’s story to understand. For me, Joshua is the character that I wanted to help. I think you’ll understand why.

Mr. West is a master at creating characters that are so real you hope you never run into some of them on a dark street, or a daylight one for that matter. At least this reader has no desire to meet the real Edwin (father of Joshua) or his son. Are people really that warped? I guess so.

All I can say is read GODLAND with the lights on and even better with friends or family present to keep you in the real world. You certainly don’t want to get lost in GODLAND. I believe that the author has achieved his purpose of writing a story the reader will long remember and will avoid deserted country roads and lonely farm houses.

I won a copy of the novel from the publisher, MuseItUp Publishing
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Three Novels in One

Novels of Aleyne: 3 YA Sci-Fi Bundle by Margaret Fieland

My rating: 4 of 5 stars


Have you ever wondered what life would be like to live on another planet? Would you fit in with the people or would you wish you were just a normal kid instead of an alien living on a planet that’s not your original home?

In Author Margaret Fieland’s NOVELS OF ALEYNE, her three stories about Aleyne bundled into one volume, the reader meets characters struggling with who they are, where they live and discovering that actions have consequences. In Book I, RELOCATED, there’s fourteen-year-old (sixteen in Aleyni years) Keth, whose home is Terra but he’s now living on Aleyne. When he learns that his father has been keeping secrets from him tension develops between Keth and his father.

Book II, BROKEN BONDS, has some romantic scenes, and while they aren’t graphic, I would not recommend this novel for teen readers.

My favorite book of the series is GEEK GAMES: BOOK III. Fourteen-year-old Martin has a bad relationship with his father. He also lets the bully, Tom, talk him into doing something stupid, and things go horribly wrong. I felt for Martin and so wanted a good life for him. Maybe it’s because family is important to me and life is tough enough for kids with supportive parents, without having to deal with parents that may be part of their problem.

Ms. Fieland’s writing in these novels is poetic, and her characters are well developed. If you enjoy science fiction, you should enjoy NOVELS OF ALEYNE.

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